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starlessea · 5 months ago

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𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙏𝙞𝙚𝙨 𝙏𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙈𝙚𝙣𝙙 [𝘿𝙖𝙧𝙮𝙡 𝘿𝙞𝙭𝙤𝙣 𝙓 𝙍𝙚𝙖𝙙𝙚𝙧]

Chapter 2: Wide-Eyed

Series Masterlist: The Ties That Mend

Summary: Three-hundred-and-ninety-six days after the outbreak, you are discovered in an abandoned community college, covered in filth and barely able to speak a word. Despite the showers (multiple) and rehabilitation attempts (also multiple), it's apparent that your mind is elsewhere. Beyond saving.

This new world is chaos, but you're lucky to find good people in it. More so than any is a man named Daryl, patient enough to let you put yourself back together—one stitch at a time.

Daryl had seen eyes like that only a few times before.

The first, he’d been seven-years-old, roaming the streets of Northern Georgia with his no-good brother. Their parents never did care a rat’s ass about where they ended up, and this time, they’d found themselves in the bad part of town. The epicentre of trouble.

Merle had been hanging around some older boys back then, the type who got off on taunting his kid brother. Sneak up on the local kook, they’d told him. It’d be funny; he’d be a chicken if he didn’t. So Daryl—filled with a newfound sense of bravado—agreed, and dumped his can of orange Crush over some man too cracked out to notice.

Until he did.

The way the guy’s eyes popped open—bloodshot, bulging—was burned into Daryl’s memory. Even now, thirty-some years later, he could recount them in astounding detail. They were the same shell-shocked eyes as those nasty bastards his daddy used to hang about. The ones hardened by their daddies and so on.

They were eyes Daryl saw far more often these days. Came across them in the fleeting glances of their ragtag community—from the stragglers of Woodberry to the drifters that had no place else in the world. After a few weeks of decent meals, sleep, and a safe place to shit, most of them lost that look. Replaced it with all sorts of stuff he didn’t really care for.

But most recently, Daryl had found it again, stamped onto the face of Glenn’s newest rescue. Whilst he’d pitied you at first, shaking like a newborn gazelle on Carol’s arm, that pity quickly morphed into something colder.

Catching your eyes, Daryl suddenly felt seven-years-old again. It wasn’t a passing thing, that look, nor did it mask something deeper. It was simply a fixture of your face. The result of whatever shit storm you’d endured.

Even with all the time in the world, Daryl wasn’t sure you’d ever shake it.

“Man, I’m telling you. Shit felt like The Shining—”

A voice drags Daryl back into the room. Around him, a group had gathered in their usual corner, chairs pulled together in a circle. Bob has the floor, soaking in the attention as he recounts an abridged version of the day’s events.

He’s new, too, and Daryl hadn’t taken to him yet.

“—Glenn will tell you. Suddenly, she’s staring at us with those big bug eyes,” Bob goes on, bringing his pointer fingers to his face. “Kept getting wider by the second.”

Across from him, Glenn shifts uncomfortably. “It wasn’t that bad,” he retorts. “She’s not deranged just because she doesn't blink much.”

Daryl feels himself scowl. He’s got his back against the stone, arms crossed as he watches the exchange. He doesn’t usually involve himself in these little powwows, but something about this one is wearing his patience thin.

“Fifteen times,” he gruffs. Eyes turn to him as he pushes off the wall. “Tha’s how much most folks blink in a minute—fifteen.”

Daryl moves in closer, stopping just short of the circle before shaking his head. “She blinked once in three.”

The chatter is replaced by silence, thick and uneasy.

“I’ve seen people like that,” Bob says after a moment. His voice is more subdued now, like he's been grounded back to that floor and not the pedestal he'd been put on. “Usually, it’s on their way back from war.”

The words hit hard. For once, Daryl finds himself agreeing. There was something about you, something off that made him feel like a kid again, standing in the shadow of a stranger’s unpredictability. He crosses his arms over his chest. “Wha’ever shit went down there,” he says, “ya can bet yer ass it weren’t pretty.”

“It wasn’t,” Glenn confirms.

His tone leaves no room for elaboration.

At the other side of the room, Rick, who—like Daryl—had been doing his utmost to not get involved, straightens. “Glenn, brother,” he starts, “I know you mean well, but do you think she’s—”

Rick doesn’t say it, but Daryl can hear it in the silence. They all can.

Beyond saving.

Carol clears her throat. “A bit of a feral cat,” she adds, after a beat.

It’s a poor attempt to lighten the mood; no one laughs. Least amused is Glenn, who rakes a hand through his hair before letting out a hefty sigh. “What was I meant to do, just leave her there?”

He doesn’t aim the question, but the lack of response only urges him on.

“You didn’t see it—that place was hell.” His voice tightens, the day’s frustrations bleeding through. “Not everyone’s lucky enough to have someone to pull them out of it. That could’ve been me, or you, or any one of us.”

The group slinks back as Glenn gestures around, trying not to let themselves land at the end of his pointer finger.

Michonne—who’s been sitting quietly at the edge of the group until now—finally speaks. “Give her time,” she says simply. Her words are directed at no one in particular, but carry the kind of weight that can’t be disputed.

Daryl glances at her, and for a brief moment, their eyes meet.

He’s come to appreciate Michonne; her short replies made life easier in the months they’d spent tracking the Governor. She never wasted breath on stuff that didn’t matter.

She has a point now, too. You hadn’t been here long—a couple hours at most. Hell, Daryl had taken longer naps. And it’s not like you were going anywhere. Not on those weak knees.

For the time being, Cell Block D was the best place for you. It was the only one still needing repairs, a little dingy and a whole lot of space, which worked out fine. You likely wouldn’t cope well in the ones filled with people.

That’s why Daryl slept in Block D, too.

In the minutes that follow, an air of deliberation settles over the group. It’s an uncomfortable sort of quiet, with everyone seeming to retreat into their own thoughts. Daryl considers leaving; he’s got plenty to be getting on with. In truth, he’s not sure how he ended up here in the first place. But before he can make it across the room, he crosses paths with Maggie, coming in like a storm through the main entrance.

She looks dishevelled: her shoulders rounded and tiredness evident in the contours of her face. Sidestepping Daryl, she picks out Rick in the crowd. She shakes her head at him. “That pregnant lady in Block E is having trouble again,” she says, “My daddy’s gonna keep an eye on her tonight. Beth too.”

She takes a moment to flatten her hair, willing the stray strands into submission.

“They’ll come see the new girl in the morning,” she explains. Then, with a sidelong glance toward Glenn, asks, “What’d you call her again—loony bin?”

Glenn cringes. He reiterates your name, which he’d likely pried from you earlier in the truck.

The sound of it takes Daryl by surprise. It’s a pretty name—one he’d never pin to you. He almost wonders if hearing it can give him a glimpse into your past, at the person you used to be. But then again, not everyone suits their name. Perhaps you never had.

“Well…” says Rick, more decisive now, “let’s get ‘er to eat in the meantime.” He stands to dust off his jeans. “Or clean up.”

There’s a collective murmur of agreement, and almost immediately, the group starts to disperse. Daryl’s first to move, but Carol catches his arm before he can make it out the door.

He throws an annoyed glance back at her.

There's an apron tied around her waist; Michonne had brought it back from some tacky gift shop they’d raided not long ago. The fabric was already stained—the pattern made dull from hard work. Carol was on cooking duty again; Daryl knew because he unintentionally looked forward to those days.

“Any chance you could get something for her?” she asks, gesturing to the crossbow over his back. “Fresh?”

There’s hesitation in her voice, her lips pressed together like she’s bracing for something.

Daryl raises an eyebrow. “Sure. Ya want ribeye or sirloin?”

Carol bats him lightly across the shoulder. Then she offers him a small smile—one that doesn’t quite reach her eyes.

Daryl dislikes it.

“She’s just so skinny,” she eventually says. That teasing tone he’d grown to expect is gone now, replaced by something more serious. “I lifted her, and—well, it was like lifting Sophia.”

The name lands like a stone. Daryl stills, his jaw setting.

“I’ll find something,” he mutters.

Carol nods, sending him off with a small ‘thank you’.

Daryl readies his crossbow and hunting gear before heading out into the yard. It’s bustling, as it always is these days—children weaving around him, adults trying to strike up conversation. He shuts them down with a look that says he could care less for chit-chat right now. There’s too many of them for him to handle.

Already got another damn mouth to feed.

He has half a mind to turn around, but Carol’s words propel him forward, clinging to the back of his mind like burrs.

He'll find something.

—

The cropped-haired woman comes to collect you at dinner.

She tells you her name is Carol, and that she has something special prepared for you. Her tone is light, airing on excitement as she helps you along the metal catwalk and down the stairs. It’s an easy, practiced motion—her arm brushing against yours. But with each stroke, you feel it: that itch in your chest.

You’ve never been fond of surprises. In fact, you hated them. The uncertainty, the lack of control, the unfamiliarity of this place… Every step tightens the grip around your lungs.

Breathe, you remind yourself. In. Out.

Carol notices the shift in your demeanor, must feel it in the stiffness of your shoulders. So she opts for distraction. As the two of you walk arm-in-arm, she attempts to fill the space between you with reassurance—even if it doesn’t quite reach you.

She details life at the prison—everything they’ve worked towards in the last few months—and the other refugees who now called this place home. There's a semblance of stability behind her eyes as she recounts it all. “We’ve come a long way,” she says. “It’s been hard, but we’re getting there. You’ll see.”

You want to believe it; you almost do. But talk of warm-water showers, birthday celebrations, and even tending to livestock leaves you doubtful. It’s too reminiscent of life before everything fell apart.

There had to be a catch. There’s always a catch.

Whatever it is, Carol doesn’t let on. But you’re not convinced she believes the narrative she’s selling, either. She won’t say it, but you can hear it in the pauses. It’s something you’ll have to decipher for yourself.

When the two of you pass a mirror at the end of the hall, your step falters.

Who is that?

You recognise Carol, of course. Her face is familiar enough, grey hair catching the light like silver, but the one beside her—you—is someone else entirely. Your throat tightens as you take in the face staring back at you.

That’s not you; it can’t be.

When had you become this gaunt—this filthy?

Your cheeks are hollowed out, their colour lost entirely. The lips below are dry and cracked. Whatever was on your head, you could no longer call it hair. It was a matted thing that trailed like rope to the backs of your knees.

Staring into the mirror, you find nothing of yourself in that reflection. Everything you’d ever thought endearing, gone. Even your voice is not as it was. You doubt it could still carry a tune.

It’s all too much. The sight of yourself—the thing claiming to be yourself—triggers emotions you hadn’t encountered in quite some time. Before you can stop it, your eyes are burning.

You fight the sensation. Squashing it down to the depths, you stamp it dead. You can’t afford to break now. Not here. Not in front of her.

“Come on,” Carol says gently, nudging you away from the mirror.

Could she feel it? The way your heart jumped in your chest—how your legs threatened to give way?

You try not to think on it. Instead, you nod.

Once you reach the communal area of the cell block, you’re escorted to the same dilapidated table you’d noted earlier. People are still gathered there—some you recognise, others not. They don’t stare outright, but you feel their eyes. You begin to tremble in response, as though your body is trying to shake them off. Wordlessly, you let Carol guide you to your spot.

A plate is already set in front of you. There’s meat on it; you're told it’s rabbit. One look, and you’re reminded of the bunny you raised as a kid—a fluffy white thing, pure as snow. It was decapitated by the neighborhood fox one evening. You never did find it's head. At the thought, nausea grows within you, but like everything else, you push it down.

No one else is eating, you notice. You’re aware that you’re likely turning their stomachs just sitting here. The word ‘shower’ had been thrown in your direction more times than you could count, but nobody had followed through with the threat—yet. Instead, you are offered a bucket of water to rinse your hands. It turns brown from just a few passes.

“Thought you could use some meat on those bones,” Carol quips, the words blunt but not unkind. “Daryl caught it fresh.” She then gestures for you to take a bite, to eat rather than stare.

You nod. Stowing your hatchet safely on a nearby seat—you had refused to leave it in the cell—you reach for the cutlery laid out on the table. There’s a knife and an odd spork-like utensil. They seem intentionally blunt, and in your hands, too, they don’t properly fit.

It’s been far too long. How did you use these, again?

With each stroke of the knife, your anxiety mounts. You can’t seem to get a clean cut. The meat is sinewy, too alive—nothing like the canned mush you’d survived on for the last year. It takes everything in you to keep the tremors from taking over, to keep your hands steady enough to continue.

As you poke about the rabbit on your plate, a woman who introduces herself as Maggie strikes up a conversation. “The old community college, huh?” she asks, in spite of cautionary glances. “My sister used to go some weekends. Probably finger paintin’ or singing kumbaya,” she adds.

You catch the playful hint in her tone, and when she laughs, it’s a sound you’re not sure you remember how to respond to. It’s pretty—the kind that’s easy, like it hasn’t been twisted by everything bad.

“Did you start there, or just end up there?” she asks, casually.

“St—started,” you manage. You’re not sure she hears you, but she leans in, trying to catch the words.

“Hmm?”

“Started,” you repeat, louder, though it feels like a strain.

Beside Maggie, a darker, leaner woman shoots her a look. “Let the girl eat,” she says. There’s something practiced about the way she carries herself. You sense she’s the type not to pry, and you’re thankful for that. Her kind are few and far between.

"You're right, Michonne," replies Maggie, and with her answer, you learn another name.

Despite the warning, a boy, not even in his teens, lingers near the table. You’d noticed him earlier, coated in a sort of pessimism unsuited to his age. “Were there a lotta walkers?” he blurts. He’s wearing a sheriff’s hat—one he hasn’t quite grown into—and is eyeing you from under its rim. “My dad said the worst place to be is somewhere like that. Bet there were a bunch of people during the outbreak.”

The leader of the group, Rick, flicks his hat in warning. But it’s too late—the question’s out. Your stomach twists again as you focus on the meat, trying to chew through the knot forming in your throat.

Across from you, your eyes meet Glenn's. He’s the only one here who saw it: the halls rotting with bodies, the blood-soaked floors. Even then, he still doesn’t know the full extent.

And what would he do if he did know? If he found out what happened there—what you did? Would he have brought you back?

Your mind starts to spiral. You shove a piece of the rabbit into your mouth, hoping to distract yourself. It goes down like tar. Your hands are shaking now, clattering the mismatched cutlery against your plate. No matter how hard you try, you can’t prevent the shudder that rips through your body.

Carol, tempered by concern, leans in. “Did you get separated from your group?” she asks gently. “Is there anyone—”

Before she can finish, Daryl speaks up. “Would y’all quit it?” he says, his eyes flicking from Carol to the others. The gruffness of his voice stands in complete opposition to their concern. “Yer givin’ me indigestion and I ain’t even eatin’.”

For a moment, all attention is directed away from you and onto him. You’re grateful for the space it grants you—no matter how small. The next breath you take is intentionally drawn.

“I—” you lock eyes with Daryl, hoping to convey your gratitude. Instead, something else makes its way to the surface. “I’m going to be sick,” you announce.

There’s no time to stop it. The first to react, Michonne dumps the bucket of water out over the floor. You can’t hold it in anymore. Your head falls into it just in time to let the bile spill out. It’s a pitiful sort of retching. There’s no vomit; your stomach is too empty to give up anything more.

Behind you, someone rubs your back. You don't know who, but their cool hands are a welcomed reprieve to the clamminess of your skin. Your body betrays your mind as you instinctively arch into them. It’s only for a split second, before you pull away.

What have you done?

Head emerging from the bucket, you force yourself to look up. There are eyes on you again, more persistent than before. And in them, you see it, the swell of emotions:

Pity. Annoyance. Indifference. Disgust—

Your chair screeches against the floor as you dart out of it. You leave the table smelling even worse than before.

—

It’s mid-evening when Daryl catches sight of you again, scurrying along the catwalk to your cell.

You’re still a mess, though slightly improved since dinner. He takes a passing look. You haven’t bathed yet—probably still shaken by that whole interrogation—but there’s something less rabid about you now. Your hair, still a matted mess, is pushed behind your ears, and you’re wearing an odd ensemble: jeans far too big for you and a shirt likely belonging to Glenn. They were clean, at least.

Daryl crosses you without a word. Tired eyes and heavy steps, he’s hell-bent on returning to his own cell for the night. He’s halfway down the catwalk, hand on the door, when he registers it. A voice, barely above a whisper:

“D—Daryl?”

He stops upon hearing his name. Turning, he finds you right behind him—staring up with that wide-eyed expression.

He tries not to flinch. When the hell had you gotten there? You were just…

Daryl’s gaze drops instinctively. Bare feet. That’s why you hadn’t made a sound.

“—m sorry about the food.”

He tunes in to your words. They’re coming out too haltingly, too polite for the situation.

Daryl doesn’t know how to respond. Eat the food, don’t eat the food. Normally, he wouldn’t care. But something about the way you say it—so fragile, so damn apologetic—leaves him grasping at straws. He’s not good at this, never has been.

You keep going nonetheless. “It wouldn’t stay down... I’m sorry to w—waste it.”

A nervous stammer creeps into your words, and with it, fans Daryl’s agitation. He wants to bite back. To let you know he’s got better things to do than watch you throw up food he went out of his way to catch. But something inside of him chooses restraint.

You’re teetering on the edge; everyone within a five-foot radius can see it. And when he looks at you, for some reason, his mind deciphers it as fear. He’s just unsure whether it’s the fear of breaking you, or the fear of what you’ll do if broken.

He shrugs his shoulders. “Mm,” he mutters. “Don’ matter. Can always get s’more.”

You don’t say anything after that. The silence hangs between you, heavy and awkward. Daryl shifts on his feet, mapping out the route back to his bed, and how quick he can get there.

“Jus’ eat the next one, a’right?” he says, with finality.

You nod, your gaze not lifting from the floor. “Goodnight.”

“Night,” Daryl mutters back. Then he watches you disappear into the darkness of your cell, waiting for the clink as you lock it shut.

But it’s not a good night.

It starts a few hours after they all turn in. Daryl bolts upright at the curdling scream ripping through the air. His heart slams against his chest, and instinct kicks in. He’s already got his crossbow in his hands before the panic can register.

Torchlight flickers along the catwalk as the others begin to scramble awake. There’s a cacophony of voices, footsteps on metal, guns cocking, and Rick barking orders as he joins Daryl to locate the source.

The sound echoes again. It’s coming from your cell, a god-awful shrieking that has him preparing for the worst. Rick’s master key turns in the lock, and the door swings open.

Daryl steps in behind him, crossbow aimed high as he searches for walkers—hell, for anything that could warrant those screams of utter terror. His heart pounds in his ears as he sweeps the room.

There’s nothing. No threat—no you.

A flashlight shines over your cot, but it’s empty. Daryl follows the edges of the light,into the shadows and all four corners of the room. He finds you in one of them, curled up in a ball, rocking on the soles of your feet.

He gestures to Rick, who—spotting you there—lowers his gun. “Hey,” he says, with a tone like he’s negotiating you off a high-rise building. “Hey, it’s okay.”

There’s no response. Your head is buried in your knees, arms wrapped around your legs as you sit twisted in blankets. The shrieking has stopped now, but your silence, Daryl finds, is far more unsettling.

Rick steps aside, exchanging a glance with Daryl. It’s a subtle signal for him to take the lead. He’d rather not, but it’s Rick, so he listens.

Lowering his crossbow, he edges forward. “C’mon, snap outta it,” he growls. The cut of his voice makes him cringe; he’s never been good with words.

When you don’t react, Daryl tries again—a little closer this time. His hand reaches for your shoulder despite his better judgement.

A switch flips the second he touches you. Without warning, your arm shoots out, a blur of motion that sends your hatchet swinging wildly. The instinct to defend yourself—to fight—is so ingrained that it comes as natural as a breath.

Daryl barely manages to dodge the assault. He pivots back, feeling the blade against strands of his hair. Then, as quick as it started, it's over.

You're looking at him now—not through him. Sweat is beading on your face, running down your cheeks like tears. Daryl knows better than to wipe it. As he stands out of his crouch, realisation flashes behind those massive eyes of yours.

“God—I’m sorry,” you gasp, breath ragged. “I’m so sorry... I thought you were—” You don’t finish. You don’t have to. He knows. Everyone knows exactly what you thought you were seeing.

Rick let's out a sigh: half relief, half exhaustion. He throws a backwards glance at the gathering crowd, raising one hand in a calm gesture. “Go on,” he says to them, “back to bed.”

Daryl hears their protests. It's understandable; they'd raced from their rooms only to find the source of the threat was some raging loon having a nightmare—as harsh as it sounded.

“You gave us quite the fright there,” Rick continues, turning his attention back to you. At this moment, he's demonstrating more tact than he shows his own children. “Do you need someone to stay with you?”

You shake your head, barely lifting your eyes. “No.”

Rick shifts his weight, searching for something else to say. He doesn't believe you, Daryl can tell by his stance. But that's not his problem.

By now, Daryl had already retreated to the door, watching you from a safe distance in the dim light. He’s seen this in people before—the way the world cracks them open like an egg. It’s never pretty. And it would have been less pretty if he'd been standing just a half-step closer to you.

“Well, if ya do,” Daryl says, his voice still edged with sleep, “it ain’t gonna be me. I wanna keep my head.”

The words come out harsher than he intends, but he doesn’t care enough to fix them. He’s tired, irritable, and the way you can’t meet his eye right now is getting under his skin. So Daryl steps back into the corridor, leaving Rick alone to deal with you.

His cell isn't the same as it was a-half-hour ago. It looks the same, doesn't feel it. It's quiet, but in his mind, that scream still rings like an alarm he can't shut off. On his cot, too, he fights with the covers. They're everywhere—too hot, too stifling. Too reminiscent of your emaciated body, tangled in bedsheets as you looked to Daryl for answers.

And he'd just left you there: wide-eyed and afraid.

Daryl doesn’t sleep that night.

Neither do you.

A/N Merry Christmas and happy holidays, lovers! I hope you've had a good one. I have eaten such ungodly amounts of cheese. That said, enjoy this lil gift from me. I busted my balls to get it out today - alternating between stuffing me face and putting words on the page. So do let me know if you like it! I also hope the change in POV isn't too confusing. I want to tell this story from both of their perspectives, since reader is a little bit of an unreliable narrator haha. Enjoyyyy x

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kisses4reid · 5 months ago

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scare | ·˚ ༘ spencer reid ,, (part 4)

synopsis - you’re in a relationship with some one else and have a pregnancy scare, both your own reaction and spencer’s makes you realise that you’re not happy.

part synopsis - you return to work, and a sudden revelation changes everything.

genre - bau!reader x spencer, friends to lovers, r was with someone else, douchebag bf trope, pregnancy scare, angst & fluff, comfort, reader is female with female anatomy and feminine

warnings - pregnancy is the main theme, blood, menstrual cycle, crying, inaccuracies because i have never been pregnant/ever thought i could be pregnant, uneducated reference to abortion: 'stick something up there',

w/c - 2.1k

a/n - last part. im sorry for the long wait and the subpar writing, i lost motiviation for this series and wasnt as into the story as i was before. BUT! i kept going for you guys. thank you <3 if anyone catches my hamilton reference youre my best friend

You hadn’t shown up to work for the week, taking the precious sick leave you had been hoarding and spending it all on arguing and throwing things into cardboard boxes. Not your stuff, but Lloyd's. And Spencer had spent those days pulling at his hair, tapping his fingers on his desk, and watching the automatic glass doors of the bullpen open just to find somebody else.

To everyone else’s knowledge, you simply had a bad stomach bug, but to Spencer it was much more. His stress was just a ticking time bomb waiting to detonate if one more person asks him how you were. Because he didn’t know. Not only were you physically absent from Spencer’s life, but virtually as well. No texts, calls, online likes or tags. It made him think the of the worst possibilities.

That’s where he was now, sat at his desk, finger tapping, leg bouncing, eyes darting from glass doors to blank phone, before he grabbed his phone and started to Hotchner’s office. His steps echoed in the early morning office sepace, patting his sweaty hands down his pants. But he didn’t make it very far before he heard Garcia’s familiar squeal, and your own genuine giggle.

Six days had been the longest you went without seeing Spencer, let alone your entire group, since you got the job. But you couldn’t put such a burden on these people, especially not the one who had seen you break down in his own apartment. To you, this was something you needed to figure out slowly and alone. Alone. Thank god, you were single now.

“I’m glad you’re feeling better, just a flu?” Garcia asked, slipping one of her arms into yours and walking you to your desk.

“Stomach bug.” You smiled, patting her hand and sitting down at your desk. You looked at all of your trinkets and photos, happy to see that you never actually put a couple photo on your desk, and happy to see a photo of your team all together instead.

Spencer spun on his heel and widened his eyes, a breath escaping him in relief.

“Y/n.”

You looked up and stared at the man, the bags under his eyes deepened and the creases between his brows appearing like scars.

“Spence, hey.” You smiled as Garcia took his hurried steps as her queue to leave.

“How are you-“

“He’s gone. Sorry you cut you off.” Your hands started fidgeting, you looked askance. Spencer’s eyes betrayed him in his shock, thankfully his lips didn’t betray him in his happiness.

“Oh. That’s great.” Spencer nodded and had to shake the sudden urge to grab your hands and squeeze them. He could feel the possibilities in his fingertips by the second, but he couldn’t lose sight of the bigger issue here. “Are you gonna work a case with us? Are you feeling… better?” He asked with full care in his warm brown eyes.

“Yeah, I’m better. I mean, I’m not great yet but I’m better. Still thinking about things.”

He nodded, but before he could ask anything more, the rest of the team emerged from the elevators.

“Eden Lim, missing for 9 hours after her mother left the front door open to let in fresh air. Power outage in the neighbourhood took out all the air conditionings. Neighbours are either elderly couples or other families.” JJ handed out manila folders and picked up the remote to the Tv screen, showing a photo of a sweet little girl with her mother in a slightly professional set up. Aaron nodded and started, “Wheels up in thirty, JJ organise a meeting with their sheriff and investigators.”

On the plane, you were surprised to say the least. You found out you were pregnant by a sudden sickness, and now, you felt fine. Even though you didn’t get plane sick often, you expected at least a little nausea or maybe a headache. But honestly? You felt fine. Maybe you were a superwoman, one of the rare lucky mothers that don’t get sick often.

That’s what starts to distract you, the thought of the future. You didn’t know anything about pregnancy, let alone parenting. The last time you babysat was for Emily’s cat. Your hands started sweating and you bit the inside of your lip to attempt a suppression of nerves, but you obviously weren’t slick enough.

Hotch sends a glance your way, “You okay, Y/n?”

You smile softly, “Yeah, just the plane is kinda waking up my stomach.”

He nodded, seemingly accepting of that answer, and you gave yourself a mental fist bump.

You try to refocus on the case, but another factor is making this specific one harder.

Eden.

The top name on your baby name list since you were 16, the one you sort of planned to use without much second thought. The one who belongs to a missing child.

A young man who had just lost his son stole Eden, took her to his house, and treated her well. He was a father who had suffered loss, and took from someone else in the same way so that he wasn’t alone in his feelings.

Something about that felt slightly relatable. If Lloyd knew how you were feeling, maybe he would understand the weight on your shoulders.

You walked with Spencer to your desk, the aura around you both feeling like it was going back to normal, just with another layer on top. The secret kept between you two, a bigger one than any of the others. You flicked your small, dark green scarf over your shoulder, the difference in temperature from the case hitting you harder than usual.

Spencer slipped his satchel over his shoulder and sent you a smile. You felt a spin in your stomach because of the sight, and looked down to hide your face discreetly. You heard a small clear of the throat and then Spencer’s voice,

“Hey, can I ask you something?”

“Of course.”

“Every time the victims name was mentioned, you sniffled, you rubbed your arm, or took a harder breath. Why is that?”

You widened your eyes, nearly laughing at the question. You had no idea Spencer was paying that much attention to you. Honestly, you thought he was going out of his way to avoid you to lower the chances of the team getting suspicious.

“Oh, it’s just uh. Eden has been on my baby name list since I was a teenager.”

Spencer’s shoulders tensed slightly, and his mouth opened as he nodded. His heart broke a little more. And he realised this was the first time you two were having a conversation since the night you stayed at his apartment. Not only was it making it real for you, it was making it real for him. Although, he had already vowed to himself that he would help you out with anything you needed, he doubted his mental capacity to take care of a baby made from the women he loves and a man he despises.

You both started walking to the elevator, always the last two in the office before Hotch, and you subconsciously stayed close to him. A pang hit your lower stomach that you pushed down.

“How are you doing, physically and mentally?” Spencer pushed the button with the down arrow, and looked down at you. His hair was slightly ruffled, his tie askew, but his eyes were how they always were when they looked at you, full. Full of care, of adoration, of worry, of knowing. Full of… something that could ruin both of you if he made the wrong decisions.

You took a breath and had to tear your gaze off of his, “Well, like I said, I broke up with Lloyd. He didn’t want to be a father, and when I told him I didn’t know what to do with the… baby, he said… he said… he told me to ‘stick something up there’ if I couldn’t afford another way.”

Spencer felt a rush of rage wash over him, his cheeks reddening and his hands fidgeting harder by the second. How could he?

“Basically, the opposite of how you reacted,” you laughed but it didn’t last long.

“Y/n… why haven’t you told me about him before? I didn’t even know you had been talking to guys until you were already dating one of them. If you told me about him I could’ve… I don’t know.”

“Open my eyes?” You smile sadly, and nod. “If I told you about him, and about how he acted… it was kind of like complaining about a sapling to an oak tree. Complaining about a page to a library. Complaining about a dickhead to…” You shook your head, “I felt embarrassed. And, I want you to think highly of me. But I guess after all of this, I can’t really help it anymore.”

Spencer stopped you in front of the elevator and took your hands, he looked at you with concern, and a bit of anger.

“Y/n I don’t hate you, or think any lesser of you just because you’re… pregnant, or because you were with a bad guy. I think that, while it’s true I think Lloyd is a terrible guy and I don’t see a lot of logic in staying with him, it was your own decision. I’ll always respect that.” He glanced down to his hand holding yours and let go of it.

Your eyes widened, panic shot across your face.

“Y/n?” The elevator doors opened.

“I need to go to the bathroom.” You turned and ran to the toilet, hearing Spencer’s steps behind yours a moment later. He called your name, asked you if you felt sick, and it made him feel guilty for making you stress in a time like this.

He hadn’t fully processed that you weren’t just his best friend, his love, but his pregnant best friend.

You pushed on the ladies bathroom door hard and darted for a toilet stall. There is no way I’m peeing my pants in front of Spencer Reid.

You closed the stall, and soon heard Spencer enter the bathroom with no hesitation to the fact it was a women’s room. “Do you need to hold your hair up?”

And even though the offer played with your heart, you quickly denied him, “No, Spencer, I’m not sick. I just needed to…”

You wiped, and suddenly you felt dizzy. Red.

Red?

“Blood…” you whispered to yourself. "Oh my... god."

“Blood!? Y/n, should you go to the hospital?” He stood closer to the door as his heart rate picked up.

You stood up, pulled up your pants and opened the door. Spencer nearly fell into you.

You screwed your eyebrows together in confusion, and all at once a million feelings hit you. Hatred, sadness, depression, heart break, hope, denial, acceptance… relief. You looked down, unable to look at Spencer as your heart quickened, and covered your mouth with your shaking hand.

“Spencer, I’m on my period.”

His big eyes searched yours, looking down and over your face and body and it was like watching him piece a puzzle together. “You’re not…”

You shook your head, and a wave of relief hit you all at once, tears hitting you like a tsunami, your arms wrapping around Spencer’s shoulders like unforgiving ropes. He stilled for a moment, before reciprocating the tight embrace, a breath of air leaving him in the contact. He squeezed his eyes shut and gripping at your work shirt causing wrinkles to appear between his fingers. His large palm warmed your back in soothing strokes before they laid tightly around your ribcage. Honestly, hugging you was a big thing he had been thinking about in your absense - they were always genuine.

You let go and smiled at Spencer widely, the first one you gave him genuinely in too long a time. Spencer placed a hand on your cheek and wiped a tear gently, smiling back at you.

“Oh, Spencer, I’m so… sorry.”

He stopped in his tracks and widened his eyes, “Why?”

“I made you worry for so long-“

“Hey, a false positive is not your fault. You had a less than 1 percent chance of getting one so it’s no wonder it didn’t cross your mind. My mind, as well.” His heart swelled as you two looked into each others eyes. Happy, relieved, suddenly aware of how close you two were to each other.

Spencer dropped his hand, and looked down with a cough. “I’m happy for you, Y/n.”

You nodded with a shy smile, and turned to look back at the toilet, “Well, I’m gonna… you know… take care of this and then… do you wanna get a drink? I need to... I need somewhere that's not my apartment to think about this.”

He blushed slightly, realising where he was, and picked up his satchel, “Yes, of course. Do you want to go to mine? We can pick up drinks on the way?”

"That would be amazing, thank you Spence." "Anything for you."

taglist - @jeffswh0re @reap3erslov3 @candyd1es @0108s22m @aurorsworld @theoraekenslover @c-losur3 @littlelearningbrat @khxna @laurakirsten0502 @cultish-corner @yokaimoon @flow33didontsmoke @reidswifeyyyyyy @kitsunetori @yasmin12312 @softestqueeen @adoresami @hazza3000 @lov3-audz @issy25 @pleasantwitchgarden @upuntil6am

#criminal minds #spencer reid #cm #criminal minds imagine #spencer reid imagine #spencer reid x reader #spencer reid oneshot #criminal minds fluff #spencer reid fluff #spencer reid x you #spencer reid angst #spencer reid fanfic #criminal minds hurt/comfort #🍵 —☆ pia’s pages

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freakmcnastyy · 15 days ago

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I've got my eye on you

Jeon Yeong-Bin x f!reader (fluff)

Summary: Yeong-bin starts catching feelings for the reader and with a little push from his friends, finally makes a move!

Note: Hey guysss! This is actually the first fic request I’ve ever gotten!! Thank you @deia4eva <3 Hope you like it 💙 Also! Just a lil’ change — instead of an all-boys school, let’s pretend the school is mixed.

inspired by the song "Say yes to heaven" (not sure)

⸻

You first heard his name when he got third place in the school’s math competition. To be honest, he didn’t look like the type who even knew where the math classroom was.

He looked like trouble.

Scratch that—he was.

A proper bully.

You saw him messing with this one quiet guy in class, Si-eun. Always picking on him for no reason, pretending it was an “accident.”

He always hung out with the same group of guys. Real loud types.

And yeah, they’d throw annoying comments around, pretending it was just “jokes.”

You didn’t like him at first. But also? You didn’t really care.

You hadn’t even talked to him once—why would he matter?

⸻

What you didn’t know though… was that Yeong-Bin had already noticed you.

Sure, you never talked to him, but he was into you—like, lowkey obsessed—just from watching you.

It wasn’t anything dramatic. He just… liked your vibe.

You know, some girls tried too hard to seem chill—especially the ones who hung out with the popular crowd. But you? You didn’t even try.

You were just genuinely unbothered. And somehow, that got under his skin.

He’d lay in bed at night replaying the way you laughed, the way you tossed your hair, your eyes…

They were the clearest moments of his day. Everything else? A blur.

Whenever he passed by your class, he’d slow down, eyes scanning the door in case you were inside.

Sometimes he’d make up excuses just to walk by. Or he’d say he was visiting a friend in your class when really, he just wanted to see you.

And yeah—you noticed.

No matter how cool he tried to act, he wasn’t exactly subtle.

You thought it’d pass.

That it was just one of those dumb high school crushes.

He thought so too.

But then… he caught himself talking about you.

To his friends. A lot.

They started pushing him. Hard.

Jung-Chan and Tae-Hoon especially.

“Dude, if you wait any longer, someone else is gonna scoop her up.”

“What if someone pulls a move before you?”

“Snap out of it, Yeong-Bin!”

⸻

That’s when the gifts started.

He watched you closely—what you bought at the cafeteria, what snacks you liked, what drinks you always picked.

He even asked around. Lowkey.

You were clueless—until one day, you came back to your desk and found a strawberry milk sitting there.

There was a sticky note on it: “Something sweet for your sweet mouth.”

The handwriting was bad. But he’d clearly tried.

You weren’t sure who sent it.

But it didn’t seem dangerous, so… yeah. You drank it.

You didn’t know that more was coming.

Snacks. Drinks. Notes telling you you looked pretty that day.

Whoever it was… was paying serious attention.

⸻

The boys kept bugging him to stop being anonymous.

Eventually, he cracked.

⸻

It was another boring-ass Wednesday.

You had PE last two periods—and the class was combined with Yeong-Bin’s.

You hated PE, so you’d usually get a pass and go read on the long stairs near the courtyard.

You brought your book. Sat down. Started reading. Peaceful.

Until—

Yeong-Bin.

He sat down next to you. No warning. No asking.

You didn’t say anything. Just kept reading.

“Kafka?” he asked. He saw you reading it before and had even looked him up just to have something to talk about.

“Mhm. Letters to Milena.” you replied, eyes still on the page.

“Oh. So you’re into romantic stuff?” he grinned. “I’ve heard of that one—”

“What do you want?” You cut him off, still not looking at him.

He hesitated. Looked over at his friends making wild gestures from a few steps away.

“You caught my eye,” he said. Classic line.

You sighed.

“Hey, look—if you want me to leave—”

“You sent those notes, didn’t you?” you interrupted.

You were risking your whole vibe here. If it wasn’t him? Awkward.

He nodded. “You weren’t creeped out, were you?”

“No… weirdly, you always got my favorite stuff right.”

You smirked.

He grinned back. He didn’t say he’d been stalking you a little, but you kinda figured it out anyway.

⸻

Things got… complicated after that.

You found yourself texting him at night, drinking the coffee he left on your desk even though you told him not to, catching his eyes in class, sometimes walking home together.

It wasn’t official or anything.

You were just “friends.”

At least, that’s what you thought.

You liked to play it cool. And that was part of your charm.

You assumed it’d fade. That he’d get bored.

But he didn’t. He tried harder.

Asked you to hang out. To eat together. To study. Or even just… sit in silence.

And just like that, weeks went by.

⸻

One time, you were alone in the classroom.

You stood by the window, sun in your eyes, fingers trailing the glass.

He walked in. Didn’t say anything. Just stood near you.

You turned. “Aren’t you bored of me yet?” you asked.

He looked confused.

“Why would I be? You’re fun.”

“Really? All I do is sit in silence.”

He shrugged. “I like you even when you’re quiet.”

“Why?”

“Have you ever been in love?” he asked, eyes dropping from yours.

You didn’t answer. You just looked away.

He smiled. “You’ll know when it hits.”

And just like that, he left.

His friends were waiting outside.

“THAT’S IT!” Jung-Chan yelled, smacking his shoulder.

Tae-Hoon joined in: “Even a brick would realize that was a love confession, bro.”

Yeong-Bin said nothing.

Something still felt… off.

⸻

A few days later

You ran.

Ran like your life depended on it.

You’d overheard someone mention something like “Yeong… bin… hospital…” and the world stopped.

Your body went numb. Your heart stuttered.

Couldn’t even grab your phone.

Your legs moved before your brain did.

You took the stairs two at a time. Yelled at the taxi driver to “just f*cking go, man!”

Your thoughts were a mess: Was he okay? Was there blood? Was he breathing?

Apparently, Si-eun had finally snapped.

Beat him with a book and a curtain rod.

You arrived at the hospital out of breath, barely speaking. Asked the nurse—barely—where his room was.

Then you ran.

No thinking. No logic. Just gut instinct.

You opened the door.

There he was.

Quiet.

Bandaged.

Left eye bruised. Lip split. Nose taped. Arm hooked to an IV.

And just like that—

You broke.

“Yeong-Bin…” you whispered.

He hadn’t seen you yet.

But you walked in.

Didn’t even shut the door.

You marched straight over—

And hugged him.

Hard.

No words. No asking. Just held on.

He flinched a little. Eyes blinking open.

His arms lifted—then wrapped around you.

“Y/N… how did you-?”

His voice was weak. He breathed you in.

You pulled back just enough to see his face.

Eyes red. Not crying—but close.

You looked at his lips, his forehead, his bandages.

Then you spoke.

“Some kids were talking… I thought—I thought something really bad happened.”

His eyes softened.

“I’m fine,” he said. Voice shaky. He was crying to his mom earlier, but now he had to play the tough guy.

Just then, the door opened.

A woman walked in. Sharp. Stylish. Rich-vibe.

The “I’ll pay you to stay away from my son” type.

You stood and bowed a little.

She didn’t seem surprised. Like she’d expected you.

“You’re Y/N?” she asked, completely expressionless.

“Yes, ma’am. You must be his mom?”

She nodded. “He talks about you a lot.”

Wait—what?

He… told his mom about you?

Yeong-Bin made weird faces at her. Clearly embarrassed.

She ignored it.

“I’ll give you two some time,” she said, and turned to her son.

“As for that Si-eun boy—I’m getting him sent to juvie. Count on it.”

Then she left.

You turned back to Yeong-Bin.

“What happened?”

No one just randomly beats someone up.

“I told that Beom-sok guy to stick a fentanyl patch on his neck,” he said flatly.

You froze.

“ARE YOU STUPID?! You could get expelled!”

He shrugged. “Whatever. The only thing that’d suck about transferring is… being away from you.”

Even now.

Battered. Bruised.

He was thinking about you.

You reached out, touched his cheek.

Your thumb brushed his skin.

“You’re insane.”

“For you.”

You both laughed. It was weird. But comforting.

Then, without thinking, you leaned in and kissed his cheek.

His eyes widened.

“Don’t look at me like a deer in headlights,” you teased. “You earned that.”

As you pulled back, his hands grabbed your face, gently—

And he kissed you.

On the lips.

Then pulled away.

“This is, like… a terrible place for a first kiss. Sorry.”

You didn’t answer.

Your face was bright red.

This time… you were the deer.

#weak hero kdrama #weak hero x reader #weak hero class 1 #weak hero class 1 x reader #whc1 #whc1 x reader #Kim Su-gyeom #yeon sieun #yeong bin x reader #jeon yeong bin

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lilypadthaii · 1 year ago

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idiot | suna rintarō

suna rintaro x reader :3 wc: 2.7k

tropes: unrequited love, childhood friends to lovers, kinda oblivious reader a/n: sunas probably ooc, i cant write nonchalant men srry. also NOT proofread so sorry if there r mistakes :p

you first met suna when you were both just 7 years old. you were introduced to him by the twins, who happened to be your neighbors at the time.

the interaction didn’t feel like it was anything out of the ordinary, but looking back on it, maybe it was the start of it all.

“hi! my name’s y/n l/n! i’ve heard a lot about you from tsumu and samu! let’s be good friends from now on, ‘kay?”

what could he possibly do but accept? there was no way he could reject you, not with the toothy grin you flashed at him and the tight hug you enveloped him in right after.

that was how he first got pulled into your orbit.

from that point on, you, him, and the twins were practically inseparable. you went on adventures together everyday, catching bugs, riding your bikes, playing pranks on your parents, etc.

while most of the time, it seemed as though he was just being dragged along, he couldn’t deny that he had fun.

even though the twins were as annoying as ever, he didn’t actually mind you. he didn’t mind getting sneak attacked by your snowballs when it snowed in the winter, and he didn’t mind listening to you sing loudly and out of tune into the fan during the summer.

to say the least, he found you bearable.

he began noticing a change when he was 13, at the start of a new school year. the four of you hung out frequently, almost everyday during school hours and afterschool. yet, something had changed about the dynamic of this friend group that he couldn’t quite place.

maybe it was the way your gaze would linger on atsumu’s for longer than usual. maybe it was the way atsumu would trip over his words when you showed up. maybe it was the way it seemed like you and atsumu were slowly drifting away from him and osamu into you two’s own little world. maybe, just maybe, it was the way what used to be plans that were shared by the four of you became one on one hangouts between you and atsumu.

perhaps that’s why it didn’t shock him when you two announced that you were dating just a few weeks later.

he couldn’t blame you for falling for him. after all, atsumu was charming, funny, talented, and treated you well. why wouldn’t you?

unfortunately, this fact didn’t stop the uneasy feeling that settled in his chest for weeks after.

he passed it off as a side effect of the summer heat.

when you were 15, you were arguing with atsumu almost everyday. most of the time it was just stupid stuff, like him being late to a date or leaving you on read. when he got more invested in volleyball, however, he began spending less and less time with you.

the arguments only got worse and worse. at some point, suna was sure you two were going to break up, but you never did.

one summer night, you two were eating ice cream at local convenience store. it was like any other conversation of you two’s at the time: you complaining about atsumu and him quietly listening.

“what should i do, rin? he’s so frustrating… it doesn’t even seem like he’s wants to be with me anymore! all he ever talks about volleyball… i mean, does he even like ME anymore? maybe he’s just too busy for a relationship.”

he stared at the moon as he listened to you ramble. it was strangely beautiful tonight. he wanted to take out his phone and snap a picture, but he knew you’d get upset.

“why don’t you just break up with him?”

he had interrupted you abruptly, so he expected you to reprimand him. instead, you went completely silent.

he turned to look at you, expecting an answer, but was surprised by what he saw.

you were covering your face with your hands, but there was no way he could mistake the tears welling up in your eyes for anything else.

“i know, i mean, i’ve considered it so many times. i’m an idiot, i know, but i,” you blubbered, hiccupping as you spoke, “i don’t want to leave him.”

it was silent for a few seconds, and when you looked up at him, he was watching you carefully.

“why?”

you looked down again and swallowed before replying. “because i love him, suna. i love him so much, i can’t imagine being without him. i know it might just be because i’m young and stupid, but i don’t want to give up on us.”

you were slightly startled by the comforting touch of his head on your head, patting you as if you were a pet.

“things will work out. atsumu loves you too, he’s just an idiot. don’t doubt yourself, dumbass.”

you choked out a laugh as you wiped your tears.

“thanks, rin. i’m so glad you’re my best friend.”

you gave him your signature toothy grin, and his heart did the thing, just as it always did when you smiled at him, and just as he always would, he’d brush it off as him being sick. man, he really needed to get this heart problem checked out.

even as you continued your rant about your incompetent boyfriend, suna wondered how, even with your puffy eyes and red nose, you managed to look like that. how the moonlight perfectly traced your features, as if gently kissing every aspect of your face.

perhaps he’d known it for a while, but was in denial, that he felt something for you that a best friend shouldn’t. but what could he do?

you were in love with atsumu, and this was an absolute. a fact of life, just like how humans needed air to live and the sky was blue.

when you were 17, your relationship had gotten past the arguing stage and was relatively stable. you went every game of inarizaki’s that you could, cheering for them from the sidelines.

there was one particular game that stuck with suna. it was a victory in a difficult game against karasuno.

after the game, he saw you running up to him, and spread his arms, ready to receive your hug.

but it wasn’t him you were running to. it was atsumu. it wasn’t his hug to receive. it was atsumu’s. you ran past him, jumping into atsumu’s arms, and he spun you around as you congratulated him with kisses.

he’d remember that moment forever, because it’d serve as a reminder that it would never be him, and that he shouldn’t ever get his hopes up.

when he was 18, he received a text from you that would end your 11 year friendship. you two had been distant for a while, so it shouldn’t have been too surprising.

“hey, suna. we’ve been friends for so long, and it breaks my heart to do this to us, but i don’t think we should be friends anymore. atsumu doesn’t want me being too close to any guys, which is understandable, so i think it’s only right of me to do this. i’m sorry, and i wish you the best. i hope you’ll remember me as your best best friend :)”

he considered calling you, but stopped himself. what did he want from you? an explanation? you’d already given him one. there wasn’t anything he could do.

he buried himself in volleyball to force himself to forget you, what you two had, or rather, what he had for you. it worked, for a while, until he received a sudden call from an unknown number on his 22nd birthday.

he was out with his team, getting drinks at a bar. he probably would’ve declined, if not for the gut feeling that rose in his stomach when he saw the number. so he stepped out and answered.

“hello? ri- oops, suna, is that you?”

he swore he felt his heart rate accelerate as soon as he heard your voice through the speaker.

“yeah, it’s me. is this y/n?” you’d gotten a new number, he noted.

“yes, i know, this is sudden and weird, and i don’t want to intrude, but i know it’s your birthday, so i just wanted to say happy birthday. i hope you’re doing well. i know it’s not my place to say this, so i’m sorry-“

you were rambling, just as you always did when you were stressed or nervous. it made him a little happy, knowing you hadn’t changed.

“it’s okay,” he interrupted, “thank you for that. i’m doing well. how are you?”

he’d spend the next hour on the phone with you, catching up on your lives, until one of his teammates popped his head out of the restaurant and asked if he was coming back in.

“i’m definitely ruining your birthday night huh? i’m so sorry, i’ll let you get back to that. but, if it’s okay, would you like to meet up sometime? i’ll text you, if it’s okay?”

“yeah, sure.”

“happy birthday, rin!” was all he heard before you hung up. the nickname gave him a rush of nostalgia, one that warmed his insides.

he went back inside the bar with a stupid grin on his face that he couldn’t wipe off, one that would get him teased by his teammates for the rest of the night.

a week later, he finds himself in a cozy cafe near his house that he never knew existed, pretending to browse the weather app on his phone as he waits.

he’s so nervous he doesn’t even notice you until you sit down directly in front of him, setting down your bag with dozens of clinking keychains attached.

you laugh as you see him visibly startle. “it’s just me, suna. sorry i’m a little late. how long’ve you been waiting for?”

“just a few minutes, don’t worry.”

he pauses to take in your appearance. you’re as beautiful as ever. you seem more mature now (how stupid, you’re both adults now after all), but he can still see glimpses of your much younger self in the smile you give him.

he snaps himself out of his trance when you speak up, “i know all i’ve been doing since we started talking again is apologizing, but i’m genuinely sorry, suna. i shouldn’t have done that to you. i threw away our friendship like it was nothing. i told myself it was for the better, that atsumu needed me, and i wanted to be the best girlfriend for him. but i’ve since realized how naive i was.” you pause, thinking back to your nearly ten year relationship. he sees something in your eyes he didn’t when you two were together, and suna can’t stop himself from asking.

“are you two… still together?”

you can almost laugh at how hesitant he sounds, like he’s trying not to step on a landmine.

“no, we’re not. we broke up a year ago, and i’ve realized it was for the better.” when you see his questioning gaze, you continue, “i feel like most of our relationship, i was basically living for him. i centered my life around him. i lost friends and hobbies all for a guy who i know now cares more about volleyball than he could about anybody. i’m the biggest idiot in the world.”

you feel the tears coming back to you, but you force them down. you’re here to apologize, not to make an even bigger fool of yourself.

“you’re not an idiot, y/n. you found something great, and you just wanted to treasure it. it’s his fault he couldn’t appreciate that.”

as he says this, he gives you an adoring smile, as if saying he thinks you’ve hung the moon and stars, and you feel your heart swoon a little at the sight.

“do you.. accept my apology? i know we might not be able to go back to the way we were before, but can we at least be friends again? as selfish as this may seem, i miss what we had, suna.”

“i’m sorry, i don’t think i can do that, y/n.”

a feeling of dejection washes you, but you do your best to quickly brush it off.

“i understand. again, i’m sorry. i’m glad we had the chance to catch up, though. i should leave now-“

“you misunderstood. i can’t be just friends with you. the reason i wanted to catch up with you wasn’t so we could just be friends.”

the next words he says are the exact ones you never thought he’d say, let alone to you.

“i like you. no, i’m in love with you. it took a while to come to terms with, but i’ve been in love with you since we first became best friends. i thought i’d be able to act normal after seeing you again, that the feeling would fade, but it hasn’t. in fact, it’s only gotten stronger.”

suna thought he’d have trouble saying it, but as soon as it started, the words came out naturally, likely because the feelings he felt for you came just as naturally to him.

“now, if we’re going to be friends, i want it to be with the intention of becoming lovers in the future. i know you’re still getting over him, and you’re not ready, but if you ever think you are and you want to give me a chance, i’m right here.”

“i always have been,” he adds.

you’re speechless, and you swear you feel like your heart is pumping at 200 mph. you’d be lying if you said before you began dating atsumu, you’d never seen him as a potential partner, but that was so long ago and you were just a kid.

“oh. i’m- what? sorry, i’m just really surprised. i don’t know what to say, suna.”

“that’s alright. i’m not expecting anything right now, but in the future, if you’re looking for something, let me be the first option, yeah?”

that night, he feels like a heavy weight has been lifted off his heart. he goes to sleep thinking about how pretty you looked in the cafe.

a couple months later, you two go on your first ever date. it’s a picnic by the river near your house, and it just so happens to be on the day of a lantern festival. you both make wishes as you light your lanterns and set them into the water. he makes a quick wish that your wish will come true, and after he watches as you intently make yours. you look so cute, he can’t help but snap a picture. he should make that his lock screen, he decides.

he asks you out officially just a few months later. it happens during a romantic, candlelit dinner at his house. you’re a little drunk from the wine, so you start crying about how considerate he is and how much you like him, pulling him into a tight hug. he can’t wipe the stupid smile off his face as he comforts you.

one unsuspecting weekend, suna announces that he’ll be flying you out to one of his official volleyball games. it’s sudden, but you want to support him, so you don’t put up a fight. you’re sitting on the bleachers before the game begins, and it’s so crowded you can barely hear, but there’s no mistaking the way the announcer calls your name. you look at suna questioningly, and he gestures for you to come down. when you finally make it down onto the court, all his teammates are standing off to the side. as you get closer to suna, he smiles, and it’s so bright that you can’t help but smile back.

he then gets down on one knee, and you swear your heart almost explodes on the spot. before he can finish his question, you jump on him, enveloping him in a hug that ends up with you on top of him on the ground. as the tears well up in your eyes, you watch as he slides the ring on your finger intently, and you realize you must have been an idiot to not notice him all this time.

divider source: cafekitsune!!

#suna rintaro x reader #suna rintarou #suna rintaro haikyuu #haikyu x reader #haikyu x you #haikyu x y/n #suna rintaro x y/n #inarizaki #suna rintaro fluff #miya twins #suna rintarou x reader #suna x reader

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eggroll-sama · 1 year ago

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Touchstarved Love Interest on a Hike

You and the touchstarved gang go on a forest hike. What could possibly go wrong? (I know this is really OOC, realistically they wouldn’t go on a hike together because the drama is crazy, but hey, it’s fun to imagine)

AIS

Doesn’t say much, but is enjoying the quality time. He lets the others take the reins because he trusts them.

Looks good wearing a T-shirt and shorts and lots of passersby check him out. Leander is not pleased.

The most physically built out of the five and doesn’t break a sweat even on the steep areas.

Can probably carry all the backpacks and still be fine, but won’t offer unless you beg him what a dick. Oh you want me to carry some of your stuff? No. Why? I don’t want to. In the end he would carry them for you.

(More characters under the cut)

Very unprepared. He just wore casual clothes and hiking shoes. Asking Kuras every 10 minutes if he can get a sip of his water or use his sunscreen.

Shows that he cares about the others when he slows his pace to match the slowest person in the group. It’s Vere. He listens to his complaining.

Looking out for any signs of danger.

Won’t take any pictures on the hike. If you try to take a picture with him he’ll either smile wickedly or lick your face for a reaction.

He’d get hungry and eats a poisonous mushroom even after Mhin pointed out that it was poisonous. Shrugs and throws away the mushroom cuz there was no flavor.

When he reaches the destination, he’d be impressed by the view and peacefully sit while drinking some oolong tea. Vere stole it from a hiker and gave it to him. How kind of him.

KURAS

Kuras likes to wander and discover new places so he said yes. He wasn’t pleased there would be other members Vere joining them. He tries to hide his distaste and focuses on the trail.

Is taken in by the nature and how the sun casts light between the trees and making a beautiful scenery. When a cool breeze passes and his hair flutters, it almost looks like their a forest fairy.

He brought extra water because he knew there would be somebody that would forget.

If he noticed you’re tired, he’d suggest that they’d take a break. Also brought a First Aid Kit if there was an accident. He’s a doctor; it would be embarrassing if he didn’t bring one.

The most elegant hiker. It’s very peculiar seeing him hiking because it looks like he’s gliding. He doesn’t break a sweat and has an amused look on his face the entire time. What is he thinking?

Walks beside Mhin and listens to them talking about random biology facts. Is very interested in what they have to say and will even point out at herbs as they pass by them.

Ignores Vere who keeps making backhanded comments about him from behind. Will keep quiet about a ditch, root, or a spider up ahead. Smiles when he hears Vere scream behind him.

He’d probably come back again by himself or with one extra person, either Mhin or MC.

LEANDER

99% chance that this whole thing was his idea. He’s an active guy and likes to spend time with others. He’d probably done the hike a number of times before.

The one leading. He’s prepared and has all the basic necessities, even things you wouldn’t think of. He caters to your needs the most. If you ask if anyone has x y and z, he’d be the first to offer it. He wants to be relied on and show he’s a competent man!

Acts as the “trail leader�� of the group. Has a map in hand.

He whistles when he isn’t talking.

Highly susceptible to bug bites.

Notices that the group is functioning in pairs, Mhin with Kuras and Vere with Ais. He’d feel like a third wheel and will talk to you the most. Will get mopey if you talk to somebody else. If you notice he’s been quiet, join him at the front and talk to him and he’d be overwhelmed with joy.

Puts on a lot of deodorant and the others try not to cringe at the smell. Mhin or Vere would point it out and he’d laugh, but he’s dying inside.

Gets competitive when a bunch of hikers giggle to themselves over Ais. Oh wow is it getting hot out here, let me just take off my shirt and show off my sculpted abs. Ais knows exactly what he’s doing and side-eyes him.

When he reaches the destination, he tries to makes a speech about how proud he is of everyone and yada yada, nobody is listening and doing their own thing. He’s distraught. At least the view is nice.

MHIN

Doesn’t like anyone there except for Kuras and MC (Leander is tolerable).

Gets fed up really quickly with Vere’s complaining and Leander’s nonsensical chatter.

The one covered up the most because they get easily sunburnt.

Brought a gallon full of ice cold water and would not share.

Surprisingly agile and has high endurance.

Super unlucky, would step on the weirdest sh*t on the hike.

Enjoys the wildlife around them. Points out at things they’ve read in books. Will get really deep into it if you reciprocate the interest.

Keeping track of the map because they don’t trust Leander. Has caught him going the wrong direction a few times.

Looking out for danger #2.

Munches on plain crackers when they get hungry and looks like a hamster. If you point it out you’ll get stabbed.

Once at the destination, they try to find a souvenir rock. If you ask them what they’re doing they’ll shoo you away. If you give them a nice rock you found, they’d carefully analyze it before thanking you with a small blush.

VERE

He is not happy to be here. And he will make it clear from the very start.

High chance that he said yes cuz Ais was going.

Can’t stand listening to Kuras and Mhin being nerds and Leander talking about the time he almost got married to a middle-aged nun. HUH?! HOW DO YOU EVEN DO THAT-

Complains and super snarky at the very beginning, but gradually starts to quieten down due to fatigue.

Stealing stuff from fellow hikers just for the heck of it.

The best dressed hiker. Many people are in awe how sexy he looks. And yes, he made one of his admirers buy it for him. He will wear it once and then throw it away.

Sweat gives him that natural glow :0

Vere WON’T forget about the sunscreen and bug spray. He won’t let a hike ruin his skin for the rest of the week.

Does not look out for danger, IS the danger.

Rare sight of Vere with a high ponytail. Ais grabs him by the pony tail when he wants his attention.

Once he reaches the site, he’s going to take a quick nap under a shade. You can join him, but be wary.

#touchstarved game #touchstarved #touchstarved leander #touchstarved mhin #touchstarved kuras #touchstarved Ais #touchstarved Vere #ts ais #ts vere #ts mhin #ts kuras #ts leander #touchstarved headcanons #Ais headcanons #Vere headcanon #Leander headcanon #Mhin headcanon #Ais headcanon #Kuras headcanon

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lluvmydogs · 3 months ago

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I’m thinking about Amari so much because I’m diseased that now I need to talk about them <3

- Amari’s original concept was a much more silent bard like character. Someone who stuck to the outskirts of a group or conversation. But who you could find playing songs by campfire in the middle of the desert.

- Their actual first design concepts had them as a bug like hybrid? And they hid all the features under their cloak and hat. With a green and brown pallet to match my normal sona more

^ not the first sketched concept but close to it

- Amari (imo) has like two “symbols” that I pull imagery from when making choices and art and stuff. And those are birds such as magpies and crows. And canines such as like wolves and coyotes and foxes.

(I think about Amari and magpies a lot)

- Amari also has a thing about trust. But unfortunately it’s a little messed up in their head. See Amari sees trust as comfort or safety. Not really as actual “trustability”

One of the reasons Jaxper and spur jumped around on the list so much is because of that fact. Because sometimes Amari could “trust” them but didn’t feel safe. Or vise versa. It unfortunately was never actually about trust it was about safety. But she didn’t realize this.

Safety was truly what Amari clung to. Always standing near the people he felt safest next to. Seeking those people out in a crowd. In a world and a body that seemed so unpredictable and changing, he tried to hold onto safety from other sources.

Even down to his last moment. He trusted Josie fully because he felt safe around her. It wasn’t a final act of rebellion or anything. It was an act of trust. Because Josie and Amari had talked over and over about how they wouldn’t hurt eachother and Amari trusted that.

I think that’s all the thoughts I have rn.

But if anyone has questions about anything else please please please please please please ask <3 im really normal about cowboys <3

#wwsmp #luvcast

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violetrainbow412-blog · 8 months ago

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Day 21: bonfire

Masterlist flufftober 🎃

Reblog if you liked it!

It was strange that you attended school trips as a child, and you didn’t expect that to change in university. However, when your group suggested the idea of going to Prince William Forest Park to camp, you thought it would be fun.

In particular, because you had insisted that one of your classmates come along, eager to share more time with him than just the hours you spent at university. The guy was a complete nerd and, for some people, socially awkward, but the truth was that you found him quite pleasant. He was always willing to help you, and there was something about his shyness that you really liked. He was exactly your type.

The leader of your group had arranged to get a cabin in the park so that you could store some of your things, refrigerate food, have a restroom, and access basic services in case of an emergency, but the main condition was that you had to set up tents outdoors.

You had no problem with that; after all, you had spent a large part of your childhood doing that kind of activity, but your classmate Spencer didn’t seem very excited about the idea.

“You know that 20% of people are especially attractive to mosquitoes due to a combination of factors like the chemical composition of their skin, the levels of carbon dioxide they emit, and their body temperature, right?” the boy said while you were setting up your tent.

You were side by side because you had suggested it that way, and he was happy to oblige.

“No. I didn’t know that,” you laughed.

“Unfortunately, I think I’m part of that percentage. I’ve read that they can locate you from up to 50 meters away.”

“So, you hate camping because of the mosquitoes?”

“It’s not that I hate it, but there are definitely some downsides. Besides mosquitoes, there’s the possibility of encountering ticks that carry diseases like Lyme disease. I don’t know if you knew, but Virginia is an area where it’s relatively common. That’s why I always carry DEET repellent and a small first aid kit in case of bites.”

You chuckled softly as you watched your classmate open his backpack, revealing various items that would be useful in the hypothetical event of a disaster.

“Wow, what else do you have?”

“A high-performance flashlight, just in case we have to move around at night. Although this is a protected park, darkness in the woods can be dangerous if you’re not prepared; the chances of getting disoriented are high. I also bring clothes that can help keep me dry and avoid hypothermia, even if the weather doesn’t seem that cold. It’s better to be safe. Oh, and I always carry a thermal blanket. They might seem a bit excessive, but in an emergency... well, it never hurts to be prepared.”

“And is that all?”

“I also bring a book because, well, there’s always a moment when you need a distraction from the bugs and possible raccoon attacks.”

You couldn’t help but laugh at the enthusiasm with which he had prepared for the occasion, and he looked somewhat shy in response.

“It’s good to know you’re so prepared. If something happens to me, I’ll know who to turn to,” you teased. He had already finished setting up his tent a while ago, and seeing you struggle with the task, he decided to help you.

Most of the group was setting up the area, and soon you found the perfect spot. You had left a circle in the middle, where you were sure you would gather once night fell and the classic campfire began.

It happened that several of the more muscular guys took charge of gathering firewood, probably to impress your female classmates and get something going with them that night.

There were beers (quite a few), some snacks, potatoes to stuff with cheese, bacon, sour cream, and green onions, some pizzas that you bought in town, and items to prepare skewers over the campfire. And of course, several bags of marshmallows for dessert were a must.

You grabbed a beer from the coolers around and then offered one to your classmate, who accepted it only out of obligation. There were a ton of people around, and you all laughed at the conversations taking place—some about school, gossip, others on sexual topics, and even a game of Never Have I Ever. It wasn’t so surprising when you found out that Spencer still hadn’t had sex with anyone, but it was a piece of information that distracted you for a moment.

Your friend gave you tips on the specific amount of time it took for your marshmallows to be perfectly golden and crispy on the outside but soft and melted on the inside. It was lucky to have that walking encyclopedia by your side.

“Why did you bring your own tent, Reid? I thought she’d be happy to host you in hers.”

“Shut up,” you said hostilely to one of your classmates. He could sense the tension between you and kept reminding you of it.

“If you don’t want him, Lacy is dying to host him. If you know what I mean,” the guy said, winking in your friend’s direction.

“I don’t... um... I don’t know.”

“Leave him alone,” you pleaded, rolling your eyes but blushing at the idea of another girl having her eyes on Spencer.

There were only a few people left around you since it was quite late, and most were looking to do precisely what your classmate had suggested. There would be too many condoms lying around in the morning.

“Don’t pay attention to him,” you murmured to Spencer. “He’s just joking.”

“Yeah, I know. I hope he didn’t make you uncomfortable.”

“Don’t worry, it’s nothing out of the ordinary. In university, everyone is horny and fuck with whoever, it’s never been a secret.”

The boy nodded slightly, and you thought the topic wasn’t to his liking. After all, Spencer might not like thinking about those things, and you weren’t sure yet if his sexual orientation was one where he felt attracted to women or maybe one where he wasn’t attracted to anyone at all.

You both fell silent for a moment, watching the flames flicker in the air, and then you realized that the last couple of people had already left the logs where you were sitting. You wanted to say something to break the tension in the air, but nothing came to mind.

“Did you know that in the Middle Ages, large bonfires were made with bones during festivals or to dispose of animal remains after ceremonies? That’s where we get the name from,”

“Really?” you expressed, surprised. You were grateful he had a subject to keep the conversation going.

“Uh-huh. It’s quite curious. Also, in ancient times, fire was used to disinfect tools and wounds since heat can kill bacteria and germs. Today, heat sterilization techniques are still used in medicine.”

“How do you know so much?” you murmured, glancing his way with a slightly enchanted look. He was wearing a white polo shirt, and you wondered if he was feeling cold.

“I don’t know. It’s just stuff I read.”

“You’re very smart,” you complimented him, smiling. “You always know what to say.”

“Not always,” he chuckled. “I’m really bad at socializing with people. No book teaches you how to do that.”

“What you need to do is relax. You don’t need a book for that,” you murmured kindly. “I like you just the way you are. And I think Lacy does too.”

The last huff sounded like a reproach, and he scratched the back of his neck nervously, analyzing the subtext of what you had just said. Silence fell again.

“I don’t like Lacy. I don’t even know why she likes me.”

“Anyone with two brain cells could see you’re handsome. Well, apparently anyone except you.”

“Do I look like that to you?” he murmured, almost confused.

“You have your charms,” you exclaimed flirtatiously, nudging him with your shoulder.

Spencer looked at you attentively, trying to decipher the lie on your face. But there was none; it seemed you were being honest.

The fire crackled in front of you, and you saw one of the logs burning down, a sign that it would soon go out.

“Maybe we should go to sleep.”

“Spencer, can I ask you something? It’s okay if you say no.”

“Sure, go ahead.”

“Why are you still a virgin? Is it a personal choice, or has the situation just... never come up?”

You saw the man turn the color of the fire, and for a moment, you thought you had crossed the line of trust.

“It’s not that I don’t want to. But there hasn’t been someone who... you know, wants to do it.”

You nodded in understanding, carefully considering the words you were about to say.

“Do you want to sleep in my tent? No sexual connotation, I swear,” you clarified, to avoid any misunderstanding. “It’s just that it’s colder than I expected, and you have that useful thermal blanket, so... huh, I thought it would be a good idea. If you want to, of course.”

“Okay,” he hurriedly said, as if he feared you would change your mind. You were so close to each other that you swore he would kiss you.

The fire had just burned out when you both got up to go to the tent, and once inside, you did what you had promised: just talk. As you went to sleep, you ended up in each other's arms, and a whirlwind of emotions developed in his stomach, while you felt your heart racing completely.

After that, he asked you out on a date, and then he realized how much he could be loved by someone.

And of course, the ideal situation soon presented itself between you. Spencer couldn't imagine a better scenario or a better person to share his first time with.

#spencer reid #spencer reid fanfic #spencer reid x reader #criminal minds #criminal minds fanfic #dr spencer reid #matthew gray gubler #spencer reid x you #flufftober 2024 #prompt list #writing challenge #spencer reid fluff #spencer reid fanfiction #criminal minds fanfiction #spencer reid imagine #spencer reid drabble

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flowersdiceandlove · 3 months ago

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Another idea based off of this post. mdzs this time. Nie Huaisang. Modern/College au. He invites a lot of people. Wei Wuxian decides to go bc Huaisang's his friend and it sounds like fun. He drags Jiang Cheng along with him cause he's so uptight and he thinks getting laid would help with that. Lan Wangji hears Wei Wuxian is going so he goes solely bc of that. He glares at anyone who tries to get close to him or get close to Wei Wuxian across the room. Wen Ning's there bc Wei Wuxian told him about it and invited him. He knows what the party's about and is a cute blushing mess about it all which just makes others want to dote on him more. He's very popular bc of this and has a group of at least 3 surrounding him at all times.

Wei Wuxian challenges people to Mario Cart. And then a bunch of other video games as well throughout the night. Bc Nie Huaisang is a social butterfly, he invites people from a lot of different majors. Wei Wuxian ends up getting into a heated discussion on physics with another science major (WWX's getting his doctorate in physics or maybe engineering. but he did skip a few grades) and pulls in some math majors and a chemistry major and a med student (not wen qing, she's not there, and not wen ning. wn's still busy getting dotted on) and some other STEM students. Probably turns into a debate about the plausibility of time travel and teleportation and what effect it would have on the human body. Wei Wuxian is for it and thinks they can achieve it safely if given the time and resources to figure it out. Some others think it's too out there to be achieved safely in their lifetimes and to suggest otherwise is ludicrous and not taking science seriously, treating it like some dumb science fiction novel. It's probably Su She he's fighting with... This is where the white sheet and the dry erase markers used for calculations and demonstrations comes in. They're all trying to prove their points and they garner a small crowd. They're pulling up academic papers on their phones and bringing out thick-ass books and textbooks for references. Some have even pulled out their computers and are taking notes bc this is good stuff.

Jiang Cheng is standing awkwardly in a corner until he gets pulled into a game of Mario Cart and becomes obsessed with crushing everyone else in races.

Nie Huaisang gets people asking about his birds so he starts talking about them and goes on and on telling people all about them and their facts(maybe some zoology majors?). Then it's different types of art majors and some history majors asking about his art collection...

Mianmian's there and she and Wei Wuxian talk about stupid stuff and throw popcorn at Jiang Cheng to distract him from Mario Cart. Lan Wangji seethes in the corner in jealousy, glaring. Wei Wuxian and Mianmian don't intend to have sex, they just get along. Lan Wangji doesn't know this.

At some point during the night, Wei Wuxian or Jiang Cheng notice that the absolutely delicious food set out tastes very familiar and then realize that it tastes just like Jiang Yanli's cooking. They descend on Nie Huaisang about it and he admits that Jiang Yanli cooked this stuff and that she always insists on doing so when she hears he's hosting this type of party. Seeing how distraught the brothers look at the thought of their sister even knowing about these types of parties and providing food for them, Nie Huaisang wisely decides to not tell them that Jiang Yanli used to come to them herself and that it was at such a party that she and Jin Zixuan worked things out and got together.

When Wei Wuxian first got there and saw Lan Wangji (who was early bc he didn't want to risk someone getting to Wei Wuxian before he got there to chase them off) he was shocked and his eyes went bug-eyed. He did not think Lan Wangji of all people would come to a party like this. Then, Lan Wangji just glares at him and anyone that comes near him and Wei Wuxian's wondering why he would even come to such an event if he's just gonna glare in disapproval and judgement at everyone. (he doesn't realize Lan Wangji's only glaring at him and people talking to/approaching him. Or see that Lan Wangji is looking at some of the sex items curiously. Or that he snatched a pair of handcuffs. And lube.) Lan Wangji follows Wei Wuxian around the party, sometimes staying on the other side of the room, sometimes Wei Wuxian calls him over to talk/tease him. He helped Wei Wuxian set up the white sheet on the glass door and got any books Wei Wuxian asked for during his debate.

When it gets a lot later, Lan Wangji is at his limit of Wei Wuxian's teasing and they fuck in the garden. It's an extravagant garden with hedges and marble benches and fountains and flower arches and even a little maze.

The next morning a lot of people have hangovers. Jiang Cheng has indents on the side of his face bc he fell asleep on/was snuggling the video game controller. Wangxian both fell asleep in the garden and have leave and twigs in their hair and dirt and grass on them (along with Wei Wuxian's numerous hickies and bite marks). Nie Huaisang comes downstairs in one of those silk robes with feathers/fuzz on the edges of the big sleeves and the bottom edge with glowing skin. more people come downstairs (there's a lot of bedrooms up there.) and one of them is Wen Ning who looks pleased in a more humble way than Nie Huaisang's strut along with a small gaggle of people who are exchanging numbers.

Jiang Yanli's in the kitchen making breakfast for everyone with. Wei Wuxian and Jiang Cheng tell her to go and that she shouldn't be seeing this sort of thing, and generally freaking out over her being here. There are still half-naked and fully naked people wandering around. And even a few people groping each other up for a morning round. She just smiles, pats their head, and tells them to sit down and eat breakfast. She also passes out hangover medicine to people who want it and glasses of water. Jin Zixuan is also there (came along with Jiang Yanli) to help clean up. He feels like he owes Nie Huaisang for helping them get their shit together. Jiang Cheng and Wei Wuxian yell at him a bit about letting their sister come to this place and to take her away before Jiang Yanli drags them back to breakfast saying she's sure they had an eventful night so they need a hearty breakfast. Wei Wuxian can't dispute that and just blushes deeply while Jiang Cheng sputters. He really only did play video games and boardgames all night. Once the food has all been set out at the large table in the Nie's grand dining room and she's made sure everyone has medicine and water or a blanket or anything else they need, she starts helping with the clean up while everyone eats. Jiang Cheng and Wei Wuxian start freaking out again over her handling the sex toys and stuff. She shoos them back to breakfast.

Before they all leave, Nie Huaisang hands Lan Wangji a large bag that he accepts with a nod of thanks. It's full of things he thought Lan Wangji would like. He's heard the stories about Lan Xichen organizing these parties (it's even who he learned it from) so wasn't at all surprised that the younger Lan would show up to such an event.

3zun stayed the night at Lan Xichen's apartment but then returned to the Nie home that morning. Most everyone had left (including wangxian and Jiang Cheng), but Jiang Yanli and Jin Zixuan are still there, helping with the clean up. 3zun and Jiang Yanli chat for a bit and reminisce about when they weren't in committed relationships and used to all be at these parties together. Jin Zixuan actually only went to the one that he got together with Jiang Yanli at. Jiang Yanli's slept with both Lan Xichen and Nie Mingjue. She and 3zun are all good friends now. The Older Sibling Bonding is strong with them. She also tells 3zun that it looks like wangxian have gotten together, and Xichen exclaims "Finally!" and they all nod in agreement.

It's not until a couple weeks later when people are going over the notes from the crazy and half-drunken debate between Wei Wuxian and Su She that they realize that Wei Wuxian might have actually had a scientific breakthrough at that party on the spacetime continuum theory and that with this work it may actually be possible to create teleportation. Within the next few decades. When Wei Wuxian eventually accepts his Nobel Prize on this work he thanks Nie Huaisang, his sex party, and the other people at that sex party (not all by name) for sparking the debate that led to his research and breakthroughs. His speech goes viral and he becomes known as "the sex party scientist" which he loves and won't stop laughing about. His husband is exasperated, but is happy he's happy.

the end!

If someone actually writes a fic of this, let me know cause I wanna read it.

#mdzs #mo dao zu shi #nie huaisang #wei wuxian #lan wangji #wangxian #jiang cheng #wen ning #su she #jiang yanli #mdzs fanfiction prompt #mdzs fanfic prompt #mdzs modern au #do with this what you will

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toasttt11 · 2 months ago

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friends

November 31, 2021

Allison stretched out from where she has been sitting on the floor her back leaning against the couch. Ryan was sprawled on the couch behind her, Zeev sitting in the corner of the couch, Gabe sitting on the floor next to her and Will curled up on the chair next to the couch.

They have all been working on school work together at Allison’s house since the morning when Ryan and Will came over and now it was past noon.

Allison groaned and shut her computer, she was finished for school for the day and she could not do anymore today.

“Oh thank god.” Ryan immediately shut his computer once he saw Allison shut her’s, “I’m done.” Ryan groaned throwing his arm over his face.

“My brain is melted.“ Zeev grumbled tiredly as he closed his own computer and buried his face in a pillow.

Will and Gabe both eventually closed their computers too and the living room was just silent, all of them mentally exhausted after the school work they just did that day.

“You know what we need?” Ryan perked up at his own idea as he was lying on his back on the couch with his head handing off the edge and he looked over at Allison who was sitting near him.

“Coffee!” Allison immediately knew what he was thinking of, “Yes yes.” Allison quickly nodded, coffee fixes everything but especially fixes everything after a long school day.

“Coffeeeee.” Ryan immediately looked excited at the idea making Will snort to himself seeing how happy the grumpy two in the friend group get just thinking about coffee.

“Gaboooooo!” Ryan sung out looking teasingly as he looked over at Gabe.

Gabe groaned immediately shaking his head knowing what Ryan and Allison want, “No.” Gabe groaned hiding his face in his hands, he didn’t want to move anywhere for a good few hours.

“Willooo!” Allison looked at Will next with a mischievous grin.

“You do know Leno can drive right?” Zeev asked through his own laughs, it wasn’t anything new with Ryan and Allison asking Will or Gabe to drive them to get coffee.

“Yeah.” Ryan just shrugged it was more fun bugging Gabe or Will even if he likes driving more, it’s still fun to bug the two.

“Absolutely not.” Will was not getting up.

“Sorry Lenny.” Allison gave Ryan a teasing smirk as Ryan would be driving them now.

“Yeah yeah.” Ryan just stood up cracking his back as Allison stood up too as she pulled her blonde hair into another messy braid.

Ryan and Allison left her house getting into the car Will and Ryan came in and they drove to the closest coffee shop.

They got back into the car after going inside to get this coffee and drinks for everyone else and Ryan and Allison both let out a happy sighs as they drank their coffees.

Allison carried the tray into the house and handed each boy their drinks and noticed they had put a movie on when Ryan and her was gone and she plopped onto the couch next to Zeev.

Allison gave Zeev a look as he used her shoulder as a pillow but she didn’t push him off making him grin and get more comfortable sipping on his lemonade.

The group of five ended up watching the rest of the movie before they all had to get up for practice, Allison headed to her bedroom to change real quick.

She came out of the bathroom seeing all four boys chilling in her room and shook her head not even surprised they followed her.

Allison froze seeing Will holding her goose stuff animal in his hands, he was holding it gently.

“It’s so cute.” Will said honestly loping at the goose softly seeing the little red hat and pink polka dot scarf on the goose, it looked old but well kept and exactly how he knew Allison would take care of her sentimental things.

Ryan had plopped on her bed when they came in and a goose came out from under her pile of pillows and he gently picked it up and Will took it from him.

Gabe and Zeev didn’t seem surprised to see the stuff animal as they have seen glimpses of it in her room and Zeev has seen it a few times on road games.

Allison’s shoulders lost some tension at Will’s words, “Yeah.” Allison mumbled in reply, she still felt a bit uncomfortable with them seeing something so important to her.

“Who gave it to you?“ Ryan asked her curiously, he gently touched the goose softly.

Allison shifted on her feet before slowly answering, “My brothers when i was born.”

“Wait is this why your called Goose?” Zeev realized and looked at her for an answer.

“Mhm.” Allison softly nodded, she relaxed a bit seeing just how gently Will was holding her goose as he softly handed it to Ryan to hold next.

“Wait are those handmade?” Gabe asked as he got a closer look of her goose seeing the scarf and little hat.

“Yeah Jack made the hat and Quinn made the scarf.” Allison answered her eyes softening as she looked at the hat and the scarf, she didn’t really change the scarf and hat anymore like she did when she was a kid so she keeps these two on made from her two brothers.

“That’s sick!” Zeev exclaimed being completely genuine.

Allison smiled a bit at his words, all of the boys didn’t give her one weird or judgement look after seeing her goose not that she thought they would but it is nice that they didn’t. They are all really good friends and she’s lucky she has them.

“Thanks.” Allison mumbled and gently took her goose out of Ryan’s hands and gently brushed her finger over her goose’s head before setting the stuff animal on top of her bed and not under the covers.

“Come on we have practice.” Allison gave her boys a look and started walking out of her room.

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mutipede · 1 month ago

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Maybe I'm overthinking but I feel like I should make some kinda public official disclaimer type of thing…

I grew up really absurdly isolated, and then [stuff happened], and that has made me ridiculously skittish. It's not the fault OR the responsibility of anyone who interacts with me. And I am pretty ashamed and embarrassed about it since it doesn't fit with my mental image of myself of being… y'know, not constantly terrified. ("I'm supposed to BE terrifying!" / bugs and survival horror monsters might be more afraid of you than you are of us but goddamn we're not happy about it)

I'm trying to improve that - hell, I originally made this account, in part, for the express purpose to try and improve that - but it is a very slow and backslide-y process. I'm sorry about that.

Here's what I've gathered so far about my own behavior.

If I think you're cool and we have a lot in common there's a VERY good chance that'll make it harder for me to talk to you, not easier. This sucks and I hate it. It's not your fault and I'm sorry.

If we're mutuals I like you and I think you're cool. 100% no qualifiers end of sentence congratulations on your indisputable coolness

If you follow me but I don't follow you, either I like you and think you're cool but you mostly post stuff I'm not personally interested in looking at, OR I haven't looked at your blog yet but will probably get around to that at some point lol

If I don't like someone I'll just block them and leave them alone.

I struggle with one on one conversations, in DMs and asks n'shit, for reasons I don't entirely understand. But it's a pretty universal thing regardless of how the other party behaves, so if you DM me and I act fuckin' awkward and weird and take forever to reply or can't keep a conversation going, please just be assured it has nothing to do with you whatsoever.

I struggle to initiate conversations unless I have something specific to say, although in the past if I've "gotten into the habit" of talking to someone I will happily talk to them about whatever every fuckin' day. I do miss that although I don't know how realistic it is to think it'll ever happen again.

I also struggle with large groups, like large discord servers, because "well everyone else is probably going to say or already has said anything I could contribute, and I can't keep track of everyone and all the conversations, sooo..." mutes server and only lurks or posts once and never again

To be completely honest - discord itself was pretty triggering to me for a while, to the point that I had to uninstall the app from my phone and only recently made a new account and haven't started actually regularly using it again yet. You can have my discord and you CAN invite me to servers, I'll just be even more skittish there than I am here.

I think a small to medium group setting is the closest to comfortable I feel in social situations at the moment. I don't feel entirely comfortable in any social situations but I'm trying to work on that hah

I need to post and reblog dumb shit and cool art for stress relief purposes. If you happen to see me reblogging goofy bullshit while not responding to conversations, it's safe to assume I'm at some heightened level of IRL distress and trying to take my mind off it, not chilling and ignoring you.

I think that's all the major stuff people should probably be aware of before hypothetically attempting to have conversations with me. I am trying really hard to be chill I would love nothing more in the world than to be chill hah. I'm workin' on it.

#𓆨 #👁��

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wheneverfeasible · 9 months ago

Text

playing with fire🔥

wc: 5k || rating: T+ || cw: some swearing and suggestive language || summary: While Steve and Robin are discussing how best to get Robin to ask out Nancy, Eddie enters and has a jealous misunderstanding. || also on ao3

They’re playing with fire and he knows it.

He’s playing with fire. The chances of being burned are of course high, but he can’t stop himself either way. He wants this, wants him, more than he’s ever wanted anything or anyone. He can only pray that he’s right and Eddie wants him back.

It had started after Eddie’s expedited trial, after hours of working with the group to find the best defense to clear Eddie’s name, after the judge agreed that Eddie wasn’t guilty and he was free to go, after Eddie had cried silent tears of shock and they’d thrown a huge party. After Steve got to see Eddie living life again.

Eddie became a major fixture of their lives and Steve began realizing that he never wanted that to stop. He’d stopped dating because he found he’d rather spend time with Eddie, would always gravitate towards Eddie whenever they hung out with a full group, would always glance over at Eddie when something funny happened or was said because he wanted to see Eddie’s response.

It was when Robin had come to him in tears with the secret that she liked Nancy, feeling horrible for betraying Steve by having a crush on his ex, that Steve realized he didn’t have those feelings for Nancy anymore because he had them for someone else: Eddie Munson.

“I think I like Eddie,” he had blurted out while Robin was mid-rant apologizing profusely and promising she’d never do anything and would always support him and Nancy being together, which had the benefit of effectively shutting her up when his words processed, her mouth gaping as her eyes bugged. It at least gave him a chance to say that she didn’t need to apologize at all because it wasn’t like she could control who she had a crush on, even if Steve had still been in love with Nancy and was trying to win her back, which…he wasn’t. He hadn’t thought about Nancy in that way in a long time.

Speedrunning his sexuality crisis didn’t take long, thankfully. It might have taken longer if he hadn’t been impatient to getting to the part where he could acknowledge his crush on Eddie, of course, and being able to continue liking him from the respectable distance of friendship like had with Nancy and Robin before both those feelings petered out. Except…

Except Eddie continued to flirt with him, and Steve would sometimes flirt back, sometimes making it a game for who could say the most cringe stuff and sometimes making Eddie flush high on his pale cheeks. Eddie would then quickly change the subject, push past everything like it never happened, but it filled Steve up with hope. Especially when the flirting started to get more physical with them all but cuddling together when they watched movies, even when they were amongst friends and not alone, or when Steve would crash at Eddie’s some nights and he’d wake up with his arms full of Eddie, or Eddie pressed along his back.

He had even felt Eddie’s morning wood before, pressing into his lower back where they were curled together, and he discovered that he definitely did not mind that one bit. He hoped to experience it—and more—again frequently.

The only thing Steve didn’t understand was Eddie’s reaction to Nancy.

He always seemed jumpy when she was around, always looked startled when he’d see her while he and Steve were cuddling or flirting. He wished Eddie wouldn’t care about that stuff. Nancy was after all the second person Steve had told after realizing he was bisexual, because yeah they were exes, but they were also friends. And unlike with Robin or Eddie, she hadn’t been around when he realized these things about himself.

Steve kept meaning to tell Eddie that Nancy was fine with queer people, though he kept getting distracted by Eddie being, well, Eddie. He had even told Nancy about his own crush on Eddie, actually. What’s more, there had been something in her expression when he explained what bisexuality was that made Steve think that maybe his little group of young adult friends was actually more fruity than he realized.

Though Eddie had never actually said the words to come out, there had been enough rumors about Eddie in school that Steve hadn’t really been all that surprised when the guy first flirted with him when the world was ending for the umpteenth time, and after Jonathan and Nancy broke up, Jonathan had begun spending a lot of time on the phone with Argyle and sometimes even Dustin’s girlfriend’s older sister, with him even going to meet up with them after graduation. He’d returned with hickeys that were obviously from two different sized mouths and a pep in his step Steve could only be envious of.

Nancy realizing she might like girls was what led them to this moment, however, Robin and Steve with heads bent together as they discussed all the things Steve remembered Nancy liking and the things she didn’t. If his best friend was going to try to pick up his ex, he’d be damned sure that he helped out in whatever way he could.

“What about a bouquet of fresh flowers with one artificial one in the middle? The card could read, ‘I’ll love you until the final petal falls’ or something.”

“God, that’s so cringy, Dingus!” Robin huffed out in laughter, a large and exaggerated eye roll following. “Does Nancy even like that shit?”

“I’m just saying!” Steve protested, crossing his arms defensively over his chest. He thought it was a good idea. But…she had a point. That wasn’t really Nancy’s thing. He could admit that more and more of his suggestions stopped being about Nancy and started being about things he thought Eddie might appreciate. Cringy and embarrassing and over the top and weird. Yeah, maybe he’d take that idea for himself then…

And then, as if summoned by his name whispered in Steve’s thoughts, Eddie walked into Family Video at just that moment, catching sight of their conspiratorial looks as they whispered ferociously to each other. The shop was empty, of course, but they were still careful.

“What are you two whispering about now?” Eddie laughed, sauntering as though carefree, though his eyes continued to dart around whenever he entered a new area, as though looking for something hiding in dark corners, though whether it was monsters or townsfolk who didn’t fully believe in his innocence was always in question.

Probably both, honestly.

Steve moved his eyes from Eddie’s entrance to Robin, knowing that so far she hadn’t come out to anyone else yet, though obviously that would hopefully be changing soon once she’d figured out the best way to ask out Nancy. Steve felt like the keeper of sexualities here suddenly, knowing everyone’s secret but unable to tell anyone else (though he was certain Jonathan and Nancy might be aware of each other’s as well).

Robin hesitated for a moment, her gaze likewise shifting to take in Steve. They exchanged silent words for a moment, his encouraging while hers were begging to be encouraged, and then she was relaxing against the counter with a small sigh of acceptance and shot Eddie a grin next.

“Just thinking about the best way to woo Nancy,” she said with a wiggle of her brows, though Steve could tell that there was still some anxiety in saying it out loud to another person. Even if that other person was Eddie Munson, who would hopefully be more than just a friend soon. Robin had complained about having Eddie as an in-law before, but she’d never been able to fully hide her teasing smile when she’d done so.

Christ. If Robin was actively going to be brave and do this though, was actually going to ask Nancy out, then he needed to be too, right? Eddie was interested, he had to be. What with the rumors and the flirting and the way his fingers lingered just a little bit too long whenever they touched…

Eddie’s expression, however, blanked.

“Oh,” he said tonelessly. He then blinked rapidly, shook himself, and plastered a smile on his face as he moved towards the shelves of VHS’s.

The smile, Steve noticed, did not reach his eyes.

“Well. Good luck with that,” Eddie said, turning his gaze towards Steve for some reason when he said that. “Wayne asked me to pick him up a movie,” he explained, picking up one called Vision Quest before frowning at the cover. “Something about that dude’s face bothers me,” he muttered to himself, putting it back.

“You know, you could sound more enthusiastic,” Robin drawled sarcastically, obviously trying not to pout.

Eddie shot her a pinched look, gaze darting to Steve again before hastily looking away. “Hey, I already said it was some true love shit. Do you need me to hold Steve’s hand during it?” he scoffed. “Might cramp his style.”

Steve exchange a furrowed brow look with Robin. Why would he need to hold Steve’s hand for Robin to ask out Nancy? Not that he was complaining about holding Eddie’s hand. No, quite the opposite in fact. And what was that about true love? He didn’t recall them ever mentioning Nancy and Robin together before.

He shrugged at Robin’s silent question asking what Eddie’s sudden deal was before turning his attention to the metal head and lifting his hand to wiggle his fingers.

“I dunno, Munson. Maybe I do need you to hold my hand,” he teased, though he wanted to frown again when, instead of laughing or smiling or teasing back, Eddie scowled at the next movie he picked up. He hesitated before moving around the counter. “Hey, you okay, Eddie?”

“Fine!” Eddie said hurriedly, and a little aggressively to be quite honest, Steve couldn’t help thinking. Rude. Eddie just huffed though and put the movie back before scanning for something else, eventually picking up something called Hoosiers. Steve had been eyeing that one for himself, actually, since it intrigued his inner Indianian jock, but he’d let Eddie take it for Wayne if he wanted. Maybe he could actually watch it with Wayne.

That was another benefit of his and Eddie’s friendship: Wayne Munson. Though the guy didn’t know all that had gone on, he knew enough to just let the fact that his nephew was suddenly best friends with a Harrington slide. And he liked sports, giving Steve someone to talk to about it finally besides someone still in high school.

Though, sometimes Lucas joined in on it, and the three of them would watch a game together at the trailer while Eddie just shook his head at having three sports lovers in his life suddenly. Steve could tell he was secretly pleased, however, and was always a little nicer to Lucas to make up for being a jerk about it all before everything went down. He even now went to all of the kid’s games, sitting between Steve and Wayne for protection against anyone who thought to start anything.

Eddie had once asked if Steve was sorry he could never take a date to the games anymore, to which Steve had answered that he’d brought Eddie, hadn’t he? And they even had their own personal chaperone with Wayne. Eddie had flushed, hidden behind his hair, but didn’t bring it up again like Steve had expected him to like they did with other reoccurring jokes.

Anyway, back to Eddie’s sudden moodiness, Robin had less far patience for Eddie’s shit than Steve did, seeing as how she wasn’t the one with a raging crush on the guy. She rolled her eyes and picked up a bag of Reese’s Pieces and threw it at Eddie. “Why are you being such a dick right now? Stop being homophobic.”

That got a reaction out of Eddie. He spun around to face Robin, ignoring the bag that hit his shoulder and fell to the floor while spluttering and pink in the face. “How am I being homophobic, Buckley? How is that even possible when I’m—” Eddie cut himself off quickly, shooting Steve what looked like a panicked expression for some reason. “A-anyways, how am I being homophobic right now?”

“I mean, I literally just came out to you and you didn’t even bat an eye. You just ignored it to go huff about…I don’t know, whatever it is you’re huffing about,” she snarked, and Steve could tell she was just barely refraining from rolling her eyes again, and also that she was a little hurt her grand revelation didn’t merit a reaction. He moved over and bent down to pick up the fallen bag before it could be crushed under Eddie’s sneakers as he stomped to the counter, shaking his head a little at their antics, though he glanced at the bag with a small smile too.

Eddie was actually the one that informed him about the history of the candy. How it had been a relatively newer candy, not all that popular compared to the well-known M&M’s, but the latter company had declined being featured in that alien puppet movie a few years back and so the Reese’s brand stepped in instead. After the movie did so well, the candy exploded in popularity, which Steve thought was just simply crazy.

Eddie was full of random facts like that. He never made Steve feel stupid for not knowing them either, which was honestly one of the main reasons Steve had started falling for him as hard as he was. He wondered if that meant he had some kind of praise kink, since he still thought about Eddie’s compliments back during everything and felt his stomach pleasantly squirm at them.

Now, however, Eddie was suddenly leaning over the counter and staring at Robin with wide eyes and a dropped jaw, causing Robin to rear back in startled and confused concern.

“Holy shit, Buckley, you’re a…” He swallowed, tensing as he glanced over his shoulder at Steve, before looking back at Robin with raised brows. “You-know-what?” he hissed.

Robin and Steve exchanged another confused look (Steve could vaguely hear Dustin’s snide voice telling them that their faces would stay that way if they didn’t stop) before she snorted and crossed her arms over her chest. “A raging, flaming lesbian? Yes, Munson, I thought that was clear by the fact that I’m trying to score a date with Nancy Wheeler.” This time she didn’t refrain and rolled her eyes again so hard it looked like it hurt.

“Yeah, dude,” Steve snorted as he moved to lean back against the counter beside Eddie, resting one elbow on the countertop as he tore open the bag of candy still in his hand. He offered it to Robin first, who held out her hand and let him pour some out, not taking her hand back until he picked out the yellow ones from her palm. They were his favorite and she always let him have them, just he let her have all the orange ones.

He held the bag out to Eddie next, who still looked gobsmacked for some reason. He shook the bag until Eddie held out his hand automatically. With the same automation Eddie began picking out the yellows and oranges to set them aside in front of Steve and Robin respectively, keeping the brown ones for himself. Robin began picking out the browns from her hand for him as well as Steve divided up the rest of the bag.

“Wait wait wait,” Eddie said after a moment. He turned to look at Steve. “You knew she was…” he trailed off uncertainly.

“Gay? I should hope so since I’m trying to help hook her up with my ex-girlfriend,” he grinned with a chuckle, dropping a few of the yellow pieces in his mouth. He winked at Robin. “You know that means that we’ll have inadvertemph—” Steve started to say before Robin’s free hand was covering his mouth to prevent him from saying something crude about being with the same girl.

“Don’t be repulsive,” Robin shuddered, dropping her hand with a yelp and grimace when she felt Steve lick her palm, grumbling as she wiped it off on her vest while Steve just continued grinning at her.

Eddie watched this like he was watching a tennis match, his brow furrowing in further confusion. “Wait…so…” He thickly swallowed, glancing at Steve with a peculiar expression on his face. Steve hoped it was, well, hope. “You’re not trying to get back with Wheeler?”

“Absolutely not,” Steve said, dropping the rest of the yellow pieces in his mouth and scrunching the bag up to drop behind the counter, chewing the large mass quickly. “That ship has long since sailed.” He was the one that hesitated this time, and even without looking at her, he could hear Robin’s silent communication. He shuffled a little against the counter, turning to properly face Eddie.

Shit. He hadn’t been expecting to do this so soon. The fire he was playing with could very well burn him alive right now if this went poorly. But…

Eddie liked him. He had to, what with the way they’ve been flirting and all but canoodling when they watched movies and things together.

“I, uh…I actually have someone else I’m interested in,” he admitted.

And…oh. Eddie’s face, which had started to look hopeful at the thought that Nancy wasn’t his interest anymore, fell again. And that…Steve knew what that meant. He was good at flirting again, could tell when girls were genuinely into him, and he’d picked up those signs from Eddie plenty of times before. He had been second guessing everything because Eddie was a boy.

But he knew this.

Eddie had thought he was interested in Nancy still and had become as bitchy as Steve could get. He looked hopeful when Steve said he wasn’t into Nancy. Looked dejected when Steve said there was someone else.

He had thought it was true, but…this confirmed it, didn’t it? Eddie showed all the right signs of having a crush on him. Eddie liked him.

Steve’s grin then was blinding. Robin choked a little on her own orange Reese’s Pieces before scooping the last few up from the counter into her hand and muttering about needing to check the back for something. God, he loved her so much.

“You are?” Eddie asked, and Steve could see him drawing back into that bitchy shell he’d been hiding in earlier. God, he was adorable.

“Yeah, I am. He’s really smart, but also kind of dumb. I’ve been flirting for ages and he still somehow hasn’t clocked that I have this massive crush on him apparently. I thought I was being obvious,” he teased.

Eddie was still withdrawing backwards, even physically this time as his body shifted to turn away, that familiar pinch between his eyebrows. Steve suddenly recalled a similar look when Eddie threw his vest at him back in the Upside Down, when he and Nancy had been lightly flirting.

Ohhhhh, Eddie’s down bad for him, Steve couldn’t help but think with an even wider grin. Even before Steve had clocked it all. He could only lament his double-guessing things for so long now. He might have been able to score a boyfriend months ago if he’d recognized and accepted the signs sooner. Oh well. No time like the present.

“Well, I’m sure she’s just shy,” Eddie muttered, eyes glaring down at one of the brown candies on the counter with pursed lips. He placed his thumb down on it and pushed until the hard candy shell cracked and the peanut butter filling inside smeared out. Steve couldn’t even find it in himself to be annoyed enough to care. He was far too pleased with himself. “Probably doesn’t think someone like King Steve could like her.”

That was another tell-tale sign that Steve had always ignored. Eddie had a habit of referring to him as his old moniker whenever Steve would talk about taking out girls before. It made Steve wonder if this crush Eddie had on him had been going on for a while. Even ever since high school.

Damn, but Steve really was an idiot for missing out on it for so long. Despite what he had thought was reciprocal interest this entire time, known to the both of them, he hadn’t been quite certain Eddie felt the same way. But surely his own interest had been evident? It wasn’t like he hid his sexuality, had been more openly flirting with Eddie, and sometimes even Jonathan for the fun of it, though both he and Jon knew it was just teasing and nothing real.

Though…

“Eddie,” he laughed, shaking his head. Eddie just started smashing another Reese’s Pieces piece causing Steve to roll his eyes. “Eddie,” he said a little more firmly, finally making the pair of brown eyes he thought about a little too much maybe turn to look at him. “I said ‘he,’” he pointed out.

Confusion marred Eddie’s face as he tried to work out what Steve was telling him. It made Steve wonder if he really did give off such great hetero vibes that Eddie’s gaydar hadn’t clocked him yet despite everything. And he thought his gaydar was shit. Jesus fucking Christ.

“‘He’ who?” Eddie finally asked, still looking confused.

“We’re talking about my crush,” Steve reminded Eddie, and sue him if his own tone got a little bitchy, but Eddie was being completely obtuse.

“What, does she have a boyfriend?”

“Oh my god,” Steve huffed out, partly annoyed and partly completely fucking enamored by the idiot before him. But he supposed that meant Eddie was in good company, since Steve was an idiot too for not having clocked how obvious the older boy was with his crush all this time, even before Steve had been aware of his own feelings. Two dumbass peas in a pod.

Shaking his head, Steve reached out and covered Eddie’s hand decimating the candy with his own. “My crush, Eddie. I said he’s really smart but kind of dumb,” he said with slow emphasis on the correct pronouns.

Eddie had stilled under Steve’s hand when he covered Eddie’s, but it took a few moments more of furrowed brows and pursed lips before Steve’s words finally seemed to catch. Eddie stiffened, his muscles going tense, his expression going slack and neutral.

Steve should have expected it, should have known that Eddie still wouldn’t get what Steve was trying to say, but the look of utter devastation that briefly crossed Eddie’s face before he swallowed it down hiding behind his hair by ducking his head, still surprised Steve.

How was Eddie not getting this?

Huffing slightly, Steve slid his hand from Eddie’s to reach out and brush Eddie’s hair back, hooking it behind his ear. “Like I said. Kind of dumb. He never seems to realize when I’m seriously flirting with him. I would have thought it’d be obvious by now. It’s not like I cuddle with Jon when we watch movies together.”

Eddie, this time, finally seemed to be catching on. He sucked in a sharp breath, eyes widening before ever so slowly turning to face Steve. The flush to his cheeks and forehead rapidly spread through his entire face and down into the collar of his shirt. Steve thought he should be congratulated for not pressing Eddie into the counter to find out just how far down that flush went.

“You—” Eddie’s voice squeaked out. He cleared his throat, his eyes darting over Steve’s expression as though looking for the trick, the trap, the joke. Steve made certain his expression didn’t changed, though he wondered how comforting his expression of exasperation could really be.

Steve let his eyes drop purposefully and tellingly to Eddie’s lips, licked his own which caused Eddie to jerk slightly, and then finally looked back up into Eddie’s eyes with a smirk. “Yeah, man. I mean, I even told him I wanted him to hold my hand and nothing.” He winked. “Maybe he wants to hold something else.”

Typically Steve would not be quite so scandalous when flirting with hopeful-conquests, but he also knew that Eddie wasn’t like any girl he had ever flirted with before. Eddie was brash, frequently abrasive, and more than frequently over the top. He was like a bull in a china shop sometimes, honestly. And Steve couldn’t get enough of it.

Or the way Eddie seemed to choke on his own air, a strangled and incredulous laugh leaving his prettily parted lips. Big brown eyes still stared at him disbelievingly, but at least Eddie was turned fully to face him now. Steve reached out again to twirl a finger in Eddie’s hair.

“Y-you’re not…straight?” Eddie wheezed out, and at least it was a full-ish sentence. Progress.

“Bisexual, actually,” he happily announced, leaving Eddie looking even more floored. “Something about having a guy pin you to the wall and then later say some really nice stuff about you tends to make you realize when you maybe kind of want to kiss him,” he added, a little sheepishly this time.

“Mostly the nice stuff,” Steve quietly admitted with a small laugh. “Don’t get me wrong, the pinning to the wall was nice once you get past the fear your jugular is about to get ripped out by a broken bottle, but it’s really the dude making me feel like I might actually be a good person and always being really nice to me when I don’t understand something that really made the crush grow.”

Eddie’s shaking hand reached up to lightly grasp the one still playing with his hair. “You…you really have a crush on…this guy? Like a real one?”

Steve could only grin, taking a small step closer. “Absolutely. He’s kind of adorable, actually. Tries to put up this big bad rockstar vibe, but I happen to have it on good authority that he’s actually a big softie nerd who cried when an animated toaster got crunched up rescuing his friends,” he lightly teased.

“He was so brave,” Eddie pouted, distracted for a moment by the memory, before blinking rapidly, because there was no way to pretend that Steve’s crush could be anyone else now. He drew in a shaky breath, his eyes darting between Steve’s, and then the most beautiful smile Steve had ever seen spread across his lips. Steve felt dizzy at the sight.

Feeling a little more confident now, Eddie leaned in slightly, his eyes dropping to Steve’s lips before looking back up into Steve’s eyes. He still had to clear his throat a little before speaking again, but the wariness was finally absent from his expression.

“I happen to have it on good authority that your crush might just like you back,” he murmured, and Steve was enraptured by the way Eddie’s eyes sparkled up at him.

“Yeah?” he murmured, swaying forward despite the public location. The store was dead, sure, but they could be interrupted at any moment, or seen by pedestrians walking by the shop. “Think he might be up to pinning me to another wall lately?”

Eddie grinned. “I think he’s willing to pin you to anything you want, big b—”

“Oh my god, please shut the fuck up,” Robin’s aggrieved voice broke in, startling the both of them so badly that they jumped apart as though electrocuted.

Of course, after realizing it was just Robin, Steve gave the bitchiest eye roll of his life and rested a hand on his hip. “You’re just jealous because you can’t flirt with Nancy yet,” he said, tone matching his eye roll. “I’ve been telling you to just hurry up and do it, Buck.” He glanced at Eddie and indicated Robin with a look that clearly said ‘can you believe this hopeless lesbian’ which caused Eddie to snort.

“Yeah, yeah, laugh it up, Hairy. Like you weren’t whining to me about Eddie just three days ago,” she snarked, causing Eddie to grin and Steve to flush this time. “At least wait until your next break before you shove your tongue down his throat or anywhere else.”

“Robin!” Steve gasped, completely scandalized, pressing his palm to his chest. “I expect at least one date first before I shove my tongue anywhere except Eddie’s mouth.”

Eddie choked, face once more flaming, but Steve could only grin at Robin’s disgusted expression.

“The first part sounds fantastic though,” he acknowledged, reaching down to grab Eddie’s hand in his own. “I think I’ll take my first break now. Be back in fifteen, sweetie!” he laughed, tugging a dazed Eddie towards the front door, knowing Eddie’s van was parked somewhere nearby.

“Don’t forget to use protection later, you whore!” Robin merely called back, and despite all her snark and annoyance, Steve knew she was happy for him. And happy for herself that she didn’t need to hear him mooning after Eddie anymore, though she would probably come to regret what Steve was like now that he and Eddie were together.

It was fine, she’d get her payback once she asked out Nancy later that night too.

As for Steve, he proved himself to be a liar, because that night he definitely put out before their first date. Though, he figured with a teasing smile when Eddie brought that up, they had been on several dates at Lucas’s basketball games, remember? So really, he had plenty of lost time to make up for that night, again and again and again.

They might have been playing with fire, him and Robin, but how else were you expected to keep warm?

Fun fact! The bit about Reese’s Pieces is true! They’re also my favorite candy. Also, the movie Vision Quest (titled Crazy for You in the UK and Australia) starred a young Matthew Modine, who played Dr. Martin Brenner in Stranger Things. Hoosiers is about a high school basketball team in Indiana going to the state championships.

Hostage tag: @derythcorvinus

Courtesy tag: @katyawriteswhump

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lousypotatoes · 1 month ago

Text

Because A Group Does It Better

"You open the door

Wearing nothing but a smile down to the floor

And you whisper in my ear 'Baby I'm yours'

Ooh, just the thought of you, gets me so high~"

Want To Want Me - Jason Derulo

Dear Mom and Dad I'm doing fine

You guys are on my mind

You asked me what I wanted to be

But now I think the answer is plain to see

I wanna be famous

I wanna live close to the sun

So pack your bags 'cause I've already won

Everything to prove, nothing in my way

I'll get there one day

I wanna be famous

Na Na Na Na Na Na Na Na Na Na Na

I wanna be

I wanna famous

I wanna be

I wanna be famous

I wanna be

I wanna be famous~

It was still the night from the last challenge, The Killer Bass were now surrounded around a campfire, too tired to do anything else, but too depressed to go to bed.

They had only won two challenges even though they competed in five. It made the the whole team feel down. Did they really suck that bad?

Y/N sat on a trunk next to Duncan, her head in her hands. She wondered what he dad thought of her. She wondered how he was doing. Was he eating healthy? Was he drinking enough water? Was he being taken care of? Was he proud of her?

Y/N wanted to go home.

The sound of obnoxious crying made Y/N turn her head around, seeing Bridgette holding a crying Sadie's hand, guiding her to sit with everyone else around the fire. Sadie continued to sob, tears and snot leaking down her face, she hugged a piece of wood and held it close to her.

"It was a long goodbye," Bridgette said.

The sound of more people coming towards made Y/N inwardly groan. She already knew who it was. "What do you guys want?" Courtney sneered. "Come by to rub it in?"

"We got some extra dessert after out tuck shop party," Trent smiled. Y/N saw that Beth was holding up a platter of green jello with a gummy worm in it. "Thought you might want some."

"That's weirdly nice," Y/N remarked, eyeing the team with suspicion.

"Okay, Owen stunk up our cabin and we need some time to air out," Gwen said, rolling her eyes over to Owen, who farted silently.

"Oh, dude," Trent said in disgust.

Beth walked over the Courtney, holding up the jello to offer it to her. "No!" Courtney said quickly, a freaked out look on her face. "I mean, no thanks."

"What, are you on a diet or something?" Duncan asked.

"No! I just don't like green jelly, okay?" Courtney snapped, crossing her arms.

Beth shrugged, walking over to DJ, Duncan, and Y/N, offering them the jello instead. "No thanks, I'm good," Y/N said. Instead of saying something, DJ screamed, "Snake!" and knocked the platter out of Beth's hands, the jello all over the ground.

"Chill dude, it's just a gummy worm," Cody said, holding up the gummy worm.

"Sorry for trippin'," DJ sighed. "Snakes just freak me out."

"I feel you," Tyler said, patting DJ on the back. "Chickens give me the creeps, dude."

"You're afraid of chickens?" Gwen asked.

"Wow, that's, that's really lame man," Duncan laughed.

~Confessionals~ "So suddenly, everyone's having this big share fest by the fire," Gwen said. "Like Beth went on and on about how her mortal fear is being covered by bugs, Harold's afraid of ninjas, even Heather admitted she's afraid of sumo wrestlers."

"What's my worst fear?" Gwen shivered. "I guess being buried alive."

"Walking through a minefield. In heels," Lindsay said shakily.

"Flying, man," Owen admitted. "That's some crazy stuff."

"I would never go up in a plane! Never!" Izzy chimed in.

"I'm scared of hail," Geoff said. "It's small but deadly, dude."

"Being left alone in the woods," Bridgette said, looking down.

"Bad haircuts," Sadie said tearfully. "Oh, okay! I changed mine!" Lindsay said. "That's so much scarier than a minefield!"

Cody had to think about it before giving her answer. "Having to diffuse a time bomb under pressure."

"Open areas of water," Y/N bit her tongue. "Like lakes and oceans."

"I'm not really afraid of anything," Courtney said proudly.

"Bullshit," Duncan said, disguising it with a cough.

"Oh really?" Courtney said. "Well what exactly is your phobia?"

Everyone around the campfire looked at Duncan, curious to see what the fearless badass was most afraid of. Even Y/N, who Duncan talked to the most on the island, didn't have a single clue what Duncan was afraid of.

"Celine Dion music store standees," Duncan muttered, his head down. Y/N started giggling uncontrollably, covering her mouth when Duncan glared her, still giggling even though her hand was covering her mouth. "Not funny," he glared. "Oh yes it is," Y/N laughed.

"Exsqueeze me?" Cody smirked. "I didn't quite get that."

"Dude, did you say Celine Dion music store standees?" Trent asked. Duncan hid his face in his hands, embarrassed that everyone was laughing at him.

"Ooh! I love Celine Dion!" Lindsay squealed, before a look of confusion appeared on her face. "What's a standee?"

"It's the cardboard cutout that stands either outside in the inside the music store," Y/N explained, still slightly giggling.

"Don't say it!" Duncan snapped.

"Kind of like a flat Celine," Y/N smirked.

"So if we had a cardboard standee right now..." Courtney smiled.

"Shut up!" Duncan shouted, covering his face. "What about you, huh?" he pointed to Trent.

"Okay, well I hate mimes," Trent said. "Like a lot, alright." Courtney rolled her eyes.

"Courtney you have to be afraid of something," Y/N said. "Everybody said what they're afraid of. Now it's your turn."

"Nope, nothing," she smirked.

"That's not what she said last night," Duncan whispered to Y/N, Geoff, and DJ.

"Duncan, did you ever consider that maybe I was just humoring you and your lame-o story?" Courtney frowned.

"Sure princess. Whatever floats your boat," Duncan smirked.

"Shut up!" Courtney snapped.

A little bit after that, everyone decided that it was too late, and they decided to head to bed. Y/N said goodnight to her other friends like Gwen, Trent, and Leshawna, and headed off to the Killer Bass cabin.

It was the next morning, each teams were sitting at their respected table in the mess hall, a bowl of Chef's oatmeal in front of everyone. Chris was at the front of the mess hall, grinning mischievously at all the of the campers.

"Campers, your next challenge is a game I like to call Phobia Factor," Chris said. "Prepare to face your worst fears!"

Y/N immediately froze up, her eyes widening.

"Worse than this?" Leshawna pointed to Chef's disgusting breakfast. "We're in trouble," Gwen said.

"For our first victimes, Heather, meet us all in the theater. It's sumo time!" Heather spit out her tea all over Trent.

"Gwen, you, me, the beach, a few tons of sand?" Gwen gasped and her eyes widened, a scared look on her face.

"Wait, how did they know those were your worst fears?" Lindsay asked.

"Because we told them," Gwen sulked, putting her head on the table. Lindsay still had a confused look on her face. "At the campfire last night," Trent said, patting Gwen on the back.

"Wait! They were listening to us?" Lindsay shrieked, standing up.

"It's a reality show, Einstein," Gwen frowned. "They're always listening to us."

"That's like, eavesdropping!"

"Chef Hatchet, didn't you have a special order for Tyler here today?" Chris asked. Chef, who was frying something up, nodded his head, a malicious smirk on his face. Chef handed Tyler a fried up chicken, Tyler grabbing it with a freaked out look. He hesitantly took a bite. Nothing happened at first, but then a chicken appeared where he took a bite, making him scream loudly.

After that, Chris had everyone gather outside to watch Beth face her fear. What she had to do was jump into a kiddie pool filled with worms. It made Y/N cringe when she imagined all those slimy worms all over her.

Everyone else seemed to think the same thing, everyone had disgusted looks on her faces, DJ even threw up.

Beth didn't seem to have a problem with it, shrugging and jumping into the kiddie pool. Y/N grabbed Duncan's arm when one of the worms was really close to touching her.

"Are you scared of a little worm?" he laughed.

"Oh shut up, you're scared of cardboard cutouts,"

That shut Duncan up real quick.

Beth was at the bottom of the kiddie pool for a few seconds, resurfacing with a big smile on her face, and worms covering her and inside her mouth, earning the Screaming Gophers a point and making Y/N wanting to puke. "And Beth sets the bar way up there," Chris said, making the Screaming Gophers cheer and Owen faint.

Next it was Lindsay and Sadie's turn, the two of them having to wear very ugly wigs. The two of them had very terrified looks on their faces, cringing as Chris very slowly.

Then it was Owen and Izzy's turn, the two of them having to fly up in very poorly looking plane flown by Chef. Y/N watched from the ground as she saw the plane fly, the plane doing all these rolls and flips. It would have been cool to see if the plan didn't look like it was about to fall apart.

It was Harold's turn next. He was in the bathroom when ninjas ambushed him. Obviously Y/N didn't see what happened, but the Chris told their team that Harold knocked himself out with nun chucks. So no point for them.

Everyone watched as Leshawna was chased by Chef dressed in a ridiculous spider costumer, Leshawna shrieking and screaming as she was chased. It made Y/N want to laugh, but Leshawna was her friend, so she didn't.

After that, everyone gathered around the outdoor amphitheater, sitting on the bleachers to watch Heather confront a sumo wrestler. "Oh this is gonna be good," Y/N smirked, watching as Heather shook as she looked at the sumo wrestler. The sumo wrestler came running towards her, an angry look on his face. In response, Heather crouched in fear, the wrestler tripped over her and rolled down the hill, earning the Screaming Gophers their second point.

"It'll be okay, Bridge," Y/N hugged Bridgette before she had to face her fear. Her challenge was she had to spend six hours in solitude in the woods.

"Thanks, Y/N," she said shakily. "I'll be okay, I promise."

After Bridgette walked into the woods, Y/N went to the beach to watch Gwen face her fear. She was in a glass box, and all she had to was stay buried for five minutes.

"There's enough air for an hour, you only need to do five minutes," Trent comforted.

"As long as we decide to dig you up," Chris said, shoveling the sand onto the glass box.

"Not funny, Chris!" Gwen shakily cried, genuinely freaked out.

"Sheesh, take a pill," Chris smirked.

"I'll be listening to whole time," Trent smiled, handing Gwen a walkie talkie. "Just yell for me if you panic and I'll dig you right up."

"Goodbye cruel world," Gwen said as Trent closed the air slot, Chris continued to bury her.

After that it was DJ's turn. Everybody went back to the theater to watch him conquer his fear, which was having to touch a tiny little snake.

"Hey, you can do this buddy!" Duncan cheered.

"Yeah, go DJ!" Y/N hollered.

DJ stood on the stage, shaking and deciding whether he should just do it, or risk losing the challenge for the team. "It blinked!" he screamed, jumping back.

"It means she likes you," Sadie called out.

Courtney rolled her eyes. "It's the smallest snake ever, DJ, come on!"

"Yeah but it's slimy and scaly and slithery-"

"We need this point DJ!" she screamed. "Suck it up!" Y/N rolled her eyes and scowled. She really hated when Courtney acted like this. Everyone else on the team seemed to think the same thing.

"What, we're heading back to Loserville, people," Courtney said.

"Doesn't mean you have to be a bitch about it," Y/N muttered.

"What was that, Y/N?"

"Oh, nothing,"

DJ took a deep breath and with his eyes closed, very slowly picked up the snake with his finger, earning the Killer Bass a point and making everyone cheer.

"See, fear is only in the mind," Courtney said.

Now it was Trent's turn. Trent was supposed to be keeping Gwen company while she was still buried, but got distracted and started running when he saw a mime. "Just talk to him bro! And ask him to go away!" Chris said using a megaphone. "Okay, we've got two minutes before Gwen's done. Cody, you're up."

Chris told everyone else to go back to the campsite while he dealt with Cody. Cody had only ten minutes to diffuse a trash can bomb. If he didn't diffuse the bomb in time, it would explode, garbage going everywhere.

Now it was Duncan's turn. A few feet in front of him was a Celine Dion cardboard cutout. Y/N stood next to a scared and terrified Duncan. "Isn't she pretty?" Y/N asked. "I promise you, she's really nice."

"Just one hug and you're done," Chris snapped his fingers.

"That-that looks really real, man," Duncan stuttered.

"Dude she's made of cardboard!" Tyler shouted. "Get in the game!"

"Hey, you can back out if you want," Y/N smiled, grabbing Duncan's hand. "No one's forcing you yo do anything, besides Courtney. But if you don't want to do this, that okay."

Duncan took a deep breath, blushing a little bit when he realized Y/N was still holding his hand. "All right, I'll try," he said.

"You got this," Y/N grinned.

"Okay, okay," Duncan hyped himself before running towards the cutout with his arms open. With a determined look on his face, he hugged the cardboard cutout, lifting it up in the air, and earning another point. The Killer Bass started cheering and hollering. Y/N had the biggest grin on her face as she walked towards Duncan.

"I did it!" he exclaimed.

"Yeah you did!" Y/N said, the two of them hugging each other. After a second they realized what they were doing, and let each other go, chuckling awkwardly.

"Sorry about that," Y/N coughed.

"Nah, you're fine, it's okay," Duncan said, the two of them looking anywhere else.

"Y/N, it's your turn," Chris said. Shit. "Go change into your swimsuit and be at the beach in five minutes."

Five minutes later, Y/N was standing on the sandy beach in her swimsuit, multiple different thoughts going through her head. Thank God Duncan was going swimming with her, or else she would of quit the challenge before it had even began.

"All right, Y/N. All you need to do is swim around for only fifteen minutes," Chris explained.

"Yeah, yeah I can do this," Y/N shakily said, walking into the cold water. Duncan didn't say anything, walking behind her.

Y/N walked stiffly toward the edge of the dock. The lake seemed darker up close, like it went on forever underneath. Duncan stepped up beside her, shirt off, tattoos visible under the fading light. Y/N wished she had a little more time to admire his tattoos and lean build.

“You ready?” he asked.

“No.”

“Too bad,” he said, grinning. “Come on. I’ve got you.”

She hesitated, then jumped with him.

The cold smacked her in the chest like a punch. Panic clawed up her throat instantly. Her arms flailed. “Y/N. Hey.” Duncan swam closer, steady hands on her shoulders. “You’re okay. I’ve got you. Just breathe.”

She clung to him without thinking, eyes wide and gasping. “I can’t—I can’t—”

“Yes, you can,” he said firmly. “You’re not sinking. I’m right here.” Slowly, she nodded. Her breathing evened out.

They floated for a bit. She gripped the water like it might turn solid if she tried hard enough.Ten minutes in, she was swimming small laps near the dock. Not graceful, but alive.

“You’re doing better than I expected,” Duncan said, watching her.

She smirked weakly. “Thanks for the vote of confidence.”

He swam beside her for a moment, then asked, quietly, “Why are you so scared of this stuff anyway?”

She froze mid-stroke. Water lapped softly around them.

He waited.

Y/N sighed. “When I was six… before my mom left, she was supposed to be watching me at this apartment pool. She said she’d be right back, just going inside to answer the phone. Told me to stay out of the water.”

Duncan stayed silent, eyes on her.

“I didn’t listen. I went in. Slipped on the steps. Went under.”

She glanced away, like she could still taste chlorine in the back of her throat. “I remember the water in my nose. Couldn’t breathe. Couldn’t scream. Just sinking. Everything felt huge and empty. I honestly thought I was gonna die.”

“Your mom find you?”

“Eventually. I don’t know how long I was under. A neighbor pulled me out.” Her voice turned brittle. “My mom was too busy yelling about me not listening to even realize how scared I was.”

They floated in silence for a moment.

“That’s why I don’t do water,” she finished softly. "If I can’t see the bottom, it’s like… it all comes back.”

Duncan nodded, his face unusually serious. “That’s messed up. But you’re not that kid anymore.”

She met his eyes. “Don’t feel like it.”

“You don’t have to,” he said. “You’re still out here. That counts.”

The buzzer on the dock went off. Chris’s voice echoed across the water. “And that’s fifteen minutes, baby! Phobia faced!” Y/N let out a shaky laugh and swam toward the dock. Duncan followed, climbing up beside her.

He handed her a towel without a word. She took it, hands trembling slightly. “Thanks,” she muttered. “For asking.”

He shrugged. “Thanks for not letting me drown out there.”

She rolled her eyes. “Please. You’d cling to me like a leech.”

He grinned. “If it means getting that close to you, maybe.”

She bumped his shoulder with hers, smiling despite herself.

Everyone was beginning to finish their challenges. Gwen got dug up, Lindsay and Sadie got to take off their ugly wigs, and Izzy an Owen got off the plane, kissing the ground as soon as the touched the ground.

Now it was Tyler's turn, everyone gathered around a chicken coop to watch as he faced his fear.

"All right gang, we're in the ninth inning," Chris said. "Tyler, for your challenge, you need to get in this pen for three minutes with these chickens." Chris opened up a box to reveal a chicken with two baby chicks.

"You can do it Tyler!" Y/N cheered.

"Yeah, unless of course you're chicken," Duncan laughed. Y/N hit him hard in the ribs, hoping it would leave a bruise.

"I'm not sure we're getting anywhere on this one," Chris said. Tyler was in the pen, but he was completely frozen, rocking himself back and forth on the ground.

"Tyler, this is the last challenge, quit being such a girl!" Courtney snapped. "You have to do this or we're going to lose."

Cody pulled out a calculator, pressing all sorts of buttons. "Actually, if you do the math, you can't possibly win and the score's seven to four."

"Not necessarily," Chris smirked. "We've got one more challenge set up."

"Who? It can't be me," Courtney said. "But I didn't-"

"You didn't have to," Chris interrupted. "W"e're always watching you and your reactions."

Y/N though back on it. What was Courtney afraid of? She replayed last night in her head, trying to remember if Courtney reacted strangely to something. Then it hit her.

"You're afraid of green jelly?" Y/N burst out. "You're getting on us for not getting over our fears but you're afraid of something so simple as green jelly? Oh man, that's way too much."

Courtney glared at her, but didn't say anything, too embarrassed to speak.

"I knew it!" Lindsay said. "Didn't I tell you guys they were eavesdropping?"

"Oh, who cares," Courtney said. "It's not going to make a difference."

"Let's make this interesting then," Chris said, walking up to Courtney. "I'll give you triple points if you can complete it."

Courtney sighed but agreed to the challenge. A few minutes after that, everyone was standing at the bottom of a tall diving board, a pool of green jelly at the bottom, which Chef was stirring. Courtney looked up in disbelief.

"You're afraid of jelly," Duncan giggled.

"Shut up!" Courtney seethed. "Only the green kind. It's like sugary, jiggly snot!"

"You can face your fear and dive straight into this pool of jelly," Chris said. "Or let your team lose yet another challenge."

Courtney sighed, her head down as she walked to the ladder and began to climb. "This is insane. I could seriously die doing this."

"Oh, that is cruel," Gwen cringed. "It's probably warm by now. Warm, green jelly. Snotty, bouncy-"

"You're not going to make me quit!" Courtney yelled down as she climbed. After a few more seconds, she finally got to the top, her legs seemingly turning into jelly as she looked down. After a moment, Courtney covered her face with her hands. "I can't do it! I'm coming down!"

The Killer Bass looked down and sighed in disappointment, the Screaming Gophers cheering that they got another win.

"Then there you have it," Chris smiled into the camera. "The Gophers win invincibility this week. Again."

Y/N walked away from everyone, frustrated that the Bass lost another challenge. She was definitely voting Courtney off, that stupid hypocrite.

An hour later, it was time for the elimination ceremony. Chris had already handed the marshmallows the campers who had completed their challenge. Y/N chewed on her marshmallow as she watched the rest of the ceremony unfold.

"There are only two marshmallows left on this plate," Chris said. The only campers who didn't receive a marshmallow were Bridgette, Tyler, and Courtney. "The three of you did not complete your challenges today. One of you is going home tonight and cannot return. Ever. The next name I'm gonna call, Bridgette."

Y/N was relieved to see that Bridgette was leaving. She really hoped that Tyler was staying instead of Courtney. Although she hardly talked to Tyler, she liked him a lot more than she liked Courtney.

"The final marshmallow of the night goes to, Courtney,"

Fuck.

"You'll get that chicken next time," Duncan smirked, patting Tyler on the shoulder. Tyler got up from his trunk and walked very slowly to the dock.

"Looks like a new pecking order has been established here," Chris joked.

"It's not like he can cry fowl," Duncan chuckled.

"Time for Tyler to fly the coop," Geoff laughed.

"He won't be flying high tonight," Bridgette giggled.

"Okay that's enough!" Courtney stood up.

The air smelled like smoke and pine, and the lake in the distance was quiet now—no cameras, no yelling, no challenges. Just stillness.

Y/N sat on a worn log her arms around her knees. She stared into the night sky, replaying everything that had happened earlier, diving into the water, the panic, Duncan’s voice pulling her back to the surface.

She heard footsteps crunching over dry leaves.

“You always brood this dramatically, or is it just a post-trauma thing?” Duncan’s voice broke through the quiet, teasing but softer than usual.

She smiled faintly without looking at him. “Just trying to decompress.”

He sat beside her, close enough that their shoulders nearly touched, but not quite. Neither of them spoke for a moment, watching the stars in the sky.

“I never said thank you,” she said eventually, glancing at him. “For earlier. For staying with me in the lake.”

He gave a one-shouldered shrug. “Wasn’t a big deal.”

“It was to me.”

He didn’t respond right away. Just stared into the fire, jaw ticking like he wanted to say something but didn’t know how to start.

After a beat, he muttered, “You did good. Most people would’ve bailed.”

“I almost did.”

“Yeah, but you didn’t. That’s what matters.”

Something about the way he said it made her chest tighten. She watched the flickering light dance across his face, normally so smug and unreadable, but right now, he looked… different. Open. Guard down.

“You surprised me, you know,” she said quietly.

“By not being a total ass?” he smirked.

“By giving a shit,” she said, nudging his boot with hers. “I didn’t think you’d actually get in the water.”

He chuckled. “Yeah, well… guess I don’t always do what people expect.”

They lapsed into silence again. Not uncomfortable, just heavy with things unsaid. Riley could feel the words forming in the back of her throat, unspoken and fragile: I like you. But she swallowed them down.

He probably didn’t feel the same way.

Duncan glanced sideways at her. She looked tired but strong, hair messy from the lake and wind, eyes glowing in the firelight. He wanted to say something too, something real. But the thought made his stomach twist.

Instead, he said, “You gonna be okay next time we hit the water?”

Y/N nodded slowly. “I think so. I mean, I’ll still freak out. Just… less.”

“You can always hang on to me,” he joked, but it came out gentler than usual.

She smiled. “I might take you up on that.”

Another moment of silence. This one stretched a little too long. She wanted to stay. He didn’t want her to leave. Neither moved.

Eventually, Y/N stood up, brushing ash off her hands. “I should get some sleep.”

“Yeah,” Duncan said, standing too. ��Me too.”

They both hesitated.

“Night, Duncan.”

“Night, Y/N”

She turned and walked toward the cabins, the fire’s glow fading behind her. Duncan watched her go, scratching the back of his neck, heart beating faster than he liked to admit.

Why the hell did she have to make it so hard not to like her?

Y/N climbed the steps to her cabin, closed the door softly, and leaned against it with a sigh.

Why does he have to be so impossible to read?

Neither of them knew the other was standing on the edge of the same feeling.

But for now… that was close enough.

i cant wait to write them being so down bad for each other

reader is now officially head over heels for duncan <33

stay safe and drink lots of water <33

xoxo, Izzy

Taglist <3

@sc4rrc @casualluminaryobject @kys-kawaii0 @that-b-word-lol

if you would like to be added to the taglist, lemme know <33

20 notes · View notes

sooniebby · 1 month ago

Note

hi! first time anon, but long time reader of your work (been here since the midoriya x bakugo's big bro fic). i wish you good luck in your finals and i hope you have a good break !

i read your motorbike prompt fanfic, i think the plot is really nice and tbh i think transmasc reader is really good for that story !! speaking as a thai person myself, i think transmasc rep is scarce here but that might just be me ??? 😭

tho speaking of which, there was smth that bugged me about the story, which is the part where the mysterious biker called the reader "nangfa (นางฟ้า)" not sure if you used google translate or smth else but by most interpretations, nangfa is fairy/pixie/goddess. i mean, it's applicable to angel, too, but it's not like... the most "right" ig????? if that even makes sense 😭💀 cuz i feel that thai language doesnt really have a direct translation for "angel" bc our language is derived/mixed from/with sanskrit, old khmer, pali, etc., which are languages heavily associated with buddhist scriptures. this is relevant bc in buddhism theres not really any "angels" rather than gods and goddesses (note that some sects do interpret them as angels but in mainstream/legitimized thai buddhism (Theravada) in thai language, they are called gods and goddesses), which means that the concept of angels doesnt really exist, but the closest to abrahamic angels we have are gods and goddesses. another thing is that nangfa has a feminine connotation, bc "nang" means mrs, so nangfa is literally sky woman. it might be a bit dysphoric since the reader is transmasc. tho i dont know the male equivalent of nangfa, never heard of one either personally even tho i lived in thailand for all of my life. mostly theyre just straight up called เทพบุตร (male gods) or เทวดา. also pretty sure mostly facebook incels flirt with girls using nangfa so that was mostly what threw me off 😭 if theyre not facebook incels, theyre just overdramatic, desperate, or old as hell (like 50+ 💀)

if u wanna change it after reading this (which u dont have to), there are some good choices such as "whanjai (sweetheart)," "baby (preferred by most younger thai couples)," "ที่รัก (thi rak -> my love)" ofc phi/p and nong are also good choices. if you want the reader/krist/mystery biker guy to have chinese ancestry (most common ethnic group in thailand), you can also use เฮีย "hiea" (older male) tho if youre interested in the usage of this word i can expand on that in another ask

ALSO I JUST REALLY WANNA KNOW, AT THE PART WHERE IT SAYS

“(Name) Opas Phanuwat, what do you think ‘stay where I can see you’ means?”

IF "OPAS PHANUWAT" IS THE READER'S WHOLE LAST NAME OR IF IT'S LIKE OPAS = FIRST NAME, PHANUWAT = LAST NAME 😭 flash banged, if i am reading this right as โอภาส = opas... cuz my dad's friend's name is that 😭 it's a really old name but it has a good meaning. also, again if this came from google translate, imo it should be fixed as "opad" bc opas is not the correct phonetic sound, tho it's up to you if you wanna change it or not cuz by "romanization" (not sure abt the proper term for this but i think this word gets the point across?) it is right, it's just not read as "opas"... this part, again, is js my personal preference because my name is constantly butchered bc the way it is written vs how it's pronounced is very different in both thai and english 😭 really dont wanna suffer again w this shi

tldr, nangfa as a choice bugs me and really curious abt the reader's name choice

i really like this concept overall and i think it's really interesting !! very happy that this place i call home is the setting of this one !! (tho i think they really didnt need to shut the highway in BANGKOK down 😭 (cries in ungodly traffic jam) cuz illegal races happen regardless but it's wtv) i cant wait to see how this story plays out and who that mystery bike guy is and learn more abt krist !! looking forward to reading your next work !! until then good luck with your stuff and supporting you from the shadows !!

just in case i do send smth again i'll leave off as mcyap anon 😭 sorry that this is like super long

!!!!!! YAY!!!! Thank goodness, I’m so glad you corrected me, please do it again if needed!!!!!! Anyway I’ll explain some of the choices cuz I did only use google translate for angel cuz I couldn’t find what type of pet names do Thai people use!

Thx for the list of choices, I’ll think a bit more on which one suits the biker. But could you explain heia?

For the last name bit, I got the last name from a real Thai actor lmfaooo, Opas Phanuwat was his full last name! But the romanization of it could’ve been wrong lol. I was actually wondering if I should do it how it works in Thai

The nickname first name last name, but I don’t know how many none thai people know that 😩 so I just left it at that, but I can see how it would end up confusing a Thai person fml.

Thx again, really, sure I’m learning more about Thai culture through dramas and readings—it’s nice to have someone actually check me!!

Oh and I’m curious, does this name I have for the biker make sense?

“เสือ” ธาวิน ชัยอริยะกุล — learning how last names work in Thai was a struggle, but the way yall names work is so cool 🙂‍↕️

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a-dauntless-daffodil · 1 year ago

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the idea of a "not zombie plague" at the hotel.... what an effing comedy it could be...

thanks @sunsetcougar and @insert-funny-name-here69 for making me picture it XD

Vaggie comes back from Cannibal Town snuffling, no big deal, maybe it's all those feathered hats and fur stoles (sUSaN) or nice flowers or whatever. Vaggie goes to bed like normal, wakes up the next day GROANING, stiff and grumpy and shuffling around the hotel

Oh no!- Charlie the protective gf cries- what if there's some hellborn illness angels are weak towards??? It's time to physically carry Vaggie back to bed for rest (and keep doing that a few times until it sticks and she puts Razzle on guard at the door) (also print out and past their room's windows with pics of her own pleading pout so Vaggie won't try flying to freedom again) (and crashing again)

well this is kinda a weird and kinda funny for the rest of the hotel... until the Symptoms start to spread

sneezing is the first stage, the infection fun, a sign you've already got it, but everyone wants to blame Susan and Susan's specific perfectly matching (aka hostile harsh and annoying) choice of perfume lingering around the hotel, so they all (not vaggie) (vaggie thinks susan is The Coolest) just walk around sneezing and yelling "FUCK YOU SUSAN" afterwards instead of "bless you" or whatever

loss of appetite isn't that big a deal at first- between the guy with the drug addiction, his friend also with a drug addiction, an alcoholic, a tiny woman who can fill up on a single ritz cracker, a guy who eats rotting dear corpses, a pig who regularly gets his appetite spoiled with treats, an egg boi who doesn't know what he eats without his boss around to tell him, a goat demon stuffie hell bent on only consuming doughnuts, a demon princess too busy singing and scheming happiness plans to do things like SLEEp never mind EAT, her girlfriend who will care about stuff like hunger once everything else is taken care of and not a second before, an the KING of hell who hasn't even had an appetite for LIFE in ages.... no one notices the lack of eating going on at first, until it's Too Late

stiffness and aching of the joints has everyone complaining when it hits tho. Angel Dust is pissed it got in the way of his performance. Husk feels old again and gets grumpy when he gets called old man which makes him even MORE grumpy. Niffty enjoys it for 4 minutes until it throws off her rat kill rate. Alastor pretends to feel nothing but every time he moves there's a horrible CRACK from any and all bending joints and Cherri finds him stiffly stuck in a chair a least once. Cherri is the best off bc she mainly just feels like she got blown up and is used to it. Vaggie is having flash backs to the pain and weakness right after losing her first wings- Charlie wants to help but is hunched over so far she regularly rests her chin on Vaggie's head and doesn't have the energy to drag her back to bed. Lucifer is ACTUALLY hobbling around using his cane, snapping to false casualness whenever someone looks his way, secretly using a rubber duck as a stress ball. They grudgingly agree they can't blame this one on Susan (actually...) and migrate to the lobby as a group, trying to figure out what KIND of hell bug they've somehow caught.

Now is where the loss of appetite finally gets notices. Vaggie dragged out some food for the war council and NO ONE can stand even LOOKING at it. there are, however, at lot of OTHER looks going around....

Husk edges away from Angel, who's eying him even more hungrily than usual but without any of the sultriness. Niffty scuttling past gets his attention and makes his tail do the little pre-pound wiggle as he sinks his claws into the sofa to keep from FOR REAL pouncing. Cherri is staring at her bestie Angel Dust and gritting her many sharp teeth at the hallucination that he's limbs are actually full of drugs. Alastor's eye is twitching, the hotel gusts all having taken on the shape of deer carcasses from his point of view. Lucifer is fine until he looks over at Vaggie- he looks away instantly and shoves his ducky in his mouth to BITE, panics, yanks it free again, and when he looks down it's morphed into a stylized duck version of Vaggie with bite marks. Vaggie has gone dead quiet and is staring at her future father in law, clutching her spear, mentally roasting him over hellfire on a spit in her mind's eye.

Charlie sees all this happening like what is going ON guys, why are you all acting so... sooooo............Hm. Charlie wonders aloud if Razzle, Dazzle, and the Egg Boi have always had such a close resemblance to juicy little roast chickens?

Then Niffty bites Husk's tail and the hotel is overrun from the inside

it's not a ZOMBIE plague- it's CANNIBAL FLU- and now sinners are chasing sinners down the halls with knives and forks, Charlie is trying NOT to eat the little hellborn as they try and fail to nibble on her lanky limbs, and Vaggie and Lucifer-

there is a new hole in the hotel where Vaggie tackled her future dad in law through the roof and now anyone looking the hotel has great view of them both snarling, circling each other in the air, spitting out mouthfulls of feathers from successfully blocking each other's bites while failing to to grab any FLESH with their own

Thankfully Rosie had finally gotten wind of Vaggie leaving with a 'slight head cold' last time and waltzes over just in time to toss some of her best stock into the hotel, a fine selection of sinner, hellborn, and even some leftover angel steaks from the battle, smartly distracting the hotel crew from hunting and tearing into each other instead

One very upsetting but ENERGETIC meal later, the blankly traumatized (and blood spattered) hotel crew huddle in groups back in the over turned lobby, listening as Rosie assures them the worst is over and they should be good as gore by tomorrow morning!

Alastor politely informs Roise that the mention of gore at just that moment might not have been the BEST choice of words

right on cue, Husk starts making hairball noises, and everyone else looks suddenly sick

Vaggie sighs, patting her gf on the back as Charlie tearfully hugs Razzle after having had her jaw unhinged in preparation of swallowing him whole when Rosie made her timely arrival (Razzle forgives her, he was planning to try devouring her from the inside out or die trying) (meanwhile Charlie had put both Fatty Nuggets and the Egg Boi on a frying pan and was preparing to have a nice cozy ghibli-style family meal- of friendship. literally. of friends)

-alright, Vaggie gives in, fine. Just one time I'll say it too.... Who do we blame for all this?

SUSAN everyone growls

this reminds Rosie to pass out the "shove your groaning up your asses" cards Susan made for all of them, which are, of course, scented

Vaggie sneezes at the scent and there's a stampede as everyone not wildly in love with her tries to run and save themselves

cannibal flu. it puts the "i" in cannibal as in that's what it makes YOU

cannibals are immune to this party bc they would barely even notice if they had it, for them, it's just suddenly turning into picky eater for a few days until the craving is satisfied :3 sometimes with your next door neighbor but really, isn't that what neighbors are for~?

(charlie falls into bed that night, exhausted, only to look around at a strange chewing noise)

(it's vaggie. on the window seat, hunched over with wings huddled around herself, looking up frozen in the act of gnawing on lute's torn off and left behind arm)

Vaggie: ".... Susan sent it over for me, special."

Charlie: "Uh huh."

Vaggie: "I'm not sick anymore! I just, was kinda curious..."

Charlie: "Vaggie, I support you biting the arm of the woman who tore out your eye. And you look great smeared with angelic blood." (pouting) "....but can you be cannibal curious in the morning and snuggle with me now?"

Vaggie: (tossing lute's arm into the bathroom) "Always, sweetie."

Charlie: "Mmm gooood. Now kisses!"

Vaggie: "Shit wait, I should wash my mouth-"

Charlie: "Or not?"

Vaggie: "..not?"

Charlie: "I'm kinda curious too~"

and thus was Susan's cannibal propaganda successfully spread, by the power of gay love, and how hot the demon princess of hell thinks it is when her angel girlfriend is spattered with someone else's blood

#hazbin hotel #vaggie #charlie morningstar #chaggie #husk hazbin hotel #alastor the radio demon #angel dust hazbin hotel #lucifer morningstar #niffty hazbin hotel #cherri bomb hazbin hotel #rosie hazbin hotel #susan hazbin hotel #incorrect quotes #utter silly nonsense #what if they were overcome with the urge to BITE BITE BITE #XD

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