#plus if he were to pass while she was in her third year of junior high

[wewerebornsextuplets]

why do i always get ideas for lore changes After posting. is he stupid?

[365emotionlessfaces]

One-shot that I started with much enthusiasm, and unfortunately lost all gumption nine tenths of the way through, so the ending is kinda rushed and kinda cliff-y but kinda not. It’s more of a beginning. I’m sorry if it’s not great 🙃

You Can't Stop Fate

WC:~6.6k

Growing up, your mother forbade any talk of soulmates. You assumed it was because of what your father had done. When you were seven, he just hadn’t come home one day. Or the next day. Or any of the days following. You remember not being allowed to talk about him or soulmates after that.

It was also forbidden to write on your skin. That was a safety issue, though. The one thing she was willing to tell you pertaining to soulmates was that there was a terrible genetic skin condition that ran on your mom’s side, making all of the women of her family allergic to any types of marker or pen inks. The only writing utensil she even kept in the house while you were growing up were pencils! You weren’t close to your mother’s side of the family, and she had begun reminding you of your allergy at such a young age, that by now it was something you believed, mostly, without question. You didn’t have anyone to ask if there had been a cure found or something- anything that would allow you to communicate with your soulmate. Drunk You has been very tempted to just write a message and deal with the consequences later multiple times, but has never been brave enough to go through with it.

The lack of talking about soulmates did nothing to assuage your love for the notion. One day, in middle school, when your class had gone to the library, you had snuck a book about soulmates into the back corner, and had devoured the whole thing over the course of the hour. Every single day after that, you would check for messages, drawings, notes, anything from your soulmate almost obsessively. You would check when you woke up, when you got home from school, and right before bed. Plus, probably a hundred times in between. If you couldn’t write messages to them, you had to be ready for when they sent you something.

They didn’t write anything that year. Or the year after. Or any year until you were eighteen. After you graduated high school, you lost hope. You figured that your soulmate was dead, or probably assumed you were dead because you were never able to write anything, either. Or maybe they didn’t even exist. So, you stopped bothering to check.

In the summer between high school and college, you had grieved the loss of a life you would never have. You had watched as pretty much everyone in your life had interacted with their soulmates on a daily basis. People walking around with little reminder notes or small doodles left by their destined person. Arms and legs full with conversations had by two people, separated only in distance. There were even two kids in your graduating class that had found each other in the third grade!

By the time the start of your first college semester rolled around, you had succumbed to the idea that you’d never find your soulmate. To anyone who had known you in college, they would have described you as a ‘crazy hot genius’ that could have had any girl on campus. You weren’t a genius, you just knew too many random facts. During the day, you focused diligently on your schoolwork. You made sure to study, take notes, and even set up tutoring sessions that usually ended with everyone in attendance having a big study fest. By night, you partied. You allowed yourself to release your frustrations through alcohol, weed, and quite a few of the gorgeous girls on campus.

That’s how your college career went. Grades never slipping, and parties never being missed. Your junior year was different, though. Your mother had passed away, and you tumbled your way through the following months, struggling with your grief. Your grades no longer exemplified that of an intellectual, but merely one of a slightly above-average student. Your second to last year at college started with you being one of the top three contenders for salutatorian, and ended with your grades and GPA getting lost amongst the sea of average achieving academic attendees at the University of Pennsylvania.

A girl from one of your classes, one of the integrated sciences you think, confronted you one night during the summer before your senior year. You were in the library, after a summer study session had ended, packing your things, and planning your outfit for that night’s party in your head.

“I can tell you’re really going through something, and I know we don’t really know each other, but I wanted you to know that you’re literally the only reason I passed Educational Psych. I don’t wanna overstep, but if you need someone to talk to -or talk at, I’m a great listener- I’m here for you,” she had approached you after packing her own things from the study session. She seemed really sincere, and you weren’t sure if it was the fact that you hadn’t actually coped with the loss of your mother, having no one to talk to, or if it was the fact that she had caught you in one of your rare sober moments- it was probably a combination of the two- but you felt the urge to just tell her about everything.

After the past few years, you had made friends, sure, but they were less the type of friends that you could share personal things with, and more the type of friends that you share alcohol and party addresses with. She introduced herself as Janine Teagues, and you returned with your own name. Conversation started and flowed easily, and it wasn’t long before you started venting about your turmoil. It was nice to be able to finally unleash it all. You told her about your affliction that kept you from reaching out to your soulmate and the fact that they hadn’t ever reached out to you. You admitted that when your mother had passed, amongst all of the things you had inherited was a box of photos, and you couldn’t bring yourself to look through them.

She, in turn, admitted that she hadn’t ever received messages from her soulmate. She had sent plenty, but she hadn’t found so much as an accidental pen mark in reply. She also assured you that you didn’t have to look at the photographs until you were ready, should that day ever come. For the first time in your life, you didn’t feel so alone in the Soulmate Department, and instead of going to the party that night, you had gone with your newfound friend to some pizza joint and continued talking about your lives.

Janine quickly became your best friend, and you two finished your last year of college by each other’s side. You partied and drank far less, and were able to get your grades back to the standards you had set for yourself. You didn’t quite make it back to salutatorian standards, but you were proud of yourself. Your best friend graduated alongside you, and, in hopes of sticking together, you both applied to and got hired at the same school. You even got apartments in the same building.

Melissa Schemmenti hated the whole soulmate thing, and has since she was in her early twenties. She had spent her whole childhood writing message after message, only to get assolutamente nulla, diddly squat in return. Kristen Marie always told her that her soulmate probably already knew who she was and didn’t like her, and that’s why she got no answers.

When she met Joe at twenty three, he was so sweet and romantic in the beginning, he convinced her that she didn’t need to find her soulmate to have a happy relationship, so she stopped writing on her skin. After they married, he began to tell her that someone like her could never have a soulmate. Melissa had been able to overcome most of the terrible things that Joe had convinced her of, but that idea stuck around. After almost fifty years on this planet, and not so much as a smiley face to prove they were alive, she couldn’t shake the idea that maybe she really wasn’t good enough to have a soulmate.

So she spent the years after her divorce having plenty of short lived relationships, trysts, and one night stands with hot men and women alike. If she couldn’t find her soulmate, she sure as hell was gonna have some fun. By the time you and Janine were hired into Abbott, her ‘booty call’ roster was full and there were a lot of metaphorical notches in her bedpost.

The longer you taught at Abbott, the shorter her roster got, until eventually there wasn’t a single person on it. She couldn’t understand why, but she slowly lost interest in her admirers, and couldn’t be bothered to answer their texts or calls anymore. She would deny that it had anything to do with you because she definitely did not like you. At all.

After the obligatory three months following your arrival at the school, she finally learned your name, but decided to call you anything but. She criticized every move you made, fussing at your food, complaining about your clothes- though Janine was a victim of that, too-,and attacking your non-Philly accent. It was difficult for you when you first started, but having Janine by your side, and a few of the other teachers warming up to you, you grew to ignore her insults. She didn’t stop throwing them, though.

Five years later, and you started to take the digs as affection. There’s no way that someone could have such intense emotions about who you were as a person, and not care, even just a little bit. She hurled stings at Janine, Jacob, and Janine’s new boyfriend, Gregory, and you knew that Melissa cared for them. Hell, she let Jacob move into her house!

Melissa became a really great friend. Sure, you were undeniably attracted to her, and, sure, she made you question everything you thought you knew about needing a soulmate. She had a smile that lit up the room, eyes so green you could swear that they were real emeralds, and fiery red hair that was as flaming as her attitude. You’ve known her for just over half a decade, and you’ve lost count of how many new swear words you learned. Melissa just shows she cares by bullying.

But she bullied all of her friends at the school, and there was no way she was attracted to everyone. A few of them, sure, but Gregory? No way. And Jacob? Absolutely not! They were just friends, and there are a lot of days when you have to remind yourself that that’s all you are, too.

It was the last day of school and you were preparing your little kindergarteners for Move Up Day. You had stopped in this morning to make sure Alex was still keeping his word, and coming to school, and chatted with Janine about the party she had planned.

“I’ve got everything set. It’s gonna be perfect,” she told you excitedly, and you had to try not to roll your eyes. She had already explained her system to you this morning, clarifying what and who each station was for, and while you loved your best friend, sometimes she could be a bit much. You had a feeling in the pit of your stomach that tonight was going to be a disaster.

The following few hours went as normally as they possibly could. The little ones may not have truly understood what was going on, but the big kids were buzzing with the excitement of the last day, and the small children fed off the energy of their elders. You helped your kiddos get into their tiny little graduation gowns and hats. Melissa popped her head in every time she passed by.

“Their caps are crooked,” she said the first time. By the time you had turned to sass her back, she was gone, leaving only a cameraman trailing behind her, so you just rolled your eyes with a soft smile, and returned to helping the kids fit into their outfits.

An hour later you heard her voice again. “You should let the kids design your next dress. It might actually catch some looks then.” The kids were coloring some paper graduation cords you had printed out. You let out a slight chuckle. You knew she only picked on your clothes when she thought they looked nice.

“Seems to be catching your attention just fine,” you replied with a smirk. You weren’t sure, but you could have sworn she blushed a little, but she was on her way back to her own class before you could get a good enough look.

By the time lunch rolled around, you were ready for her next quip. You had prepared yourself for any plethora of smart remarks she could have. Unfortunately, you weren’t able to experience any of the redhead’s comments. Your phone dinged as you were about five feet from the door of the break room, and you stopped in your tracks.

There staring back at you was a message from someone claiming to be your mother’s sister. You had just enough time to read the text before the same number was calling you. You panicked, and answered the phone.

“Hello?” After you answered, the woman on the other end confirmed that you were really the person she was looking for.

“My name’s Dana. I don’t know if you remember me? I was the one wearing orange at your mother’s funeral,” you vaguely recalled a woman who stood out during your brief stop into your mother’s wake. You hadn’t stayed very long, unable to stand being around people who didn’t even know your mother the way they would say they did, but you did remember seeing the one person dressed in your mother’s favorite color.

You took one glance at the doorway of the break room. You could hear Melissa’s voice over everyone, and if you weren’t on the phone with a woman who was technically your aunt but also was someone you had no memory of ever meeting, you would have been grinning from ear to ear. You could hang up and go enjoy lunch with your friends, or you could continue this conversation with a stranger and find out why she would call after so many years. You sighed and turned to head back towards your classroom.

“Uh, yeah. Can I… help you?”

“Well, uh, I’m sorry if this is awkward,” her voice was surprisingly cheery for someone anticipating an awkward encounter. “But my mom- your grandmother passed away recently, and while I was going through her things I found a letter that your mom had written to her when your father left. It, uh, it says that she told you that you were allergic to ink, and that it was hereditary. It only affects us women,” she paused for a moment.

Your heart felt like it was trying to rip its way out of your chest as you practically begged her to continue, “My- Uh, yeah?” You huffed before continuing. “Yeah. Pens, markers, tattoos. Can’t touch any of ‘em.” You reached your desk and dropped into your chair as you finished speaking.

“It’s just not true. I don’t know if that does you any good, but I- I just couldn’t let you go on without knowing the truth. It wouldn’t be right of me.”

The world around you suddenly seemed to be spinning a little faster. Your chest started to feel heavy. Unable to catch your breath, you reached forward and put your free hand on your desk.

How could this be possible? Why would your mother lie to you? How did it take you this long to learn the truth?

You had so many questions running through your head, you couldn’t keep them straight. You closed your eyes in an attempt to stop the questions from appearing, and you felt tears run down your cheeks.

“Hello?” Her voice startled you. You had no idea how long you had been quiet. Had she been talking this whole time? You opened your eyes and raised your head to scan the room. Still empty.

“Uh, yeah-” You cleared your throat. “Sorry, I, uh- Thank you. For telling me, I mean.” You weren’t really sure what to say or how to respond. A bubbling feeling was coming from your throat, like a scream trying to build up enough force to escape.

You said your goodbyes, and you stood. Looking around, the walls seemed to be getting closer. You looked at the door, wondering if you’d make it to the hallway in time before the walls completely closed in and crushed your being horrifically, left for a large group of five year olds to discover. You shook the thought out of your head as best you could, but made a run for it, just in case.

As you flew through the threshold, you entered the hallway and crashed right into Mr. Johnson, followed by a large camera.

“You alright?” He asked.

“I have a terrible headache,” you lied, and judging by the look on the camera person’s face, it wasn’t a good lie. “I need someone to take over my class for the rest of the day. Would you be willing?”

“Sure. I’m working on my mind control, and I could use some test subjects.” He smiled gleefully before making his way into your classroom to prepare for the end of lunch. You didn’t have time to unlock that Mr. J backstory right now. You followed him back into your room to grab your things, told him where your lesson plans were-even though you knew he wasn’t even going to look at them- and what time nap time was, and headed to Ava’s office to let her know you’d be taking the rest of the day off.

“You’re still gonna be at the party though, right?” was all the response she had. Once you had given her the affirmative, she didn’t care what you did.

The first thing you did once you got home was throw yourself hysterically onto your bed, disturbing your cat, Nicky. Sure, it didn’t help your situation, and it definitely made Nicky look at you like you kicked him, but dang it, sometimes it felt good to be dramatic about things. As soon as your body stopped moving, your mind started. So did the tears.

Did your mom lie because your dad left? Did your dad leave because your mom wanted to lie to you?

You hadn’t felt any burning questions or feelings about your dad since your high school days, but now it felt like everything was trying to rush back. Your head was pounding, and you knew the crying would exhaust you into a nap, so you wiped your tears and headed to the kitchen, trying to temporarily situate your brain on any other topic.

Rummaging through your pantry and refrigerator and not finding much, you settled on making yourself a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. It was halfway through making that sandwich that you realized that Melissa had brought some of her mouthwatering ziti in for lunch today, and the realization put you on the verge of tears once more.

“But that’s my favorite!” You whined out loud. Nicky, who had followed you to the kitchen, meowed in response.

“Yeah, I know it was my fault for leaving, but you would not believe the day I had.” You finished making your sandwich, put the knife in the sink, and stood at the counter to eat your sandwich. Nicky waited until you were looking at him again before meowing, as if he were making sure you were paying attention to what he was saying.

“Well, apparently, our grandma died… The one we don’t know… We have an Aunt Dana… Oh! Get this! We’re not allergic to pen and marker inks and mom just lied to us and we could have reached out and found our soulmate forever ago!” You spoke between bites of your sandwich, progressively getting louder and louder until you were yelling.

Nicky had run off as you started yelling, and when you made the realization that you were the reason he ran, the guilt was the last emotional straw on the camel’s back. Your body started to wrack with heaves and sobs causing you to drop the half eaten sandwich on the plate in front of you. You leaned on the counter to keep your balance, but it did you no good, so you turned around, hitting the counter with your back, and slid down until you hit the floor. Hugging your knees, you just bawled until you felt like you could never cry again.

As you stood to take care of your plate, you caught a glimpse of the clock and realized that crying all the tears in your body had taken a little over an hour. Once your plate was sitting in the sink, you realized you had left your phone in your purse so you decided to grab it before heading for a nap.

You reached your hand into your purse, and it fumbled around looking for your phone. Once it had reached its desired item, you yanked your hand out causing your purse to fall, and some of its contents to spill on the floor. You grumbled, but stopped to clean your mess anyway. As you picked it all up, you stopped as you held a red pen in your hands. It was the only ink pen you owned, and you used it for grading papers. You had always been extremely cautious and careful not to allow even a single speck of ink to touch your skin, and yet as it sat here in your hands, you were experiencing, for the first time, temptation to allow just that.

‘It’s the only way to know for sure,’ you thought. You carefully uncapped the pen, and held it out slightly to get a good look at it.

This small thing had caused you so much anguish in your life, all because of an alleged lie. If it was a lie, you’d have a whole new box of emotions to deal with regarding your mother and your entire life. If it wasn’t a lie… well, then you sure hoped they found Nicky a good home.

Determined, you tried to figure out what to write. If it was going to be your first, and possibly last, message to a soulmate that may or may not exist, it had to be good. You spent ten minutes trying to come up with ideas, only to shoot them down as quickly as they popped up. You had to put something, even just to find out whether you truly were allergic or not.

After deciding that no words would be good enough, you decided to draw a flower. You started in the middle of the back of your hand, and began drawing the petals outward. The closer you got to the edges of your fist, the more it resembled a mandala. When you were done, you were quite pleased with yourself. You held it out to get a good look at it, and decided it was one of the better flowers you had drawn.

You waited. No redness. No itchiness. You weren’t breaking out into hives. No swelling. You waited a few minutes more before the tears began again. Your entire life had been a lie. All concocted by the woman who was supposed to protect you.

Not knowing how else to cope, you made your way to your bedroom and under your covers, all the while, tears streaming down your face. Nicky jumped up and curled himself up into the pillow next to your head, and he was the last thing you saw before falling asleep.

The first thing you saw when you woke up was Janine’s face.

“What the f- Janine?!” You screamed as you sat up.

“I’m sorry. I know you said the key was for emergencies only, but you went home early and didn’t text me. I asked Ava about it and she said she had no idea what was going on in your life, and then when I tried calling you on my way home, you didn’t answer so I decided it was an emergency because how was I supposed to know if you were still alive? You weren’t answering me! You always answer me, and you know how my head gets and-” She finally noticed your hand. “What is that? How are you not dead? Do I need to take you to the hospital? Are you-”

“Janine,” you cut her off. “I’m sorry I didn’t answer your texts or calls. I was sleeping. I, uh- My mom lied about my allergy,” you said, rubbing said sleep from your eyes.

“She lied? What? Why would she do that?” She sat at the foot of your bed, eyes alarmingly wide.

You chuckled spitefully. “When you find out the answer, could you tell me, too? I’m dying to know.”

“Sorry, it’s just- that’s huge. Lying about an allergy to keep you from your soulmate? It sounds like some straight up villainy.”

“Right, though?” For the first time in a very long time you looked at your arms and hands for a reply from your soulmate, and sighed when there was nothing. “I dunno. I probably missed my chance or something. I just wish I could reach out to my dad, and see if he has any answers.”

Janine stood suddenly. “The box.”

“What?”

“The box of pictures! Maybe it has pictures of your dad or something with his name on it. Maybe if you have a name, you can reach out to him.”

You looked at her skeptically.

“It can’t hurt, but only if you’re ready,” she added. You supposed she was right. The most it would do would bring up the grief of losing your parents, right?

You made your way across the room to your closet, and started to dig through. All the way at the back, the box full of pictures sat exactly where you had set it years back, untouched and unopened. You pulled it out and placed it on the bed next to your friend. You took your place on the bed, and then looked to Janine for encouragement. She nodded, and you opened the box to commence the task of finding your father.

The photos at the top were high school photos. Your graduation, senior photos, and prom. The deeper you dug, the younger you were in the pictures. You finally got to pictures that consisted of a toddler that had to be you, and a man that was clearly your father.

“Wait. What’s that on your arm there?” Janine pointed at the picture in your hand. You pulled the photograph closer to your face, trying to get a good look at your arm.

“It says ‘I hope I meet you someday.’ Janine!” You gasped and reached for her arm. “Do you know what this means? I have a soulmate!” You stopped and thought for a moment. “Or had a soulmate, but either way! Janine!”

You had a soulmate. They were real. You weren’t sure how many more discoveries you could make before your heart just gave out.

You scrambled through the rest of the pictures, hoping to find another featuring you with any messages from your soulmate, but in all the other photos, your skin was clear of any marks. Janine helped you pick through them, but she, too, came up empty handed. The last thing in the box was a single piece of notebook paper, folded in half with your name scrawled across the front. You took hold of it, opened it, and began reading the long-forgotten letter out loud.

“My dearest child, I hope that one day you can forgive me. I hurt your mother in a way I will never be able to repair. I have found my soulmate. Your mother and I were young when we met, and we believed that our love would be enough. We had decided that we didn’t need soulmates if we had each other. I didn’t mean to find my soulmate. I wasn’t looking for him, I promise. But after we found out, we couldn't deny what had happened. It wouldn’t have been fair to him, to me, or to your mother for life to have continued the way it was. I love you, my child, and I hope that someday in the future, we’ll meet again, and I can apologize properly. Until then, love Dad.”

“Woah,” Janine was practically reeling from shock, and it wasn’t even her dad.

“So, my mom lied to me about the ink allergy because my dad found his soulmate and broke her heart,” you were officially over today. “Alright, that’s it. I need a distraction from my life right now,” you started putting all the pictures back in the box haphazardly. Janine didn’t move, so you pulled the photos out of her hand to add to the rest. “I’m gonna shower, get dressed, and then we’re gonna go get your apartment ready for the party.”

Janine agreed, and left you to take care of the box. Instead of shoving it to the back of your closet again, you put it in your living room. Finding your father would be an adventure for a new day.

The weight of the day made you feel as if it had been weeks since you had showered. You decided that was your first step. Stepping into the steaming water, you sighed as your brain tried working through the events of the day. You thought about Melissa and how your soulmate had grown to become a rarely passing thought because of her. You couldn’t help but feel a twinge of sadness at the thought of Melissa. A part of why she had accepted you was your shared lack of a soulmate. If she found out that you really did have a soulmate, she may stop talking to you altogether.

You scrubbed your body, and your feelings morphed into guilt as your thoughts turned to the idea of taking a chance and trying to sleep with Melissa at least once before starting your search for your soulmate. You figured that any type of relationship was out of the question. Especially now that you know for sure that you have a soulmate, there was no way that you couldn’t at least attempt to communicate with them, given the information learned today. You sighed and decided that you couldn’t do that to her. It just wouldn’t be fair.

Looking down at your hand, you frowned slightly and began scrubbing the pen ink off., and when it was gone, you finished your shower by washing your face.

You stepped out of the shower and dried yourself off quickly to avoid the cold air on your wet skin. You slipped into your bedroom, greeted by Nicky, and started rifling through your closet for something to wear to the party. A little black number caught your eye, and you pulled it out. You turned to the bed where Nicky laid, watching you, and held the dress up to your body.

“Whatcha think, Nicky boy?”

He gave you an enthused meow in return.

“What? Just because I’m not gonna try to get laid tonight doesn’t mean I can’t look nice,” you defended yourself.

He meowed again. He was always so judgemental.

“Oh, whatever. What do you know? You don’t even have a job.” You tossed the dress onto the bed, next to your boy, and he got up to leave, clearly offended that you brought up his unemployment. You continued getting ready. You dried your hair and put it up in a loose updo, and put on some light makeup. You threw on your dress and admired the way it made you look in the mirror. It definitely left nothing to the imagination, and the deep cut neck made your cleavage unavoidable.

You made your way over to Janine’s apartment, and you didn’t even have to knock. The door flew open just as your knuckles were about to connect to it. “I was waiting for you,” she said with a bright smile. She held up a bottle of wine. “Wanna pregame?”

“Of course I do,” you couldn’t have hidden your enthusiasm if you had tried. You took the bottle from her as you entered, and she made her way to retrieve the glasses. When she returned to the couch, you poured yourself a healthy helping and poured Janine the same amount. She immediately started talking about the plan for her party again, and you took the chance to take a few large sips of your drink.

After a while, the conversation turned into her recounting her day. “-and then Melissa freaked out, and I mean that she was full on panicking. She had gloves on for the rest of the day.”

“Wait, I’m sorry. I zoned out for a second. What happened?” Janine looked at you, and you thought you saw a hint of pity in her expression, and it frustrated you slightly, but you didn’t have time to dwell because she repeated herself.

“I guess one of the kids got sick, like, really sick after lunch, and it was all over her room and she had to clean it up. Said she went through three rolls of paper towel, and a whole bottle of bleach, but Mr. Johnson said he didn’t see that much paper towel in any of her trash cans because if he had he would have charged her for it. She wore the gloves the rest of the day. Gregory asked her about the gloves, and she said that you never knew when the next person was gonna throw up. It was ridiculous.” She chuckled a little and you looked at the time. Janine had recounted her itinerary for the night so many times, you practically had it memorized, so you knew that Melissa and Barb would be here any moment now.

Downing the rest of the wine in your glass, you stood and grabbed the remaining quarter bottle of wine. “Speaking of her, she and Barb should be here any minute, so we need to put this away, and act like we’re still setting up.”

She nodded and finished off her wine, handing the glass to you and standing from the couch. As a knock came from the door, you made your way to the kitchen. There on a small table was a smorgasbord of alcohol, so you placed the wine among them. Noticing a bottle of tequila, you picked it up, grabbed a shot glass, and poured yourself a shot. After downing it quickly, you heard footsteps approaching, so you turned to see a member of the camera crew.

You said hello and grabbed a shot glass to offer to him. He agreed, and together you took another shot. You started to feel that warm feeling in your stomach, and knew that you had to wait a little bit for your next drink. You thought you heard another knock on the door, but the camera man asked you about why you had left school early, and you couldn’t come up with an excuse fast enough to see if you were right about the door.

You could come up with a lie, however.

“I had a family emergency.” It wasn’t technically a lie. It felt like an emergency, and it did pertain to family.

Your eyes shifted to the doorway as Janine passed by, followed by Barb, Melissa, and the other cameraman. You couldn’t help the way your eyes were glued to Melissa’s figure. When you turned back to the cameraman, he was giving you a knowing look. You rolled your eyes, but you could feel the heat creeping up your neck. It had been long enough since your last shot, right?

You quickly took another shot of tequila, just as another knock came, and this time you were sure you heard it. By the time you made it back into the living room, the guests let themselves in and found their ways to their respective interest spots. They weren’t anyone you recognized, but you were thankful for the escape from the prying cameraman.

Janine, the cameraman, and the two veteran teachers returned just as another knock came on the door. Janine rushed to open the door and revealed Gregory and Jacob, followed immediately by Ava, who made her way directly towards you.

“You feelin’ any better?” When you nodded in affirmation, she grabbed your arm and began pulling you back towards the kitchen. “Good, ‘cause we’re drinking,” she sounded exasperated with the party already. She led you back to the kitchen and forced you to toss three more shots into your already buzzed body. By the time the two of you returned to the living room, the party was officially in full swing, and there were people talking and mingling everywhere. As you scanned the room for a certain redhead, you noticed the same thing you’ve noticed in every room you’ve walked into since you were young: the soulmates. Drunk soulmates scattered across Janine’s apartment, the majority of which were using each other as canvases. You didn’t see Melissa, though. You turned to the woman beside you and spoke abruptly.

“Ava, I want a mustache.”

“What?” The look of shock and disgust on Ava’s face was enough to have you laughing. Between your giggles, you explained that you meant that you wanted her to draw a mustache on your face. After a slight amount of convincing (and possibly another shot or two), she agreed to draw you a mustache.

She brought the marker to your upper lip, and you felt the cold tip of the marker swipe down your lip a few times. Your eyes flitted to the doorway as Melissa walked into the room, just as Ava asked, “You want Al Sharpton or Steve Harvey?”

You weren’t sure if it was the shock of seeing Melissa with half a mustache, or the humor of Ava’s question, but you laughed and turned your head sharply causing the marker to travel almost parallel to your lip and halfway across your cheek. When you looked up again, and saw that Melissa now had a mark across her face too, your head began to swim. You had so many thoughts and questions almost immediately, but the only thing you could do was stare at her like a deer in the headlights.

When you regained control of your limbs again, you excused yourself from Ava’s company and quickly headed for the door. You didn’t know what you were going to do next, but you knew that you didn’t want to do it drunk. You made it to the hallway outside Janine’s door, and propped yourself against the wall to take a breather. It didn’t last long before familiar footsteps approached. You knew who it was before you looked up to meet her eyes.

“I didn’t think I had one,” she said quietly. “An’ I thought you were allergic to ink?”

You chuckled slightly and looked up to meet Melissa’s gaze. “It’s a long story. Can I tell you over coffee?” You hoped her smile was a confirmation, but as she reached her hand out, you knew it was going to be an interesting night.

[nessatwene-art]

TPP: EP 1

It’s the first day of school at Central High and the first day of third year for Lucas, already over it before he could amble into the building. It’s just another school year. Robyn stepped out of a car, waving her mom goodbye. She let out a soft sigh, gazing up at the high school. She just wanted to get through her first day at her new school without any trouble. 

The student body crammed their way into the gymnasium. Red, white and black confetti were scattered everywhere, and balloons arched a speaking podium in the middle of the gym. A huge red banner hung across the wall saying “Welcome Cardinals!” in big white letters. 

The pep rally was always the most annoying part of the first day, Lucas thought, sitting next to his friends on the crowded, rowdy bleachers. The marching band music, the obnoxious cheerleaders, too much pomp and circumstance. He plugged his ear buds, attempting to drown out the noise.

“Omg hi!! Hey!! How’s it going!” Clarissa waved at everyone she missed this past summer. 

Mark scrolled through his phone, passing post after post about different monster appearances around Union. Regular Monday news.

“Hi,” Robyn pointed at the open space next to Clarissa, “Is this seat taken?”

“No, go ahead!” Clarissa scooted over, “I’ve never seen you here before.”

“I’m new here.”

Clarissa gasped, starry eyed, “That’s so exciting!” Clarissa poked at Mark and Lucas, “Guys! A new student!”

Robyn gave them a nervous smile, they awkwardly waved back.

“I’m Clarissa by the way.” Clarissa held out her hand.

“Robyn, I’m a junior,” She happily shook it. How friendly, She thought.

“The one with the glasses is Mark, and the brooding one is Lucas. They’re like my best buds.” Clarissa introduced the others. “Also juniors.”

“Clar, I’m not brooding,” Lucas yawned, “Just tired.”

“It's 7:45, dude, wake up,” Mark shoved Lucas’s shoulder. 

Mic feedback rippled through the gym and all chatter and music shushed. The principal stood against the podium, welcoming the students into a new school year with obvious cringe and outdated slang here and there. 

“Hey,” Clarissa whispered to Robyn, “If you want, we can give you a tour around campus during lunch.”

Robyn agreed, it beats feeling lost for a week. Plus she liked Clarissa’s hospitality.

Students fizzled out of the gym, cramming through the hallway. 

Clarissa offered to help Robyn locate her locker as they strolled along in front of the other two. It was sort of a special skill of Clarissa to seem like close friends to someone she met fifteen minutes ago.

Mark nudged Lucas, “Doing anything this year?”

“I don’t know…” Lucas scratched his head.

“Baseball?”

“Our team sucked last year.”

“Well you could always—”

“I’m not joining robotics, Mark,” Lucas rolled his eyes, stopping in front of his locker.

“Whoa!” Clarissa hollered just a couple lockers down, “You guys are neighbors!” She pointed at Robyn opening hers at the lower level. Robyn gave yet another awkward smile.

“What about competition? You haven’t done those in a while,” Mark leaned against the wall.

“My dad’s been on my case about fighting,” Lucas threw random supplies from his backpack into his locker, “Saying I should ‘focus on school extracurriculars and whatever,'” Lucas gave his best dad impression. “I don’t know what the issue is.”

A Skateboarder swept through the hallway, “Whoops!” swiping Lucas backpack right out of his hands, scattering books and papers across the floor.

“What the hell!” Lucas, annoyed, bent over to pick his stuff up.

“Oh gosh,” Robyn helped gather up the remaining.

The skateboarder slowly scooted back, eyeing Robyn.

“Never seen you before,” He smirked

“Piss off, Blake,” Lucas spat.

“Take it easy,” Blake relaxed his hands in his jean pockets, “I’m just trying our new friend.”

“Well, I’m Robyn,” For better or for worse, she introduced herself one more time, “I’m new…you get the picture.”

“Right, right, and I guess you already made friends with Mucas, Crony, and braceface.”

“Hey!” Clarissa objected.

“Rude…” Mark added.

Lucas kicked Blake’s board, rolling it down the hallway.

“The hell?! That was a new board!”

“Then don’t knock over my stuff!” Lucas said, tightening his fist at Blake.

Not a second too soon the principal stood over the two with a skateboard around his arm, “Break it up!” He looked unpleasant. “If you lay a finger on each other it'll be straight to detention!”

“Sorry, Principal Finke,” Lucas and Blake said in unison as if they rehearsed it thousands of times.

“And there’s no skateboarding in the building! I’ll be confiscating this till further notice.”

“Aw come on!” Blake protested.

BRING!! The first bell rang. 

“Hurry off to homeroom, all of you. Luckily It’s meatball sub Monday so I’m in a good mood,” The principal walked off.

“Tch dork ass,” Blake insulted the principal. He turned back to Robyn, smirked and shrugged. “It was nice to meet you, Robbie,” then he sauntered away.

“Geeeezz,” Clarissa groaned.

“Yeah…uh sorry about that,” Lucas apologized. “He’s…”

“An asshole?” Robyn finished.

“Yup.”

BRING!!  the bell rang again.

“Do you mind helping me find my homeroom, Clarissa?” Robyn asked.

“Sure!” They began walking together. “Robyn tour during lunch! Don’t forget!” Clarissa called out to the boys heading their separate ways.

“307…307…” Robyn mumbled, looking for her last class before lunch. 

She walked into a science classroom, already filled with other students, Blake among them, hanging out before the bell rings. She noticed Lucas sitting at a desk in the last row, head perched on his hand, buds in his ear, and gazing out the window. Robyn took the empty desk right in front of him, they may not be close but at least he’s a familiar face.

“Um Luke, right?”

“Close,” He took his earbuds out, “Lucas.”

“Oh right, right,” She playfully knocked her forehead. 

Robyn wondered what to talk about, Lucas seemed much more reserved than his enthusiastic friend, Clarissa. “Are you into chemistry?” This is a chemistry class…

“Eh,” Lucas shrugged, “It's fine I guess.”

“Ah.” 

Lucas folded his arms and leaned back against his chair, “Picked up a thing or two from my dad. He really wanted me to take it though. it’s like his thing.”

“Uh huh,” Robyn nodded.

“So where’re you from?”

“I’m from Union, I've been in Central for most of my life.”

“Then where'd you go? Eastman? Rolling Green? Kilbourne?

The question stung her a bit. After all she wanted to leave that behind but she knew it was inevitable.

“Um…Ravenwood…”

“Ravenwood?” Lucas leaned forward.

Robyn could feel the slight twinge of embarrassment. “Y-yeah.”

“Huh,” Lucas lingered for a second, “I could see it.”

The bell finally rang and students took their seats as their teacher rushed in through the door.

“Good morning everyone,” The teacher began scribbling her name on the whiteboard in front of the class. “I’m Elizabeth Vader, but you can call me Ms. Ellie,” She said in a bright smile. “Welcome to AP Chem!”

Ms. Ellie passed out syllabuses then pulled out a bowl filled with small pieces of paper. “Please pick one piece of paper,” She explained while walking down the rows, “And whoever gets the same number as you is your lab partner for the semester.”

A few students groaned.

Ms. Ellie made it to the last row, Robyn and Lucas drew a lot.

“7,” Robyn’s paper read.

Lucas tapped her shoulder, holding out his paper, “7.”

“Guess we’re lab partners,” Lucas said.

“Lab partners and locker neighbors. What are the chances?” Robyn laughed.

Students talked amongst themselves for a bit, as Ms. Ellie prepared material at her front desk. Robyn overheard a couple of peers talking about the recent news, unnaturals, mysterious monsters that have appeared in Union for some time. One mentioned how he thought one of the unnaturals looked kind of cool, describing it the best he could. bright yellow eyes, huge talons, and two pairs of wings that allowed it to soar like a jet. 

“That sounds like a yellow core ave unnatural!” Robyn butted in, “not crazy rare or anything, but some aves can fly over 300 miles per hour, which is faster than the fastest bird on earth, and—” Robyn trailed off, “oh sorry…” She adjusted her glasses.

“No, no, it’s cool,” The student reassured her.

“Pffft ha!” Lucas cracked up, “Now I definitely see it.”

The bell rang and students filed out of the room heading towards the cafeteria. Robyn sat at her desk packing up while Lucas sat on the desktop texting Clarissa their ETA. 

“Oh Robyn!” Ms. Ellie walked up towards her, “Sorry for being a little nosy, but I overheard your little convo and saw you have credit from a summer program at the Union Institute.”

“Mm hm.”

“I think it’s very impressive! I don’t meet too many students who are very passionate about studying unnaturals.”

“Thanks Ms. Ellie,” Robyn blushed.

“Would you be interested in seeing the science department’s core collection?”

Robyn gasped, “I would love to!”

She followed Ms. Ellie to the department's storage room at the back of the class. Lucas jumped from the desktop, tailing behind them.

Ms. Ellie turned on the lights and opened a large cabinet next to a shelf of extra beakers and graduated cylinders. Inside were seven half gallon sized glass tubes with a metal base and a top locked with a hatch. Each held a colorful crystal orb. Half shined brilliantly while the others were dim. They all had labels taped around the thick glass with their designated nomenclature; Red cored beast, yellow cored aquatic, yellow cored flora, and so on.

“I’m sure it’s not as impressive as the Union Institute,” Ms. Ellie took one out, passing it to Robyn.

“There’s so much variety! Plus these stasis chambers look brand new!” Robyn gleefully examined. 

Ms. Ellie noticed Lucas leaning against the door frame. “Would you like to see?” She handed him an unnatural stasis chamber before he could utter a word.

“How was the program, Robyn?” She asked.

“It was great!” Robyn hopped in excitement, “I learned so much. The labs were so cool and modern! Plus the food was pretty darn good.”

“How lovely!”

“Even better, I got to meet the lab’s director and he offered me an after school internship!”

“That’s wonderful, Robyn!”

“Wait, for real?” Lucas added, juggling the glowing red core given by Ms. Ellie with his bare hands. 

“Yeah! But…” Robyn’s excitement grew quiet. “I don’t know if my project idea will be approved if—”

“Lucas! My goodness!” Ms. Ellie interrupted.

“...What?” Lucas said, startled.

“Don’t take active cores out of their stasis chambers!” She scolded him. “If it’s left out too long its form could regenerate!”

“It’s not like it’s gonna reform in a second,” he threw the core up, catching it like a ball.

Ms. Ellie winced. “Lucas, put it back please,” She threw her hands on her hips with a stern frown.

He groaned, putting the core back in its chamber and locking its hatch. He placed the chamber on the closest shelf stocked with extra chem equipment.

Ms. Ellie exhaled in relief. “Well,” she cleared her throat, “You two don't want to miss lunch right?” 

“Oh right, my tour!” Robyn remembered.

Ms. Ellie escorted them out of the classroom, shutting the door behind her.

The door creaked back open. A figure tiptoed through the classroom to the storage room, easily breaking in. They took the chamber sitting on the shelf placed by Lucas, unlocked  its hatch, and set the shining red core on the tiled floor. It began to simmer. The figure hurried out the room, leaving the door cracked open.

“There you guys are!” Clarissa stood outside the bustling cafeteria.  

“We had class on the third floor,” Lucas replied, walking beside Robyn, “Plus the new girl’s a teacher’s pet.”

“Hey,” Robyn objected, “For your information we were having a great conversation till he decided to mess with an unnatural core.”

“It wasn't that big of a deal,” Lucas brushed it off.

“Um? You weren’t handling it properly and—”

“Hey guys!” Mark jogged in out of breath. 

“And where were you?” Clarissa asked.

“Gym class.” 

“Well since we’re all here…Tour!” Clarissa led the way down the hallway. 

The three guided Robyn through Central High, filling her in on anecdotes and embarrassing gossip; like last year's nearly disastrous production of Singing in the Rain, the pranks pulled by the varsity football team on student council, and the time when a rival school kidnapped their mascot, Cornelius the Cardinal, and held him for “ransom”. 

“That’s where we have anime club!” Clarissa pointed at a classroom, “you can join if you want!”

“Or Robotics. Thursdays and Fridays starting next week.” Mark added.

“Thanks, I’ll consider,” Robyn smiled, not wanting to turn them down yet.

“Did you do any clubs at your old school?” Mark asked.

“Academic olympiad and archery.” She pretended to draw and shoot a bow.

Mark, Clarissa, and Lucas awed.

“Of course your old school had an archery team,” Lucas remarked.

“Wait, where are you from anyway?” Mark raised another question as they headed up to the third floor.

Robyn hesitated at the top of the stairs. “Just another school in Union—”

“She went to Ravenwood,” Lucas killed the suspense.

Mark and Clarissa gasped.

Ravenwood Academy isn’t that different from Central High, right? The thought ran through her head. Her eyes pierced at Lucas when he passed her up the steps. He glanced back, shrugging a shoulder.

“Wait, I totally see it…” Clarissa wagged her finger when she connected the dots.

“Told ya, teacher’s pet—OW!” Clarissa nudged Lucas in his side.

“I mean, that’s a really good school,” Mark wondered, “Don’t mean to pry but how come you left?”

“Ah well.” 

The three raised their brows, eager for Robyn’s answer.

“I guess it just wasn’t for me. I mean, who wants to go to a school with a bunch of know-it-alls anyway,” Robyn laughed, “Plus I don’t have to wear a uniform anymore.”

The others giggled at her punches at Ravenwood.

“Then I’m glad I got to meet you, Robyn,” Clarissa said as they continued their tour down a third floor hallway. “I moved to Central when I was ten, so I understand what going to a new school is like.”

Robyn gave a sweet smile.

Lucas threw his gaze elsewhere—not sure what it was in him but he wasn’t satisfied with that answer. Though he’s only known Robyn for what? Four-ish hours? 

She didn’t feel ready to tell the truth yet. It weighed heavy on her heart but this is what she wanted.

They finally reach the science wing. Clarissa stepped in front of the rest, ready to end the tour. 

“And that’s our school!” She raised her arms in the air, “any questions?”

“Hmm…” Robyn pondered.

“Can we get some food, Clar? I’m staarrrvving,” Lucas’s stomach grumbled.

“Do we still have enough time for lunch?” Robyn asked.

“We can grab lunch during study hall, teachers don’t really take attendance for upperclassmen then,” Mark explained.

“First day usual?” Lucas posed.

“I’m up for it,” Mark agreed.

“What’s the first day usual?”

“Since middle school, we would go to Pelino’s Pizza and Deli after school and get a large box of the ultimate four cheeses with the works. Then go to the corner store on the same street and load up on a ton of snacks and drinks!” Clarissa eye’s eyes lit up talking about it.

“Not the fanciest, but it hits every time,” Lucas grinned.

His grin was whipped away as a shadow grew tall behind Clarissa. The others stood stunned by Its abrupt appearance, staring into its fiery red eyes as it slowly drew out its thick claws.

“And since we’re upperclassmen now, we can leave campus whe—”

“CLARISSA!” Robyn gasped, jumping to grab her out of the way. They slide across the hallway, bumping into a wall of lockers.

SWOOSH! Its claws striked the ground.

“Holy crap!” Clarissa yelled while pinned to the floor. “What was that?”

The Unnatural stood up on its hind legs, its body was as thick as a black bear, and its fur was colored like cinnabar jasper. Two large fangs raised out from its bottom jaw and claws were as long as a sloth’s. Robyn felt a beat of sweat drip from her face. This encounter felt all too familiar but this time she knew what to do. Robyn rose on to one knee, her hands began to spark, materializing a glowing purple bow.

“Whoa,” Clarissa was awestruck. 

She drew the string, conjuring an arrow just as brilliant as the bow. WOOSH! Robyn shot. It flew down the hallway towards the unnatural, hitting the wall just beside it.

“Gah?! I missed?!” Robyn cried.

However, she didn’t fail to get it’s attention. The unnatural turned towards the girls, stomping and lifting its claws. There was nowhere to run in time, they braced for impact. 

WAM! An azure beam shot the unnatural to the ground. 

The girls hurried up from the floor and Robyn looked around for where the shot came from. Lucas held a finger gun and blue steam wisped from the end of his index finger.

“Oh my god!” Mark said, hiding behind Lucas, “Are you guys okay?”

Before they could answer, the unnatural stood up, escaping on all fours down the hallway.

“Damn it!” Lucas raced after it, “Mark, watch over them!” He yelled.

“Lucas, wait!” Robyn chased after them before Mark could stop her.

Robyn followed Lucas, staring carefully at the unnatural they’re pursuing. Then it clicked.

“Lucas!” Robyn caught up with him.

“Hey!” He was shocked to see her, “I thought you were staying back?”

“Lucas, look!” She pointed at the unnatural, “That’s what happens when you mess with a core!” She scolded him.

“....What?!!” 

The stopped at the top of a stairway as the unnatural stood its ground at the bottom.

“That’s a red core unnatural! That’s the one you took out of its stasis chamber!”

“What the hell are you talking about?! You saw me put it back!”

“Maybe you didn’t put it back right. I told you it’s dangerous!” Robyn argued. She drew her bow again, shooting and missing again. “Come on!” She yelled in frustration.

Lucas ran down the steps, this time hitting the unnatural with an energy fist. They locked in combat as the commotion began to draw a crowd. Robyn followed down to the second floor and watched as Lucas effortlessly fought against the unnatural. Even when he was hit he could brush it off. A punch, a kick, a shot—his grin was wide and eyes focused, like he was having a blast. As for Robyn, she could barely hit it with her arrows.

“Excuse me! Sorry!” She ran through the crowd of students, drawing her bow one more time. It hit! “Yes!” Robyn cheered.

The unnatural takes its attention from Lucas to Robyn.

“Oh no!”

It chased after her. 

She ran into a deadend and the unnatural continued to charge after her.

Perfect, Lucas thought.

“Robyn!” Lucas sprint behind the unnatural, “When I say ‘now’ shoot an arrow at its chest!”

Robyn gulped and drew her bow, closing one eye to aim. Lucas formed a finger gun and the index started to glow.

The unnatural rushed closer and closer and closer, then jumped into the air.

“Now!”

Robyn shot her arrow and Lucas shot a beam, both striking the unnatural right in the middle. It fell to the ground and its form dissipated into a thick red smoke, leaving nothing but a glowing red core on the ground.

Robyn slid against the wall, dropping to in relief. Lucas walked over and helped her up. She brushed the dust out of her skirt as more people stepped into the hallway. Chatter among them grew louder and some even cheered.

“Nice,” Lucas smiled.

She smiled back.

Clarissa and Mark ran down the stairs, embracing both. 

“Holy cow!” Clarissa exclaimed, “are you guys okay?”

“Yeah,” despite nearly being attacked and missing almost all her shots, Robyn beamed. “We’re great!”

The principal came rushing down the hallway, hands over his head utterly flabbergasted. “WHAT IN GOD’S NAME?!”

Garbage, books, and papers were thrown everywhere, a broken fountain spat out water, and some lockers were dented and covered in claw marks. 

“Oops,” Lucas mumbled.

The hallway was a mess!

“Who is responsible for this!!??” The Principal's face was hot red.

A few in the crowd point at the culprits.

Lucas’s jaw dropped “ARE YA’LL SERIOUS??!”

The final bell rang, Lucas and Robyn sat in an empty classroom. Robyn’s face was planted on the desk while Lucas sat with his head perched on his shoulder bored.

“First time in detention?” Lucas asked.

“Noo,” Robyn sulked, lifting her head, “But it's my first time having two entire weeks of detention!” She planted her face back on the desk. “Thanks for asking.”

“Finke has a stick up his geriatric ass. He’s always looking for someone to punish,” Lucas tried to reassure her. 

She didn’t respond.

“Um, sorry about that”

“About what?”

“The unnatural…but I swore I put the core back.”

“It’s fine,” Robyn lifted her head back up, “I wonder how it could’ve gotten out…” She took a small journal from her backpack, scribbling thoughts onto a page.

“Hell of a first day, huh?” he sat back, resting the back of his head against his hands.

“Gee, you telling me,” she agreed, “I thought getting through my first day was going to be easy but now I’m sitting in after school detention with nine more waiting for me because an unnatural somehow attacked the school! Now I’m gonna be late to my internship which I don't even know is gonna happen because I haven’t gotten my project approved because nobody wants to join!” She vented out her frustrations.

“What's the project,” Lucas asked.

“It doesn’t matter. It’s not going to get approved anyway.”

“Lemme hear it.”

Robyn sighed, “I wanted to do case studies of unnaturals living and appearing around Central on a personal level—and help out if they're causing trouble, sorta like today. If you think you put it back then how did it appear in the school? Was it from a fracture?” She came to a sad pause. “I’m the only high schooler and none of the other interns wanted to join. Plus I can barely use my powers well. How am I going to help anyone, let alone myself?” Robyn sunk in her desk.

“Could I join?”

“Wait…what?” Robyn perked up.

“You have a cool power. Your bow.” Lucas complimented. “Didn’t expect you to be a poten.”

“I didn’t expect you either—”

“But,” Lucas continued, “Monsters aren’t sitting targets. Your technique is too hesitant, that’s why you missed so much.”

“Oh! Uhhhh.”

“And if you’re standing there to load up your shots, you’re easy prey.”

 “Hm…” Robyn thinks for a moment, wondering how much he was paying at attention to her during the fight. He seemed too focused; like he was in his own world.

“So I figured, your project is gonna be like this, you’re gonna need someone who knows their way around a fight.” Lucas shrugged, “Maybe help you to learn your abilities.” He tried to come off as nonchalant, but his interest was genuine.

Robyn wondered, “I don’t know if the director would allow it since you're not an intern and all.”

“C’mon,” Lucas insisted, “If I teach you, you teach me. I think we can work something out.”

Robyn beamed, remembering how his face looked when he was fighting the unnatural. That was his element.

“Okay,” She agreed, “Then let's go after school tomorrow! I can’t wait for you to see the lab and meet the director! It’s going to be so cool!”

They chatted through the rest of detention. One person was one step closer. Despite all that happened today, more was awaiting them.

Ms. Ellie opened the door to the science department storage. Holding the core in her hand, she placed the core back in its chamber, locking it tightly. 

“Gosh, how troublesome.” She placed the chamber back in the cabinet with the others. “I’m just glad that nobody was hurt,” She sighed in relief. She closed the cabinet, locking it securely with a padlock. Ms. Ellie walked out of the room, shutting the door behind her. Unknown to her, another stasis chamber sat hidden behind the shelf of extra books and equipment, unlocked and empty.

[cyans-ocverse-of-madness]

The Beginning

words - 799

No tw/cw

Next part is going to be Initiation :))))

@aurum-the-yapper

The Being didn't remember anything from before that day. That one strange, beautiful day when she had woken up and become a Speaker. 

She was dozing peacefully when she felt a sharp poke in her side.

“Hrhgh?” The Being mumbled at the sudden pain.

“Is it dead?”

She peeked upwards from her place on the grass and squinted in the bright light.

“Oh! Look. It's eyes opened!”

There were three figures standing around her. Each was wearing loose clothes of varying orange and brown shades. The one poking her with a stick had rock-like skin and pure white hair. She was pretty sure this one had been the one asking if “it” was dead.

The second figure was ginger, had a rosy complexion and teal spikes all over her head and shoulders. The same teal was glowing from her right eye while her left was a fiery orange. 

“Hey, are you okay?”

The third person reached out to give The Being a hand up. She blinked slowly.

“Yeah… I think?” The Being responded. 

This person was a short masculine figure with horns, goat-like eyes, and dark red hair.

“I'm Zelbu. Who are you?” The Being hesitated.

“I… I’m… I don't know. Where am I? Why am I here? Who are you guys?”

She tried to get a grasp of her surroundings as her hand reached up to grab his. 

Zelbu's skin looked ashy compared to The Being's. He had brown skin, yet he also looked like he had not been in the sun for a very long time. The Being's hand was a rich copper that glowed in the tree-dappled sunlight.

The one with the spikes puffed out her chest proudly. She put a fist over her heart and grinned with a mouth full of fangs.

“We are the newly promoted Junior Explorers of the Locust Speaker branch. I am Dryope, and this is Hestia-" she pointed to the grey skinned one “-and Zelbu.” 

She turned to her companions and lowered her voice, “Maybe if we bring back a new recruit, we can get ordained early. I sure don't want to wait another two years.”

Hestia frowned. “What's a deerborn gonna do for our higher ups? Plus, this one looks barely more than 12 years old. We're only 14 and we're on the young side of recruiting.” 

“Pleeeeaaaaase?” Dryope whined.

Deerborn?

The Being reached upwards, and her hand brushed something hard. An antler protruded from each side of her head.

“I'm not sure what's going on. Would you be able to help me figure out why I'm here? And why can't I remember anything?”

Zelbu looked startled. “Did you hit your head? Oh no, did we find someone with brain damage?”

“No, I think I'm fine. My mind is just blank? I don't know.” She shrugged.

Hestia crossed their arms angrily but Zelbu and Dryope shared an understanding glance.

Dryope spoke first. “You'll come with us on one condition. You have to join The Speakers.”

“The what?”

“The Speakers? One of the great branches? People of the lava and the truth?” Hestia piped up.

The Being thought for a moment. She thought this sounded like a cult, but wasn't going to comment on these teenager's beliefs if they could get her help.

“Why not! I'll come with you.”

It was that simple. That one conversation between brainwashed foot soldiers and an unknowing child caused so much to happen, even if they didn't know it then.

As soon as The Being entered the fortress, she knew she had made a mistake. The walls pressed in around her,  making her jumpy. All sorts of people passed her in the hall. Dryope had gone into some room and told her to wait outside. The other two had wandered off somewhere, probably getting back to their duties. 

The door opened and Dryope stepped out. “Welcome to Locust.” She grinned and held out a pile of robes for The Being to try on. These were probably the uniform. 

“Hold on, I never agreed to-” Dryope placed a finger on The Being's lips. 

“It's for your own good. Now, let's go to the dorms and get you a place to sleep.”

The Being was left alone in a long room full of sleeping mats. The heat was oppressive, so she began undressing to get into the new uniform. She reached into her pant pockets, just to check them before disposing of the dirty fabric. Inside was a cool, golden medallion.

On one side it read “||𝙹⚍  ᔑ∷ᒷ  ||𝙹⚍∷  ⍑𝙹ᒲᒷ” [you are your home] in standard galactic. Somehow, The Being could read it no problem. She turned it over. This side had small butterflies made of a purple crystal and the word “Esper”.

“That's me, isn't it?”

Esper had found her name and her new home.

[p-taryn-dactyl]

guys guys guys!!! I need your help deciding which book/novel idea to continue writing!!! I'll give either a synopsis or excerpt of each one and then there'll be a poll!! I would love to complete my childhood dream of writing a book and this would help me so much!! (it's kinda long tho so I apologize)

!!ALL WRITING AND IDEAS BELOW ARE MINE!! Please do not steal or post to other platforms!

idea #1: The Confessor

(this will contain 'spoilers' for the book/I took out the killers name tho)

Main Character: Eliza Clarke

Bad Guy/Killer: “I am The Confessor”

Main plot:

“The Confessor” is hired by many of societies elite (ie. billionaires, high profile lawyers, surgeons, CEOs of giant companies) to take care of their problems [a pregnant mistress, a source who holds information they would rather not be shared, an older brother with ties to the inheritance, etc.] 

One by one, methodically, a person on The Confessor's list goes missing, until their bodies are found either in their house, a church yard, or a pool

he uses torture/killing techniques used during the 1500-1700 Witch Trials to kill the suspects

With each body found, there is a note written in old English “I am The Confessor”

No evidence is found at the places where the bodies reappeared, as they were moved, and no evidence can be found on the bodies as their skin/nails/hair have been cleaned with high acting soap that can be found at any grocery store, plus they are found with the last outfit they were seen in, washed/sterilized with a rip down their backs (indicating their bodies were searched for the “mark of the devil”

The Confessor stops his killings as the last of his list dwindles down but after a year of these murders being cold cases, he starts up again: this time, on an actual hunt for those who deal with the devil

For the year of the cases being cold, a junior in college, Eliza Clarke who’s major is history and her hobby is “investigative” journalism (She reads case files and reacts to them), follows the case and any updates

One night, while her friends are partying, she has the files spread out on her floor (her older step brother takes photos for the police and once a case goes cold he has permission to release pictures to private investigators) and figures out how similar the murders are to renaissance witch trials (1500-1700)

(I have more notes on this but I don't want to give too much away)

idea #2: 'unnamed book'

excerpt:

Everyone speaks of that moment before death where your life flashes before your eyes. Some say you’ll relive every memory with such clarity that you truly do not know if you’re alive or in the feeble moment before the end. Others say it’s a split second, where you watch from a third person perspective, your memories a movie.  Both are wrong. The moment before you die, there is no flash of memories, no reliving every moment. Only silence as your body realizes it’s coming to an end. But then comes the panic. Your mind starts to go into overdrive, thinking this can’t be the end. Yes, you do remember a few key moments of your life, fueling your will to survive. You call out, begging for a second chance, begging to have more time.  Normally, the pleas fall on deaf ears, their last breaths passing through their lips, their body going still.  But sometimes, someone hears the pleas of the fallen.  And answers. 

if you're still here, thank you!! please vote on the poll!!

(note: even if one wins way more than another, I will probably write it someday and this is not an invitation to steal ideas 😁)

[emeren]

speed racer- eren jaeger

pairing: eren jaeger x fem!reader 

word count: 6k

content warnings: nsfw, smut, 18+, smoking, degradation, overstimulation, breeding (w/o baby talk) 

notes: 100% inspired by the official art, like mmm yes please. also i know absolutely nothing about how car racing works, but that’s not important. this is unedited because my brain turned to mush writing it. enjoy!! <3

SUMMARY: eren’s a semi-professional car racer, who has a tumultuous friendship with the reader. after losing a race, eren sets out to win something else in his life, much to the reader’s surprise. 

“took you long enough!” sasha called out, holding her hand above her eyes in an attempt to block out the bright sun. you dished her a smile, weaving your way through the throngs of people in the stands, attempting not to step on anyone. your eyes briefly flitted to the track, the assistants distantly getting their cars ready. they were hardly visible from here; merely faceless figures idling around. you heaved out a sigh as you reached sasha, the brunette gingerly patting the spot next to her. 

“you couldn’t have gotten better seats, sash?” you asked as you sat down, pushing your sunglasses on top of your head. sasha waved her large bag of popcorn in front of your face, an exasperated expression on her features. 

“the line was long, and what’s a race without popcorn?” she grinned, offering you the bag. you rolled your eyes but took a fistful of the bright yellow snack nonetheless. “plus, if you really wanted that good of seats, you would’ve come early yourself.” 

“i did come here early,” you retorted, your voice muffled by the popcorn. sasha raised a questioning brow, her elbow nudging you in the side. 

“getting here early just so you can poke around the racer’s quarters is not the same thing,” she singsonged, a girlish smirk on her face. you scoffed, turning away from her as you felt heat race to your cheeks. “c’mon, everyone knows you and eren are totally into each other. i don’t understand why you guys don’t just go for it.” 

“i wasn’t poking around, and i am not into eren,” you said, shifting uncomfortably as the words left your mouth. it was true, to some degree. the two of you had been friends in high school, back when eren was just some skinny kid with anger issues. now he was a semi-professional racer, and the rivalry between the two of you was palpable, to say the least.

you’d been in the same friend group and for some reason eren just loved to pick on you whenever he got the chance. you suspected it had something to do with his repressed daddy issues or whatever, and he’d known mikasa and armin far too long to be so catty with them. initially they were just playful taunts, but as you got older, they started to become more personal. with age came your own unchecked need to banter and argue with him. 

somewhere along the way the arguments turned to sexual tension. a sexual tension that for the most part, the two of you were happy to ignore. it allowed room for a more sassy friendship, at least. 

“uh huh, suuure,” sasha responded, seemingly unconvinced. she must’ve sensed your discomfort, deciding to change the topic. “who’s who?” 

your eyes traced the track, analyzing each vehicle. “armin’s in yellow, mikasa’s in red, eren’s in white, and i believe levi is in green.” 

“levi’s racing? isn’t he getting a little old for that?” sasha laughed, squinting. you chuckled. 

“it’s just a small fundraiser race, plus he’s a crowd favorite over here,” you explained. sasha nodded as she processed the information. the sun was hot, beating down on your back. “i’m honestly surprised this many people came out.” 

sasha tossed more popcorn in her mouth, halfway done with the bag despite the race still not having started. she offered it to you again. “mhm, this is the same type of crowd that we’d see in the underground.” 

you thought back to your days of attending the illegal races, late at night and under the cover of darkness. though you were just a junior in college, it felt like those nights freshman year had been decades ago. that was before eren showed real promise in the professional circuit. it was also where levi scouted him out to be his successor. 

as if on cue, you could see the figures of the racers emerging from the port, each headed for their respective cars. you couldn’t help the way your gaze immediately followed the tall, brown haired racer adorned in his white racing jacket, checkers on the side. the crowd erupted into cheers at the sight of the all the racers, one from each color of the rainbow. eren walked with a certain confidence, his adamant determination being one of the only things that followed him from high school. 

though you couldn’t clearly see his face from where you sat, you knew he was smiling. eren had always loved the adrenaline rush before a race. 

“alright ladies and gentlemen, we welcome you to the annual shiganshina fundraiser race!” the reporter boomed over the intercom. sasha squealed in her seat, excitedly gripping your arm and pointing towards your friends. you felt a mix of excited nervousness waft over you, giggling along with her. “today we’ve got racers from all over the circuit, and each one has volunteered their precious time for the cause. can we get a round of applause?” 

the crowd erupted in yet another ear deafening round of applause as the announcer read off the names of each of the racers. you and sasha made sure to scream your loudest when armin, mikasa, and eren’s names were read off. 

you hoped they knew it was you, your throat scratchy as you sat back down. there was no need to be loud for levi; the entire crowd went absolutely feral at the mention of his name. 

the announcer read off the conditions of the race, as well as the reasoning for the fundraiser itself. you and sasha chatted quietly about the after party while the racers put their helmets on and got in their cars. before too long, the announcer was gearing up for the start. 

“alright everyone, we’re about to start. get yourselves ready.” 

you and sasha stood, hollering and cheering for your friends as the cars all lined up. you knew you’d be happy if any of them crossed the finish line first, but it was undeniable that it would be eren. it wasn’t armin or mikasa’s passion like it was eren’s; they viewed it more as as fun hobby. nevertheless, you dreaded how smug eren would be once he added another win to his already growing list. he really was a bastard sometimes. 

“racers ready your cars. 3... 2... 1... go!” 

they were off, levi’s green car easily settling into first place, cruising past the other cars as he whipped around the first curve. you held your breath, eyes scanning the other cars placements. eren was in fourth, armin in fifth, and mikasa in second. sasha yelled sporadically, reaching out and squeezing your wrist tightly. 

as they rounded the circuit for the second time, eren passed the third place racer, coming up behind mikasa’s red car. you held your breath. “c’mon eren...” 

“shit! he passed her!” sasha screeched, jumping up and down. you smiled as he whipped the corner, nearly cutting the edge of the median. 

“levi is still so far ahead,” you commented, trying to pry sasha’s death grip from your wrist. your eyes glanced to the clock, realizing that the race was near its finish. levi was cutting the third corner and eren was quickly gaining on him. 

“looks like it’s gonna be clo-” sasha’s voice was cut off as a large man tripped over the bleacher behind you, effectively shoving you into her side. “shit, the popcorn!” 

you regained your balance, giving the man behind you a dirty glare as you turned to sasha. she frowned at the popcorn that’d been spilled all over the ground. “what a waste!” 

looking back up at the track, the crowd broke into screams of excitement. you expected to see eren’s face on the big screen to the side as confetti streamed through the air, but were surprised to see levi’s unimpressed stare. 

eren lost? 

“you’ve gotta be shitting me,” sasha gaped, her face slack in shock. you shrugged, shaking the feeling of disappointment from your shoulders. serves him right. 

people started to vacate the stands, shoving their way past you as you turned to sasha. “let’s go find connie and jean, sash.” 

she nodded, still frowning. the two of you climbed down the steps, going against the flow of the crowd as you weaseled your way down onto the spectators path. you could see all of the racers shaking hands, congratulating each other. your mind briefly considered whether or not eren was going to be upset, but you decided not to dwell on it. 

you watched as the racers disappeared into the tunnel, eren’s tall figure no longer in view. just then, connie and jean came walking out from the service booth, both wearing their maintenance coveralls. 

sasha wildly waved her arm, grabbing your hand and pulling you through the remaining stragglers towards your friends. 

“hey guys!” she smiled, the boys jogging to meet you halfway. 

“why were you guys in such shit seats?” connie asked, skipping over a greeting. you let out a small laugh at sasha’s expense. she merely shrugged, turning to jean. 

“we going to your place?” you questioned before she had the chance. jean nodded, adjusting the backwards baseball cap on his head. 

“yeah, just gotta wrap some things up, then we can head out,” he replied. you grew happy at the thought of kicking back with your friends, enjoying a nice night of fun. parties at jean and connie’s place were always the best. 

***************

“some race that was,” connie groaned, leaning back and bringing the beer bottle to his lips. so far it was just you, sasha, connie, jean, and a bunch of random drunk people who’d come from the track. sasha scoffed from her spot on the worn, brown couch. 

“you could say that again,” she grumbled. “we didn’t even get to see levi cross the finish line ‘cause some guy rammed into us.” 

jean looked at you from where he leaned against the wall, a bottle in his hand and his eyebrows raised. “wait, for real?” 

“yeah,” you sighed, drinking whatever bitter liquid sasha had poured into your red solo cup. “didn’t even say sorry.” 

“how many times do i have to tell you guys, just come work maintenance with jean-boy and i,” connie suggested, wrapping his arm around sasha’s shoulder and giving a squeeze. she rolled her eyes and shoved him off. “you guys would get to watch the race from the track itself.” 

“i don’t know the first thing about cars,” sasha laughed, you nodding along with her. 

“and you think we do? i just said that so we could get the best seats in the house,” connie snorted, taking another swig of his drink. you chuckled at his idiocy, unfazed by yet another one of their stupid stunts. “where’re the big racers anyway?” 

“they should be here soon,” you responded, glancing out the window. jean was unironically blasting the fast and the furious soundtrack, something he’d done after every race for as long as you’d known him. by now the songs were ingrained in your brain. 

“who wants to bet jaeger is in a pissy mood?” jean snorted as he moved to sit down on the arm of the chair you were planted in. 

“when isn’t he?” you sneered. connie and sasha hummed in agreement. both you and jean loved nothing more than to push eren’s buttons. you knew jean’s motives stemmed from some boyish fun, whereas yours felt a little more personal. 

the sound of clapping began to compete with the music, your neck craning to look past jean into the hallway. eren, armin, and mikasa came into view, people cheering them on and patting them on the back. they each wore their racing jackets over their street clothes. 

you felt a familiar sensation burn in your stomach at the sight of eren. his dark hair was pulled back per usual, wispies framing his tan face. The white jacket stood out against his black t-shirt and black jeans; key necklace he always wore glinting against his chest. as your gaze travelled up from his body, you were startled to make contact with his teal eyes. you quickly glanced away in embarrassment. 

“well, well, well,” jean cheered, raising his bottle to the trio. “how’d it feel to lose to a short, old man, eh jaeger?”

eren scowled, obviously peeved. “if i had to lose to anyone, i’m glad it was levi.” 

connie snorted at that. “man, professional circuit has you soft.” 

“whatever you say, baldie,” eren smirked mischievously as he came to sit down on the couch. connie defensively rubbed his head. “at least i’m making money in prof.” 

“i still can’t believe you have people that actually want to sponsor you,” you snipped, a playful expression on your face. eren lazily looked towards you, the familiar irritation laced in his eyes. 

“i’m sorry, what was that? i wasn’t listening to you,” eren retorted, looking as unbothered as ever. you glared at his words, but caught armin’s disapproving eye and decided to stay quiet. 

as the night carried on, you watched your friends relax and reminisce about previous races and the days spent in the illegal ring. it seemed crazy that your life was so centered around car races, when you weren’t even a racer yourself. but you supposed you were just happy to be supporting your friends.

at some point you got up out of your chair to refill your cup. the large hoards of people had started to dance; the house feeling hot and humid as you shoved your way to the kitchen. luckily the room was empty, save for armin who was drinking water out of the kitchen tap. 

“thirsty?” you asked, amused. his head snapped up, surprised by your voice. it took one look to tell he was absolutely trashed, face red and eyes half lidded. he smiled goofily and nodded his head before stumbling back out into the crowd of people. 

you quickly filled your cup, following the direction armin had gone. as you stepped out of the kitchen, a body came out of nowhere and smacked into you. 

eren jumped back, trying to avoid the liquid that sloshed out of your cup. “hey, watch it!” he hissed. 

“you watch it, casanova,” you snapped, irritated by the sticky alcohol that dripped down your hand. eren’s eyes narrowed at the nickname, his arms defensively crossing his chest. 

“i told you not to call me that,” he bit back, eyebrows furrowed in annoyance. you rolled your eyes, instinctively bringing your hand to your mouth in an attempt to lick the drink off. eren watched you, his gaze clouded with an indiscernible emotion. you knew what you were doing. 

“hm. too bad,” you quipped, dragging your tongue down the side of your hand, popping your pointer finger in your mouth. eren glowered at you as you let out a giggle. “see ya, loser.” 

“whatever, brat,” he huffed, shaking the tension from his pants as you sauntered off into the crowd. he hated the effect you had on him.

you’d already decided not to get shit faced. while the rest of your friends had chosen otherwise, you danced alongside them, your resolve wearing thin much faster than theirs. jean and sasha bounced happily up and down, screaming the lyrics to whatever song it was blasting from the speakers. connie and mikasa were playing beer pong, and you had no clue where armin and eren had gone.

you heaved in a breath as a sharp pain shot through your side, signaling the end of your dancing career for the night. your two dance partners were too far gone to notice, waving goodbye to you as you stepped out of the sweaty crowd. 

slipping your phone out of your pocket, your eyes nearly popped from your head at the time. two thirty?!

only slightly tipsy, you decided to find jean’s room and call it a night. he’d just have to sleep on the couch. with one hand dragging on the wall, you made your way through the house, past armin who was doing body shots with a couple of strangers, up the stairs and down the dark hall. it was quieter up here, but you could still hear the music and knew it’d be awhile till sleep visited you. 

shoving jean’s door open, you were surprised to see none other than eren laid back on the bed, puffs of smoke coming from his mouth. the strong scent of weed hit your nostrils, nose scrunching up in reflex. he propped himself up on one arm upon your entrance, eyeing you. 

“oh, sorry i’ll just- wait a minute,” you paused, narrowing your eyes at him. “you aren’t supposed to be smoking on your sponsorship.” 

eren let out a loud laugh at that, more smoke spilling from his lungs. “thanks, mom. i know.” 

you stood in the doorway, not really sure what to do. “jean’s gonna be mad if his room smells like weed tomorrow.” 

“yeah, why do you think i chose to do it in here?” he leered, bringing the blunt to his lips and deeply inhaling, sharp cheekbones protruding with the action. you sucked in a breath, not wanting to acknowledge just how gorgeous he was. his jacket was off, black shirt tightly gripping his muscular yet slender arms as he propped himself up. he blew the smoke from his nostrils this time, making your face heat. “wanna hit?”  

you sighed, weighing the options. jean’s bed was a lot more comfortable than connie’s. you could just wait till eren was done, and then pass out. “no, but i’ll wait with you till you’re done.” 

“suit yourself, brat,” eren hummed, flopping back down on the bed as you shut the door behind yourself. you came to sit by him, looking down as he heaved in a sober breath. he really is beautiful, you thought. 

your eyes scanned his face. “you really shouldn’t be smoking, you know. you could lose the sponsorship.” 

eren rolled his teal eyes, giving you a side glance. “i’m aware. i’m also aware that you aren’t going to rat on me.” 

“and what makes you so sure?” you asked playfully, your voice low. eren’s gaze shifted to you, placing the blunt between his lips as he sat up, face inches from yours. 

“because. you can act like you hate me all you want,” smoke blew from his lips as he spoke, slowly inching his face closer to yours. you swallowed, eyes struggling to maintain contact with his dark stare. “but i know how badly you want me.” 

you blinked, heart rate accelerating as he glanced at your lips. “speaking from experience?” 

eren’s mouth quirked up in a smirk at your words. “something like that.”

you watched with desire as he brought the bud of the blunt up to his lips, deeply inhaling the toxic smoke. he lifted his free hand, pointer finger gently tracing your jaw as his thumb came up to caress your chin. he tapped softly against your face, as if asking you to open your mouth. 

you weren’t sure what part of you was wanting to submit to his every move. maybe it was the alcohol. or maybe it was the accumulation of sexual tension. something told you it was a deeper itch that needed to be scratched. an itch only eren could reach. 

you parted your lips, eyes fluttering as eren leaned forward and carefully brushed his own against yours, dumping his lungful of smoke into your mouth. you breathed it in, fighting the urge to cough and whine as he pulled away. 

“good girl,” he breathed, leaning away to snuff the bud out on jean’s bedside table. you heaved out as much as you could, shocked by your own willingness. you were mainly surprised by how much you enjoyed whatever that was. 

you stared at him expectantly as he turned back to you, a serious expression on his face. “eren.” 

“yes?” he asked, leaning heavily on his arm, eyes unashamedly focused on your lips. his other hand came up again, lightly ghosting your jawline. you could feel yourself growing wet between your legs; the way eren was fucking you with his eyes sending an unwelcomed throb to your clit. 

acting on impulse, you lurched forward, latching your lips onto eren’s slightly chapped ones. he wasted no time in kissing you back; hungrily pressing himself closer to your body. his lips were warm and tasted like weed and coca cola, his tongue wiggling its way into your mouth where you happily welcomed it. 

you brought your hand up, wanting to run your fingers through his hair, but were stopped when they got caught in the bun. eren grunted, kissing you harder and bringing his own hand up to yank the tie from his locks, letting his soft hair fall to his shoulders. 

your fingers were quick to glide through the brown strands, scratching his scalp in the process. some throaty sound emitted from his chest, the noise making your cunt ache in need. how is he so hot? 

eren’s hands came to your waist, roughly shoving you down onto the bed, so that he hovered above you. your lips continued to meld together, saliva coated mouths wetly intertwined. you removed your hand from his hair, bringing both hands to run down the expanse of his arms that were on either side of your head. you squeezed his biceps, surprised when he suddenly pulled away. 

“is this okay?” he panted, breaths labored. his pupils were dilated, all seriousness behind his gaze. you nodded your head without hesitation, practically begging him to continue. “words.”

“yes, yes. i want this just as much as you do,” you responded. eren smirked from above you, his dark hair swirling around his face as his key dangled in front of your chin. 

“good, because,” he leaned down to your ear, lightly nibbling the lobe as the cold key rested against your throat. “i’m going to punish you for all these years of torture.” 

your eyes widened, the words sending a desirable chill down your spine. “torture?” 

eren’s hot mouth travelled slowly from your ear down the side of your neck, lightly peppering the skin with lustful kisses. his tongue came out as he reached your collarbone, dragging the wet muscle up the front of your throat, leaving a trail of saliva in its wake. a small whimper involuntarily left your mouth as he pulled back, grabbing your chin in his large hand.  

“all of the nicknames,” he pressed a kiss to your lips. “the quips,” and another, your chest tightening. “the stunt you pulled earlier with your hand. oh god. it’s like you were practically begging me to bend you over and teach you a lesson.” 

he pulled back, dark eyes boring into yours. the desire was palpable, your breathing shallow as he stared at you. it was like he was waiting for some silent agreement. 

you held eye contact, tilting your chin back ever so slightly in his grip. “good thing i learn fast.” 

your words flew straight to his cock, throbbing uncomfortably behind his jeans. eren let go of your chin, his lips hungrily reconnecting with yours as his hands pinned your wrists to either side of your head. his tongue was quick to invite itself into your mouth, warm and erotic. 

you wanted to tug on his hair again; wanted to hear his primal groans and feel him vibrate against your mouth, but you were pinned to the bed. desperate to hear eren moan, your teeth grazed his bottom lip, the action making him yank his head back. 

“tsk tsk, none of that,” he growled, wet lips glinting in the low light of the room. “this is your punishment. guess we’re going to have to do something else.” 

you frowned as he let go of your wrists, lifting himself from the bed and standing. you propped yourself up on your elbows, eyes laced with desire as eren swiftly pulled the black shirt over his head, key pendant resting on his newly exposed chest. he was dangerously attractive like this; dark hair disheveled on his shoulders, only adding to the feral stare he was giving you. 

he leaned forward, grabbing your thighs and yanking you to the end of the bed, legs dangling from the side. you watched in awe as he dropped to his knees, fingers coming up to toy with the button of your jean shorts. 

“these little shorts make your ass look so good,” he grumbled, tapping the button. “be good and take them off for me.” 

you wasted no time in lifting your ass off the bed, struggling to yank the denim down your legs without hitting eren in the face. he watched your every movement, licking his lips as you wiggled them off. 

without thinking, your hands gripped the hem of your shirt, pulling it over your head to reveal a black bra. eren’s pupils dilated further at the unexpected sight of your breasts. 

he helped pull the shorts from your ankles, tossing them aside as you sat back down, just in your panties and bra. you paused for a moment, unsure of what he was planning to do. 

“watch me,” he demanded, staring at you through his brows. you nodded your head, breath hitching as he placed an open mouthed kiss to the inside of your thigh, tongue swiping against the smooth skin. 

his eyelashes fluttered as he licked up your leg; just the way he looked at you being enough to have you creaming in your lace panties. your teeth tugged at your bottom lip, the burning in your face mirroring the way your clit throbbed along with your heart beat. 

eren’s tongue trailed until he reached the edge of your underwear, eyes never failing to stay connected with yours. you swallowed as he lifted his head, placing his tongue flatly against your clothed clit. 

it was a warm, muted feeling, your body all too aware of the beautiful man between your legs. eren brought his fingers up, hooking under the fabric and pushing it to the side. 

“so wet for me already,” he hummed, a smile on his face. you blushed in embarrassment, the feeling of his breath on your glistening pool of moisture making you shiver. “’m gonna eat you so good, little bitch.” 

you gasped as eren rapidly brought his face down, burying his head between your legs. the sensation was like no other; a swirling feeling in your stomach as his tongue hungrily swiped against your clit. your hands flew down to his hair, tugging as his lips wrapped around the bud, suckling softly. 

a moan escaped your lips, the sound causing eren to groan out in reply. the vibration of his vocal cords against your center amplifying the pleasure. 

a distinct feeling began to burn in your chest, the sloppiness of eren’s tongue licking up your slick causing your legs to squirm, tightening around his head. “fuck.”

eren pulled back at the pressure against his skull, a smack sounding through the air as he released his suction on your wet cunt. 

“i told you to be good,” he hissed, lips coated in your sheen. you knew the image of eren’s face between your legs, hair disheveled and mouth swollen, eyes dark and lustrous, would be burned into the back of your brain. 

flustered, you nodded your head, spreading your legs so they weren’t pressing against his face. he nodded in content, arms coming up to wrap around your thighs to keep you steady. 

and he was back; eating your pussy like he hadn’t been fed in years, a primal desperation. he pressed his tongue down harder, the cry ripping from your throat at the sensation only egging him on. you struggled against his grip as he abused your clit with his mouth, sucking and tracing his teeth over it so good. 

his tongue slid down to your entrance, shoving itself in without invitation. the fullness wasn’t like having sex; it was a heated, swirling feeling. the wet muscle circled around your spongey walls, your face beginning to burn and hands growing clammy in eren’s hair. 

you threw your head back as his ministrations sped up, your hips attempting to grind into his face. the warmth in the pit of your stomach building like a loaded gun, ready to release itself. 

all it took was the added pressure of his hand wrapping around your thigh so that his thumb could press against your clit, feverishly rubbing. you came crashing down, your eyes screwing shut as the wave of dopamine stretched to every part of your body, legs jerking against his hold. 

eren pulled his head back again, a smile on his wet face as he licked your release from his lips. “tasted so good, so good for me.” 

you breathed out in reply as he came back up above you, gently taking your chin and bringing his mouth down to yours. 

the kiss was small and simple, your eye lids growing heavy. you could taste your bitter release on him, the unfamiliar flavor not completely unpleasant. 

“sleepy?” eren mumbled against your lips, coming back to look at you. you nodded your head, eyes catching on the key that dangled from his neck. “too bad. we aren’t done with your punishment yet.” 

you frowned, your body suddenly more awake than it was before. “huh?” you asked, sitting up as eren shifted to pull his jeans off. 

you weren’t sure what you expected when he yanked both his jeans and boxers down; you guessed you’d always thought his anger issues were compensation for something. the realization dawned on you that eren had nothing to compensate for as his cock sprung from his pants, the sheer size making your mouth water. 

a smirk crossed his face as he stepped from his jeans. “enjoying the view?” 

“what? no,” you scoffed, averting your gaze. eren crawled back over you, his bare length pressing into your stomach as his hands came up to unclasp your bra. 

“don’t be shy, this is your punishment after all,” he whispered, pulling the cups from your chest. his eyes unashamedly scanned your breasts, a smile tugging his lips as he gave them a generous squeeze. 

you tried to ignore the imprint of him on your stomach; but it was nearly impossible. you could feel the spot between your legs grow wet again, arousal already weaseling its way back into your system.

eren brought his lips to yours once again, the kisses much sloppier and desperate than before. he grunted as you shifted to lay back down, his exposed dick rubbing against your stomach. “can’t wait to be inside of you,” he mumbled against your lips. 

you whimpered at his words, his lips melding with your own while he simultaneously tugged your panties down your legs. he propped himself up with one arm, the other positioning the tip of his cock at the entrance of your already throbbing cunt. 

you took a deep breath as he slowly eased himself into you; the sheer stretch making your eyes lull back in your head. eren moved his hips slowly at first, loosening you up. he was watching your expressions; his eyelids heavy and mouth slightly agape. 

“shit, you’re so tight,” he groaned, hips starting to move faster as he gazed down at you. you swallowed, closing your eyes as he sent one particularly hard thrust, cock nearly ramming your cervix. “you good?” 

“mhm,” you responded, bringing your hands up to grab his hair. “just so big.” 

eren let out a breathy chuckle at that, eyes traveling down to your pelvis where his dick was visibly creating a bump with every thrust. he placed his hand on your stomach, pressing down as he bucked his hips violently forwards. he was so deep. 

you cried out at the feeling of his length sliding in and out of your cunt, your walls clenching around him as your hands clawed at his muscular back. 

he was filling you up so good, a moan leaving his lips as your enhanced arousal unexpectedly brought your second orgasm down, tears pricking your eyes. eren kept abusing your pussy, his thrusts growing senseless before he buried himself deep within you, releasing his load inside of your exhausted center. 

both of your breathing was labored, eren looking up at the ceiling. his face was flushed as he recovered, you laying limply beneath him trying to regain your composure yourself. 

“that felt so good,” you admitted, bringing your hand up from his back to caress his angular face. eren frowned at your words, large hand grabbing your wrist and removing it from his jawline. 

“m’not tired yet,” he said seriously, your eyes widening as he placed a chaste kiss to your lips. your fucked out face beneath him had his dick already hardening again. “m’not gonna be tired till i win.” 

he suddenly pulled up, hooking his hands under your knees and pushing your legs up by your head. the action strained your muscles, the feeling of eren’s cum dripping down your ass filling your head as he readied himself to fuck you senseless. 

he stared at your cunt; at the way his cum was oozing out of it, the abused pussy ready to take him in again. he used his fingers to catch the drip, forcing it back inside of you. the thought of filling you up all nice and pretty sent him over the edge, his hand shamelessly guiding his cock back inside of you.

eren was meaner this time; each thrust was deep and deliberate, hitting your cervix and making you cry out in pleasure. the burning sensation in your clit was overwhelming, your mouth hanging open as eren slowly fucked you stupid. 

“good, pretty girl” eren breathed out, ramming his hips into yours. “took her punishment like such a good girl.” 

you tried to nod your head, but you couldn’t move. the feeling of hot, sticky tears rolled down your face, eren’s cock deep within you almost too much to bear. he grabbed your chin, tongue swiping up your cheek as he savored the salty flavor on his tastebuds. this man and his licking. 

“tell me, did you learn your lesson?” eren grunted in your ear, hand still gripping your chin. you tried to form a sentence, fucked beyond words. “hm, use your words and i’ll let you cum.” 

one more deep thrust and his dick stopped its strokes, pausing within you. “yes... yes.” 

“yes what?” 

your tongue was heavy in your mouth, pussy all too aware of eren’s length within it. “i learned my lesson, you won.” 

he smirked, aggressively bucking his hips into your weak cunt, the action making you cry out as he rammed your cervix. the tears continued to roll down your cheeks as eren’s dick twitched, spurting the his seed into you. your third release followed his, your clit spasming from the overstimulation. 

eren heaved himself out of you, collapsing deftly onto the bed. the two of you sat in a heated silence, your face sticky from the tears. eren glanced to you, eyes trailing down your body. 

“i’ll get a rag,” he mumbled, shoving off the bed and walking into jean’s bathroom. you were beyond exhausted and knew that you���d be sore tomorrow. eren reemerged, quickly cleaning you up and handing you your shirt. 

your eyes lazily watched him as he walked over and locked the door; brain too tired to form a sentence. 

he must’ve noticed your concern. “we can sleep in here tonight; i don’t think you’re in any shape to move.” 

you carefully crawled into the sheets, not even bothering to put your shirt back on. eren followed suit, climbing in behind you. 

“night,” he whispered as he shut the bedside light off. your lids were growing heavy, a smile on your lips as you began to fall asleep. 

“night, casanova.” 

<3 <3 <3 

[deexchanel]

Overprotective

Word Count: 1,629

Pairing: Avengers x BlackFem!Reader

Warning: Swearing, Fighting, Angst, and Fluff maybe? I can’t really describe it.

Summary: Y/N is the adopted daughter of Howard and Maria Stark. She goes to school with all her siblings and today seems different than other days.

A/N: This is basically their outfits, it gives private schools vibes. Everyone last name will be their last name and Stark. Thank you for reading.😘

Y/N was the last to be adopted by the Starks. The couple fell in love when they saw her at the adoption center. They were the best parents to Y/N, giving her unconditional love. “Mom? I can’t find my skirt!” Natasha yelled from upstairs, throwing random skirts behind her. Y/N walked out of the bathroom, brushing her hair. "It's downstairs Nat, Mom steamed it this morning."

"Thanks, sis." Natasha rushed out of the room, downstairs. Y/N and Natasha shared a room while Steve and Bucky shared a room. Thor and Loki shared a room across the hall from Tony and Clint's room. "Tony do you have my mousse? My hair is frizzy." Y/N knocked against his door.

Those two were always the last ones to get dressed which sometimes made everyone late. "It's actually mine, you used all of yours last week Y/N. I know your hair is not that damn frizzy all the time." Tony opened the door holding the can.

"Mind your business bro."Y/N flipped him off taking the can out of his hand.

"Y/N? Tony? Come on. You guys are going to be late!" Maria yelled up the stairs. Everyone else was around the table eating except them. 5 minutes later Y/N and Tony were at the table with the rest of the family. They had about 15 minutes before it was time to go.

Maria placed waffles and cheese eggs on their plates when they sat down. Natasha played on her phone, "Y/N got dress coded again Mom." Y/N glared at Natasha for bringing that up. Thor sloppily ate on his waffles getting syrup on his face.

"Y/N did you change your clothes when we got to school yesterday? This is the third time this week that you've got dressed coded."

Maria sat down her fork. "Thor cleans your mouth and he's right Y/N. This is the third time. Do I need to clean out your closet or something? I don't want this to happen again."

"No mom, they always say something to me for no reason. I can't help it if I'm thick." Y/N rolled her eyes, smoothing out her skirt. "Plus it's their fault for making this little skirt a part of the uniform."

"Clint pass me some more orange juice?" Loki asked not taking his eyes off his book. "Okay." Clint slid it towards him.

"Do we need to come up to the school?" Howard sat down his newspaper. His children instantly spoke up in protest. "No!"

It was bad enough that people at their school knew who their parents were. Them coming there was going to make it worse than it was. The kids just wanted a normal school year. "It's fine Dad. Steve will talk to them." Bucky reassured getting up from the table so he could place his plate in the sink.

Steve wiped his mouth with a napkin. "Yeah, I will. There wouldn't be no need for you guys to make an appearance at the school."

"Alright then. I love each and every one of you guys. Have a good day at school and drive safe." Howard checked his watch then stood up. He was always the first one to leave the house for work. That was an indication that it was time for everyone to leave.

Y/N and everyone else got up from the table grabbing their bookbags that were beside the door. "Steve I'm riding with you." Y/N smiled knowing that he was going to give her the aux.

"Alright. Let's go." Steve held the front door open for her. Y/N did a happy skip towards his car. Loki, Clint, Natasha, Steve, Bucky, and Tony were all seniors so their early graduation present was a car. They each had different after-school activities sometimes is why they rode in separate vehicles and since Y/N was only a junior she had to catch rides with either one of them.

Y/N laughed at Steve belt out the lyrics to Work by Rihanna and Drake. "I haffi work, work, work, work, work, work."

"Sing it, Steve!!"

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

The day progressed by and now it was a couple minutes before lunch period. Y/N wrote down the last little bit of notes then closed her tablet. The teacher was done teaching so now the students could talk amongst themselves. In this class block, she didn't have any friends. The boys were too full of themselves and the girls were straight-up bitches.

"Y/N right?" Jenn sat down on the desk in front of her. Y/N knew it was going to be some foolishness coming out of her mouth.

"Yeah."

"So everyone here wants to know how did you get adopted by the Starks?" Jenn leaned forward on the desk and Y/N sat back because she was starting to be in her personal space.

"How do you know about that?"

"Word around here travel fast. So what? They needed a maid or they just felt bad? There has to be a reason why they adopted you because you are a little too dark for them just to want to adopt you."

Y/N tilts her head a bit. 'I know this bitch did not.' She thought to herself.

"Jenn I'm going to let you think about that dumb ass shit you just said."

Jenn let out a fake laugh. "What I said wasn't dumb. Everyone wants to know."

"Well everyone can kiss my ass. I don't owe anyone an explanation. You know what? girl get out of my damn face before I get disrespectful on your ass." Y/N huffed throwing her hair over her shoulder. The bell ring and Y/N instantly got up leaving the room with her packed bookbag.

Relief flooded through her veins seeing her siblings sitting at their usual table. At this point, Y/N was ready to go home. "Hey, guys." They greeted except Clint who grunted because his mouth was filled with food.

"How's your day so far?" Loki looked at Y/N while he bit into his sandwich. Y/N stirred her mac and cheese that was in a plastic container.

"It's been okay. Not all that."

“Can I have some of your burgers?” Steve asked Tony who nodded his head, tearing off a piece of his burger placing it on his napkin. The siblings talk amongst themselves, enjoying the little time they had together.

A football player, Jaxon slid his plate which held his leftovers from lunch on the table in front of Y/N. “You’re going to need it when they dump your ass on the street. Maid girl.” Normally Y/N would be strong but this one really hurt.

Thor stood up with a scowl on his face. “The fuck you just say?” Bucky stood up, shoving the football player a bit.

“What the hell make you think you can speak to my sister like that?!”

Steve, Clint, Loki, and Tony stood up with anger written on their faces. More football players walked over for Jaxon’s backup. Both Y/N and Natasha sat there with disbelief on their faces.

“ We know you use your ‘sister’ as a maid. You don’t have to lie. That’s what her people are for.” Jaxon laughed crossing his arms. Steve stepped forward.

“You don’t know what you’re talking Jaxon so I’ll advise you to shut up.”

“Watch how you talk about my sister pretty boy.” Tony snarled clenching his fist.

“Or What Stark? You’re going to get your rich daddy to sue me? Just tell-” Loki pulled his fist back punching the shit out of Jaxon. It turned into a big brawl between the guys. Y/N couldn’t do anything but watch with tears clouding her eyes.

Words hurt and she couldn’t help but think that the only reason why her parents adopted her was that they felt bad. “Let’s get you out of here,” Natasha whispered placing her arm around Y/N’s shoulder. The two ended up in the office so Y/N could tell her side of the story.

20 minutes later Clint walked into the office with a bandaid over his eyebrow. “Hey Y/N, Natasha. Are you guys okay? Have either of you got in contact with mom and dad?”

Natasha kissed his cheek, “We’re okay and No I haven’t.”

“I haven’t either.” Y/N fumbled with her fingers. “Are you and the boys okay? I didn’t mean for this to happen. I had everything under control.”

“Sure you did Y/N but we’re fine. What he said was wrong. I wasn’t going to let him continue to do it.” Clint furrowed his eyebrows.

The principal cut their conversation short bringing them into the office. The boys had 2 days of detention while Jaxon and his crew had a week's suspension. Y/N walked out of the office seeing Loki coming towards it. She ran towards him giving Loki a big hug.

“You okay little sis?”

“I’m okay Loki. You didn’t have to do that for me. I could’ve handled it.”

He gave her a hug, “Y/N I know you handle everything else but he was out of pocket and I solved the problem.”

“I understand but I can’t help to think.” Y/N bit her lips to keep the tears from falling. “Did mom and dad only adopt me because... because they felt bad?”

Loki took his sister into his arms, as she starts to cry. “Y/N don’t let them get inside your mind. It’s nonsense they're speaking of. Mom and Dad chose you because one look at little Y/N brightened up their life. You’re the best daughter they could ever ask for. They wouldn’t replace you for anything and I wouldn’t let them. I’m very overprotective of you Y/N. You aren’t going anywhere.”

Y/N closed her eyes hugging Loki tighter, she was terrified to let him go. He sighs kissing her head.

---------

I'm posting this and a Tony one shot in like 2 seconds, sooo enjoy these for the weekend 😁

stay slutty my friends.

[mediocre--writing]

I loved your childhood friends ask! I have a headcannon that when they grow up and get to high school, Billy has a hard time because Steve is seeking out girls whereas Billy just wants him. Billy would definitely cry to his mom about it, especially when Nancy comes into the picture, his head in her lap as she plays with his hair and tries to soothe his broken heart and sobs. How could he fall in love with his straight childhood best friend?

it wasn’t steve’s fault.

billy had to keep reminding himself that it was in no way steve’s fault.

but as he sat in the camaro, waiting for steve to get out of his house, billy could see steve twirling the phone cord around his fingers while he blushed and talked to someone.

billy had been there for almost ten minutes. and steve had seen him, even waved at him, and was usually so punctual about leaving the house.

but it took a total of 25 minutes for steve to hang up the phone and come out to billy’s car.

“nance was talking to me about that party friday, you know the one? but yeah she wanted us to go together and so...”

“so you wanna drive her to the party. steve, she’s your girl, you gotta take her,”

steve sighed out in relief, “we’ll go to the next one together, b, alright?”

“of course,”

they hung out that afternoon but billy didn’t feel as up for it as he was when he was getting ready.

steve was constantly talking about nancy or the party and what he should wear. billy wanted to beat his face in.

it wasn’t for any other reason than he was being annoying. steve and billy were hanging out. that was the plan. it wasn’t steve, billy, and the constant thought of nancy wheeler hanging out.

they drove around for a while, which was nice, and they sang to music, and billy felt settled by steve’s semi-raspy singing voice.

he felt a bit better about losing steve to nancy until he went to drop steve off. it wasn’t anything that happened, just what he said:

“thanks for being so cool about the party. maybe nance and i can introduce you to heather, she’s super nice and i think she likes you!”

billy forced an easy smile on his face while he looked at steve, “sure, t, that would be nice,”

then steve left and billy waited until he got into the house before driving off like a bat outta hell.

he didn’t go straight home. he went to the gas station, filled up the tank, bought three packs of cigarettes, and a candy bar before driving around for the remainder of the night, until about 12.

steve never listened anymore.

in the car, billy had been talking about how he had found a second job at the pool and his coworker, heather, was really sweet.

then steve brings her up at the end of the night like he came up with her out of nowhere? did he not listen to a word billy had said all night?

and nancy. nancy prissy-motherfucker wheeler.

who does she think she is? ramming her way into their group, pretending to be all shy and sweet and cutesy when she just wants steve.

and the way she thinks she’s better than everyone because she’s taking next-grade level clases.

well guess what, wheeler, so am i!! you’re nothing special!!

as billy finished off the last cigarette of the second pack, he reached into the passenger seat to grab for the third pack when he realized how shaky his hands were.

glancing around the car, he noted that it was 11:45, three and a half hours since he’d left steve’s house. and he was going 94 on a shady backroad.

billy loved the feel of speeding, but knew his mother would whip his ass if he did.

rather than open a new pack, billy decreased his speed (to 70, but it was better than 100) and started driving home.

he rolled all the windows down completely, hopefully getting some of the smell out.

when he’d pulled into his driveway, his mom was standing on the porch, trying to shove the key into the lock while balancing her purse, diner leftovers, and another bag in her arms.

billy quickly got out of the car, leaving the pack of cigarettes in there and grabbing the candy bar before walking up the steps and taking the takeout boxes out of her hands.

“thank you, sweet boy,” she smiled as she finally got the key in the lock

they walked into the house quietly, setting all of their stuff down.

billy discarded his jacket in the coat closet while she had gone to change out of her diner uniform into comfy pajamas.

billy moved to the kitchen to take plates and cups down, setting them on the dining table suit for three people, maximum.

he opened the take out boxes and moved each of their dinners onto plates before filling the glasses with ice and water.

“thank you, baby,”

she pecked him on the forehead as he sat down at the table, then took her normal seat and began eating.

“how was your day?”

“better than yours,”

billy’s face scrunched up a little at her comment as she took a bite of her burger.

“you still smell like smoke, plus you were meeting with steve at 6, so you’ve been out for quite a while...”

“it’s nothing to worry about,” billy kept holding his burger rather than take a bite out of it, the smoking having ruined his appetite.

“billy,”

“promise, it’s nothing to worry about,”

“alright. don’t you both have that party friday?”

“why does everyone care about this stupid party!?” billy said, louder than he meant to.

“who’s ‘everyone’?”

“nobody, mom,”

“oooh, you’re all grumpy, calling me ‘mom’ and shit. why don’t you check the attitude by tomorrow morning, mkay?”

billy nodded and took a bite of his food, “sorry,”

“it’s alright, but you can’t get angry at me for something i didn’t do, billy,”

billy nodded and she got up to clear her finished plate, rinsing it then coming back to where billy was still eating.

she held his face gently in her hands and placed a long kiss on his forehead, “try to get a good nights sleep, hon,”

she walked to the back of the house, where her bedroom was, and shut the door, leaving billy with most of his dinner still on his plate and heaviness in his heart.

billy made it through the rest of the school week. the weather was warming up, nearing the end of the school year, and the days were pretty easy.

but he was avoiding steve. well, really, he was avoiding the priss, and since she was always with steve, he was avoiding him by default.

and it didn’t feel any better avoiding steve when every time he did see him, he was holding flowers for her, or picking her up from behind, or talking real close to her face all sweet.

the worst part was that steve didn’t seem all to fazed by not seeing billy those four days.

and it hurt. it hurt that, apparently, steve meant more to billy than billy meant to steve. it hurt that the priss could replace billy so quickly.

and so billy was getting agitated. his mom kept working late shifts and billy was working on training for his lifeguard job and homework and it all felt like too much was going on and he didn’t have steve there to distract him.

so, by complete accident, he got into a fight. a big one. with a senior.

for a junior, billy could probably pass as an actual adult, and had the muscles and fighting skills to prove it.

the senior wasn’t too far off either, though.

billy got knocked into (by accident) in the hall while he was watching steve and the priss and just... snapped.

he and the boy were both losers of the fight, neither looking better than the other and neither having been declared winner. plus, they were both marched off to the principals office at the end of the day.

billy, out of the corner of his eye, saw steve watching him get marched off to the front offices, but didn’t care to look and see his face.

more so, the disappointment that would be there. steve hated when he got angry and fought. he hadn’t gotten into a fight since freshman year, so what happened now?

billy’s mom, having been called in from work, seemed as if she was on fire when she came into the building.

she was a taller woman, had broad shoulders and a glare that rivaled billy’s. in short, she was intimidating as fuck (even in her cute 50s work uniform)

billy couldn’t look her in the eye.

after they’d finished with the principal (two day suspension for both boys), billy and his mom walked out to his car.

“where’d you park?” billy grumbled.

“i had christopher drop me off so i could make sure that you would be going straight home after this,”

they made it to the blue camaro, both standing on the drivers side door.

“mom—“

“keys!” she held her hand out and billy stared at her, “now!”

he fumbled in his jean jacket pocket before handing her the keys, walking around to the passenger door and getting in.

they drove the speed limit the whole way home, not talking and not listening to music. just the rumble of the engine as they sat in silence, both seething with different types of anger.

they pulled up to the house, both getting out and going to the door, unlocking it and billy tried storming off to his room before he was called back.

“what!”

“first of all, loose the ‘tude,” she gestured for him to sit on the couch as she walked back and forth in front of the coffee table. “second of all, no party friday.

“now, what the hell is wrong with you? huh? i didn’t raise you to punch a kid for accidentally bumping you in the hall and i most definitely never taught you to talk back to me!

“i get it, billy. we all have bad days or weeks or whatever but we don’t scream at other people or start fights because we feel angry! do you understand that?”

“yes, ma’am,”

“now, why don’t you tell me why you’ve been all ‘hormonal teenager’ for the past week. well, the past month you’ve been weird, so start from the beginning,”

billy took a few deep breaths, “mom, i really don’t wanna—“

“no, we’re gonna talk. i took the whole day off work so we could fix this, so we are gonna talk and we are gonna figure this out, because you’re not you, billy. you are sweet and smiley and funny and you’ve been a little shit recently,”

billy smiled a little bit at his moms crude language, something most parents would frown upon.

“i’m pretty sure that steve and i aren’t really friends anymore. not like we used to be, at least,” billy scrunched up his nose, a tell that meant he was pretending he wasn’t about to start crying.

“why do you think that? you and steve are inseparable, have been since the day you met,”

“he got a girlfriend,” billy was staring just over his mom’s head, pretending he was looking at her. “and he hasn’t been...”

“hasn’t been what?”

he rolls his eyes, “i’m gonna sound like an asshole,”

“you are a little asshole, just say it,”

“he doesn’t pay attention to me anymore. all he talks about is the priss and how their relationship is going. i love him, mom, you know i do, but i can’t hear another word about her! i hate her!”

“why? is she mean to steve?”

“not mean mean, but, like, i talked to some of the guys we hang out with and they think steve’s been weird recently too. he doesn’t do anything without her and he’s different. i can’t explain it, he’s just not the same steve,”

“billy, it’s his first love, he’s gonna be all sappy for her and forget about his friends, it’s just how it is most of the time,”

“no! it’s not ‘just how it is’ because steve and i aren’t just friends, we’re closer and she’s just pulling him away! he doesn’t even care that she is!”

“billy,”

“you don’t understand!”

“i do, i get it completely, but you’re teenagers and you’re gonna get upset. i’m surprised you and steve have made it this far without having a big fight yet,”

“but we aren’t supposed to have big fights! he’s supposed to listen to me and i’m supposed to listen to him! we get each other and he knows me better than anyone! he’s not like my other friends, he’s—he’s steve—and i can’t loose him, mom,

“he was the first kid i really got to hang out with when you kicked dad out, and he helped me through that. we’re close! i can’t just lose him now, after everything!”

“billy, baby,” he looked up to her, teary eyes and all, “what are you really thinking about right now?”

“i think... i think i like steve, like, i like like steve,”

“i know, baby,”

billy’s head shot up to look at her eyes, “you—“

“billy, you’ve loved steve since the day you met, it’s harder not to notice,”

billy starts breathing deeper then, and his mom moves to sit on the couch, pulling him into her chest as she plays with his hair while he cries quietly about losing his best friend and crush.

“it hurts so bad, momma,”

she shushes his broken voice and continues to play with his hair, “i know, baby, i know,” she tears up along with him.

they stay like that until the school day ends, then when the sun goes down.

billy ends up falling asleep on the couch that night. she gets up to get the knitted blanket off of an adjacent chair and drapes it over his body, not being able to cover all of his legs, but staying there with him all night.

it was hard, as a mother, to watch her son break into so many little pieces. but it was even harder when she almost felt her heart break with his.

she knew steve, knew he would make whoever he ended up with a very, very happy person. he was sweet and went out of his way to make others happy.

and a selfish part of her really wanted steve to end up with her billy, for him to be treated right by the only person he’s been in love with. the person who he’d unintentionally pined after for years.

she just wanted to see her boys happy.

[mattzerella-sticks]

How I’d Fix Titans on HBO Max

So this is just a little post to release some pent-up steam about the Titans show because this is the third season, and this is the third time I’ve let myself be bamboozled into thinking I’d enjoy the major storyline. And I’ve got a lot of thoughts since the first season about things I’d’ve done differently if I were given creative control of the show.

DISCLAIMER: I’ll only be plotting out the season story beats, as this is what I believe is the worst crime of the show. I think the casting is fine, even if a few wouldn’t be my first choice (*cough* Iain Glen as Bruce Wayne *cough*). My only note for set design is BETTER LIGHTING. I’m not the most well-versed in cinematography; I do think they’ve improved over the seasons, but pinpointing all the little details will take too much time and that’s not what this is focused on.

Starting with SEASON 1:

Trigon should not have been our s1 big bad. The audience for Titans will mostly be made up of people who probably were introduced to comics and these characters from shows like Justice League and Teen Titans, the latter of which already handled the Trigon storyline very well with most of the heroes Titans decided to use. Besides that, the SFX for Trigon alone would - despite the massive budget HBO Max allowed for projects like this - ultimately disappoint (and we were... at least I was). It’s not like animation or comics where the depiction of the battle between a massive demon and a team of superheroes would be better resolved. Exploring Raven’s powers and origins, however, was the right choice for season 1 since - in George Perez’s Titans - Raven was the one who assembled them together. Yes, this was to battle Trigon in the end... but it doesn’t have to be that way.

The season 1 threat should have been Sebastian Blood and his cult. It seemed like they were the B-villains, but the followers of Trigon felt kind of generic and, like Trigon, disappointing. There’d be a lot more freedom to handle this because Brother Blood wasn’t as well explored in Titans media, the only incarnation being from the Teen Titans cartoon but stripped of his cult-and-demon origins. Infusing these elements back into the character would make it original and, if done correctly, timely. Like, a good representation of who Sebastian Blood could have been is a portrayal similar to James Wolk as Joe Keene, Jr. on Watchmen the series; someone who is viewed favorably with good press but ultimately runs a secret cabal with many followers a goal of world domination under the banner of ‘The Four-Eyed Demon’. And to do this, they need the Demon’s daughter.

Which brings us to Rachel. Having her be pursued still works as a great set-up, however instead of followers of Trigon they’re followers of Sebastian Blood. She needs help. Especially if we keep the scene of her foster mother being murdered. Instead of Dick, though, she runs into Starfire.

And our entry point into Starfire would be different, too. We find her on an alien spaceship, in its jail, but then she sees visions as the ship passes over Earth and invigorated by the machine’s malfunctioning (due to Raven’s spirit, as we’d find out), Starfire manages to escape and finds her way to Rachel. Saving Rachel ( “I believe we can help each other”). In this way the Starfire and Raven relationship replacing the Dick and Raven relationship as the crux of season 1.

I’d still include Dick, albeit in a different capacity and with a lot changed. When he finds Rachel and Starfire, it’s because he was investigating activity in the area (he’d been tracking the cult for a while). He’s working undercover but also as the Robin persona. He still believes in the mission while, at this point in the story, Batman has given up and retired. This is because Jason Todd had died a year ago, and because of this and thinking it’s his fault - Bruce gave up and abandoned Gotham for parts unknown to deal with his grief. Dick helps Starfire and Rachel, and together the trio leave for elsewhere - Dick aware of how the cult needs Rachel and haunted that he couldn’t look after Jason, he sees how he can protect Rachel and clings to tha, Rachel curious about why a cult would want her and what her origins are, and Starfire, free of her imprisonment and indebted to Rachel but also homesick as she didn’t leave of her own choice. Over the course of the series they’d grow closer as a family, especially when Gar joins them (I would keep the Doom Patrol episode because that episode served its purpose well, of being a backdoor pilot - maybe change a few things but those details are so minute it’s not worth mentioning).

A big change - no Hawk and Dove. I think Minka Kelly and Alan Ritchson were great choices and acted well with what was given to them, plus I enjoyed Hank’s backstory and think, if they wanted to, a Hawk and Dove miniseries would have been fantastic to explore that better (and allow for a better paced introduction between Dawn and Hank). That being said, my main reason for cutting out Hawk & Dove is two-fold. First, how they killed Dawn’s mom and Don Hall. That was so dirty and so badly conceived. Second, the weird love triangle between Dick, Dawn, and Hank. It just made no sense. 

Instead of Hawk and Dove, I think a better choice to introduce into live action would be Karen Beecher and Mal Duncan - Bumblebee and Herald. Especially after reading their issue of ‘Secret History of the DC Universe’. Have Mal want to be a hero, then meeting Karen, and not wanting him to go it alone she joins him with her tech. They are approached to join the Titans and do, only being superheroes begins to put a stressor on their relationship. And one night Karen and Dick, a little drunk, a little sad from events that will be explained in s2 hook up. Once this is found out Karen and Herald leave and this marks the end of the Titans. This will also tie into Dick’s feelings about how he felt he keeps losing his family, and the Titans breaking up was viewed as his fault, so instead of being against personal relationships he is the one trying to make this new team - Starfire, Raven, and Beast Boy - his third chance). Instead of Dawn being knocked into a coma, I say it should be Mal (because then we can get Karen trying to save him and giving him robotic vocal chords which will allow him to do more, like sonic screams or whatever a la Vox, his post-Infinite Crisis identity). This will also further shine a light on their issues, because while Mal gave up heroics altogether, Karen would suit up time to time and Mal feels like Karen used his coma as an opportunity to give him powers because she wants him to be someone he’s not.

Their adaptation of the Nuclear Family was iconic™ so that’d definitely stay in (especially because Nuclear Family - one of the values they in the group believe in lol). The convent episode, too, although instead of flashbacks to Dick’s past we should have Starfire and how she grew up being the prisoner of warlords and experimented on; which is why she’s uneasy leaving Rachel with the sisters and then explodes when she sees Rachel strapped down because it triggers her. We will also have some of these hallucinations in the asylum scene. The episode with Dick and Jason would be replaced by the aliens who captured Kory coming back to take her to their planet, the team coming together to rescue her.

The biggest diversion, I think, would be after the asylum episode. The group escapes, except there’s no Arella, and it’s believed that Rachel sacrificed herself to tear the organization down and without her the group goes their separate ways. Dick goes to Donna Troy because he wants to know why, no matter how hard he tries, he can’t keep anyone around. Starfire is stuck on Earth and unsure about what to do next after finding out, in the replaced Jason Todd episode, that her sister sold her to the enemy. Gar doesn’t believe Rachel is dead. The three of them (plus Karen and Mal) receive visions from Rachel and realize that she’s still in danger and go to help.

Rachel is being held by the Cult of Blood and are working on setting up the ritual. By the time the group arrives to where she is, she is a happy member, and she tells them that they should join and be saved. They’re confused by the dreams they have - it’s Raven’s soul self fighting against her chains.

This season would culminate with the Cult of Blood capturing the group after Dick, not knowing when to leave well enough alone, rushes in and gets ‘baptized’ into the Cult and is brainwashed like Raven (although not like in that dumb dream episode that was ridiculous). He, like the others, are in attendance for the wedding between Sebastian Blood and Raven (which would be creepy because he’s 32 she’s 14), but at the pleading of Starfire Dick is freed from his mind control and releases them and they fight to free Rachel. It’s too late, however, as the ritual is completed and the ‘kiss’ is Sebastian drinking Rachel’s blood. Doing this opens up a portal which sucks up Sebastian and his followers, and is only closed after Starfire breaks through to Rachel and she gets control and closes the portal herself. The group leaves, stronger than ever, and assured that being Titans means more than being a team.

We’d get after credits scenes of the cult learning of Sebastian’s demise and their next plans, saying that “Junior” will have to be prepared earlier tha expected. Then, the other after credits scene - because Raven’s portal caused disasters across the world (”Raven ‘cleansing’ the world for Trigon’s arrival) - is Superboy breaking free.

Also, goes without saying, RAVEN WOULD HAVE HAD A BETTER WIG!

SEASON 2:

Goes without saying that season 2 would explore themes from the 1st season. Dick Grayson defining himself by who he is surrounded by, a season long search for an identity that is his and not what’s given to him (by Batman) and settling into the role as a leader as Nightwing (also, by retiring Robin, he won’t let the past haunt him). Starfire settling on Earth, her choice, and making friendships and relationships that last and help her realize this is her home. Raven is struggling to control the darker aspects of her powers after them being awakened during the ritual while also allowing herself to be a teenage girl. Beast Boy trying to fit in with this group while also wanting to prove that he can do more than just ‘turn into a green tiger’. Karen and Mal’s relationship would definitely hit rough patches (especially when Mal leaves the team and Karen because he only stayed with the team because of Karen). Donna recovering from the trauma of the original incarnation of Teen Titans, which is brought to the forefront once we introduce Deathstroke as having returned.

The second season, however, would start out not with any of these characters but with the continuation of the second after credits scene that introduced Superboy. That was one of my biggest gripes with the second season, how DELAYED the introduction of Conner was. You don’t have that scene and then keep us waiting for five episodes. Second season we enter on Superboy from the JUMP. Do the entire ‘Conner’ episode but only changing the ending, where instead of him saving Jason (because remember, Jason’s ‘dead’ at this point). Instead of that, he and Krypto are stumbling around a non-descript city, lost, unsure of what to do with their power, until they see a broadcast of the Titans saving people and realize that’s where they should head. On the other side of this, Mercy - having failed in recapturing Superboy - hire Deathstroke to go and find him. He accepts, and begins on his trail. This will help tie the antagonists’ storylines together so it’s not as disjointed as it felt in season 2 (instead of competing for the narrative they share it).

Then, we have the Titans doing their thing - Robin, Bumblebee, Vox, and Wonder Girl back in their costumes while Gar, Raven, and Starfire are training and learning while also helping take down villains in the San Francisco base. There are memories there, sure, but the others are doing their best to make it look like it’s not bothering them, Donna especially. We can have Arthur Light break out and go on a warpath for the Titans, and this can be our lead-in to the backstory episode of how the Titans became the Titans (because ‘Aqualad’ was one of the worst episodes of anything I’ve ever seen, badly written, poorly edited, and so misplaced). We see Robin, Wonder Girl, Aqualad and Speedy - Mia Dearden - coming together to chase down Dr. Light after an alert came in to the League that went unanswered because the League was busy dealing with something else. While fighting him, they receive help from Mal (in his Guardian identity) and Karen, and together they decide being a team is great and it’s nice having peers instead of mentors working iwth, so they form the Titans.

While in the midst of the big climactic battle with Dr. Light, where he’s firing on innocent civilians, he hits Superboy and nothing happens and Superboy helps them defeat Dr. Light. As they welcome Conner and he explains why he’s there, he’s struck in the back by a kryptonite bullet and we see Deathstroke watching from above telling Mercy it’s done. “So you’ll be bringing the subject back?” “Actually... there’s some business here I’ll need to settle first.” We’ll have another scene where, in an apartment, a young girl with white hair is watching footage from when Superboy was shot and recognizes a blur on the rooftop. She tells her brother, who tells her to leave it alone and if they lay low maybe Deathstroke will leave without realizing they’re here. She tells him that, despite what he or their mom thinks, she’s going to take care of him once and for all. This is Rose and Jericho.

Superboy is in a coma, the team trying to save him as the bullet didn’t fully kill him. Donna is shaken because it reminds her of what happened in the past, the last blow that spelled the end for the first generation of Titans. We get some more flashbacks. Showing Dick and Karen getting closer while Mal sort of stews silently, Aqualad getting into fights with everyone because he’s been trying their patience a lot (kind of like the friend you only hang out with because your dad is friends with his dad), and awkwardness between Donna and Mia since we learn they were interested in each other but never acted on it (because Donna is a lesbian and her and Aqualad were compulsory heterosexuality PLUS they could only mention Roy Harper but not actually show him). Soon we find out that Donna is being called back to Themyscria to finish her training, and the team throws a goodbye party. This is where Mal and Karen have a fight and she gets a bit too drunk, so does Dick because Donna is his best friend and he’s going to miss her, and they both have been feeling stress, so they hook up. Also, Mia leaves to tell Donna that she’s in love with her at the airport, and asks if it’s okay if she comes with (”It is an island full of women after all. I’m sure... this, us... would be more accepted than here.”) Before Donna can say yes Mia is shot dead by Deathstroke before her eyes. This, coupled with Mal finding Dick and Karen in bed together, leads to the Titans’ disolvement. We’ll see Kory comforting her while Dick searches for who shot the bullet with Karen and Mal, fearing that Donna might be right - and angry when she is.

They save Conner and he joins the Titans just in time to help them face Deathstroke, but also have to contend with Rose who isn’t on Deathstroke’s side but also isn’t friendly with them. It’s only when Jericho comes to them and explains his and Rose’s backstory, of being Slade’s kids, do they understand and work out an agreement to help take down Deathstroke and his backers (who turn out to be Cadmus).

Meanwhile, with Deathstroke taking too long, Mercy approaches Conner with an offer to let them help him and that the Titans are only pretending to be his friend, meanwhile they only care about his powers; but in the end they’re kids and don’t know what they’re doing. When this fails to work, they kidnap him and Krypto, replacing him with a version of Conner who is obedient to them to work as an infiltrator. Mercy then approaches Deathstroke, showing him she has a guy on the inside, and tells him that she’ll help him take down the Titans but they’re doing this her way.

Eve, imprisoned by CADMUS, helps Conner and Krypto escape (by sacrificing herself or not by sacrificing herself, dealer’s choice), and they hurry to the final battle between Deathstroke & Cadmus vs. the Titans. Just when it looks like they have Deathstroke beat, ‘Superboy’ turns and starts attacking the others. Conner hasn’t arrived, and it looks like everyone is down for the count. The fake Superboy (Match) has Kory in his grips and is attacking her, only for Donna to recover and tackle him. She batters him, punches him, and as she’s about to strike him again he uses his laser vision to strike Donna through the heart (a la Graduation Day - a much better way to ‘kill Donna’ then by electricity). Superboy arrives too late to save her, but he does take the other Superboy away before he explodes (Mercy’s final play - it would’ve killed Deathstroke too). Conner is still alive, and he’s saved everyone. In the confusion, Deathstroke slipped away.

We wind down, Rose and Jericho promise to hunt Deathstroke down and make him pay for his crimes. This will at least explain why they aren’t in s3 (which sucks, because Rose was GOOD). Raven still promises to bring Donna to Themyscira and work on bringing her back. Conner isn’t blamed for Donna’s death and they reassure him that they’re his family and welcome him back. Dick has taken on the Nightwing mantle and accepts the responsibility of being a leader, and that while he might not have been mature enough in the past, he can’t let that define him - only he can define who he is). Kory wants to go with Raven, but understands that she needs to stay with the team and only wishes Rachel luck, hoping Donna can return from the dead. Mal rejoins the team, he and Karen promising to be better to each other. Gar’s feelings of uselessness will continue because, as Conner’s best friend, he should have known something was off.(I don’t see this plot point ever being fully resolved until maybe later on).

Deathstroke wouldn’t die because you don’t WASTE Deathstroke! Killing Deathstroke cuts off so much potential in terms of storylines. I mean, there goes the Judas Contract which, despite us already having a varied animated retellings, would be beloved if done live-action and right.

Also, sorry to my DickKory fans but season 2 would lay the groundwork for some DonnaKory endgame - although the main romantic struggle would be between Dick, Donna, and Kory, with Kory at the middle and Dick and Donna the best friends who fight over her.

SEASON 3:

If we are working within the parameters of this season, and want to tackle Red Hood, there is a possibility that I’ve been thinking over and will expand upon here.

As I’ve mentioned before, Jason is dead. Because of this, Batman has abandoned his crusade against crime in Gotham because he feels there is no point to his battle and can’t continue. He’s been gone for a long time, however, this is the season where I would introduce him. He comes to visit San Francisco and Dick a very changed man, smiling, brightly-colored clothes, very into new age mysticism (”This is Batman?”). We find out that, after Jason’s death, Bruce went out on a new mission, to find a way to be at peace over the things he can’t control, and so through this journey he’s discovered inner peace and how to live despite all he’s lost. And he’s come back to Dick to share this knowledge with him, as a way to make up for indoctrinating him with these bad habits and instead lead a healthier life (crimefighting being like a drug). This will put Dick in a crossroads, questioning if he’s doing this (this being heroics) because he’s trying to use it to heal or if he really is meant to be a hero. This will be the season where the driving question is - Why Do We Don the Masks?

At the end of the first episode, however, we do the scene where the crime bosses meet up and Red Hood introduces himself, saying that he’s going to be taking control of all the criminal enterprises in Gotham.

This catches Barbara’s attention, and so she contacts Dick to fly back to Gotham and help contain this. After her appointment as Commissioner, she’s made great strides in helping clean up Gotham - especially in the tough months that followed once Batman retired (”Joker’s been imprisoned in the Slab, and he’s been abnormally quiet”). They still come up against costumed criminals but the police are better prepared to fight them, especially with help from Barbara, who knows the strategies, and Lucius Fox, CEO of Wayne, who helps develop non-lethal tech for the police to use in the battles. What’s also been helping is a small group of crimefighters who have taken to the streets, picking up the slack after Batman’s disappearance. (Barbara, “But this Red Hood... he might be too much for them to handle. We don’t want another me, or worse... another Jason.”) Dick promises to help, with both Red Hood and this group of kids - especially because one of them has taken to calling himself Robin.

That’s right! I’d introduce Young Justice in s3 - composed of Robin (Tim Drake), Spoilers (Stephanie Brown), Hawk and Dove (Hank Hall and Don Hall). Tim saw what was happening to his city after Batman quit, and decided enough was enough and became a vigilante to honor him and Jason, taking up the Robin mantle. He met up with Stephanie Brown, daughter of criminal Cluemaster, and brother Hank and Don Hall, who were working as vigilantes targeting molestors (very in-line with how Titans showed them, they’d just be younger). They’ll end up in a situation where they’re in over their heads, only to be saved by Nightwing who tells them with no uncertainty that they need to shut their operation down or else they’ll end up hurt (because they’re untrained).

Meanwhile, back in San Francisco, Starfire isn’t handling Donna’s death nor Rachel’s absence well, and is being inundated with strange visions that is making her act out of character. What’s not helping is that Bruce Wayne has decided to stay in San Francisco with them while Dick is in Gotham. Conner and Gar are enjoying this relaxed, free-spirited Bruce (he’s like the fun uncle), but it drives Kory crazy. These visions are from her sister, and even though she hates her for selling her, after finding out she’s on Earth and trapped somewhere, she goes to rescue her with Gar and Conner at her sides. They resuce her and bring her back, and Blackfire ‘apologizes’, telling Starfire that it was either Kory or their planet - and as the eldest she made the tough choice so their people wouldn’t suffer anymore harm. Starfire accepts this and welcomes her back. Also happening in San Francisco, Karen and Mal are at a crossroads because of a new development - she’s pregnant. This has put a stop on her hero journey, and while she is excited about being a mother she also wants to be a hero and we see more of them trying to work through their problems. Gar is also using Bruce to indulge himself so he doesn’t have to think about being the ‘useless’ member of the team, using his powers like a party trick to feel like he’s useful, which worries Conner.

In Themyscira, Raven pours through their texts to see how she can resurrect Donna. While there, she befriends and is aided by a young girl, Cassie Sandsmark, who is staying on the island with her mom while doing work (archaeology work); together, they find a way to reach Donna in the afterlife through an ancient ritual most of the Amazons are wary of. This doesn’t stop them, and together they perform the ritual. Raven journeys into the afterlife while Cassie is there to wake Raven if things look rough; while in the afterlife she hears the voices of Sebastian Blood and the ‘dark’ side of her, but is reminded of who she’s searching for by a soft, familiar woman’s voice and makes it to Elysium. There Rachel finds Donna and Mia, together. Donna is wary about going back, because she is happy with Mia; but Mia and Rachel remind her that there’s happiness down on Earth and there’s a lot left to live for. Donna agrees to follow Raven back, but not before saying goodbye to Mia who tells Donna she will find love again, only she shouldn’t be afraid this time to say something about it. I’d also love to see a way to involve Dark Angel somehow, maybe as a dark force approaching to prevent Donna from returning to life?

Nightwing is working with Barbara to shut down Red Hood’s operations, but it’s not going too well. It’s starting to feel like Nightwing is being taunted now, too, because a lot of what Red Hood is doing feels personal, like he knows Nightwing behind the mask. Ultimately, when Red Hood catches Young Justice and gives them a good beating, Dick stops him and it’s revealed that Jason is under the helmet. We then find out how he was brought back to life when, just as Dick has Nightwing beat, someone intervenes and saves Jason - Thalia al Ghul. We get an episode dedicated to Jason’s backstory, where he wasn’t killed, only badly beaten to the point of death. However, it was assumed he died because of the explosion. Bruce couldn’t find the body, he assumed it had been obliterated. Really, Jason had wandered away and was found by strangers and admitted to a hospital with severe brain damage. One day someone came to collect him, Talia al Ghul. She brought him to her home and used the Lazarus Pits to revive him, then trained him in assasinry so he could do the one thing Bruce never could - save Gotham.

Dick, while recovering in the Manor with the kids from Young Justice, calls up Bruce and tells him that Jason is alive. This will lead to Kory finally confronting Bruce and yelling at him that he hasn’t ‘found peace’ and instead switched coping mechanisms. This inspires Bruce to return to Gotham, the Titans following him (save Karen and Mal). Donna and Rachel meet them there, and we get the reunions plus Young Justice meeting the Titans.

We get reports that the Joker has escaped the Slab, and we find out Jason has kidnapped him. As the team investigates across Gotham, Dick goes on his own to where he knows Jason has Joker. They fight, with Jason threatening to blow them all up because as long as the Joker is dead it doesn’t matter. “He deserves it. He deserves it for all hat he’s done. For what he did to me! Please... why can’t you let me do this?” Bruce arrives, at that point, to tell him why. Because it won’t change things. Jason yells at Bruce, then, and Bruce accepts it. We also hear from Bruce about why he didn’t kill Joker, though he was close. Bruce admits that he snuck into Arkham with the decision to kill the Joker, but stopped just outside his cell. He realized that it wouldn’t bring Jason back, just as it wouldn’t bring his parents back, and he didn’t want to disappoint Jason by becoming a killer. Jason and Bruce make up, though Joker still dies - Thalia kills him. “If you won’t ensure a safer world, my Darling, I’ll do it for you.” She then detonates the explosives to escape and the three barely escape with their lives.

You’d think they’d get some rest, then, huh? WRONG! Because while searching for Jason, Blackfire betrays Kory and reveals she sold Kory so she could secure her position as ruler of Tamaran. A warship then appears in the sky where Blackfire takes Kory, announcing that Gotham will be the first city to fall during the invasion.

The s3 finale would then be the Titans vs. aliens as they drive off the alient threat, with Donna, Jason, and Dick working together to free Starfire from her sister. We’ll get a final battle between Starfire and Blackfire where Starfire asserts her status as the stronger sister, and that while she wishes Blackfire wanted a relationship between them, she won’t cry over it anymore. Blackfire takes her fleet and leaves Earth after facing humilation, and the group returns to Wayne Manor to celebrate.

Bruce has decided that, not only will he return to Gotham, but Batman will be coming back. He won’t be alone, as he’ll have a team with him. Jason decides to stay in Gotham and work on his relationship with Bruce, although knowing he will have to go out and find Thalia at some point. Hopefully by then, Tim and Steph will be well-prepared to stand on their own as Robin and Spoiler - inducted into the Batfamily. Hank and Don choose to go with the Titans back to San Francisco, especially since they were very impressed with their teamwork and Gar, who was able to transform past a tiger into something else.

We won’t be involving the Scarecrow in this. Scarecrow’s involvement wasn’t about the Titans and more of DC trying to tie him in elsewhere since Fear State will be starting soon. Plus *spoilers* Bruce killing Joker was the worst decision for Titans to do. It only served to do away with Bruce Wayne so he wouldn’t be involved in the show anymore which they could have easily solved if he wasn’t introduced too early. Keeping the Titans in Gotham for the entire season feels incongruent to who the team is and what the team is about, so if they divided the storyline between Gotham and San Francisco it’d probably play easier and allow for the characters to grow in their own way instead of being chained to the one prevailing storyline that is Under the Red Hood. And when they come back to San Francisco the Titans realize the benefits of training the youth of heroics and commit to teaching Rachel, Gar, Conner, Hank, and Don - and they introduce Cassie who joins them after getting the go-ahead from her mom and Diana. While Karen might not be able to delve into heroics for awhile because of her baby, she can still help by teaching. This will then lead into the next season which would be Titans vs. H.I.V.E. Academy, reintroduction of Slade, and bringing Terra into the fold while also having Rose and Jericho return, too.

Season three would sort of test everyone, give them the option to walk away from being a hero or choose being a hero, and strengthens their resolve to continue, comforted by how this is their choice and it’s what they’re good at.

If anyone from Titans reads this and wants me for s4 feel free to contact me

[omigiry]

𝐑𝐞𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐥𝐞

synopsis: After two years of being apart, reader and Suna met again.

Notes:

College AU

Mentions of break-up and rejection

Osamu and Atsumu playing cupid

POV: Third person (she/her)

wc: 3.9K + (this is longer than what i usually post)

ry’s notes: this was inspired by a webdrama I have watched months ago called Re:feel. It’s one of my favorite webdrama and have watched it a couple of times again. Hope you enjoooy ~  ♡ ♡ ♡

“‘Samu! We’re gonna visit you at work tomorrow.” Atsumu said. The twins we’re hanging out in Suna’s apartment and raiding Suna’s food storage. 

“You never visited for the past 5 months, why bother now?”

They never really cared to visit Osamu and he didn’t mind it at all anyways, they see each other everyday so it wasn’t a big deal. Osamu decided to work as a part-timer at the cafe near their university for the experience. Since he wanted to open up his own store, he wanted to know how everything goes. The cafe was newly opened and owned by a local owner so it wasn’t as busy as the known coffee shops around. 

“My blockmates have been talking non-stop about this dessert that’s available there.” Atsumu said. 

“Ah that, yeah. It’s been getting a lot of attention.” Osamu was working part-time with (y/n). They’d known each other since high school, along with Suna and Atsumu, and he was surprised when he saw her there. She’s been working at the cafe since it opened. (y/n) told Osamu to not tell the two that they were working together and just wait until they also see her there. Knowing what happened in high school, he respected her decision. 

(y/n) was the one who was suggesting a lot of new ideas to the owner for the cafe to gain more attention, and so far, it was getting recognized since her ideas got approved. Osamu was there to help her make the new deserts and drinks they added in the menu along with the other common drinks. It was interesting since she also comes up with witty names for the menu. 

“Whatever. Just don’t embarrass me or I’ll ban you from entering the cafe again.” 

“What’s so great about that dessert anyway?” Suna asked. 

“They said it’s addicting and the chocolate was originally made. Plus the cake looks cute and pretty. Right ‘Samu?” 

Osamu nodded as a response. Seeing the process on how (y/n) made the chocolate really amazed him, they expected the ingredients to be expensive since they were making it from scratch but she knows someone who owns a cacao farm and sells cacao nibs. She was more mature than he’d last seen her and was looking forward to how Suna would react once he sees her again.

When Atsumu and Suna entered the cafe, he was taken aback by the barista who greeted them. 

“(y/n)! You also work here? How have you been?! It’s been two years!” Atsumu excitedly said. He really missed her since they made a lot of memories back in high school despite her being a year younger. “‘Samu why didn’t you tell us?!” Atsumu turned to his twin and got a shrug from him. 

(y/n) laughed at Atsumu’s reaction. “I’m doing fine, and yes it’s been that long. Glad to see you again.” She said and smiled at both Atsumu and Suna. 

Suna was rendered speechless. He could only look at her, he was glad that Atsumu couldn’t keep his mouth shut and talked to (y/n). Has it been two years already? How could you be so casual to me after what happened?

In their senior year of high school, the twins were pointing out to him that they looked good together and how (y/n) likes him. Suna never thought anything of her aside from a close friend and a junior that they care deeply for. He took notice of how she started acting differently towards him when she became a second year.

On valentine’s day she invited him to eat at their favorite place. The twins were telling them that she would probably confess to him on that day, and he’s been thinking over how he would reject her confession. As they eat, everything seems normal. She wasn’t acting nervous or shy around him. She gave him a small box of chocolate as a valentine gift and that was it. Like always, he accompanied her back home and said goodbye once they reached her house.

Right, I was only overthinking things. She doesn’t see me like that. The twins were wrong and saying that she likes me clouded my judgement. 

As he turned the corner of the street, he heard her calling his name. “Rintaro!” She said as she caught up to him, trying to catch her breath after running.

“Did you forget something?” He asked as he came closer to her.

(y/n) shook her head. “I like you.” His breath hitched. What he dreaded would happen actually did. He doesn’t want to ruin their friendship and he really enjoyed her presence and the conversations they exchanged. She’s too precious to him to hurt her, but it’s worse to lead her on. 

“(y/n), I’m sorry but I only see you as a friend and my junior.” Suna said. He saw how the tears formed in her eyes and how she tried to fight it from falling. 

She let out a broken “oh” and said that it was okay, but what she said after that made him feel guilt. “If you really don’t like me, please stop hanging out with me. I like you so much and it would be hard for me to be around you knowing that you don’t reciprocate my feelings. So please, for my sake, start avoiding me and I’ll also do the same.” 

It was honestly hard for Suna, he’d been accustomed to always being next to her that everytime he saw him in the hallways he would automatically wave at her before he could even realize it. It hurt him when she saw the gesture but only walked away. He was jealous of the twins whenever they hung out with her, he didn’t know how he’d survived their last year of high school.

“Surprised ‘ya didn’t it?” Osamu said as they watched Atsumu and (y/n) catch up with each other. (y/n) took her break earlier per Atsumu’s request to talk with her. 

“You’re a jerk for not telling me.”

“Hey, it was her decision not mine.” Osamu defended.

“How is she?” Suna asked him. 

Osamu looked at him with his arms crossed. “She’s over there. Why don’t you ask her yourself?” 

“If you’re worried that she isn’t over you, trust me she already is, she already has a boyfriend.” Osamu added.

Suna’s brows furrowed and the instinct to be protective towards her clicked on. Who was the guy? Does he treat her right? What year is he? He didn’t know why but he suddenly felt something boiled inside him. Was he upset for not knowing about her boyfriend, or was he upset over the fact that she has a boyfriend?

Suna took a seat next to Atsumu when a customer entered and Osamu had to attend to the customer. They were talking about (y/n)’s course and the university she was in. 

“Glad you could join us.” Atsumu said sarcastically, he knows that he’s been avoiding her since the moment they entered the cafe and saw her. 

“How are you, Surin?” (y/n) asked. She used the nickname she would always call him combining his last name and first name. It annoyed him at first, but it eventually grew on him. She kept the conversation going and it ease up the uncomfortable feeling that settled in him. 

She really did move on. She looked the same, but somehow different. 

After (y/n)’s break was over, it was Osamu’s turn to take his break. Atsumu and Suna decided to stay until they closed up, wanting to spend more time with (y/n).

“She really grew up even more wonderful.” Atsumu commented as they watched her make the customer’s order. 

“You do realize that you two look like a creep staring at her right?” Osamu said. 

“It’s no fair, you already had 5 months of catching up with her.” 

As the twins started bickering, Suna tuned them out. His thoughts were only filled with her, curious of what happened to her for the past two years. His chin resting on his palm as he watched her smile at the customers when she took their order. 

You decided to grow your hair. Back in high school you would always cut it short. He couldn’t help but make a comparison of (y/n) from high school and (y/n) that they met today. Your eyes still shine whenever you smile and you still have a habit of tucking your hair behind your ears despite having your hair in a ponytail. 

When the twins noticed that Suna had been oddly quiet, they stopped bickering and looked at their friend and started whispering to each other about Suna instead.

“He got it bad ‘Tsumu.” 

“I know ‘Samu, guess he really doesn’t know his feelings well.”

Suna started visiting the cafe frequently and dragging Atsumu along with the excuse of wanting to wait for Osamu or wanting to try out their special drinks. In truth Suna just wanted to see her more often, since she was attending a different university from them. 

Suna was glad that they had reconciled and put aside what happened back in high school. Everything felt right again, like how they were before, except for one. Suna has this unsettling feeling that was growing. Not really knowing where it started but it keeps on bothering him.

“Wanna grab dinner after our shift later?” Atsumu asked (y/n).

“I’ll pass. I’ll be meeting up with my boyfriend. It’s been two weeks since we last saw and talked to each other.”

Suna’s expression changed at (y/n)’s response. His mood went sour at the mention of her boyfriend, not only that it was from the fact that her boyfriend had neglected her for two weeks.

“Two weeks? That’s long. As in you didn’t communicate with each other at all?” Atsumu said, voicing out what Suna wanted to say as well.

“Yeah, he’s always busy when they had a project and he would always tell me that he’d have no time to see me or talk to me.” (y/n) said. Though she was smiling at them, Suna could sense a little bit of disappointment lacing from her voice.

“And you’re okay with that?”

“I guess so, he would always take me out once he’s free. He might be busy but he never cheated.” 

“Still. That doesn’t give an excuse to not message you once in a while.” 

“It’s okay. I understand that he’s taking his course seriously.”

You’re too kind. Suna thought. She’s always been kind and understanding to others, which led them to take advantage of her. 

“D’ya know about this Osamu?” Atsumu asked her brother.

“Yeah, sometimes he would visit the cafe with flowers in his hands.” (y/n) blushed at Osamu’s reply. 

At her reaction Suna was sure the root problem of this unsettling feeling was coming from (y/n)’s boyfriend. They only talked about her boyfriend once or twice since the topic wasn’t always brought out. Atsumu was curious about who the guy was and (y/n) filled him in, Suna was just listening but he took note of everything she said about her boyfriend, one thing that he really remembers is that they have been together for a year and a half.

As they were closing up, someone entered the cafe. Suna and Atsumu turned to see who it was and suddenly saw (y/n) coming up to the guy who just entered with flowers on his hand. Suna’s scowl got deeper and their interaction.

“Not gonna lie, he is attractive. But you look better than him.” Atsumu said and nudged Suna.

Osamu came up to them and told them to wait outside since they are now closing up the doors. (y/n) did the same to her boyfriend, the three of them waiting outside.

“So, you’re Suna Rintaro.” (y/n)’s boyfriend approached them first and Suna just nodded at him. “Thanks for taking care of (y/n) in high school.” He said. The way he acts irritated both Atsumu and Suna. But they remained silent since it was (y/n)’s boyfriend after all. 

“Treat her right.” Suna simply warned when Osamu came out before (y/n) did. 

(y/n) said goodbye to the three of them and linked arms with her boyfriend.

Atsumu and Osamu exchanged glances as Suna showed his emotions. Something that rarely happens, something that only occurs when (y/n) is involved.

It’s been over a month since they have met (y/n)’s boyfriend in person. Suna still visits the cafe for at least thrice a week with or without Atsumu. (y/n) has been happy so far and it eases up his worry, but he still feels hostile towards her boyfriend. During the month he’d catch him also visiting the cafe from time to time as he waits for her to finish. After that month he rarely sees her boyfriend again.

“Your boyfriend’s not gonna wait for you?” He asked her when she was cleaning up the counter. 

“No, he’s going to be busy again, and this time it will be for 5 weeks.” She said with a sullen expression. If Suna didn’t know any better, he would miss how her eyes looked tired.

“Well, if you ever want to go out you know we’ll be glad to do so.” 

“Yeah, I really do miss you three, I’m glad that we met again.” She gave him a tight smile as she tried to be cheerful.

“Are you seriously not going to do anything?” The twins are at Suna’s apartment once again.

Suna looked at Atsumu when he asked the question. Why would he interfere on (y/n)’s relationships? He may care for her, but there’s still a boundary that he should not cross; even if he’s itching to really do something about it. 

“It’s not like I could do anything.” 

“Oh I don’t know, maybe talk some sense into her? She’s obviously not happy being neglected. She may hold up, but everyone’s got their limits too.” Atsumu said, moving his hands around showing how frustrated he is.

“If you’re that frustrated, why don’t you be the one to do something?” Suna retorted.

“Because, I’m not the one who likes her.” 

“Are you forgetting that I rejected her two years ago?” As he mentioned about that event, he winced. 

“Maybe you’re the one forgetting about it.” Osamu butted in. “You’ve been acting jealous lately. Especially when her boyfriend visits the cafe. I would see you looking at him as if you’re throwing daggers.” 

“Just admit it Suna, you’ve caught feelings, since before.”

Suna kept his mouth shut and reflected his actions for the past weeks since he met her again.

I didn’t really stop thinking about her for the past two years. She would visit my mind from time to time, curious of how she was doing. And the first time I saw her again, I felt like a heavy baggage had been lifted off me when she smiled.

“Come to a realization now?” Atsumu said. “What are you gonna do about it?”

“Nothing. I can’t control her choices, if she ever feels sad or lonely I’ll be there.” 

“You’re so stupid for rejecting her.” Osamu interjected. 

“How was I supposed to know? I really did see her only as my junior back then.” Suna defended. People would ask if they were a couple by how close they were, and Suna always says that there’s nothing going on between them. Did we really look like a couple back then? I was only looking out for her. But now, how he wished that he’s the one being by her side all the time and the one who brings her flowers.

Osamu came to work and saw (y/n) looking dazed. She would usually greet him once he entered but she might not even see him entering the cafe. 

“(y/n)? Are you alright?” Osamu asked as he waved a hand in front of her.

She snapped out of it and jumped in surprise. “Oh, hey ‘Samu. I’m fine. I just feel sleepy, that’s all.” 

“Go rest for awhile, I’ll take it from here.” He didn’t believe her excuse, he could clearly tell that she’s been listless for the past two weeks. She might have reached her limit already.

“No, I can manage.” 

Osamu nodded and put his belongings in the staff room, he sent a quick text to Atsumu and Suna to come over to the cafe and informed them about (y/n)’s condition. 

After their shift, they drag along (y/n) to a karaoke place to make her feel better. 

“You guys. Thank you so much for this.” (y/n) said and hugged them all together. She really felt crappy the entire week and she’s been going through a lot. 

After a few songs, they started feeling hungry so they ordered some food and drinks. 

(y/n) really wanted to have fun but she couldn’t hold it in anymore. She sobbed at the second verse of the song she was singing and they immediately tended to her. 

“What’s wrong?” Suna was the first one to ask as he grabbed the mic from her. 

“I broke up with him.”

“What happened?” Osamu said, the atmosphere was now serious as they comforted her. 

“We had a fight. I’m friends with one of his classmates so we met up last week.” She was telling the story in broken sobs, her voice cracking as she speaks but she wanted to get it out of her chest. “She told me that if I miss him I should go see him. So I did visit him and their study group. I wasn’t planning on staying, I was just there to drop by some snacks, then we had an argument saying that he’s busy and that I shouldn’t see him. And I just had it, and broke up with him.”

“He deserves it.” Atsumu said, his fist clenched, wanting to punch the guy that made her cry. All of them were fuming in anger, and Suna really wanted to teach the guy a lesson. They let her cry and waited for her to calm down. Suna tugged her closer to him as he rubs her shoulder.

“It was a wise decision, communication is important in every relationship no matter how busy that person might be.” 

They brought her home and made sure she rested, Osamu even offered to cover her shift for tomorrow but she declined saying that she would be fine by tomorrow.

True to her words she pulled herself together. Being able to talk about it really helped, and the guys left her messages during that night. It was uplifting for her when they sent them jokes, she was glad that they didn’t dwell on the topic more. A few words of advice and them being there was already enough.

Weeks later, she was making progress moving on. It still hurts but the distraction of work, school, and her friends made her forget about it. She gave to him her hundred percent in their relationship, she’s not going to blame herself for lacking. 

Osamu went home early since he still needed to finish his papers that were due tomorrow. Suna stayed behind to walk (y/n) home. As she closed up the cafe, her ex- boyfriend came. 

(y/n) was taken by surprise, nevertheless she decided to approach her ex-boyfriend.

Suna did not like it when she told him to wait for a while. He could barely hear what they were talking, but he could hear her ex saying that he wants her back and that he still loves her. Suna’s face remains blank trying to contain himself from doing something reckless, like pulling (y/n) away from that guy and telling him that she doesn’t need him.

As Suna was observing from a distance, he could see that (y/n) was smiling at her ex.

Why are you smiling? Are you getting back together? He just broke your heart, you’re going to forgive him again?

Questions run through his mind as he panics inside. It’s making it hard for him to stay stoic at situations like this. What surprises him is that (y/n) left the guy and went to him.

“Wanna grab a drink?” She asked. Suna agreed and let her lead the way.

They went to a convenience store and bought drinks as they sat at the chairs outside. 

“Wanna talk about it?” Suna carefully asked.

“He said that he wants me back, and he still loves me.”

“Do you still love him?”

“I do.” When Suna heard her answer it felt like he was stabbed in the heart. “But, not as much as before. Not enough to want him back.” 

Suna whipped his head when she continued her sentence. Maybe I still have a chance.

“I ask him if he’s going to change his ways when he gets busy. I saw the brief hesitation in his eyes before saying that he would try. And you know what, I wouldn’t settle for less, so I said that it was really over.” She looked at Suna and smiled sincerely. Suna was captivated by her smile and the way her eyes gleam, finally feeling at peace. 

Before he could even stop himself, before he could even process what he said, it came out naturally from his lips. The feelings he didn’t know he bottled up inside for so long had finally burst open. “I like you.” There’s no turning back now.

For the second time, (y/n) was taken by surprise. At first she thought that he was only joking, but he didn’t say anything after that, which meant he was serious about it. 

“Rintaro, I’m not looking for any relationship right now.”

“I know. But I’m not gonna run away or push you away like you did. I’m going to stay.” He claimed. He lost her for two years, and he’s not going to let it happen again. He’ll keep the important people within his reach, he’s going to keep her by his side even if they’ll only be friends.

“It’s getting late, why don’t we go home.” She said. She stood up and stretched a little, it was an eventful night for her. “My apartment is just around the block, I can take it from here. Good night, Surin. See you tomorrow.” She smiled at him and waved goodbye. Suna returned her smile and slowly lifted his hand to wave as well. He felt defeated, but it was what to expect.

+++

Suna was at the cafe again, this time (y/n) was in front of him. They were talking, laughing, and enjoying each other’s company. (y/n) asked Suna to try the new drink she made, she also took a sip of her drink and the froth left a mark on her upper lips. He removed the froth using his thumb, as he gazed at her lips and then her eyes his body leaned closer, closer, and clos---

“Oi!” Atsumu said as he smacked his notebook on top of Suna’s head. “Why are you leaning closer to me? With your eyes closed and puckered lips.” He shivered at the thought. “It gives me the creeps.”

Osamu, watching from the distance, could only shake his head. He was cleaning the cups while (y/n) was washing the blenders. 

“Poor guy, experiencing unrequited love. He might get a sickness from it.” Osamu said loud enough for her to hear. “If I don’t like him, I would’ve told him already to keep him from suffering.” He glanced at her to see her reaction. 

There was a small smile forming on her lips as she softly replied “Who said I didn’t like him?” Before drying her hands with a towel and went to check up on their inventory. 

[1962dude420-blog]

Today we remember the passing of Willie Mae “Big Mama” Thornton who Died: July 25, 1984 in Los Angeles, California

Willie Mae Thornton (December 11, 1926 – July 25, 1984), better known as Big Mama Thornton, was an American rhythm-and-blues singer and songwriter. She was the first to record Leiber and Stoller's "Hound Dog", in 1952,which became her biggest hit, staying seven weeks at number one on the Billboard R&B chart in 1953 and selling almost two million copies. Thornton's other recordings included the original version of "Ball and Chain", which she wrote.

Her recording of Hound Dog, written by Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller in 1952, and later recorded by Elvis Presley, reached Number 1 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. According to Maureen Mahon, a music professor at New York University, "the song is seen as an important beginning of rock-and-roll, especially in its use of the guitar as the key instrument".

Thornton's birth certificate states that she was born in Ariton, Alabama, but in an interview with Chris Strachwitz, she claimed Montgomery, Alabama, as her birthplace, probably because Montgomery was better known than Ariton. She was introduced to music in a Baptist church, where her father was a minister and her mother a singer. She and her six siblings began to sing at early ages. Her mother died young, and Willie Mae left school and got a job washing and cleaning spittoons in a local tavern. In 1940 she left home and, with the help of Diamond Teeth Mary, joined Sammy Green's Hot Harlem Revue and was soon billed as the "New Bessie Smith". Her musical education started in the church but continued through her observation of the rhythm-and-blues singers Bessie Smith and Memphis Minnie, whom she deeply admired.

Thornton's career began to take off when she moved to Houston in 1948. "A new kind of popular blues was coming out of the clubs in Texas and Los Angeles, full of brass horns, jumpy rhythms, and wisecracking lyrics." In 1951 she signed a recording contract with Peacock Records and performed at the Apollo Theater in 1952. Also in 1952, while working with another Peacock artist Johnny Otis, she recorded "Hound Dog", the first record produced by its writers Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller. The pair were present at the recording, with Leiber demonstrating the song in the vocal style they had envisioned; "We wanted her to growl it," Stoller said, which she did. Otis played drums, after the original drummer was unable to play an adequate part. The record sold more than half a million copies, and went to number one on the R&B chart, helping to bring in the dawn of rock 'n' roll. Although the record made Thornton a star, she saw little of the profits.

On Christmas Day 1954 in a theatre in Houston, Texas, she witnessed fellow performer Johnny Ace, also signed to Duke and Peacock record labels, accidentally shoot and kill himself while playing with a .22 pistol. Thornton continued to record for Peacock until 1957 and performed in R&B package tours with Junior Parker and Esther Phillips.

Thornton's success with "Hound Dog" was followed three years later by Elvis Presley recording his hit version of the song. His recording at first annoyed Leiber who wrote, "I have no idea what that rabbit business is all about. The song is not about a dog, it's about a man, a freeloading gigolo." But Elvis' version sold ten million copies, so today few fans know that "Hound Dog" began as "an anthem of black female power." Similarly, Thornton originally recorded her song "Ball 'n' Chain" for Bay-Tone Records in the early 1960s, "and though the label chose not to release the song... they did hold on to the copyright"—which meant that Thornton missed out on the publishing royalties when Janis Joplin recorded the song later in the decade. However, in a 1972 interview, Thornton acknowledged giving Joplin permission to record the song and receiving royalty payments from its sales.

As her career began to fade in the late 1950s and early 1960s, she left Houston and relocated to the San Francisco Bay area, "playing clubs in San Francisco and L.A. and recording for a succession of labels", notably the Berkeley-based Arhoolie Records. In 1965, she toured with the American Folk Blues Festival in Europe, where her success was notable "because very few female blues singers at that time had ever enjoyed success across the Atlantic." While in England that year, she recorded her first album for Arhoolie, Big Mama Thornton – In Europe. It featured backing by blues veterans Buddy Guy (guitar), Fred Below (drums), Eddie Boyd (keyboards), Jimmy Lee Robinson (bass), and Walter "Shakey" Horton (harmonica), except for three songs on which Fred McDowell provided acoustic slide guitar.

In 1966, Thornton recorded her second album for Arhoolie, Big Mama Thornton with the Muddy Waters Blues Band – 1966, with Muddy Waters (guitar), Sammy Lawhorn (guitar), James Cotton (harmonica), Otis Spann (piano), Luther Johnson (bass guitar), and Francis Clay (drums). She performed at the Monterey Jazz Festival in 1966 and 1968. Her last album for Arhoolie, Ball n' Chain, was released in 1968. It was made up of tracks from her two previous albums, plus her composition "Ball and Chain" and the standard "Wade in the Water". A small combo, including her frequent guitarist Edward "Bee" Houston, provided backup for the two songs. Janis Joplin and Big Brother and the Holding Company's performance of "Ball 'n' Chain" at the Monterey Pop Festival in 1967 and the release of the song on their number one album Cheap Thrills renewed interest in Thornton's career.

By 1969, Thornton had signed with Mercury Records, which released her most successful album, Stronger Than Dirt, which reached number 198 in the Billboard Top 200 record chart. Thornton had now signed a contract with Pentagram Records and could finally fulfill one of her biggest dreams. A blues woman and the daughter of a preacher, Thornton loved the blues and what she called the "good singing" of gospel artists like the Dixie Hummingbirds and Mahalia Jackson. She had always wanted to record a gospel record, and with the album Saved (PE 10005), she achieved that longtime goal. The album includes the gospel classics "Oh, Happy Day," "Down By The Riverside," "Glory, Glory Hallelujah," "He's Got the Whole World in His Hands," "Lord Save Me," "Swing Low, Sweet Chariot," "One More River" and "Go Down Moses".

By then, the American blues revival had come to an end. While the original blues acts like Thornton mostly played smaller venues, younger people played their versions of blues in massive arenas for big money. Since the blues had seeped into other genres of music, the blues musician no longer needed impoverishment or geography for substantiation; the style was enough. While at home the offers became fewer and smaller, things changed for good in 1972, when Thornton was asked to rejoin the American Folk Blues Festival tour. She thought of Europe as a good place for herself, and, with the lack of engagements in the United States, she agreed happily. The tour, beginning on March 2, took Thornton to Germany, France, Switzerland, Austria, Italy, the Netherlands, Denmark, Norway, Finland, and Sweden, where it ended on March 27 in Stockholm. With her on the bill were Eddie Boyd, Big Joe Williams, Robert Pete Williams, T- Bone Walker, Paul Lenart, Hartley Severns, Edward Taylor and Vinton Johnson. As in 1965, they garnered recognition and respect from other musicians who wanted to see them.

In the 1970s, years of heavy drinking began to damage Thornton's health. She was in a serious auto accident but recovered to perform at the 1973 Newport Jazz Festival with Muddy Waters, B.B. King, and Eddie "Cleanhead" Vinson (a recording of this performance, The Blues—A Real Summit Meeting, was released by Buddha Records). Thornton's last albums were Jail and Sassy Mama for Vanguard Records in 1975. Other songs from the recording session were released in 2000 on Big Mama Swings. Jail captured her performances during mid-1970s concerts at two prisons in the northwestern United States. She was backed by a blues ensemble that featured sustained jams by George "Harmonica" Smith and included the guitarists Doug MacLeod, Bee Houston and Steve Wachsman; the drummer Todd Nelson; the saxophonist Bill Potter; the bassist Bruce Sieverson; and the pianist J. D. Nicholson. She toured extensively through the United States and Canada, played at the Juneteenth Blues Fest in Houston and shared the bill with John Lee Hooker. She performed at the San Francisco Blues Festival in 1979 and the Newport Jazz Festival in 1980. In the early 1970s, Thornton's sexual proclivities became a question among blues fans. Big Mama also performed in the "Blues Is a Woman" concert that year, alongside classic blues legend Sippie Wallace, sporting a man's three-piece suit, straw hat, and gold watch. She sat at center stage and played pieces she wanted to play, which were not on the program. Thornton took part in the Tribal Stomp at Monterey Fairgrounds, the Third Annual Sacramento Blues Festival, and the Los Angeles Bicentennial Blues with BB King and Muddy Waters. She was a guest on an ABC-TV special hosted by actor Hal Holbrook and was joined by Aretha Franklin and toured through the club scene. She was also part of the award-winning PBS television special Three Generations of the blues with Sippie Wallace and Jeannie Cheatham.

Thornton was found dead at age 57 by medical personnel in a Los Angeles boarding house on July 25, 1984. She died of heart and liver disorders due to her longstanding alcohol abuse.

[xbaepsae]

prove it (m)

“How could he not see how this was all affecting you? Why didn’t he realize you needed him to be present in your life? But as much as you needed him to be one hundred percent here for you, a part of you would just rather have him one hundred percent gone.”

[boyfriend!jeongguk x girlfriend!reader]

genre: estranged relationship!au, smut, some angst

word count: 4.9k

rating: mature

warnings: mutual masturbation, jealousy, language

a/n: this is another reupload! i went back and reread this and, honestly, it’s not too shabby. granted, it’s not that complex, but i enjoyed writing this estranged relationship between jk and the reader. kind of want to write a follow up. let me know lol. xoxo

Long distance relationships suck.

Even for the strongest of people, separation is never easy. Ideally, everyone wants to believe that not being with the person they love all the time isn’t a big deal. However, after a while, there are different factors that cause major stress in a relationship.

There’s a lack of communication sometimes; you can’t physically see them often, so you resort to the basic text and phone call. Still, it’s not the same. Seeing someone through a phone is vastly different than physically being with them. There’s a lack of intimacy too; no holding hands, late night cuddles. Your toys and hands can only do so much, unfortunately.

Being long distance wasn’t always the case for you and Jeongguk, but it became a reality when you both decided to attend different universities.

Early in your relationship, you both avoided talks about the future. In the back of your mind, you already knew that you both had different plans for college. But you didn’t want to admit it out loud—not even to him.

A part of you was afraid about the longevity of your relationship. Most long-distance relationships, and even more so with high school relationships, don’t really make it. But you loved Jeongguk; you don’t think you’ll ever be able to love anyone else as much. As cheesy as it may sound, he’s your other half. You knew that there were others out there, but you didn’t want anyone else.

“You’ll call me every day, yeah?” you asked him the day you both graduated.

“Of course,” he caressed your arm. “Every day.”

The first semester at college, you both talked nearly every day. And you were happy; so happy that despite the distance, not much had changed. Even with your different schedules, you both still made time for each other. You both even visited each other—you went to see him during Halloween, and he surprised you before your finals.

But of course, life gets in the way.

After the first winter break, the communication between you two dwindled. And after that first summer, everything changed. Even when you both did happen to be home, you barely had the time to talk let alone hang out. You found out more about Jeongguk’s life from his Instagram account than you did directly from him. Every time you scrolled onto his page, countless pictures of him partying and hanging out with his friends filled your screen—and yet, no time to give you a quick phone call. It was frustrating.

You considered calling it quits multiple times—what is the use of being with someone if you both don’t act like a couple? It was so bad; you couldn’t even remember the last time you two were in the same room. But every time you brought up the issue, Jeongguk did some redeemable act and you forgave him instantly.

It seemed to be a never-ending cycle.

And now, even though you both were well into your third year in college, Jeongguk was still tethering you on a string. How could he not see how this was all affecting you? Why didn’t he realize you needed him to be present in your life? But as much as you needed him to be one hundred percent here for you, a part of you would just rather have him one hundred percent gone.

***

3:14 PM | Jeongguk: I’ll call you later

3:15 PM | You: for real?

You watched the text bubble pop up for a few seconds before disappearing. And when it disappears, it doesn’t pop up again. A sigh leaves your mouth as you drop your phone onto the table.

“Are you texting him?”

Looking up, you make eye contact with your friend Taehyung. “Yeah…”

“And?” Taehyung prompts you to finish your sentence.

“And…he said he’ll call me later,” you say, “but these types of texts from Jeongguk are pointless and disappointing.”

You met Taehyung your first year at college, and immediately hit it off. You helped him with his math homework, and he paid you back by listening to all of your Jeongguk drama. Sometimes you wished you could fall for Taehyung—a relationship with him was bound to be easier than the one you had right now—but he was already in a deeply committed relationship with the cute librarian assistant, Jimin.

“I mean, at least he texted you, right?” your friend attempts to make you feel better, but you feel anything but that.

“I guess.”

“Well don’t be too hard on yourself, buttercup,” Taehyung smiles, “because today is not the day to be down in the dumps!”

Half the time, you have no idea what the words that came out of his mouth even mean. “What are you talking about?”

“Don’t you remember?” You have no idea. “It’s Hoseok’s birthday tonight!”

After a few moments, the gears in your head begin moving and you remember Taehyung mentioning something about it last week. You aren’t really close with Hoseok though; he’s Taehyung’s friend and a member of the soccer team, so it slipped your mind.

You have only chatted with Hoseok twice; once was at a party freshman year and you were wasted, and the second was in line for coffee at Starbucks; but you were pretty sure he had no idea who you were. “But I don’t really even know him.”

“Y/n, he doesn’t care who comes; hell, I think he invited the entire school. Besides, I already told him that you’re my plus one since Jimin can’t make it.”

Even though it was a Friday, you were not in the mood to do anything. All you wanted was to return back to your apartment and sleep until Monday rolled around. “Tae…”

“It’ll take your mind off of Jeongguk,” he says in a sing-song voice.

And he’s right—it will be a distraction from your issues in the love department. You think about it for a moment before deciding to hell with it; you’re going to allow yourself to enjoy tonight. “Okay fine, I’ll go.”

Taehyung gets up in that moment and engulfs you in a hug, which attracts the stares of many people in the room. “Thanks y/n!”

“I think you can let me go now,” you pat his back and he lets you go with an airy oh.

“Okay, well, I’ll swing by your place at around seven and then we’ll goooooo!”

You laugh at his enthusiasm and bid your friend goodbye as you both leave. You’re pretty sure Taehyung has a class, but he’s going the opposite direction…so you’re not sure what he’s doing. But you don’t think too much about it and make it back to your apartment. There, you greet your roommate, Nana.

“Hey, girl hey,” she smiles, and you’re struck once again by how pretty she is.

You and Nana have been roommates since you both started going to school here. Most people don’t end up living with their first roommate their entire stay at college, but you both got along well and there has never been a problem. Also, you two just knew too much about each other’s living habits at this point to live with other people.

“Hi,” you smile back, setting your things down before falling down onto the couch beside her.

“So, how was your day?”

Since you both are juniors and have busy schedules, it seems like you never really get to see each other. Which sucks because you honestly consider Nana to be your best friend, besides Taehyung of course.

“It’s been okay,” you begin, “I barely passed my exam in history and managed to turn in my paper for lit right before the deadline…and Jeongguk texted me.”

“Jeongguk texted you?” she only seems to pick up the last bit you said.

“Yep,” you pop the end of the word.

“How’d that go?”

You give her a look, “Horrible.”

Nana gives you a sympathetic smile, “Sorry boo that you have such a shitty boyfriend.”

“He’s not shitty…he’s just…” you try to get the words out about how loving Jeongguk really is, but your mind fails you. Maybe she’s right. “Okay, maybe he is being a little shit right now.”

“You know, I really liked Jeongguk when I first met him,” your roommate says. “But then he just stopped coming to see you.”

You sigh and burry your head into a pillow, “I know.”

“What did he even text you about?”

“He said that he’ll call or whatever—but I’m not even sure if he’s serious, or just messing with me,” you lift your head up. “Do you know that we haven’t talked since school started again?”

Nana gasps, “That was almost two months ago.”

“Exactly.”

“Y/n!” she screams your name. “What the fuck are you doing?”

“I’m actually going crazy, Nana,” you feel defeated; what kind of relationship is this? “But maybe tonight will get this shit off my mind.”

“What are you doing tonight?” she asks.

You explain how Taehyung has basically dragged you to Hoseok’s birthday party and even though you don’t want to go that much, you need to forget about Jeongguk for one night. Nana thankfully agrees with you. She even says that you can borrow one of her dresses since you don’t, in her words, own anything nice.

“Wow are you saying I have no style?” you pretend to be hurt.

“I’m saying you don’t have clothes appropriate for nights like these,” Nana laughs and tells you to follow her to her closet.

When you walk into her room and open her closet—you let her have the bigger closet because she has more clothes than you anyway—you’re not surprised to see a variety of mini skirts and dresses. Nana definitely goes out more than you ever do and proclaims that she can never wear the same outfit twice. “What shall we put you in?”

You shrug, “I’m down to wear anything.”

But maybe you’re giving Nana too much free reign because as she begins to dig through her closet, she pulls out the most revealing dress you’ve ever seen. She tosses it you before you can blink and demands that you have to wear it.

You nearly fall over from the force of the dress, but somehow manage to catch it. Pulling it away from your body, you immediately begin to shake your head. There was no way in hell you can go out in public like this—you don’t even want to wear it in the safety of your apartment. The dress is black with a plunging back and an equally plunging front. And with its short length, it leaves nothing to the imagination. “Hell no.”

“Come on, y/n!” Nana whines, mouth dropping when you fling the dress onto the floor. “This dress will look so good on you!”

“I don’t think anyone can wear this dress,” you frown as she hands you the dress again.

Your roommate rolls her eyes, “Please—I wore this! And I got a ton of male attention that night…you will too.”

But you don’t want the attention of multiple guys, just want the attention of one. “I don’t know, Nana. I’m not one to wear this kind of stuff…”

“Just this one time! Trust me.”

And even though you’re completely out of your element, you succumb to Nana’s demands and trudge into the closet to try the dress on. You let your clothes fall onto the carpeted floor and slip the revealing dress on. Surprisingly, even though you and Nana aren’t necessarily the same size, the dress seems to fit; you just hope all your precious body parts aren’t hanging out on full display.

When you step out for your roommate to see the dress, her jaw drops, and she lets out the loudest ear piercing scream you’ve ever heard. It’s so loud, you’re positive the neighbors heard it.

“Oh my god, y/n! You look so fucking good,” she pushes you towards her full-length mirror and the air seems to leave your lungs.

“I…” you’re at a loss for words, “I…actually like it?”

Nana screams again and proceeds to hug you, but you can’t stop staring at the mirror. You hated the way the dress looked on the hanger; now, is it crazy for you to say it makes you feel like a bad bitch? It feels like you can conquer the world.

“I told you!” Nana exclaims. “God—you look so good; you can just keep the dress after this. I don’t think I could ever wear it again after you just slayed my existence.”

“Okay, you’re just being dramatic at this point.”

“But no seriously, you look amazing and fucking Jeon Jeongguk is missing out,” she says hugging you again. “Can I do your hair and makeup?”

A few hours later, the doorbell rings as you slip your shoes on. Nana runs to answer the door and you smile as Taehyung walks in. The moment his eyes land on you, he stops in his tracks and brings a hand up to his mouth. “Y/n?”

“Don’t look so shocked,” you roll your eyes.

“Who are you and what did you do with y/n?” he runs up to you, inspecting your body from head to toe. “Who knew you had this side in you?”

“You can thank me for that,” Nana slides beside you, offering a bright smile.

After a little convincing, you managed to bribe Nana in coming out tonight too. Your main argument for making her go out too is that you needed someone to last the night with. Even though you are technically Taehyung’s date, he never stays out long and you didn’t want to be left alone with Hoseok and his friends. And you promised that all the drinks were on you, which made her agree in a heartbeat.

“I’m actually blown away,” Taehyung rubs his eyes.

You feel a bit of pride flare up inside of you; if your friends were already so blown away, you can only imagine the reactions from other people.

“You guys are so nice,” you smile before Taehyung makes it known that you all have to go before the party begins.

The three of you hop into his car as he drives to the place where Hoseok’s hosting his party. It’s at a local bar just down the street from school and when you get there, you see a huge sign with the words ‘Happy Birthday Hoseok’ in bold letters. Well, that’s one way to let everyone know. As Taehyung parks, you realize just how many people are here; birthday boy must’ve really invited everyone.

Walking inside the bar, Hoseok stands front and center and immediately greets you guys.

“Taehyung!” he excitedly says, a bright smile om his face. “Glad you could make it.”

The two of them shake hands before Taehyung wishes him a happy birthday and points to you, “You know y/n and Nana, right?”

“Of course,” Hoseok turns to you and immediately takes in your appearance. You notice his eyes widen at your dress before they meet your gaze. “Glad you guys could make it.”

You redden under his heated look as he reaches a hand out and you return the favor by extending your own too. Taehyung quickly suggests that you all take a picture together before the night gets too crazy and Nana forces you beside Hoseok. You give her a wide-eyed look, but she just smiles. You offer your phone to someone nearby and they tell you four to get into position.

The phone camera flashes while you offer your biggest smile. A few more flashes go off before the phone gets passed back in your direction. You swipe through the pictures, because one is simply not sufficient, and are pleasantly pleased with yourself. You have to admit it, you look pretty good.

“Damn, y/n!” Nana brings the attention to you and everyone begins to ask to see the pictures. But before Nana can pass your phone around, Hoseok tells you that he has to attend to the rest of his guests. At that, you quickly send everyone the pictures.

“I’ll catch you later?” he asks, and you realize he’s talking to you. Heat creeps up your face as you reply with a tentative sure and watch Hoseok walk away.

The moment he’s out of sight, Taehyung and Nana turn to you simultaneously saying that he definitely likes you. And while you’re flattered by the attention, you’re not interested. So you just brush your friends off and walk deeper into the bar. You order the three of you drinks and look at the pictures again.

“I think you should post the pictures,” Nana says sipping her drink.

You raise a brow, “Why?”

“Because you look good,” she talks like it’s the most obvious thing ever.

“Isn’t it a bit scandalous?”

“No?” Taehyung’s words come out like a question. “I’m posting one of these too.”

“Yeah but it’s normal for you to post stuff like this.” You honestly aren’t one to post suggestive pictures. Your feed is rather plain and simple. Also, you don’t party much either so might just look weird, or are you thinking way too much about this?

“Maybe it will elicit a reaction from that boyfriend of yours.”

Your ears perk up at Nana’s words. “I don’t think he even checks my social media…”

She raises a brow, “Girl, all men check their girls social accounts whether they like to admit it or not. Besides, he posted up pics with his boys earlier…why can’t you?”

She has a point. As the two of you were getting ready before, you scrolled through Jeongguk’s profile and saw that he posted a picture from last night. And it was the same pictures he was always posting—him and his friends with those damn red solo cups. If Jeongguk can post pictures of him at parties, why can’t you?

And at the end of the day, they are just pictures—completely harmless. You quickly scroll through the pictures again and pick the one that you look best in. After editing the picture and adding a witty caption, you press post. As you watch the page load, your heart races. Soon, a text bubble pops up signaling that the picture has been posted and you internally scream.

“Did you do it?” Nana asks, looking over your shoulder.

All you can do is nod and shove your phone away from you. “Can we just forget I did that?”

Taehyung and Nana don’t need to be told twice before ordering a round of shots for you, which you down without a fight.

***

As the night progresses, you actually do forget that you posted the picture.

With your phone on silent and your body a little more than slightly buzzed, you let the music and atmosphere of the bar take you away. By this point, you aren’t sure what time it is or where Taehyung went. You’re betting that he already left, but you’re too absentminded to really care right now. Beside you is Nana, but she’s rather preoccupied with a guy.

You try to grab her attention, to let her know that you need to run to the bathroom, but it’s fruitless so you just leave. In the bathroom, you push open a stall and let out a cry when your phone falls and narrowly misses the toilet. Thank god. Picking up the phone, you suddenly realize how many unread messages and missed phones you actually have…and they’re all from Jeongguk. You briefly run over the messages and see that he’s been leaving message after message for you to call him.

As if the ten missed calls weren’t enough.

Quickly doing your business, you run out of the bathroom and tell Nana that you need to go back to the apartment. But instead of the both of you leaving, she tells you that she’s more than likely not coming back tonight, and you catch the look in her eyes. Before calling an Uber back, you make her promise to text you and then you’re off.

The moment you step through the threshold of your place, you call him. And surprisingly enough, he answers on the first ring.

“Y/n.” As much as you hate to admit it, you’ve missed his voice.

“Hello to you, too,” you dismiss such defeating thoughts and try to remember your anger towards him.

On the other side of the phone, he sighs, “Where are you?”

“At home,” you tell him, kicking off your heels and walking into your bedroom.

“I see…” he says. “So, you’re not out at a party? I saw the picture you posted.”

You release a deep breath. So that’s what this phone call is about.

“Did you just call to chew me out?” you fall onto your bed. “Because if that’s the case, I don’t want to hear it.”

“What the fuck do you think you’re doing?”

“Why the fuck do even you care?” you retort. “I see you partying every week too, and do I make a big deal out of it? No. You’re such a hypocrite.”

Jeongguk is quiet for a moment. He’s so quiet you almost think he’s hung up on you, but before you can say anything else, he asks, “Are you still at the party?”

You roll your eyes, “I told you I’m at home already.”

“Prove it,” he says.

You don’t even know what he’s asking for. How are you supposed to prove you were at your apartment? “What?”

“Skype me.” Oh.

“Isn’t it a little late,” you say, peering at the clock on your wall that reads a little after midnight. “Shouldn’t you be in bed?”

Even though you’re angry at Jeongguk ninety-five percent of the time, that doesn’t mean you don’t care to know what goes on in his life. You know that he has practice every Saturday morning and if he doesn’t sleep, he’ll be a cranky little baby.

“Practice is cancelled tomorrow.” It’s like he’s read your mind or something. And after much contemplating, you tell him you’ll skype him.

Grabbing your laptop from the floor, you can’t deny the anxious excitement you feel. You also can’t deny the fact that you miss Jeongguk desperately, even though he can be an asshole. It’s honestly been so long and you want nothing more than to see his face again. Logging onto your skype account, you click on his little icon and watch as the screen begins to make a call. As it loads and connects, you situate your laptop away from you.

And the moment Jeongguk appears on your screen, you feel an array of emotions. He’s in his room, you can tell from his blue pillows and the posters that line the wall behind him. A part of you wants to cry as dumb as it sounds; it just feels like you haven’t seen him in so long. Your eyes run over the softness of his features before meeting his piercing gaze.

“Hey,” you offer a half-smile.

“Hey.”

“So,” you clear your throat, “as you can see, I am at home…in my room.”

He nods, not looking away from you, “Sorry for doubting you. That picture…just really fucked me up.”

“Why?” you question, shifting your position.

“First of all, you look fucking amazing in that dress,” Jeongguk smirks and you remember that you’re still in Nana’s revealing dress, face heating up. “Second, that guy’s hand on your body was literally too much.”

You’re not sure what he’s talking about, so you look back at the picture and notice that Hoseok’s hand was wrapped rather tightly your waist. “I didn’t even realize.”

“Sure.”

“No, I’m serious,” you look back at Jeongguk. “I barely know the guy. It was his birthday tonight and Taehyung invited me.”

“And you still let him put his hands all over you?” he asks.

Why is he getting so angry about the picture? It was just a photo. Never in all the years you two have been together has he ever been like this. Is he jealous? You haven’t thought to pin him as the jealous type, but perhaps it’s finally showing.

“Are you jealous?” you narrow your eyes as his own widen.

“Of course not,” he brushes you off. “I just don’t like it when guys put their hands all over other people’s girlfriends.”

He’s totally jealous and your heart begins to warm at his words. “I’m your girlfriend?”

You’re teasing him and he doesn’t seem to catch on. “Are you not?”

“I don’t know,” you shrug. “Doesn’t really seem like it sometimes. I mean, you never call me. Aren’t people supposed to call their girlfriends? And I just feel neglected, you know? Like you’re living a completely different life from me—like we’re not even dating.”

“I’m sorry,” he immediately says, wetting his bottom lip. “I just—I’ve gotten caught up with life lately. I mean it when I say I’m going to call, because I really want to, but it doesn’t always happen.”

You’re a bit shocked at his apologetic confession because you were not expecting it. Jeongguk is not usually the one in your relationship to cave in first; you’re usually the one who comes running to him. Maybe he does still care about you in the same way he did all those years ago.

“You’re sorry?” you ask. “Prove it.”

His eyebrows raise at your repeated phrase. “What?”

“If you’re so sorry…show me.”

Where these words are coming from, you literally have no idea. While you cave in first, Jeongguk is way more forward about his intentions. It’s like your roles have switched and you strangely love it. His eyes stare into yours with so much intensity, it almost feels like he’s right here with you and not just on your laptop screen.

You wait for him to say something—do something; the anticipation of his actions have you squirming on your bed.

“Take off the dress,” he suddenly says, voice much lower than before.

Your insides clench as you raise your body to kneel on the bed and unzip the dress, letting it fall into a pile around your knees. Jeongguk lets out a deep breath as he takes in your smooth skin, body only covered by your flimsy underwear.

“I couldn’t wear a bra with the dress,” you smile at his reaction.

“Fuck, y/n,” he swears. “Take off the underwear and sit back on the bed. I want to see you.”

You oblige and fling your last item of clothing onto the floor. You’re about to do as Jeongguk wishes and lay back, but you stop. “I want to see you, too.”

His eyes darken as he pushes his laptop forward to reveal more of himself and peels the white t-shirt off his body. Your eyes drink in the muscles that adorns his body—god, it’s been so long since you’ve seen him like this. You’ve missed this all terribly. After chucking his skirt to the side, he pushes the waistband of his sweats down and reveals his already hard cock.

“Commando?” you smile, body heating up with desire. As you say this, he begins to slowly stroke himself and you swear that nothing hotter has ever graced your eyes.

“Lay back for me baby,” he whispers, and you follow his instructions, leaning back onto your headboard so you can still see him. “Touch that pretty pussy of yours for me.”

And you begin touching yourself, hands rubbing your sensitive clit. The first touch already has you moaning Jeongguk’s name. Fuck; you wish he was here with you right now. You wish it was him whose hands were touching you instead of your own. So you imagine his hands on your body instead and your eyes nearly roll to the back of your head.

“It feels so good,” you moan, watching your boyfriend as he moves his hand up and down his hard shaft. You can see the bit of pre-cum that has already leaked out of his head and you want nothing more than to lick it off. “Jeongguk…”

“You’re so hot,” he forces through clenched teeth. “Stick a finger inside baby. I want to see you fuck yourself.”

You do—you stick one and then another, pretending Jeongguk is actually entering you instead of your fingers. You start with a steady rhythm, slowly moving in and out before going a little faster. Jeongguk begins to match his pace with you and you feel yourself getting close. Your hips begin to buck up into your hands and your palm rubs against your sweet spot.

Sweat begins to bead along your forehead and you use your other hand to rub little circles into your clit again. “I’m so close.”

Jeongguk groans at the image he’s seeing, you desperate for relief. “Cum for me baby; I need you to cum, okay?”

And you can’t help it, you cry as your orgasm hits. It sends waves of pleasure throughout your body, causing your legs to shake. The entire time you ride the high, you’re saying Jeongguk’s name and it isn’t long before his own orgasm arrives. You watch as his face contorts, brows furrowed together and mouth slightly parted, and his load shoots onto his abdomen.

His dark hair is drenched in sweat, and chest rises and falls with each heavy breath. Jeongguk brushes his hair back and grabs his discarded t-shirt to wipe himself. You sit back up on the bed after you catch your own breath and brush your hair to the side.

“Thanks for that,” you tell him, and he laughs.

“Thank you, too,” Jeongguk smiles. “I needed that.”

“Same,” your eyes bore into his and silence passes between the two of you. You know this moment doesn’t change much; there is still a lot of work that needs to be done in your relationship. However, what you do know is that Jeongguk still cares and that give you hope. “I’ve missed you.”

“I’ve missed you more.”

[gemstoneconstellations]

I’m Sorry I’m Nervous

Summary: First date jitters happen to everyone, even Red Riot.

Wordcount: 2800

A/N: This is a direct continuation of Hero By Another Name

“Okay, so I’ll…um, see you Friday,” Kirishima nervously chuckled in front of you, holding your hands as he stood in your doorway. 

You smile up at him. “Promise?”

He bent down and pressed his lips to yours. “I promise.” One more kiss turned into two, which turned into him with his arms tightly around your waist, your body pressed against the doorframe as he practically devoured you. Finally, the two of you said your  goodbyes, a little out of breath and flushed down to your necks. 

“We’re dating. We got a date on Friday,” Kirishima mumbled to himself as he got in the elevator, a dopey smile on his face. He threw a fist in the air, proud that he’d finally come out and said it. He needs to call Bakugo for saving his ass yet again. Who knew Bakugo was such a great wingman? Finally, Kirishima had made you his girl…his girlfriend. He hasn't felt like this in such a long time. Since, like, high school. His eyes went wide. He hasn't dated since high school! “Oh shit, we’re dating. I got a date this Friday.”

In a panic, he called the only Bakusquad member that knew the meaning of the word chill. “Hey dude, what’s up?” Sero answered lazily.

“Code Shitting Myself! I have a date on Friday!” Kirishima practically screamed into the phone as he rushed out of the elevator into the lobby, making a small woman who was entering at the same time jump back. 

Kirishima waved apologetically as he scurried away to possibly go bury himself somewhere. 

“Uh, congrats? Why are you panicking?”

“I don't know what I'm doing! What do people do for dates now?” He gripped at his hair, for all he knew, Netflix and Chill was the new norm!

“Bro,” Sero snorted at Kirishima’s distress; the red-head was overthinking the entire situation and Sero found it refreshingly funny.

“I haven't been on a date since high school, I don't know what a mature adult does for a first date. I’m not mature! I still watch cartoons in the morning on my days off!” That threw Sero over the edge; he bursted out into a fit of laughter, wheezing and coughing as he tried to compose himself.

After a solid five minutes, he was able to speak again. “Okay, relax dude. I’ll call the squad and we’ll brainstorm over some beer while Bakugo lectures us on the amount of sugar and calories we are putting in our bodies. Sounds good?”

“Yeah, yeah, that works.”

“You okay now?”

“Yeah….I have a girlfriend,” Kirishima let out a bashful giggle, looking back up to your apartment complex. 

“Good for you, bro. I’ll see you later.”

~

“I fucking told you extras. Pay up, assholes.”

The whole table groaned as everyone started slamming their money down on the table, Bakugo cackling unapologetically as he swept the pot of money over to him. “The hell? Guys?” Kirishima looked at them all, appalled. 

“We started making bets after you randomly became a junior firefighter,” Ashido frowned as she handed her money over to Bakugo, who snatched it from her and started counting it. 

Kirishima pouted; he didn't think it was that obvious. Ashido reached over, reading his mind and patting his arm. “Honey, we all know how considerate you are of other people but seriously? Yeah, we all saw it coming.”

Kaminari cut in, holding up a folded up piece of paper. “Alright, so I pulled up a list on the internet—” 

The whole table groaned, but Kaminari cleared his throat and spoke over their complaints. “I compiled a list of manly first dates and this is what I got.”

Sero swiped the paper from the electric blonde and glanced over it. “Museum? Does she like art?”

“Not all museums are just art. There is this really cool toy museum...” Kaminari took the paper back, smoothing out imaginary wrinkles.

Ashido rolled her eyes. “Is she even into video games?”

The red-head only shrugged as he took a sip of beer. Honestly, he couldn’t really think of anything that you were interested in outside of work. “I don't know? She’s kind of a workaholic. Only thing she collects is…”

“She's a creepy mega-fan of his and covers her entire apartment in Red Riot merch,” Bakugo chimed in nonchalantly, still counting his money. All eyes were now on Kirishima, eyebrows raised.

“Moving on!” Kirishima launched his body across the table to grab the list, trying to change the subject.  “A picnic, that sounds nice.”

Sero shook his head. “Uh, you might have to go where there are no people. Both of you are still pretty popular and with that gossip rag around, you might attract a crowd.”  The note was passed to Ashido; it was probably best in her hands since she’s the only girl in this group.

Ashido took out a pen and started crossing things off. “So anything with crowds is probably out. That means no to sports games and amusement parks…” Kaminari started to pout as he watched so many of his ideas get crossed out.

“Cross off crappy pottery painting. That shit is for some old married couple, or ones with little kids.” Bakugo finally joined the conversation only to scoff at Kaminari. Seriously, pottery? Ashido nodded in agreement at what the ash blonde said, tapping her nose as she scribbled that out.

Kaminari threw his arms in the air. “Let’s just cross off all my ideas!”

“Rock-climbing would be cool. She had fun doing that while we were camping. Maybe we could go on a hike.” Kirishima tried to be the positive one of the group. That camping trip had really helped change your relationship; something outdoorsy might be good.

Sadly, Ashido waved him off and started giving her “girl advice”, which really sounded more like a lecture. “No. You need to do something together that you haven't done. The first date can set the tone for the entire relationship. Plus, rock-climbing is more of a third date activity. First dates are when you need to have lots of face-to-face conversations. You are getting to know each other in a romantic sense; rock climbing isn't going to give you a lot of opportunities to do that. Also, no sex or too much kissing. Focus on talking to her as a person so she doesnt think you’re only after her body.” Kirishima’s face instantly flared up at being called out like that. Damn, Ashido can pick up on the slightest hint of anything that is remotely romantic. If only she had put that much effort into her studies when they were in school.

“Fine! All I got is one thing left. Tell me how that can go wrong so I can throw this stupid list away.” Kaminari was completely fed up, taking the list back and writing one more thing on it before thrusting it back into the center of the table. He crossed his arms as he slouched in his chair.

Ashido looked up at Bakugo and Sero, who both nodded with a look of surprise. “Actually….” 

“That’s not a bad idea. Good job, Dunce Face.” Bakugo waved over a waitress to order some wings for Kaminari as a reward for using so much brain power. 

“Wait, what? You guys like one of my ideas? Yes! And you guys doubted me. Just call me the love doctor from now on.” Kaminari leaned back in his chair, rubbing a finger under his nose as he bragged smuggly. Ashido reached over and pressed a finger to his forehead, causing him to fall back. “Fuck!”

~

“Miniature golf?” you questioned as the two of you walked up to the indoor miniature golf course. It was perfect. It was less in the open, they controlled the amount of people on the course, and with a little extra cash, the attendant held back on letting in more people so the two of you could have plenty of time alone together.

Kirishima cleared his throat nervously. “You don’t like it?”

You linked your fingers through his, shaking your head. “No, that’s not it. I just haven't done it in years.” His heart nearly launched into his throat. How do you do that so easily?

“Oh, I guess that means I'm a shoe-in to win, then?” Keeping his cool, he teased you as he pulled you into the building.

That competitive nature of yours came in full-throttle, jumping at the bait. “Is that a challenge I hear?”

Kirishima looked down at you, leaning in with a smirk on his face. “Yup. The winner decides where we go for dinner.”

You leaned in closer, whispering, “You’re on.” Oh, he wants to kiss you so bad right now.

After paying admission and slipping the teen a few more bills to keep the crowd away from the two of you, you were picking out what color club you wanted to use. Of course, Kirishima chose red. He was leaning back, watching you as you narrowed in on a neon green club. You bent down to see if it was a comfortable height for you and that's when he noticed the curve of your ass in those jeans. He felt himself totally zone out, leaning more heavily on his club when he stumbled.

You looked back at him as he straightened up. “You okay?”

“Yu-Yup! Go ahead to the first hole to save our spot. I changed my mind about what color to use.” He hid his now bent club behind his back, praying you wouldn’t notice or argue with him.

Lucky him, you nodded in agreement. “Oh, okay.”

Kirishima sighed in relief once you were out of view. He held up the bent club; the poor thing didn't have a chance under his weight. He held it up to the attendant, who saw the whole thing transpire. “I’m so sorry, I’ll pay for the damage.” He can already hear Mina telling him off. I told you not to think about sex or kissing too much! Focus on getting to know her! Easier said than done...

Now with a new club that was a darker shade of red in his hand, he met you at hole one. You were tossing one of your golf balls in the air as you waited. “Ready?” Your smile helped him forget the incident; he silently promised himself that he wouldn't embarrass himself anymore on this date so that you wouldn't regret going out with him.

Around the third hole, you were starting to giggle as he was about to take his shot. “What?”

“Just watching you play. Compared to you, everything on the course looks child-sized.” True, he is pretty bulky and it was even more apparent next to a mini-Eiffel Tower. He pulled back the club to take a swing. “You’re so big.”

His face instantly turned red and he lost his grip; his second golf club was sent spinning four courses away. You held both hands over your mouth, trying to contain your laughter. He glared at your shaking back. This was your fault this time. He sighed, his head down dejectedly as he started walking. “I’ll be right back.” 

Club retrieved, you continued to play. He was extra cautious with the club, making sure to keep a firm grip on it and his sanity. Why is he so nervous? This shouldn't be that big of a deal; the two of you had hung out before. You skipped beside him, spinning your club in your hand. “I’m winning by four strokes.”

Kirishima looked over the course; it was set up so if he hit a corner just right, he could get it in one stroke. After you tried but didn’t manage to get very close to the hole, he felt like he had this in the bag. Time to show off. “I’ll get a hole in one on this, just you watch. This is basic geometry. Bakugo tutored me for hours til I was a master of it.”

You giggled, stepping to the side as he set his ball up. He hit the ball…but he may have hit  a little too hard. Instead of just bouncing off the wall and going back towards the hole, it went into the air and straight for the small Great Wall of China. He rushed over to see the damage he’d caused now. “It’s stuck in the wall….I must have hit it too hard.” The ball was lodged inside the plaster and everytime Kirishima tried to get it out, more cracks formed. “I can’t get it out without wrecking it any more….”

“Pfft.” He looked back to glare at you. “This counts as a stroke.” Your competitive streak was showing and it was not playing nice. 

Before he could protest, you went to your ball and tapped it gently. You smirked at him triumphantly as it came within an inch of the hole. “Well look at that, I’m going to get a birdie.”

“So much for looking cool….” Kirishima sighed to himself for like the millionth time. You were kicking his butt at this while he was stumbling all over the place. What the hell? He’d played this before and he was never this bad.

“Last one, the windmill.” The final boss of miniature golf stood on top of a small hill, paper mache blades spinning slowly. Kirishima was taller than it but it felt like it was towering over him. He swallowed. 

“I’ll get this one no problem.” Kirishima pumped himself up, stepping up first. He watched the blades swinging around, waiting with the club in the air for the perfect moment. Quickly, he swung at the ball and it zipped through the air. It looked like it was going to make it. Finally!

RIIPP SHWOOP

“It went through the blade!” You dropped your club and ball to laugh as Kirishima rushed over in horror.

He scrambled over to look at the damage and find the ball but he noticed that it wasn't there. He looked behind the mill to see his ball coming out the back, rolling down the ramp all the way into the hole. He fist pumped the air, forgetting all about the other hole he’d caused. “Ha! See? Hole-in-one!” He pointed towards the hole and then leaned against the windmill, only for it to start tilting. “Oh, shit!” He caught it quickly and balanced it back out. Well, at least you were smiling as you crumpled to the ground laughing.

~

“That was fun, especially since I won by 10 strokes.” You stretch your arms up, taking in the fresh air after such a fun game. You turn to the side, expecting Kirishima to be standing beside you, only to see the street. He was behind you, dragging his feet out of the miniature golf facility, head held low. “Kirishima?”

“I’m sorry about all that back there. I was just so nervous that I kept messing things up and….causing destruction of property. Kind of messed up our first date, huh?” He walked up to you, eyes still downcast as he apologized for one of the best dates you’d ever had.

You reached out to him, gently taking hold of his hand. “Why were you so nervous? It’s not like we haven’t hung out like this before. If anyone should be nervous, it’s me. You already know all my dirty secrets in my apartment.” Maybe you should mention that you’d had Bakugo give you another “pep’” talk  about how you were being an idiot for panicking slightly before the date.

Kirishima sighed, taking both your hands in his and rubbing his thumbs across your fingers. “It’s our first date, pretty much the deciding factor of whether you want to stay with me. I didn't want you to think I was a waste of your time…” You tried not to laugh. How could he think spending any time with him could be a waste?

“It’s not over yet, right?” You let go of one of his hands, pulling him by the other. “The winner gets to pick dinner. I vote ordering take out and watching a movie at my place.”

He looked at you with a dazed look, completely confused as he let you pull him down the street towards home. You smile at him reassuringly. “For what it’s worth, I had fun. I always have fun with you.”

Kirishima’s face instantly lit up, his mood seeming to perk up. “Really? You dont regret it?”

You move your hand in his, making your fingers weave together. “I don't think I could ever regret being with you.” Honestly, you’ve never felt this happy before, and it’s all thanks to the red-head walking beside you.

He tightened his grip and smiled down at you sweetly, making you feel all gooey inside. “Same.”

[moldisgoodforyou]

the one time jj visited kappa

warnings: cursing, mentions of sex (but like. not really). 

also - set in an AU type universe where they started dating junior year instead of senior year, purely for the excuse of me being able to write about charlie living in kappa. enjoy! 

wordcount: 2.3k

Charlie: wish you could just come over and hang out

JJ: Can’t you just come to beta 

Charlie: yes but I’m lazy 

JJ: I would come to kappa if you wouldn’t get in trouble 

Charlie: well if we don’t get caught...

JJ: You’re too loud 

Charlie: 🙃I literally meant hanging out, stupid 

JJ: Uh huh. That’s what you said last night too 

jj grinned as he typed the last text with only 2% battery left, walking out of the beta house. it was cold in the december air, but kappa was just down the street, so if his plans failed, it was an easy detour back home. five minutes later, he strolled through the front doors of kappa with way too much confidence, let in by some freshmen. boys were allowed in the common areas on the main floor on weekdays until 10pm, typically for study groups, but it was still uncommon to see a boy wandering around the house at any hour. 

lucky for jj, the beta house mom and kappa house mom were best friends, and the kappa house mom was often invited to beta for weekly dinners. he passed the house mom in the foyer. the house mom, lovingly referred to as mom judy, was an eighty-year-old retiree that lived in the house and was the default point of contact if anything went wrong. some might say she used it as an excuse to relive her college days, but most house moms were like that. 

“hello jj, what are you up to over here?” mom judy greeted him, offering him a familiar smile. he grinned, turning on the charm. “mom judy, my favorite house mom! I’m here to visit charlie.” she nodded. “charlotte, one of my favorites. but you didn’t hear that from me,” she grinned conspiratorially. “but you know you can’t go up to the rooms, right?” 

jj nodded back, lifting up his dead phone. “right, right. but I’ve been waiting here for...oh, twenty minutes now?” he lied, checking his watch. “my phone died and she’s not answering, I was hoping I could just run on up and knock on her door. we have a date planned.” 

mom judy glanced around, clearly debating. “just a knock, and then you’ll leave for your date?” jj grinned. “just a knock, mom judy, you have my word.” she paused, then waved her arm toward the stairs. “be quick. have fun on your date, jj.” he beamed, giving her a quick salute. “thanks mom judy! you’re the best!” 

he wasted no time bounding up the stairs, excited to surprise charlie. unfortunately, he had only been upstairs once before, when he was snuck upstairs as a freshman after a formal with a sophomore (how he snagged that date, he still had no idea). he knew charlie lived in room 12, but that was about it. ultra-confident, he strolled down the hall on the second floor, passing a couple girls, and knocked once on room 12. upon hearing no response, he walked right in. 

two girls looked up from their bean bags, watching TV, and jj stopped in the doorway, not recognizing either of them. “uh...” he started as one of the girls grinned. “you lost or something?” the tips of his ears turned red and he ran his fingers through his hair, laughing. “or something.” the other girl piped up. “who are you looking for?” 

“uh, charlie. charlie walker. I thought she was in room 12, my bad.” one of the girls sighed, hauling herself up. “she’s in room 312, this is 212.” she walked past jj, out to the hall, then turned back and looked over her shoulder as he stayed in the doorway. “you coming?” 

“oh!” he nodded, hurrying to catch up. “I’m jj, what’s your name? sorry about that.” she rolled her eyes. “yeah, everyone knows who you are here. I’m annie, I’m a sophomore.” he laughed, following her through a stairwell. “yeah? why’s that?” annie grinned, then gestured at his appearance. “because you’re you. and charlie talks about you way too fucking much.” jj grinned back, proud. “I’ll take it.”

annie led him down the hallway to charlie’s room, not bothering to knock before pushing the door open. “hey, charlie, your boy’s here.” she gave jj a small push inside the room. charlie glanced up from the futon in surprise. “how’d you get up here on your own?” jj laughed, sheepish. “well. annie here had to help me out. turns out there are multiple room 12s.” charlie nodded in recognition, smiling. “don’t mention it.” annie waved her hand, letting the door shut behind her. 

charlie grinned, crossing her arms over her shirt to hide it from jj. “you’re a delinquent, sneaking in like this.” he grinned, crossing the room to flop down next to her on the futon. “thought I’d surprise you. what are you wearing?” he reached out to tug on her arm, not recognizing the oversized t-shirt. charlie held her arms tighter, shaking her head. “uh, old shirt. it’s nothing.” a tell-tale blush rose to her cheeks as she lied. he leaned closer. “just nothing, huh?” 

she nodded. “just nothing.” he grabbed her suddenly, tickling her sides enough to make her squeal and squirm out of his grip. “mercy, mercy!” she got out through giggles, and his jaw dropped when he saw the shirt. the sigma chi letters were bold on the front, clearly a men’s shirt. “charlie! a sigma chi shirt, really?” she blushed more, crossing her arms again. “it’s laundry day, and it’s a big comfy shirt! you won’t let me take more than two of yours or I’d be wearing that instead!” he scowled, tugging on the hem. “I’ll give you more shirts, especially now. is this a shack shirt?” 

her moment of hesitation was enough. “charlotte! take it off.” she rolled her eyes. “don’t call me that, you sound like my mother.” he reached over and pulled the shirt up and over her head, charlie not resisting. teasingly, he snapped the strap of her sports bra against her shoulder. “better.” charlie rolled her eyes again. “was this just a ploy to get me undressed? we’re not having sex up here, especially not on the futon or the twin bunk bed.” 

he grinned, leaning in. “will making out suffice?”

she laughed, adjusting herself to lay down on the futon. “you use that line on every girl?” 

jj smirked before meeting her lips in a slow kiss. “nah, just the smoking hot ones.” charlie snorted before hooking her arm around his neck, pulling him closer. “yeah, yeah, whatever.” they stayed like that for a while, lazily making out, jj pushing away her roaming hands a few times. 

"come on, this is the ONE safe space!” 

grace evans, charlie’s roommate and best friend, walked in unannounced, tossing her backpack on the floor and letting the door slam shut behind her. charlie groaned, propping herself up on her elbows as jj turned to rest next to her. “not my fault, he got up here somehow to surprise me.” 

“hey, evans.” jj offered, cheeks tinged slightly red out of embarrassment. 

grace barely nodded in his direction before turning her attention back to charlie, crossing her arms. “charlie, come on, this is the one place I don’t have to worry about any guy hanging around.” 

charlie laughed. “you’re kidding, right?” 

grace shook her head, stubborn. “not at all.” 

“....so are you forgetting last weekend, when I had to stay at beta so you could have that tinder guy over?” charlie made a face. “do you know how disgusting those bathrooms are?” 

“hey, they’re not -” 

“shut it.” charlie cut jj off with a pointed finger. jj shifted uncomfortably, tugging his shorts to hide the half-tent he was struggling with.

“that’s a different circumstance, he didn’t have a place to stay here on campus. whereas you two have the entire beta house to fuck around in.” grace countered. 

charlie sighed. “again, this is not something I had planned, but -” 

“also!” grace cut her off. jj sighed and settled in for the argument, sitting up and setting a pillow over his lap. grace held up her phone. “you’re gonna get caught, because someone asked in the groupchat whose boy was wandering around the halls. which, jj -” she turned to acknowledge him. “if you’re gonna sneak in, use the back staircase, dumbass.” 

“hey!” charlie and jj protested at the same time. “it’s his first time here!” charlie argued. “well, actually...” jj hedged, running a hand through his hair. “when have you been up here before?” she asked, confused. he let out a sheepish laugh. “uh. freshman year, I went to formal with cassie nolan.” 

“but she’s older.” grace chimed in, equally confused. it clicked for them at the same time, charlie wrinkling her nose and grace laughing. “oh! nice, maybank.” 

jj shook his head, shooting grace a glare. he went to stand, moving the pillow. “look, I’ll just -”

“no.” both girls argued at the same time and jj raised his hands in surrender, slowly sitting back down. “I’ll go, but I want a heads up next time.” grace offered, grabbing her bag. “also, standards is definitely going to write you up, so.” she waved her hand toward them. “make it worth it. but like, put a towel down or something.” 

charlie rolled her eyes. “we’re not having sex on the tiny futon, thank you very little.” grace grinned, heading out the door. “yeah, yeah. use protection!” she called over her shoulder, letting the door slam shut again. 

“she’s fun.” jj laughed. charlie shook her head, smiling. “she’s embarrassing.” she leaned over him, pushing the pillow aside. “now. where were we?” 

twenty minutes of kissing later, charlie bumped her head on the metal armrest for the third time and sat up with a sigh. “I’m gonna get concussed or something, can we just hang out? literally?” jj laughed, pressing a soothing kiss to her forehead. “yeah, sure. uh, can you direct me to the restroom first?” 

she nodded, pointing to the left. “down the hall, up the stairs. it’s smaller so. you should be fine. no one on this floor’s gonna tell on me.” 

“got it.” jj gave her another quick kiss before reaching down to pull on his shirt. charlie grabbed it from him, tugging it over her head. “go, you’ll be fine. plus if you get caught, they’ll understand.” she grinned, gesturing to his abs. “don’t objectify me.” jj teased, but left anyways, only wearing shorts slung low around his hips.

he followed charlie’s directions exactly as he remembered them (incorrectly) - down the hall to the left, down the stairs. jj slipped into one of the stalls, did his business, then left. he was a little turned around, but went out a familiar-looking exit door. 

he realized a second too late that the door was heavy and would slam shut behind him in the cold winter wind - and that the door led outside, and not back to the stairs like he thought. “fuck.” he cursed, desperately wiggling the handle. he punched in about ten different random combos to the lock, unsuccessfully. 

he had left his phone charging in her room and since he technically wasn’t supposed to be in the house anyways, he was at a loss. he cast a hopeful glance toward the parking lot, hearing girls’ voices drifting closer - then realized it was the kappa president, who would definitely get charlie in trouble and just send him away. jj scrambled to hide behind a set of trees planted around the corner of the house, and only relaxed once he heard the door shut again as the girls went inside. 

he debated his options for a few minutes, but it was about 50 degrees (cold enough, for south carolina) and he was only in shorts and flip flops. jj gave up and rapped on the closest window, praying someone would take pity on him. unfortunately, he lacked the common sense to think about what it would look like to have a shirtless boy knocking on the window on a sorority house. 

the blinds were opened just a tad for someone to peer out - jj waved, then sighed as the blinds were immediately pulled shut. he was blissfully unaware of the chaos that was now the sorority groupchat, as some poor freshman texted “there’s some naked guy outside, no one open your blinds.” 

five minutes later, charlie poked her head out of the door as jj had just resigned himself to walking back to beta or suffering frostbite. “hey maybank, you lost?” she called out. jj grinned and jogged back to the door. “my hero!” she rolled her eyes and grabbed his arm, yanking him inside before any else could see him. 

“jesus, your hands are cold!” charlie hissed, pulling him upstairs back to her room. “I almost died out there, walker, it’s fucking freezing!” jj retorted, hardly trying to keep his voice down. “you’re such a drama queen.” she shot back, pulling him into her room and locking the door behind him. 

“c’mere, I need to be warmed up.” jj stepped toward her, arms outstretched. charlie grinned, dodging away and stepping backward. “no, use a blanket.” jj took two steps across the room and grabbed her around the waist, spinning her in a circle. “stop, stop!” charlie squealed, grabbing onto his arms. jj ducked his head down, pressing a kiss to her neck. 

“you’re never coming back, I hope you know that. I already have a standards meeting scheduled because of you.” charlie scowled, but turned her head to meet his lips with hers. jj laughed. “deal. we can stay at beta from now on.” 

[chaoticminhos]

blue

pairing: lee felix x reader

genre: angst, fluff

warning(s): none

a/n: uhh idk how i feel about this one but hopefully you enjoy it!

you shut your locker door, eyes locked onto your phone screen as you made your way to your first period class. you had been typing a message to your best friend, lily, when you bumped into someone, running straight into the chest of lily’s older brother, felix.

felix was in the grade above you and lily, making him a senior in high school. felix was friends with 8 other boys, age ranging from sophomores to seniors like himself. they didn’t like being referred to as the popular boys, but that’s what they were. you and lily, on the other hand, were not. the only reason everyone knew your names around school is because of lily being felix’s sister and you being her best friend. otherwise, no one payed attention to you. i mean, you were a junior in high school and you had yet to have a date to a single dance. lily had a boyfriend, but you hadn’t ever had one.

you raised your head to apologize to the person you bumped into, changing your plan when you noticed it was felix.

you smiled at him, “watch where you’re going, dumbass.”

he laughed as you began to walk away, grabbing you by the shoulders and pulling your back to his chest, “what? what did you say?”

you laughed, thrashing in his grip, “nothing! never spoke a word in my whole life!”

you broke free from his arms and ran to hide behind one of his friends, changbin.

felix laughed, “oh, come on, y/n, pick someone taller to hide behind! i can see right over changbin!”

changbin abandoned you in the open as he darted forward to playfully hit felix, but was cut off by your best friends voice.

“hey, get your own y/n! this ones mine.” lily pulled you by the arm out of the crowd of her brothers friends. felix and changbin stilled their playful fight, standing up straight to address the new voice.

felix smiled and stepped towards you and his sister, ruffling her hair, “keep telling yourself y/n likes you more than me, little sis.”

lily did not find his joke funny, huffing as she dragged you away by her grip on your arm and to your shared first period class.

she sat down in the seat beside you and looked at you with a frown on her face, “my brother and his stupid friends are so annoying, god.”

she buried her face in her hands, resting her head on the desk. you guessed it was just a sibling thing, because you actually found that entire group very entertaining and fun to be around. not to mention that they were all drop dead gorgeous. you’d never tell lily this, but you thought felix was one of the most ethereal people you’d ever seen.

as the time for class to begin came nearer, more people found their way to the classroom. with lily still having her head on the desk, probably having fallen asleep, you had nothing to do but scroll through your phone. just as you were about to pull out your headphones, you heard one of the girls entering the classroom discussing something with her friends.

“the dance is this weekend already? oh my god, i need to get a dress.”

“really? i have mine already, wanna see a picture?”

you tuned them out for a while, but didn’t put your headphones in. you had forgotten the dance was this saturday. you still weren’t sure if you were going or not, to be honest. you were sure that if lily brought her boyfriend you’d be third wheeling the entire time, and there wasn’t anyone else you really wanted to spent the dance with.

“hyunjin and felix? how do they not have dates by now?”

at the mention of familiar names, you began to listen in again. you chuckled at their confusion, hyunjin always waited until last minute to get a date. he never really went with anyone as a real date, but he always brought some girl to entertain him for the night, whatever that may include. felix though, you were a bit surprised by. although he hadn’t had an official girlfriend since his sophomore year, he nearly always had some girl stuck to his hip. he wasn’t a player or a fuckboy, though, he claimed that he had only slept with a few of the girls he had been with. either way, you were sure that both boys would have a date secured by the time saturday rolled around.

the teacher walked into the room as she greeted your class good morning, forcing you to shove the thought of the dance to the back of your mind.

school passed slowly and painfully, but eventually, just as most days, you ended up walking to lily’s house after school while listening to her complain about something her boyfriend had said.

you reached her front door before she did, testing the knob to see if it was locked. it wasn’t, so you pushed the door open and stepped inside, immediately to be greeted by a living room of 9 loud high school boys.

lily stepped in beside you, rolling her eyes, “jesus christ, can we go to your house?”

you turned to her as you shook your head, “mom has clients over.”

lily grumbled as she pushed her way past the boys and into the living room, tossing jisungs jacket off of the couch and replacing it with herself.

you sat your things down by your shoes and followed your best friend to the couch, lifting her legs off of the cushion so you could sit down beside her. not long after, the boys piled their way into the living room as well.

“seriously,” lily began, “can you guys go to like chans house or something?”

“nope,” felix popped a chip into his mouth, “we were here first.”

he chuckled as his sister rolled her eyes, making eye contact with you and sending a wink your way, “plus, what if i wanna stay and hang out with y/n?”

lily let out an audible sign of annoyance at that.

“literally felix, for two seconds, can you stop hitting on my best friend? it’s fucking gross.”

changbin piped up, “hey felix, don’t you have a spot open for your date to the formal in a few days?”

lily immediately interrupted, “oh my god, no, not happening.”

you wouldn’t be opposed to going to a dance with felix, or even going out with him in any other way. he was good looking and you enjoyed being around him. you’d always had a childish little crush on him since you and lily met back in 6th grade, but you knew lily would never okay the two of you dating, so you never tried to be anything more than friends with the boy.

“why not?” continued changbin, “neither of them have a date! it’s perfect!”

lily shook her head, “no. nope. hyunjin doesn’t have a date either, does he? why can’t she go with him?”

you let out a chuckle, “or felix and jinnie could go together.”

hyunjin leaned forward and shoved you softly as he and everyone else laughed at your joke, “i mean, i’m down if you are.”

you blushed at his words and the soft and warm smile he was sending you. it’s not that you had a crush on him, even, it’s just that one of the most attractive and popular boys in your high school was asking you to a dance and although you assumed it would be as friends, he never said it was.

jisung let out a cheer, “woah felix, you’ve got competition!”

felix laughed at jisungs words, but his eyes didn’t smile with him. you didn’t have time to think about it before hyunjin was speaking again.

“so, miss y/n, will you go to the formal with me?”

lily clapped excitedly and you looked over to her. she gestured for you to look back at hyunjin, so you did.

“um, sure?”

the boys cheered and shoved hyunjin around and you laughed at their actions.

“lily,” called chan, “didn’t think you’d be so excited about this!”

she laughed, raising her eyebrows in a teasing manner, “anything to keep felix off of her.”

felix chuckled, “who says this is gonna stop me?”

the rest of the night went normally, all 11 of you blowing off your homework to watch movies huddled together on lily and felix’s couches. lily often said the boys annoyed her, but you knew she enjoyed moments like this more than anything.

after finishing two movies, the sun had set and your curfew was approaching, as well as many of the other boys’. you all stood up, save lily and felix, and began to get ready to leave.

“hey,” chan called to you as you put your shoes on, “need a ride? it’s dark out, you shouldn’t walk.”

you were about to agree and thank him when felix spoke, “why doesn’t her new boyfriend give her a ride?”

his words were playful and his tone was light, but when you glanced over to him, his face didn’t look like he meant it to be funny. you shrugged it off, he was probably tired.

hyunjin chuckled as he sent a wink your way. you could tell he was enjoying the attention, and you couldn’t lie, you were too. you look at him as he pulled his keys from his pocket with a smile, gesturing you to follow him.

you were so wrapped up in the interaction that you barely noticed felix rise from his seat on the couch and head upstairs to his room.

you didn’t have any romantic feelings for hyunjin and you doubted he had any for you, but you felt butterflies in your stomach as he took your hand and lead you to his car. you knew he was probably just playing into the fun and enjoying the attention, but you couldn’t help but think to yourself that you could fall for him.

the ride home wasn’t very long, but hyunjin turned on some music and the two of you sang at the top of your lungs until he pulled into your driveway. you unbuckled you’re seatbelt and stepped out of the car.

“hey, wait, don’t i get a goodbye kiss?” hyunjin pouted.

you laughed as you shut the car door, slapping the hood of his car on your way inside while yelling to him.

“oh you wish, hwang!”

you could hear his laugh through the shut car doors, and you laughed to yourself as you entered your house. you found your way to your room and got yourself ready for bed, thoughts of hyunjin and felix on your mind.

you didn’t want to get yourself worked up, knowing you and hyunjin were most likely going as friends, but you couldn’t help but think that maybe he was what you needed to finally get over felix.

—

the news of hyunjin asking you to the dance was well known by the time you walked into the school. no one approached you and asked about it, but you heard people talking about it as you passed them. some of the comments were supportive and happy, others not so much. you also picked up on the fact that felix had found himself a date since the previous night. he had called her and asked her soon after everyone left his house the night before.

you kneeled down beside your locker as you rummaged through your backpack, trying to get everything to sit in it in a comfortable way that didn’t leave the book corners stabbing into your back.

you stood and closed your locker door just as lily and her brother and his friends were heading past you. you raised your hand and waved to them, to which felix took the opportunity to high-five you, interlocking his fingers with yours as your hands fell. you laughed, shaking his hand off of your own, smiling at hyunjin, who was on the other end of the group.

he made his way through the group and to you.

“so,” you began, “word spread fast.”

he chuckled, “yeah, no kidding. i don’t even know how everyone found out so quickly, i only told the guys and a few other people.”

you smiled, “lily has a big mouth.”

your conversation was cut short as the bell rang and everyone split ways to head to class.

the rest of the week went similar to that, you and hyunjin didn’t interact too much more than usual, other than when people made a point to bring it up and when you were discussing what you’d wear to the dance.

you’d noticed a few times since the night hyunjin asked you to the dance that felixs eyes didn’t crinkle every time he laughed at one of hyunjins jokes and he didn’t tease you quite as often, but you didn’t think too much of it. he had a date to the dance, and probably didn’t want to upset her by being flirty with other people, even though everyone knew they weren’t anything serious.

when saturday finally rolled around, you went to lily’s house to get ready. the boys had gathered at chans place, so felix wasn’t there to bother the two of you.

you slid the dress over your shoulders, looking at yourself in lily’s full body mirror. you and hyunjin had settled on blue, a pretty basic color for a high school dance.

lily gasped when she saw the way the dress looked on you, “you look amazing, oh my god, hyunjins not gonna know what hit him.”

you laughed, but you couldn’t help the thought at the back of your head that was asking what felix would think of your get up.

lily put on her dress and had you tie her hair into a tight braided bun before helping you with your own hairstyle. you didn’t want to wear too much makeup, settling on just concealer for a few spots, eyeliner and mascara, and lipgloss.

lily was more into makeup than you, and she took a while to do her full face of makeup, but you thought she looked stunning when she finished. some people would say she wore too much makeup, but you loved her creativity and confidence.

on perfect timing, there was a knock on the front door. lily ran downstairs, saying she’d check if it was her boyfriend or hyunjin. the four of you agreed to meet at lily’s house and carpool to the dance.

you made your way downstairs and we’re greeted by lily’s boyfriend, but weren’t given much time to introduce yourself to him before hyunjin knocked on the door.

lily let hyunjin inside and went to grab her things from her bedroom before the four of you piled into hyunjins car and headed to the school. you and hyunjin sat in front with lily and her boyfriend in the back seats.

“you look really nice, y/n.” hyunjin smiled at you from the drivers seat.

you looked him up and down as best as you could in the small car and pretended to be thinking before replying.

“you look okay, i guess.”

he took one hand off the wheel momentarily to lightly shove you, commenting on how if you kept being mean he’d kick you out of the car and make you walk to the dance in your heels.

hyunjin parked his car in the school parking lot as close to the building as he could. he took the keys out of the ignition and stepped out of his car, jogging around to open your door for you.

you took his hand as he helped you out of his car, waiting for lily and her boyfriend to walk inside. the dance had technically began a few minutes before you arrived, but none of you were too worried, it wasn’t anything even close to being as big of a deal as prom was.

the four of you entered the school and walked into the gymnasium that the dance was being held in, your arm secured around hyunjins.

the two of you matched super well considering you’d only agreed to be dates a few days prior. he had a blue tie around his neck that was nearly the same color as your dress with a white button up and black dress pants, complimenting your outfit perfectly.

lily drug her boyfriend off to introduce him to her other friends and hyunjin lead you to where he spotted his friends standing off to the side, ignoring the looks you two got as you made your way across the room.

hyunjin removed his arm from your grip to greet each of the boys with a small hug or a high five, politely introducing himself to their dates and saying hello to the ones he already knew. you did the same, greeting each of the boys and their dates.

“wow,” felix blinked, “you look really good, y/n.”

you beamed up at him, “thank you! hyunjins lucky he had a tie that matched my dress.”

you chose to ignore the way felix tensed when you mentioned the name of your date, choosing instead to grab his arm along with hyunjins and drag them into the middle of the gym where everyone was dancing. his date as well as few of the others followed and you all laughed and danced for a while.

you were in the middle of chatting with jisungs date, who he had brought from a different school, when the music changed to a slow song. you began to walk off of the dance floor and towards the side, but you didn’t get far, as hyunjin caught your hand with his and motioned for you to follow him back to the center of the floor.

he guided your hands to his shoulders before placing his gently on your hips, pulling you so there wasn’t much space between the two of you, but still enough to not make you uncomfortable.

you smiled up at him, your cheeks turning red. he chuckled when he noticed.

“what? embarrassed?”

you nodded, “little bit. no ones ever asked me to slow dance before.”

he smiled, “oh, i get the honors?”

“i suppose you do.”

you locked eyes and his smile began to slowly fall from his face, and before you knew what was happening, his lips were on yours. you tensed in his arms from surprise, letting yourself relax when you comprehended what was happening. he slowly pulled away, scanning your face for discomfort, smiling when he saw none.

the moment was short lived, however. just moments after the sweet interaction, hyunjins eyes locked with something behind you and his smile fell. he removed his hands from your body and rushed in the direction he was looking. you turned around in confusion, seeing him follow felix out of the gym.

worried something had happened, you followed after him and found him and felix talking in an empty part of the hallway. felix noticed you before hyunjin did, stopping in the middle of what he was saying and storming off.

“whatever hyunjin, thanks a lot.”

you hurried over to hyunjin, placing a hand on his arm as he ran his hands through his hair.

“fuck, i’m sorry, y/n.”

you furrowed you’re eyebrows, “hyunjin? what’s wrong?”

“i messed up- fuck.”

he saw hurt and confusion flash across your face.

“no, no, no, i don’t regret kissing you, i promise. it’s just that i figured since felix didn’t intervene when i asked you out the other night and he hadn’t said anything to me about us coming here together until now i figured he was finally over you and i could shoot my shot but apparently-“

you cut him off, “hyunjin, slow down, what’s going on?”

“i like you, y/n, i do, but i can’t do this to felix.”

you didn’t respond for a moment, taking time to process everything that had happened within the last few minutes. hyunjin kissing you was a big enough shock, but now he was saying felix had feelings for you? that he couldn’t be with you because felix wanted to date you? the same lee felix that you’d had a crush on for years and also were strictly forbidden by your best friend to date?

you pulled hyunjins hands from his face, forcing him to look at you, “where did felix go?”

“home, i think. he might still be in the parking lot.”

you grabbed hold of hyunjins hand and ran as fast as you could to the door in heels. you scanned the parking lot for felix and saw him unlocking his car.

“felix!”

his head snapped up and he watched you and hyunjin make your way to him. he unlocked his car and threw the door open, ready to get in. he locked eyed with hyunjin and scoffed.

“really, hyunjin? you couldn’t just leave it? you had to come rub it in some more?”

he moved to get into his car before you spoke again, “felix, wait.”

he clenched his jaw as his eyes went from hyunjins to yours. it was hard to believe the same annoying and cuddly felix as always was the same boy standing in front of you with anger filling his eyes.

“i like you.”

a look of confusion flashed over his face and he blinked down at you, “what?”

“i like you, felix.”

he slowly removed himself from his car and shut the door, standing in front of you and hyunjin. he looked at hyunjin with a slight frown.

“but he- you kissed him, though.”

you sighed in frustration, “felix can you stop talking about him kissing me and do it for yourself?”

you didn’t give him time to think, stepping towards him and cupping his face with your hands as you pressed a kiss to his lips. you felt him relax against you, bringing his hands to rest on your waist. he broke the kiss first, pulling away and diverting his eyes to hyunjin, who was trying as hard as possible to keep his eyes focused on anything other than the two of you in front of him.

felix let out a small laugh, “sorry for blowing up, hyunjin.”

“huh? oh, uh, yeah, it’s alright man. i should probably,” he gestured to the building, “you know, you kinda left your date alone and... yeah.”

hyunjin hurried back into the school, feeling like he had witnessed a moment that should have been saved for just you and felix.

felix turned his attention back to you, leaning forward and placing another kiss to your lips hesitantly, like he was afraid you’d change your mind and push him away. you felt him smile against your lips as you kissed him back. you walked him backwards until his back was against the side of his car, to which he immediately took you by your shoulders and swapped your positions, so you were pinned in between the car and him. he laughed at the surprised sound you made, kissing you again, rougher this time. he pulled away before getting too carried away, he didn’t want to rush things.

“you know, i was gonna ask you to this dance.”

you smiled, “why didn’t you?”

“hyunjin. and lily.”

your heart sank, you forgot about lily. what were you going to tell her? you knew how much she hated the idea of you and felix together, even when it was just innocent jokes and harmless flirting. how was she going to react to it being a real thing?

felix noticed the look on your face, bringing his hand to your chin and tilting your head up to face him.

“we’ll figure it out.” he kissed you again, “i promise.”

he released you from his arms, telling you to get into the passenger seat.

“we’re going on a date.”

you laughed, “now?”

he buckled his seatbelt and turned the car on, “when else?”

felix drove you to a cafe near the school, having you order whatever you wanted and insisting that he’d fight you if you didn’t let him pay.

you and felix sat at the cafe for the rest of the night, talking and having fun. it wasn’t uncomfortable, you and felix talked often anyway. the only difference was that you both knew of your feelings for each other. you would have stayed all night, but felixs phone rang with a text from his sister, asking why he wasn’t home an hour after the dance ended. he typed a reply that he was with the boys before driving you to your house, kissing you one more time before you went inside.

the next few weeks continued like this, late night dates and keeping your relationship from lily. you planned to tell her eventually, you just needed to figure out how. you didn’t end up figuring out a plan of how to tell her, however. she found out before you or felix were ready to tell her.

you were sat with felix in your living room, cuddled into his side as you watched the movie playing on the screen in front of you. lily was supposed to be out with some of her friends, and you had told her you were going to stay home and help your mom prepare for her next clients, even though both of your parents were out for the night.

she believed it, of course. it wasn’t uncommon for you to skip social gatherings to stay home, you liked your alone time.

somewhere a few hours into your movie night with felix, the both of you fell asleep with you cuddled into him and his arms secure around you.

you were both woken suddenly by the sound of your front door flying open and lily storming in.

“oh my god, y/n, you won’t believe what-“

she paused when she got to your living room and caught sight of you and felix huddled together under a blanket, not having had time to separate yourselves before she stormed in.

she frowned in confusion, “what’s-“

“oh my gosh, lily, i’m sorry, i didn’t know you were coming over.”

you frantically separated yourself from felix, but you knew she’d already seen enough to know what was happening.

“yeah,” her face went from confused to angry, “i texted you.”

“i’m sorry, i didn’t see it-“

“obviously not.” she turned to felix, “you’re such an asshole.”

she moved to leave the room, but felix jumped up from his seat next to you and stepped between her and the exit.

“please, lily, let us explain.”

she tried to shove past him, “explain what, felix?” you could hear her voice shaking, she was going to cry. “she’s my best friend! can’t i have one fucking thing without you needing to take it away from me?”

he grabbed her arms, holding her so she would stop trying to get past him. he expected her to fight back harder, but instead she relaxed into his arms and sunk to the floor, tears falling from her eyes.

“you have so many close friends, felix. i only have y/n.”

“you have tons of friends lily, what are you talking about?”

“no!” she began to fight against him again, “no, you don’t understand, none of them stick with me like y/n does! you have all of the boys to care for you and now you have y/n too. why couldn’t you let me have one thing that makes me happy without ruining it?”

you kneeled beside them, placing a hand on lily’s shoulder, “lily, you’ve been my best friend for years, you still are. nothing is going to change that. i’m not leaving you for felix, i promise. i would never leave you.”

she stared at you through teary eyes and a frown, “you ignored me tonight to hang out with him.”

you sighed, “i know, and i’m sorry. but this is no different than if i was with someone other than felix. no matter who it is, you’re going to have to share me with them.”

she brought a hand to her face and wiped her tears away, and felix loosened his hold on her.

“yeah, but at least if it was someone else i could hang out with you and him. i don’t want to see you eating my brothers face 24/7.”

you let out a weak laugh, “we can agree to keep the PDA on a low, okay? we hang out with the boys a lot anyway, right? it won’t be too much different.”

you smiled when you saw her lips begin to curl upwards, “i guess. just... don’t kiss in front of me.”

before you could agree to her conditions, felix leaned forward and placed a quick kiss to your lips, getting up and running out of your living room right after.

you laughed as lily hurried to her feet to chase him, “you suck, felix!”

you heard him call from somewhere around your house, “nope, y/n does that!”

“i’m going to throw up, oh my god!”

[queenieloveswriting]

Little orange bottles

A/N unedited little thing from a while ago, found loads of bits in my notes on my phone read this and though id post it let me know your thoughts ////hella old ngl sounds like shit srry ladsssss xoxoxoxoxooxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxTW--Abuse//Blood//Bad thoughs ig sorry not good w warnings sorry if this triggers anhyone 

*beep     beep     beep*

Your alarm rang through the room for what seemed to be the fifth time this morning.It was now 6:30am and school began in two hours unlike the majority of students in kildare county you enjoyed school and, your (only) friend pope definitely made it worthwile.You both loved school,people like his friends jj and John b didn’t like school.

Why are you awake at 6:30 again?....right!

You look over to yourself in your mirror and glance at your schedule sticky taped to the corner; 

*DAISYS SCHEDULE*

6:30-wake up

6:45-shower

7:00-get ready

7:20-read

7:50-breakfast/pillz 

8:00-head to Heywards

Obeying the list, you hopped into the shower and got yourself prepared for the day, brushing your teeth washing your face and applying a light amount of makeup. A tinted moisturiser, clear mascara and brow gel, In attempt to tame your wild hair you collected into a cute messy ponytail, breaking three hair bands in the possess. Putting your glasses on you choose your outfit, due to the heat you opted for something casual, a blue denim skirt with a black crop top and a oversized blue flannel top  covering  just to the bottom of you skirt 

You went downstairs and packed some fruit into your bag. Opting to take your breakfast as today's lunch, knowing Mrs. Heyward would invite you in for ‘leftovers’ from their breakfast. Shouting  goodbye to your mum who was no doubt still in bed exhausted from her night shift.

Running out the door grabbing your phone, headphones and favourite book ‘to kill a mockingbird’. I plugged in my headphones playing my ‘reading playlist’ and read as i walked up to heywards,occasionally looking up so I don’t walk into any unwanted attention. The third time checking your surroundings you realise you made it to popes in record time, because his mom came out ushering you and him in in for ‘leftovers’ .Pope rolled his eyes sending you   a silent apology. You didn’t mind though she was more a mother to you than your actual blood.

“Hey nerd "pope greeted you pushing your glasses up your nose 

“Hey geek” you replied, slapping his hands away, he pulled you into a quick hug and followed h8im and his mum into the kitchen.

“Whatcha reading this time?”he asked making you laugh slightly “Harper lee my friend” you replied  holding up your book as he rolled his eyes “why am I not surprised ,you know the book doesn't change right every time you read it "he asked playfully “I know pope, but it’s a classic and i don’t have enough to get a new book until my shift next week so I’m not complaining “you sassed

“Yeah you're know that I’ve said you can borrow my books anytime “he asked

“Yeah but you won’t let me write notes in the margins pope! "you explained “because what about MY notes “he exclaimed and you both erupted into laughter.God,you're such geeks you mentally sighed.Mrs.Heyward scolded at us both for arguing and gave us some pancakes and fruit.

Mr.Heward barged through the doors shouting about some ‘arrogant snotty kook man’ and turned around shily when he heard you and pope laughing. "daisy hey sweetheart you need me to save you or you alright?” he asked, referring to his wife’s overwhelming mothering. You shook your head quietly declining his offer, smiling you replied “no sir it's fine, "you laughed "Heyward you need any help with deliveries?” you asked hopeful as you needed to buy some things for school. Being a pogue you tended to have to fend yourself, plus it gave you something to do. “Sure do doll, tomorrow morning,7 sharp you’n’my boy can help out and pope make sure you ask that Maybank if he's helping out too, need to know who goes so y'all come back alive”he joked”thank you sir”you shouted as he was halfway out the door.Turning back round to pope “maybank?” you asked, raising your eyebrow hinting you had absolutely no idea who he was talking about,”my friend jj you know the blonde who gets into all the fights i told you about”he answered and you nodded,still searching for an answer ”he's coming tomorrow?” you quizzed “yeah probably,plus i think it's about time you met my friends they all think i made you up”he laughed”c'mon we've gotta eat then go”

As if on queue Mrs Heyward shouted at you from across the hall telling you to eat before it got cold.After scoffing your breakfast down,it was time to leave.After regular smothering from your second mother you left.

“Sorry about them”he mumbled 

“It’s fine it’s nice having the whole parents as parents thing you know”you said .Pope knew about your mom not being around or well really a mom.He said you could come round whenever assuring his parents you were just friends,they loved you.

He nodded”you know your welcome whenever”he said and you nodded again

“Yeah but anyways how you feeling today about mrs.spiky hairs test smartass”you joked “we gon ace it y'all ready know her tests are easy”he dragged 

“True I’ve got all a’s every time”you smirked 

“Yeah same but to be fair even my friend John b could pass them and he didn't know that there were two different there’s until junior year so....”

You laughed “wait I though that jj was the the dumb one”you asked “there both delinquents but gotta love em.I’m brains of the operation anyways it’s my thang ”he sang causing you to laugh at the way he pinched his shirt and pingged it brushing dirt of his shoulders “you should come to the party tonight and meet them if you want?”he asked and you shook your head “i dont know pope,party’s and me aren’t really a good thing you know how my anxiety gets in groups”you said and he nodded “i know it’s fine don’t worry about it but offers there when you want you could even come out just us on the pouge if you wanted “he offered “they really wanna meet me?”you asked “well they wanna meet MY competition “he challenged “not really a competition there bud” you teased patting his shoulder “but I’ll think about it yeah?”you offered “sounds good and here we are” you turned facing each other then back at the school making your way inside.

“Hey i told jj I’d meet with him just before first  lesson give him his homework see you there”you gave him a confused look “they go here?”he laughed “yeah didn’t i tell you”you shook your head no “sorry see you in 10 nerd”he waved “in 10 geek”you repli,ex

Waiting for class to start,you set up outside your classroom and put your headphones back in continuing your book. The vibration of the bell and stampedes of teenagers scurry to their first lesson , you ended up waiting for pope who practically ran down the hall and laughed when your eyes met.

 You went in taking your seats next to each other this happened up until break. then lunch you’d go to all your lessons together hang out at break,being antisocial in the library, but at lunch he’s always go off,with the pogues you assume,now knowing they go to your school.At lunch you go outside and walk to the bleachers and sit reading basking in the sun.

After your  last lesson with pope you both headed home together dropping him off at heywards halfway.

“Mom I’m home”you shouted slamming the door dropping the keys on the sideboard .After no reply you expected her to be at work so you got started on your homework so you could”relax” on the weekend.

It was now 6:30,and pope texted you telling you the party started at seven and the offer was still up before you could reply,you heard your door slam shut and you ran downstairs hoping you could talk to your mum,and catch up.

You see her figure reach for a cupboard that hasn’t been opened in years  left. this was bad.

“Hey mama how was work”you asked with a shaky breath 

She glared swigging the bottle 

“You know what sweetie “she spat “Mama don’t have to go to work an more you wanna know why because i got fired from work apparently they couldn’t handle me anymore,took to many people on,so sweetie work was fucking awful OK”she shouted 

“Oh mum I'm sorry what are you going to do i mean i think the heyw--“

“Oh shut up you’re so pathetic you know,I mean you inside on a Friday night? should you be out like a normal teenager huh?god”she scoffed 

“What mom I-“by now half the bottle was empath,being drank with such desperation 

“I’ll get another  job I’ve already got the heywards they can give me more time and an I-I’ll  get a side job we’ll be fine w-we have dads money too”

“Sont talk about hijm!It’s your fault your father left you fucking incompetent piece of shit you make everyone want to leave,no wonder you have no friends. I mean look at you your pathetic  you know these people in your books there not real DAISY god why can’t you just be normal you drove everyone away.this is your fault”

Tears were now threatening your eyes,but as you looked into the person infront of you,you didnt see sadness,you saw anger,you saw red. 

“Mum Im sorry i-ill-“

Before you could say anything she downed the rest of the bottle and threw it at you.glass smashing everywhere cutting you up.your whole arm started to bleed as you cried out in pain your mum hit you,ran out and slammed the door shut.

she hit you.hit you.you ran upstairs not bothering to protect  your arm wrapping  it up in an old shirt.you needed your best friend,you didn't have many friends but he was yours you knew that nothing anyone said could change your friendship 

So you called him running out of your house in todays clothes covered in blood like you’d been in a fucking horror movie 

“Heyyy daisy you change your mind”he answered the phone 

“Hey pope I-I need some help my mom a-are you still at a-at the p-party”you stuttered 

“Woah woah breathe daisy where are you I’ll come get you okay”

“I’m near the boneyard you still there I-I’m sor-ry f-for calling i didn’t kn—“

He cut you off “no shut up it’s fine where are you,are you hurt what happened?”

“My arm s-she h-hit b-bottle “

“Fuck where are you daisy “

“Oh-oh my god there’s so many people here”you were sure you were having a panic attack by now,-you could barely breathe

“Wait daisy I-i see you I’m coming okay wait there”

“O-okay”

Hanging up the phone you were now just balling your eyes out in pain and hurt. You curled up into a ball only looking up when you  could hear pope shouting in the distance.

“Shit daisy”he shouted 

“I’m sorry I didn’t know where to go,my mum she she my arm I- I”

Pope wasn’t unfamiliar to your panic attacks,usually being  the one to calm you from them,/

“Daisy breath okay”he stroked your hair making you look into his eyes 

“What happened “he asked and you showed him your arm “shit daisy that’s close to a main artery your losing loads of blood C'mon let’s get you cleaned up back at the chateau “you just nodded following him his hand holding yours hiding you from the people as you walked past. Arriving at a group of people probably his friends,the pogues,. As your vision begins to go hazy you think that maybe your mum was right you are pathetic .He was out on a Friday night ,I looked like the whole damn school was here.he has his life maybe he didn’t want to be your friend maybe he didn’t want to just hurt you .realizing you were fading out he shook you “shit daisy no no no “he cursed“John b keys I need the keys”you heard him say and they were saying something about him getting some “dude shut up this is daisy she’s hurt “you heard him say and all of them looked at you,but you couldn’t bring your eyes too meet them.Soon enough pope was dragging you away and towards a shack,the chateau.

He dragged you inside and you were sitting on the Island In the kitchen/living room,this was a home.

where was your home now?.

“Here lemme see ''he pulled your arm and started to work. It didn’t surprise you he was so good at this he was always good at first aid but this?

Lucky it wasn't on a actual artery but the blood made it look worse,acknowledging the fact you'd been so quiet,he spoke up “hey D look at me “he said pointing your chin up,looking at you straight in your eyes”what happened,when your ready”he asked.As your breathing steadied,you began to speak “my mom,she got back from work sh-she just lost her job a-and”you stuttered,pausing to collect your breathe 

“hey it’s okay take your time okay”he calmed you”she hasn’t drank since..”you stopped and he looked in your eyes.Pope knew all about your dad,leaving you when you were about to go into junior year,you never knew why but one day he was their next he wasn’t,pope helped you through it,when you began to get closer.

“Your dad?”he answers for you 

You nodded

“She said that it-it was my fault that he left and that she lost her job an”you gulped,recomposing yourself“How I push everyone away and that’s why I have no friends I mean let’s face it”laughiing a breathy laugh “she’s right”popes head snapped up “Daisy!you have me,D its okay I’m you best friend and you know she’s wrong okay now this is going to hurt”he assured you,before you could ask questions your arm burned up from the straight alcohol he’d put on your arm “FUCK POPE SHIT WARNING PLEASE FUCK”you shouted and he laughed,frowning when he came too “Sorry,shit this is bad daisy,like really bad,I dont know what to do,I can just wrap it up But ii think you should go to the hospital“he said and before you could fight,a deep voice filled the room.

“What the fuck is going on pope”curse from the back of the room.After observing the heaps of bloody tissues and your T-shirt laying next to you“What the fuck happened to her man,who is this?”he asked pope who looked up at you,asking the silent of’should i tell him’ you shook your head with pleading eyes 

Pity took over popes vision as he answered JJ’s question“Jj this is  daisy,daisy jj”he introduced you and you sighed,finally meeting the blue eyed boy with watery vision“hey,sorry we,urm, woke,you”you stuttered “oh i wasn’t sleeping princess”he winked causing you to furror your eyebrows at the boy you heard stories about ,following up to the elephant int he room.”what happened”he asked,re-observing your surroundings,eyes finally meeting your bloody arm “holy shit you gotta fucking c-cat or something”he demanded .Before you could awnser,a half naked girl stumbled out of his room,pouting

“oh you really weren’t joking when you said you weren’t asleep”you giggle then pope accidentally pressed to hard into your arm making you scream “fuck pope Jesus fucking shit”you cursed 

“Fuck I’m sorry but its clean and the plasters won’t do much but I’ll wrap it up anyways i still think you might have to go to hospital”you shook your head “no no no no  I can’t pope you know that”he sighed “look nerd you know where she cut look how close that is daisy okay” pointing to your bandaged arm jjs eyebrows furrowed in confusion

You tore away from his gaze to the the floors 

“Hey jj,what's taking so long sweets”his guest said,in a thick country accent causing him too sigh turning around going back into his room.You don’t know what he said but five minuets later she was storming out the rusted doors,huffing and puffing, and left and he walked back to you two 

“Sorry”you looked at him and his eyes softened.You were gorgeous and so innocent who would do this to you?.he asked himself”don’t be she was to Whiny anyways you saved me”you smiled ,slightly rolling your eyes at the player you'd been warned from.

“Daisy”pope snapped you back to reality “hospital?”

“Pope I can’t I-I’ll just go home and-“you babbled

”no no way you're not going back there daisy okay not if your moms like she is right now”he said under his breath in attempt to be secretive

“Your mom?”jj thought out loud and you just looked at him,mentally cursing yourself 

Ignoring the blondes “you know i can’t do that pope”you mumbled looking down. 

“Why”he snapped

“Because I live there pope”you paused,forgetting the blonde”you know and it’s not like this is new, you know it’ll blow over”you urged,trying to convince yourself 

“And what if i doesn't daisy”he quizzed” what are you going to do then”he asked causing you to freeze and stand in silence. 

You walked up and hugged him,stifling a sob.Skilfully dodging your arm,you let go of him and held his stare. 

“Pope,your my best friend, okay?Well my only friend. You know that, but you gotta understand why I’ve gotta go home,Besides, she’s probably not even in,she left straight after, she’s probably out okay”you insisted”I’ve got that job with you and your dad tomorrow I’ll see you okay”you insisted

After some silence he looked at you,”I’ll drive you home okay and if she’s there your coming back to mine”he hissed”You can crash in the couch like you did last time okay “he urged”let me just go talk to jj okay”he said leaving you in the kitchen ,now only realizing the blonde had left the room.After overhearing some not-so hushed whispers,pope came out followed by a blonde who carried an angered but also slightly pained expression that left you wondering what pope said in there.Did he tell him about your mum?

After snatching the keys from the side,where you left them,he led you guys into the van.You and pope got into the back and he and just hugged you there it was nice he calms you and you calm him .“Hey pope”you break the silence“Yeah”he returned“Sorry”you apologised“Stop”he spat.

You looked up to him,eyebrows arching up in confusion“What?”you pleaded,provoking him to roll his eyes and your tendency to apologise after any slight inconvenience“Doing it”he grumbled“Doing what”you urged,oblivious to what was annoying him“You always apologise,after everything”he answered letting out a slightly breathy laugh“Sorry”you laugh realising you already subconsciously apologised.“See what I mean”he tutted“Right but thank you”you pushed“Always nerd”he promised“Geek”you sassed,falling into a comfortable silence,enjoying who you considered your family now

“Hey daisy” he broke the silence

“Hm”you humed

“Did you take them today”he asked,you sighed

“I thought I’d be okay pope,i was i promise”you pleaded

“Daisy”he sighed

“I hate them pope,they make me feel so deflated,they make me feel  like a monster”you mumbled into his shoulder

“You have to take them daisy you know that”he scolded

“I’m know i Just”you paused

“I know”he cut in 

“I don’t want to be a monster anymore pope”

“Your not a monster daisy,i promise,you're amazing bub”he praised

Finally pulling up to your house,met with a cleaver driveway you turned back to pope who was checking for the same thing you were “see”you deflated”i'll be fine see you in the morning,7 sharp kids” you teases in his dad's warning tone 

“Daisy i still think you should come back to mine  i don't think you’ll b--”

You pleaded his anxious babbling with a kiss on the cheek”see you in the morning”you demanded and he sighed

You popped your head through to the front

“Thank you for the ride jj sorry about interrupting your night” you apologised and he smiled at you”no worries princess,we oughta be seeing you in daylight too though”he asked “maybe blondie”you winked giving pope one last hug before you made your way through the door,treading carefully,just to be safe.