#Dane is like well Gil's been wanting to kill him for a while

[softquietsteadylove]

as much as I love how soft Gil has become for Thena in the “ten things I hate abt you” AU, I feel like he’s starting to go out of character a bit for this au 😭😭 (I’m not trying to be mean I promise) so maybe could you pretty please write one where Gil has more of that “edge” that his character initially has in this au? Again I’m sorry if this sounds mean and judgy I don’t mean it like that ❤️

Gil took a sip of his beer, not that it was the good stuff. He had to drive home anyway; Thena had driven Sersi, so he would be going home alone tonight.

"Need another?"

Gil looked over at him, only to make sure he wasn't hallucinating. But he wasn't, and it was indeed Ikaris offering him another beer. He just stared at it.

"You hear me, or what?"

Yeah, that seemed more like what he would expect from the gruff and unpleasant Scot. Gil looked towards the front yard again. "I'm good."

"Guess I can't blame you." Oh good, he was still talking. "Probably don't think we have much to talk about."

"I wouldn't think we had anything to talk about," Gil gritted out. He hoped Thena was inside, with Sersi, or even Dane. Far away from this piece of shit, at least.

"Well, I'm feelin' generous," Ikaris laughed, as if it were a favour that they were talking right now. "Warnin' about Princess in there-"

Gil bristled, and not just at Ikaris using the same name he occasionally used for Thena himself. He hadn't come to this party looking for a fight, but maybe the opportunity would present itself.

"Y'know we used to be a thing, I guess," Ikaris surmised, more talking at Gil than having a conversation. "Ages ago, by now. Anyway, things seemed fine, and I knew she wanted it, no matter what she said-"

"Shut up."

But he just kept going, listening to himself talk more than he had heard Gil try to interrupt him.

"But I backed off," Ikaris declared, holding his hands up as if that act were something to respect about him instead of the most basic decency. "Let her call herself a prude. But you-"

"Just don't, man," Gil warned him again. He finished off his beer and tossed the can. His hackles were rising, and Thena wasn't there to lecture him about his reputation or how fighting Ikaris was beneath him.

"You've gotten through to her," Ikaris mumbled with a little more skepticism. "Or at least, I assume you have, 'cause otherwise I don't know why the fuck you're with'er."

"I don't think you get to talk about her," Gil finally turned to Ikaris to face him properly. He leaned off the railing of the front porch. "Ever."

Ikaris' eyebrows raised but he didn't exactly back up from Gil's stance. He was also a tall guy, reasonably strong. And he certainly wasn't going to back down now that he could see his taunting had worked. "So you have had her."

"You shut your fucking mouth," Gil snarled, lunging forward and grabbing Ikaris by the shirt. They butted heads, Ikaris unwilling to look away. "You say one more thing about my girl and I'm gonna show you why you couldn't handle her, let alone me."

Ikaris chuckled, and why people thought he had any charm at all was beyond him. "Hey, little slut's business is none of my concern, now. But if you ask me, her sister's much more worth the effort-"

Gil let his fist fly. It had been a while, and he had almost forgotten how to use his natural bulk and mean mug. Almost.

Ikaris stumbled a little after the first hit, but he wasn't going to go down without a few of his own. He grabbed Gil and threw them both down the front steps. Some of their peers gathered around them, more of them cheering them on than trying to stop them.

Gil rolled them until he could push Ikaris down with his hand. The other he used to hit him, over and over again. Every time he looked at this disgusting prick's face, he hit him square in the jaw. Maybe it would come straight off.

It would serve him right for talking about Thena like that.

Gil remembered when she told him about it. He could remember how she, for all her efforts, had been so vulnerable seeming as she recounted his laughter.

Ikaris clawed at him from below, he got in a few hits to Gil's ribs. He would feel them in the morning, but there was nothing he could really do to stop Gil from wailing on him.

Gil shifted his target, aiming for the nose. "Bastard!"

The nose was definitely broken now.

"Oh my god!"

"Somebody stop them!"

Gil let it all wash over him. He would never get an opportunity like this again. He lifted Ikaris' half conscious head off the front walkway. His head dangled slightly, like a broken toy. "Say one more word about her--I dare you."

Ikaris' mouth moved, but between being dazed and the swelling, it wasn't like it sounded like actual words.

Gil accepted it, though. He swung his fist all the way back again before landing one last hit. It wouldn't kill him or anything, but maybe he wouldn't be dragging his sorry ass to school for a little while.

"Gil!"

He looked up, and at the front of the crowd were Thena and Sersi. Sersi had some distress on her face, but Thena looked as cool as a cucumber. He would expect nothing less. "We were just...talking."

Sersi huffed at him, marching right over and pushing him away. "Boys."

Sersi at least checked if Ikaris was breathing and sat him up. His nose was pouring blood like a fountain.

Thena didn't even look their way, so uninterested in Ikaris' well-being it was more potent than any hateful words she could have had for him. She patted Gil's shoulder. "Up."

He huffed, allowing her to tug at his hoodie and lead him stumbling towards his truck. He was certain he was about to hear how fighting wouldn't get him anywhere and he had to think more about not doing stuff like this.

But he would be satisfied if Ikaris never so much as looked in Thena's direction again.

Thena let him lean against the door, uncapping the bottle of plain old water in her hand. "Let me see them."

He rolled his eyes, displaying his bruised and split knuckles for her like a child being scolded. "It's nothing."

She gave him an unimpressed look. "The tough-guy act?"

Was that how she thought of him? Gil made a point not to wince or fuss as she poured the water over his hands. It did feel nice and cool on the swelling. "You think I'm bluffing?"

"I think you're lucky this happened at some random party and not in the middle of the school day." She was chastising him, but it lacked a certain bite that he knew she had in her. "I would be surprised if Ikaris was in any shape to attend the next few events. Might still have some bandages on by graduation."

"Good," Gil let fly without hesitation. Thena gave him another glare but he shrugged, in no condition to be dissuaded from his pride. "He deserves it."

"Regardless." So, she did agree he deserved to have the shit beaten out of him. Gil scanned her face as she dabbed at his knuckles gently.

"I'm not going to thank you for behaving like a barbarian."

"I wouldn't expect you to," he grumbled. No, that certainly wouldn't be her style, but maybe it would have been nice if she did. Just if she felt like it, or whatever. He thought it was kinda cool to fight for his girlfriend's honour but apparently not.

Thena, satisfied with her work, leaned against the door of his truck beside him. She let out a sigh, like she was completely worn out after passively witnessing his fight. "I didn't realise falling in love with you signed me up to be your personal nurse."

Gil just stared.

"What?" she frowned at him.

All this time--all this time had been waiting to tell her he loved her because he didn't think she was ready. Or maybe he thought she didn't feel the same. But now, for all her talk about how she wasn't going to thank him because she hadn't wanted him to fight Ikaris--now was when she chose to tell him she loved him?!

"What?" she snapped at him.

"You love me?"

"What?" she furrowed her brow, like she didn't even know what he was talking about.

Gil leaned off the truck, though. He moved closer, shielding her from even the chance of being observed. He would never get a straight answer from her if she thought they were being seen. "You said you loved me."

"No, I..." Thena trailed off, and he watched on her face as her mind replayed the incident for her. Horror dawned on her, very, very cutely. "I...I didn't-"

"You said you're in love with me," Gil clarified, grinning at her as she was forced to face the declaration with no escape.

"That's-" Thena blinked, turning a very lovely, very vibrant shade of red. It was impossible to hide with how pale she was, from her skin to her hair to her wardrobe. It shot down her neck and into her ears. "I'm not-"

Gil held back a chuckle. He wouldn't be the one to laugh at her--never. But he tipped her chin up and stole a kiss off her stuttering lips.

"I wouldn't-" she was still trying to form a defense in her name, not that denial was an option, at this point.

"Thena," he tried to intervene, but she was totally in her own head right now. And it could get very deep in there. "Thena?"

"I-I-I-" she was starting to panic, her chest heaving for breath.

"Thena!" he slapped his hand on the top of the truck, over her head, but loud enough to interrupt her avalanche of mumbling. She stared at him like a deer in headlights, unlike the lioness he called his girlfriend. "Listen to me."

She gulped.

"You are gonna come over tomorrow," he began. He had been trying to get her to come over like a normal person forever, now. And now, she was finally going to listen to him. "You're gonna meet my uncle. No more avoiding it."

She shrivelled a little.

"And I'm gonna introduce you as my girlfriend," he finished his instructions, tipping her chin up to him again. She still looked bewildered, flushed and flustered. He knew she still had that bite in her, though. "Got it?"

She nodded. Maybe he should get bossy with her more often.

He kissed her again, finding it a far more pleasant balm than nursing his wounds. Maybe it was all the adrenaline from the fight, but he really savoured it as she melted against him.

Thena gripped the edges of his hoodie, and he let her keep her head tucked close to his chest.

He smiled at her reflection in his truck window, bracing himself against it, completely dwarfing her smaller frame like this. "Bright and early, Princess."

"Anything else?" she puffed, and there was a hint of his usual headstrong shrew. He wouldn't have her any other way, after all.

But he grinned. It was definitely the adrenaline, but he was having way too much fun with it. "No, I think that's it. For now."

"Fine," she huffed, pushing away from him to stomp off with what dignity she could muster for herself.

Gil watched her go with a grin. God, did he love that icicle of a woman. But it was time he got some straight answers out of her, and now he could finally tell Gramps he was bringing his girlfriend to meet him properly.

[paceypeternathanslawyer]

Top 10 Male TV Characters (In No Particular Order)

Gilbert Blythe (Anne With An E)

What’s there to say about Gilbert Blythe that hasn’t already been said? He’s one of the most iconic literary leading men ever. And been adapted amazingly by Jonathan Crombie and most recently by Lucas Jade Zumann. I think one the reasons that Gil’s character has still held up so much, is that he was a guy who was attracted to Anne partly because she was smart. They were both at the top of their class, and Gil never really felt threatened. He respected Anne, and loved her for who she was. In Anne With An E, they really gave the character some more depth that I really appreciated. Lucas makes you feel so much sympathy for that character cause of his amazingly real performance.

Lenny Bruce (The Marvelous Mrs Maisel) 

Seriously, I don’t know too much about Lenny Bruce the real life comedian, but Luke Kirby’s characterization of him is one of the most amazing things I have ever seen. The charm!! The charisma!! The beauty!! Every single time he’s on screen, it’s absolutely captivating and he elevates every episode he’s in. Also Luke Kirby has such respect for Lenny and you can tell any time he talks about him, the amount of care and research he put into this role. There’s a reason he won a freaking Emmy for this role!!! He’s by far the best part of The Marvelous Mrs Maisel.

Stanley Barber (I Am Not Ok With This)

Stanley Barber!!!!!!!!! He’s another character who brings so much to the show. I Am Not Ok With This would be good without him.... but would it be a show that I would be a fan of... probably not. Wyatt is such an amazing actor, he can play the drama and the comedy so equally well. Stanley should be protected at all costs!!!

Luke Danes (Gilmore Girls)

Luke is such a good guy. So strong not just physically but also emotionally. He’s such a rock, and a dependable guy. A fantastic dad to both April and Rory!!! An amazing husband (not perfect.... but then again who is) to Lorelai. A great uncle to Jess. Luke is an indispensable presence in Gilmore Girls.

Mike Wheeler (Stranger Things)

I think out of all the characters in Stranger Things, I relate the most to Mike. We are both extremely loyal and would die for those we care about. We are both passionate people, and very emotional (though I would say that Mike is a little more moody than I am). I also relate to being way ahead of my peers in certain ways. I recall being a little girl and crushing hard on the boys around me, while my peers were still in the cooty stages. That’s really Mike is S1, where he’s all into El and all his friends are like forget girls, let’s play D&D. All this to say... an attack on Mike is an attack on me!!! So come at me bro!!!!! :)

Steve Harrington (Stranger Things)

Steve “The Hair” Harrington. King of Hawkins High himself. Mr Cool. Mr Funny. Ninja. Babysitter. I love Steve so much... words can’t even describe. I can even boast of being a Steve defender since S1. I knew the moment he called himself “Ninja” after stumbling through Nancy’s window, that he couldn’t be all bad!!!! It’s all thanks to Joe’s charm, charisma, and sense of humor that we have the Steve we know and love.

Jim Hopper (Stranger Things)

Hopper is such an fantastic and well rounded/interesting character. I love how protective and caring he is. Total badass, and I am indescribably happy that we will continue to see his beautiful face in future seasons. David is such an underrated actor, the fact that he hasn’t won an Emmy is a travesty.

Logan Echolls (Veronica Mars)

LOGAN!!!! There is no greater TV character arc than Logan Echolls, he went from being a completely deplorable character in S1 to Season 4 where he’s one step away from a saint. In S1, he’s one step away from being a psychopath, and then they start to peel the layers and you see that his dad is abusive, his dad is also an actor so he has papparazzi on his back all the time cause he’s the son of a famous actor. His mother then commits suicide.... and SPOILER ALERT..... his dad turns out to be a psychotic murderer who killed Logan’s ex girlfriend and then his dad proceeded to attempt to murder his current girlfriend. This kid has been through more than anyone ever should. But Logan realizes his flaws and works to be a better person. He goes into the navy (which leads to Logan in a uniform.... need I say more). He also goes to therapy and betters himself. Every time he came on screen during S4, I couldn’t help but swoon. He’s such a hero and such an amazing man, who bettered himself and made himself worthy of Veronica. Even though, Veronica was not her greatest during S4 and could have benefited from therapy herself.

Burton Guster (Psych)

Gus is so funny. Yes, a lot of Psych centers around Shawn, but the show would be nothing without Gus. He’s funny, dynamic, and a sensible figure. Which Shawn desperately needs. Also Dule Hill is an tremendous actor and the fact that he is able to get into that character so easily for the movies, years after the series ended is so unique. 

Shawn Spencer (Psych)

I kind of went into Shawn in Gus’ section. It’s hard to think of different things to say about him, cause over the years Shawn and Gus kind of become like one unit. Shawn is hilarious and dynamic. I love what a talented investigator he is. He could have been a police officer if he wanted to be. After all, he did get 100% on his detective exam. I love the trope of a guy who doesn’t really take a lot seriously or really apply himself and then you peel the layers and find that he’s really an elite detective or whatever (you can fill in the blank). 

[peonybane]

Agape And Pragma: Prologue

Pairings: OT7 (BTS) x Reader

Word Count: 1.9 k (damn this is short)

Genre: Hybrid AU, Fluff, Angst, Sci-Fi, Smut (maybe)

Summary: Your entire world had be torn asunder by just one lab test. Time heals all wounds, but does it really? What will it take to feel whole again?

Warning: Mentions of cheating, loss of fertility and it’s psychological consequences.

Hybrid Types: Golden Retriever Hoseok, Great Dane Taehyung, and French Lop Eared Rabbit Jungkook... with more to come.

a/n: So, I wrote roughly 10,000 words of this whole thing in one day. This was not suppose to be my first published series, but here we are. The prologue is VERY angsty, but I do think it’s important enough to read as it gives context for everything else.

It was about 60 years ago, the U.N. approved of the Genetic Freedom Initiative. The GFI was meant to set the standard in morality in human genetic research worldwide, allowing researchers to explore every lead… no matter where it took them. But the opposite was achieved— it destroyed the any shed of scientific ethics left in that field. 

At first, it was thought that the initiative would open the doorway to the genetic advancement of the human species for the better. Imagine, genetic diseases just gone. Cystic Fibrosis? Wiped out. Hemophilia? A thing only read about in text books. Tay-Sachs disease? Never heard of it. Even things like Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, while not necessarily life threatening, became a distant memory. 

Then came the genetic modifications to ‘improve’ the individual. You want your child to be a musical progeny? Here’s a genetic mutation that will increase their ability to differentiate tone and increase hand eye coordination. Want your child to be an Olympic swimmer? Here’s the genetic cocktail for a long wing span and an increase in lung capacity.

Initially, the world thought that genetic modification would not gain much traction as how costly it was. But all that changed when a team of scientists in Japan created not only a new, cheaper alternative to testing for certain genes, with a 97% positive identification rate, but also a method of implementing the genetic modifications with 95% success rate. Sweden was the first country to take this new method and basically gave the tests out for free to expecting couples to see if their child would be born with a life threatening condition. Sweden then heavily subsidized the procedure to alter the baby’s DNA if the parent or parents wished for it. This quickly made it affordable, not just the modification to prevent diseases, but also the ‘improvements.’

The rest of the world soon followed.

It’s funny. Every genocide in history is birth from two things: good intentions and arrogance.

Humanity thought that because it could take control of its destiny— of nature…. We were arrogant. We believed we could play God and throw the rules that were put into place, the rules that were put into place to protect us, back in Mother Nature’s face. Oh how devastating were the consequences. 

After the ‘improvements,’ came the perverting of genetic modification. ‘Enhancements,’ they were called. The modifications were to improve us, and at first they truly were. Better eyesight borrowed from falcons. Sense of balance from cats. Scientists dabbled in bats’ sense of hearing.

Because of the new Genetic Alteration Boom, no one loud enough took a moment to stop and ask, “Is this right? Should we slow down?”

If they had… the genocide could’ve been prevented.

When the first, ‘enhanced’ babies were born, there was an unintended consequence: their appearance was slightly altered to resemble whatever animal their DNA was spliced with (these features having not been noticed on ultrasounds as they were either still underdeveloped or were written off as shadows). Even as scientists tried to keep the results under wraps, knowing that things would not end well, it was already too late. The world was taken by ‘Hybrid Fever.’

Everyone wanted their children to have cute rabbit ears. Or the graceful legs of a gazelle. Or have the wings of an owl. Or the gils of a shark. It didn’t matter. Ethics had died.

Almost 20 years after the first Hybrid was born, Humanity finally discovered the consequences of playing God: a fourth of the world’s population was infertile, all of them Hybrids. 

Generations had been lost. Capable, loving people were robbed of a joy. All because of Humanity’s desire to play God.

When the news came out that Hybrids were infertile, the genetics industry practically committed suicide. The only remnants left appear to be only… government experiments and black market dealings. What are they doing in th—

You stopped reading. Why the hell did Liam think this would be something you’d be interested in reading? Sure you were interested in his field of work but come on. This was depressing as hell and honestly, you knew most of this from your parents.

There was a knock on the door. “Come in.”

In stepped the doctor and you put your phone away, still seething a little at the article your best friend had sent you.

“Hello, how you today, ma’am? Good to see you again.”

“You too, Dr. Yoon. I’m fine, though I was a bit surprised to receive your office’s call to come in. I thought you usually did consultations on the phone?”

The smile on Dr. Yoon’s face died. She became stiff and the air became heavy. She took a moment and pursed her lips. “I’m sorry.”

Dr. Yoon handed you a paper. It had your lab results as well as your pap smear results. You looked at the numbers and the write-ins. No… this couldn’t be right. It couldn’t be! “W-What is this? This isn’t what… I think it is? Is it?”

“Your fallopian tubes have been severely damaged. I don’t think we can fix it.”

“W-Why— What caused this?”

“In your case we think it’s pelvic inflammatory disease… your general practitioner misdiagnosed it was an UTI… but it wasn’t. You only exhibited symptoms similar to UTI. And your GP took your word that you and your partner are exclusive. I think you had chlamydia. But the antibiotics killed it, but not before it reached your fallopian tubes.”

“B-But h-how could… how could’ve I gotten it? My boyfriend and I have been together for two years. And we were clean when started having sex. We went to the same clinic together to get tested!”

But deep down you knew… you knew Taka had been lying to you. Been lying about the business trips. About the late nights at work… all those weekends spent at the office. You just accepted it because… because you just wanted him to be happy. Besides, you were used to being alone. Why would this be any different?

You wanted to be angry, you really did, but all you could do is mourn the loss of your children… children that would never be. The children that you’d been looking forward to almost forever. You had always believed that love and life were the greatest things in the world… how could you not want children… but that dream… that dream now laid dead. 

Dr. Yoon placed her hand on your shoulder. “Is there anyone you want me to call? I don’t want you to be alone right now.”

You shook your head. “No… no I have someone I can call.”

“Alright, dear. Let me know if there’s anything else I can do.”

She nodded her as she stepped out of the room. Immediately, you pulled out your phone, dialing the one number you could think of. You waited a few moments before you heard the familiar voice, “Hey, Shortstack, you miss me?”

“Li—“ you paused taking a deep breath. “Liam? Can you come pick me up?”

The usual playful tone was gone. “Shortstack? What’s wrong?”

“I’m at the OB/GYN. Could you please just come get me.”

You heard the jingle of keys in the background. “What’s wrong? Where’s Taka? Why isn’t he with you?”

All too quickly and sharply, you replied, “Fuck Taka!”

There was a pause. “I’ll be there in 15. Hang tight.”

You hummed a sound on confirmation. Liam cut the call and you left the examination room. After paying for your visit, she sat waiting for Liam, your results clutched in your hand, the other unconsciously rubbing the spot on your stomach where life should’ve been created. You were like a seesaw, swinging between anguish and numbness. Your mind granting you spells of blankness, no thoughts in your head. Nothing to bury yourself even further. 

When Liam picked you up, he managed to pry the results from your hand, the look on your face making it evident that you were in no mood to talk about what was wrong. Looking over the results (being medically trained had its advantaged), Liam cursed, scaring the bejesus out of a pair of old ladies. “I’m going to fucking kill him.”

Before Liam could do anything else, you latched onto his jacket. He looked down at you and into your hollow eyes. “C-Can I stay at your place, just for tonight?”

“Shortstack, you can stay as long as you want. Let’s go.”

You nodded, letting Liam guide you to his car. Once in the car, you let you head rest on the doorframe, closing your eyes as the world around you both whizzed by. 

Once you were at Liam’s place, he guided you into the house. Nothing could shake you out of you stupor, not even the excited sounds of one of Liam’s roommates, Hoseok. He shouted your name in glee, having not seen you in what felt like ages. Before Liam could protest, Hoseok pulled you into a hug, his fluffy tail wagging at a million miles per hour as it smacked against the verdana in the entry way. 

When you didn’t hug back like you normally did, Hoseok pulled away from you, looking down at your face in concern, his tail drooping down and his ears folding back against his head.

“Hobi, why don’t you take her to the couch and start a movie? I think it’s a movie and puppy pile night tonight.”

Hoseok was about to open his mouth to inquire, especially since Taka didn’t like it when they did puppy pile night, so they stopped doing it. Liam shook his head, telling him no silently— that he’d explain later. Liam headed towards the kitchen, getting a tub of ice cream ready.

As Hoseok guided you to living room, he had you sit down. He helped you remove your shoes and wrapped you in a blanket. You were in too much shock to be much of any help. After settling down next to you and pulling you into cuddle (where you proceeded to finally relax), the front door opened and two voices could be heard entering, both wondering where that salty acidic smell was coming from. Liam intercepted them and told them to go join the puppy pile. A few moments later (after removing their shoes and jackets), the other two Hybrids entered the room. The sight before them ensuring that there was to be no questions at the moment.

Jungkook walked over and joined you on your other side from Hoseok, letting his long floppy ears cushion his head against your shoulder as he wrapped his arm around your waist, little cotton tail twitching as he finds a comfortable position to be in. Taehyung join the fold, sitting down on the ground in front of the couch, resting his cheek against your lap, whimpering lowly as he stroked your knee. You slowly brought your hand to his floppy ears, rubbing them. He let out a content sigh, his tail lightly thrumming against the floor. 

The tension in the room began to dull… and the tears started to fall silently. The boys just sat there, surrounding you in their love and comfort, not knowing what was causing you this grief. 

Liam stood in the doorway, leaning against it, watching you all. His heart was breaking for you. There were two things that you wanted nothing more in the world: to be someone’s one and only, and to have children. Both of those dreams were cruelly taken from you.

As always, reviews, comments, asks, and tags are always loved! ~Peony

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[a-writing-bear]

[PruCan] Chapter 11: Soft-Spoken Calling, They Want Their Shyness Back

Ao3 Link:

https://archiveofourown.org/works/11159997/chapters/48552656

This Has been cross-posted onto FF & Ao3 under Aliases: BearBooper

You can read this Fic on Tumblr under ‘Keep Reading’ - Ao3 version is formatted, tumblr version is not. Ao3 is recommended.

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Fandom: Hetalia Axis Powers

Main Pairing: Gilbert Beilschmidt & Matthew Williams (Prussia & Canada)

AU:  College AU - Art Student Matthew and Media/Film Student Gilbert

Age Rating/Mature:  Teen And Up Audiences (12+ due to mentions of mature themes as well as swearing)

Trigger Warnings: Recreational Drugs & minor connotations of anxiety (Future addiction to mention themes such as addiction, rape etc.) WITHIN THIS CHAPTER - Mentions a lot of Weed. Unwanted touching (just mentions but slightly uncomfortable) 

10 pm was a good time to arrive at a party, they decided. Vanilla milkshakes always made Matthew feel better- however maybe it wasn’t a good idea to have one after that coffee from earlier, and especially considering he was about to jacked up. Oh well. That’s something I'll deal with tomorrow. The Dutchman and himself had been on their way to Matthias & Lukas’ house, music-making his head pound already and feeling antsy over the prospect of more socialising. They had made very little conversation as the Mattie drove- only vaguely keeping attention to Tim’s random commentary and occasional directions. The Nordic couple had been renting out some house in the suburbs with 3 other students- very obviously avoiding living anywhere near the student dorms or the student housing as they liked to prevent interaction with the rest of Himaruya Academy; when you were hosting smoke outs and various amounts of overzealous drinkers and gambling, you tend to want to avoid the loud crowds. These events were closed doors, invite-only per se. Nothing like Alfred’s big bash parties that turned the university dorms into the likes of open summer festivals. They had only just touched the gravel of the house pavement when Matthew was hit with the familiar whistle of a certain Cuban man who had recognised their red car.

“EYYY LUKAS, TIM AND MATTIE ARE HERE.” the Cuban accent used to make Matthew shiver but was meaningless once he learnt Carlos was very straight, and if evidence needed planting then Carlos already on the porch with some girls he didn’t recognise and was flagged to go in after a friendly wave as he was too busy flirting to give Matt and actual hello. Tim had followed behind, loosening his tie as they sauntered up the door, only to have it ripped open by an unimpressed looking face of the shorter man known by Lukas.

The Norwegian seemed to raise his eyebrows to see that they both arrived together, usually, it would always be Tim first before Matthew came coming in. “Hej. Earlier than usual. Matthias is already down in the den with Jack.”

Tim had disappeared into the kitchen, making haste to avoid the heavy drinkers that surrounded the living room and especially avoid that Russian dude that seems to be pouring what looked like half a bottle of vodka into his cup. Meanwhile, Lukas had offered to stash away Matthew’s precious hoodie in the closet as he made their way down to the basement. The hypnotising dragging voice of Tame Impala's Kevin Parker grew louder as Matthew's sneakers hit the staircase floorboards down into the dreary but comfortable den. Jack must have picked the music, but I can dig it. Already he could smell the stink of imported kush, the haziness of what seemed like a spiked stream flowing around- only placated and diluted due to the small basement hopper window that let the smoke out. Matthew kicked off his sneakers at the bottom, already enjoying the vibe- or perhaps already being affected by secondhand smoke. Matthias had opened the basement bathroom to double steam the first few sessions of weed but it proved worthless as there seems to be a continuous stream of smokers mingling in and out of the den. Matthias was a tall blonde mess, a big optimist who wore long shirts under brightly coloured tees- a stark contrast to the bland wardrobe that Lukas wore (Opposites do attract I suppose) and the Danish guy was laying belly up on some very tacky shag carpet, at the feet of Jack who was lazed around on some beanbag, bong in his lap haphazardly.

“Oi Mate- bout time you showed up, I was getting bored. Where’s Timtam?” Matthew shrugged and sat cross-legged right near the dazed Dane’s face.

“Don’t call him that, he’ll throw a fit. What’s this? Yours or Tim’s?”

Jack snickered, the Australian clearly buzzed on something, “Buddy if this was Tim’s hooch I wouldn’t be sharing with goldie over here” he pointed and laughed as he listened to Matthias whine in offence. To be fair, the guy did go through more weed than Jack and Matthew combined so it was a fair enough statement. Matthew leant back, arms behind him as he dug his hands into the soft and a bit scruffy faux fur of the carpet- Matthias was giggling high about something and had pushed his head into Matthew’s lap.

“Hold kæft! I’m not that shit! Fuck Mattttt where’s Tim?”

“Upstairs I think- please pass the bong Jack” Matthew carefully stroked the hair that weaselled its way into his lap, he didn’t mind touchy stoners, he was the same whenever he got a hit- he just wished the big couch wasn’t full of clothes so he wouldn't have to sit on the floor. Just as he had the glass bulb in his hand Tim had marched in from upstairs, throwing a bag of chips and lots of biscuits into the beanbag next to Jack. Matthew tutted as Matthias apologised about not having those maple cookies he liked, whereas the Australian was more pleased to see some recognisable red liquorice. The green-eyed man had pulled out a pipe and dragged the spare beanbag to be behind Matthew, and it was not long before all four of the boys had taken a few hits and became a bunch of giggling messes.

“So whattya been up to mate?”

“Maybe he finally went back to Canada or something right Mattttt?

“Ahaha yea seen any geese or something mate?? Shit, we should have gone- BC bud hol-y” the conversation seemed disjointed and Matthew was already too far gone to think about going back to Canada. He notes that yeah, it’s been a bit since he’d come for a smoke out, and he didn't answer as he was too preoccupied with the stem of his bong and the noise of shouting celebrations of poker players upstairs.

“Schatje has a new uh...gig” Tim snorted, he, however, was definitely less jacked than the 3 who seemed to light up at the sentence.

“Oooooooo who be it?? Who is it, Mattie?” Matthew let out a wail of disapproval at the conversation, Tim was supposed to be his friend yet he’s pushed him into a corner of answers.

“Some dude..guy...fucking cute- uh Gil..red eyes oof real red...shiny eyes.” his mind wandered as he let himself lean on the edge of Tim’s beanbag, Matthias had already stumbled off the floor, excited and eager to hear like some high school girl. Jack had his eyebrows raised and the singlet wearing man moved closer from his position to meet Matthew’s rosy expression.

“Wow, Matties got the giggles for someone huh? Hah Timtam good luck mate.” Tim avoided any eye contact and instead focused on his pipe and refilled it with some mary jane from the communal bag nearby. An indignant noise came out of Tim as he growled at the stupid nickname.

“Wait- Gil? Gilbert? The band shirt guy? Isn’t he the one who got wasted at Francis’ big blowout last time” Matthias mentioned, arms waving and dismissed as he continued to squirm along the floor.

“Oh Gilllly boy, mates with uh Antonio or something, that bitch?”

“Fuck I don’t know...he listens to uh...mom jeans too ya know- fuck me.” the two laughed at Matthew’s comment but didn’t push for more- it’s been too long since Matthew had shown interest in someone, who were they to question. Especially not while they were all getting smoked. Tim looked disinterested in the topic anyway and was more concerned with tangling his fingers in Matthew’s strawberry blonde hair as the Canadian had sat between his legs. God fuck cuddles were nice. Matthew's voice broke out into more wailing as he sung along to Snowy Dunes. The music was soothing. He hoped there was more.

The music melted out into something he didn't quite recognise: “Who the FUCK put Queens of stone age on the queue?” Jack complained. ah fuck. he agreed over the change in the artist. shame, he quite liked Snowy Dunes more than Queens of Stone age At some point, Lukas had dragged his very giggly boyfriend upstairs and Jack had been huddled in a corner snacking by himself. Matthew didn’t know what time it was but he’d wiggled his way from his scarf-wearing friend and clambered up the staircase, laughing at the terrible decor on the walls- he could paint better graffiti than the shitty art pieces the house owners had displayed. He didn’t realise how he’d find himself on the couch near Ivan and some other foreign sounding students. Ivan was cool. Weird. Haha, I V A N. fuck ‘ee van.’ who names their kid Ivan anyway? Doesn't get more Russian than that. Shit ice hockey. Russian players are always so grabby. Man, I’d kill for some Cheetos right now.  

There were about 10 people in the room- and some Matthew only recognised by name. Everyone here barely attempted to talk outside of this safe house. What happened on Saturday nights never got passed the lawn, it was an unspoken law. Matthew always wondered was that because of the copious amount of shagging that happened? The excessive card games or maybe the fact that all these people were just kids who can’t bear to go to the bigger parties. Matthew couldn’t decide. He couldn’t even figure out why he was here. Why was anyone here? Why are we still here? Just to suffer? He laughed at his inner joke.

The teen’s mind wandered in circles and had been offered a drink by some Finnish kid he recognised as Lukas’ housemate. The music up here was incessantly blasting rock- something that he’d love if it wasn’t so dizzy. He melted further into the couch, barely turning to watch the poker match of some guys a few meters away. Matthew liked this house. Even with people here, it wasn’t suffocating. He could feel someone touching his hair again. Hosers. Why always my hair. The fingers started roaming his shoulders...and his thigh. Suddenly Matthew felt more sobered as he shuffled away and tried to find a pillow to hide behind. He felt woozy and extremely giddy despite his anxiousness to escape anymore touching. He stood up throwing the pillow outside and went hunting for some water. He didn’t want to feel this light anymore. Not now. Matthew couldn’t remember feeling this light and heavy all at the same time. And suddenly, he just couldn’t remember a lot of things. There was a lot of loud singing. He laughed.

---

Alfred had been dropped off at his dorm building at around 9:20 pm, and by 9:30 he’d launched his discord chat and set up his microphone so that he could huddle on his bed without having to jostle his laptop so much later. The blue-eyed American had only one reason to not be out partying like he usually did with his cousin Francis, only one other reason why he was studying with his brother and one other reason why he hadn’t been chasing up local girls and guys

“Hey, Keeks!”

His voice rattled with poorly disguised joy as his Japanese friend had picked up. Alfred and Kiku had hit it off foundation year, and while it was upsetting that eventually, the black-haired beauty had to transfer back to the other campus, Alfred had made it his job to stay in contact. Kiku was a genius. On par if not smarter than Alfred and that was considered high praise. The two shared stories, For the Asian man it was only just the start of the day so Alfred accompanied him through his breakfast as they shared concepts for different additions to each other’s current project. Robotics has always intrigued Alfred but there was no secret that his wonder had not been merely just been present because of the technological prowess that his crush displayed.

“Alfred-kun. I thought you said you had something with your Brother tonight.” Kiku’s soft voice filtered through the screen, he knew all about Alfred’s personal life and was under the impression the call was cancelled for some family bonding.

“Nah, dude. He’s out with his not-boyfriend. I don’t know what he’s up to. Probably exchanging spit or reading together again.” Alfred Sighed. Knowing his boring brother, he was just watching some movie with Tim again. He’s probably just sleeping.