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xzaddyzanakinx · 5 months

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Not That Kind of Guy

Part Ten: Stalker!Anakin Skywalker × femme reader series

Warnings: stalking, weirdo behavior, psychotic/delusional behavior, possessive/protective, sexism/misogyny, sexual content/fantasizing, pervy behavior, panty/scent kink, mask kink (Ghostface), gaslighting/manipulation, spitting, cumplay, nude vids/pics, oral, dick piercing, spit, back shots, GEN. SMUT[Be sure to pay attention to future warnings in the series]

Info: Anakin is so annoyed with his mother. He discovers something and Ghost has plans for it. [diary entries from Ani] extremely not proofread. MDNI 18+

Diary Entry: August 16th

I thought for sure you’d kick me to the curb. But just like always, you never fail to amaze me. You like the side of me that no one else does, you like both of me, that’s a miracle if I’ve ever seen one.

I don’t even like both of me.

You chose me, for whatever reasons you might have, pure curiosity or genuine care and interest… I don’t really care. All I care about is that you chose me. You want me. Me. All of me.

You’re choosing both of me. Separately. But soon you’ll love both sides of me, you’ll love me as a whole. That’s something no one has ever given to me. No one has ever wholly loved me, partially because I’ve never shown anyone all of me, partially because I used to fail miserably at balancing the black and white of my being.

Anakin the perfect boyfriend and future husband deserves your daylight love. Ghost the purposely imperfect and probably less than sane guy deserves your midnight curiosities.

I like this. Separating myself this way, it’s more manageable. I’ve tried for years and years to just be Anakin who is always pretending to be the man of the year, but is still just a tad too… off putting.

To everyone back home, I’ll always be the strange guy who only had two friends, himself and the neighbor kid who was only such good friends with him because they grew up in close proximity.

Anakin, the weird kid who didn’t know how to smile properly.

Anakin, the creep who stared too much, not at anything inappropriate. I wasn’t leering at women or anything, it’s just creepy for people to be looked at by someone who has ‘dead eyes’ and ‘doesn’t blink enough’.

Anakin, the ‘well he’s trying’ boy. The poor little guy who brought Brianna a handful of nettles on the playground, tied together with worms. ‘He meant well! He’s trying to be nice sweetie.’

Anakin, the ‘turn out your pockets before you come inside’ kid. You come home with a dead squirrel in your hoodie pocket once and your mother will never trust you not to have another stashed somewhere.

‘hey, it’s not that I don’t think you’re great! I do! You’re just not… great for me.’

‘please don’t look at me like that, it makes me uncomfortable’

‘Get away from my yard, I know what you’re doing!’

‘Who’s cat is that? Anakin! Where did you get this?’

‘Ani, you can’t keep doing this. I can’t protect you forever!’

‘Don’t you want to have friends? A girlfriend? To grow up and have a family? Don’t you want that?’

I was always Anakin-weird as hell, psycho, town freak-Skywalker.

In your daylight love I can be Anakin-nice guy, perfect smile, warm hugs-Skywalker.

I can shove everything else into The Pit until I’m ready to put on that Ghostface mask and take off my mask of normalcy. Weird isn’t it? Putting on a mask just to take off another one?

I like it though. I really like it.

I can be normal for you. I can. I can be normal. As long as Ghost can be let out of The Pit sometimes. No more balancing on the edge for Anakin. No more hiding and pretending and suffocating myself with the act of being a person.

If I can flood Anakin with all the things I’ve learned over the years, all the knowledge I’ve stored away in my mind’s filing cabinets… then you can have the man you deserve.

You’ll just have to come to terms with the fact that once Ghost makes his appearance, your Anakin is gone until further notice.

I think you’ll do well with that. You’re already handling it swimmingly.

Diary Entry: August 17th

You left me a note of your own this morning, a question I wasn’t expecting in the slightest. When I walked into the kitchen and finally cracked open the diary you’d left laying there for me I was shocked. Absolutely and completely shocked.

‘When are you coming home?’

You’re asking Ghost to visit you? For real? I don’t even know how to react, I never thought you’d be the one requesting the company of my masked presence. I guess giving you an option, proving your feelings and your well-being mattered most to me was the right move.

Now I just have to figure out what I’m going to do. I’ll have to plan. I need to think.

I have to be so much more careful now.

Date

August 18th

This is the first time Ghost hasn’t responded when you’ve contacted him. It’s been three days of nothing. He’s not been inside your house at all, no gifts, nothing has been moved, your cat’s bowl is empty when you get home.

His absence is more unsettling that his presence.

You’re beginning to wonder if you’ve angered him by asking about his next visit, was that the wrong thing to do? Did it freak him out? Asking about his plans… did it make him uncomfortable? Or is he tired of the chase now? Now that you’re interested… is it possible he’s lost the adrenaline rush of it all and he won’t be back at all?

There’s no time to ponder or worry right now, yet here you are staring into the foggy mirror in your bathroom post-shower.

“Hey sweetheart?” Anakin’s cheery voice floated to you from under the door.

“In here!” You called out, opening the door up and wiping off the mirror, grateful to have been pulled out of your mind.

“Want help picking something out?” He asked, wrapping his arms around your middle, pressing his nose to the crown of your head to smell your freshly washed hair.

“Mmm yeah if you want.” You nodded, smiling at him in the mirror.

“You excited?” He grinned, poking your sides to hear you giggle.

“Yeah… a little bit nervous though to be honest.” You confessed.

“What? Why? They’ll like you, I have no doubts.” He said with a reassuring squeeze to your shoulders.

“I know, it’s just… what if they don’t?” You asked nervously, looking away from his intense gaze in the mirror.

“They will.” He whispered kissing your temple.

“But what if they don’t?”

“They will, but, if for some reason they don’t then they’re stupid.” He shrugged his shoulders. “But I know they will okay?”

“But Ani I’m worr-“

“Hey.” He said sharply, catching the words before they could leave your lips. “That’s enough.” He said in a softer tone.

He sighed, grabbing the hair brush from the sink countertop. He started brushing through your wet tangles, starting at the ends and working his way up.

“You’re important to me. They know that.” Anakin whispered, kissing your shoulder. “They know you’re something special, trust me. I’ve never brought anyone to meet them before.”

“Seriously?” You whipped your head around with a horrified expression on your face.

“Yeah seriously.” He nodded. “I’ve never felt like this for anyone else.” He gently directed your head back to face the mirror so he could continue brushing your hair.

“That makes it even worse!” You squeaked, slumping over against the sink, your arms crossed on the cold Formica top with your forehead rested on them.

“Why?” He asked as he sat the brush aside and placed his hand on your back, rubbing up and down the soft fabric of the towel around you.

“I’m the first girl you’re bringing home!” You said exasperatedly, “they’re gonna be expecting someone like… like super great and amazing.”

“You are super great and amazing.” He laughed, squeezing your hip and patting it gently.

“But-“

“Baby stop.” He said softly. “You’re gonna work yourself up all over nothin’. Please, just trust me okay? They’re gonna think you’re perfect.”

“Okay.” You sighed, standing back up and turning around to hug him tightly. “Alright. Let’s get ready then.”

“I’m ready.” He said gesturing to his tight grey crewneck and ripped black jeans. “All fancy and shit.”

“I wouldn’t say fancy, but I would say hot.” You grinned.

“Stop.” He chuckled, “should I go change? I can’t have you drooling over me at the dinner table with my parents.”

“No, no don’t change.” You shook your head with a giggle. “I can wait.”

“You can wait?” He gave you a devilishly toothy smile. “Wait for what darlin’? Does baby need some attention?”

He picked you up and sat you on the sink counter, giving your ass a firm squeeze. Immediately bringing one hand to your cheek, his thumb on your chin, he tilted your head to the side and hovered his lips just over your skin. Barely grazing the softness of his lips up the length of your neck to the dip beneath your ear. His free hand rubbing up and down your side, as he finally pressed a hot, open mouthed kiss to your sensitive flesh.

“My girl only waits when I say so.” He whispered, nipping your earlobe.

He nuzzled into your neck, bringing your ass to the edge of the sink with one arm, using the same hand to slip beneath your towel and travel up your abdomen. The towel fell from where it was tightly tucked at your chest, Anakin’s hand cupping your breast gently as he thumbed at your nipple.

His lips soldered to yours in a passionate caress of lips and tongues, you could taste the minty flavor of the gum he constantly chewed, the forever lingering ghost of cigarettes and the delicious savory flavor that was uniquely him.

He was so good at distracting you with his mouth on yours that he could get away with just about anything and you’d never know until it was too late. Just like now, when you heard his belt buckle clank against the bathroom tiles. You couldn’t help but smile, it was something so simple, but it was one of your favorite things.

The sound will forever be associated with every kiss, every touch, every gasp and breath he’d given you and every intimate moment to come. The jangle of his belt buckle coming loose meant falling apart in his arms, it meant love without saying it aloud.

Anakin snickered as he teased your opening with one finger, swirling it around the outside, never fully dipping inside.

“Greedy little pussy.” His deep bedroom voice never failed to conjure up a gush of slick to your already drenched cunt. “So fucking wet already.”

“Mhm.” You nodded, wiggling your hips closer to his hand or at least you tried to, Anakin held you firmly in place, tsking at your attempt.

“See? Greedy.” He chuckled but gave in anyway, finally pushing in one digit to twirl around your gummy walls while he pumped in and out slowly.

“Can’t help it.” You panted, breathing heavily despite the relief of getting what you wanted, you needed more. “Missed you Ani.”

“Oh poor thing, I missed you too.” He cooed, adding a second finger while he rolled his wrist as he thrusted his fingers deeper.

Just as you were about to speak again, the shrill sound of your phone alarm blared next to you on the counter top, making you both jump.

“Jesus! what the fuck.” He snorted, “pause baby.” He said as he reached over to turn it off and check the time.

“I’m so glad you set shit like that or else we’d never get anywhere on time.” He said with a smile. “Now, hop down and let me bend you over.”

“What we’re doing a quickie?” You teased as you did as requested, sliding off the sink and obediently bending at the waist for him.

“As much as I hate it, yes.” He sighed. “You know I like to take my time.”

He said as he rubbed his rough palm over the swell of your ass, tugging his boxers down with his other hand. He shoved his palm under your chin and tapped your cheek.

“Spit.” His voice was rough and gritty, like he he was straining, fighting not to ram himself into you right that very second.

You spit into his hand, earning a mumbled: “Atta girl.”

He slicked his cock with your saliva, stroking himself quickly with the head of his cock pressed to your entrance, pleasuring himself but just torturing you with the heat of his length.

“Ani!” You whined, pushing your hips back against him.

You’d done exactly what he wanted. The second you pushed back he rammed his cock deep inside your pulsing heat. He set a brutal pace, wrapping one arm around your chest. Your hands instinctively flew up to hold onto his muscled forearm, his grip tightened and you gasped in surprise.

“Christ Anakin.” You breathed out, your eyes wide with shock at this sudden change of pace.

He was a slow and sensual lover, he liked to take his sweet time and caress every curve and kiss every centimeter of flesh that he could reach. But this was completely different, this was pure hunger, hips snapping against your ass at a punishing pace.

His other arm came down your stomach and spread your pussy lips apart to press and pinch the little hard nub that would have you shaking beneath him.

The way he was breathing so heavily in your ear, the hot air fanning over your cheek, it only heightened the feeling. Sending goosebumps down your skin and perking up your nipples again. The sound of your wetness was loud enough to hear with each and every plunge of his cock.

“You like it like this baby?” He chuckled, “sounds like you like it.”

“Uh huh.” You nodded rapidly, gripping his arm tightly as a particularly sharp streak of lightning shot through you.

Your pussy clenched down around his cock and you closed your eyes to concentrate on the feeling the metal jewelry at the tip of his cock gave you as it stroked your insides roughly.

“Making such pretty noises,” he moaned, tilting your head back and to the side using your hair, to properly reach your mouth so he could ravage you with his tongue just as he was with his dick.

“C’mon baby, let me hear it.” He panted, sucking your lip between his teeth.

“That’s it, yeah there’s my girl.” He laughed, watching your eyes roll back until just the whites were visible. Your eyes fluttered shut as your cunt pulsed around him.

“Fuck… Fuck that’s- right there… please?” You whined, trapping his hand right where it was with your fingers digging into his wrist.

“Good manners.” He praised, licking along the length of your jaw. “Good manners baby, so proud.”

“Just like this huh?” He questioned teasingly, a smirk on his lips caught your attention in the foggy mirror. “You like the piercing don’t you baby? Feels good doesn’t it?”

“Fuck yeah.” You moaned, squeezing your eyes shut tight while you waited for him to push you over the edge. “L-love it. Don’t ever fucking take it out again.”

“Sure thing baby.” He snickered. “You ready sweetheart? Getting close aren’t you?”

“You can cum.” He said as you nodded, his forehead now resting on your shoulder as he drilled into you, rolling your clit between his finger and thumb.

The coil that had been wound tightly in your core snapped with his permission, a high pitched groan eeked out from between your gritted teeth, your cunt leaking down his shaft as he fucked you through the high.

“Lean down.” He said as he pulled out abruptly, leaving you gaping and gasping for breath.

“Perfect.” He groaned, one hand on your waist as you pressed your torso against the sink counter.

He stroked his cock wildly, his fingers digging into the plush of your waist, squeezing soothingly when his chin dropped to his chest and he stiffened up, holding his breath. All you could hear was the sound of his slick hand pumping his swollen length over your ass.

Until finally you felt the warm spurts of cum splatter on your skin, the viscous fluid dribbling down your lower spine until it slid over your ass hole.

“Fuck, that looks so damn pretty.” He breathed heavily, standing back to take in his art work.

“I should take a picture.” He whispered, kneeling behind you with a hand under each ass cheek, he licked up his own cum with a satisfied hum.

——————————————————————————

Approximately an hour after Anakin defiled you in the steamy confines of your bathroom, you were walking hand in hand into one of the nicer restaurants on the outer circle of the city. Meeting his mother terrified you, his stepfather not so much. Anakin didn’t grow up with him, he wasn’t a staple of his childhood.

But his mother was. She was a single parent, worked so incredibly hard to provide for herself and her son. She made sure he had everything he needed and then some, she was truly a saint.

“Chill out.” Anakin whispered, squeezing your hand gently. “You’re okay.”

You nodded and silently let Anakin pull you along behind the host who was leading you to the table where his mother and stepdad waited for you both.

You laid eyes on his mother first and the smile that spread across your lips was genuine. As soon as you saw her your worries started to slip into the backseat of your mind. She exuded a calming atmosphere, she seemed so serene and unbothered. What you’d give to live life like that.

You could see where Anakin got his comforting nature from, especially as she stood up and extended her hand to you. The gentle smile and warmth in the crinkle of her eyes was enough to melt your heart.

“I’m Shmi.” She introduced herself in a soft tone, looking to her side where her husband sat. “This is Cliegg, Anakin’s stepfather.” He gave you a nod and warm smile after clapping Anakin on the back in an awkward side hug.

“It’s great to meet you guys!” You chirped, introducing yourself quickly.

“You too sweetie.” Shmi smiled, moving to envelope her son in a hug.

“Hey momma.” Anakin chuckled, squishing her shorter frame in a big bear hug. “Miss ya.”

“Missed you too hon.” She said quietly, patting his chest before returning to her seat.

She gave Anakin a little smile of approval when he pulled your chair out for you to slide into, you wanted to gush about how grateful you were that she’d raised him to be such a gentleman but you got the feeling that she already knew.

The four of you engaged in a bit of small talk while looking over the menu options, you refrained from even picking up the menu, getting an odd look from Cliegg who just chuckled and shrugged his shoulders as if to say ‘suit yourself’. The waiter returned with ice water for everyone and a bottle of wine for the table, getting ready to take orders with their pad and pen at the ready.

After Anakin’s mother and her husband ordered, Shmi looked at you expectantly but you just gave her a small smile as Anakin ordered for the both of you.

“Anakin.” She chided him after the waiter left. “She’s perfectly capable of speaking for herself.”

“I know she is.” He said firmly. “But she shouldn’t have to when I’m perfectly capable of doing it for her.”

“Shmi it’s okay really.” You laughed light, knocking Anakin’s foot with your own as a warning. “I prefer it honestly. I think it’s sweet.”

She gave you an odd look, her face was soft just as it had been the whole night so far, but her eyes conveyed something that you couldn’t quite place.

“Alright sweetie.” She conceded and nodded, the look passing over her eyes just as quickly as it appeared.

Anakin’s arm slid around your waist momentarily to offer some comfort, gently squeezing your hip and tapping his thumb rhythmically while he jumped straight back into the conversation he was having with his stepdad.

“So, Anakin’s told me quite a bit about you.” Shmi said warmly. “He said you’re a waitress and you’re taking classes at the college?”

“Yeah, that’s right.” You nodded happily. “The Bluebird Diner, it’s a real great place. Anakin’s a big fan of the butterscotch pie.” You smiled.

“The college… yes I’m taking classes. They’re all going well but I’m not set on a major yet and it’s getting to be the time that I decide.” You sucked in an anxious breath, giving her a nervous look.

“Well that’s perfectly fine.” She said, surprising you with her acceptance of your unplanned career. “I dropped out after my freshman year and didn’t complete my degree until Anakin was in highschool.” She explained.

“Oh really?” You raised an eyebrow, glancing at Anakin’s side profile while he spoke to his stepfather. “Do you mind if I ask why?”

“Why I dropped out?” She asked, leaning back in her chair. “Well it was for a few reasons. Mostly because it’s difficult to work, educate yourself and raise a child alone.”

“I can imagine it would be.” You agreed with a humored smile, expecting to be met with a similar expression by Shmi.

Though you weren’t, instead she had a strange sort of reminiscent look about her. Not the fuzzy feeling of nostalgic reminiscing, more of a moment of remembering something unpleasant.

“Yes.” She nodded, “Anakin didn’t make it any easier.”

“Oh…” you furrowed your eyebrows in confusion at her sudden shift in demeanor.

It seems she noticed your body language change and she quickly corrected herself by breaking out into a smile, sitting back up straighter in her seat.

“But what kid doesn’t?” She laughed lightly, reaching out to pat your hand affectionately.

“Right,” you nodded, chalking up her strange switch up as a mother remembering her rowdy son. It must be hard, seeing him grown up and finally bringing a girl to meet her.

“So how did you two meet?” Shmi asked, turning in her seat to face you fully, giving you her full attention. “Anakin said you’re neighbors?”

“Yeah! Yeah that’s how we met officially.” You nodded.

“Officially?”

“Well we found out after we’d talked a few times that we actually met at the bar he works at.” You explained, “he made a drink for me. I thought he looked like… semi-familiar, you know it’s hard to miss the tattoos.” You smiled.

“Oh that’s very true.” Shmi laughed. “Definitely stands out.”

“Yeah, so we officially met the day he was moving in across the hall from me.”

“Oh you’re telling her about move in day?” Anakin cut in with a big grin on his face.

“Mhm.” You nodded happily, gazing at him with a hint of adoration in your eyes. “Anakin had his stuff strewn out in the hallway and I knocked over a stack of his books.” You laughed and he squeezed your shoulder lightly.

“Yeah, then we chatted for a bit and she noticed a book of mine that she’d lost her copy of, so I gave it to her. That’s how I snatched her up.” He said proudly, gesturing to you with both hands like he was presenting a trophy.

“Huh, who knew you had a little romantic streak?” Cliegg laughed.

“Oh he definitely does!” You agreed eagerly.

“Well Anakin I have to say: I’m extremely impressed you’ve found such a lovely girl.” Shmi said softly, glancing at you with those warm eyes.

“Took you long enough.” His stepdad smacked his upper arm with the back of his hand with a deep laugh.

“Hey, I was holding out for the right one.” Anakin said with a satisfied smile. “I wanted my forever girl and I found her.”

——————————————————————————

The rest of the night went smoothly, no hiccups, no awkward moments, nothing you’d worried about came to fruition. His mother was as sweet as could be and her husband definitely suited her well. All in all, you were happy to have had the opportunity to get to know them. You were proud to be the first girl worthy of meeting them and you were thrilled that they seemed to like you as much as you liked them.

“See? Told you.” Anakin whispered, walking beside you out of the restaurant.

“You were right.” You sighed. “Nothing to worry about.”

“I was what?” He fake gasped, one hand coming up to cover his mouth dramatically.

“You heard me and I’m not repeating it.” You giggled, bumping him with your shoulder.

“Good enough for me princess, I’ll take it.” He smiled, pulling you close and pressing a chaste kiss to your hair.

You said your goodbyes to Anakin’s parents just outside the entrance, a full, loving hug from Shmi and a ‘you’re great but we’re not there yet’ double hand squeeze on one of yours from his stepdad.

You’d just started walk to the car when Shmi called out to Anakin, causing you both to swivel around.

“Ani, sweetheart can you come talk for just a second?” She asked sweetly.

“Oh… yeah okay.” He nodded, handing you the car keys.

“I’ll go see what’s up baby.” He said with a soft tone, “go ahead to the car.”

You followed instructions and did exactly as he asked, climbing into the passenger seat of his car and starting it so you could listen to the radio while Anakin was gone. You didn’t think much of it, it was probably just a bit of an after dinner debrief.

Anakin jogged over to his mom and leaned against Cliegg’s truck while he climbed in, leaving just Shmi and Anakin to speak alone.

“Ani she’s a wonderful girl.” Shmi said, squeezing his arm gently.

“Yeah she is, she’s perfect isn’t she?” He gushed, his pupils widened at just the thought of you.

“Yes-“

“She’s just… everything. She’s everything to me.” He continued, picking up his mothers hand.

“Just w-“

“I mean I really believe she’s the one mom.” He squeezed her hand, running his thumb over her knuckles in an affectionate way. “Really I do, she’s perfect. I- I’m so glad you guys like her, I knew you would of course but she was just so nervous and-“

“Anakin!” Shmi said sternly, her voice quickly going back to a calm tone after getting his attention.

“Anakin, sweetie, I’m so glad you’ve found your person.” She started slowy, holding eye contact with her son’s intense gaze. “I’m proud of you, you know that don’t you?”

“Yeah of course-“

“I’m proud of you. You’re a good boy honey.” She said quietly, “she’s a sweet girl, she deserves the best.”

“Well yeah she does, of course she does and-“

“Are you being your best?” Shmi asked him, her voice turning hard, alittle sharp. “Swear to me, Anakin. Swear you are?”

“Yes mom.” He sighed as though he were expecting this conversation.

“Are you still taking your medicine? Seeing your doctor?” She asked worriedly.

“Really?” He scoffed. “Please, let’s just drop it. This was a good day, please don’t ruin it by worrying over nothing.”

“Are you though?”

“Yes!” He hissed, clenching his teeth tightly. “Yes I’m still seeing the doctor and taking the stupid pills, yes.”

“Good. Very good.” She breathed a sigh of relief at his compliance.

“Don’t ask me if she knows.” Anakin said sternly. “She doesn’t.”

“You can’t just keep that from her, she has a right to know Anakin!”

“It’s not the right time for that.” He raised his voice slightly. “She doesn’t need to know yet. I’ll tell her on my own terms.”

“But you can’t-“

“I said: I’ll tell her on my own terms.” He breathed deeply, keeping his temper in check. “Please mom, just… just be happy for me okay? I’m doing really good, I’m happy. Please just let me be happy.”

“Alright.” She sighed, nodding slowly. “You’re right. I’m sorry sweetie, I shouldn’t have questioned you like that.”

“It’s okay. I know you worry.” He mumbled, pulling her into a hug, his hand rubbing between her shoulder blades.

“I- I just so badly want you to be happy.” She said quietly. “I want you to be safe, happy, and loved. You deserve to be loved.”

“I am loved.” Anakin whispered, his voice rough, “You love me. Cliegg loves me. Owen probably loves me. I think she might love me too.”

“You think so?” She asked in a brighter tone.

“Yeah, I do.” He nodded, pulling back with a soft smile.

Diary Entry: August 18th

I love my mother, but she worries too much. Talking to me like I’m some child to be coddled and babysat. I don’t need her or anyone else to tell me what I should or shouldn’t do, especially when it comes to you, my little doe.

I know what’s best for you, for our relationship, and it’s my opinion that you don’t need to burden yourself with my past transgressions. I’m a changed man, what I did as a teenager, as a kid, has no reflection on who I am today.

Telling you about it is out of the question. At least for now… but, it’d probably be for the best to never, ever speak of it. I just don’t see the point in sharing something like that with you when it would cause your pretty little head to worry over something so irrelevant to the present.

Not to mention the stupid fucking doctor. It was ridiculous, asking me such a personal question when she knows very well that it upsets me when she interrogates me like that. It’s none of her business anymore, I’m not a child, I can take care of myself.

If anything, her questioning and distrust makes me want to do it even less just to prove that I can live without it.

I don’t need to see a fucking shrink if I’m taking the pills right? It’s overkill to do both. I don’t need to talk about my feelings, I don’t need to tell a stranger all about my past and the questionable things I’ve done. That’s why I have a journal and I think it suits me just fine.

Just another reason why I love you so much. You’ve helped me by getting me into writing stuff down instead of keeping it bottled up. You’re responsible for the thing that helps keep me from spiraling, you should be so proud of yourself, showing me this A+ coping skill.

It’s way better than: ‘Breathe in… breathe out… focus on your surroundings and count the things you can see and feel.’

Like what the hell is that? What’s that supposed to do? Distract me? Yeah right.

It can’t distract me from what’s going on in my head. Not when it’s so much all at once, all the time. It was exhausting to pretend that something like that was working for me. Journaling is so much better. So much easier.

It’s real and it’s tangible. I can flip through the pages and return to the good things, or I can skip over the bad stuff but take comfort in knowing that I was able to write it down.

So fuck the shrink, I’m not going back. I haven’t been in months and I’m doing perfectly fine.

Diary Entry: August 20th

I cannot for the life of me figure out what the hell I’m going to do. I’m grasping at straws here, trying to figure out how to handle the Ghost situation.

I can tell you’re getting annoyed.

How am I supposed to respond? I know it’s been days but I can’t bring myself to answer the texts, the notes, the questions shouted into your otherwise empty home.

Hopefully you’ll understand, though I acknowledge that you have every reason to be upset with me. I’m assuming you’re feeling some sort of betrayal after the letter… I hate that. I really hate it. But it’s unavoidable.

You responded extremely well to my offer and the opportunity for a choice. So I’ll just do that again. That sounds reasonable, I’ll give a bit of an explanation, little apology and then I’ll let you choose what happens next.

This is what happens when I don’t fully plan ahead. I fuck things up and then it’s just a gommed up mess.

Then the whole situation with my mother really threw me off. It just added another layer of ‘what the hell’ to my already high stack of self imposed problems.

I want to do something. I need to do something. I have shit to get off my chest.

Date

August 22nd

Finally, finally Ghost has gotten back in contact with you.

Now that the little grey envelope is sitting on your nightstand… you almost don’t want to open it. After all the silence on his end it’s impossible to guess what he has to say. Though as you’re convincing yourself not to open it, it’s found it’s way into your hand.

LETTER

Little Doe,

My absence was unexpected for you as well as myself, for that I apologize. I would go into detail if I could but unfortunately we both know that I can’t do that.

Let’s just say that my life got a bit complicated and I had to take a moment to iron things out. Now that everything is starched and pressed it’ll be back to business as usual.

While I was gone I took some time to consider your question as well. So I’ll match you with a question of my own.

I’ve been… stressed to say the very least. I don’t like to be destructive, I’m not that kind of guy. So I was wondering if you’d help me out, give me a bit of an alternative rage release?

Don’t lie, I know you’re curious. I know you want me just as badly as I want you. I bet you’re wet just reading this, aren’t you? I think it’s high time for you to be conscious enough to really enjoy everything I’m giving you. Don’t you agree?

I heard you like it rough. Is that true princess? I’ll give you rough, just say the word and I’ll make sure you’ve got marks that’ll last for weeks.

Next half of the question: here or elsewhere?

You sure do love to show off that little body of yours. I wonder if that would translate over into your sex life if you’d let it.

Your choice little doe.

——————————————————————————

‘He did not just ask me that… did he?’

You stared at the letter in your hands, your mind going well over the speed limit on the road to rational thinking. It was tempting, oh so very tempting. He’s right of course, he always is, you are curious. You do want him, maybe even need him.

It’s obvious he’s more than capable of giving you what you needed, what you wanted. The man had you feigning for him for weeks with no relief, all from teasing you, all while you were unaware.

It would be… interesting to see for yourself in the waking world what he’s done to you in dreamland. It’s alright if it’s for research purposes isn’t it? Is it really cheating if you don’t know the person at all, his identity is a complete mystery; that should count for something right?

Just a smidgen of a mitigating factor would be enough to sway you to say yes.

“Hey.” You called out, waving your hand as if he were there with you and you were trying to get his attention. “You listening?”

*Ping* a text came through almost immediately: ‘Always.’

“You’re serious about this?” You asked, holding the stationary in one hand, gesturing to it with your other.

‘I’m always serious.’

“Right.” You sighed, pulling your legs up to sit cross-legged. “I don’t think this would be very kind of me to do. I just met Anakin’s mother, our relationship is getting serious.”

‘Congrats. What does that have to do with my need to fuck you?’

“Uh everything.” You scoffed. “That’s cheating. I don’t want to cheat on him!”

‘Defensive are we?’

“Yes,” you hissed, scrubbing your forehead with the palm of your hand, “very defensive for good reason.”

‘I admire your loyalty, but be honest with yourself little doe.’

“I am being honest! I don’t want to cheat on him!” You shouted back.

‘You didn’t say that you didn’t want me to fuck your though.’

“Christ.” You mumbled, pinching the bridge of your nose.

“I didn’t say that. You’re right.” You conceded.

‘Then it’s a yes?’

“Not necessarily.” You snapped, the true answer was right there, clawing away in the cage of your teeth.

‘So no then.’

“That’s not what I said.” You said hastily, alittle too eager to correct him.

‘I see.’

“What?” You scoffed, staring at the message that’d popped up.

Another followed, this time a voice message. You hesitated before pressing play, holding your phon up to your ear to hear it clearly. His gravely distorted voice washed over you in all its unholy temptation.

“Don’t worry little doe. I know just what you need.” He paused for a moment as if considering something, “It’s been a while since you’ve had a night out. Go have some fun, I’ll catch up with you.”

“Oh no. Absolutely not. You’re not knocking me out cold again.” You said angrily.

‘Of course not. I want you to be awake for this.’

“Then… then why do you want me to go to the bar?” You asked suspiciously.

‘Surprise :)’

“Fuck.” You muttered, rubbing your temples before picking up your phone to message Luke and Han, as well as your good friend from book club.

“Just to be perfectly clear: I’m not saying yes!” You said, looking around the room with a red tint to your cheeks.

‘Not a no either.’

You could practically hear his voice, that teasing tone you knew all too well. What an ass, a stupid sexy ass.

DATE

August 24th

“Oh look at you princess.” Anakin whistled wrapping his arms around your waist when you walked out of your bedroom in a sweet little pink dress.

“Pretty, pretty girl.” He mumbled and he nuzzled into your hair, taking a deep breath to smell the scent of your shampoo.

“Oh hush,” you giggled, feeling a blush creep up your cheeks. “can’t be saying stuff like that, you’re gonna get me all flustered.”

“What if I want you to be all flustered?” He chuckled, tipping your head back to capture your lips and invade your mouth with a gentle caress of his tongue.

“Mmm taste as good as you look baby.” He whispered, his words fanning over your bottom lip and straight down to your core.

“Anakin…” you whined, looking up at him and wishing for mercy.

“Shhh don’t whine.” He laughed, pinching your chin between his forefinger and thumb. “I’ll quit teasin’… for now.”

“But you do look gorgeous you know?” He said sincerely, very lightly touching your cheek so as not to mess up your makeup.

“Thank you Ani.” You said shyly, leaning up on your tip toes to kiss his nose.

“So what’s the plan again? Dinner at that one Thai place you like? Then you’re going to the bar?” He asked, leaning back against the kitchen counter, his hands resting on the countertop at his sides.

“Yep that’s the plan.” You nodded, checking your bag to ensure you had everything you needed.

“Call me when you get there? You’re walking aren’t you?” He asked, looking at you with a gaze of concern that warmed your heart.

“Yes I’m walking and yes I will call when I get to the restaurant and I’ll text when I’m leaving.” You promised, tossing your mini backpack over your shoulder and giving him a hug and soft kiss.

“Alright sweetheart, I’ll see you at the bar.” He said in a low tone, smoothing out your hair as he held you close for a moment longer.

You left your home and Anakin behind, trotting down the steps to the city streets below. A walk would be good for you, plenty of time to think and plenty of time to clear your head of those thoughts before you reach your destination.

——————————————————————————

Diary Entry: August 24th

I’m so excited. I don’t think I’ve ever been this excited to do something for you.

I know it’s a bit presumptuous, but I think I know you fairly well and if you’re reading those nasty, raunchy books on your bookshelf… well I think it’s safe to say you might be interested in some of it for yourself right? You already think a man in a Ghostface mask with a knife is sexy.

I’m gonna give you what I think you like. I know I will love it. I’ve been wanting to do this for a long time but I was always alittle too chicken to do it. Even before we started dating, before you knew about Ghost. It’s been a fantasy of mine that I’ve thought of way more often than I’ll ever admit.

But now I have your unspoken permission, well at least your non-denial of it. Which isn’t technically consent but who cares; it’s been so blurred between us already.

Honestly its super comforting the way that you so vehemently defend our relationship. I’ve never had someone go to bat for me like that before, it’s endearing. It makes me feel cared for, loved, needed.

I know it’s hypocritical, trust me I know that; but it does kind of get on my nerves as well. I want you to say yes and say it enthusiastically to Ghost. At the same time I want you to scream and kick and tell him to fuck off.

Being jealous of both sides of myself is frankly quite exhausting. I don’t know what I want other than you. I just want you. I want you to want both of me and you do, but that’s also a problem.

You think I’m two separate people and that makes me a tad worried.

The only comfort it brings me is that you aren’t enthusiastically saying yes. You’re denying the truth of course, we both know that. But you’re also keeping some loyalty to our relationship and for that I am so eternally grateful.

I love the way you love me even if you haven’t said it aloud just yet. You will soon.

—————————————————————————��

Your group of friends were gathered outside the restaurant, as the last one to arrive, you of course received a light dose of good natured insults and chiding.

“There she is!” Your best girl friend Sam yelled, pointing you out to Luke and Han as you walked up the sidewalk.

“Finally! I’m starving!” Luke sighed liked he’d been waiting hours, according to your phone you were still two minutes early.

“Shut up and let’s get some food.” You snorted, pushing him through the door and into the yummy little Thai place.

After getting settled into your cozy corner booth you placed your orders and slipping into the familiar routine of gossiping and story swapping.

“How did meeting the parents go?” Luke asked, propping his chin up on the heel of his hand, his fingers drumming along his cheek.

“It went so smooth and oh my god his mom is so sweet.” You said, leaning forward in your seat.

“I was so worried they wouldn’t like me, but I think they did. Anakin said they did, I mean they really seemed to at least.” You nodded.

“Oh I’m sure they loved you. You’re the perfect girl to bring home to the parents. You’re the whole package.” Sam smiled warmly.

“You’re too sweet, giving me way too much credit.” You sighed, your smile faltering slightly.

“Anyway… yeah his mom was great. I think she was just alittle worried you know? I’m the first girl he’s brought to meet them so I feel like there was a bit of worry there at the beginning.” You explained, talking with your hands.

“She was talking about him as a kid and she just looked so… sad I guess?” You sighed, trying to find a better word to describe it but came up short. “So I think maybe she was just sad about him growing up, finally finding someone he wants to be serious with.”

“That’s so sweet.” Sam said, squeezing your hand. “I didn’t realize you were the first girl he’d brought them.”

“Yeah,” you nodded proudly. “He said he was waiting for the right one.”

“Ew that’s so gross.” Luke gagged.

“Fuck off.” You tossed a good natured insult at him, rolling your eyes despite feeling an immense sense of accomplishment… maybe a hint of guilt there too.

After the meal was finished, you all walked together out of the restaurant and set out on foot toward The Cerulean. A leisurely pace was set by Han and Luke who were happily at the head of the group while you and Sam hung back just a few steps behind.

“So he’s gonna be here tonight?” Sam asked curiously.

“Oh, yeah but he’s working though.” You said.

“Wait really?” She asked in surprise. “That doesn’t bother you?”

“Why would that bother me? If anything it’s comforting.” You scoffed.

“Well he’s like… he’s just there you know? Not participating he’s just gonna be watching.” She made a displeased face.

“Trust me, I have no qualms with being… looked out for.” You smirked.

“So you don’t mind that he’s going to be watching you the whole night?”

“No, I don’t.” You shrugged, walking the through the door as Luke held it open for the two of you to enter.

You broke off from your friends in search of Anakin, you spotted him behind the bar, animatedly speaking with a coworker that you vaguely remember Anakin referring to as ‘Trev’.

It was like you had some sort of homing beacon, Anakin immediately whipped his head toward you and beckoned you over with two fingers. He trotted around the bar to meet you halfway, sliding his arms around your waist to pull you flush against his chest, pressing his lips to the top of your head.

“How was dinner, pretty girl?” He asked, his voice low and smooth.

“It was good!” You chirped, squeezing him tightly again before he let you go. “Told them allllll about meeting your parents.”

“Good things only I hope?” He laughed.

“Of course. Good things only, always.” You nodded with a big smile.

“It’s not nearly as busy in here as usual.” You observed, scanning the large space and noticing a much lower head count than the times you’ve been here before.

“Oh I know,” Anakin nodded, “there’s some kind of opening anniversary for a pub downtown. Free beer or something like that.” He shrugged.

“Huh, well I’ll have to tell Han.” You said.

“Mhm yeah I’m sure he’d enjoy it.” He agreed, “you going too?”

“No, I’m going home when I leave here.” You shook your head.

“Alright baby, listen, I gotta go back.” He nodded toward the bar. “You know where to find me.”

With that he gave you a chaste kiss to the forehead and quickly walked back behind the counter, stealing a drink order right from under Trevor’s nose as he slid in front of him, you heard him snicker and the *thwap* of a towel snapping against his leg in retaliation as you walked back to your friends.

You spotted them off to the corner, Sam speaking with a shorter man you’d never seen before. You snuck behind her with a cheeky grin and tugged a lock of her hair gently as you passed by, she was unfazed, simply giving you a pink cheeked smile.

“Hey Han,” you called out to get his attention as you drew closer, his head following the sound until he saw you. “You know there’s a bar even going on downtown tonight?” You asked, coming to a stop just in front of him.

“Yeah, it’s at The Drunken Horseman.” He nodded, “I think a few of the guys were headed out there actually. Free beer.”

“W-well why didn’t you go?” You asked in confusion, knowing he wouldn’t have just passed it up for no reason.

“Cause a little lady I know likes it better here.” He grinned, tapping your forehead with his pointer finger.

“Aw, you didn’t have to do that Han.” You said, feeling a bit guilty. “You should’ve said something!”

“Whoa, don’t get all riled up. I don’t mind it at all.” He reassured you. “I can still do plenty of people watching from right here.” He said, knocking his knuckles against the table top he leaned against.

He waved his hand over to the left, your eyes following the gesture until your gaze was met with a younger guy, unapologetically and unsuccessfully trying to speak to a group of girls despite being seemingly incredibly wasted.

“I guess that’s true.” You laughed lightly, the pull of guilt still tugging at your guts.

“Listen, after we’re done here you should go!” You encouraged, “I don’t want to be the reason you don’t get to do something that you wanna do.”

“Babes it’s no big deal.” Luke said, popping out from his seat behind Han’s massive frame. “I think we planned on skipping out a bit early to do exactly that.”

“Really?” You sighed in relief. “Good, I’m glad.”

“We did?” Han asked, looking over his shoulder.

“Uh yes, we had a whole conversation about this yesterday you oaf.” Luke scoffed.

“Oaf?” Han let out a loud, bellowing laugh at Luke’s poor attempt at an insult, making a little smile creep up the corner of your lips as well.

——————————————————————————

You decided collectively to call it a night just a little before 11:00pm so that Luke and Han could still catch Han’s group of friends at The Drunken Horseman. You said your goodbyes to them at the door and turned to face Sam after watching them leave.

“Are you positive you’re okay with walking home alone?” She asked you worriedly, “like absolutely positive?”

“Yes, I’m absolutely positive.” You said with an appreciative smile. “I’ll be fine. I’ll text you when I get home.”

“Okay.” She nodded, satisfied with your answer.

“You better do the same.” You said, catching her arm as she started to leave with the man she’d been chatting with all night.

“I will,” she signaled for him to wait while she got up close to whisper to you, “I looked him up when I went to the bathroom earlier. Arrest records and everything.”

“Good.” You grinned. “Have fun then.”

You spun on your heel to find Anakin and tell him goodbye, heading straight to the bar and catching him in another conversation. This time with a female patron that you’d seen before.

“I don’t understand.” She scoffed.

“What don’t you understand?” He scowled.

“I just don’t get why you’re mean to me!” She huffed. “I come in here all the time and I’m always nice to you, yet you’re an ass every time I speak to you!”

“Then stop speaking to me.” He said flatly, pretending to inspect a glass that he was drying.

“I should report you to management.”

“Please do.” Anakin shot back.

“They’ll fire you, for being rude to customers.” She threatened, crossing her arms.

“They’ll ban you, for harassing employees.” He snorted.

“God. You’re ridiculous, I asked you out one time-“

“Yeah and it was one time too many.” He snapped at her.

“I have a beautiful, wonderful, amazing girlfriend.” He said sternly. “She is my everything and you, are nothing.”

“Like she’s-“

“Listen. Even if I didn’t have a girlfriend I wouldn’t go after a whore with loud ass mouth like you.” He snarled. “Leave. I’m banning you myself.”

“You can’t do that!” She yelled

“He can’t do what?” His coworker Trevor came over quickly after hearing her shout at Anakin.

“He- he’s trying to ban me.” She said angrily.

“What did you do?” Trevor asked the girl and looked over at Anakin.

“Nothing! I was just trying to order a drink and he called me a whore!”

“I did call her a whore.” Anakin willingly admitted with zero remorse.

“Wait is this the one?” Trevor asked.

“Yeah, she’s been bugging me, Jason and Stevie for the last few weeks. Comes in every now and again and won’t take a fucking hint from any of us.” Anakin grunted as he glanced over at her.

“That’s not true I w-“

“Nope. That’s enough.” Trevor said, obviously irritated, he pulled out his phone and snapped a picture of her.

“Hey you can’t do that!” She shouted trying to grab his phone.

“You’re going on the wall honey.” He said, thumbing over his shoulder at a cork board of banned patrons.

“You’re serious?” She scoffed, “you can’t be serious.”

“Deadly. Now get out.” Trevor barked, following her angry path across the bar to ensure that she did in fact leave.

“Baby?” Anakin’s voice snapped you out of your thoughts and you realized you’d been standing there with your mouth open as he tapped the underside of your chin.

“Anakin you didn’t tell me it was that bad.” You said, eyebrows furrowed as you looked up at him, now standing in front of you.

“Ah.” He grumbled.

“I didn’t want to worry you sweetheart.” He said softly, taking both your hands in his. “She’s not coming back now so nothin’ to worry yourself over.” He said with a reassuring smile.

“That’s just awful though. She was doing that to three of you?” You asked in disgust.

“Yeah.” He sighed. “Doesn’t happen often. Usually it’s April and Jess who get the creeps but every now and again there’s a girl who does it.”

“How much did you hear baby?” He asked, pushing hair from your face and holding your cheek.

“Just the tail end of it.” You lied.

“You know I’d never even entertain something like that don’t you, princess?” He asked, lines of worry etching into his forehead, “Never, I’d never even breathe in the direction of another woman.”

“I know.” You said with a small smile, you were being truthful. There wasn’t a doubt in your mind about his faithfulness, especially now after witnessing him tear into a girl over it.

“I know I have nothing to worry about.” You said, giving his hands a squeeze.

You might not, but Anakin does. Anakin does have to worry about your faithfulness whether he knows it or not; there’s a Ghost haunting every corner of your life that has no plans on leaving anytime soon.

“Good.” He said with a warm smile, pulling you into a hug. “Are you leaving?” He asked, pulling g back slightly.

“Yeah I’m headed home now.” You nodded.

“Alright pretty girl.” He said, kissing your forehead. “Be good. I’ll see you tomorrow. Text me when you get home?”

“Of course.” You nodded with a big smile that faded as soon as you turned around to leave.

——————————————————————————

“I saw your girl leaving, you headed out now?” Trevor asked Anakin as he was untying his apron.

“Yep, I’m leaving too.” Anakin nodded, folding the apron and tucking it under the counter. “Unless you need me to stay?”

“Thanks for coming in to help out man.” Trevor said, clapping him on the back. “We got it from here.”

“No problem, you know I don’t mind.” Anakin said, grabbing his wallet and keys. “See ya.”

Anakin left hastily stopping at his car in the back parking lot to grab his essentials. He checked his phone and saw that you’d made an unexpected stop at the little corner store for what he assumed was a snack.

“Perfect.” He grinned, tossing his hoodie over his head and switching out his shoes.

He tucked his mask under his arm and hopped into his car, parking it up the road a bit closer to where you were, just to get it out of his work parking lot. He jumped out, locked it and slipped into the nearest alley. He grumbled but hopped the fence at the end and continued down until he hit the opposite street, running parallel to the one you’d be taking.

“One… two… three… four… there.” He mumbled to himself as he passed by alleys between buildings until he found the one he was looking for.

This particular place was perfect for his purposes, no cameras, no foot traffic, no dumpster, a brick wall on one end and a recessed entrance to the building on the left. A building that was currently up for lease, leaving it tenant free. He scaled the short brick wall on his side of the alley, using the dumpster there as a boost.

Anakin’s sneakers hit the pavement with a satisfying noise when he dropped down from above. He tugged on his gloves and mask, hitting the side button on the voice box while he walked up the alleyway, his phone in his hand.

Your little blue dot was quickly approaching and his adrenaline was running high. His body practically vibrating in anticipation of what he was about to do, with your footsteps in audible range he tucked his phone away and bunched up a black handkerchief in the palm of his leather glove.

Your long shadow came into view, the lamppost casting it down on the side walk below. It shortened with each step you took. Seeing no shadow behind you, no other footsteps, Anakin knew it was safe to enact his plan.

The very second you came into view he lunged forward, clapping his hand with the bandanna in it over your mouth. Instinctively you parted your lips to scream, allowing him to shove the fabric in your mouth as he dragged you by waist and under your arms as you kicked and thrashed.

Part Eleven

Tag-List:

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THE TAGS LIST IS FULL! But if you want to be tagged I will comment ur username for you. Love you all so many.

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writingquestionsanswered · 9 months

Text

Introducing Several Characters at Once

Anonymous asked: Do you have advice on a chapter that introduces a lot of characters at once and requires a lot of explaining for the setting and scene to make sense. In the scene, my characters all go to work at a job that is important to the plot. I have ten or fifteen characters at this job who actually have names, and I’ve introduced about 5 of them plus a few nameless background characters. It's an early scene so there aren't a lot of chance to feed the information into earlier chapters. I’m trying to find a balance between giving enough information to get the reader through, and not overwhelming them with an info dumping.

If you're only actually introducing five of the ten to fifteen named characters, and illustrating some nameless background characters, that's really not a big deal. Just remember there are different ways you can distribute the information so it's not an info dump. For example, let's say your characters all work at a grocery store. And let's also say the first character you introduce (besides the protagonist) is Becky, the customer service representative. Info dumping would be:

Ted arrived at work five minutes late so the store was already open. The first person he saw was Becky, who was the customer service representative, and one of the nicest and most professional people he worked with. She was in her thirties but had already been at the store for twenty years, so she was one of the longest time employees there.

The problem here is the details are all delivered by the narrator telling them to the reader. But there are other ways you can deliver the information, such as having the POV character observe them, having the POV character deliver them to another character, or having another character deliver them to the POV character.

Ted walked through the store's sliding glass doors at five minutes past eight, and already the early bird shoppers were filling their carts.

"Good morning, Becky," Ted called as he passed the customer service counter.

"You're late." She gave him a wink and straightened her twenty years of service pin, as if to tease that she'd never been late since she got the job at age seventeen. Ted shook his head and watched the professional smile overtake her face as a customer approached the counter with an issue. "Good morning, sir. How may I be of assistance?"

Ted would never be that perky and customer-friendly at eight in the morning.

-- Ted arrived at work five minutes late > Ted walked through the store's sliding glass doors at five minutes past eight

-- so the store was already open > already the early bird shoppers were filling their carts

-- The first person he saw was Becky, who was the customer service representative > "Good morning, Becky," Ted called as he passed the customer service counter.

-- one of the nicest and most professional people he worked with. > She gave him a wink... Ted shook his head and watched the professional smile overtake her face as a customer approached the counter with an issue. "Good morning, sir. How may I be of assistance?"

-- She was in her thirties but had already been at the store for twenty years, so she was one of the longest time employees there. > She gave him a wink and straightened her twenty years of service pin, as if to tease that she'd never been late since she got the job at age seventeen.

Another thing this excerpt accomplishes is it tells us a lot about Becky without going into exhaustive detail about who she is, what she looks like, and what she does. This simple interaction tells us pretty much everything we need to know... Becky got the job at seventeen and has been there at least twenty years, so she's probably in her late 30s. She's a customer service representative, she's nice and professional and has a good rapport with the POV character, and she probably spends most of her day handling customer issues. It gives us a good sense of who this character is without overwhelming us with details that aren't actually important right now.

And finally, another thing this excerpt does is it makes Becky memorable. The combination of teasing Ted for being late by straightening her twenty years of service pin and then winking at him burns an image in our mind we won't soon forget. Even if he goes on to encounter three or four other characters, we'll probably remember Becky is the nice one who winked at him.

I hope that helps!

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am-i-the-asshole-official · 7 months

Note

AITA for not picking my brothers side against our mother?

Some background information:

My brother (let’s call him Collin) is trans (20m) We come from a relatively Catholic (we aren’t religious but the influence is deffo there) conservative country and have been living in the USA for most of our lives. My mother definitely can’t be considered LGBTQ allies, although they are much more understanding than some of the people here, especially in the south— which is impressive considering where we come from. She is TERRIBLE with using the correct pronouns for Collin, so much so that he doesn’t contact her much anymore. I’ve never tried to get him to do otherwise— it’s his choice, and I still respect him. I can understand it. Shortly before he moved away, he’d rant to me about her. I was pretty good with listening and giving advice/support for the first few years, but towards the end of high school (when the school work stress was piling up, along with other external family issues), it started to weigh on me. I wanted (and still want) to be someone Collin can confide in, but I still love my mother. She has made improvements with her close-mindedness, even if they aren’t huge steps. Whenever I try to give reasons for her behavior or just try to get them to get along, he accused me of siding with her. A lot of his perceptions of her seem warped these days, too. Like a while ago he was talking with me via text about one of his friends/coworkers (who is gay). He told me not to mention to our mother that this friend is gay— this friend, by the way, is fully out and married. A few months later I slipped and mentioned it to my mother (she had suggested that this friend probably likes this woman we know and I said “no mom he’s gay!”). And she didn’t really react? She just bluescreened for a moment (the trademark “confused boomer pause”) and went on with the conversation. I’ve had a lot of talks with her about LGBTQ issues, and I’ve actually managed to get her to consider the fact that homophobia may stem from religion (she is a very science>religion kind of person). She wholeheartedly believes that LGBTQ issues should not be politicized. (Not an ally, not an enemy.)

anyway, all this to say that Collin has a very 2D impression of her. Last year I went to pick him up at the airport, and mom called while we were in the car to remind us to stop by [store] and pick something up. When the call ended, Collin snorted and said something like “the bitch couldn’t have just sent a text?”

I told him, a bit snappishly, to shut up. He looked surprised and I felt bad, but I told him that I didn’t want any in part in the conflict and that he should stop bringing me into it.

I was also kind of pissed at him at the time for posting the story of an argument between our mother and I (my period was a month late, she thought I was pregnant*— not even an argument she was just annoyingly suspicious for a week or two) online. He changed names for privacy, but there were people who knew who he was so it wasn’t that hard to figure out who his “sister” was. Since I never gave him permission to share it with anyone, I asked him to take it down. He did eventually. but I guess that could be for another AITA post.

*I have never dated or shown interest in dating anyone.

Overall, I feel that he has the right to argue/have a bad relationship with our mother. But I also have a right to let it affect me without being labeled as a bad or traitorous sister.

What are these acronyms?

#aita #am i the asshole

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narrycherries · 30 days

Text

love of my life

⋆｡°✩ ⋆⁺｡˚⋆˙‧₊✩₊‧˙⋆˚｡⁺⋆ ✩°｡⋆

✩ chapter 01: begin again ✩

word count: 4.4k

warnings/tags/info

Wild was an understatement. I had always heard that this city never really stops celebrating, and I learned quickly that it was quite true. It was not the season for the festive parties for Mardi Gras, yet anyone who was visiting would be greatly convinced it was. Stringed beads and glitter covered the streets and broad side walks. The smell of alcohol and fried sweets filled the air. Crowds of people moved so casually down each side of the road. Some were slipping into creepy little corner shops full of odd souvenirs, and others were hopping from one bar to the next.

I chuckled as I witnessed a very interesting woman with a snake wrapped around her neck, people gawked around her to watch. The driver must have heard me, because I caught his glance in the rear view mirror.

“I was surprised when they told me you haven’t spent much time here. It’s.. interesting, innit?” He smirked gently as he continued to travel towards the destination.

“Uh, yeah.” I shrugged slightly. “In the band.. we never had time to appreciate a lot of the cities. We always had to leave the next morning. And I.. haven’t ever made time to come here on my own either.”

He nodded as he listened to me. I didn’t know him well, he just started working with my travel team. “You’ll enjoy it. Two weeks, right?”

“Yeah. I wanted to.. explore and.. y’know, see as much as I can.”

“Where ya off to after this?” He was curious, which wasn’t surprising.

I thought for a moment. “If all goes well.. I’ll be off to Sydney. I want to.. travel more.” I lifted a brow as I said that last part.

Traveling was not anything new to me, but this sort of journeying was. I barely ever had the chance to do my own things in these cities. It’s usually all work and show related, but I wanted to change that. The world is full of incredible places, and New Orleans is like no other. I wanted to drive through the most touristy parts and see some staple spots before going to the hotel.

“I’ve been here a couple of times. They’ve got some epic drinking spots.”

I laughed at his statement. “M’not really here to get drunk.. at least not every night.”

“Well, lucky for you, they have some incredible restaurants and tourist spots. The cathedral is pretty damn awesome. My wife loves the French market. Aye, the ghost tours are fun, too.”

“I have plans to do all of that.” I smiled as he looked at me in the mirror again. “I’ll be sure to let you know how it goes.”

The ride became silent again as I sighed heavily and rested my temple against the cold glass window. My eyes lazily gazed over people as we passed by. I could see into a store or restaurant every now and again, but eventually my eyes started to close. I felt like I had a ton of bricks on each eyelid. Sleep was taking over me before I even knew it.

My dream consisted of nothing specific. I could hardly remember any of it when I felt the car come to a stop - my body naturally reacting to the sudden stop of motion. I grunted as I peeled my eyelids back and came to my senses.

“Well, sir, it looks like we have arrived at your hotel.” His demeanor changed and suddenly he returned to a more professional behavior. It was almost as if our previous conversation never existed.

My eyes moved to look out of the dark tinted window and I was amazed by the beauty of the hotel. I shook my head at the extravagant exterior, only expecting the inside to be just as magnificent. My manager loves to say that the best deserve the best. I have yet to discover what I am best at.

As usual, and against my will, I had no involvement in unloading my luggage from the black suv that followed us all the way from the airport. I requested to be alone on this trip, but my team feared for my safety. My personal bodyguard is with me, and he is also being treated to a grand room here at this fancy hotel. I would never give him any less than myself. The driver is also in town, but only for the night. He will fly out in the morning and probably meet me again in Sydney.

“Mr. Styles, what an honor to serve you. Here, let me gather your bags.” Some guy in a suit met me at the door with a gold luggage cart.

I didn’t reply to him, only because I was tired. I walked inside of the impressive building with Chris hot on my heels. He stood close to me as I went to the reception desk. The older woman smiled kindly at me and got her hands positioned on the keyboard.

“Hello sir. We are so pleased to have you.” Her welcoming smile grew bigger. “You have to be Mr. Harry Styles, yes?”

“Um, yes ma’am, that’s me.” I slightly smiled back at her.

“Let me get your suite pulled up. I believe you booked one of the larger suites.”

I nodded. “Yes, that sounds right.”

She typed on the keyboard for a few moments, searching for my reservation to confirm my presence. I looked over my shoulder at Chris, who was standing broad and ready to pounce behind me.

“I’m sorry they made me come. I know you want your privacy.”

I shook my head lightly. “S’fine. I know the risks of being alone.”

“Here you go, Mr. Styles.” The woman caught my attention.

When I looked back at her, she extended her hand out and I saw she held the key to my room. I took it from her and gave the extra one to Chris. He slid it in his pocket quickly.

“Um, I should have another suite as well.” I said politely as she stared at me, seeming to be lost.

“Oh!” She looked at the screen. “That’s right. Here you go.” She passed me to two keys for Chris’s room, still eyeing me intensely.

Great, a new fan..

———

The balcony offered a refreshing change of pace. The cool breeze kept pushing my hair around, which I didn’t mind. I was high up enough that nobody could possibly recognize me with the naked eye. The city was glowing down below. This is a view I would never get from a stage. It’s incredible and relaxing, definitely something I need to see. I should escape more often. I wondered about the tourists and the locals. I wondered how long they stayed out partying and dancing in bars. Did the locals enjoy having tourists constantly, were they amused by them? Or were they tired of it? Surely not, I find it entertaining to observe people. What was it like to be so carefree and relaxed? Would it ever be possible for me to do that, to go out on the streets and enjoy myself without the fear of someone recognizing me or a crowd of girls flooding around me? Perhaps I’d take the risk while I’m here.

I sat down in one of the comfortable chairs and relaxed my back. I appreciated the view, truly - it was incredible. Just as I was about to close my eyes to soak up some of the peace, my phone buzzed on the table beside me. I picked it up and smiled when I saw the name.

“Mum, hi.”

“Hello, sweetie. Have you gotten settled?” I could hear the big smile on her mouth.

“Yeah. I’m enjoying the view now.” I chuckled lowly.

“Send me pictures, darling! I hope you have so much fun.”

“I will try to.. and you know I will send you every picture I take, Mum.”

She laughed for a moment, then sighed. “Your sister is in New York.. you’re gone.. I feel so alone.”

“I’ll call you everyday.. always do.”

“I know that, lovey.”

I slowly trailed my finger across my pants leg as I thought about something that was heavy on my mind. Mum could sense everything, even when she’s thousands of miles away. I wasn’t shocked to hear her ask me what was wrong.

“Harry, did you hear me, honey?” She sounded concerned.

“Um.. M’fine.”

“Don’t lie to me, baby.”

I took a deep breath and closed my eyes. Should I tell her? She is my mother, so it isn’t like she’ll judge me or anything. But I don’t want her to over think or get her hopes up for any reason. I gulped quietly as I made a decision.

“Just sorta.. hoping that I fall in love, Mum. Real love.”

“Honey, don’t rush yourself into anything. I know this past year has been.. hard.. but focus on yourself.. not on a relationship.”

“I dunno. I feel different here already.. This place could change everything.” I bit my cheek as I said those thoughts out loud.

“Any place could change everything, Harry. Be safe, have fun. I love you.”

“Yeah, thanks. I’ll try to.”

Any place could change everything.. Then why hasn’t anything changed? I’ve been to countless places trying to get away from the reality of a damaged heart, but nowhere has made a difference.

The shower I had before bed was much needed. The water burned my skin and calmed my muscles. I could’ve wasted away in there if I really wanted to. Sometimes, the best way to let out all the tension was just to stand under the water stream and melt your skin away.

I squeezed my eyes tightly, trying to force myself to go to sleep. The suite was dark, only the glow from lights outside the window was creeping in. My body was exhausted, but my mind was racing. I felt like I had a thousand things circling at once. Despite my body being utterly worn out, I couldn’t seem to fall asleep.

These past few months have really done a number on me. On top of a bunch of work related things, my personal life went through hell and back a few times. Every time I think I have it down right, something comes along and wrecks it. I just wanted to get away from everything. I craved a distraction. Maybe I was just chasing dreams, or maybe I’d come across something here that changed everything for the better.

———

A sigh slipped out of my mouth as I walked up to the entrance of the nice building. Chris stood beside me as we waited in a line to purchase an entrance ticket. I probably looked very suspicious and out of place with this hood over my head, but it was a necessity to disguise my identity as much as possible. The black sweats and hoodie were meant to conceal me more than keep me warm. Thankfully, it was a windy day.

“Did you get enough rest? You seem tired.” He said quietly.

I grunted. “I slept fine.. m’just.. sick of covering up.”

He patted my back. “I know. One day.. it’ll be better. People will.. forget about you eventually. A lot of celebrities say that.”

I shook my head at his assumption. “They’ll forget me when I’m dead.”

He chuckled. “You’re wrong.. they’ll stop chasing you.. they’ll never forget you.”

When we received our tickets, the man directed us towards the main entrance into the first exhibit. Chris had learned to love museums a while ago. At first, he would gripe about me going to one. He claimed they weren’t interesting. His opinion changed as we went to more and more over time. Art museums were his favorite, as well as mine. Someone told me I should check out the art museum here, so I decided it would be a nice start to my trip.

“Oh.” Chris got my attention as we started to observe some of the paintings on the wall. “They’re having a special exhibit today. The Best of the New Orleans.”

He showed me the pamphlet he picked up at the door. I gave it a glance and hummed at the thought of seeing some local artists in the house today. That would be quite interesting to see. I hope we get a chance to get to it.

“Appears that it’s a bunch of young artists from the city.. some of them set up in the French Quarter. They’ve been chosen as the best of the best.” He continued to tell me about the exhibit. I listened quietly as I looked over one of the sculptures in the middle of the room. “They’re each receiving portions of this week’s proceeds.. Getting an interview on some fancy art website.. Ah, they can even sell anything they’ve brought with them. How neat.”

“Hm.. Perhaps I could purchase something.” I licked my lips as I moved onto the next art piece on the wall. “I do enjoy and appreciate beautiful art.”

“Might find something magnificent.”

He folded the paper back up and turned his attention to the art in this small section. Chris and I both slowly started to walk towards the next room. We were quiet and observant, paying our respects to each wonderful creation displayed around us.

“You never know.” I casually shrugged.

I felt a few stares on me, but I was certain it was because of my clothing choices, not my actual identity. I really didn’t feel like being ambushed in an art exhibit, so I pray it was my clothes.

“S’alright. I’ve got my eye on everyone.” Chris mumbled beside me, being sure to keep quiet. He must have felt me tense up or something.

“I see a sign over there.” I pointed towards the exit of this exhibit. “We should check it out.”

He shrugged. “Sure, let’s go.”

We were sort of just walking around, following the signs trying to find that exhibit. Chris was sighing as we walked into the wrong room, again. I kept my eyes on the signs and tried my best to figure out how to get to the room.

Entering the room, I immediately knew we were in that special, limited run exhibit that Chris spoke about earlier. He nudged my side gently as we stood towards the side of the room, purposely staying away from the center. This area was larger and was divided by fake walls, to provide each artist with their own area. I noticed that the artists were standing among their works. Some were talking and explaining processes, while others were telling the stories that inspired their pieces. We happened to be closer to a girl who appeared to favor a painting, so we moved into that small group of people.

Most of the viewers were younger people, fresh into college maybe. I saw a lot of them jotting notes and sketching in paper pads as they listened and stared at her displayed work. They were all quite beautiful, the paintings. She was pointing at different aspects of the piece next to her, which had most of the people's attentions.

“S’very nice.. that one on the end.” Chris said as he nodded towards a big painting of an amazing ocean scene.

The waves were splashing, and the sun was setting beautifully in the background. I looked over the other ones. They were each so different, so unique yet I could see her style. She didn’t seem to care about perfection and the perfect blend. She was messy in some places and precise in others. She seemed very talented. Her landscapes and seascapes were accompanied by portraiture and floral pieces. There were some gorgeous original concepts mixed in, some with ethereal and fantasy aspects.

“S’lovely.” I mumbled back, curious to know more about the painting.

He gave me a look. “Want me to ask about it?”

I thought for a moment, my eyes glued on the painting. I imagined how it would look in that empty space in my living room back in Los Angeles, or how pleased my mother would be with the gift, my sister even..

“Go ahead.. I’ll double the offer.” I told him quietly as my eyes roamed over the rest of her displayed pieces.

Chris walked towards the front of the crowd. Luckily, he wasn’t interrupting anything. She had just sat down at a table, writing out something. I shifted a little closer so I could hear, thankfully people were talking quietly.

“Hello. What a wondrous display you’ve got here.” I could hear his genuine smile.

My vision was focused on a large painting of a farmhouse in a field. The golden rolling waves of wheat in the distance were bright against the muted blue sky and the dull brown of the house. It was eye catching for sure. There was a piece of laminated paper attached to the bottom that said “sold, on loan for display” on it.

“Thank you!” Her voice was kind, she was also smiling.

“I’m wondering if you’re offering that ocean scene for sale, the one on the end? It’s quite lovely.”

Curiously, I looked their way. I saw her pretty face flush gently as she smiled, probably flustered from the admiration. She looked towards the painting before opening a small notebook.

“Yes. I am selling that one.” She nodded, that smile still on her lips.

“My, um, boss is willing to double your price. He loves art.. and appreciates the talents behind a piece.”

She laughed gently to ease the tension. “Well, that’s very flattering. Is your boss here? I would like to try to talk him out of that.. I price my work at a cost that I consider to be reasonable.. based on what I think it’s worth.”

He looked over his shoulder and immediately caught my gaze. “He might not be willing to talk. He’s a private man.”

She furrowed her brows gently. “Oh.. well.. perhaps he shouldn’t be a client of mine, then. I like to have face to face negotiations.”

I jumped on the offer and started the walk to them. I ignored whatever Chris was telling the girl. For a second I thought of walking off and forgetting it, but that would be stupid. I really admired the piece and I wanted to purchase it. When I approached them, Chris let his eyes go wide. Usually I stayed behind and let him handle things for the sake of my identity. I yanked the hood off my head to appear more serious and professional.

“Such nonsense you speak.” I chuckled as I patted his broad shoulder.

He gave me an odd look. “Are you alri-“

I cut him off as I turned my attention to the girl. Her thick pink lips shaped into a smile as she stared at me. I gulped at the thought of her recognizing me, but I tried to ignore it.

“I love the painting.” I said suddenly. “I love them all. I would love to purchase the ocean one. It’s magnificent. Double the price.. no negotiations.”

She laughed through a breath. “So.. I don’t have any say in my own sales?”

“Of course you do.. but m’sure you wouldn’t turn down extra money. M’sure you have bills to pay.. perhaps children to care for.. school loans to pay off. It wouldn’t hurt my pockets.” I gave her a shrug, while still smiling. I wasn’t being sassy, just quite honest.

The blonde girl shook her head and let her eyes drop to the floor for a moment, a grin plastered over her nice lips. When she lifted her head to look at me, I felt a sting in my chest. She was very beautiful. Oddly enough, she wasn’t my usual type.. she was different. Thick and pale.. short, curvy. Her chest and hips were heavier than average, but she was beautiful. And let me not forget that bold, very independent personality. I adored that.

“No children.. no loans.. but yes, bills.” She clarified my assumptions with a blushing face.

“Excuse my rudeness.” I sighed as I realized the mistake I made. She lifted a brow, curious to know what I meant. “What’s your name?”

She smiled slightly. “Um, Jennifer.”

“I’m Harry.” I motioned to my security guard. “This is Chris.”

“Nice to meet you.” She nodded back.

“Now..” I chuckled as her cheeks blushed, and I was sure she didn’t realize it. I was convinced she didn’t recognize me, because she didn’t react in the usual way. “I want the ocean. Double your price. So, what is your price?”

She huffed, crossing her arms over her chest. “It’s three hundred.”

“That’s all?” I was honestly surprised.

A soft laugh slipped past her lips. “Yes.”

“S’quite big.. you’re only charging three hundred?” I was baffled by her words, truly shocked - it was a huge painting.

“I price my work based on the time I spent doing it and what materials I used. That didn’t take very long.. hence the price.”

“You’re insane. You should get a business partner to help you with profit margins.” I joked, smiling as she gave me a gentle smirk.

She was very beautiful, I wonder if she knew? She went back to the small table and sat down in a metal chair. She flipped open a folder and pulled out a thin stack of stapled papers. Her pretty eyes moved up to mine and she offered them to me, along with a pen.

“Just some legal things.. a guarantee of purchase and all that.” She smiled professionally at me, suggesting that I sign the papers if I wanted the painting.

Chris picked up the papers and quickly glanced over everything. My attention didn’t turn away from her. She watched him, waiting patiently for a response of some kind. I decided to speak up, since I was the one buying the piece anyways.

“Would it be alright if I offered a price to you? A bid.. if you will.”

Jennifer’s eyes shifted to me and she rolled them gently. “I told you-“

“Please.” I cut her off. “Just let me do this for you. It’s not insulting or anything. I’d love to pay for your creation.. and it’s worth far more than three hundred dollars.”

My stomach churned as I heard her sigh and watched her eyes fall to her small notebook. I couldn’t read it from my angle, but her handwriting was lovely. She tapped a pen against the edge of the paper, probably thinking about what I said. I didn’t want to just give her the money she requested - that would be stupid. Her painting was incredible, no matter how long she spent on it, and she deserved an incredible price.

“What’s your offer?” Her sudden question surprised me.

“A thousand.”

“You said double.”

“Well.. I changed my mind.” I shrugged when her eyes returned to mine.

She looked me up and down, then over at Chris who was done reading the papers. I looked his way as well, curious to know about the stack in his hand.

Without me having to verbally ask, he told me about it. “Just an agreement to pay.. and shipping costs. She’s very professional.”

Jennifer and I looked back at each other at the same time. Her cheeks slightly flushed as she dropped her eyes to her notebook.

��I’ll do double then.”

She took a deep breath. “Okay.. that’s fine.”

I smiled, quite pleased about the painting. “Perfect. Do you accept checks?”

She nodded, seeming a little nervous all of a sudden. I tried to look past that and focus on the purchase. I took my wallet out and grabbed one of the loose checks. I never carry more than a few, and they’re just in case I don’t have enough cash on me. I hardly have cash, so it’s helpful I guess.

“Just, um, sign the papers. Print and signature.”

“Yes ma’am.” I mumbled as I leaned over to write on the table.

She stood up as soon as I did and cleared her throat. “Thank you for coming to my exhibit.” Her voice was directed towards Chris.

“Don’t thank us. Your work is incredible. How long is the exhibit lasting?”

A soft laugh came from her. “Today’s the last day, actually.”

I took the opportunity of her being distracted to write a larger sum on the check. I wrote down more than what I had offered her. I decided to have it shipped to Los Angeles for now, so I filled out my address on the other paper as well as signed my name a few times to agree to different terms and conditions. She was a business woman, and I’m sure she didn’t even realize it. I jotted down my personal and business phone numbers in case something goes wrong with the bank whenever she cashes the check.

I folded the check and sat it on top of the stack of papers. “Alright, everything’s done.”

“Thank you, Mr. Styles.”

What an intriguing thing she was.. I never told her my last name, and she didn’t glance at anything I wrote..

She gave me a smile as she sat down and picked up the check, holding it between her fingers as she flipped through the packet to make sure I signed everything. I watched her as she picked up her pen and signed a few lines - her signature was beautiful and elegant.

“Thank you for your business. I will send you an email as soon as it has shipped. It will take a couple of days.” She smiled again as she looked up at me.

“Thank you.” I made sure to smile back.

Chris thanked her as well. She handed him a piece of paper. It had some information about the piece and about herself on it as well as some contact information.

“Perhaps I will look into your work some more.” I said as I noticed a stack of business cards on the table. I picked one up and saw that she had a website. “You’re an amazing artist.”

She pushed a strand of her blonde hair behind her ear, revealing a couple sets of earrings. I gulped gently and put on a smile for her.

“Have a good day.” I gave her one last glance before turning around and heading for the exit. I had no desire to see the rest of the museum - I was flushing from the interactions with her, and I needed to be back at my hotel room to cool off.

My chest tightened as I looked over my shoulder just in time to see her unfold the check. Her head shot up and her lips fell apart. I smirked at her, dropping my eye to a wink, before looking back in front of me.

Three hundred wasn’t enough, nor was a thousand. I was extremely generous, but five thousand isn’t a lot to me.. I should’ve given her more.

——

[a/n: after this long unexpected delay, the story is finally yours! i hope you enjoy it. i’m so proud of this piece of work and it means a lot to me.. so please be kind and refrain from negative comments, if you don’t like what i post then simply don’t read it. i can’t wait to see how you guys react to it. i hope i did well! thank u for your continuous patience for my crazy chaotic life curveballs i get thrown pretty much every month.. enjoy! love u!]

⭐️ taglist: @devilsqueen722 @prettygurl-2009 @ottawaoutlander

notified for all posts: @walkingintheheartbreaksatellite @victoriasigaard @ariiscringe @harlowsgirl @lomllover @haniaaa04 @sideboobrry11

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thisismeracing · 1 year

Text

King of my heart | MS47 | part. 16

Pairing: mick schumacher x hamilton!reader (she/her)

Warnings: curse words, mentions of food and alcohol, mentions of sex (no smut tho), tooth-rotting fluff, angsty, mentions of anxiety and break up, not proofread, etc, etc. Minors DNI!

word count: 5.2k

part. 15 | series masterlist | part 17 | taglist

Summary: Mick Schumacher rode a lousy wave for quite some time, so when the sky gets cleaner and the sun brighter he just knows something terrible may be in store for him. Whereas y/n was just so magnetic, and the possibilities of life with her seemed better than anything his mind could ever create, that’s why, for the first time in forever, he throws cautious carelessly through the window, hoping to get to the finish line before it catches up on him.

A/n: Finally this chapter is out!! Sorry for taking forever, I wanted to put as much info as possible on this so you guys could understand the bigger picture. Hopefully, you'll like it <3 I'll probably drop some extras during this week! Don't forget to reblog and leave a comment/ask *mwah*

Monday morning rolled around, and though Yn went to sleep alone, she woke up engulfed in Mick’s arms. He flew to Oklahoma right after the Monaco race in order to spend some time with Yn and Gina before his girlfriend had to leave for the UK, which would happen in about two days.

“Morning,” Yn mumbled, eyes still closed, lips stretched in a lazy smile. She felt a giggle erupt when Mick's lips found her shoulders and neck, kissing and biting lightly while whispering his greetings to her.

“I’ve missed you,” the German confessed.

“You saw me on Saturday,” Yn pointed, though she too had missed him.

“Yeah, but it was just that. We just saw each other in front of everyone. We didn’t get to spend much time in private,” which was true. “And now we only have two days together before you fly home,” Mick kissed her neck again, and Yn turned her body to face him. Her eyes scanned his tired appearance and messy hair. She threaded her fingers through his strands, and Mick almost purred like a cat getting the caress he waited for all day long.

“Dad actually asked me to invite you…” she threaded carefully. Though she was friends with Corinna and Gina, and Mick knew Anthony and Lewis, they had never done something so intimate as a gathering of that sort. That was a step Yn wasn’t yet sure if Mick wanted to take.

“He invited me to his birthday?” he questioned, big blue eyes now open and staring right at the Hamilton. She nodded. “Would you like to have me there too?”

Yn pursed her lips, traced Mick’s jaw with the point of her fingers, and then confided, “If it’s not too big of a step for you, I would love to have you there. My dad and my mom like you, and Lew likes you. It would be nice if you could come. It’s a small gathering. We usually just invite some of my parent’s closest friends, which are about ten people or so.”

Mick smiles and dips his head to peck Yn’s lips in a gentle kiss. “It’s just the step I wanted to take, Schatz.”

She smiles and throws herself on top of Mick, hiding her face in the crook of his neck and preventing her lips to confess something her mind had yet to accept, but her heart was as sure as the daylight shining outside the windows.

When they emerged from the room, freshly showered, Gina was in the kitchen starting breakfast. She sent a big grin their way when she noticed the way Mick had his arms around Yn.

“I’m starting on pancakes, and I could use some help,” she throws an apron towards her brother, and Yn chuckles, escaping from his grasp and sitting on the counter, busying herself with chopping fruits for the toppings.

“What do you think of pottery painting, Liebe?” Mick asked. The trio was now sitting at the outside table, breakfast ready in front of them.

Yn finished munching on a particularly sweet strawberry before smiling, “Sounds cool. I’ve never tried it though.”

“But you’re good at painting, right? You design the shoes from your collections,” Gina comments, remembering a conversation they had about work a while back. Yn had mentioned how getting the idea and putting it into paper was fun, even better than getting the shoes on sometimes, she risked.

“Yeah. Though I wouldn’t say I’m good with all kinds of paintings. It’s different to sketch shoes, to draw or paint the sky for example,” she explained cutting into the pile of pancakes Mick served her. “It sounds fun to try, are we doing it?”

“It was Mick’s idea. We have some mugs and pots almost done. We have clay too if you want to learn proper pottering,” Gina suggested, and Yn smiled.

“I’ll stay here for the rest of the month!!” she joked. “It’s been less than four days, and I already learned how to mount a horse, made strawberry jam from scratch, and now pottering?!”

Mick smiles proudly at his sister. Yn had called him to tell him how she learned a bit about horses, and he listened to her gush about how fun it was and how good of a teacher Gina was. He could tell their bond got stronger that weekend, and he was happy to watch it all unfold. His family meant the world to him, and the fact that seemed as enchanted with Yn as he was, just made it harder for him to hold back his tongue.

As it turns out, it wouldn’t take long for Mick to spill what he’s been keeping since Friday. They started on the pottery later that day, just after lunch. Yn was sitting right beside him her curls were clipped behind her head so they wouldn’t fall into the ink. She was wearing a summer dress and the boots Gina got her. She was also wearing the prettiest smile Mick has ever seen and he couldn’t help but steal pecks from her every once in a while though they were with two friends around (all of which had taken a liking to Yn too).

“Can I see the coffee mug you made me now?” Mick asked Yn for the tenth time, and Gina rolled her eyes, chuckling.

“Can I see the one you made me?” she shot back, and his shoulders slumped.

“I told you I will show you later, Schatzi.”

“I told you I will show you later, babe,” Yn repeated, and it was Mick’s turn to playfully roll his eyes. She held him by the jaw and smacked a loud kiss on his cheek, accidentally smudging some painting on his face.

Mick protested and everyone stopped to watch the interaction. Gina had a knowing smile on her face observing as her younger brother gave Yn the softest stare while she tried cleaning the green ink from his skin. He closed his eyes after a second or so when there wasn’t any smudge anymore, but Yn kept her hands on his face in a light caress before quickly pecking his lips and turning to her flower vase again.

“They’re in love,” one of Gina’s friends whispered, and the blonde nodded his head in agreement. Everyone could see it by now, and she suspected the couple could too. They were just afraid to admit it out loud. It was a matter of time, she thought. You can’t run and hide from a love like this.

It was close to dinner time when Mick insisted on seeing his mug, and Yn gave in. In fact, he kept asking for it the whole day, curious and anxious around Yn, who could only roll her eyes playfully and tell him to wait. Hand in hand, they walked to the backyard porch where the mugs and vases were sitting in an attempt to dry a bit. Yn crouches down and grabs a white mug extending it in his direction. Mick gives her a questioning look, and she just smiles, waiting for him to grab the piece, which he does, and when his eyes find the bottom of the mug Yn watches how his semblance changes. His smile changed every muscle on his face, it showed perfectly his dimples and his pearly white teeth. He was so handsome.

At the bottom of the white mug, it was written, “I like you” in black ink. Mick turned the piece, finding yet another small addition right at the corner with light blue ink inside a heart doodle was his nickname “Mouse” in her handwriting.

“I loved it! That’s so cool, Liebe. I- I really like you too,” he grinned, dipping his head to capture her lips in a quick kiss. Yn laced her hands on his shoulders and protested, deepening the caressing of their lips and tongues and only releasing him after the proper kiss.

Mick smiled again, “Now, here’s mine,” he took the mug he perfected earlier and gave it to her.

Yn noticed how he seemed a bit expectant. His hands tapped lightly at his sides while his eyes watched her every move. She gasped seeing the little doodles on the mug. There was a pair of heels, the China circuit - the weekend they kissed and made love for the first time-, there was an attempt at drawing the UK flag and then a small 44 beside a 47.

“Mick, woah-” Yn started still stunned with how much effort he put into it. “This is so cool. I’m gonna keep it forever,” she beamed.

“Look inside too. The bottom,” Mick instructed, and Yn did just what he said.

She stopped for a second, noticing the writing right on the bottom of the mug. However, while the one she made for him read, “I like you” the one Mick made for her read, “Wanna be my girlfriend?” Yn looked from the mug to him at least three times. She was looking for confirmation that it was not a joke, though she knew he would never joke about it.

“I think we silently settled for boyfriend and girlfriend, but I still wanted to make it official and ask you,” Mick explained. “So…will you be my girlfriend?” he asked, a small nervous smile in the corner of his lips.

“I officially accept it,” she giggles before crashing their bodies into a hug. Mick’s arms are quick to lace around her waist, and he kisses her shoulder until they draw apart, and he can finally taste her lips. His free hand finds her jaw angling it towards him, and she smiles between the kiss. It was such a simple gesture, but still, it took time, and Mick put effort into making it for her when they had accepted that they were together. He still choose to show her he wanted all the steps with her, and Yn felt her stomach curl and her heart soften.

Early in the morning of March 31st, Yn and Mick got to her parent's house. Lewis picked them up at the airport before going to the gym, and they took a nap for about two hours before getting up and ready to make breakfast.

“Did you bring me the cookies I saw Gina posting you baked? Lewis inquired when he got to the kitchen. He was freshly showered and crouched down to pet Roscoe who was peacefully snoring by the table.

“Good morning to you too,” Yn teased. “And you don’t even like that much sugar in the morning.”

Lewis shrugs, drops a kiss on her cheeks when he passes her, and sits at the counter, “I wanted to have some today for a change.”

“She’s joking with you. We brought some, it’s in the fridge,” Mick passed the scrambled eggs to a plate before looking at the oldest Hamilton.

“That’s why she’s my favorite sister, man.”

“Isn’t her your only sister?” the German questioned, a confused frown on his features.

The kitchen boomed with the siblings’ laughter, and Mick couldn’t help but follow.

“That’s exactly the answer I give her every time she says I’m her favorite brother.”

Yn rolled her eyes playfully and walked to the OG machine ready to start on the fresh juice, she stopped halfway to leave a peck on Mick’s shoulder, and he turned smiling at her. Mick was now gathering the ingredients which Lewis knew were a vegan pancake mix. Mick wasn’t vegan, but his sister was, and the fact that the German already knew how to make it for her stirred something inside him and made his lips curl with the ghost of a smile.

The oldest Hamilton watched everything attentively. It was still fairly new to have his teammate at his family’s house early in the morning cooking breakfast with his sister, though Lewis wasn’t really opposed to it, it felt different. But different in a good way, it could never feel weird or bad when Yn had the brightest smile on her face around him. It couldn’t feel bad or weird when his dad woke up to laughter, music, and a big breakfast table. Or when his mom seemed to be just as enchanted with Mick as everyone else in the house. It was like the painting had changed and the furniture was rearranged, it did not mean something bad, it just meant maybe you would have to readjust to a thing or two such as sharing your sister’s attention or suppressing the urge to protect her from everything even if this thing is not a bad one.

The rest of the day went smoothly well, they ordered takeout for lunch and ate it outside in the backyard patio. They talked through snacks and started getting the house ready for the birthday dinner in the evening. Dinner, which was always prepared by Lewis and Yn, was a tradition since they were fifteen, and so this time it wouldn’t be any different, the siblings would just have an assistant around. And as it turns out, Mick was a great assistant, he chopped vegetables, and even attempted to season some things. Lewis would watch how the couple interacted around each other, how they shared quick glances, a kiss on the shoulder, arm, and forehead here and there, and how Mick would drop everything he was doing to look at Yn when she talked with him. He couldn’t help but let a small smile slip again, and he didn’t stop to think much about it, not until dinner time when everyone was gathered at the big table outside, talking, and drinking, and Mick was sharing his attention between a rice plate and one of Anthony’s friend. The German was removing all the raisins.

“Don’t you like raisins?” Lewis who was sitting in front of Mick, asked when his dad’s friend turned to talk to someone else.

Mick pointed behind his shoulders where Yn had disappeared just a minute ago to grab a new wine bottle, “Yn uh- Yn doesn’t.”

“And you’re sorting for her?” The answer was obvious, but Lewis couldn’t help but ask. It was so automatic he almost felt disbelief watching the whole scene unfold.

“Yeah, it’s no big deal,” Mick shrugged and gave the oldest Hamilton a small smile.

Whenever they cooked rice Lewis would make sure to save her a portion without raisins, but he was distracted today, and he forgot to do so. He kept staring at his friend separating raisin by raisin from the rice grains, and if he ever doubted Mick’s feelings for his sister, at that moment his reluctance took off. Lewis knew how to spot small actions of love, he knew it because he saw it in his family, and he himself would do little things here and there for his sister, just like she would do for him.

Mick was in love.

And Lewis was pretty sure Yn felt just the same.

“You sorted my rice?!” Yn asked when she finally came back from inside the house and Mick gave her a small smile pushing the plate of plain rice in her direction. She beamed. “Thank you, Mouse,” she mouthed and laced her fingers with his on top of the table.

“I’m glad you found each other,” Lewis confessed out loud to the couple.

“You sound like Dad telling me to keep him,” she joked, mentioning how their dad seemed to take a liking to Mick, and openly told them that he wanted him on his next birthday and that his daughter should keep him, ‘he’s a good guy’ Carmen, their mom, even added, to which Anthony answered ‘the best’.

When Lewis was about to bite back, Anthony called the guests' attention to do one of his memorable discourses before they could finally dig into the food. He thanked his friends for being around for yet another celebration of his life, he thanked his kids, and Mick for the dinner, and he made a point of expressing how much he loved his family. It was a memorable and intimate dinner, and Yn was happy to have someone besides her brother to poke fun with. She never felt as surrounded by love as that night, and she didn’t know it at the time, but life could feel like that night almost every day, she just had to let herself experience it.

And that she did, or she tried to.

Mick stayed at her house for sim work, her apartment was closer, and there was no reason for him to stay at a hotel when he could stay with her without raising attention since it was not race week. They basked each other's presence every possible second. It felt good, so good Mick flew back to the UK after the Spain GP. They decided to try and fly under the radar for a bit. All the speculation was leaving Yn anxious and exposing them both, so while the internet went crazy with Mick and Lewis together at Future’s concert and Yn’s Spotify account leaked, they were at Yn’s condo. Both of their phones were off, and that week they learned how to make pasta from scratch it took them almost the whole day, but it was all worth it when the food was ready, and they ate it together in her living room floor, flour all over their clothes, Mick’s cheeks flushed from laughing, Yn’s belly hurting from making fun of him. That week brought them the closeness needed to identify better when the other was anxious and what worked better to help them navigate it.

Yn almost cried when Mick had to fly to Canada, and she had to stay in London because of work. He left little notes in hidden places that she would keep finding, and whenever she did she would text him. They were usually random questions that would bring a bigger subject to the table others were just Mick saying things he liked about her or little quirks he noticed and cherished.

It was only three days, but three days too long.

And when the Canadian GP came to an end Yn found Mick in Switzerland.

They spent some days with Corinna and then all alone until the Austrian GP. Those two weeks were just what they needed to recharge for a bit. They played games, swam in Mick’s cold backyard pool (Mick even posted what Yn classified as a “thirst trap”), tried making pasta again, learned how to bake Yn’s favorite cake, discovered new songs together, and even started watching a TV show, the latter would always end up with the couple naked and tangled between the bedsheets or, depending on how eager they were, in the living room floor.

When race weekend finally rolled around, Yn started self-doubting about attending it. Angie felt the shift in Yn’s posture. Her anxiety was easily detected while Mick was in the kitchen preparing lunch, so the dog took it as her job to try and calm Yn down. She lay beside Yn in bed and brought her favorite toys to her trying any available distraction. Angie licked Yn’s hands and finally settled for letting the human hold her. Minutes later, when Mick came to check the silent bedroom, he found Yn and Angie cuddled in bed, and he slipped beside them, holding his girlfriend close to his chest. She didn’t talk, and he didn’t ask, respecting her time, but holding her was enough, and she felt so relaxed to the point of falling asleep.

Their lunch plans ended up being dinner in the back area of the house, the sun bidding its goodbye as Mick and Yn quietly talked about life.

Silverstone was only two days away when it all started crumbling down. Nothing seemed different, half of the week the couple spent together in London felt like the previous, just adding a bit more anxiety from Yn, but Mick guessed it was just home race nerves. And she confirmed it.

Yn confirmed it because she needed some time before opening up about the reason why she was a bit more anxious than usual. Home races meant the chances of finding her ex-boyfriend were higher, and she had been doing a good job of running away from him since the breakup. However, as it turned out, the biggest problem wasn’t finding Mason, but it was having her past relationship with him come to light stirring even more the internet.

One time you’re famous but hidden from the Hollywood tabloids and gossip, you have your own private life can go grocery shopping, you can go to the gym, can go for a run, can have dinner in a small restaurant, and can do it all without the fear of having someone with a camera pointed to your face recording a registering your every move, judging, talking, speculating. One time all your hard work and your success is your own merit, but the second there is a new hidden surname everything becomes about it. Suddenly you’re not your own person anymore, but you’re the versions everyone else created, and none of those versions take into consideration how it feels to have so many of your cherished secret things going around. That’s how Yn felt. That’s how she felt when things started getting out of control, that’s how she felt when paparazzi started showing up outside restaurants, and when people started not only speculating but mentioning her in these comments, asking questions, demanding answers. That’s how she felt when a breakup she tried so hard to forget came to life again.

She dated Mason for a little over a year, he was her first real boyfriend, and they met through mutual friends. He was climbing his way up to professional football, and Yn was giving her sweat and blood to make her own name. They clicked. He was cute, and he was fun. They started as friends, but it wasn’t long before she was rushing home with a silly smile on her face, running to call her brother and spill everything to him. What else could that crazy feeling be if not love? Her first love!

How lucky would you have to be to find love at such a young age?

Or rather, how unlucky, some would say. Because love would bring heartbreak along at some point. It was part of the equation, sometimes it would bring small everyday heartbreaks because when you are young everything feels amplified. A hug is not just a simple hug, it’s his hug, just like an unread message is not a simple unread message, because it’s all attached to him.

And Mason wasn’t a bad guy. Just like Yn wasn’t a bad girl.

They were just too young, and too eager to love. Too eager to experience life, and to conquer it all, without the understanding that sometimes you gotta let go of one thing so you can grab the other with your two hands, or else you risk stumbling and dropping both.

Maybe that’s what happened.

Things started getting out of control, and what was supposed to be a young, healthy, and beautiful connection, ended up hurting both. A bunch of missed calls, forgotten dates, screaming matches, slamming doors, silent crying, and then, closing doors.

The last time they saw each other words were thrown recklessly. It felt weird, it took some time to move past it. One day they were together, used to seeing and rooting for the other, the next, they’re not talking anymore, and their friend group is messed up. One day they’re talking about the other at home, their parents asking, sharing, smiling, the next their names are forbidden, his team is hated, his number deleted. And although Lewis advised that it shouldn’t be like this, they needed closure, or else the ghost of the past would always hunt them, Yn could not listen, the noises of her heart shattering on the ground, breaking over and over again, were too loud.

Mason took the same path as Yn. He focused on his career and every time he caught himself thinking how would it have been if she was there cheering for him, if maybe he had been more patient, if they had met later in life if they remained friends instead of getting romantically involved so soon, if, if, if, and if. And as it turns out putting yourself in the world of “what if?” where infinite possibilities are always there, and you can never be sure of an outcome, is cruel. And nobody can be more cruel to you than yourself.

When Mick walked into Yn’s apartment that evening she knew that he knew about Mason. And she knew that she was about to be cruel to herself.

He spent the whole day out training, he would be at the factory for sim work the next day, probably the whole day, even part of the night, but it was impossible not to know. Half of the world probably already did. Just as their eyes found the other Yn felt a new wave of sadness hit her body, she was sitting on the bedroom floor, back propped against the bed, head hanging between her knees.

“Hey,” and his soft tone did nothing but cause another ripple in her chest.

Yn shook her head, lips quivering. This was a different cry, nothing like the tears Mick had experienced with her before. “I just wanted an easy ride into a relationship. Instead, it’s like we crashed against each other, and now we have the whole world’s attention on us,” she sniffled a confession.

“Hey,” he called again. “We did not crash, we’re here, I’m here, Schatzi,” Mick tried but Yn kept her eyes down, lips pulled between her teeth as if to feel something, anything but the pain on her chest. “Look at me, Yn,” the German tried, his tone worried.

“How do you even want me to look at you after I caused all this damage? My life is exposed, your name is exposed, everything is chaotic in a way I’ve never experienced before,” she cried. “Aren’t you angry I’ve never mentioned Mason? Why are you here, Mick? You should hate me… at this point, so many people probably do,” her last sentence was a weak whisper as if her voice was losing force or she was telling herself a truth too hard to swallow, so she need to taste it before trying to shove it down her throat.

Mick’s blue eyes are following her every move, he doesn’t know how to explain the mix of feelings inside him, but he does know it’s not hate, it’s far from it. He’s hurt, yes, but he’s also aware that maybe Yn just needed some time to come around and tell him, and Mason was her past, wasn’t he? He was the one with her now, he was the one watching her crumble and trying to pick the pieces and put them back together.

“Why would I hate you, Liebling?” the pet name seemed to hit her somewhere where it hurt because her tears came down like waterfalls. His soft voice, his persistence, his presence, his existence, she felt undeserving of everything. “You did not tell me your ex-boyfriend happened to be a soccer player, so what? Maybe you needed time, maybe you would come around eventually, maybe it’s not my place to know every little thing so early in our relationship. You deserve your privacy and your own secrets, though I would like to be part of it, to know it. I wish you had told me, I am a bit hurt, I still don’t know, everything just happened, maybe I need time to process it and then decide how exactly I am feeling, but I don’t hate you.” He took a step towards her and Yn flinched, Mick stopped. “I could never hate you,” he whispers, and she gets up. She’s wearing one of his shirts, and Mick tries to tell himself that maybe that’s a sign, a message that without even noticing she’s reaching for him.

“I don’t want to keep you stuck, I don’t want to put you in the spot,” she starts, voice trembling, and Mick suddenly feels the room turn cold, his hands sweating, his heart clenching and fastening. “You gotta focus on getting your seat and I don't wanna come between that. I think I’ve been distracting you. We both need privacy too, we got too exposed,” it’s like these were ruminating thoughts in her head, things that had been hunting her before, and she’s voicing them, giving them enough strength to break her and him in the process.

Mick's eyes widen, and he shakes his head vigorously, “I don’t care! Yn, babe, look at me!” he pleaded, “You’re not exposing me, and if you were, I don’t care about any of this media bullshit as long as I have you,” he confesses, there’s a tone of desperation on his voice. “And you’re not distracting me from my goals, far from it, I’ve never been so satisfied in a team, and with myself. I don’t care-”

“But I care about you, Mick!” She interrupts, her eyes finally finding him again, and Mick can almost hear both of their hearts hitting the floor. He can almost guess what’s coming next because sometimes that’s how it works: you try to protect someone, and you end up hurting them in the process. “That's the reason I’m breaking up with you,” she pushed, and he almost felt the invisible strength hit his body because he took two steps back until finally found his balance back. “because I love you,” and then she delivered the final blow.

He laughed without humor, his own tears finally painting his cheeks, trailing the path to his jawline. Mick shook his head, “You don’t get to say you love me when you’re breaking up with me. That’s just cruel.”

Oh, if only he knew.

“I’m sorry,” Yn wept.

Mick tried walking to her, but Yn extended her hand in front of her body. She was well aware that if he held her, if he kissed her if he even so just brushed his fingers against her tears, he would probably change her mind. He would make her believe it wasn’t her fault, and he would go through hell for her, but she didn’t want him to. Yn did not want to see him face the cruel side of the world just to have love, the love that should be his painless, free, without any difficulties along the way.

“Liebe,” he emphasized, his tears flowing and still doting his pretty face. “We gonna figure it out together, I won't let you go, you can have your time off. I don’t care how long, but I am not giving up.” His tone was set, his stance strong, though he was crying, and she could see part of him crumbling down at her feet.

This time, when Mick walks to her, she can’t do anything but stay, feet planted on the ground, body aching for his touch. He holds her face between his big hands gently tipping it up. His ocean eyes look even more shiny and deep with tears. “We're just giving it time ok?” when her tears start again like an avalanche, Mick kisses each small drop before they fall down. She could almost taste his salty tears too, her lips brushing against his wet face with the proximity.

Mick bumped her nose with his and caressed her cheeks just as he thought the battle was controlled, Yn jumped away from him and rushed outside the room. When the front door slammed shut, Mick could almost feel the whole house coming down on him.

― ⋆🪩 VOICEMAIL: I know I left you guys hanging again, but I promise to try to be faster this time around! Don't forget to give me the fuel to be able to do it (aka reblogs and comments hehe) *mwah*

taglist: @sachaa-ff @ferrariloverr @kenanlotus0 @mellowpizzapuppy @mickslover @dalsuwaha @formulakay3 @mishaandthebrits @iloveyou3000morgan @crimeshowjunkie @carojasmin2204 @fdl305 @chaoticevilbakugo @wondergirl101ks @smiithys @saintslewis @shhhchriss @f1kota @lunnnix @leclercsluv @babyiscrying @balekane_mohafe (let me know if your tag was supposed to be only for my other works and you don’t wanna be tagged on the series! <;3)

#millie writes #ms47 #mick schumacher #mick schumacher x reader #mick schumacher imagine #mick schumacher social media au #mick schumacher x black!reader #f1 angst #social media au f1 #f1 x reader #f1 imagine #f1 instagram au #f1 fanfic #f1 #f1 fandom #komh

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yuurei20 · 2 years

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Cater Info Compilation part 1: Secret Inner Life

We are given several hints that there is more depth to Cater than he wants people to know about. His lab wear vignette is particularly interesting: tasked with infusing mandrakes with magic, Vil, Lilia and Cater agree to “make mandrakes that are totally on-brand” for themselves.

Cater’s first attempt is “an ultra-pink mandrake with big, round eyes”. Vil expresses surprise, saying “I never knew your tastes trended so feminine, Cater”, but Cater insists that they don’t: it is the influence of his two older sisters.

“In the Diamond household, everything’s judged by one simple question: ‘But is it cute?’. Day in and day out, no matter what I did, if it wasn’t cute, it didn’t cut the mustard! Drawings, handicrafts, store-bought sweets, you name it! So I guess I’ve got ‘make it cute’ burned into my brain as a first instinct.”

(This is why the word “cute” comes up so often in Cater’s original dialogue, which NA sometimes removes or rewrites, despite being a significant character trait.)

This also possible connects to Firelit Sky where Jamil notices that Cater isn’t buying any souvenirs for himself. Based on Cater’s name brand phone case and bag, he recommends a shop more for locals than tourists, and a salmon pink scarf.

When Cater explains “It’s not really a color I usually go for…” (due to how cuteness has been imposed onto him his entire life), Jamil explains that he “thought a softer color suited (Cater’s) personality”, as he is “so friendly and easy to get along with."

Jamil says, "You give off a gentle vibe….I’ve been grateful for your and Trey’s steadying presence today.” Cater is surprised, saying “That’s really how I come off?…I didn’t know you saw me that way”, but ultimately does buy the scarf.)

Cater’s next mandrake has “a deep crimson coloration with a card pattern” that “almost looks like it’s holding a guitar”, but his third mandrake is described as “hugging its knees and huddling in place”. Lilia comments, “Perhaps Cater’s sunny disposition belies a morose side that the rest of us never see”, but Cater insists that they he is “reading too much into this”. Cater successfully presents three mandrakes, “a skipping one, a flashy, bright-red one…and one rolling on the table laughing”.

When Vil says that he saw Cater make more than the three required for the assignment, Cater insists that they are the only ones he has. When Crewel calls Cater out for socializing in class Vil and Lilia claim he “should take class more seriously”, despite being equally guilty (“The key to being a good performer is knowing when to leave the stage”).

Cater defends himself by presenting three more mandrakes that he had been trying to hide, saying, “It just doesn’t say Cay-Cay if it’s not happy enough to life people’s spirits”.

Cater says he is “a party boy at heart”, but also, “Just between you and me, keeping a smile plastered on my face for hours on end at a party is a exhausting. Ah, just kidding there, really!” and “You wanna know more about me, huh? I can’t go giving away ALL my secrets.”

In a voice line Silver says “Cater’s very cheery and upbeat…which is why the sinister expression he wore in costume sent a chill down my spine”. Trey says, “Cater won’t stop asking me if there’s a trick to growing taller. I keep telling him I have no idea, but he never gives up", insinuating that his height might be a sensitive topic for Cater.

He has a voice line that says, “Sometimes I’ve got no clue what’s going through your head. Whaddya mean, “pot, meet kettle”? I’m plenty easy to understand!”

#twstcater #caterfacts #twstfacts #twisted wonderland #Cater Diamond

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tamamatango · 4 months

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“Holy shit they actually froggin did it”: A Keroro Gunso anime revival preliminary info and speculation post (late as hell edition)

Okay first of all,

AWAKEN

That’s right, vanished-into-the-void bastard Kirb here, I am an alive person still, though I’m certain a lot of stuff on this blog is horrifically outdated. Don’t get too used to my presence, I’m a whole ass adult with a 9-to-5 now and don’t really have the energy to put into consistently maintaining this account, at least not to the degree that I used to (took me well over a whole ass MONTH just to write this post). However, I’ve returned for a special occasion, as basically anyone still in this fandom is already aware considering it’s been forever now:

We are so fucking back

youtube

It took thirteen years and counting, but here we are, a brand new Keroro anime project is in the works—no “the short anime of all time” Flash series here, this is the real deal, straight out of 2004–2011, and goddamn is it beautiful. I might’ve been off the mark when I called it for the 15th anniversary, but it’s now the 20th, five years later, and the madmen did what was once thought impossible by many.

So let’s break down what the hell is actually going on here, because when this got revealed last month, Keroro fans on all sides of the globe basically started collectively running around like headless chickens. I’m gonna divide this aggregation post into the following sections:

Where did this even come from

Clearing up misconceptions

Okay so like what is “““Project”””

Collection of statements from official accounts, staff and cast, etc.

The Localization Question (TM)

Miscellaneous thoughts that don’t really fit anywhere else

I was originally going to make this a living document of sorts but some small stuff has already happened since I started drafting this the day after the reveal happened, so this should be it for the time being. It’s a hefty enough post as is. I am just a master procrastinator :V

That takes care of all the goofy intro nonsense, now for the parts you actually want to read, starting underneath the cut!

Section 1: The Signs Were There

As previously stated, 2024 is the 20th anniversary of the Keroro anime, along with the 25th anniversary of the manga’s serialization but apprently even they don’t care about that since they’ve made no fanfare around it whatsoever, unlike the joint 15th & 20th anniversary back in 2019. Maybe they will as we get closer to the manga anniversary in November, but for now-obvious reasons the anime has been overshadowing the manga side by a lot.

If you’ve been monitoring the Keroro PR account on Twitter (you bet your ass I’m still calling it that) you’ll have noticed an increasing output of Stuff over the last year or two, even compared to the prior anniversary. These include but are not limited to:

In 2021, the series opened an official YouTube Channel, where they’ve been doing reruns of the anime (region locked to Japan), PR podcasts, etc. It’s also where the revival announcement premiered on April 1 at midnight JST.

In 2023, the series opened an official Fan Club with a paid membership. Originally it was a temporary project meant to last for only the two anniversary years (2023 for the pilot oneshot’s anniversary, and 2024 for the anime/manga), but was ultimately extended indefinitely due to “good reception” (my guess is it was always planned to be more than two years but they didn’t want to make it too easy to guess as early as last year that the anime was returning lol). They have a merch store, giveaways, and some kind of social component. I don’t know much about it otherwise because it’s a paid membership that I don’t have access to.

The series has had an overall increase in merchandise and collabs since 2022 or so. This has pretty much always been the case, but there was a bit of a lull between the Flash series ending and the ramp-up period to this (I’d start at 2021 when the YouTube channel opened). Save for the 15th/20th stuff in 2019, for which the major project was Keroro UC, a spinoff manga/plamo line that just…never released all the models and has never been brought up again. Guess it didn’t do very well :V

A number of international releases/rereleases happened as well, but I’ll get into that a little bit more in its dedicated section. For now let’s just say that the anime being finally licensed and put up on streaming in North America may indicate the new series will be English translated in some capacity. It’s also made a resurgence in Korea, its biggest market outside Japan, where it’s had new exhibitions and collab cafes, a redub (that only got through 2 seasons I think), and even a new mobile game.

And finally, a week or so before the announcement, a new Twitter account was created specifically for the anime side of the brand. I think this was really the big tip-off, as Keroro PR has been the hub for all things related to the franchise for the last nearly 15 years, even when the original anime itself was still running during Twitter’s infancy. Keroro PR has posted everything for every other anime anniversary. The fact that now all of a sudden they had to sector off the anime stuff into its own account made it clear something bigger was going on. (Accordingly, the Keroro Anime account has labeled Keroro PR the “original work” account, AKA the manga side of things.)

Essentially I think they’ve been planning this to some degree since as long ago as 2021, the first time the president of Bandai Namco Pictures (animation studio comprised of Sunrise staff that took over the Keroro IP in 2015 and are now producing the new anime) openly acknowledged the possibility. I’ll just link my own tweet with the translation of his statement here. This was right around the opening of the YouTube channel, so I don’t think it’s a coincidence.

tl;dr Momentum for the anime component of the franchise has been building for the past couple of years pointing toward a new anime around the 20th anniversary, so I wouldn’t say this comes off as a huge surprise, though I was expecting something smaller scale than what we might be getting (more on that in the “what is this” section).

Section 2: No It’s Not April Fools, Guys, Plus Other Clarifications

With the announcement spreading across the internet, I’ve seen a few points of confusion going around that I’d like to clear up before I go any further.

As I’ve made clear in the section title, yes the new anime was revealed on April 1, no this is not a prank. A lot of Japanese companies do post April Fools pranks, but keep in mind April also marks the start of the new fiscal year in Japan, so many legitimate announcements are made as well. Plus, the original anime’s exact anniversary was on April 3, just a couple of days after the announcement.

I’ve seen a lot of people call this a new series, season, etc., but officially, the only term used to describe this so far is “new anime project”. That could mean literally anything, from TV series to movie to ONA and so on. I am leaning closer to a certain interpretation, which is what the entire next section is for, but for the time being, calling it anything other than “new anime” is technically not concrete info.

There seems to be a little bit of confusion on what studio is working on this, but in short: it's Bandai Namco Pictures (BN Pictures or BNP for short). As previously mentioned, this is the studio that inherited the Keroro IP when it spun off from Sunrise in 2015. Sunrise, the anime's original studio, is now a brand name for the larger anime management company Bandai Namco Filmworks. Although they've held the IP for almost a decade, this is the first time they've really gotten to do anything with it besides merchandise licensing and some anti-piracy commercial from a few years ago that they’ve ironically scrubbed from the internet now. If you've seen the name Studio BIND (Mushoku Tensei, Onimai) floating around, they're assisting with the production but are not the primary animation studio. Of course this is all assuming this setup continues on to the final project and not just for the PV, but I see no reason to assume otherwise at the moment. It would be rather unusual for BNP to outsource anything if it was solely for a 30 second trailer.

I think that does it for the main points of contention I wanted to address for now, so moving on to the thing we all really want to know…

Section 3: Okay But What Is It Actually???

Well, as I said in the previous section—we don't know, lol. At least not officially. But if we put our thinking caps on, we can make a few deductions:

The anime project will be broadcast on TV. In other words, it won't be an ONA (original net animation). This is determined based on the fact that TV Tokyo, the network the original anime aired on, is on the production committee. For those who don't know, a production committee for an anime is the collection of parties/companies who contribute to the production and funding of the anime. For comparison, the Keroro Flash Series, which aired only on the TV channel Animax to accompany a dedicated timeslot for the original anime reruns, did not have TV Tokyo in its committee. So, it will likely air on TV Tokyo once again.

It's (probably) not a movie. This is going to be more evidenced by point 3 than anything, but BNP has been pretty clear about when something is a movie specifically in the past, such as when Kaiketsu Zorori had various feature films in the 2010s before getting an actual TV anime revival in 2020. Still, we can't be 100% sure until someone directly says otherwise.

It's going to be more than a one-off. I will post the statement in full in the next section, but the Keroro PR account uses specific wording (“resumption,” “new start,” etc.) that sounds very much like they’re making a longer term commitment, so this is straight from the horse’s mouth, essentially.

The series will be a continuation of the 2004-2011 series rather than a reboot. This one’s probably my flimsiest prediction as the PR statements sort of obfuscate whether it’s one or the other, but the character bios section on the new anime portal site gives away a big hint: the Garuru Platoon, Pururu included, is there. This means that we can reason that, at minimum, all or part of Season 3 has already occurred. The character bios themselves also summarize things that weren’t revealed until a little while into the show, such as how Momoka and Tamama met. That all said, the Garuru Platoon members do not have bios, so I suppose they want to keep what’s being done with them a bit of a secret; perhaps they intend to reintroduce them with some kind of dramatic arc again. Either way, if the series does retread/retell some old material, it probably won’t be the bulk of the story. This makes sense to me, as it’s not like the show has been so hard to find in the last decade that a reboot is necessary to get a modern audience on board—it reruns constantly on kids’ TV channels like the Japanese version of Cartoon Network, is available in full on multiple streaming platforms (movies included), and is now on its second rebroadcast of the whole series episode by episode on the YouTube Channel. Unless you’re a literal toddler, if you’re interested in the series, you’ve probably watched at least some of it already.

In conclusion, based on the above (admittedly sparse) evidence, I am inclined to believe the new anime project is a TV series that will air on TV Tokyo as the 2004 anime did and will be a continuation rather than a reboot; however, there is no way to determine episode length, episode count, etc. at this time. It could be a cour (for those who don't know anime, "cour" is your average 12-episode season), it could be consecutive cours, it could be split cour (in other words, goes on break for a season before returning), it could even be a year-round anime if they really wanna go all the way with it. Granted, I hesitate to believe that they would do the latter simply due to the nature of anime production these days, and as far as I know, BNP has not done a single year-round airing since its founding. Even the aforementioned Kaiketsu Zorori revival was a two cour (24-25 eps) series each year from 2020-2022. My guess is we're looking at something similar here, but Keroro is a pretty big deal, so could they make an exception? Maybe, but this setup would already lead to more episodes than the vast majority of anime these days, so it would still be plenty enough to be happy with.

Considering all this and the list of numerous hints that we were potentially getting a new anime as far back as three years ago as bulleted in Section 1, you might question what made me doubt that it could be a series in the first place. Well, besides just the series being so old and it being so long since the anime ended that it felt a little like wishful thinking, at least three members of the cast said that a new series was not something they were specifically looking to do...I think, anyway. Let me explain.

Last year, on December 9, a Keroro birthday event with Kumiko Watanabe (Keroro), Etsuko Kozakura (Tamama), and Takeshi Kusao (Dororo) was hosted in person and livestreamed on TwitCast for fans that paid for a ticket. There were two timeslots for the in person event, and only the evening show was streamed, with the afternoon one being in person only. Now that I have adult money, and being the impulse driven gremlin that I am, I paid for the virtual ticket. Most of it was just cute little segments like the three cast members doing live commentary on some of the birthday episodes, discussing the results of a “favorite lines from their characters” poll hosted on Twitter a few weeks before the event, and a brief visit from Jashin-chan of Jashin-chan Dropkick/Dropkick on My Devil, a series that Keroro recently collabed with for a series of merchandise. Unfortunately the event wasn't archived publicly and they specifically asked to not upload materials to social media, and I'd like to respect that request mostly out of consideration for the cast, so you will just have to take my word for it :P (besides those who were watching me talk about it in real time on discord).

The reason I'm going on this tangent is because, at the end of the stream, a special prerecorded video featuring the three cast members was shown exclusively for virtual attendees. In it they essentially explained that they still greatly enjoy the characters/series and would love to partake in more events and projects, but "not necessarily a new series." I promise you I listened to this clip over and over the entire time it was available and that's what I heard. Now look, the room they recorded this in was echo-y, and my Japanese is pretty decent (enough for my N2 anyways, yeah I did that while I was away from here clap clap) but listening comprehension is my weaker area, so maybe I just take a massive L here. When I started writing this post there was a sentence here guessing about whether they were just being cheeky or didn’t know yet, but an interview came out last month that gave what’s all but a conclusive answer to that. More on it in the next section but tl;dr, they likely did not know it was happening at all. Well, at least they got to be as surprised as we were :V

Anyways now that the thing has been revealed none of the last two paragraphs even matter, so I just prattled on for no reason besides to admit my own shame. Next bit.

Section 4: SAUCE PLOX??? (Current testimonies from relevant people/entities)

Naturally, when the trailer dropped, we got a pretty decent handful of comments from whatever staff and cast are on social media. Most of these are just people going “yay we’re back hooray!” (paraphrased) but the Keroro PR account statements are actually kinda sorta hints? So I’ll start out with those. There’s two tweets that I want to highlight here:

First is from April 1 (JST), the day of the reveal. In this tweet the account wishes everyone well for the new school/fiscal year, but the important part is the last sentence, This can be translated any number of ways (thanks to yoroshiku onegaishimasu and its 50 potential meanings, every Japanese translator’s worst nightmare), but essentially it’s something along the lines of “we hope you’ll support the restart/resumption of the Keroro anime for a long time to come.”

The keywords here are obvious: 再始動 (saishidou) meaning either restart or resumption. I know you’re probably thinking those are two very different things, but the nuance here is that it’s more of a restart in production than restart of the continuity. For the latter, I think it’s more common to see リメイク, which is just the English word “remake” in katakana. Worth noting that the Flash anime used none of these words in its marketing, but it did use language such as “brand new invasion plan,” “rebirth of Keroro,” and so on…in addition to, you know, having a completely different artstyle and a title change to just “Keroro”, which this clearly does not (the artstyle is relatively faithful to the old one and the project is under the original Keroro Gunso name).

The other big word is 末永く(suenagaku), which…also doesn’t have one exact translation, but implies somewhere between years or even an indefinite period of time. I didn’t want to say a specific unit of time in my translation of the statement because well, we can’t really be sure of anything here, but either way, they’re signaling that they’re most likely in it for the long haul.

Then there’s the tweet from the PR account commemorating the actual anniversary of the original anime (April 3). This one uses 新しいスタート, “new start”—no real multiple definition shenanigans here, this is about as literal and straightforward as you can get. In terms of the reboot or not question, this could lean either way, but it definitely adds to theory that it is a series of some sort.

Okay, that’s all for the individual tweets I’m gonna totally overanalyze, otherwise I’d be stuck here for even longer than I already have been. Here’s a quick list of involved staff who tweeted about the reveal:

Unsurprisingly, Kumiko Watanabe (Keroro) posted that day, reiterating that it is real and saying “believe usssss!” (As a reminder, half the internet was convinced it was April Fools for like a whole week)

Adding to the cast comments, Etsuko Kozakura (Tamama) says, “Whoo-hoo! Can’t wait for more news! Keroro Gunso is still the greatest!!”

Jouji Nakata (Giroro) didn’t make a specific comment about the trailer, but has been retweeting the other official accounts and such and replying about it, so he has acknowledged it otherwise. As a substitute, here’s a picture of him visiting the Keroro Exhbition in Ikebukuro a day early.

Here’s an interesting one—Haruna Ikezawa (Momoka) said about the trailer, “Really?! Is this real?!?!?!” While no cast members outside of the Keroro Platoon were officially revealed to be reprising their roles, I’m assuming they’re going to try their best to reassemble as much of the cast as of season 7 as possible—besides Keiji Fujiwara (Paul/Narrator), who sadly passed away in 2020—so I kind of figured Ikezawa would know about this, but maybe not…? Well, considering that the main five were completely blindsided by this to the point where they weren’t even sure this was a real thing until they were in the middle of recording it (as I said previously, more on that later), I suppose the other cast members were just. Not told. I don’t really doubt Ikezawa would return (she even stated it could happen someday all the way back when the then-final season ended in 2011 and did come back for Flash)…but unless they were like really worried about leaks why even keep them in the dark to learn with the rest of the public, idk man :V (so much for not overanalyzing tweets huh)

On to production staff now, here’s the tweet from Satoshi Koike, animation director of the latter third of the original and also the reveal trailer, indicating that he’s most likely back for the new project. It’s just a simple “Welcome back! (de arimasu)” but the images he used were drawn back in 2019 to commemorate the start of the Reiwa era, spoofing the original lyrics of the first opening. The reveal trailer tweet itself from the Keroro Anime account does this too (“Starting today, the Reiwa era shall be known as the Keroro era!”).

New to the staff is Jouji Furuta (yes we have two Joujis now har har), who did the storyboards and direction for the trailer. He’s relatively new to the scene as a whole, with his most well known project being Shaman King Flowers. Although he never worked on the series before, he did a pretty good job emulating the original, and based on the last line of the tweet, it seems like he will be staying on for the full project as well.

And now for a kind of weird section where I talk about the few related accounts that the Keroro anime twitter is following but haven’t made any kind of verbal acknowledgement yet.

First and foremost is Mine Yoshizaki—you know, the guy who created the fucking series, whose name is on the copyright string and whose explicit permission they had to get to do another anime in the first place? Yeah so it’s been over a month since the reveal now and there has been zero acknowledgement from him. I do know his personal social media account has been inactive for quite a few years now (I feel like the anime account is only even following it for symbolic reasons), but he had multiple other opportunities to say something at this point. He did contribute some signed artwork to the anime-focused exhibition that just ended but nowhere in it does he directly mention the new adaptation, and so far he hasn’t commented on it in Shonen Ace (maybe in the next volume, assuming that’s soonish). I have my theories about his relationship to the anime, especially now that the Kemono Friends fiasco has occurred, but that’s all a story for another day or never. I’m sure he’ll contribute something later, but even so it’s just really bizarre to have nothing to say about your biggest creation’s first new adaptation in over a decade. Oh well.

Character designer Fumitoshi Oizaki, who has been around since the beginning if I remember correctly, has been retweeting things, but no official comment just yet. (He discretely left a message at the expo apparently, but didn’t post it online, so no idea if it mentions the new anime.) He isn’t credited on the trailer, but considering he’s still been pretty involved with the franchise’s promotion over the last few years, I would be very surprised if he wasn’t returning.

Last but certainly not least is Junichi Sato, the chief director for the original anime for the first two seasons, arguably its most well-known and critically praised era. He’s also a very notable director in his own right, having headed other famous series like early Sailor Moon and Ojamajo Doremi. Sato didn’t direct the original anime for the majority of its runtime (though he did direct the first four movies), but he still directs and storyboards on projects to this day, including for other franchises’ major anniversaries (namely Doremi and Precure). Though not certain, I think it’s very possible that he returns for this in some capacity, if not as director than perhaps for storyboarding or general advising.

To close out the testimony section, I’m going to share here the translation I did of the aforementioned interview with Kumiko Watanabe in last month’s issue of Newtype (anime-centric magazine published by Kadokawa). I won’t re-summarize it here since it’s not particularly long, but the main takeaways from this in terms of hints as to what we can expect are that a) the cast was surprised by this and potentially didn’t even know back in December when they last discussed the possibility of working on Keroro again, and b) as I previously speculated, this is going to be a long term enough project that at least Watanabe feels the need to physically prepare for it lol. And thankfully, it seems they’re all excited to go back to the series. I spent a long time thinking they might not be up to it again since it’s been so long and they’re much later in their lives/careers (Nakata just turned 70 oh man) but I’m glad I was wrong! Though I don’t expect this to be another 300 episode commitment anyway; in spite of the PR comments I don’t think we’re going for that long with the nature of anime production these days lmao.

And now for a topic which I think many of you are concerned about…

Section 5: “But what if my 日本語 is not 上手???” (The Localization Question)

If you did not get the joke in the above headline without looking it up, it’s probably safe to assume that if you want to watch this Thing, you will need it in a language other than Japanese (and even if you did get the joke you will know if you are truly 日本語上手 when people stop saying 日本語上手 to you). I’m going to focus on English for this post since that’s the primary language of the audience here, though I would be very shocked if there isn’t at minimum a Korean translation—dub more likely than sub imo, since the most famous version of the show there had different names for the characters and was changed to be set in Korea, and the series is HUGE there to the point where it almost rivals the Japanese market.

So, English. Well, if it were a few years ago (say, if this came during the 15th anniversary like I was originally coping over), I would be markedly less optimistic about getting any official translation at all. At that time, the dub was explicitly dead and the only English sub had been delisted for a few years, and even that was only available in a select few countries in Continental Europe on a pretty obscure streaming service called Viewster for like a year or two before getting pulled. It’s no surprise that this particular sub eventually became more well known as the subs on the torrents compiled by ColdFusion (whoever that was, I’m still not sure myself). That was until…

…the magical year of 2021, when our heroes at Discotek licensed the ENTIRE SERIES (minus the movies) for an official English release using Viewster’s existing translations! That’s right, we got all of it. And not only that, the whole series was also added to Crunchyroll, though only the sub; Discotek had the Funimation dub but it seems it did not get ported to Crunchyroll when the merger happened this year. It does seem that Crunchy has still not made the series available outside of the US and Canada, which is a shame, but man is it still surreal to have the entire series legally available both digitally and physically after nearly two decades of scattered fansubs and hardly accessible official releases. Surely this was a huge win for Discotek, right?

Weeeeeell…no. Of course they weren’t able to say it out loud, but it’s been extremely heavily implied that unfortunately the BluRay/DVD releases flopped for them, and they did say they definitely won’t be getting the movies or the Flash series. They also stopped releasing the discs on a one season a year basis and started bundling them together, with seasons 5–7 coming out all at once later this year, so they’re clearly trying to just get it off their plates. To be honest, this was pretty predictable because…it’s been on Crunchyroll since before the discs even came out. Look, physical media is super cool and all, but who in this economy is going to pay $40-60 per box for a handful of seasons at most when they can get the whole damn thing on their phone for like $8 a month. Crunchyroll isn’t necessarily a disc killer; their release of Digimon Adventure, for example, still seemingly did well despite that series being available on Crunchyroll two years prior, but in addition to Digimon being more popular in the west, it’s one $60 purchase for the whole series versus having to spend like over $200 for 358 episodes. I applaud them for rolling the dice and trying to get this behemoth of a release out there, but I’m not surprised about the lack of financial returns.

However, since Crunchyroll now has set a precedent of having the original series available on their platform, we just might get the new series available on there as well—if not as a simulsub, then at least dropped in batches later on. I’m not 100% confident in this, particularly because technically Discotek still holds the license, but my guess based on the way they’ve talked about the series is that they’re pretty open to someone else taking it off their hands when they’re done releasing the original series (and the translations weren’t originally theirs to begin with anyways, they purchased them and did some touch-ups to the existing translation with added typesetting). As far as simulsubs go, the kids’ shows that get simulsubbed tend to be from Toei, with whom Crunchyroll has a known partnership. But if it is split into cours rather than being a year-round anime, I think the chances of a simulsub go up. Whatever the case may be, it’s for sure in a better position to get an official subtitled release than it ever was before. I’m certainly praying this happens because I believe most of the people capable of fansubbing (with good translation anyway) have gradually moved away from the fandom over the last decade for various reasons—myself included, though mostly I just quit fansubbing/scanlation in general for Personal Reasons(TM). Fingers crossed, everyone.

So subs remain as a not-guaranteed-but- definitely-not-low possibility. But what about a dub? If you recall, Keroro has had a very rocky history in 3D with English dubs, with the American dub being in licensing hell for years before finally falling into Funimation’s lap and subsequently failing to take off despite remaining a beloved cult classic to Some Fans (I am not as high on it, but longtime Kirb followers probably know that by now), and the only other English dub is relegated to the network Animax in Hong Kong + Southeast Asia with no official home release, leaving all of it besides parts of seasons 3 and 4 as lost media (and the voice acting sucked ass but at least the script was accurate). But we’re not in the mid 2000s to early 2010s anymore; this is the screamin’ ’20s, baby! So much anime is getting dubbed now, sometimes at almost the same time as the Japanese release! There must be a chance, right?!

Eeeehhhhhh I wouldn’t bet on it. Even the Toei kids’ shows Crunchyroll started simulsubbing usually don’t get dubs (Digimon is an exception, and the reboot’s dub took YEARS to come out). Anime dubs, as far as I’m aware, are not cheap to produce (though it’d be great if more of what the companies are pocketing went to the actors’ wages >_>), and if the show does have the potential to become somewhat of a long runner, I think they’ll need to see more interest around the IP to fund one, and both Funimation and now Discotek’s releases have proved that the audience for it isn’t always there. I also speculate they’d be doing a lot of recasting; the casting process is not as smooth and (I believe) more expensive than it is in Japan, and a lot of the original cast are not working as often in the field anymore and/or have been involved with some pretty serious controversies—I’m sure those in the know are thinking of a specific drawn-out conflict but I’m pretty sure it’s more than just About Him at this point. So let’s just say that while some of the cast still remembers the show fondly, I think trying to get them all in the same project again would potentially open some cans of worms better off left closed. It’s not 100% impossible it gets dubbed, you never know what the industry can manage to make work these days, but I’d wager it’s like 90% not happening. Just a hunch. If anyone more knowledgable than me on anime localization (this goes for both the dub and sub stuff) would like to argue me with better explanations than I have I’d very much be glad to hear it.

Section 6: The Stuff That Doesn’t Fit Elsewhere + Final Thoughts

There’s not going to be any real organization to this section. Here’s just some bullets of miscellaneous stream of consciousness thoughts related to whatever:

The character bios page on the site linked in section 3 has some WEIRD romanization choices. I don’t expect these to reflect on any official localization because chances are they’ll go with what Viewster used, which is largely what the fandom is used to besides the Kululu/Kururu split. It is indeed Kululu here and Kululu has been the de facto official spelling for a very very long time now but I still have a personal preference for Kururu because “Kululu” loses the onomatopoeia joke and I’m a rebel. But like. “Tololo”? Since when has Tororo ever been called that in any media? And worst of all, “Pole”? POLE?? That’s literally never been a thing what glossary did they pull these from.

Also worth noting, Alisa and the Narrator had merchandise sold at the Keroro expo (will talk about that next btw) despite not being on the characters page. This isn’t a confirmation of anything but I would be very surprised if Alisa doesn’t return at some point since she was pretty prominent later in the show and Yoshizaki seems to have a particular fondness for her, and the Narrator will obviously be there with a recast, though jury’s out on if his little ’sona guy will show up too. It won’t be the same without Fujiwara :(

I do want to touch upon the “Keroro expo”, officially known as the “Keroro Gunso Super Gerogero Museum” (expo is a fine shorthand because the Japanese word can mean exhibition also), since I’ve mentioned it a couple times throughout this write-up. This was an event that was held in Ikebukuro just recently from April 27–May 12 that was basically a walkthrough experience recreating settings from the anime, having artwork and stuff sprinkled in between (all reused, no new concept art or anything sadly). The main gimmick was that the venue had an exclusive app that let you take AR pictures with models of the Keroro Platoon. It also had an AI chatbot feature where you could talk to each member of the platoon, and not too many posted pictures of this feature but apparently the chatbots were uhhhhhh weird. I have no idea how much of it is generative from other LLMs, and I’m assuming they programmed it at least partially with their own original input/databases (which is the only way to make generative AI even close to ethical), but from the few screenshots I’ve seen their speech was just a little bit awkward and some of the stuff they said was really bizarre. At one point users started to turn it into an otome game and successfully romanced the frogs, which I’m assuming is a little bit out of the bounds of what they were expecting from this experiment. If they do release that app publicly at some point—they labeled the version at the expo to be a “test version,” so maybe—I sincerely hope they at least fine tune it because Good Lord. Finally and maybe most importantly, there were new voice lines recorded for the exhibit to give it an audio-drama type simple story, but unfortunately it was probably not archived because video recording was not allowed inside the venue. The platoon all had new voice lines along with Fuyuki and Natsumi, reportedly still played by Houko Kuwashima and Chiwa Saito respectively, so most likely they will return to reprise the roles for the new anime, though I don’t think those two were much in question. That’s really like the only important part of this for the purposes of this post I’m not sure why I mentioned anything else here actually. AI chatbot Dororo wants you to know he enjoys tickles from Giroro and Tamama. Yeah this thing’s a little fucked

I didn’t want to get too deep into this in section 3 because it’s not really a production related question, but…are Shin Keroro and related new characters gonna be in this or not? For what it’s worth the site seems to count the Flash series as part of the anniversary celebration, and screenshots with Shin in them are there even if he is completely absent from the character page. Flash was a total reboot so I don’t think it will be that exact iteration of the character if he is in the new anime, but there must be some way to work his stuff into the existing anime canon even with its many differences from the manga. Honestly I think the main obstacle to him appearing is just that the guy is not very popular lol. He’s hardly in the manga anymore and Tomosu and Myou are in it even less. I’m not sure if it was just franchise fatigue following the end of the anime but the reception to Shin was very meh across the board (at least among longtime fans, kids might’ve liked him I think. Which makes sense). So I could totally see them skipping him entirely. There’s still a lot of post-anime manga-only stories without his involvement at all, some that included him but he could easily be changed to some other character, and for the stories that revolved around him, well, the Flash anime got to a decent amount of them. This could really go either way but for now I’m going to lean toward him not being included. If he’s put in I think it will not be until the “second season” (whatever the definition of that ends up being) so we can be eased back in to the existing cast first before shaking things up significantly.

I like the new artstyle, assuming it carries over from the trailer to the final project. It looks like they hit a happy medium between the early and late artstyles of the original anime. This is the most obvious with the human cast who haven’t received new official artwork by Koike and/or Oizaki in a looooong time, and they look much better than the last time we saw them in season 7 where everyone got weirdly lanky for some reason.

Okay FINALLY I’m done here for now I think. At the time of writing we’re pretty much just in a “wait and see” phase with no other real concrete info around that I haven’t touched upon in this post. Trust me, I’ve tried digging for more, but I couldn’t find anything really interesting staff-wise and very few of the staff credited in the trailer are even on social media (sometimes staff can be a bit loose-lipped so it’s possible to get hints there). I’ve also checked every nook and cranny of the official sites of both animation studios and the companies on the production committee and turned up with nothing of note. I’m hoping we get some more info at least sometime between now and autumn.

Thanks for reading all the way to the end (or speedscrolling here, don’t worry I won’t be disappointed lol). I hope you found it informative even though I probably spent way too much time yapping about dumb shit. It took me entirely too long to write this post, but I don’t have as much time as I did as a teenager and it’s been a good few years since I’ve done a really deep dive into Keroro stuff. Needless to say, I’m beyond excited for this project and can’t wait to see how the last seven years of me huffing unhealthy amounts of copium pays off. I’ve had like a month and a half to sit on it now and it honestly still doesn’t feel real!

I will most likely return to report when we get some amount of substantial info—hopefully with way fewer words lmao. Until next time! Ge-gero~

#keroro gunso #sgt frog #sergeant keroro #anikero reiwa #I’m gonna call it that in tags because we don’t know if it’s airing in 2024 lol #infodump #translation #did y’all miss me #I hope not

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swiss-mrs · 8 months

Text

Intro: All Access Pass

Life Eternal Series

Eddie Munson x Rockstar!Black!Reader

(Word Count:3.3K)

Synopsis: Eddie couldn’t just NOT enter the contest. With the help of his younger, tech savvy friend, Eddie and Dustin created a mini music video of sorts, showcasing how skillful of a guitarist he is, filmed atop his trailer. This is how he got to where he is now, backstage at a Blastoff Summer Fest, the summer's biggest, outdoor rock festival!

*Masterlist, Series Warnings, Additional Series/Reader Info, and Posting Schedule*

All writing is in second person unless clearly stated otherwise. No Use of Y/N.

Cydonia Set List

Eddie seriously couldn't comprehend his current situation. He was really about to perform with Metallica… in a couple hours, but still, holy sHIT!

He and his plus one, Dustin, had spent the last few hours exploring the festival, and now they were backstage. The band currently on stage was in the middle of their last song. After them, there was only one more act before Metallica, and Eddie, was on.

Eddie's heart hasn't beat at a normal pace all day. It didn't matter the amount of sound checks he'd already gone through, he was still nervous as all hell to perform with his idols.

They were in a green room, watching a monitor that was displaying the performing acts. "You're gonna be up there, man! Can you believe it?!" Dustin exclaims excitedly.

Eddie shakes his head 'no', still in disbelief. “Nah, man. I really can't. This all feels so surreal.” Just as the current band can be seen vacating the stage, the spotlights turn on and the massive screens on stage change to start displaying a pre-show trailer of sorts for the next band. The crowd was cheering so loud, the two boys could hear the screams from backstage. They were chanting the entire way through the video for the next band. Eddie’s brows crease, “For a band I’ve never heard of, they are quite popular. Cydonia?”

“Oh yeah! That’s the band with the huge display in the front at TR.” Dustin said, referring to their favorite music store back in Hawkins.

“Hm.” Eddie nods. He recalls the fiery display next to the register, but he didn’t buy into it, skeptical of the stars.

Though the stage was blacked out, he could still see shadows of people walking onto the stage, the crowd roaring impossibly louder. The sounds of a resonating guitar could be heard as the band readied, counting down, before starting their opening song with a guitar riff. The crowd went completely feral at that moment.

Eddie studied the screen. The camera was zoomed out, showing the full band on stage. They really had a full band. There was a keyboardist, a drummer, a bassist, two guitarists, one being the lead singer, and a backup singer who had a multitude of instruments around him. Each member was dressed in all black with the lead standing out in blood red. They had a vaguely 1800s aesthetic, very theatrical. Each outfit was slightly unique, but all of them came together to create one cohesive look.

The intro to their opening song lasted a full minute, the band showcasing their musical talents using their respective instruments alone. It was truly amazing to hear and see so many musicians playing together in sync. Each musician was facing each other as if in a large jam circle, the only one truly facing the crowd being the drummer. Eddie felt a pang in his heart watching them. He wanted nothing more than to be performing like them, in a band with such musical chemistry.

After the first minute, the circle was broken by the lead singer turning to walk up to the microphone at the front of the stage, allowing Eddie to get a full view of the person. They adorned long, wild locks that fell into their face, giving them a grungy yet ethereal look. Eddie didn't know what to expect, but whatever came out of the lead vocalist's mouth was not it. The vocalist sang in a lower register, for a girl that is. He was used to most popular female vocalists of the time focusing on their higher vocal range. To him, those singers he’s heard of, though impressive, became annoying over time. This singer's voice was different. It melded with the music perfectly. Eddie could immediately understand the incredible hype from the crowd. They were utterly unique from most radio bands and artists, and they brought a sense of nostalgia, keeping the sound of rock and metal, the sound Eddie loved with all his heart, alive.

After their first song, they immediately went into the next. Their melodies were dark, and their lyrics were cynical, but listening to their music created an almost spiritual experience for Eddie. Both he and Dustin were completely entranced.

“Do you want to go watch the show in the pit?” A woman’s voice broke their intense concentration on the screen. They both whip their heads and look at the graying woman with wide eyes.

“Can we?!” Dustin screamed excitedly.

“As long as Shag here is back in time for his queue.” The production crew member replied, motioning towards Eddie.

Dustin jumps up, “Yeah, sure. Let’s go!” He grabs a hold of the jean vest on Eddie’s shoulder, pulling him off the couch and out the door. The heavy bass of the drums and muffled guitar riffs could be heard echoing through backstage as they ran through the halls. They could hear the clear melodies being sung by the band and crowd alike, sounding like a choir. They had to ask a few random staff members to point them in the right direction as they went, but eventually they made it, getting to the pit just in time to catch the tail end of the guitar solo.

It was weird to be on this side of the fence at a concert, but it was exhilarating. The sun was almost fully set by now, so every light and effect on stage was magical, especially so up close and personal. By the time Dustin and Eddie the perfect spot, the final bit of the band's second song was ending.

The lead singer stepped back up to the mic, “Thank you everyone for coming out tonight. You’ve already shown us so much love.” They spoke directly into the mic, lips caressing the metal cover. Their voice was a little raspy, but soothing, the complete opposite of the usual energetic shouts singers give when addressing the audience. Just as they began to speak, the backup singer picked up an acoustic guitar, and began playing the opening riff of their next song. “It’s such an honor to be able to play alongside such talented artists and legends. For those who don’t know, we are Cydonia,” Another feral cheer from the crowd caused the lead to smirk and let out a small chuckle into the mic, girls and guys alike could be heard screaming at the top of their lungs in reaction to the singer's smirk. “And this next song is called Cirice.” Just on queue, the drummer hit two symbols, bringing in the keyboardists. A few more beats pass, before the electric guitars join in, mimicking the original riff played on the acoustic. The lead backed away from their mic and closed the space between them and the other guitarist. They both played in perfect sync with each other. It was genuinely mesmerizing. The next minute and a half was spent with Dustin cheering in Eddie’s ear along with the crowd, headbanging to the heavy music.

“I feel your presence amongst us,” The lead points out to the crowd,

“You cannot hide in the darkness.” Their hand made its way back to strum the guitar in time for the next beats.

“Can you hear the rumble?

Can you hear the rumble that's calling?” The world felt as if it was shaking. If it weren’t for the thunderous crowd and earth shaking music, Eddie would’ve thought the earth was quaking.

“I know your soul is not tainted

Even though you've been told so

Can you hear the rumble?

Can you hear the rumble that's calling?” Eddie was starting to feel a pressure in his chest. The singer’s gaze was taken from their guitar and out to the crowd.

“I can feel the thunder that's breaking in your heart

I can see through the scars inside you

I can feel the thunder that's breaking in your heart

I can see through the scars inside you.” It was as though the song was being sung directly to him. Eddie couldn’t bring himself to move. Everything around him went dark, and the only thing in focus was the band playing on stage, the singer calling out to his heart. All he could do was stand there and watch as the lead focused their eyes back down to their guitar.

“A candle casting a faint glow

You and I see eye to eye

Can you hear the thunder?

How can you hear the thunder that's breaking?

Now there is nothing between us

From now our merge is eternal

Can't you see that you're lost?

Can't you see that you're lost without me?” Eddie's eyes were wide, full of emotion. His lips were beginning to form a pout. He watched as the singer reached out to the crowd as if offering a hand. During the second chorus, Eddie’s mind was somehow both blank and running wild. It felt as though multiple people were screaming in his head at once. It was loud, but he couldn’t distinguish a single thing, rendering the voices void.

The lead walked back and stood right next to the other guitarist, the bassist walking up to stand on the other side of them. They all stood in a line as they rocked out together, the bassist keeping rhythm as the guitarists swapped solos. Eddie felt a strong pull on his heart watching the musicians get lost in the music together. Even the keyboardist had a solo to shine, just before the arena went nearly silent, save for the three notes played on the keyboard and a symbol hit.

“Can't you see that you're lost without me?” The lights flashed with two beats.

“I can feel the thunder that's breaking in your heart

I can see through the scars inside you.” Eddie could have sworn the lead’s eyes fell upon him in this moment, looking at him with sadness and understanding.

“I can feel the thunder that's breaking in your heart

I can see through the scars inside you.” The singer closed their eyes and belted out the last word. Eddie felt like crying, his breath hollow and shaky. The backup singers repeat the chorus lines.

“I can feel the thunder that's breaking in your heart

I can see through the scars inside you.” The last notes of the instruments rang out, the crowd going wild at the end of the song. Dustin’s loud cheers and voice crack brings Eddie back to reality. Dustin bumps against Eddie as he jumps up and down. For the first time, Eddie’s eyes are ripped away from the stage. He blinks away the wetness collecting in his eyes as he takes in the enthusiasm of the crowd and his friend. He was already emotional from the song and its lyrics, but now that pressure in his chest returned for a different reason, the burn of desire and pull of longing. He longed to be the one they were cheering for, God, was he a mix of emotions right now. His eyes were now wide with wonder. The environment was thrilling.

The end of the song leads directly into the next, the drummers hi hat counting the guitarists off. The next song was also emotional for Eddie. The last song made him feel vulnerable, as if the darkness and pain he felt was being called out in front of thousands. This song made him feel almost hopeful. He didn’t feel alone. He was able to enjoy the excitement of being front row at a concert. He bounced along with Dustin, headbanging and dancing around with his curly-haired friend. He felt good. He was smiling, wiping his curls around. He and Dustin played air guitar during the solos without even knowing the song. The bright smile on his younger friend’s face brought joy to his heart. It was like Eddie got to share an experience he wished he could’ve given to his younger self. They shared a crazed laugh after the song ended.

Every song after that was full of highs. Some performances were erotic, pleasing the crowd with the sensual roles the band played. Some were emotional, raw, songs of pain, songs of love, and songs of heartbreak. Overall the concert was euphoric.

Eddie and Dustin spent the few final seconds of the concert screaming at each other, jumping up and down. The band was leaving the stage, and the lights began to dim. Just before it went completely dark, the same lady from earlier came out of nowhere, causing both boys to jump in surprise at her sudden appearance. “Come on, hot shot! We need you backstage!” She shouts over the crowd. Eddie looks back at Dustin.

“I’ll stay here! I have the best seat in the house!” He shouts with a big gummy grin.

Eddie nods, “Wish me luck!” He said as the lady began pulling him away.

“You got this!” Dustin shouts after him.

Just as Eddie made it backstage, the lady let go of him, giving him instruction to stay close before she disappeared into the many moving pieces of staff. Eddie wandered a bit closer to the stage’s artist entrance/exit. As he got closer to the stage, he caught a glimpse of the band members he just watched perform. His heart stopped, a wave of excitement and nervousness washing over him. Eddie didn’t know where his confidence came from, but he walked right up to them, “You guys rocked!” He says enthusiastically, catching the attention of the few band members closest to him. He recognized them to be the drummer, the bassist, and the keyboardists. The three turned to him and smiled.

“Wow, thanks man!” The towering, slender drummer said with a big smile, nudging Eddie on the shoulder with his fist. “Means a lot.” Eddie returned a smile up to him.

“Hey, you were in the pit right?” The bassist points out, pointing a finger in Eddie’s direction. Eddie turns his gaze to the strawberry blonde and nods in response. “You looked really into it.” He chuckled.

Eddie’s face warms up a bit, and he shrugs, “I mean you guys were awesome. You all have great chemistry. I came in blind and was blown away.” The taller bassist raises his brows and nods with an impressed frown.

“Well, thank you.”

“Hey, aren’t you that guy who did that cover of Master of Puppets?” The drummer chimes back in, grabbing Eddie’s attention again.

“You’ve heard of me?” Eddie asks, shocked.

“Of course, we’re all big Metallica fans. Marley was the one who showed you to all of us.” He says pointing to the keyboardist on the opposite side of the bassist.

“Yeah! I knew you looked familiar!” The shorter, brunette says, snapping as her memory is jogged. “Great video! It was like a proper music video. I loved all the special effects. It looked like you were literally rocking out in hell.” The three bandmates shared a laugh, agreeing.

“Wow, thanks! I’ll have to pass that down to Dustin. He’s the tech genius.”

“Did you win a backstage pass or something?” The drummer asks.

“Yeah, the video was actually my submission to a contest we found in a magazine. I won and got invited to play with Metallica!” Eddie says proudly. The three band members all dropped their jaws, looking at him with wide eyes.

“No fucking way!”

“That’s fucking awesome!”

“You are so lucky!” Eddie boasts in pride as they all praise him.

“What happened?” Another chimes in. Eddie’s eyes follow the source of the voice. A figure walks around from behind the short keyboardist, now known as Marley. It's you. Eddie felt time slow as he took in your appearance.

Your dark hair was wild, curling every which way, some shorter strands sticking to your damp forehead. The hair on the left side of your face was tucked behind your left ear, the strands on the right side falling in front of your right eye. You were just tall enough to look Eddie right in the eyes but were still just an inch or so shorter. Your blood red coat was now undone, exposing the black undershirt. Eddie had to keep himself from staring at the exposed skin of your neck like a deprived little boy.

“Remember that video of the guy shredding Master of Puppets? He got invited to play with Metallica tonight.” The bassist states, pointing at Eddie. Eddie’s eyes make their way back up to your face. You were turned to look at the bassist as he spoke, giving Eddie a perfect view of your profile.

“Oh, really?” You turn to look at Eddie. He nods, unusually speechless. “That’s so cool, congrats, dude. You’re really talented. You deserve it.” You offer him a small smile. He returns the smile ten fold.

“Thank you. That means a lot coming from you, from you guys. You’re the real rockstars.” Eddie replies, rushed. You let out an amused huff through your nose.

The small keyboardist interrupts the small moment between you two, “Well, we’re all going to the pit to watch. We’ll see you out there!” The rest of them nodded. The three start to walk away, heading to their dressing room to change out of their stage outfits. You stay behind for an extra few seconds. Eddie felt as though you could see right through him. He is snapped out of his little trance when he feels a pat on his upper arm.

“Knock ‘em dead, rockstar.” You narrow your eyes and give him another small smirk, before walking away in the same direction as the others.

Eddie felt electricity running through his entire body. He stood there for an extra few seconds after you disappeared. A toothy smile crept onto his lips, and he slowly began jumping up and down, fanboying a little. He lets out a yell. Some of the staff in his immediate vicinity turn to give him weird looks. He stops making a scene and lifts a hand in a small wave as if to say ‘sorry, carry on’ to those who stopped to look at him. He smiled to himself.

“Eddie Munson?” He turned to find a guy with a headset and a clipboard scanning the area. Eddie raises his hand.

“That’s me!” The mustached man motions for him to come. Eddie jogs up to them, and they start listing off instructions.

“Alright, the guys are going to go out first. A few songs in, they will give you a queue to join them on stage. You’ll play then run back off stage in time for them to play their next song, just like you practiced. Got it? Good.” This guy was pretty cut and dry which Eddie raised a brow at, but he nodded none-the-less. Shortly after their one sided conversation ended, Eddie was ushered to the edge of the stage entrance. He still couldn’t get over being in the same room as his idols. They all turned to him and cheered.

“There he is!” THE James Hetfield said loudly. Eddie gets a couple pats on the back.

“Let’s go rock the house down, kid.” Lars said, giving Eddie a fist bump before the band heads out and to their places on stage. Eddie watches from the side, in complete bliss.

As the first song begins, the older lady from earlier hands him his guitar, smiling sweetly at him before walking away. He gives the guitar a kiss, “Can you believe this, sweetheart?” He throws the strap over his shoulder.

Eddie peeks out into the crowd and quickly spots Dustin losing his mind, bringing a laugh out of Eddie. Not far off from his friend, he could see a couple of the band members from before. He recognizes the three he met backstage. They were standing with another dark haired guy and a dirty blonde girl he didn’t meet earlier, but Eddie assumed they were in the band too. Eddie observed them all cheering for the legends on stage, then his eyes landed on you. You were singing and dancing with the dark haired guy he hadn’t met. The anxiety Eddie was feeling about his upcoming performance was quickly swapped with a pang of jealousy. He wanted to be the guy dancing and having fun with you.

“Eddie Munson!” Eddie’s head snaps back towards the stage to see James raising a hand in his direction.

“You’re on, kid!” Someone yells.

Eddie takes a deep breath. “You’re on, Munson.” He whispers to himself before running out on stage.

Welcome to Life Eternal!

Hope you liked this little intro! Let me know if you want to be tagged for updates.

All related content can be found under the #Life Eternal Swiss Fic tag

Tag list:

@starmilks

@ali-r3n

@madelynraemunson

#eddie munson x reader #eddie munson #eddie munson x y/n #eddie munson x you #joseph quinn #eddie munson x oc #eddie munson x rockstar oc #eddie munson x rockstar reader #eddie munson au #eddie munson swiss fics #life eternal swiss fic #swiss fics #eddie munson x black!reader

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