#*shows up late with starbucks* hey

[beepccore]

spitting image

[i should not have to say this but shippers of these two will be sniped. stop putting your nasty little hands on my art. :) choke.]

[incorrectshigadabiquotes]

Tomura: You should be addicted to shutting the fuck up.

Dabi, with an unhinged grin: You wanna fuck me so bad it makes you look stupid.

[kikokus]

Trafalgar Law Character Study, Part 16/? (Dressrosa, Part 6)

So. It’s been…just over eight years. But I’ve had some requests to continue the analysis posts I’d been doing way back when and since I’m finally caught up with the manga again it seemed like as good a time as any to start doing that!

[Part One] // [Part Two] // [Part Three] // [Part Four] // [Part Five] // [Part Six] // [Part Seven] // [Part Eight] // [Part Nine] // [Part Ten] // [Part Eleven] // [Part Twelve] // [Part Thirteen] // [Part Fourteen] // [Part Fifteen]

The first thing I want to say is that I haven’t gone back and read all of the previous posts in this series so just a general warning that there might be questions/speculation within those that we actually have concrete answers to almost ten years later so if something doesn’t quite match up with canon that’s probably why! Most of the actual character-related things about Law should still be accurate, though…

Oh boy I picked a good group of chapters to come back to, huh? Let me just say that reading these in real time was…an experience…a very stressful experience…so back then the last thing I was worried about was character analysis but looking at it years later there’s actually a lot of important things that happen! 

The first of which is that obviously we know by now that this isn’t what Cora wanted at all, but Law’s spent so many years convincing himself that it is that this…specter of Doflamingo that’s been haunting him is almost more powerful than the real thing and that’s caused him to combine Cora’s wish for him to be free with Doflamingo being defeated to the point that he can’t separate the two any longer.

This whole section is to set up Law’s reveal that he also carries the Will of D but it’s still kind of amusing to have him asking these seemingly random questions about Luffy during the middle of a literal life-and-death battle. There’s also this running theme with Law where despite the fact that this is something both he and Luffy share, he always seems to place more importance on Luffy than himself. Obviously we know that he has no idea what the Will of D actually is so I think this is more just based on his own personality, but it’s interesting nonetheless. 

Somehow I still see people discussing whether Law’s any good with Armament Haki when he’s using it right here and certainly not at full strength but it’s very interesting that Doflamingo becomes one of the few characters in the entire series to know this about Law. Law’s never really flaunted the D initial like a lot of others that have it but that seems to mostly be due to his family wanting to keep it a secret and not based on his own feelings, though this scene in particular I think is meant to mirror the reveal of Doflamingo being a Celestial Dragon because that was something Law could never have accounted for but now he’s got an equally pertinent piece of information to catch Doflamingo off-guard.

And while it doesn’t exactly work as intended, Law was trying to distract him enough to get Doflamingo to make a mistake and that’s exactly what happened so if nothing else he gets a good hit in. Still, for all of Doflamingo’s denial that the whole ‘fated enemies’ idea isn’t true, he’s getting very defensive about it so it makes you wonder…

So Law’s not…wrong about this, since Cora overhearing his full name was what seemingly first got him interested in this whole quest to save Law so in that way it could certainly be looked at as a catalyst of sorts. And it’s also true that Cora probably wouldn’t have been able to kill Doflamingo despite going so far as to point a gun at him, but I do genuinely believe that—in a different series where the narrative would allow such a thing—Law would have killed Doflamingo here.

I really like this group of panels because Doflamingo is seeing Law as he was the first time they met: as someone so angry and disenchanted with the entire world and so resigned to their fate that the only thing that registers is this compulsive need to cause destruction. At the time Doflamingo had said he saw himself in Law because of that, but now that it’s being directed solely at him I’m sure the impact of that is quite different. It’s also a bit of a sign for us as readers to connect the two since Law’s grown and changed a lot from that time and he attributes it mostly to being ‘saved’ because of Cora but this shows that side of him that was created out of losing everything and everyone he loved all at once is still something he can bring out under the right circumstances.

Doflamingo actually says a lot of things in this part that are kind of an insight into what Law’s thinking, and this is one of them. Law’s usually a lot more calculated and careful with his plans, but because of Bellamy deciding to distract Luffy he’s completely alone and has pretty much no tricks left so the only thing he can do is throw whatever he’s got at Doflamingo and hope something works.

This, however, isn’t exactly accurate. I do believe that if all of Law’s initial plans had come to fruition that he would have been content with Kaido taking care of Doflamingo in his place (since, in the end, he’s at least accepting of the fact that Luffy’s the one to do it) but for a variety of reasons that…didn’t happen, and with him being by himself in this position and being so close I think he does let his emotions get the better of him in the end. 

Law’s still so calm and rational here and I think it’s because he’s resigned to whatever’s going to happen, but this is an interesting comment because Doflamingo loves trying to make people feel guilty for things that weren’t their fault and he’s attempting to blame everything that happened in Dressrosa completely on Law giving that letter to Vergo instead of any other Marine. But this is the first time that Doflamingo acknowledges that what he did to the Riku family and the country as a whole was a ‘tragedy’ and you can tell from his reaction that he didn’t even realize he’d done so until Law pointed it out.

Looking back at this now it holds a bit of a different connotation but in this moment Law was fully prepared to die and content with that in terms of him feeling as though he’d achieved Cora’s goal (even though he really hadn’t). However, it also still holds true in the present because while his own goals have changed drastically, everything is still being done with Cora in mind…though now it feels far more like a tribute as opposed to the pure revenge it became up until the end of Dressrosa.

Doflamingo’s fully capable of using his ability to kill but he prefers a gun instead and once again we get the mention of lead bullets so between those (twice in this arc now) and amber lead Law’s having a bad time with that particular element. I won’t get too much into how Doflamingo considers the executions he’s done as mercy killings and the only way for people to ‘atone’ for the sin of having the audacity to stand up to him, but I’m still amazed that Law was already almost running on empty and got his arm chopped off and he’s somehow conscious and coherent at this moment.

I have no idea how Law managed to get a tourniquet for his arm with everything going on but in this instance Doflamingo’s completely right: Law hasn’t been living for himself for a long time and everything he’s done has been with this singular goal in mind to the point where he really can’t pull himself away from it.

Considering the repetition that Law has some higher power looking out for him that happened throughout his flashback, I’m inclined to think this is actually foreshadowing that Law’s going to get out of this somehow even though reading it week by week it…didn’t exactly seem like it at the time… Doflamingo’s got some real guts still trying to get Law to make him immortal after everything, though.

Look, Law flips him off in the very next panel, but this is as blatant a ‘go fuck yourself’ as he could have ever given. Earlier in the arc he claimed to not care about the people of Dressrosa but now that Doflamingo’s been trying to guilt him into feeling responsible for their plight he’s using that as part of his way of firing back at Doflamingo for things that were done entirely by his own hand. At the very least, it’s good to know Law isn’t blaming himself for any of it.

Besides the callback to him doing this when we first met him, what’s really important here is that even facing certain death (and at this point I’m inclined to believe he did think it was certain, but I’ll get into that more in the future…) he’s trusting not only in Luffy but in all of the Strawhats to see the plan through and succeed. That’s a lot of faith to have in people he hasn’t known for very long and speaks to how he truly views them and what he thinks they’re capable of.

Doflamingo gets careless when he’s angry and I think this was Law’s final Hail Mary in the sense that if anything was going to save him it was Doflamingo’s rage making his aim unsteady. It’s also somewhat ironic that Doflamingo is listing all of these things that were born from Cora’s love for Law and Law’s desire to acknowledge and remember that as if they’re something he has ownership over and is solely responsible for when that couldn’t be farther from the truth.

This has nothing to do with Law himself but let me tell you that this image of Luffy only noticing the state Law’s in because there’s so much blood on the roof that he literally slips on it has stuck with me since the chapter came out and it’s so visceral and such a visual indication of how intense Doflamingo’s rage was in that moment.

‘He really seemed to trust you’ just hits me in the gut because once again Doflamingo’s up to his old ‘make someone else feel guilty’ tricks (and for Luffy it would hit especially hard given what happened with Ace and how he feels about not being able to save the people he cares about) but also it’s just…true. Law trusts Luffy so much and even at this point some of the fandom was convinced he was going to betray the Strawhats when that shouldn’t have even been a consideration any longer.

And again we get the idea of the Strawhats being able to work ‘miracles’, though in this case it’s simply Doflamingo mocking Law’s words and not putting any belief in it himself, but this was…probably one of the worst chapters to have to wait a week for the continuation. The one bit of hope we get is Law’s single speech bubble at the end telling Luffy to listen to him but that was…very little to go off of…

Well, that seems like a great and happy place to end this part! I hope you enjoyed (?) and please do feel free to like and reblog; especially after so long I’m not sure how many people are still around who want to read something like this so it helps inspire me to keep going!

[alibeehaw]

So how we feelin after that season finale y’all 🥺

Available as a print [here]

[laesas]

First 4 eps of the FighterTutor supercut are DONE!!!!

[sandersea]

this very hour, come and go with me (o death)

The first time Neil meets death, he is ten years old and watching his father slice a man to ribbons.

It plays out like one of those old movies his mother likes, flashes of light and image as the story shifts focus – flash, flash, flash. Flash and he’s at the court with two other boys, a few years older than he is; they are famous, he is talented, and they look at him with the darker cousin to hunger in their eyes. Flash and he’s in an elevator with the two boys, and three strange men; they are tall, he is scared, and no one says a word even as the doors open to the sound of screams. Flash and he’s standing beside his father, just out of reach; he keeps his distance from the knife in his hands and the blood on the floor and he knows better than to look away.

Flash and he locks eyes with the sour faced blond in the corner that no one else seems to be paying any mind to.

(He’s not like the other two, boyish faces forced valiantly into blankness while their eyes are ringed with fear. He looks quiet. Bored. He watches the Butcher work like it’s less than the every day, barely biting back a yawn, and shrugs one shoulder when the man’s wild, pleading lips fall open at the sight of his face and whisper please, please, please.)

He sees the blond’s lips move with a single word, something too soft and too strange for him to pick out (he sees the blond’s lips move and can’t remember the shapes they made, the sounds they formed, or even if it was language at all). He hears the man on the floor gasp a single breath, something relieved and agonizingly final (he hears the man on the floor gasp and he’s seen bodies, seen blood, seen more than a fair share of the aftermath of torture but he’s never watched a man die before).

Flash and the sour faced blond locks eyes with him, and tilts his head like he recognizes him, and stares.

The first time Neil meets death, he is ten years old and marks the exact moment a man’s life ends by taking the breath he knows the man, now corpse, cannot.

Then he runs.

The final time Neil meets death, he glares up from a locker room floor and snarls at the sour faced blond to fuck off.

And death, to both their eternal surprise, does.

[mothwings-rosethorns]

A not so lovely Valentines

Virility collapsed onto his bed with an unceremonious thud. Staring at the ceiling with pure fatigue.

He could feel his phone buzzing in his inventory, his boss would be furious but the mantid was not at all interested in dealing with that mess at the moment. He was exhausted, frustrated and in pain. His tail twitched, sore and agitated from having to deal with Vermin's viral strain for so long.

He draped his green forearm across his eyes, trying to gather his thoughts. He'd been through a lot and there was still so much more he had to do.

His boss needed calming, Vermin needed to recover and then there was that to deal with Ugh. What he wouldn't give to have had just a normal Valentines day where he'd get wined dined and fucked hard enough to scramble his code.

Dropping his arm back down his side he slowly retrieved his phone. Ignoring the latest phone call attempt from Big Daddy, he'd deal with him after, and opting to search through his contacts.

Finding the recipient he was after he opened up his messaging app, fingers quickly typing.

'She's safe meet up now we have to talk' the message read as he sent it off. Sighing as he dragged his tired frame off the bed. Checking the time on his phone he groaned, watching as his color palette shifted from the glorious red and dark green to his usual pink and lighter green.

"So much for a happy fucking Valentines day~" he grumbled angrily as he sulked out of his room and headed toward his game's entrance.

[satellitespinner]

MODERN ELLIE HEADCANNONS

modern!ellie who rides a beat up skateboard from when she was 15 everywhere. i mean everywhere your place, jesse’s, class. everywhere !

modern!ellie whose pen is never not in her hand, or deep denim pockets.

modern!ellie who tries to learn cool pen tricks while “finishing” her homework, but ends up hitting you with the pen..

modern!ellie who was your bestfriend before she was your girlfriend. you two were inseparable! (and irritating.)

modern!ellie who never fucking answers her texts.. it’s infuriating.

modern!ellie who sells weed on the side of working at a small café on campus. (she doesn’t like Starbucks) ((as she should))

modern!ellie who majors in astrophysics! that girl has been in love with space since she could talk. infact! her first word was planet!

modern!ellie who was unfortunately in the foster care system until she was adopted by the lovely man we all know as joel miller!!

modern!ellie whose username on all platforms is more likely to be something stupid than her actual name.

modern!ellie who refuses to turn on auto correct even though she so desperately needs it.

modern!ellie never cooks. ever! it’s either take-out or you forcing a homemade meal down her throat. (she doesn’t mind.)

modern!ellie who cuddles you like you’re married!

modern!ellie doesn’t play about her video game!!!! she will throw a tantrum!

modern!ellie’s playlist consists of hard rock, indie and atleast some rap.

modern!ellie who just shows up at your house?? at let’s herself in!!! the disrespect.. (you don’t care..)

imagine you come home from a long, stressed-filled day. juggling work and exam week AND the weight of being the baddest bitch on campus has really been weighing on you lately; causing you to (as she calls it) neglect ellie..

you walk in, shoulders slumped and release a heavy sigh as you drop your things down on the kitchen table when your bestfriend walks out of your bathroom like nothing.

“hello?” you say, your face morphing from scared to un-impressed as you realize the person in your home was not an intruder.

“hey babe” she says quietly as she walks over to you, slowly watching you as you put your things away.

“how many times have i told you. the extra key i gave you is for emergencies.” you lecture. not really caring as much as you led on to be.

“there was an emergency though!” she argues. you give her a look of scepticism. “and what would that be?” you roll your eyes.

“we haven’t hung out in three days! hello?! i’ve barely seen you since monday!” she whines.

“i’ve been busy, that’s all.”

“busy?”

“yeah.” you whisper, palming your eyes out of fatigue. she gives you a half smile as she realizes that you’re not in the mood for her god awful attitude.

“awh, ‘cmere” the next thing you know your letting yourself relax into ellie’s arms as she rubs your back and gently soothes the tension in your body.

“you wanna go lay down?” she looks down at you and asks. hee voice remaining in the same low whisper as before.

“yeah, please.” you say before she grabs your hand and pulls you into your bedroom. she insists on making you feel better at this point and who are you to stop her??

she opens your pajama drawer and pulls out a big baggy shirt and some shorts, “put these on.” she says as she walks around the bed to the night table, switching the lamp on and peeling back the blanket.

she somehow managed to keep her eyes to herself and when your done she carefully slides into bed next to you. “you comfy?” she asks.

“im good.” god you can already feel your eyes closing. ellie slowly pulls you into her arms and rubs small circles on your stomach as she lulls you into tranquility. eventually you both fall asleep; what seemed to be the weight of the world lifting of your shoulders.

for now.

modern!ellie who had a crusty white dog but it went missing and she never saw it again.

[cuddl3s4shur1]

•𝐌𝐀𝐑𝐊𝐄𝐃 𝐔𝐏•

𝐏𝐀𝐑𝐈𝐍𝐆: Earth 42 Miles X Y/n

𝐎𝐍𝐄𝐒𝐇𝐎𝐓

𝐒𝐂𝐄𝐍𝐀𝐑𝐈𝐎: Your boyfriened miles comes to your apartment . And the cuddle session got heated .

𝐀/𝐍: Tiktok bro , I don’t know what side I’m on , but I will like to stay on it , I didn’t do any Grammarly on this

𝐖𝐀𝐑𝐍𝐈𝐍𝐆:It’s a little bit of spice , He’s liked at college age , HE IS AGED UP

You were laying in your bed trying to stop scrolling on tiktok and finally go to bed . Your thumb was starting to hurt and you started to nod off.

Your late night playlist was playing in the background. You slowly started to let the music sound take over your body . Causing you to feel emotions and tiredness. Resting your head on the pillow and shutting your eyes , a bright light stops the rest .

✨💗Mi Vida💗✨

-Come open the window

You where confused on why he was outside of your window. Not to mention it was late. You pull yourself from your bed dragging your feet to go open the window .

You make it the window using all your muscle from your tired body to left it open . He comes through the window with a bag in hand , you couldn’t tell what was in it .

“You know i have a door right “ you tell him as you start to yawn

“I don’t use those , Mamá, lo sabes.(Mommy, you know it.)“ he rolled his eyes and started to climb through the window .

“Looks like someone is tired “ he says seeing how you quickly go back to your bed and under the covers

“I am not “ you joke to him

“What are you doing up so late ,Una chica tratando de conseguir su descanso de belleza ( a girls trying to get her beauty rest) “ he looks at you

“Are you though, Deberías haber estado durmiendo, mi bella durmiente (you should’ve been sleeping my sleeping beauty )“ you roll your eyes

“Hey blame TikTok ,not to mention my music playlist in the background causing me to fall asleep based off the vibe “ you tell him

“Well I can see that , sorry about not being here earlier…” he tells you before going silent

“Work , was some pretty long hours today “ he tells you as he goes through the bag pulling out your favorite snacks .

“I was hoping we can catch up on are shows with a couple snacks “ he says shacking the bags a little you take the snacks and toss them on bag . He follows you to the bed and takes his shoes off before getting to comfortable.

You turn on the first show and start to get comfortable . Laying your head on miles chest , you start to hear his heart beat . It was fast , he was nervous around you . You giggled at the fact and continue to watch tv

Time and time would go by yet you were still awake , you both were surprised at you still being up .

As night would continue you guys woukd just lay on the bed vibing to the music .Miles would start to slowly flirt more and more to you . “You know baby can I make it up to you for missing the tv shows “ he asks you

. You nod as a response to his last statement

“nah baby words , I need words “ he tells you .

“Yes , yes you can-“ he cuts you off kissing you , one hand holds you waist why the other lays on your face .

Miles starts kissing your neck , leaving a mark on each place his lips touched you .

You wanted to tell him to stop because of classes and how you and miles where going to go see mama rio . But it felt so good . How his lips felt so soft when landed on your skin .

How his hands could have such a tight grip around your waist . You started to make slight noises so miles knew you enjoyed it .

The next day

Your phone started to go off with a noise , you where in deep sleep but it continued to ring . Causing you to wake up you awnser the phone .

“What “ you ask the person getting snappy not even looking at who it is .

“Watch it snappy , ¿Querías algo de Starbucks? (did you want any thing from Starbucks ) “ miles voice asks you

“A Carmel frappe please and thank you , mi vida ( my life ) “ you tell him you hang up the phone hoping you could go back to sleep .

You started to nod back off and place your head on the pillow . A knock sounds starts to come from the door . Who was it now , you thought to yourself.

You dragg yourself out of the bed wiping your eyes , and limping each step you take.You look down to see you where wearing miles shirt from yesterday .

You open the door to see your roommate queenie “ oh are you coming to class today “ she asks you .

She would observe your presence realizing how you where very tired , how she seen marks in your neck and how most likely you where limping . You pull the shirts neckline down to show her some of the hidden marks .

“Looks like someone had fun last night , I’ll see you on Monday then “ she laughs at first than fades .

You smile at her and then close the door and going back to your bed . You start to watch cartoons sense you know Theres no way of going back to sleep.

Soon enough you where right, miles would come with the Starbucks in hand . He would place the cup in your hand . Taking a sip you let out a sigh .

“You better help me cover these marks up because I can’t let mama rio see my like this “ you tell him .

“What ,No puedo hacerles saber cómo complazcan a mi bebé ( I can’t let them know how I please my baby ) .

[thatsdemko]

the ways in which pato shows you he loves you - p. o’ward

pairing: pato o’ward x reader

warnings: fluff

- making friends with your family

when you pull into your parents driveway you don’t expect to see pato’s car already there. you didn’t know they had invited him over for dinner, but you’re not surprised they did. they love him.

“hey, welcome home from work!” pato cheers from where he’s standing in the kitchen. he’s helping your mother cut vegetables, and your siblings are seated around the kitchen island. they loved when pato visited.

“I didn’t know you were going to be here?”

your mother gives you a pointed look, “he was always invited. it was you we weren’t sure if we had room for at the table.”

- running his fingers through your hair

you’re curled up beside him on the couch, head rested against his chest your eyes are beginning to fall heavy. his arm wrapped around you, he pulls you closer to him before moving his hand up into your hair. his fingers gently rake through your locks while gently pressing kisses to your head.

OR

- asking for permission to touch your hair

he knows how long it took for the hairdresser to do your braids. you spent over three hours in the chair last week, and he knows how disrespectful it is if he just started playing with the little curls at the end of the braids, or the baby hairs that were fraying from the hair gel.

“do you mind if I play with the ends of your hair?”

you look up into his eyes and give him a slight nod, heart swelling with his consideration to ask, “of course, pato.”

- remembering your favorite food/drink

you had a busy week at work, one that left you busy from morning until late evenings. you didn’t make it home until around almost nine o’clock every night and you barely were eating full meals. small bowls of cereal and whatever snacks you could find were becoming your meals and pato was not letting that slide.

“hermosa,” he says clearing his throat, but you’re too busy you don’t even pick your head up from your computer to notice he’s there. it’s not until the smell of tacos and enchiladas enter your nostrils do you decide to look up.

“you could use some food.” he sets the arrow mclaren lunchbox down on your desk along with a cup full of your favorite Starbucks drink, “do you want to have lunch with me?” he asks.

“Pato,” you swoon over his thoughtfulness looking up at him, “I’m starving. I would love to have lunch with you.”

- getting you flowers

whether it’s an anniversary, a birthday, or just because pato o’ward has flowers for you. they range from roses to a variety of different arrangements. your kitchen island is always decorated with flowers no matter what.

- cooking for you

his family taught him everything he needed to know to keep his partner happy; cooking was one of them.

you loved the smell of spices coming from your kitchen, your mouth would water and the sight of pato(sometimes shirtless) cooking was always a beautiful sight to see.

“taste this,” he’d shove the hot spoon into your mouth and watch your eyes roll to the back of your head, “good or bad?” he asks worriedly taking another bite himself.

“delicioso.”

- watching your favorite movies with you/listening to the music you like

he didn’t like it at first. oh no, he hated having to sit through a shitty rom-com or listen to the saddest song of the entire car ride, but he did it for you. because you enjoyed it.

“this is the saddest part.” you choke out, a million tissues surrounding your body while you watch that scene in the titanic. the one that has everyone question if there truly was room for jack.

“I know,” he bites his lip trying not to show that he had tears welling. he’s seen this movie about a million times with you, but it still gets him. the dramatics were just that good.

“are you going to cry with me this time?”

“no,” he rolls his eyes playful before a single tear slips down his cheek, “okay maybe I am.”

he takes a tissue from the box and dabs his watery eyes, “I’d rather listen to dear John than watch this scene.”

“imagine dear John during this scene.”

“now you’re just trying to kill me, y/n.”

[enchantedlandcoffee]

Hey guys! Happy 28th! As I couldn't do a december fic rec list, I thought I'd merge them into one so this will be a big one :)

---

Harry Styles/Louis Tomlinson

"Are there any gays in here?" by @red-pandaaa | red_panda28

Explicit | 7.9k | Strangers to Lovers Or, Louis is fed up with meaningless hook-ups, Harry happened to visit Starbucks on a Wednesday, and Clifford is the best

You smile all the time ('cause how can you not show it)? by @thebreadvansstuff | thebreadvan

Explicit | 9.5k | Dentist Louis Or, Harry never liked dentists, until now.

Blue Moon by @aquietlarrie

Explicit | 152.9k | Alternate Universe - 1950s it’s the late 50’s. times are ‘simple’. rock n roll is in full swing. vinyl, music and dancing are the primary ways of entertaining yourself, and in a time where loving someone of the same sex is illegal, two strangers catch each other’s eyes across a dancefloor and do just that. over the span of a year and in between two cities, harry and louis happen to find each other at just the right time. through a hot and heavy summer and a bitter winter, their journey is one of self; self discovery, self-acceptance and self love. this is a story of navigating sexuality in a time where man and woman are the only accepted forms of love by law, where learning to hide your love for someone becomes a matter of survival and safety. a story where above everything, they stick together and weather the storm. its hard, incredibly hard, but no matter the road, it's one worth taking

Tangled in your love and light by @likelarryfics | likelarry

Explicit | 95k | Kid Fic, Alpha Louis Tomlinson, Omega Harry Styles Harry doesn't have time for romance or finding an Alpha between balancing work, studying and looking after his daughter, Bella. Enter Louis Tomlinson who's a romantic sweet Alpha, determined to win the omegas heart and turns Harry's whole world upside down, making him question everything he's ever wanted and known.

Lost Cat, Found Love by @wemadethishome

General Audiences | 4.5k | Established Zayn Malik/Liam Payne, Mild Hurt/Comfort Louis hates cats. But when his neighbor's cat goes missing, he finds himself much more dedicated to finding the thing than he ever wanted to be.

The Wind It Held Us Up by @itsnotreal | hazzahtomlinson

Explicit | 14k | Alien Harry Styles, Scientist Louis Tomlinson Or Louis had a feeling there was life on other planets, he just hadn't expected to meet someone from one.

now i know what a fool i've been by @28goldens | 28goldensfics

Teen and Up Audiences | 16.8k | Enemies to Lovers, Christmas Fluff harry and louis had one really bad date last year. now they're snowed in at zayn's family's cabin alone the days leading up to christmas and louis' birthday. can they make up or will this be their last christmas together?

come as you are by @stylinsoncity

Mature | Alternate Universe - Academia, Professor Louis, Student Harry louis is a professor of literature at oxford and harry is his newest and most eager protege. both are caught in a story about forbidden love, loss and second chances, in which one is on the brink of heartbreak and the other comes along when he's needed most.

The Devil and the Deep Blue Sea by @kingsofeverything

Explicit | 109k | Cheating, Older Harry Styles/Louis Tomlinson, Alternate Universe - Beach, Meet-Cute Louis' life is steady and calm, moored by his marriage, and tied to his hometown, but after a chance encounter with another man, it'll never be the same.

Have Love, Will Travel by @kingsofeverything

Explicit | 97k | Camping, Friends to Lovers, Video Cameras Rather than spend the summer working at their desks, Louis and Harry are given the opportunity to crisscross the country together in a tiny camper, filming their adventures for a YouTube series. It soon becomes obvious to their viewers that there's something more than friendship between them. Eventually, they figure it out.

Probably still adore you (with your hands around my neck) by @lunarheslwt

Explicit | 13k | Persephone x Hades AU, Louis Tomlinson as Hades, Harry Styles as Persephone Or, after six cruel months of being separated, Persephone!Harry returns to his husband, Hades!Louis.

The Money Mark by @brightgolden

Explicit | 52k | Alpha/Beta/Omega Dynamics, Sugar Baby Harry Styles Or, where Louis is Harry's first sugar daddy who dumped him over text and their paths cross, seven years later.

Just You and I (a starry sky) by @justanothershadeofblue

Explicit | 7k | Christmas Fluff, Mpreg, Friends to Lovers "getting accidentally pregnant by his childhood best friend-with-benefits" was definitely not on Harry Styles' holiday to-do list - but apparently it's what has happened, so now he has to figure out how to tell Louis without ruining Louis' birthday, their family holiday, oh, and literally everything else about their lives. Oops?

kay's 25 days of smutmas series by shiptattou | @wecantalktomorrow

---

Niall Horan/Zayn Malik

If You Leave Me by @hellolovers13

Explicit | 5k | Alternate Universe - Vampire Niall spends too much time in his own head, almost breaking his (and Zayn's) heart in the process.

[whatohitsonfirewelp]

Actually let’s talk about watcher because so many of you are so unbelievably clueless about how money works it’s actually embarrassing.

You understand a company costs a LOT, right?

Today ONE FAMILY could live a comfortable but not a lavish lifestyle off of 70k a year. That’s for ONE FAMILY.

An entire business definitely can’t live off that. They’re getting approximately a few million. That’s not enough, not anymore.

And yeah, they do have a fan base. But it’s not exactly the most established. They didn’t start their own channel on YouTube like GMM or Smosh. They started at Buzzfeed and THEN moved to YouTube. They started late.

They started around Covid. And the economy has worsened so much since then. Of COURSE they’re struggling.

Also, hey, guys, it’s absolutely suicidal for them to put all of their own personal money into this business. Ryan and Shane are married. Their income helps support another human being too. What exactly do you want them to do? Go without food? Lose their HOMES?

Yeah, a business comes with sacrifices but, hey, guess what? That shouldn’t mean killing yourself in the process.

Also, hey, Steven owning a Tesla? Not a valid argument. He is ONE person, and frankly, we don’t know how long he saved or what he gave up in his personal life to have that. And FRANKLY, a Tesla isn’t exactly the most bizarre and out of this world car to own.

For a business they have to pay for the office, depending on who that’s through they may have separate bills for things like water, electricity, ect. They have to pay a salary for each staff member, they have to pay their guests. They have to pay for equipment, they have to pay for travel fees. They have to pay for food for staff when traveling, and so much more.

Also, hey, you guys understand how much we pay for everyday, right? How many of you have Netflix? Disney+? Spotify premium? How many of you pay for Starbucks more than once a week instead of making coffee at home?

And I’m not saying you should be ashamed of that, but just think for a moment. You don’t need all of that. Struggling for money means you can’t afford any of that to begin with. If you can that means you’re deciding how YOU want to spend your money and where, just like they are. Except unlike you, they’re making an investment for their COMPANY.

Also, guys, not a single content creator owes us their content or time. They’re giving it to us for free and that’s amazing. But it’s definitely hard on them. Especially when fans are so demanding. We have to pay for most things in life. It’s not all the surprising that we’d have to pay for watcher.

If anything it makes sense. They’re a show, these guys are basically actors. They provide entertainment like any other tv show. And hey, you have to pay SOMETHING AND SOMEONE to watch tv.

[rhoorl]

Delta Landscaping | Chapter 3: Watch the Show

Series Summary: In this AU, the boys of Delta Force start a new business post-Colombia. 

Rating: Explicit (18+) - putting this here as a blanket rating even though it doesn't apply to all chapters

Word Count: 4.4k

Series Masterlist

Chapter Summary: Connor and the boys fix Lucille’s fence giving the Neighborhood Watch its first opportunity for an in-person thirst fest. 

A/N: Thank you again for all of the love on the first two chapters. I am having a lot of fun writing this and interacting with you!

BMW Group Chat

Will: Hey. Benny said that Connor wanted to come over and help with Ms. Lucille’s fence. 

Megan: Yeah - you guys good with that?

Will: Affirmative. Wheels up is 0800 if he wants in on the Home Depot run.

Benny: Cool it Captain America. 🙄 Megan does 8 a.m. work tomorrow for him?

Megan: 😂 Yeah I’ll let him know. I think he’s looking forward to it.

Benny: Sweet! We’ll probably use Frankie’s truck but Connor can ride with me if that’s cool with you.

Megan: Yeah sounds good! About what time do you think you’ll start working?

Will: Probably a little after 9, shouldn’t take too long to get the stuff.

Megan: Ok cool.

_____________________

Neighborhood Watch Group Chat

Megan: ⚠️⚠️ Will said the guys should start working on Lucille’s by 9 tomorrow.

David: HELL YES! Who’s bringing what? Ty and I can bring mimosas. 🍾

Olivia: I can go for a donut run in the morning on the way back from soccer with the boys.

Melissa: I got the fruit salad! 🍓🍍🍉🥭

Katie: Anyone want a fancy coffee? I’ll run to Starbucks … just text me what you want.

Megan: Cool, it’s settled. See you all tomorrow!

_____________________

“You ready for today?” Megan sipped on her coffee, trying to sound nonchalant while eyeing Connor as he rolled into the kitchen.

“Yeah, should be fun.” He made a beeline to the fridge, grabbed a jug of orange juice, and turned around to inhale the breakfast Megan made for him – scrambled eggs and bacon. “Thanks, Mom!”

Bucky was immediately at Connor’s feet, looking up at him, begging for food.

“Despite what he tells you, I already fed him today. And I gave you a slice of bacon, mister!” Megan shook her head at the greedy pup before heading to the sink to rinse off her plate. 

While her back was turned, Connor raised his fingers to his lips making a shushing motion as he snuck the pup half a piece of bacon. 

He cleared his throat to cover up the sound of Bucky scarfing down the treat. “So, these guys used to be in the military or something?” 

“Yea. Will says they were in for like almost 20 years or something but retired a few years ago. With that being said they’re probably punctual as hell so don’t be late!”

“Yes, mom. I’ll head over there right after I get a few more bites.”

After he finished his breakfast, Connor grabbed his phone and wallet, gave his mom a kiss, and gave Bucky some head scratches. He looked at the time, smiling that he was 15 minutes early.

As he walked over to 319 Mulefall Court, he saw a green truck pull up. He recognized the two men who got out, they were Benny and Will’s friends, but he just couldn’t remember their names. The taller guy was in jeans and a gray T-shirt with a blue baseball cap and aviators. The other guy, who was a bit shorter, wore black shorts and a white V-neck shirt that was a bit tighter fitting than the taller man’s shirt. 

Benny walked out of the garage and greeted the two men with a handshake and hug and was dressed comfortably in black and white basketball shorts, a cutoff concert tee, and a black backward baseball cap. He spotted Connor walking over and waved at the boy. 

“Hey, bud!” Benny called over. “You're early, nice!”

“Ha yea, I uh… I didn’t want you all waiting up.”

“All good. Hey I’m not sure if you’ve officially met them but these are my friends Frankie and Santi – or Fish and Pope, whatever’s easier for ya,” he chuckled.

“Nice to meet you boss,” Santiago extended his hand for a firm handshake. 

“We’re excited to have an extra set of hands,” Frankie smiled, giving the boy a handshake too.

“Well, thanks for the invite.”

“You know, for being the one always up my fucking ass about being on time, Will is late. Oh shit, sorry, I didn’t mean to swear in front of you. Fuck!" Benny smacked himself on the forehead laughing.

“Ha, it’s all good. I won’t tell my mom if you won't,” Connor winked.

“Good man!” Pope chuckled, slapping Connor playfully on the shoulder as they all laughed.

“Hi, Connor!” a soft voice called from across the street. 

Connor turned to see Aria walking her dog. He tensed and immediately felt his face getting red. Aria was one of the prettiest girls in school and also his biggest crush.

“Uh…h-hey Aria!” He rubbed the back of his neck, giving a small wave.

“I like your dog!” Benny called over. “Is that a Rhodesian Ridgeback?”

“Yea! No one ever knows what kind of dog he is.” She was impressed at the man’s astute observation.

“Yeah, we used them on missions before. Those dogs are badass!” Benny smiled.

Aria stopped as her dog sniffed the grass, looking over to Connor and the men in the driveway. “Um…you all off to do something fun?”

Connor was frozen and didn’t know what to do. He felt tongue-tied, intimidated by her and the three men behind him who were most likely scrutinizing his every move and probably ready to make fun of him when this encounter was all over.

I bet none of them have trouble talking to girls.

What he couldn’t see was that the three men behind him were exchanging looks and smirks, remembering what it was like to be in high school, faced with talking to a pretty girl. Hell, depending on the woman they still acted that way.

Frankie gave Pope a nod, using the unspoken language they had mastered after decades of friendship.

Pope cleared his throat, “Uh, yeah actually we are. Connor here is helping us build a fence!”

“Build a fence? Wow, cool!” Aria smiled, looking directly at Connor.

“Yeah, he does a lot of work for Ms. Lucille. It was his idea to have us help, wasn’t it Connor?” Benny came up, slapping a hand on the boy's shoulder.

“Uh.” Connor glanced over to Benny who gave him a look and a squeeze to the shoulder. “Uh, ye-yea. It’s not a big deal, should be pretty easy.”

“Cool, well, don’t work too hard. I’ll see you around!” she waved and continued on her walk.

Connor immediately turned around and took what felt like his first breath in minutes. Benny’s arm was around his shoulder and he braced for the guys to give him a hard time before seeing Will come out of the garage.

“Hey, Connor! Sorry guys, I was talking to Joel. Ready to go?” Will smiled, walking over to give the boy a handshake.

“Yeah, let’s do it! I like your shirt,” Connor pointed to Will’s blue Tampa Bay Lightning dri-fit shirt.

“Thanks, man, you ever go to a game?”

“I’ve only been to like two, but I’ll catch them on TV when I can.”

The guys chit-chatted with Connor for a few more minutes before Benny cut in.

“Ok, so since there’s five of us, I figure we could take two cars. Fish, you good driving Will and Pope? I’ll take Connor.”

All the men nodded and got into their respective vehicles.

Benny didn’t say anything to Connor as they got into his car and buckled in. He reversed down the driveway and headed for the entrance of the neighborhood. 

As they reached a stop sign he looked over to Connor, “So…you like her?”

“Who?” Connor kept facing forward, but his eyes darted around. He wasn’t really used to talking about girls with anyone.

“That girl with the Rhodesian. You think she’s pretty right?”

“Uhh…”

“Dude, you practically froze,” he chuckled, glancing over to see the boy was clearly nervous. “Hey, it’s all good, man I get like that too. A pretty girl will have that effect on you no matter how old you are.”

“Really?”

“Ha yea. One time, I got so nervous to walk up to a girl at a bar that I tripped and fell flat on my face,” he laughed. “But it worked out for me, I still got her number," he smirked at the memory. "There’ve been times we’ve had to practically push Fish over to a girl to get her number, the guy gets so shy. Oh and don’t even get me started on Pope. You see the guy and he looks like he’s super suave and shit, but he's had his moments too. Don’t let him fool you,” he glanced over with a wink.

Connor let out a nervous laugh. “Ha, yeah…I like her…I’ve liked her for a while.”

“Then why don’t you ask her out? Do you have her number? Is that a thing you even do anymore or do you like message on social media or something?”

“Ha, yeah I have her number.”

“Ok, and?”

"Well, for starters, she's older than me. She's gonna be a senior this year."

"Ooo an older woman? Nice," he winked. "Nothing wrong with going out with someone older than you. Still doesn’t explain why you just can’t ask her out."

“I can’t, man. She…she…what if she says no.”

“Well, what if she says yes?” Benny glanced over. “Does she have a boyfriend or something?”

“No, at least I don’t think so…I think she and one of my teammates were talking last year.”

“But not anymore right?” Connor shook his head. “Ok, then!”

“I don’t know. She probably isn’t even into me, you should see my teammate. He looks like a younger version of Will…not that I'm calling him old or anything,” Connor chuckled.

As they reached the stoplight Benny assessed the boy in his passenger seat. He couldn’t really tell based on the baggy Orlando Magic T-shirt, but it looked like Connor was a bit on the skinny side. He could relate, he was a string bean when he was younger, so he could only imagine what Connor felt like comparing himself to other guys, especially if his teammate did in fact look like a younger version of his brother. 

“Do you lift?"

Connor nodded, "Yeah I try, don't really know what I'm doing though … clearly." He motioned to his bicep.

"Wanna…wanna start working out with me?

Connor looked over at him confused, “Wait, what?”

“Yeah, like this summer, do you want to start working out with me? I was a personal trainer for a little while and I did some MMA fighting too for a bit, so I know my way around a gym,” he offered with a smile.

“Uh, y-yea that would be cool.” 

“Nice, well we’ll figure something out,” Benny continued as he turned into the Home Depot parking lot. “Welp looks like we’re here.”

___________________

“Lulu, where are you?” Megan called as she walked into Lucille’s home. She knew the rest of the crew would be showing up any minute.

“In here,” Lucille called from the kitchen.

“I should have known,” Megan mumbled to herself as she made her way to the kitchen.

When she turned the corner, she saw Lucille arranging some muffins and pastelitos on a tray.

“We’re going to have so much food!”

“Well, don’t look in the fridge, then” Lucille smirked. “I made some things for lunch for the boys… papa rellenas and croquettes, and of course empanadas for Benny. I just need to fry it all up. Don’t say anything to David, he’ll want to take it all home!”

Right on cue, they heard the door open, knowing instantly it was David and Ty based on the noise.

“We’re here bitches! Let’s get this thirst fest started!” David shouted in a sing-song manner as he and his partner made their way into the kitchen. “We brought a few different juices - orange, pineapple, and your favorite Lulu, guava!” He said, kissing Lucille on the cheek as he set several containers on her counter.

“I also brought my binoculars,” Ty showed off a large pair of binoculars he used for birdwatching. 

“Eres demasiado.” Lucille shook her head as she wiped her hands on her apron and gave the man a kiss on the cheek.

Megan laughed, amused at the two characters who just walked in. 

David and Ty had been together for 10 years and moved into Torrey Hills a few years ago. At first, they were quiet and kept to themselves, unsure how the neighbors would feel about a gay couple living next door. Suburban Tampa was a bit different than Miami, where they previously called home.

They were excited but a bit nervous when Megan and Lucille invited them over for coffee for the first time. But the four of them quickly became thick as thieves, even Julio found the little posse’s antics hilarious. 

“Knock, knock!” Melissa was the next to arrive, with her elaborate fruit salad in tow. “I haven’t missed anything yet, right?”

“No, girl, they are still out at Home Depot,” Ty said as he poured her a mimosa. “Light on the juice, just how you like it,” he winked.

Olivia came frantically through the door a few moments later with an assortment of donuts. 

“Where’s Diana? I was hoping for some baby cuddles,” Lucille pouted, seeing Olivia sans her nine-month-old.

“She’s taking a nap. Chris is watching CJ and Max, leaving momma to have the morning to herself!” She smiled and greedily reached for the mimosa Ty made for her.

“Where the hell is Katie?” Megan asked, looking at her phone to see if Katie backed out.

___________________

“Ugh, I should have asked for another tray,” Katie mumbled to herself as she parked her car. She walked over to her passenger side door and grabbed the tray of drinks along with a few bags of breakfast sandwiches and pastries. 

She decided to walk over to Lucille’s since it was only a few houses over. She had just reached the porch when she heard a couple of cars pull up.

Shit. I knew I should have gotten here earlier.

“Hey, Katie!” Benny called over to her from the car window he had rolled down.

“H-hi Benny!”

“What’re doing here? You all having a party while we work?” he chuckled as he got out of the car. 

She saw Connor and then turned to notice Will, Frankie, and Santiago getting out of a truck, all smiling and waving at her. Will, in particular, looked over at her curiously and she was thankful for her sunglasses so he couldn’t see that she was checking him out.

“Uh, yeah something like that. It’s been a while since we got together and uh…we…uh… wanted to keep an eye …things…like…Connor,” it was the best she could muster and she immediately regretted it.

“Keep an eye on me?” Connor asked confused.

“Oh, not in a bad sweetie, uh…” she was getting more flustered. “There’s some stuff I need help with around my house too so, uh, we figured we’d see how you do. Might need to hire your little crew here,” she smiled hoping she had recovered.

“So, like a trial run of our services, then?” Will smirked.

“Uh, y-yea, something like that. I should probably get inside. If David’s sandwich gets any colder he’s going to freak the fuck out. Shoot, sorry Connor,” she blushed, turning quickly and dashing up the steps.

Once she got inside, she slammed her back against the door, trying to catch her breath. 

“Katie?” Megan asked as she walked around the corner. “There you are! Wait…what happened?”

“Ugh, the line was long and I knew I was running late and was trying to get back here before they did, but I didn’t and shit, I was awkward as fuck in the driveway. And now they know that we’re all here,” she rambled.

“Whoa, whoa, whoa. Did you chug six espressos on the way over here? It’s all good. Besides, I wasn’t trying to hide the fact that we were over here, they’re going to be able to see us through the window silly,” she laughed.

Katie let out a breath, realizing she was spiraling. “You’re right. Sorry, Meg.” She smiled.

“C’mon let’s go before David calls dibs on the best seat.”

__________________

“I can’t believe we are watching this … and for free!” David laughed. "This is better than that time we went to the Magic Mike show, right Melissa?"

Once the guys got all of the materials and tools settled in the backyard, they made pretty quick work of mending Lucille’s fence. They took out some of the panels that were rotting or damaged. Will and Frankie taught Connor how to cut the different pieces of wood, while Benny and Santiago sanded some pieces down.

However, the crew inside wasn’t paying attention to the progress of the repairs, instead, they were admiring the view.

“Ok, but like, I’ve never had a thing for forearms before but holy shit,” Melissa said as she reached for one of the guava and cheese pastelitos.

“Those are for the boys!” Lucille slapped her hand as Melissa rolled her eyes.

“Ok, so before today I thought I was more of a Benny guy, but Santiago, phew!” Ty fanned himself. “The shirt is basically like a second skin it is so drenched.” His eyes were pressed to the binoculars. 

“I think he has the cutest butt,” Melissa chimed in.

“A Benny guy? It’s like they’re a boy band and you’re picking your favorite member,” Megan threw her head back in laughter.

“I am fully on the Will train, but he’s all yours Katie!” Olivia smirked as Katie blushed.

“Well, we all know who I am a fan of!” David glanced over to the group. 

“You just have a curly hair with a hat kink, babe,” Ty teased.

“No! Well… okay, yeah I guess. But his hair baby, look at it. The way it just like peaks out from under his hat. Gimme,” he snatched the binoculars from Ty. 

They see Frankie remove his hat, running his fingers through his hair before returning the hat to the top of his head.

“Also the way his sweaty curls are sticking to the back of his neck? Ay yai yai yai! I just want to bite it.”

“He reminds me of my Julio when he was younger,” Lucille cut in, looking at Frankie fondly. “He was quite the stunner, you know.”

The group continued to look on as the guys moved on to start nailing some of the planks in place. Olivia snorted, laughing to herself, the mimosas starting to take their effect.

“What’s so funny?” David asked.

“I mean, I just … my mind is in the gutter, no thanks to you,” she pointed at him. “But, like with them using the nail gun, I can only think of dirty puns.”

“What, like how long it’s been since you've been nailed?” Ty smirked.

“She has three kids, Ty, I think we all know she fucks,” David chuckled.

“Ok, everyone, my son is literally using the nail gun right now, can we not?” Megan put her hands over her ears shaking her head.

“I just think it’s so sweet how they’re including Connor, it would have been so easy to have him do something small but he’s been involved in every step,” Lucille smiled warmly as she looked out of her kitchen window.

"Ugh, yes! They're getting sweatier now. I’ve never been more grateful for the Florida heat," David raised his hands in praise.

___________________

“Ok, that should about do it, I think,” Will said as Connor put the last nail in. He pulled his shirt up, using it to wipe the sweat from his forehead. 

“Nice, this looks great. That was fun…Uh, thank you guys. I honestly don’t know if I could have done this on my own.” Connor said as he looked at the four men.

“Oh, I’m sure you would have figured it out, man. You picked things up really fast,” Frankie gave him a reassuring pat on the shoulder. 

“Do you think our audience liked the view,” Santiago motioned over to Lucille’s back patio. 

“Well, you sure were flexing anytime you could Pope. Could you get a tighter shirt next time?” Benny joked as Pope slapped him on the chest.

“I can’t help but put on a show pendejo, especially when I have an audience,” he winked. “And don’t give me shit, your brother was doing it too. I saw you eyeing Katie, Ironhead.”

“See,” Benny said under his breath to Connor, raising his eyebrows.

“She’s…nice. And she needs help with her house. It’s not in as bad of shape as ours, but I can tell she has a few projects just from the outside alone. I can only imagine what’s going on inside.”

“Yea, you’d like to know what it’s like inside, wouldn’t y-, oww!” Santiago yelped as Will hit him upside the head and Frankie shook his head laughing.

“Dude, can you fucking cool it in front of the kid,” Will motioned over to Connor who was doubled over laughing along with Benny at the scene in front of them.

__________________

“Oh shit, Will has a six-pack?!” Ty said from behind his binoculars. “Do you want a look, Katie?”

“I can see just fine from here,” Katie smirked. It was obvious that Will was a fit guy and she was grateful to get a little peak at what he was working with. Although she wasn’t usually attracted to blondes, there was something about Will that she was drawn to.

“It looks like they’re about done, so I’m going to go out there,” Lucille grabbed a tray and a basket with water bottles.

“We can all come!” David started to get up.

“Wait. Maybe just Lulu and I go out there first, we don’t need to overwhelm them with all of this…energy,” Megan chimed in.

“Ok, but we’re all coming out at some point,” Melissa laughed, eyes still focused outside taking in the scene.

_____________________

The glass sliding door opened and Lucille and Megan walked out with water and snacks in hand.

“This looks great, boys. You did amazing,” Lucille beamed, she loved seeing Connor so proud of himself.

“Connor did a great job, he’s a natural, Ms. Lucille!” Benny squeezed the boy's shoulder as he smiled at him. 

“Yeah, careful Megan, or we may need him to come over to our place to work on some stuff,” Will added.

“Oh, I’m sure that would be totally fine,” Megan smiled. 

“Who are all of your friends?” Santiago motioned toward the house with his chin.

“Ah, that’s our little crew. We get together every now and again, you’ll like them. We’ve become a little family,”

It was true, this specific group of neighbors had become pretty tight-knit, getting together for Super Bowl or Stanely Cup parties, celebrating birthdays, hosting barbecues and game nights, and just generally looking out for one another.

“We actually were thinking of having a pool party soon, you all in?” Megan asked.

“Hell yeah, we’d be down!” Benny smiled, excited to be included.

“Even us? I mean, we aren’t technically neighbors…” Frankie asked.

“Ay, por favor Francisco,” Lucille shook her head, lightly slapping Frankie’s arm.

“Of course! You two basically live here!” Megan chuckled.

“Is it settled, are we down for a pool party?” David yelled from the porch, waving at the group in Lucille’s backyard.

“That’s David,” Megan rolled her eyes, laughing and shaking her head. Turning back to the house she gave a thumbs up, signaling for the rest of the crew to join them.

***

Everyone shook hands with each other and started talking. Will managed to work his way over to where Katie was standing.

"The fence looks great!" Katie glanced over to Will and she surveyed their handiwork. "You just casually know how to fix fences?"

"Ha, well not entirely. I definitely had to call and get some pointers from my cousin, he's a lot handier than I am, but I can manage just fine," he smirked.

"Well, that's good to know," she felt her face getting red.

"So, you said you needed some help around your house? What projects d'you have?"

"Oh, there's a ton. Seriously, I need to get off of Pinterest because every time I open that damn app I add something new to my list," she chuckled.

"Ha yeah, I've heard it has that effect. My...uh…ex used to constantly be on that…" he trailed off as if he was reliving a memory.

"Was she into home repairs too?"

Shaking his head, "Ah no…wedding planning." He picked up the hem of his shirt again, wiping his forehead.

Seeing his stomach up close made Katie's eyes almost bug out of her head, but she tried to keep her cool.

"Ah yea, been there done that." 

***

“So, the party is at your place then?” Santiago asked Melissa, lingering a little bit longer with his handshake and eyeing her up and down.

“Uh, yeah, my fiancé and I just finished our pool, so it’s a great excuse to have people over,” she blushed, biting her lip and looking down. 

“Oh,” Santiago withdrew his hand. “N-nice, we’re…uh…looking forward to it.”

Melissa snapped out of it and cleared her throat. "Hey everyone, is tomorrow too soon of notice for the party? We can do it next Sunday if that's better?"

A cacophony of "No, tomorrow's great" and "Let's do it" rained down, which then turned into everyone chatting about what to bring. Once everything was settled the Neighborhood Watch crew went inside to clean things up as the boys and Connor collected all of their things.

___________________

"Thanks again for letting me come and help you guys," Connor said after they got everything situated back in Will and Benny's garage. "I had fun."

“You did great, man! And seriously, if you want to help us with other stuff that's cool. Sounds like Katie may have some projects," Will said as he wiped his hands.

"Oh does she, now? Those projects in her bedroom or what?" Benny started to tease his brother, but Will punched him in the stomach. "Ow!"

"You made plans to see what she needs help with?" Santiago raised his eyebrows at Will who shook his head.

*Well, figure it out tomorrow at the pool party then," Frankie shrugged.

As Connor started to head back, Benny stopped him. "Hey, wait. Here gimme your number. I'm serious about what I said earlier. If you wanna get started working out, just let me know, but…don’t feel like you have to." He handed the boy his phone and Connor put his number in.

"Thanks. You aren't going to go all drill sergeant mode on me are you?"

"Ha, nah. I used to train all kinds of people, it's not a one-size-fits-all approach." Benny offered him a warm smile.

"Sweet. Ok, well I guess I'll see you all tomorrow then?"

"Yeah, sounds good. See ya bud!"

Next Chapter

A/N: I can't remember who made the comment that rather than a reader insert this is a group insert, but hopefully the Neighborhood Watch is fulfilling that role! We’re headed to Melissa’s house next for a pool party in the next chapter! 

I’ve loved the asks I’ve received about this universe! In case you missed it here are the two most recent ones:

The Cars: The boys' cars are mentioned in Chapter 2, but it wasn't specified who owned which car, now you know!

Vanity Plates: Going off the cars post, I received an ask about whether the boys would have vanity plates on their cars.

Let me know if you want to be on the tag list moving forward!! Apologies if I accidentally left you off, I added it all manually … just let me know!

@goodwithcheese / @gemmahale / @trulybetty / @patti7dc / @periodtsparadox / @ramblers-lets-get-ramblin / @maggiemayhemnj / @mysterious-moonstruck-musings / @avastrasposts / @meveispunk / @chaoticfestninja / @beholdbebravethings / @casa-boiardi / @katw474 / @linzels-blog / @laughing-in-th3-purple-rain / @primosworld / @lynnchun / @anoverwhelmingdin /@lilmizmoz / @pedrit0-pascalit0 / @titlee78 / @noisynightmarepoetry / @inept-the-magnificent / @perennialdoll247 / @for-a-longlongtime / @readingiskeepingmegoing / @harriedandharrassed / @musings-of-a-rose / @anavatazes

[corrodedbisexual]

Like a cannonball

Steddie | M | ~3.3k | AO3 link

Written for @thefreakandthehair's wonderful summer challenge. I'm glad there were still some unclaimed prompts when I showed up late with Starbucks. 🥰 Prompt: cannonball.

Featuring: Fluff and Humor, Misunderstandings, Mutual Pining, Coming Out, Friends to Lovers (idiots to lovers more like), Getting Together, Drinking, Marijuana, Summer, Moving In Together, Gay Eddie Munson, Bisexual Steve Harrington, Steve Harrington's slutty shorts

Snippet below!

“Be careful, you might have to sweep me out of here with a broom or something in the end.”

“You can stay if you want.” Steve shrugs, a tiny roll of his shoulders. 

“You asking me to move in, Stevie?” Eddie chuckles. “Geez, buy a lady a drink first.” 

“You’re not a lady,” Steve points out.

Yeah, that’s kind of the whole point, Eddie thinks. He winces. 

“I guarantee you, you don’t want me living with you.”

Steve frowns at him. 

“Why? The way I see it, the pros outweigh the cons.” Steve sits up, cross-legged next to Eddie, and starts bending the fingers on his hand one by one as he talks. “I know for a fact that you can cook. You always pick good movies to watch. You know how to fix shit when I’ve got two left hands. You’re great company and fun to be around. You always have weed on you.” 

Eddie snorts. 

“And the cons?”

Steve appears to be thinking for a moment.

“Well, your music is terrible. Hey!” He yelps as Eddie throws at him the nearest thing in reach, which turns out to be an empty beer can. “Okay, your music is terrible and you’re really sensitive about that, but I’m gonna count that as one. Two, uh…” He stares at his hand with only one bent forefinger. “Actually, I got nothing.”

“I’m messy as fuck,” Eddie supplies.

“Eh.” Steve shrugs. “I’ve been to your room Eds, I wouldn’t put that under messy as fuck. You’re not like, a serial hoarder, or something.”

“Wayne always complains about my hair clogging the drain.”

“Baking soda and vinegar. It’s not rocket science.”

“I’m gay, Steve.”

Eddie stares up at the ceiling, and the silence that follows his words feels like an eternity, even though realistically, it’s probably only a few seconds.

“Okay,” Steve says, and his voice sounds… fuck, like Eddie just told him his Zodiac sign, or something. Eddie turns his head slowly to find Steve smiling. “I thought we were listing the cons here.”

Read on AO3

[adorethedistance]

Media Day - Trevor Zegras x Reader

Hockey Masterlist

Warnings: swearing (?), the word “psychopath”.

Words: 659

Summary: What a great day to be an aspiring photographer on media day when your model keeps flirting with you.

A/n: I caved. 

“One nitro cold brew you psychopath,” I say to my boss as I set his Starbucks order on our little tech cart, careful to avoid spilling on anything.

“Why am I a psychopath?”

“You’re drinking a nitro cold brew. That’s, like, the second biggest red flag drink you could get.”

“What’s the first?”

“Vanilla bean frappe.” John shakes his head whilst switching lenses on the biggest DSLR I’ve ever seen.

“You’re drinking an iced drink on the literal ice.”

“Iced drinks are for the girls, gays, and ‘they’s it’s inevitable,” I say, grabbing a fresh battery for the camera. John places a smaller lens on the body before removing the strap from his neck. He then extends the object to me in invitation.

“You want to be a photographer someday, right?” I nod slowly. “Show me whatcha got, kid.”

A small smile is the last little encouragement John gives me before handing over the camera. Okay, game time. As I turn to ask John who’s next, I hear the familiar sound of someone running onto the ice.

“Hey, John.”

“How ya doing, Z?”

“Can’t complain. Who’s this?”

“This is my PA…”

“Y/n,” I offer my hand to shake. Holy shit he’s beautiful.

“Trevor.”

“She’s gonna grab some headshots of you before we record anything.”

“Can I have you stand on that ‘X’ for me,” I gesture to the markings on the ice and he gently skates over to it. Knowing John’s process after hearing it all day, I begin to instruct him as John had with the other guys earlier in the day. “Actually, I want to try something… Could you kneel on the ice for me?” Trevor smirks and complies.

“Anything for you, princess,” he teases with a wink. I brush off the remark, rolling my eyes,

“Hush.” John laughs at my response and Trevor’s defeat. He doesn’t seem phased.

“Keep your body facing the net and turn only your head to look at me.” Trevor follows my directions and looking into his sea-glass eyes through the viewfinder stops me in my tracks. I need to focus but the way he’s looking at me gives me butterflies. Long dark lashes frame his light eyes that glisten like the shimmering ice beneath us. Nothing but the sound of faint, shallow breaths exists between us. The studio lights on the ice create a soft halo around his head; small flyaways cath the lighting to then hold it around his face like a beautiful painting placed inside a magnificent frame. He is Michelangelo’s David.

“Chin down,” I instruct before snapping the picture. The shot appears on the monitor behind us and I look back to see John inspecting the headshot. It’s a damn good shot and john knows it too. I smirk and snap a few more just for good measure. “Small smile, mmm not like that.”

“What do you mean not like that?”

“Has no one ever taught you to smile?”

“Apparently not.”

“Okay so you take your little finger and bite down on it horizontally and that’s the distance you should have between your teeth when you smile.”

“Oh really?!”

“Yeah, your teeth shouldn’t tou-” I cut myself off, “You’re fucking with me.”

“No, not at all!” I pause skeptically. I truly can’t tell if he’s being sincere or not.

“Just smile so I can take the goddamn picture.” Trevor laughs at my frustration and I seize the opportunity to snap some pictures. “Perfect.”

“These look great, Y/n. I’ll take it from here,” John says as he picks up the videography camera to grab some action shots. I move away from Trevor as I begin to switch the lenses, knowing John will use this camera again for the hyper-close-ups. “Thank you,” John says only to me before approaching Trevor to give him direction.

“Looks good, Z. Your smile has really improved!” He teases.

“Light work when I have such a good view.”

“Stop flirting with my PA!”

***

A/n: I know I used to not like Trevor but lately he’s been kinda fine and I see it soooo I’m coping by writing. Also I’m not enthralled with the Z fics that exist right now (of course I’ll still read and appreciate them) so I did what I always do when I’m in this predicament and that is write my own. Probably more to come with the way things are going right now.

[bellofthemeadow]

Blended Heart and Bitter Brews | part 1/?

Masterlist

Summary: Your life was boring, hoping for your big break, you were stuck at Starbucks for what felt like forever. The hot metalhead that just came through your door might just be the amount of shit-stirring fun you've been looking for. (2.4K)

A/N: Hey everyone, first time venturing into the Stranger Things fandom. I know I am late to the party lol, but I was off TUMBLR when the show came out and I've just recently started rewatching it and I had the need to write a series on everyone's favourite metalhead! Hope you all enjoy it and lmy what you think  😊

Warning: Swearing, suggestive language, reference to bratting and brat taming (18+)

Working at Starbucks isn’t the most glamorous job in the world. It wouldn’t even make the top 500 hundred in your opinion. The hours were long, the pay was mediocre at best, and you didn’t even want to think about the tips.

After 3 years on the job, you came to the very scientific conclusion that there was a direct correlation between your empty tip jar and the ungodly amount of Frappuccino you’d have to do on a given day. To the point: right now it was just shy of 2 pm, and you had been making so many of those blended abominations that the front of your apron looked like a unicorn and a leprechaun had an orgy on it. And your tip jar was empty. Go figure.

Starbucks was supposed to be a temporary gig, something to keep the cash flowing between college and your big break. Unfortunately, there was no big break in sight, no producers had called you back because, your sound was “too 80s, but like the wrong 80s” so you were still there serving tweens their daily fix of sugar. You wanted to ram your head on the counter, maybe you should dye your hair platinum and get into pop. Maybe then someone would sign you since the whole metal vibe just wasn’t doing it for anyone. You sighed, just 1 hour and then you’d be free. At least for today, until you’d have to do it all again tomorrow. To avoid having a mental breakdown in the middle of the coffee shop, you distracted yourself by mentally running through the list of things you had to do when you got home:

Go grocery shopping. Nah you were positive you still had fruit loops; Grocery could wait.

Go over your demo. AGAIN

Therapy Oh yeah you couldn’t afford that. Maybe a good crying session to end the night.

Go grocery shopping. Nah you were positive you still had fruit loops; Grocery could wait.  GET BEN & JERRY

Yeah, that should do it.

As you were mentally ticking things off, you heard the shrill voice of a girl at the counter order, “I wanna Venti Caramel Frappuccino with extra whip and a blended cake pop inside. Oh, and with Skim milk!” Of course. Fuck that!

You groaned and pushed your way to the till where the newly hired 19-year-old was taking the order, “Swap with me.” You made sure that your tone left no place for arguments. “Ehhh, I’m taking an order.” Looks like new girl didn’t get the tone memo, “I’ll take the orders from now on, you go work the bar.”

“But I am in the middle of tak…” “Ok look, that’s great, hard-worker is such a good look for you. But I think I’m not making myself clear here; You are going to swap the bar with Me because if I have to make another fucking Frappuccino, I will set this place on fire with everyone inside! Capish?”

Silence.

Suddenly a loud guffaw reverberated from somewhere towards the end of the already long line. Your coworker and the girl at the till looked horrified. But your monumental side-eye was the last nail into the proverbial coffin because Emma didn’t try to argue with you and instead, scurried over to the coffee bar.

Victory.

You turned toward the girl and plastered the fakest smile you could on your face “And what did you say you wanted?” The girl looked like she was going to puke on your counter “… I’ll have a grande latte… Is iced, ok?”

You smiled broadly “One grande ice latte coming right up, did you want skim milk with that?” “Oh no, no. Just regular is fine,” She stuttered.

“Great just gonna need to add your name and that’ll be 4.00 $.” “… Its Josie.” Sacharine smile plastered on your face, “Great Josie, you can go and wait by the bar over there.” You dismissively pointed in the general direction of the farthest end of the bar, “I can take whoever’s next!”

For the next couple of minutes, your other customers were rather accommodating, ordering black coffees and lattes with no mod for once.  “All right next!” You passed down the cup for a “Grande Americano for Josh” toward Emma who was still doing her best to avoid any form of eye contact. You snorted a bit, to say that Emma might be a bit oversensitive was an understatement, maybe you’d apologized after your shift… Maybe.

You turned your eyes to the new customer in line and you couldn’t help but raise a brow at the yummy stud that just stepped up to your till.  You licked your lips appreciatively; the guy must be around your age, with shaggy brown hair, big brown puppy eyes and plush lips you wanted to snap between your teeth. The guy was totally your type too, you spotted how his slightly ripped 1991 “Wherever We May Roam” Metallica tour t-shirt was hiking up his belly revealing a toned stomach. But what really made you salivate was the sight of his numerous tats that decorated both his arms. You could also peek at some hiding under his collar.  Yummy.  

You gave him your best sultry smile, leaned forward, showcasing the unfortunate non-existence of your cleavage as it was all covered by your apron, and coyly purred, "And what can I get you today, handsome?"

Hot dude seemed happy with your flirting as he responded with a reciprocating smile before leaning forward. You were so close that you could almost trace the tattoos (were those bats?!) decorating his forearms. He hummed as though contemplating it, then offered you a sultry smile. You were more than happy to respond with your best fuck-me eyes.

Suddenly his sexy smile transformed into a wide shit-eating grin before he boomed loudly, “I’ll have a Venti Caramel Frappuccino, extra drizzle, extra caramel and extra whipped cream.”

Time stopped. Crickets chirping. Jaw Dropped

What in the actual fuck?!

You jerked your head back and grumbled. Displeasure etched on your face. Hot dude wasn’t so hot anymore as you reluctantly entered the order into the cash register. "Whatshisface" still wore that irritating grin as he leaned forward even further, granting you a clear view of his sharp collarbones. He began to toy with some of the chocolate-covered coffee beans next to your cash register. "You touch it, you buy it," you grumbled.

His Cheshire cat-like grin grew even larger, if that was even possible, and he let out a loud tut. “Aw sweetheart, you don’t have to get all bratty on me. Come on, I know under that little metal act you got goin’ on, you wanna be a good girl for me.” He finished with a little wink that made you want to shove the napkin holder on his stupid handsome face.

“That’ll be 9.85 $” Grin gone. Whatshisface looked completely flabbergasted, “9.85$?!? In what world do you live in that you think its ok to charge so much for a cup of coffee!?” He loudly gasped, affronted.

You flashed your most charming smile and fluttered your eyelashes innocently, much to your delight, you noticed the tips of his ears beginning to blush. In a syrupy tone, you purred “Well sir the caramel, the extra drizzle AND the extra whipped are all extra charges. But I understand if that’s too expensive for you, perhaps you could move over and explore other parts of the menu that are more… within your means.”

Hook, line, and sinker

Hot dude turned an even deeper shade of red and began to rummage through the bag he was carrying, all the while muttering less-than-flattering expletives under his breath. You were fairly certain you heard him mutter a rather pointed “disrespectful little brat,” which senta delicious shiver straight to your core.

You were feeling quite triumphant and began tapping your manicured finger on the counter, a gesture that seemed to further irritate him. After a minute, he forcefully slid a crumpled $20 bill your way, bringing a smug grin to your face. After making a show of counting his change, you grabbed the venti cup and the black Sharpie. “And can I have your name for that?”

“…Eddie.” You slowly captured the cap of the Sharpie between your teeth and started writing his name on the side of the plastic cup. You added a wide smiley next to it for good measure.  You triumphantly noticed that Eddie gaze hadn't wavered from your mouth, as if entranced by the sight of the cap being gripped by your teeth. Maybe he was imagining something else between your lips, you snicker to yourself.

After sliding the cup over to Emma, who appeared as though she had just witnessed a car crash, before hurrying over to start his drink, you coquettishly cooed at him, “Well Eddie,” you made sure to enunciate every word as you tasted how his name felt in your mouth. “I hope you enjoy your… expensive drink, Tip jar is right here.” You gestured with your impeccably black manicured nail towards the nearly empty box "Don't you think I deserve it? After all, I’ve been such a gooood girl for you and did everything you wanted?" You batted your eyelashes, ensuring to add ample emphasis to drive your point home.

As for Eddie, well he looked like he was about to suffocate. Red and blotchy all over, you could also spot some sweat gathering on his forehead. You almost started to pity the poor guy when he tried to stutter out a response to your teasing. Almost.

 In the end, Eddie dropped a couple of ones in the small glass before making his way toward the end of the bar. You also noticed how he had a slightly slouched gait—probably because you'd turn his attempt at embarrassing you on him. He finally stopped in front of where Emma was making his sugared monstrosity. As you were taking the next order, you could feel Eddie’s gaze burning your body. So, you made sure to give him a good show, laughing extra hard at the lame jokes from the college boy you were serving. Bending down a bit too low to grab an extra roll of receipt paper giving him a good view of your shapely ass, drawing large hearts on every cup and flirtatiously referring to every guy in your line with endearments like "sugar" or "handsome."

“A VENTI CARAMEL FRAPPUCINNO WITH EXTRA CARAMEL, EXTRA DRIZZLE AND EXTRA WHIP FOR EATDICK!!!”

“Jesus Christ, no need to scream in my ears like that.” Eddie, looking mortified, snatched his drink before sitting down at one of the empty tables. One of the only ones with a perfect view of the counter. You gleefully observed how Eddie nearly spat out his drink after taking the first sip, probably dying a little bit inside at the taste of the artificial sweeteners that must invaded his mouth.  Quite the smooth move, jackass.

You looked at the time, as your other coworker Jenson joined you behind the bar to relieve you of your minimum wage duties, “I’ll just make myself a drink and then I’m outta here!” You whoop, Jenson acquiesced with a shrugging smile before taking over the till. You shuffle toward the bar area and snicker as you start to make yourself an extra special drink.

“Hey Jenson, can you do something for me real quick after I leave?”

Eddie is grudgingly drinking the caramel monstrosity he ordered. His own fault really, he’s always been a black coffee kind of guy. When he was younger, he started to order it black because it fitted his whole metal vibe; “Black like my soul,” he’d ordered with a wink to the old-timey dinner waitress back in Hawkins. But now that he moved to Indianapolis to chase his music dreams, he realized that he couldn't enjoy coffee unless it was as bitter as the disappointment that people had in him.

While he wasn't usually a Starbucks person, he had stayed up until 4 am this morning after playing a gig downtown. And to top it off, he had to be at work on the dock by 6 am, leaving him with barely any time to sleep in between. At this point, he would have traded his soul for a coffee. So, when he spotted the Starbucks on his way home, he just had to stop. Mindlessly scrolling on his phone for any notifications of Corroded Coffin, you took him right out of his zombie-like trance when you shrieked about setting the place on fire. He hadn’t been able to stifle his laughter at your words. To top it off, you were hot, as fiery as the arson you threatened everyone with. So, when he reached the till and saw that his attraction was completely reciprocated, he couldn't help but tease you a bit.

He just hadn’t banked on you being such a brat. Now he was sitting alone with an almost inedible caramel concoction of his own making, swimming in the bitter disappointment of having made a fool of himself in front of you. As he was simmering in his annoyance, a cup of steaming Americano was placed in front of him. He raised his head fast and looked at the sheepish expression of a lanky guy with a freckled face, “I didn’t order that…”

“Eh, well she made it for you. Told me to give it to you after she left.”

Eddie’s head snapped back to the bar where you had disappeared. A bitter taste of disappointment coated his mouth as he realized he hadn’t even gotten your number, “Thanks, man.” The guy gave him a sharp nod in response before making his way back to the till where a line was slowly forming again.

Eddie took a deep breath, inhaling the tangy smell of the black coffee. Exactly what he needed.  As he was about to take a sip, black writing on the side of the cup got his attention.

Hey hot stuff, You looked like you wanted to put me back in my place back there 😉 I’d like to see you try, call me at xxx-xxx-xxxx -Little brat

A huge grin broke out on Eddie’s face as he took a sip of his coffee, letting the bitter liquid burn down his throat.

Today turned out to be pretty metal after all.

Part 2: The Phone Call