#i have other things for Valentine's day...

[shelleyminx]

this was written for @corrodedcoffinfest Media Mania

Kiss me under the bleachers

Prompt Day 28: Never Been Kissed | Word Count: 997 | Rating: G | CW: bullying | POV: Eddie | Pairing(s): Eddie Munson/Steve Harrington | Tags: Pre-Steddie, Eddie Munson is bullied at school, Jason and Tommy are terrible, Steve is a sweetheart, Am I a fucking bet? trope (sort of), bonding over M&M's and sharing a secret place

Summary:

“You really don't know? About the prize?” He inquires and watches as Steve looks at him like he's talking an unknown language. “A hundred dollars to kiss the Freak?”

“What freak? You? You're charging people for kisses? The fuck, man. Are you insane?”

For the first time since the whole thing started, Eddie laughs.

Or: while trying to hide from a prank that finally put him on edge, Eddie ends up finding Steve Harrington's hiding spot.

read it on ao3

They put a prize over his head. Quite literally.

Eddie's life has been absolutely miserable for days since Jason Carver decided to prank him in a way he's not able to escape. He's offering a hundred dollars for whoever has “the courage to kiss the Freak” until valentine's day, which means today. So, for the entire week, he's been getting mocking notes, cards, flowers, mockingly flirtatious proposals that vary from pity-partyesque to straight up mean.

After a sophomore guy from the basketball team interrupted his math class to give him a fucking old teddy bear with a bouquet of flowers weeds and read out loud a note from Tommy Hagan saying his girlfriend Carol would kiss him if he got tested for rabies first, Eddie decided it was enough.

He should've left school grounds altogether, but Wayne is home and he doesn't want to come up with an excuse. Plus, the rumor has gotten so big that people around his age are approaching him on the streets as he goes along with his day. It's mortifying. Not that he cares about the fact that those people pity him or are disgusted by him, that's a known fact and he pities them back for doing such stupid shit just to stay in the graces of some popular shitheads with nothing for brains. But it's still humiliating.

That's why he ends up going to hide under the bleachers hoping that nobody is there or that he can scare off whoever is.

He just wants to dwell on his misery alone.

Except Steve Harrington is already there. Sitting on the floor, walkman by his side, headphones on, writing something on his notebook. Great. His hiding spot ended up being right at the lion's den.

Eddie tries to go back unnoticed, but Steve looks up at him with a puzzled look right before he can leave. Shit, shit, shit!

“Dude, you're ok?” He asks.

“Please, whatever ya wanna say, don't even start. Just pretend I was never here, please.”

“I wasn't gonna say anything. You just look… Distressed.” For a second he seems genuinely confused and concerned, but Eddie is just waiting for the other shoe to drop. He can't afford to get his defenses down, even if Steve doesn't seem that close to the others anymore.

“Of course I am distressed. I'm sorry I'm a fucking human being and got fed up with your bullshit. Just cut me some slack, ok? I don't wanna hear about how your girlfriend will kiss me or how we can split the money, or–”

“My– who? What the hell are you talking about?” now he looks confused for real. Eddie's not buying it.

“What are you doing here?”

“Trying to get some peace and quiet?” He answers with arched eyebrows “Listen, Munson… I have no idea what's this about but– Pretend I'm not here, stay if you want. Just… Cut me some slack. I need peace, that's all.” that takes Eddie by surprise, because King Steve seems distressed. Worse, exhausted, maybe just as miserable as he is.

“You really don't know? About the prize?” He inquires and watches as Steve looks at him like he's talking an unknown language. “A hundred dollars to kiss the Freak?”

“What freak? You? You're charging people for kisses? The fuck, man. Are you insane?”

For the first time since the whole thing started, Eddie laughs.

“No! Was I just called a harlot?” He mutters to himself “Carver is offering it. The money, for whoever has the courage to kiss me or whatever.” Steve's face goes from confused to disgusted and Eddie is ready to explode in agony for the millionth time when he continues.

“That's some new level of dick.” he sighs “Well, welcome to the hiding place. Sit, no one comes here.”

“Thanks?” Eddie sits, not exactly close, hugs his own knees and rests his head over them. He's so tired of all this. It's hard to admit, but it's taking a lot of effort not to cry. He hears a noise of something sliding through the floor and feels a small impact against his thigh. It's a package of M&M’s. Eddie looks at it, then at Steve, who didn't put his headphones back on but went back to scribbling. Maybe he should question, but he's sad and tired and it's chocolate, so he takes some and slides the package back.

“Sorry, but it doesn't make sense to me?” Steve starts “Like, this prank. If it can be called that. Makes no sense at all. Why would anyone need a hundred fucking dollars to kiss you?”

“Word on the street is that I have rabies, or herpes, or that I'm overall disgusting and a fag?”

“Jesus, just because you're weird doesn't mean you're disgusting.” Steve rolls eyes “I mean– Weird as–”

“Relax. I know I'm weird. I like weird. I don't care, if I'm disgusting then be it.”

“You're not. You probably clean your shoes and put your clothes to wash a lot more frequently than Tommy does.”

“Whatever. Dunno. They probably think it's funny that I never kissed anyone or something.”

“Well, you should kiss someone. When you want to do so.”

“Because…?”

“You're handsome? You're attractive? It's normal for attractive people to make out, if that’s what they want.”

“Why are you hiding?” Eddie changes the subject, ignoring the strange warm feeling Steve's last words gave him.

“Tammy Thompson keeps giving me notes talking about why she likes me. Your hair's pretty this, your smile makes my day that. I can't get any studying done.”

“At least she didn't make a song.”

Steve laughs.

“That would be worse.” She does have a point, his smile can make someone's day. “Be welcome to hide here too whenever you need.”

“Cool. Let me know when you need the space for your making out with attractive people endeavors so I'll give you space.”

“I will.” Steve opens a half-smile and slides back the M&M’s.

[of-apollo]

You’re the Holiday ✧.*

PAIRING: Joaquin Torres x fem!Reader

SUMMARY: You hatch a plan with your years-long best friend Joaquin to fake-date over the holidays to get your family off your back. Your fake feelings may be much more real than you had thought. Requested by anon.

WARNING: Implied AFAB reader, fake dating, holiday fluff (Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years and Valentines).

NAVIGATION | PROMPT LIST | WC: 3.9K

You’d only meant to complain. One offhanded comment during a rant about your mom’s annual Thanksgiving interrogation. It started with ‘Are you seeing anyone?’, moved onto ‘That boy from your old high school seemed sweet’, and somehow escalated into, ‘You know, babies don’t make themselves’. Suddenly, Joaquin was volunteering as tribute.

“I could just come with you,” he’d said, as if it were that simple. “Fake boyfriend, family-approved arm candy, back-up turkey carver. Whatever you need.”

You had squinted at him warily across your couch, wrapped in your comfiest throw and holding a mug the size of your face.

“You want to fake date me for Thanksgiving?”

“I mean, why not?” Joaquin said, casual. Too casual. “I know the drill.”

“Do you plan to make out with me in front of my grandma?”

“Is that on the table?”

You threw a pillow at him, laughing so hard you nearly spilled your drink. You didn’t say yes then. Not out loud. But, by the time you were texting your family that you were finally bringing someone, you knew exactly what you were doing.

Joaquin is late. You’re standing in your parents’ driveway in the coat your mom still calls ‘that city thing’, like you live in Gotham instead of Brooklyn, when his car finally pulls in. He hops out wearing jeans that are just tight enough to make your brain short-circuit and a navy peacoat that probably belongs in a rom-com. You try not to stare at his stupidly warm smile.

“Hey,” Joaquin says, like you didn’t just spend the last two days texting each other elaborate backstories for your fake relationship.

You wave, heart beating faster than it should. “Took you long enough. My mom’s already threatened to carve the turkey.”

“Threatened? That’s festive,” he mutters, grabbing your bag before you can argue.

Your family loves Joaquin. Of course they do. He’s charming in that effortless, infuriating way. He’s remembering names, asking questions, laughing at every dad joke like it’s fresh off a stand-up set. Your younger cousin crushes on him instantly. Your aunt whispers something that sounds suspiciously like he’s a keeper into your ear as she pours you more to drink.

Joaquin plays along flawlessly. He holds your hand under the table. Drops sweet, ridiculous anecdotes like, ‘We met at a dog park even though neither of us owns a dog’. He kisses your cheek when your uncle says, ‘You two look real cozy.’

The thing is, it doesn’t feel fake. That’s the part that trips you up. You’ve known Joaquin for years. You’ve seen him in every possible mood. You’ve seen him exhausted after missions, cranky before coffee, thrilled over finding a new bodega sandwich. You’ve crashed on his couch and watched him fall asleep during movies. He’s your best friend.

The way Joaquin looks at you tonight, hand settled low on your back, smile soft, gaze steady? It makes your stomach twist.

You start to wonder if maybe this isn’t just a game of pretend to him, either.

The problem is that one holiday becomes two. Then three.

After Thanksgiving, your mom insists you have to bring Joaquín for Christmas. You warn him it’ll be extra. He can’t escape matching pyjamas and cookie baking. He just grins and says, “I look amazing in red and green flannel.”

So, you go. Together. Again.

You’re not sure when it stops being pretending. Maybe it’s when he gives you a thoughtful, hand-picked gift. It’s a necklace shaped like a compass, with your initials etched small on the back. You’d joked once that you always get lost. He remembered.

Maybe it’s when your niece climbs into his lap without hesitation and he reads her the same story three times because she asked with sleepy eyes and sticky fingers.

Maybe it’s just the way he looks at you when you’re not even paying attention, like you’re the sun, the moon, and the star on top of the Christmas tree all rolled into one.

“You know,” you say one night after a New Year’s party, walking through snowy streets with Joaquin by your side, “we could stop now.”

Joaquin looks over, breath visible in the cold air. “Stop what?”

“This whole fake dating thing. We’ve done Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s. We’re out of holidays, I think.”

Joaquin’s smile falters for the first time all night. “Right.”

You mean to laugh it off, but something about the way he looks at you, half-hurt, like he had just unwrapped a gift and hated it, stops you.

You clear your throat. “I mean, unless it’s still working for you.”

Joaquin shrugs, trying to seem

unbothered as his eyes stay focused ahead. “Sure. Whatever you need.”

You want to ask what he needs. You don’t.

Valentine’s Day sneaks up on you. It’s not part of the original plan, but your building throws a couples-themed rooftop party, and your neighbours, the ones who have been ogling Joaquin for weeks, ask if you two will be there.

You expect him to laugh it off, use the excuse of Falcon obligations or fake food poisoning.

Instead, Joaquin shows up in a suit. He brings real flowers. He dances with you like the city isn't spinning around you.

At one point, you rest your head on his shoulder and whisper, “You’re really going above and beyond, huh?”

And Joaquin just says, “You deserve someone who does.”

It’s a joke. It has to be. Against all odds, it doesn’t feel like one.

It happens in April.

You’re at a friend’s wedding, another one of those dates you bring him to now without even pretending it’s about your family. Everyone assumes you’re a couple. No one questions it. Neither do you. Not anymore.

The night’s winding down. The band’s playing a slow song. You’re both happier than ever and full of cake, tucked in the corner of the dance floor when Joaquin says, “Can I ask you something?”

You nod. “Of course.”

His voice is quiet. “If this wasn’t fake, would it have been so bad?”

Your chest tightens. “What do you mean?”

He swallows. “If I’d asked for real. If I was for real.”

You look at him, really look, and see it all there, waiting. The thing you’ve been ignoring. The thing he’s been quietly offering for months.

“No,” you say softly. “It wouldn’t have been bad at all.”

You don’t kiss him yet. You wait for the next song. The one where the lights dim and the crowd thins and his thumb brushes your cheek like it’s muscle memory. Like he’s been waiting for you to catch up. At last, you do.

Later, after the wedding and the slow walk back to the hotel and the half-laughed, half-breathed ‘Finally’ Joaquin murmurs against your lips, you curl into his chest and say, “So… what do we tell my mom?”

He grins against your hair. “We tell her we lied.”

You pull back, mock-gasping. “You’re gonna snitch on us?”

“No,” he says, kissing your temple. “We tell her we lied, that we said it was fake. But, it never was.”

Just like that, it all makes sense. You’d been faking it for everyone but yourselves.

[double22]

THE DRESS Epilogue - Sophia Laforteza

Childhood bsf! Sophia Laforteza x fem!reader

Synopsis- You and Sophia are the complete opposite, she was a straight A student loved by everyone, and you were a artsy quiet skater. After going through a lot your love story blooms, to something big. And you reached the final step for sealing the deal which is a Laforteza Family dinner.

Warning/tags- fluff, non-idol AU, bad grammar and spelling mistakes, enjoying life, lowkey rushed

AN* Love this song, really underrated rnb, listen to it. Just starting writing fics so don’t expect much. English is my second language and I’m writing to improve. Thanks for trying it! I lowkey rushed it and Im a little sick so it might be bad sorry😬

Part 1 , Pt 2, Pt 3

The morning sunlight spilled across her face as she laughed at something you'd said, that soft, easy laugh that still made your chest ache in the best way. It was ridiculous how much you loved her. How much you loved 'us'.

It's been 6 months since the two of you started dating, and you wouldn't replace a single day. Enjoying every first's, The first date, the first sleepover, first valentines, even your first fight. Those milestones brought you and Sophia closer.

Sometimes, You still don’t know how you got this lucky. She could have been with anyone, but she chose you and every day she reminds you, why you’d choose her a thousand times over.

“You’re staring again,” she said softly, her voice half‑teasing as she pulled the blanket tighter around her shoulders.

You smiled, unable to look away. “How can I not?”

Her cheeks flushed just a little, the way they always did when you said something honest. She rolled onto her side to face you fully, hair falling into her eyes, and for a moment the world felt impossibly still just the two of you, tangled in sheets and morning light, like nothing outside this room existed.

Her fingers found yours under the blanket, warm and familiar, and neither of you felt any need to get up.

“Stay a little longer,” she whispered.

“As long as you want, princess” you said, pushing her hairs out of her beautiful face with your other hand, meaning every word.

It still amazed you sometimes, that she was here, that she’d chosen you. She wasn’t perfect, not in the way movies make you think someone should be. But she was perfect for you.

The way she laughed too hard at your own jokes. The way she knew when you needed silence and when you needed to be pulled out of it. The way her presence made life feel less heavy, less lonely.

“Don’t overthink it,” she teased gently, as if she could feel the thoughts turning in my head.

you squeezed her hand. “Not overthinking. Just… appreciating.”

And as she laughed softly, eyes half‑closed, you could spend every morning like this, staring, smiling, loving her, and it would never be enough. You wouldn't have enough time, theres moments like this when you wished the earth would spin a little slower, would allow you to enjoy her presence more.

But the world spins ahead, never waiting for your steps.

Eventually, the warmth of the bed couldn’t hold us forever. She stretched first, hair messy, eyes still half‑closed as she muttered something about coffee. You laughed and finally swung your legs over the side of the bed, the floor cold against your feet.

The kitchen smelled like morning toast browning, coffee brewing, eggs sizzling softly in the pan. She sat at the counter, chin in her hand, watching you move around like it was the most fascinating thing in the world.

“You’re too awake for this hour,” she teased, yawning.

“You’re just not awake enough,” You shot back, sliding a plate in front of her.

She smiled, picking up her fork, and in that simple moment barefoot, tired, sharing breakfast in a quiet trailer. You felt it again: that steady, impossible happiness of being exactly where you belonged.

“Is your mom working again, Buck?” Sophia asked softly, munching on her eggs.

“Yeah, double shift,” I replied with a smile. “So you get to keep me all to yourself.”

She looked up, a slow smile spreading across her face, and for a moment, the kitchen felt like our little world.

You glanced over at her, still smiling. “Hey, since you’ve got me all to yourself today… want to go shopping later? Maybe find something nice just for you?”

Her eyes lit up, and she nudged me playfully. “You trying to spoil me already, huh?”

“Maybe I am,” You said, grinning. “But you deserve it.”

She nodded, eyes sparkling. “Alright, Y/N. But only if you carry all the bags.”

You laughed, standing up to clear the table. “Deal. And maybe you can pick out something I get to see you in.”

You guys finished breakfast slowly, the easy comfort between the two wrapping around like a warm blanket. Outside, the city hummed with life, but inside, it felt like our little bubble.

The sunlight filtered gently through the leaves lining the quaint shopping street, casting dappled shadows on the cobblestones beneath our feet. The air was fragrant with the scent of fresh bread and blooming flowers spilling from small storefronts.

She paused outside a little boutique, her eyes lighting up at a display of delicate scarves fluttering in the soft breeze. You watched as she reached out, fingers grazing the fabric, her smile radiant and effortless.

You stepped closer, brushing a stray lock of hair behind her ear. “That one would look perfect on you,” whispering, voice low enough so only she could hear.

Her cheeks warmed, and she glanced up at me, eyes sparkling. “You always know what to say.”

The both of you wandered slowly through the shops, her hand finding yours naturally, fingers intertwining with a comforting familiarity. At a flower stall, You picked out a small bouquet of wildflowers, nothing extravagant, but somehow it felt right to give her something simple and beautiful.

“Here,” you said, pressing the bouquet into her hands. “For you.”

She looked down at the flowers, then back at you, a soft laugh escaping her lips. “Thank you. It’s perfect.”

Seeing her smile, brought one in yours. Maybe this could be forever just living life to make hers better. Yah you would love that. The afternoon sun warmed the streets as we walked side by side, her hand slipping into yours without a word.

“You really don’t have to carry that,” she said, glancing at the bag in my hand. "I was just joking"

You shook my head, grinning. “I’m your personal shopper today. Besides, it’s a good excuse to hold your hand more.”

She laughed, cheeks flushing a little, and leaned into you as we ducked into the next store. The bustle of the market faded around you, all you saw was her, bright-eyed and laughing, perfectly happy just being together.

The two of you strolled side by side beneath the soft glow of late afternoon, “I wanted to tell you,” she said suddenly, glancing up with a shy smile. “There’s a dinner at my place next week, just family. I really want you to come.”

My heart skipped. A dinner with Ms Laforteza. you smiled, trying to keep it casual. “Sounds great.”

But inside, nerves churned. Her family was wealthy, far beyond what you was used to. Every cent you earned from part-time jobs seemed to disappear on her: dinners, little gifts, surprise outings. How could you show up in their polished home.

Then you remembered the last time I met Mrs Laforteza, you were sneaking into Sophia bedroom in the middle of the night. Carefully, you climbed up, heart pounding, until, crack! The curtain was pulled aside, and there she was. Mrs LAFORTEZA right in front of you, her eyes wide with surprise meeting yours.

You froze. you probably looked like a burglar caught in the act. Instead of anger, she just stared for a beat… then burst out laughing.

“Is everything okay?” she asked now, sensing the hesitation in my silence.

You swallowed hard. “Yeah. Just… nervous, I guess. Your family’s got a fancy place, and well, I’m not exactly rolling in cash. And last time with your mom…” you trailed off, cheeks heating at the memory.

She squeezed my hand gently. “Hey, it’s not about money—or perfection. They want to meet you. The person who makes me happy.”

Her words settled over me like a balm, easing the knot in my chest. And somehow, that felt enough.

The morning light slipped through the blinds as your alarm buzzed insistently. You groaned rolling over to get ready to go to school. School somehow became something you forward to, your heart racing excited to see your friends and obviously Sophia.

You quickly got dressed and picked up a coffee, as you skated to school already running late. Although your grades got up, some habits stick forever.

Senior year is almost over, with finals exams rolling out and graduation coming quicker than a heartbeat, and next semester you will be attending Berklee, your dream school with Sophia attending Harvard, the both of you 7 minutes away from each other.

The wheels of my skateboard clattered against the pavement as you cruised up to the school entrance, the wind tugging at your hoodie. you skated right past a group of teachers chatting near the door.

“Late again, huh?” Mr Bennett called out, shaking his head with a grin.

“Only on days that end with Y,” You shot back, hopping off the board and flipping it under your arm.

Ms Collins laughed. “Careful, or we’ll have you teaching the skateboarding class next semester.”

“Hey, I’m ready, curriculum includes ollies and kickflips, You're welcome to join anytime” you said with a wink.

They chuckled as you headed inside, the usual school buzz mixing with the easy rhythm of the morning.

Slowly walking down the hallway, making your way to physics class. AP Physics the class you dread. Passing that class was a nightmare, as the last 6 months you improved your grade from a F to a B+.

Opening the door with confidence that you don't even know where it came from, you walk in nodding at Mr Brennan and make your way beside Megan and Lara.

“It’s just devastating how you always manage to lower my expectations,” Megan said, shaking her head with mock disappointment. “How’s Ms. Lara supposed to learn with her role model showing up late like this?”

Lara rolled her eyes. “Yeah, seriously. At this rate, I might as well take up napping in class.”

You smirked. “Hey, someone’s gotta keep the tradition alive.”

Megan laughed. “Yeah, you’re basically the legend of being fashionably late.”

“Legend? More like the CEO of late,” you shot back, throwing my backpack down next to your seat.

Just then, a small rubber ball bounced off your shoulder. You looked up to see Mr. Brenan standing nearby, a sly grin on his face. “Alright, CEO of late, time to focus,” he said, tossing the ball again. “Daydreaming won’t help you pass the next test—even if exams are over.”

You caught the ball, grinning back. “Got it, Mr. Brenan. Full attention, I swear.”

He gave a mock-serious nod before turning away, leaving you and the others chuckling quietly.

You couldn’t help but notice the shift in Mr. Brenan ever since your grades started climbing. The same teacher who used to give up on me, disappointment with my commitments, now looks at you with a soften edge.

He still kept his tough, no-nonsense edge, but there was less impatience in his eyes and more… respect. Sometimes, during lectures, You caught him giving a small smile when you answered a question right or stayed focused longer than usual.

It wasn’t just about the grades. It was like he finally saw you were trying, really trying, and that made all the difference. Maybe it was the best kind of recognition, quiet, unspoken, but enough to keep you pushing forward.

The bell rang, and chairs screeched against the floor as everyone packed up. You slung my bag over my shoulder and headed out with Megan and Lara, the hallway buzzing with lunchtime chatter. You guys grabbed your trays in the cafeteria and found a spot by the windows. As you guys sat down, you sighed, poking at your food.

“What’s with the dramatic sigh?” Megan asked, raising an eyebrow.

“Yeah,” Lara added, smirking. “You sound like someone just failed you in life.”

You shrugged. “Sophia invited me to this big family dinner next week. You know, her whole rich family. And… I don’t know. I’m nervous. Last time I met her mom, I literally got caught sneaking in through her window.”

Lara burst out laughing. “Oh my god, that’s still the funniest story ever.”

Megan shook her head, grinning. “You’re overreacting. Her mom thought it was funny, remember? If they didn’t like you, you wouldn’t be invited to dinner.”

“Easy for you to say,” you muttered. “I’m just worried I’ll screw it up again.”

Megan leaned across the table. “Trust me. Just be yourself. They already like you, idiot.”

“Yeah,” Lara said, stealing one of your fries. “Besides, if you mess up, at least we’ll get another great story out of it.”

You groaned, but couldn’t help laughing with them. Somehow, they made it hard to stay nervous for long. And then Sophia walked in. She spotted you immediately, her smile bright as she started walking over.

Megan smirked at you, whispering, “Uh oh, here comes your fancy dinner date.”

Lara nudged you under the table. “Quick, look casual. Try not to look like you were just panicking about meeting her family.”

“Shut up,” You muttered, straightening up way too fast and nearly knocking over your drink.

Sophia reached the table, sliding into the empty seat beside you. “Hey, guys. What’s so funny?”

“Nothing,” Megan said innocently, eyes sparkling with mischief.

“Absolutely nothing,” Lara added, clearly fighting back a laugh.

You forced a smile, feeling your face heat up. “Yeah… nothing at all.”

Sophia looked between the three of you suspicion creeping into her smile. “Uh‑huh. Sure.” Then she quickly smiles "By the way, My mom wanted it to be special, so wear something nice, like that suit from the mixer"

You gulped down your drink, its formal now...wow you really are screwed.. "God, You love that suit don't you" teasing her to hide your nerves.

“You look so good in that suit,” Sophia said with a playful whine. “Like… your back looked so delicious.”

Megan made a face, dramatically gagging. “Ew, can you guys be all couple‑y somewhere else?”

Lara chimed in, laughing. “Yeah, seriously. You don’t have to rub it in, I already feel single enough over here.”

Sophia smirked, leaning closer to me. “Sorry, can’t help it if my girlfriends hot.”

“Please,” Megan groaned. “Save it for after lunch.”

Lara pointed her fork at me. “You owe us both a double dessert for having to witness this.”

You just laughed, shaking my head, feeling your ears heat up as Sophia grinned at you like she’d just won.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The day came faster than you expected, your heartbeat racing fast and out of pace. The Laforteza house was even more impressive at night, all warm lights and polished wood floors that somehow made you feel even more out of place. Youclutched the small gift you'd brought like it might keep you grounded.

When Sophia opened the door and led you inside, her mom was already waiting in the entryway, arms crossed and a playful smirk on her face.

“Ah, Y/N!” Mrs. LaForteza greeted warmly. “So good to see you again.”

“Good to see you too, ma’am,” you replied, trying to sound calm even for someone whose palms were sweating.

She gestured toward the doorway dramatically. “This is called the door, it'swhere normal people enter.”

Sophia groaned, hiding her face. “Mom…”

Mrs. LaForteza grinned at you. “I know you’re used to Spider‑Manning your way into Sophia’s room, but just for tonight, let’s stick to this entrance, okay?”

The whole table burst into laughter, even Sophia, though she tried to hide it behind her hands.

You rubbed the back of my neck, cheeks burning. “Yeah… lesson learned.”

“Good,” Mrs. LaForteza teased. “Now, come on in before I change the locks on the windows.”

The tension in your chest eased as the laughter lingered. Somehow, her joke made everything feel a little less intimidating.

Dinner turned out better than you could’ve imagined. The table was filled with Filipino dishes, kare‑kare, fresh lumpia, and the kind of adobo that smelled so good it made my mouth water before the first bite.

“This is… incredible,” You said, after your first taste. “Sir, you might’ve just ruined restaurant food for me forever.”

Sophia’s dad chuckled, clearly pleased. “Glad you like it. Cooking’s my job, but it’s always more special at home.”

Sophia leaned in with a teasing smile. “y/n cooks too, you know. she's actually really good.”

Her dad raised an eyebrow at you, interest sparking. “Oh yeah? You like being in the kitchen?”

You nodded. “Yeah, I love cooking, nothing on this level, though.”

“Well,” he said with a grin, setting down his fork. “Want to come back to the kitchen with me after dinner? We chefs have to stick together.”

Sophia grinned. “Careful, Dad, if you steal her for the night, I’m not letting you keep her.”

You laughed, a little nervous but genuinely excited. “I’d love to. It’d be an honor, honestly.”

Her dad’s smile widened. “Good. Let’s see if you’ve got the hands of a chef, or just the compliments of one.”

Sophia gave you a small wink across the table, and for the first time all night, your nerves felt like they were melting away.

After dinner, Sophia’s dad led you into the kitchen. The counters were spotless, everything neatly arranged like a pro‑level setup straight out of a cooking show.

“Alright,” he said, looking straight at me with a completely serious expression. “Before we start… what are your intentions with my daughter?”

You froze for half a second, then forced a grin. “My intentions with your daughter? Honestly, I just came to hang out with you, sir.”

He didn’t laugh, just kept staring.

You cleared my throat, your voice softening. “I’m kidding. The truth is… she means the world to me. I love her and I don't know why she chose me, but I know that I will do everything to make her happy, to see that smile every second is what I live for. And as long as she’ll have me, I’ll love her and cherish every second I get with her.”

For a moment, the kitchen was silent. Then his lips curved into the smallest smile, like he’d just heard the answer he was hoping for.

“Good,” he said finally, nodding once. “That’s the kind of answer I wanted to hear.”

And just like that, the tension melted as he slid a cutting board toward you. “Alright, chef, show me what you’ve got.”

"Just chop these onions for me.”

You nodded, gripping the knife naturally, and started dicing with quick, clean motions. Years of cooking at home kicked in without you even thinking about it, uniform cuts, no hesitation.

Out of the corner of you eye, you saw him pause, eyebrows lifting. “Well, well…” he murmured, a grin spreading across his face. “Look at that perfect cuts, fast, clean. You weren’t lying when you said you liked to cook.”

You chuckled nervously. “Guess I’ve spent too many nights trying new recipes.”

He laughed, clearly impressed. “Kid, you’ve got hands like a chef. If Sophia doesn’t keep you around, I might just have to hire you.”

From the doorway, Sophia giggled. “Told you he was good.”

You felt your cheeks heat up, but for the first time that night, standing in that kitchen, You didn’t feel out of place at all.

Sophia’s dad handed you another vegetable to chop, still grinning. “Alright, let’s see if those knife skills come with seasoning skills too. Grab that pan, we’re making sinigang.”

You nodded, slipping easily into rhythm beside him. The two of us worked in comfortable silence for a few moments, chopping, stirring, tasting.

“Not bad,” he said as you sprinkled in the tamarind mix without being told. “You pick things up quick. You sure you’re not secretly in culinary school?”

you laughed. “No, sir. Just a lot of cooking at home.”

Behind you, Sophia leaned against the doorway, watching with a soft smile. “I’ve never seen my dad let anyone touch his kitchen like that,” she teased.

Her dad shot her a look, pretending to be stern. “Hey, talent deserves a chance. Don’t let this one go, Sophia. She might just out cook me one day.”

After cleaning up in the kitchen, Sophia led me upstairs to her room. The soft glow of a desk lamp and the faint hum of music made the space feel warm and familiar—like a small world just for the two of you.

You sank onto her bed, laughter still lingering from dinner.

"I never knew your dad could be this scary," I chuckled, shaking my head. "He was nice when I was six, but this… this is different."

She smiled, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. “Well, it might be because I said I might want to marry you...”

I paused, locking eyes with her, searching for even a hint of a joke. I breathed out, “Really?”

Sophia’s eyes softened. “Yes.”

Without thinking, I whispered, “I would marry you right now.”

She grinned, teasing, “Well, I said might.”

I smirked, pulling her close and wrapping my arms around her. “Oh, you’re definitely gonna marry me.”

She laughed softly into my chest, and for a moment, everything felt just right.

Meanwhile downstairs, Of course it’s her,” Mrs. Laforteza said warmly, but with a hint of hesitation. “She’s known her since she was little… I never thought she’d actually want to marry someone so soon, though.”

Mr. LaForteza chuckled softly, shaking his head. “Yeah, maybe we’re thinking too early. But I have to admit, she sure knows how to make a good sinigang.”

She sighed, folding her hands. “That’s the thing, Sophia’s always been headstrong, and when she’s sure about something, she rushes in without thinking too much.”

Mr. LaForteza nodded, his tone more serious. “We want her to be happy, don’t get me wrong.And I trust her and that she will treat our little princess right, she is —respectful, talented, and kind.”

Mrs. LaForteza looked out the window for a moment, then back at her husband. “I just hope she’s not moving too fast… love is important, but there’s more to life than just feelings.”

He gave a small smile. “True. But if she treats her right, supports her, and makes her smile, that’s worth a lot.”

She returned the smile, though the worry lingered in her eyes. “For now, we trust her. But as parents, we’ll always be watching out for her.”

Upstairs, I reached out, intertwining my fingers with Sophia’s.

“We’ll figure it out together,” I whispered. "But I will marry you one day, that is a must"

She smiled, resting her head on my shoulder, and for the first time, "You better go down on both knees" She jokes, her laughter vibrating on your shoulder.

You felt completely at ease like maybe this was exactly where you were meant to be.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

A year had passed since that night in the kitchen, since the nervous dinners and whispered promises. Tonight, the sun was setting low over the ocean, painting the sky in shades of pink and gold.

Sophia and you walked barefoot along the shore, waves lapping gently at our feet. Your heart pounded, not from the cold, but from what was about to happen.

Stopping, You took a deep breath and turned to her, searching her eyes for the same warmth and love that had carried me through every moment since.

Slowly, Youdropped down onto one knee, then brought your other knee down, pulling out a small velvet box from my pocket. Inside lay a diamond ring—one you had spent every spare dollar saving for over the past year.

Sophia face started tearing up, already knowing whats going to happen.

“Sophia,” you said, voice steady despite the nerves, “Every second with you has been a dream, You loved me at my worst and my best. Will you make we the happiest person ever and... Marry me?"

Her eyes filled with tears, her smile radiant against the fading light.

"You're such a good boy," she joked, laughing as tears streaked down her cheeks.

You laughed, grinning wide. "Is that a yes? I’m literally on both knees here."

She smirked playfully. "Just like I planned."

Then her expression softened. “Yes,” she whispered, “yes, of course.”

You slipped the ring onto her finger, and couldn’t help but shout out, screaming at the top of your lungs from pure happiness. Sophia smiled at you, her eyes shining brighter than the sunset around you.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

THE END

AN* thanks for following this mini series, I hope you liked it !

[myceliumsunshine]

YOU AREN'T INSANE!! (you're just insane as in insanely good :3)

i can't wait to see the A/B/O fic, tell me more about that, i have this guilty pleasure of A/B/O fics. also, reader possessed by an eldrich being is so cool, i love non-human readers, it's so fun to read.

please tell me about your challenge, i love challenges so much, they get my brain churning :D

i'm here to share my wips folder as well, thought that i'd make you feel less insane

To start, I have my tags lists, which which is literally just a copy of my different tags lists lol

My finished section, which literally just hides all the fics that I've done (yes i keep them in the same doc as all the other fics, i don't know how to transfer them all

theatre kid - a fic about stanford!sam taking theatre as his minor, but the minor and major classes are combined, so reader is doing their major in theatre and is just insane

sub!sam - i've been trying to work up the courage to write smut, i'm kind of scared of it lol

save a horse - based on the song, about the episode where sam and dean go back in time, reader can't help it and rides a cowboy (aka sam smut that i'm also scared to write)

stupid cupid - based on the connie francis song, and a my bloody valentine episode rewrite with reader, where cupid is like, you guys are stupid, it's clear you're in love with each other, and reader's hunger is sam's affection (super exciting because she feeds him demon blood to get on his good side)

keep the lights on - reader is the idea of light, happiness, love, life, ect. and her brother is the idea of dark, sadness, hate, death, ect. and her brother has been killing people, so sam and dean try to summon him but get her instead because (spoiler) they share a body and the only thing that keeps reader in charge is the lights (based on sun and moon from fnaf security breach)

rise and fall of sam's princess series, of which i am currently up to coffee. been struggling with that one, it's really hard to write sam as the 'bad guy' in the fic, because i kind of love him :P

wasted love - based on a request that i haven't gotten around too (i haven't forgot any of my requests, i promise, i just haven't got the motivation for them at this point!) that's about bellamy being in love with reader, but reader is like nuh uh

too sweet - sam is too sweet for the reader, getting up early, not drinking straight black coffee, not drinking whiskey neat, just generally being kind, but sam is determined to date reader, because they both like each other but reader is afraid to break/taint sam's sweetness

i've been thinking about a part two for a long day, because it ended kind of sadly and i don't want to end it on that

my long fic! as soon as i finish supernatural, i'll begin writing it! it's super exciting, i can't wait to start writing it, my oc is super badass, super fun, i love her

i actually lied. i have two long fics i plan to write once i finish supernatural. the second one is a fic about an oc from ourverse ending up in supernatural isekai style and just fixing everything because they want to. i've seen this done a bunch of times on wattpad, but the earliest one i've seen started between season 3 and season 4, and mine is going to start before season 1 (technically. it starts at season 1, but the oc is there before the events of season 1)

feel free to ask about this, anyone. i love talking about my fics. send in an ask, or comment or whatever if you have questions.

god this is too long :|

Writing update - a look into my WIPs - someone send help, why the fuck do I have so many WIPs oh my god stop

Hello you gorgeous people, I hope you're all well! Since I haven't been uploading much of my own writing recently (and mostly been reblogging horny gifs, what's up with that), I thought I'd give you a "quick" update on what I've been doing writing-wise for anyone who's interested in an update. 🤗

I have 18 fics done for Kinktober/Smutober, and I think I will leave it at that. Unless something really, really catches my attention before then.

I'm also working on my first ever challenge that people can join for October. I hope to post it at the end of September at the latest, so anyone who wants to join has a month to write and post. That seems like a doable time frame to me? (There would be a max word count of probably 2 or 3 k)

I'm also writing fluff for November! I'm aiming for 10 fics, but only two are done so far, so we'll see where we end up. 😄

I would also like to do a challenge for that. 😄

I'm working on a sequel to Never more in love than when I'm leaving (very, very early stages).

I'm working on two sequels to fics that I'm posting in October.

I'm working on three big, multi chapter fics: Sun bleached flies (Sam, Dean and reader as childhood friends and later throuple), an A/B/O fic (also Sam x reader x Dean), and I've started plotting out that smalltown AU I asked about here (which I've decided will be Dean x reader).

I'm writing a few short companion one shots for Blackbird.

And I've got a bunch of one shots in several phases of completion, including but not limited to: free use Sam x reader x Dean; Dean x reader in heaven; Dean and Sam meet a reader who's possessed by some kind of eldritch being; Pamela Barnes x reader; Boy King part 3; and a few more that are just ideas and scribbles notes right now.

I've also been mulling over the idea of writing a Bucky Barnes fic since last night. 😄

So there you go. I hope some of this stuff speaks to you! It was good organizing my own thoughts for this. If there's anything you want to know more about, have thoughts on, or if there's something you think should be on that list but isn't, please don't be shy, I love chatting about this stuff!

Thank you for listening to be blab and thank you for being here. ❤️ Sending you all the biggest smooches!

(Also, if anyone else wants to take this opportunity to share a look into their WIP folder, please please do - make me feel a little less insane! 😄)

(Also also if you read all the way to down here, have this taco as a treat 🌮)

[toffeebrews]

Killer would put collars on his gaster blasters and name them like his cats.

[iwritenarrativesandstuff]

I was going to do a whole bunch of really intentionally shitty ship doodles for Valentine's but it's not even Valentine's anymore and I still only managed to finish these two so. Here.

Maybe I'll finish the rest later. Consider this part 1 of a set.

[neflil]

Something Quiet..

Something for valentines day and whatnot - Ciaran, Artorias, and lil puppy Sif under a tree in a cool field and with actual sunlight. I just wanted to get it out of my system dhsjkdhskjhds....

++ an extra doodle for those brave enough to venture into my "read more"

[slickricklj]

Jill Valentine + Chris Redfield - When you know, you know.

Bonus:

[cherulee]

HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY GUYS !!! WILL U BE CAMILLA’S VALENTINE ??

[aelswiths]

Aelswith x Alfred + Hand Holding (& killing me 😭😭🥺🥺)

[fictionadventurer]

Potential February Reads

East by Edith Pattou

Brideshead Revisited by Evelyn Waugh

The Beggar Prince by Kate Stradling

The Thrifty Guide to Ancient Rome: A Handbook for Time Travelers by Jonathan Stokes

Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare

The Frindle Files by Andrew Clement

A fantasy romance

[undertale-fic-librarby]

Chocolate Hearts are Better Enjoyed by You, so Take Mine!

A fluffy short drabble to celebrate Valentine's Day, as well as reaching 400 followers! Everyone keeps handing Dream sweets, what's he to do with them all? This was written over about a week with minimal editing. Happy reading!

Dream's smile was strained as he reluctantly accepted yet another box of chocolates, letting his cheerful expression fall with a sigh once the giver had left.

He looked down at the box in his hands, wondering what he was supposed to do with it on top of the other five boxes Dream had already been given throughout the day. That wasn't even mentioning all the other sweets that had been forced upon him by people.

It wasn't like Dream could eat them all himself, & just the thought of it made his non-existent stomach roll. He took a deep breath & resumed walking down the street after vanishing the box into his inventory, only to be stopped by yet another gift giver, this time with a bag of lollipops in the shape of hearts.

Dream held back a sigh as he forced a smile back onto his face, reluctantly taking the bag practically being pushed into his hands. He really should have just taken a portal home.

After escaping the interaction & finding a relatively private area, Dream did just that & opened a portal, wincing with a soft laugh as he heard Swap quickly begin to lecture him on unnecessary magic use & the benefits of walking to places.

Dream stepped through & shut the portal behind him, ensuring nobody could follow him through. He walked over to the couch & flopped onto it with a sigh, only half paying attention to Swap's words.

Dream knew the other was just trying to look out for him, especially since Dream tended to burn himself out despite the recent lack of fighting.

Slowly sitting up, Dream looked over at Swap, who looked back at him with a worried frown. "Are you feeling okay? You seem kind of… tired."

Dream sighed & began to take out the vast amount of sweets he had been given from his inventory, placing them on the table. Swap's sockets widened as he took in the pile that quickly grew as Dream started to explain.

"People kept coming up to me & giving me these, & I couldn't just refuse them! I didn't want to be rude, but I kept getting more & more, so I opened a portal home to avoid risking running into people wanting to give me things."

Swap's mouth hung open a little as he took in just how much candy Dream put on the table. It wasn't exactly overwhelming laid out like this, but it was certainly more than they could eat by themselves. "What do you plan to do with it all?"

Dream shrugged, a frown on his face as he began to collect the cards that were given to him with the sweets. "I'm not sure. You know I don't really like candy, so I can't eat it all, & Ink prefers things when they're burnt, so I can't ask him to take all of it either. Maybe you could take some of it?" Dream looked up at Swap with a hopeful smile.

Swap frowned in consideration, putting his hands on his hips as he spoke. "I could take a tiny bit, & I'm sure Papy would enjoy some of the lollipops, but there's way too much for me to take all of it."

Dream bowed his head a little & sighed. "That's kind of what I expected, but thank you anyway." Dream leaned against the back of the couch & stared up at the ceiling, frowning. "But what do I do with the rest of it?"

Swap shrugged as he began to search through the pile, taking things he knew his brother would enjoy. "Error likes chocolate a lot, maybe you could give some to him?"

Dreams hummed as he thought the idea over, nodding in agreement after a moment. "That does sound like it might work, but how can I even give them to him? Isn't he almost always in the Antivoid?"

Swap frowned as he continued to pilfer away candy into his inventory. "Can you not just portal in & hand them to him?"

Dream narrowed his sockets as he thought about it, still facing the ceiling. "Can I? I kind of thought he would have protections against that."

Swap shrugged again, standing up straight after having finished grabbing all the candy he wanted. "I mean, have you ever tried?"

Dream shook his head as he slowly shifted back into a normal sitting position. "No, not that I can recall. Do you really think it would work?"

Swap walked over & sat down next to Dream, stretching himself out & plopping his legs onto Dream's. "I don't see why it wouldn't! He complains about Fresh & Ink bothering him, so obviously some people can get in."

"Alright, that's what I'll do then!" Dream nodded, his expression serious before he looked back down at the pile with a sigh. "First, though, I actually need to sort through it all."

Swap couldn't help but laugh at Dream's weary expression, smiling as they began to talk about more mundane topics.

A few hours passed by quickly with them getting distracted from their task at times, not helped by Ink popping by & pulling them further off task.

Eventually it was sorted into smaller piles, with the boxes & bars of chocolate put into a bigger box for easier carrying.

Focusing on his magic, Dream tried to form a portal to Error's area of the Antivoid, smiling when it actually worked.

Waving his goodbye to Swap & Ink, Dream picked up the heavy box of chocolates & stepped through, wincing slightly at the blinding white surrounding him.

Keeping the portal open behind him, Dream quickly caught sight of Error relaxing on his beanbag & began to walk over. Error almost immediately took notice of Dream's presence, turning to glare at him with a scowl.

Before Error could begin to question him, Dream interrupted the glitch with a question. "You really like chocolate, right?"

Caught off guard & confused, Error frowned as he answered. "Yeah, what's it to you?"

Dream grinned & walked closer, stopping when Error began to get agitated, before setting down the box. "Good! These are yours now, enjoy them!"

With that, Dream turned on his heel & ventured back through his open portal, shutting it behind him & leaving Error incredibly puzzled.

Hesitantly, Error got up & walked over to the box, crouching down next to it. He carefully opened the top, sockets widening when he saw boxes of chocolate.

Caution abandoned, Error grabbed one of the boxes & tore the lid off, uncaring as he threw it into a random AU.

Frowning at the chocolates with white chocolate drizzle, Error chose one that looked as if it was topped with caramel & tossed it into his mouth.

He hummed happily at the taste as even more chocolate spilled onto his tongues, quickly grabbing another & another until the whole box was eaten.

Looking down at the box still containing even more chocolates, Error wondered why Dream had even given them to him. But then he shrugged, picking up the box with his strings & bringing it closer to his bean bag before flopping onto the fabric.

That was something for him to figure out later. For now, he had chocolate to eat & Undernovela to watch.

[mangofanarts]

Them

[buttercup-barf]

Red is the colour of willpower, energy, warmth, enthusiasm, leadership, strength, determination, passion, and, of course... Love. And children's hospital floors. /ref

Happy Valentine's Day, @peachypizzicato, @toasty-self-shipping, @dingdongitmustbelove, and @askthelovenest! I hope I did your beautiful S/I's, and your malewifebabygirlboyfriends justice!

[iknowwhereyousleepatnight]

almost january which means it's almost st sebastian's feast day which means it's almost light yagami's death day which means it's almost february which means it's almost valentine's day which means im six months behind on all of my projects

[dangaer]

thinking about posting a valentines interaction thing and a proper starter call ... is this the greed they talk about in the bible </3