#also she’s completely over paxton

[loveourfuture-c]

I don’t know about anybody else but if Devi ends up with anyone other than Ben,I’m going to physically fight the nhie writers.

[heycoyotegirl]

hold up. why has no one written selkie!paxton??

[simpforfandom231]

The it-girl's soft side

In the bustling halls of Braxton High, where the hierarchy of popularity is as complex as the curriculum, Maeve Rosewood was the quiet enigma that defied expectations. With her soft red hair cascading like a gentle waterfall around her shoulders, and captivating blue eyes that held a world of hidden thoughts, Meave was the epitome of a shy, nerdy girl.

Her reputation as the cute, silent scholar with an undeniable flair for history was well-deserved. In the hallowed halls of academia, Maeve's brilliance shone, making her a standout student. But beyond her academic prowess, Maeve harbored a secret world of talents that few were privy to. She possessed a voice that was both soft and sweet, capable of weaving melodic tales in the form of songs, while her fingers danced effortlessly across the keys, creating harmonies that echoed with emotion. Unbeknownst to many, she was also a skilled gamer, finding solace in the pixelated adventures that awaited her on the screen.

Maeve's appearance, though elegant, betrayed her true nature. Freckles adorned her face like constellations in the night sky, a subtle reminder of the whimsical charm that lay beneath her reserved demeanor. Despite being undeniably attractive, Maeve chose the sanctuary of her books and her passions over the allure of popularity, content in the company of her two closest friends.

Ruby Landdale, the fierce companion in this trio, brought a contrasting energy to their circle. With her blond hair and brown eyes, Ruby's athletic frame hinted at a strength that complemented her bold spirit. Though not the stereotypical popular girl, Ruby exuded confidence and a love for feline companions, a facet of her personality that added an unexpected layer to her persona. While Meave found comfort in history, Ruby navigated the complexities of economics, proving that their bonds surpassed the boundaries of academics.

Completing the trio was Olivia Paxton, the brown-haired, green-eyed dynamo of the girl's soccer team. Despite her slightly higher standing on the school's social ladder, Olivia chose the genuine companionship of Meave and Ruby over the superficial allure of popularity. Her ability to stand up for herself, combined with her genuine warmth, made Olivia the bridge between the worlds of Maeve's quiet introspection and Ruby's fierce determination.

Together, Maeve, Ruby, and Olivia navigated the intricate tapestry of high school life at Braxton High, where the bonds of friendship triumphed over the superficial distinctions that sought to divide them.

The afternoon sunlight streamed through the windows of Braxton High as Meave, Ruby, and Olivia made their way to their lockers. The rhythmic hum of chatter filled the air as students hurried to exchange books and catch up on the latest gossip. Meave deftly navigated the crowd, her fingers lightly grazing the pages of her history textbook as she approached her locker, marked with a subtle assortment of stickers that reflected her eclectic tastes. Ruby, with her characteristic confidence, strode alongside her, occasionally tossing a friendly smile or a quick nod to familiar faces. Olivia, carrying her soccer gear, brought up the rear, her green eyes scanning the bustling hallway.

As the trio began to gather their belongings, Meave overheard snippets of a conversation nearby. Huddled in a corner were Margot and Billie, Rachel Zegler's loyal minions. The air seemed to crackle with the aftermath of an incident involving Peter, a fellow student known for his passion for chemistry and his gentle nature.

Ruby's eyes narrowed as she caught wind of the conversation. "Did you hear what Rachel did to Peter in chemistry class?" she whispered to Meave and Olivia, her voice tinged with concern.

The three friends leaned in, their curiosity piqued by the brewing drama. Olivia frowned, her soccer bag hanging over her shoulder. "No, spill the details. What happened?"

Meave's soft voice joined the conversation, her eyes reflecting a mix of curiosity and apprehension. "Yeah, tell us."

Ruby, with a glance over her shoulder to ensure their conversation remained discreet, recounted the incident. "So, Peter was doing his thing in chemistry, you know, being all passionate about it, when Rachel decides to mock him. She made fun of him in front of everyone, ridiculing his enthusiasm for science."

Olivia's expression hardened. "Seriously? That's low, even for Rachel."

Ruby nodded, her blond hair bouncing with determination. "We can't let her get away with that. Peter doesn't deserve that kind of treatment."

Meave, though usually reserved, felt a surge of empathy for Peter. "We should do something. Maybe talk to him, offer support."

Olivia, her wavy brown hair cascading over her shoulders, hesitated for a moment before voicing her concern. "Guys, I get that what Rachel did to Peter is messed up, but we need to be careful. Getting involved with Rachel can make things worse for us. You know how she operates."

Ruby crossed her arms, her expression defiant. "I don't care, Liv. Peter's our friend, and we can't just stand by while Rachel bullies him. We have to do something."

Olivia sighed, her green eyes reflecting a mix of caution and empathy. "Look, I'm not saying we should ignore it, but we have to be strategic. Rachel has her claws deep in this school's social scene. If we challenge her openly, she'll make sure we regret it."

Meave, the usually reserved one, chimed in with a thoughtful tone. "Olivia has a point. We don't want to become targets ourselves. Maybe there's a way to help Peter without directly confronting Rachel."

Ruby's expression softened as she considered the potential consequences. "Fine, but we can't just let Rachel get away with it. We have to find a way to make things right for Peter without putting ourselves in the crossfire."

Olivia nodded in agreement. "Exactly. We need to be smart about this, strategize, and maybe gather more information before we take any action. We can't afford to underestimate Rachel's vindictive nature."

The three friends exchanged a determined look, silently acknowledging the delicate balance they needed to strike. While the desire to stand up for Peter burned within them, the reality of dealing with Rachel Zegler's influence demanded a more cautious approach. Braxton High, with its intricate social dynamics, would prove to be a challenging battleground, but the trio was prepared to navigate it together, ensuring justice for Peter without falling victim to Rachel's schemes.

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In the heart of Braxton High's bustling corridors, Rachel Zegler moved with an air of calculated confidence. With her stunning dark brown hair flowing effortlessly down her back and her brown eyes radiating a mix of confidence and cunning, Rachel commanded attention wherever she went. Her killer body, sculpted through a combination of genetics and an unwavering commitment to maintaining her status, drew glances from both admirers and envious peers alike.

Freckles adorned Rachel's face, strategically placed as if to add an extra layer of charm to her already striking features. While her physical appearance was captivating, it was her sharp mind and shrewd understanding of the social dynamics that truly set her apart as Braxton High's undisputed queen bee.

As she navigated the crowded hallways, Rachel's gaze was not solely focused on her surroundings but rather on the power dynamics at play. Her two loyal minions, Margot and Billie, trailed behind her, mirroring her confident stride. Margot, with her sharp features and keen eyes, exuded a sense of unwavering loyalty, while Billie, with her flowing locks and polished demeanor, complemented the trio, forming a formidable alliance.

Rachel reveled in her position atop the social hierarchy, her influence extending like a web throughout the school. Despite her popularity, or perhaps because of it, Rachel harbored a penchant for exploiting the vulnerabilities of those who dared to challenge her. A reputation for cunning schemes and razor-sharp comebacks preceded her, leaving a trail of defeated foes in her wake.

Her interaction with Peter in chemistry class had been a calculated move, a demonstration of her prowess in maintaining control. To Rachel, it was not just about belittling an unsuspecting classmate; it was about reinforcing her dominance and instilling fear in those who dared to question her authority.

As she passed by lockers and groups of students, Rachel's thoughts focused on the intricate dance of power that defined high school life. Unbeknownst to her, a trio of determined friends had just caught wind of her latest exploit, and they were quietly plotting a course of action that would challenge the very foundations of Rachel Zegler's reign.

As Rachel Zegler and her entourage glided through the hallway, a subtle hush trailed in their wake. Meave, Olivia, and Ruby exchanged glances, recognizing the imposing force that was Rachel. Meave, however, felt an unexpected chill as her eyes locked with Rachel's confident gaze.

Caught in the intensity of that moment, Meave couldn't look away. Rachel, with her signature smirk, acknowledged the trio's presence and, to their surprise, delivered a sly wink in Meave's direction. The unexpected gesture left Meave momentarily stunned, her cheeks flushing with a mix of confusion and intrigue.

Ruby, always quick to respond, nudged Meave with a playful smirk. "Well, well, seems like the queen bee just noticed us. Or rather, noticed you, Meave."

Olivia, more cautious, shot a wary look at Rachel's departing figure. "Don't read too much into it, guys. Rachel's up to something, as always. Let's not get entangled in her games."

Meave, still processing the wink, shook her head, her soft voice carrying a note of uncertainty. "Yeah, you're probably right. Let's focus on helping Peter without getting too close to Rachel's radar."

The bell echoed through the corridors, signaling the transition to the next class. Meave and Olivia headed towards their history class, and Ruby made her way to the politics room, each carrying the weight of their respective subjects. Braxton High, with its maze of classrooms, seemed to morph into a battleground of academic pursuits.

As Meave and Olivia entered the history classroom, they found themselves amidst the familiar rows of desks arranged for the day's lesson. The room buzzed with conversations and the shuffling of papers as students settled in. Ms. Thompson, their history teacher, welcomed them with an enthusiastic smile that hinted at the passion she held for unraveling the mysteries of the past.

Taking their seats, Meave and Olivia exchanged a glance, silently acknowledging the shared journey through the labyrinth of Braxton High's academic challenges. Little did they know that the day would present them with a twist that involved none other than Rachel Zegler, the enigmatic queen bee of their high school.

Ms. Thompson announced a group assignment that would explore the socio-political implications of historical events. The anticipation in the room rose as students exchanged ideas, forming alliances for the task at hand.

Meanwhile, in the adjacent politics classroom, Ruby found herself surrounded by eager minds ready to dissect the complexities of governance and power. Mr. Hastings, the politics teacher, outlined their project – an analysis of contemporary political events with a focus on diplomacy and international relations.

Back in the history class, as Meave and Olivia were contemplating potential group members, a familiar voice cut through the air. Rachel, with her trademark confidence, spoke up, addressing the entire class.

"Hey, Meave! How about we team up for this project? I think our combined brilliance could make it a masterpiece."

Meave's blue eyes widened slightly at the unexpected proposal. Olivia shot Rachel a discerning look, sensing the ulterior motives that often accompanied Rachel's actions.

Rachel continued with a sly smile, "I've heard your insights into historical events are quite intriguing. It could be an enlightening collaboration."

Meave, though taken aback, managed a nod. "Um, sure, I guess."

Olivia, however, intervened with a raised eyebrow. "Rachel, what's the catch? You never just team up for the sake of academics."

Rachel chuckled, her brown eyes gleaming with mischief. "Oh, Olivia, you always see through me. Let's just say I find Meave's perspective on history fascinating, and I thought it would be a shame not to explore it together. Besides, I'm sure we'll learn so much from each other."

The air in the classroom crackled with a mixture of curiosity and skepticism as the trio reluctantly formed an unexpected alliance.

As the history class came to an end, the students gathered their belongings, ready to navigate the next challenge – a joint project exploring the intricacies of historical events. As Meave and Olivia exited the classroom, the lingering unease from Rachel's proposal still hung in the air.

In the crowded hallway, Rachel approached Meave with a confident sway in her hips, her dark brown hair cascading gracefully over her shoulders. The subtle hum of whispered conversations seemed to pause momentarily as Rachel leaned in, her lips curving into a sly smile.

"Meave, darling, I'm excited about our little project rendezvous at my place. I'm sure we'll find the perfect mix of brains and beauty to make it unforgettable," Rachel purred with a teasing tone that sent an unexpected shiver down Meave's spine.

Meave, momentarily stunned, managed a polite smile. "Uh, sure. Your place it is."

Rachel shot a wink at Meave before gliding away, leaving an air of mystery in her wake. As Rachel disappeared into the hallway crowd, Olivia and Ruby joined Meave, their eyes questioning.

"What was that about?" Olivia asked, her green eyes narrowing with suspicion.

Meave shook her head, bewildered. "I have no idea. She just said we'll meet up at her house for the project."

Ruby chimed in, her expression a mix of concern and curiosity. "Well, that's unexpected. Be careful, Meave. Rachel's not known for being straightforward."

As the trio made their way through the hallways, they couldn't help but speculate about Rachel's motives. The bell rang, signaling the end of the school day, and the three friends found themselves outside, contemplating the impending collaboration.

Nervous anticipation gripped Meave as she pulled up to Rachel's imposing residence. The grandeur of the estate, coupled with the knowledge of Rachel's formidable reputation, left her with an undeniable sense of unease. As she approached the front door, Meave couldn't shake the feeling that this collaboration might prove to be more complicated than any historical event they were meant to explore.

Taking a deep breath, Meave pressed the doorbell, and the echo of its chime resonated through the lavish halls of Rachel's home. Moments later, the door swung open, revealing Rachel standing there in all her casually elegant glory. The sight left Meave momentarily speechless.

Rachel, sporting sweatpants and a snug tank top, exuded an effortless allure that clashed with the extravagant surroundings. Despite the casual attire, there was an undeniable grace in the way Rachel carried herself. Meave couldn't help but feel a pang of self-consciousness, suddenly aware of her own more modest outfit.

With a flick of her dark brown hair, Rachel greeted Meave with a hint of amusement in her eyes. "Well, look who's here. Meave, darling, do come in."

As Meave stepped inside, her eyes inadvertently wandered, taking in the opulence of Rachel's surroundings. The grand staircase, the chandeliers casting a warm glow, and the air infused with a subtle hint of luxury—Meave couldn't help but feel like a fish out of water.

Rachel, unfazed by the palpable discomfort, led the way to the living room, where textbooks and notes were scattered across the coffee table. With a theatrical flourish, Rachel gestured for Meave to take a seat.

"Make yourself at home, dear. We have a project to conquer, after all," Rachel declared with a mockingly sweet smile, her diva attitude undiminished by the casual attire.

Meave, feeling a mix of nerves and bewilderment, sat down, arranging her materials with a sense of awkwardness. Rachel, on the other hand, took a seat with the regality of a queen on her throne, completely at ease in her own domain.

Throughout the evening, Rachel maintained her mean-girl, diva attitude, punctuating the collaborative effort with subtle jabs and condescending remarks. Meave, determined to rise above the tension, focused on the task at hand, though the challenge of navigating Rachel's complex personality proved more daunting than any historical puzzle.

As the night wore on, Meave couldn't shake the feeling that this collaboration would leave an indelible mark on the dynamics of Braxton High.

As the evening unfolded, Meave found herself surprised by the unexpected turn of events. Instead of the anticipated clash of egos, Rachel was surprisingly engaged in the project, working alongside Meave with a level of dedication that surpassed Meave's initial expectations.

With textbooks spread across the coffee table, the two girls delved into their exploration of historical events, tracing the threads of the past with an intellectual fervor that bridged the gap between their divergent personalities. Rachel's insightful contributions and genuine interest in the subject matter left Meave in awe.

In the midst of their collaborative efforts, Rachel interrupted their research with an unexpected offer. "Meave, do you need anything? A drink, perhaps? Snacks?"

Meave, taken aback by the sincerity in Rachel's voice, hesitated before responding, "Uh, sure, I guess a drink would be nice."

Rachel, with a faint smile, gracefully rose from her seat. "I'll be right back."

As Rachel disappeared into the depths of her extravagant home, Meave exchanged a perplexed glance with herself. This wasn't the Rachel Zegler she had expected – the manipulative mean girl was momentarily replaced by someone surprisingly considerate.

Returning with a tray of refreshments, Rachel set it down on the table. "Here you go, Meave. Tea or coffee?"

Meave, still adjusting to this unexpected turn of events, stammered, "Tea is fine, thank you."

Rachel poured a cup of tea, her movements fluid and deliberate. The two girls continued their work, sipping tea and exchanging thoughts on historical events. The walls of animosity seemed to crumble as the evening progressed, revealing a side of Rachel that Meave had never imagined.

As they worked together, Rachel subtly dropped her usual diva facade, showing a genuine interest in Meave's opinions and insights. It was as if the layers of Braxton High's social hierarchy were temporarily set aside, leaving only the shared passion for their project.

Unbeknownst to Meave, Rachel was harboring a secret crush, carefully concealed beneath her composed exterior. Her interactions with Meave, fueled by a desire to impress and connect on a more personal level, revealed a vulnerability that few were privy to.

As the night wore on, Rachel's mansion transformed from an imposing fortress to a space where two unlikely allies shared a common goal. Meave, fully immersed in the project and captivated by Rachel's unexpected kindness, couldn't deny the sense of camaraderie that had developed.

As the evening progressed, Meave found herself more and more captivated by the unexpected soft side of Rachel Zegler. The tea, snacks, and engaging conversation made the collaboration on their history project a surprisingly pleasant experience. Meave couldn't help but marvel at the transformation happening before her eyes.

"Who would've thought Rachel Zegler could actually be nice?" Meave teased, a playful grin on her face.

Rachel chuckled, her eyes twinkling. "Well, Meave Rosewood, there's always more to people than meets the eye. You might be surprised if you take the time to look."

The banter continued, each comment and exchange revealing another layer of the complex personalities beneath the surface. For a brief moment, it felt like the walls of Braxton High's social hierarchy had crumbled, leaving only the genuine connection between two individuals bound by a shared interest.

However, as they say, old habits die hard. Rachel, ever the it girl, couldn't resist the allure of her mean girl persona for long. When Meave playfully pushed the boundaries of their newfound camaraderie, teasing Rachel about her temporary departure from the usual diva attitude, Rachel's defense mechanisms snapped back into place.

"You know, Meave, this little truce doesn't mean you get to forget who I am," Rachel retorted with a smirk, her eyes narrowing slightly. "I'm still Rachel Zegler, and this project doesn't change a thing."

Meave, sensing the shift in the atmosphere, decided to tread lightly. "Fair enough, Rachel. Let's just focus on the project."

The tension lingered, but the work continued. As Meave reached for her tea, the cup slipped from her fingers, and the liquid spilled onto Rachel's lap. Time seemed to freeze as Meave's eyes widened in horror.

"Oh, my gosh, Rachel, I'm so sorry!" Meave exclaimed, scrambling to grab some tissues to help clean up the mess.

Rachel, at first appearing shocked, quickly recovered and gave a dramatic sigh. "Well, isn't this just perfect? Ruining my outfit."

As Meave dabbed at the wet spots, Rachel's gaze shifted, and a sly smirk played on her lips. Meave, oblivious to Rachel's devious thoughts, continued apologizing.

"It was an accident, Rachel. I didn't mean to—"

Rachel interrupted, her tone dripping with mischief. "Accident or not, Meave, you really should be more careful."

It was then that Meave noticed Rachel's subtle change in demeanor. The smirk on Rachel's face widened as she saw Meave's gaze unintentionally shift to where the tea had left its mark on Rachel's tank top.

"Oh, what's this? Admiring the view, Meave?" Rachel teased, her diva attitude firmly back in place.

Meave, caught off guard, blushed furiously. "No! I was just trying to help clean up!"

Rachel, relishing the moment, laughed. "Well, consider it a lesson, Meave. Even when I'm being nice, I'm not one to be underestimated."

The atmosphere, once filled with camaraderie, had shifted back to the familiar dynamic between the quiet historian and the enigmatic queen bee. As Meave awkwardly tried to navigate the aftermath of the spilled tea, she couldn't shake the feeling that the delicate balance they had struck might be more fragile than she had initially thought. The rest of the evening would reveal whether this unexpected collaboration could withstand the challenges that lay ahead.

Despite the accidental spill and the return of Rachel's diva persona, Meave couldn't shake the lingering embarrassment. The air in Rachel's opulent home felt charged with a tension that had nothing to do with the history project.

As Meave continued to mop up the spilled tea, Rachel, with an air of innocence that contradicted her reputation, pretended not to notice Meave's discomfort. She casually strolled to the kitchen, leaving Meave momentarily flustered.

"So, Meave, what do you think about delving into the cultural impact of the Renaissance?" Rachel called from the kitchen, her tone light and seemingly innocent.

Meave, trying to regain her composure, responded, "Uh, sure, that sounds like a good angle to explore."

As Rachel returned, Meave couldn't help but notice the subtle sway in her hips and the way her tank top clung to her slightly dampened skin. Unbeknownst to Meave, Rachel was orchestrating a silent seduction, tapping into the art of allure that had made her the it girl of Braxton High.

Rachel leaned over the table, her eyes locking onto Meave's with a mischievous glint. "You know, Meave, it's surprising how working on a project can create such... intense moments."

Meave, caught off guard by the sudden change in tone, stammered, "Uh, yeah, I guess so."

Rachel's lips curled into a sly smile as she leaned even closer. "You seem a bit flustered, Meave. Is everything alright?"

Meave, feeling the heat rise to her cheeks, nodded awkwardly. "Yeah, I'm fine. Let's just focus on the project."

Rachel, seemingly unfazed, continued to toy with Meave's composure. "Oh, I fully intend to focus on the project, Meave. We wouldn't want any distractions, would we?"

As they delved deeper into the Renaissance, Rachel's subtle touches and lingering glances heightened the tension in the room. Meave found herself growing increasingly hot and bothered, her focus wavering between the history project and the enigmatic girl sitting across from her.

With each innocent comment and sultry gesture, Rachel maintained an air of detachment, leaving Meave to navigate the unfamiliar territory of desire and confusion. The it girl of Braxton High had managed to weave a subtle web of seduction without overtly crossing any lines.

As the night wore on, the temperature in Rachel's home seemed to rise, and Meave couldn't shake the feeling that she was caught in a delicate dance orchestrated by the irresistible queen bee. Little did she know, Rachel's enigmatic charm was just one facet of the complex game that would unfold in the corridors and classrooms of Braxton High.

As the night progressed, Rachel couldn't help but revel in the effect she had on Meave. The subtle shifts in her body language, the nervous glances, and the occasional stammering—all signs that Meave was more affected than she let on. The it girl of Braxton High had always enjoyed the art of influence, but tonight, she found a different thrill in knowing she held a unique power over Meave Rosewood.

As they continued to work on their history project, Rachel couldn't resist pushing the boundaries further. She leaned in closer, her lips inches from Meave's ear, as she whispered with feigned innocence, "You seem a little distracted, Meave. Is the Renaissance getting to you, or is it something else?"

Meave, acutely aware of Rachel's proximity, felt a shiver run down her spine. She stammered, "I... I'm just trying to focus, Rachel. Let's finish the project."

Rachel pulled back, her brown eyes dancing with mischief. "Of course, Meave. Focus is essential. But you know, sometimes a little distraction can be... enlightening."

Meave, attempting to divert her attention back to the project, found herself increasingly drawn into the magnetic pull of Rachel's teasing. The air between them became charged with an electric intensity that neither could deny.

As they discussed historical figures and events, Rachel's playful touches and suggestive comments continued to fuel the flames of desire. It became evident that Rachel wasn't just interested in completing the project; she was reveling in the game of seduction, relishing the power dynamics that unfolded between them.

"You have this incredible way of making history come alive, Rachel," Meave remarked, her voice betraying a mix of admiration and something more.

Rachel, with a coy smile, replied, "Well, I believe in adding a personal touch to everything I do. Keeps things interesting, don't you think?"

The tension in the room reached a palpable peak, and Rachel, sensing Meave's growing vulnerability, decided to take the teasing a step further. As she reached for a book on the shelf, her fingers brushed against Meave's hand, sending a jolt of electricity through both of them.

"Oh, sorry, Meave," Rachel said, her voice dripping with insincere innocence. "I didn't mean to intrude."

Meave, now fully aware of the game Rachel was playing, tried to maintain composure. "It's... it's fine, Rachel. Let's just finish this."

As the night wore on, Rachel's calculated maneuvers pushed Meave to the edge. The it girl, reveling in her ability to turn the tables, couldn't resist a final, daring move. With a smirk, she leaned in, her lips brushing against Meave's ear.

"I must say, Meave, you're quite the fascinating project," Rachel whispered, her breath sending shivers down Meave's spine. "I wonder how far this distraction will take us."

As Rachel pulled away, the room hung in a charged silence. Meave, flustered and intrigued, couldn't deny the magnetic pull that Rachel had skillfully woven around them. The it girl of Braxton High had succeeded in turning a simple history project into a complex web of desire and intrigue.

The charged atmosphere in Rachel's luxurious home reached a boiling point, and Meave, feeling the intensity of the moment, couldn't resist the magnetic pull any longer. In a bold move, she closed the distance between her and Rachel, capturing her lips in a kiss that held a mixture of desire and uncertainty.

For a brief moment, time seemed to stand still as Meave's heartbeat echoed in her ears. The unexpectedness of the kiss left Rachel momentarily stunned, but as Meave pulled back, a flicker of surprise and something deeper flashed in Rachel's brown eyes.

Meave, overwhelmed by the rush of emotions, stammered, "I... I don't know what came over me, Rachel. I'm sorry."

Before she could fully comprehend the implications of her actions, Meave attempted to retreat, but Rachel, ever the enigmatic manipulator, seized the opportunity. With a swift, almost predatory grace, Rachel pulled Meave back into the embrace, her lips claiming Meave's in a more assertive kiss.

The atmosphere crackled with a newfound intensity as Rachel, now in control, deepened the kiss. Meave, torn between desire and apprehension, couldn't deny the electrifying chemistry that existed between them. Rachel's soft, teasing demeanor had given way to a more dominating presence, and Meave found herself surrendering to the unexpected allure of the it girl.

Breaking the kiss, Rachel whispered against Meave's lips, "You're full of surprises, Meave Rosewood. But don't worry; I can be just as unpredictable."

A mix of emotions danced in Meave's blue eyes—confusion, desire, and a hint of fear. Rachel, however, remained composed, her expression revealing a complexity that transcended the usual mean girl facade. Behind the confident exterior, there was a softness reserved exclusively for Meave.

As Rachel continued to explore the boundaries of desire, Meave, lost in the intoxicating whirlwind of sensations, couldn't help but be captivated by the magnetic pull of Rachel's touch. The it girl, now revealing a more vulnerable side, guided the dance between them, each movement a testament to the unspoken connection that had ignited between them.

Meave's initial boldness had triggered a shift in the dynamics of their relationship, and as Rachel continued to dominate the girl with both finesse and a hint of genuine affection, Meave found herself teetering on the edge of an emotional precipice.

"I never knew you could be like this, Rachel," Meave whispered, her voice laced with a mix of awe and vulnerability.

Rachel, with a subtle smile, replied, "People are full of surprises, Meave. You just have to be willing to explore."

The night unfolded in a symphony of desire, a delicate dance between two souls navigating uncharted territory. The it girl of Braxton High had found herself entangled in a connection that transcended the superficial, and Meave, despite her initial reservations, couldn't deny the undeniable allure of Rachel Zegler.

As dawn approached, the tangled threads of desire and intimacy began to weave a complex tapestry that neither girl could easily unravel. The corridors of Braxton High, witness to their secret liaison, would become the silent keepers of a story that transcended the usual high school drama.

Little did Meave and Rachel realize that the complexities of their connection would redefine the very fabric of their lives, creating a bond that surpassed the expectations of their peers.

In the hushed aftermath of their intense make-out session, Meave found herself panting softly, her lips swollen and her senses ablaze. The room was cloaked in a charged silence, broken only by the rhythmic beats of their rapid breaths. Rachel, her usual mean girl facade now completely shattered, giggled softly, her brown eyes filled with an unexpected tenderness.

"Well, that was unexpected," Rachel remarked, her voice carrying a playful lilt.

Meave, still catching her breath, managed a shy smile. "Yeah, it definitely was."

The air between them crackled with a newfound vulnerability as Rachel, usually the picture of confidence, hesitated for a moment. A soft, almost wistful expression crossed her features before she spoke, her tone uncharacteristically sincere.

"You know, Meave, I've had this crush on you for years. It's just something I never thought I'd actually act on."

Meave's eyes widened in surprise, the weight of Rachel's confession settling between them. The it girl of Braxton High, now stripped of her mean girl armor, revealed a side that Meave had never expected. The unexpected sincerity in Rachel's voice left Meave grappling with a mix of emotions.

"You... you have a crush on me?" Meave repeated, her voice barely above a whisper.

Rachel, seemingly unfazed by the admission, nodded. "Yeah, I guess I do. It's weird, right? But I can't deny the attraction, the way you've always intrigued me."

Meave, still processing the revelation, felt a strange mix of flattery and confusion. The lines between their roles at Braxton High had blurred beyond recognition, leaving them standing on unfamiliar ground.

"I had no idea," Meave admitted, her voice a fragile whisper.

Rachel, with a soft smile, reached out to gently tuck a strand of Meave's red hair behind her ear. "Well, secrets have a way of staying hidden, especially in high school. But tonight, everything's out in the open."

The room seemed to shrink, leaving them suspended in a moment of uncharted intimacy. Rachel, typically the puppeteer of social dynamics, now found herself in uncharted territory, her heart exposed in a way that went against her carefully curated image.

"I never expected tonight to turn out like this," Meave confessed, her blue eyes searching Rachel's for understanding.

Rachel chuckled softly, a genuine warmth in her eyes. "Life has a way of surprising us, doesn't it? Sometimes, we end up exactly where we never thought we'd be."

As the night wore on, the two girls navigated the uncharted waters of their newfound connection. Rachel's mean girl attitude had given way to a softer, more genuine demeanor, and Meave found herself drawn to the complexity that lay beneath the surface.

Their conversations ebbed and flowed, touching on everything from high school drama to shared dreams and fears. The layers of Braxton High's social hierarchy seemed to dissipate, leaving only the vulnerability of two girls who, against all odds, had found a connection that defied expectations.

Little did Meave and Rachel know that their unexpected journey would continue to unfold, revealing twists and turns that would redefine the contours of their lives. The corridors of Braxton High, once witness to their secret liaison, now held the echoes of a story that transcended the boundaries of friendship, desire, and the unspoken connections that bound them together.

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A/N: simply based on Mean Girls :)

[queenofmistresses]

DEVI FINDING OUT YOU LIKED THEM SINCE THE 1ST GRADE!

female reader 🙈

-anon 💌

A/N I’m about to show everyone that I’m good at angst and fluff as well as smut (hopefully). Please enjoy! Feel free to give me (polite) feedback if you want! Also! Thanks for clarifying the gender of the reader! I tend to assume f!reader because most people seem to want that but I do wrote for any gender. And I may have freaked out when I saw that you signed this off with an emoji🤩🤩

Also there’s some paxton dragging in here, i love paxton in the later seasons it just works for this please don’t attack

I hated seeing her cry. I hated watching her get treated like some plaything to be picked up when he wanted, just to be thrown away the next day.

If she was mine, I would cling onto her, show everyone that she’s mine, brag about it. I would be proud. I would be lucky to have her.

People just don’t know her the way I do, and no one seems willing to try.

Now, we’re sat on her bed and she’s crying over a guy. Paxton. I never liked him. She deserves better than him. She deserves everything.

“No one’s ever going to love me are they? I’m just too much for everyone!” She sobs, her arms clinging to her knees as she curls in on herself.

“No, Devi that’s not true. You are not too much at all. You are so amazing and feel so much and anyone would be lucky to have you okay? The right person will stick by you through all of this, and if Paxton won’t treat you how you deserve then he doesn’t deserve you.”

“I’m a mess y/n. Stop pretending you don’t see it too, I’m completely crazy and I miss everything up.” It hurts me so much so see her hurting like this.

“Hey. Devi look at me.” I demand, she lifts her head up and looks at me. Her face damp from tears and her eyes brimming with new ones. I place one of my hands on her cheek, lightly wiping away new tears and stroking her cheek with my thumb. Taking my time to make sure she knows how much I truly see her. “You, Devi, are not crazy.” I speak softly now. “You have been through something horrific, something that most people will think only happens on TV. But you’ve watched something horrible happen to the person you love more than anyone.” She squeezes her eyes closed and I know this is hard for her. “I know love, I know how much you miss him, I know how hard you try to pretend it doesn’t bother you. But Devi, I promise you, it’s okay to be hurt. It’s okay to cry and scream and shout about it because what you went through is hard.”

I take a breath. “Devi I’ve known you for a very long time. And I’ve seen you go through this dark event, and I’ve seen you struggle, and yes, I’ve seen you make mistakes. But I know you, and I know that you will come out the other side stronger, and more beautiful then ever. And that’s saying something because you’re pretty fucking strong and beautiful now.”

She sniffs a little. “You think I’m beautiful?” I chuckle at that and nod.

“Yeah Devi, you’re gorgeous. I don’t know how Paxton can’t see it the way I do.”

She’s looking at me in shock now. Like she knows what I mean. “T-the way you do?” She squeaks.

“Well this definitely wasn’t how I was planning on telling you but I think you need to know that you’re loved Devi. I’ve liked you, had a crush on you for a while now Devi. I’m a bit in love with you now if I’m being honest.”

“What? But, you’ve seen how crazy I am. How can you love that?”

“Oh Devi, that’s just it. You’re not crazy. You’re just trying to cope. And I know that you’re more than that, and I think that you’re beautiful in every way possible.”

“How long?” She asks, still looking confused.

“Honestly? I’ve liked you since first grade.” I look away from her now. “I don’t expect you to feel the same, I just think you deserve to know that you are loved.”

I hear her move and I look up to her. She’s kneeling in front of me, staring at me with an unreadable expression on her face. She cups my face with her hands and leans in. I find myself leaning in to, all thoughts gone from my head except, is this really happening?

Then her lips are on mine. Slow, but gentle and full of emotion. I would never have expected anything but passion from her. It’s better than I’ve ever dreamed.

She starts kissing harder and faster, moving her arms to the back of my head, tangling her fingers into my hair. Fuck I could get used to this.

[lansangprincess]

As someone who's Asian and also told you to watch Heartbreak High, I just wanted to vent about the racism in this fandom. It angers me how white characters like Spider and Harper are held to less high standard than characters like Sasha who's East Asian and Dusty who's half South Asian even from season 1. While I don't like those characters and didn't defend them in season 1 the way the racist fandom is reacting now makes me defend them from being held to a higher standard. People use "As a woman Harper doesn't feel she has more to offer than her body" and her past as a reason to justify her actions towards Malakai. The woman card and whatever her past is no excuse and she's as guilty as Dusty. Also Dusty only touched Malakai's shoulder and looked to Harper for what she had in mind, so I don't get how the fandom is saying he initated it to justify them liking Harper. Harper initiated the threesome by kissing Malakai first, not that it matters who initated. People don't use the race card for Dusty and whatever his past may be in regards to that. They loved Spider and campaigned for him getting development and showing his past in season 2 which he got out of popularity even though he too was a complete asshole in season 1. Spider sexually harassed Quinni by spreading rumors about her vagina even though he never slept with her and they shipped him with Amerie even though he was a bully who had a creepy obsession with her sex life. Spider blamed Malakai for the police case and it seems he may have a fetish for WOC. Spider didn't treat Amerie any better than Dusty did, so if it were a MOC in his place they wouldn't ship him with Amerie. Harper did regret the threesome but it wasn't for Malakai's sake but her own and she never apologized to Malakai. She regretted it because of how it affected her friendships, because she didn't like Dusty anymore and found the experience not enjoyable enough. People criticize Dusty for saying she took pleasure in the threesome and while he should be criticized for the part where he showed how insecure he was over Malakai he shouldn't be criticized for holding her accountable for the fact that she did take some pleasure in the threesome like he did. Also Harper was no more high than he was. I don't think she was criticized for the threesome in season 2 since she became friends with Amerie and Malakai after she called it slut shaming in season 1 when Missy criticized her while Dusty was rightfully criticized by Cash in season 2. It bothers me how she became friends with Amerie again after how badly she bullied her which was unjustifiable. If Amerie was in her place fans would hate her. They already criticize her. Devi from NHIE was hated on for less and it upsets me as a brown woman that they had her end up with Ben who never apologized to her for bullying and being racist to her, but the fandom loves him. He got mad at her over Aneesa because she didn't accept her apology for being cringe but never apologized to her for treating her like shit and didn't get mad at his white ex who actually started the rumor. She had trauma from him and cried over experiencing mean treatment in school. Made racist comments masculinizing her appearance and when he asked her to be his girlfriend talked about how big his ex's tits were. Tried to kiss her multiple times at his party but didn't help her out of his pool. I don't ship Daxton but Paxton had better arc than him but isn't liked as much as he isn't fully white. When Fabiola tried to hold Ben accountable for bullying he was like yeah but she broke my heart. I don't judge people for shipping them but I do judge them when they have the audacity to judge my morals as a brown woman over which fictional ships/characters I like.

Hi babe!

First of all, I saw this was a two-parter so I wanna let you know that I don't know when I'll be able to get back to you on the second part since it's also pretty long. Thanks so much for putting me onto HBH!! I've lowkey midkey started to love it a lot more than TSITP, which by the way, sorry if you have messages in my inbox about TSITP that I haven't responded to—the shipwars was hella draining and it took away the fun of being a fangirl for me.

Anyways, I'm still trying to digest all the points you've made and I'm just going to go with an assumption that you want to vent more than anything so I don't think I'm going to react on every point. Glad you feel safe to share in my inbox! (Even for tsitp).

I'm Asian also but regardless, I definitely agree that the support people gave Spider (esp in S1) to have redemption was disproportionate and weird >< Like, just because there was a plot twist that the reason for his behavior was he had a crush on Amerie—that didn't justify his behavior at all in my eyes ?? He was hella bigoted throughout the entire season and being rejected by the person you liked is not a reasonable excuse for that. Sasha was completely in the wrong for how she treated Quinni and she does require a redemption from that imo but her personality majority of the time is just being annoying and performative which doesn't beget hatred comparable to Spider's. Though for me, Season 2 Sasha didn't do anything bad, she was just entertainingly insufferable lol. Spider's redemption was well-written, I'm onboard for it but he still has a lot of work to do (and tbh I could've lived with Spider just continuing being a villain but that's not what we got and I'm just going with the flow of what our beautiful writers have given us). Sasha doesn't need a redemption for me bc she didn't do anything in S2. My forgiveness of her is dependent on Quinni's forgiveness of her and Quinni seems to have been able to move on, we'll see more of it when they work together in S3.

Though I also want to mention that I disagree with what you said about Harper… From what I've seen, a lot of people hate her. A lot of people don't forgive her for the threesome which I can understand but from my perception all of her decision-making was completely impaired and misguided because of her trauma, and I think that should be taken into consideration—she had no one to help her in the aftermath of what she went through and so had no idea how to handle it. What she went with for her own experience was to just kind of, pretend it never happened and go back to "being normal". If you watch the threesome scene back, Dusty took Harper's hand and placed it on Malakai's shoulder. He 100% had intentions of making things more intimate with the three of them. I can't really say the same for Harper. I can imagine that in the moment when Dusty put her hand on Malakai she genuinely thought she was helping Malakai cope.

[hawkcoyote]

NEVER HAVE I EVER S3 SPOILERS AHEAD

So I just finished watching season 3 of NHIE. And I can confidently say this is the worst season of the show. For many reasons.

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For starters the season felt all over the place with no real direction. The pacing was awful. Felt like the show cut out on some of its best elements starting with Devi’s family and her family’s dynamics. Something that was central to the first 2 season fell to the background in season 3. It is completely bizarre decision because Poorna is the best actress and is was playing on of the most compelling characters on the show. Yet, she was cut out of the season like this. Also hated what they did to Kamala’s storyline. She literally couldn’t get married because she didn’t feel ready and wanted to focus on other areas of her life and yet the entire storyline centered around her boyfriend. We also barely saw any real backlash from her family.

Next up we have the whole Aneesa and Fabiola storyline. What was even the point of that subplot. Maybe I just didn’t get it but it really served zero purpose to either characters or the plot. And the worst part is is how the dropped Aneesa like a hot potato once they decided they didn’t want to do it anymore. 

I should also just take the time to highlight the weird fatphobia that keeps happening in the show. It was just Eric at first and now Mrs. Paloma? Idk her name, she was a teacher. 

Even the sessions with Dr. Ryan weren’t even good or as productive as they used to be in season 1 or 2. Mr. Shapiro was MIA. Also I am a bit pissed that we never found out how anyone did on the AP exam. It was a running joke for 3 seasons that Facing History was not from the AP curriculum with the characters complaining about how it didn’t prepare them for the AP exam. It felt hollow and empty that a class that we spent so much time in, just faded into the background like it didn’t matter.  

It’s finally time to talk about the husband(s). Points if you get that reference. 

Let’s start with our newbie, Des. Des was fine. I honestly didn’t find him that special or compelling. I just liked that at least Devi felt good about herself while she was with him. I was glad she was happy. I was glad for the representation of it all. That Mindy finally broke down and allowed her self-insert to date an Indian man. I know that is a big deal for her. But he was kinda lame as a character, but it is not his fault. He was essential a plot device. They actively refused to deepen his character even when there were several perfect places to drop any nugget. It was the same with his mother. There were scenes where I was watching and I was screaming “Say something!! Say anything about yourselves!!!” And then they don’t. It was so annoying. There were opportunities to give these characters more life. But instead they did this. Hated it. 

Next we are gonna talk about Paxton. So despite Daxton and Season 3 flopping this was actually a great season for Paxton. Like his character really seems to have grown and matured the most out of everybody on this show and it isn’t even a competition. What I don’t understand is how can we have that, but we don’t have Daxton? Also weird that their shared emotional growth they got from the relationship didn’t mean shit to Devi at the end. Someone needs to help me understand why despite Paxton constantly affirming her, the show treats it like it means nothing.  It’s all trash, because he isn’t as smart as Devi? That they have different interests?  I feel crazy. Like she got the hot boyfriend and the hot boyfriend was great! And Devi could just never see that. Is this part of the the show’s overall arc or something (and I will expand on this point in the Ben section). I mean a simple acknowledgement would be nice. But nope. Never not once.  Finally let’s talk about Ben. Ben is the worst character on the show. He is the worst character on the show. He is the worst character on the show. My goodness, Ben is shitty (pun very much intended). Listen, I will admit that season 2 Ben wasn’t that bad, but WOW season 3 Ben is just awful. They doubled down on his worst character traits. We seriously dedicated ANOTHER episode to that clown and it wasn’t even about addressing his smug condescending attitudes towards people. Several people bring this up to him multiple times and he hasn’t changed one bit. We wasted yet another episode pointlessly following Ben around (when the season had serious pacing issues we could have used that episode instead of giving it to that waste man), and what he got out of that was he needs to study less. WHO THE FUCK CARES!!!!! That was such a deeply unserious episode. Again I have to wonder is this part of some overarching plot? Because what the hell is this? 

Let me expand on why I wonder if this is a part of some overarching for Devi and the love triangle. Throughout the season Ben would highkey neg Devi. PLEASE tell me I wasn’t the only one that caught that shit. PLEASE tell me y’all saw that shit. Like that boy made a note about Devi wanting to kiss some guy, showed up, and started ragging on her. And you could tell he did it because if he made her feel bad enough she will want him. When she would still get/chase after guys after his failed at negging he would look all sad and hurt. And he would do this throughout the season. I mean the basis of the final scene, was him saying he would have sex with her if she is on her deathbed a still a virgin. They have the audacity to sprinkle in some moments of semi-human decent behavior, and sometimes Devi would actually buy into that  crap. Which had me thinking, stay with me, what if Devi’s attraction to Ben is related to her low self worth? Because why else would you like a person that spends most of their time cutting you down? Please explain it to the class. It’s either that or Mindy and Lang are truly pathetic people if they think Ben is a viable love interest. I do question Mindy because her taste is very questionable. She definitely likes guys like this. Anyway back to my theory, since season 1 ended I believed that Devi’s interest in Ben has always come from a place of insecurity.  She didn’t think she “deserved” a guy like Paxton. That he was too “out of her league” or whatever. And that is ultimately what killed their relationship.  But Ben gets second life after negging her for half the season? Why?  All of this and I didn’t even talk about Ben and Aneesa. Ben and Paxton. Ben and Fabiola? Jesus. Again Ben has an ugly personality. I mean Ben antis stand up because we won today. We might have lost the battle but we have won the war. 

Anyway rant over. I would also like to give a big shoutout to Trent and Eleanor. I personally wasn’t as excited about it as some of the fandom was going into season 3. But they got me. They were actually kinda cute, and not because they helped give me Daxton scenes after the breakup. Same with the 5 seconds of Fabiola and Daxton interaction. It was a funny scene.  

[catty-words]

haley is explicitly a foil for devi in the context of her relationship with paxton - someone she bears a close enough resemblance to that haley's paxton-related misfortune feels like a 'there but for the grace of god' kind of deal but also an idealized version of herself that fits paxton way better. at the same time, the contrast between haley and paxton's and devi and paxton's stories loudly declares this to be a bad-faith read of the situation on devi's part.

devi isn't at any point actually in danger of reliving haley's history with paxton because, for one thing, she's a 'rock bottom' orchestra loser well before paxton enters her life, and he chooses her knowing that. for another, though devi hears this cautionary tale and allows it to niggle at her insecurities over her lack of readiness and ill-defined dread about what happens if she does lose her virginity to paxton, paxton has already proved in 3.01 that his relationship with devi is about more than sex. he's happy to wait until she's comfortable, is accepting of the fact that she may not be comfortable with much at all, because devi's a more complete, complex person to paxton than haley had been.

and the truly insane cap to all this? when devi forces her insecurity between the two of them, paxton doesn't turn to that idealized version of devi for comfort. instead, he chooses an empty relationship on purpose because he needs a blank slate onto which he can kiss out his sadness....... almost like devi approaching paxton for sex was going to be the band-aid over her grief........

[heavencasteel420]

WIP Wednesday

Featuring: Jonathan and the mortifying ordeal of enjoying your Baby Boomer parents’ music!

From Tonight, Tonight, The Highway’s Bright:

“What’s on this?” the front-desk lady asked, frowning at the cassette tape. “You know we listen to these backwards, too.”

She squinted up at Jonathan, who was suddenly very aware of the hollows under his eyes and the cooking-oil smell that he felt sure still clung to his hair. He’d made an effort, washing his face and hands in the bathroom at Drummond’s and swapping his T-shirt for a navy sweater with yellow stripes, but there’d been no time to go back to the apartment and shower, let alone take a nap. Another old-house nightmare had broken up his sleep last night.

“It’s folk, mostly,” he said, attempting to sound meek instead of annoyed. He had long shifts and bad dreams; that didn’t mean that he was trying to send Satanic messages to his sick mother. “It’s nice. Soothing.”

He’d listened to the tape himself on the drive down to Pennhurst. It was full of stuff from the sixties: Bob Dylan, Simon and Garfunkel, Joan Baez, Tom Paxton, Peter Sarstedt, the Everly Brothers after they’d started making weird concept albums instead of chipper malt-shop pop. It wasn’t his usual style at all. He preferred more concise lyrics, and all the acoustic strumming just made him sleepy. Yet listening to “Farewell, Angelina” and “Shady Grove” while surrounded by the ghosts of Mom’s Camels had an almost hypnotizing effect, making the worries of the day seem less sharp and pressing. Maybe the tape would do the same for her.

The front-desk lady—Dolores, according to her badge—didn’t respond, just turned the tape over in her thin, knobby hands. It occurred to him that Joan Baez might be as offensive to her as Iron Maiden or the Sex Pistols. She was the right age to have been scandalized by Elvis (or, he thought uncharitably, Scott Joplin). He wondered if she (or the mysterious “we” she’d mentioned) would deem the lyrics too disturbing for a schizophrenic person. He thought of the pirates in “Farewell, Angelina,” shooting tin cans with a sawed-off shotgun while the neighbors cheered and clapped. He loved those lyrics; they reminded him of the people of Hawkins, cheerfully turning out for the spectacle of his family’s destruction. Joan Baez—or, rather, Bob Dylan, who’d written the song—had probably had something completely different in mind, but he didn’t care. He’d take vindication where he could find it.

From Tomorrow’s a Long Way Off (warning for allusions to domestic violence, plus Lonnie saying a bunch of gross inappropriate sexist shit, including about Joyce, below the cut):

“You gotta let these girls know where things stand, right at the start,” Lonnie said, turning the key in the ignition. The stereo started playing The Rolling Stones. “You can’t let them walk all over you. Give an inch, and they’ll take a mile.”

Yeah, thought Jonathan, they might start thinking that you shouldn’t call them crazy bitches and throw things at them.

“Mind if I turn this up?” he asked, gesturing at the stereo. “I like this song.”

“Sure,” Lonnie said. He pulled out of the parking space and started down Main Street. “What was that one you liked when you were little? You used to kind of bob up and down to it. God, you were funny.”

“Street Fighting Man,” said Jonathan.

Despite himself, he smiled. He could remember crouching in front of the record player on the shag carpet, trying to get closer to the music and its strange, rollicking beat. Lonnie saying hey, Joyce, the kid’s got taste. His mom beaming, hugely pregnant with Will and wearing some long hippie dress with orange flowers.

“Yeah, that’s it.” Lonnie was also smiling. It made him look older, nicer. Then he sighed. “It was easier when I was a kid, you know. Even girls thought women’s lib was a joke. Course, they still wanted their own way, but…”

He trailed off and drummed on the steering wheel. But you’ll never break, never break, never break, went the stereo. Jonathan stayed quiet.

“Well, I don’t know,” Lonnie continued. “I guess we got nothing to complain about. Back then, good girls didn’t give it up. Hell, most bad girls didn’t go all the way. Hey, you wanna know which one your mom was?”

Jonathan’s mouth went dry.

“No,” he snapped. “Why would I want to know that?”

Lonnie just laughed.

“Lighten up, kid. It was just a joke.”

Jonathan didn’t reply. Joke or not, it had been a gross thing to say. He looked out the window, watching the buildings get sparser. They were almost at the edge of town.

“You don’t know how good you have it,” Lonnie continued, apparently unbothered. “None of it means anything now.”

[loveourfuture-c]

I love winning!

[arcturusreads]

Never Have I Ever... Been So Vulnerable

pairing: devi vishwakumar x ben gross word count: 3290 words request: yes/no prompt/summary: devi wasn't the type of person that enjoyed opening up to anyone. the only person she'd felt comfortable being that open with was her dad. after he had passed away, devi ended up keeping most of her emotions to herself because no one seemed to really understand her. that was until ben and maybe now she's found someone she feels safe enough to be vulnerable with. a/n: i spent all of season three screaming at ben and devi to communicate so i decided to take matters in my own hands. ao3 account: saiwriteswords

“Wait wait wait. Devi, what are you actually doing here?” After pulling her into his room and losing himself in a kiss, Ben finally brought himself back to his senses. 

“I thought I made that obvious, you know, with the paper.” Devi shrugged awkwardly. 

Ben’s arm was still wrapped around her waist as he looked her in the eye. “I know you came over with the paper. But why now? Why me?”

A million different emotions had overcome Ben when he saw Devi standing in his bedroom doorway. None of them were negative but he would be lying if he were to say that he wasn’t confused. The last time he’d seen her was in the school hallway when she was talking to Paxton. Ben had left pretty quickly after he’d turned up. Paxton had been good to him when he’d ended up in hospital and Ben had to admit that he wasn’t actually that bad of a guy. But for the three of them to all be standing there together… It made things a little awkward. 

Devi sighed, her shoulder sagging. A deep and meaningful conversation was not the reason that she had gone to Ben’s but she didn’t think there was any way of getting out of it. Maybe she didn’t want to get out of it. The ‘one free boink’ pass had given her an excuse to turn up at Ben’s house without looking like a complete weirdo. But was that really why she’d gone? 

“There’s just… a lot…” 

Ben gave her a small smile, “Well, I’ve got all night.” There was a hopeful look in his eyes. 

Ben wanted to have a proper conversation with Devi. He wanted her to feel safe enough to open up to him. He probably could on one hand then number of times they’d had a raw and serious conversation but something about that evening had felt different and Ben didn’t want to let this chance slip by. 

Devi gave a small nod and Ben felt like he could breathe a little easier. Maybe there was a chance for the two of them. He sat down on the edge of his bed, waiting for Devi to join him but she didn’t. Instead, she began pacing on the rug in front of him. 

“So, I mean I guess I should start with the biggest thing.” She took a deep breath before stopping in front of him. “I’m not going to Shrubland.” 

Devi didn’t wait for a response before she began pacing again. “I can’t go, not right now. I need more time with my mom. Things have just been so messy with us and I feel like we’re finally in a good place and I don’t think I’m ready to give that up just yet. After my dad died… I think I just need to make the most of everything that’s in front of me instead of wishing for something more when I don’t need it… or want it.”

Devi finally looked at Ben and realised he wasn’t saying anything. What Devi thought was a look of incredulity was actually a look of awe. The past year had given Ben a chance to understand what was important to him. Whilst he still wanted to get into Columbia, he knew that it wasn’t the be-all and end-all if it didn’t happen. He didn’t have to work himself into an early grave to do it. And whilst he had been going through all of those changes, he hadn’t realised how much Devi had also changed. She seemed so much happier these days, less antagonistic. And hearing her talk now, maybe she’d also realised that there were some things more important than school. 

“You think I’m crazy for giving it up, don’t you?”

“What? No!” Ben stood up, gently grabbing Devi’s arm to stop her from pacing. “Devi, I get it and I don’t think you’re crazy. I’ve never thought that. You lost a lot of time with your Dad, I understand why you wouldn’t want to lose any with your mom.”

Devi smiled at him, still shaking inside. She wanted to get everything off of her chest but she was scared of what it could mean. She and Ben had been getting on so well recently and Devi really didn’t want to ruin it. But something inside was telling her that she’d be doing both her and Ben a disservice if she didn’t talk to him properly. 

Taking another deep breath, Devi tried to steady her nerves. She stepped away from Ben, leaving him with a confused look on his face. “I’m not done yet. Do you mind sitting back down?”

“Devi-” Ben tried to argue but was immediately cut off. 

“Ben, please don’t argue with me right now. It’s cute and everything but I need you to just shut up for a minute.” 

Ben quickly took a seat on his bed again, mainly out of shock from Devi calling him cute. 

“I am so so sorry about everything that I did to you… you know, when I was dating you and Paxton at the same time…”

Devi saw him wince, he definitely didn’t need the clarification but she couldn’t shy away from what she had done. 

“I hurt you and you didn’t deserve that. There’s no excuse for what I did, not in the slightest. It was seriously messed up. I hate that I hurt you. And I don’t know if I can ever make it up to you or if you can forgive me but I just needed you to know that I’m so sorry. I wish I could go back and change everything.”

Hindsight was 20/20. Dr Ryan would say something about how changing what had happened in the past wouldn’t give her the chance to learn from her mistakes but that didn’t stop Devi from wishing things could have been different. She reminded herself quickly that she was trying to live in the present though. All she could do now was try and make up for the things she’d done wrong and do better now. 

“Devi, I- '' Ben sighed and looked down at his hand, picking the skin around his thumb. “I can’t lie to you and tell you that what you did didn’t hurt me. It felt like people were always just going to leave me behind. You… my parents… And I didn’t think I was going to ever be able to forgive you.” 

Devi’s stomach dropped. She was going to have to accept whatever Ben said but that didn’t mean it was going to be an easy pill to swallow. 

“But holding onto it… it doesn’t serve me in any way. I was angry and upset with you for months, Devi and it didn’t make me feel any better. I forgive you, Devi. You don’t need to keep apologising about it. I’ve moved on from what happened. It’s taken me some time and thinking about it hurts but I don’t think you’re a bad person, Devi, you just made a bad choice.”

For some reason, that was not the route that Devi thought the conversation was going to go. Even though they were on much better terms now, she’d thought that Ben might still be holding onto some of the animosity and he’d have had every right to. 

“Thank you,” Devi’s voice came out as a whisper.

Ben gave her a comforting smile before tilting his head slightly as he studied her. “That still doesn’t explain why you’re here. I mean, why you’re actually here, Devi.”

Devi opened and closed her mouth a few times as she tried to find the words that she needed. How was she even meant to start this off? 

“Uh? Devi? Is everything okay?” 

Realising that she had left Ben’s question hanging and was probably starting to look like a goldfish, Devi shook her head to clear her thoughts. “Yeah, sorry.”

Devi clasped her hands in front of her, fidgeting and looked down at them. “So, the reason why I came here… The reason… that I came to your house… have I told you that you have a nice house? Really big windows. There must be a lot of natural light and that probably helps with the electricity bills. So, it’s a pretty efficient house. Congrats on that.” Once she had started, Devi couldn’t stop herself from rambling. 

Congrats… on his house. I am such an idiot! She chastised herself, dying of embarrassment. 

Ben couldn’t help but let out a small chuckle, “I’ll be sure to tell my dad. He’s going to be so pleased that we have such an efficient house.”

“And he should be!”

“Devi…”

“Right, sorry. The thing is,” Devi looked up from her hands, if she was going to do this, she was going to look him in the eye. “Ben, I’ve liked you for so long. I mean like like.” 

Like like, really? Was she trying to sound like a kindergartner? Devi knew she needed to do a better job with this proclamation. 

“Ben, I’ve liked you even when I hadn’t fully realised it. After scattering my Dad’s ashes… it’s like a lightbulb went off in my head but I was dumb. I tried chasing after something… someone… else because I thought that was what I wanted. And I guess at the time it was. I’ve always imagined my life being a certain way, you know? Date the hot, popular guy, graduate valedictorian, go to Princeton, nice house and all the rest of it. I didn’t want anything to change my plan. You were never meant to be a part of it. All you were meant to be was my annoying arch nemesis.” 

Ben snorted, “Thanks, Devi.” 

“But driving me to the beach, giving me a chance to say a final goodbye to my Dad. You started to change parts of that plan and I guess it scared me. And then, after messing up and losing you, I realised that you were the guy that I wanted to be with.”

Devi could still feel her heart pounding in her chest. She’d thought that slowly telling Ben everything would help calm her down but instead she could feel herself getting more nervous. She had no idea how he was going to respond. 

“So, I tried to talk to you. To find a way back into your life and I know I didn’t go about it the right way. Everything with Aneesa… it was because I liked you, Ben. I liked you and hated seeing you and her together.”

Ben looked a little awkward and for a moment Devi’s stomach sank. She thought she’d completely blown it. “I-uh, I kind of know that. I mean that last part, about Annesa.”

“Yeah, I wasn’t exactly subtle,” Devi laughed nervously.

Wincing, Ben didn’t look Devi in the eye, “Actually Eleanor told me…”

“What? When!?” Her voice had gone up a few octaves. Shaking her head, Dvei shut her eyes for a second. “You know what, it doesn’t matter. And eventually I guessed that it’s better to have you in my life as a friend than not at all.”

“But why did you date Paxton then?” The question had been burning on the tip of Ben’s tongue for a while now. He needed to know why, if Devi had in fact liked him, why she decided to date his polar opposite. 

“I-” That was not a question Devi had been prepared for, it wasn’t one that she had completely figured out the answer to herself. But what she knew, she was willing to tell Ben. 

“Paxton had been this dream for me. It was like some YA book where the nerdy, unattractive girl dates the hot jock and suddenly her life changes forever. Focusing on that, on him, it helped me deal with my dad passing away. For a few moments every day, I wasn’t thinking about him or missing him or grieving over him. It was just an escape. I’d been trying to push those feelings for you away, especially after everything with Aneesa so I’d kind of buried them. And Paxton was so sweet after everything that had happened. I was tutoring him and I got to see this completely different side of him. It worked between us… until it just didn’t. I wasn’t in the right place to be in a relationship at that point and Paxton was. We weren’t the right fit. He’s a great guy but I don’t think he's the guy for me…”

Devi had come to that conclusion a while after their break up. Paxton had been amazing to her, he still was. She was glad that they’d managed to navigate their break up and turn it into a friendship. But sometimes, dreams that you’ve had for years don’t always measure up in reality and Devi was learning to be okay with that. She felt like she’d lost time trying to chase the idea of what her life should be like. 

“And what about me?” When Ben looked at her like that, eyes wide and looking directly at her, like nothing else was around them, Devi felt more exposed than she ever had in her life. 

“I think you might be the right guy for me… I don’t know if those feelings are mutual though…” Every cell in her body was screaming at Devi to bolt out of the door and to just run home and hide under her blanket. 

Ben reached his arm out, his hand clasping around Devi’s wrist. He gently tugged her towards him, getting her to sit next to him on the bed. Their knees bumped together and Ben refused to let go of her hand. It was tiny compared to his but filled all of the empty edges of his hand. 

“Devi, are you blind?” Ben shut his eyes for a second before opening them and willing himself to gain the courage he needed. “There’s something I need to tell you but it’s probably going to make me sound like the worst person in the world.”

“I’m pretty sure I thought that about you from the age of like, 10,” Devi joked, hoping to break some of the tension in the room. Realising that Ben looked increasingly nervous, Devi apologised. “Sorry, you should carry on. I’m sure whatever it is can’t be that bad.”

“Annesa… even when I was with her I was thinking about you. I don’t know if part of me even being with her was to try and make you jealous. Just saying that… it’s bad… she didn’t deserve for me to treat her like that.” It wasn’t a period in his life that he was particularly proud of or liked to relive. “You remember the night of the winter formal?”

Devi nodded. How could she forget the night that Paxton Hall-Yoshida had hit her with a car before asking her to be his girlfriend. 

“When I saw you and Paxton dancing with each other… it was like something had shattered. I thought that he was the one that you’d always wanted to be with, I just ended up being some sort of convenient back up. And Eleanor said something and I realised that I might just have messed everything up. So then I really tried to make things work with Aneesa but there was so much going on. I was an ass to her and I needed to reevaluate a lot of things in my life. When she broke up with me.. I didn’t feel completely torn apart. I felt like it was the right thing for the both of us. And then I ended up in hospital… not my finest hour…. But it made me rethink the way I was going about things. And that included you. So, when you told me about Des, I didn’t want to be jealous. I was happy for you and I wanted to see you happy but there was always this part of me that wanted you to be happy with me.”

Devi squeezed his hand and Ben looked down smiling at the way their fingers intertwined. How was it possible that a single person could make you feel a thousand different things in one moment?

“I thought I’d managed to get over you. And then hearing you say that you got offered a place at Shrubland… Devi, it’s like everything came crashing down on me and as much as I wanted you to take the place because I knew it would be good for you, I so badly wanted you to stay. I needed you to stay and I needed to finally tell you how I felt about you. I’ve spent way too long trying to tiptoe around my feelings and it is exhausting. You’re the only person that I’ve felt like I can go toe-to-toe with in an argument, The only one that pushes me to do better. That gets why I work so hard. Devi, I know we’ve argued and spent most of our time in school being rivals but you’re the only person who’s ever really gotten me and who I am. So, Devi, you don’t need to question how I feel about you because I don’t think I could see myself with anyone else. I’ve been waiting for you for months. And I would wait another couple of decades if it meant having a chance with you.” 

Neither of the teens were well-versed in being vulnerable. Especially with each other. This felt like a monumental moment for them both. To finally face up to their feelings. Acknowledging the mistakes that they’d made along the way and learning from them. Sure, they were both still a little scared of their feelings and being this open didn't come naturally to them. They’d realised, however, that there was no weakness in telling those around you your true feelings. That there was way more to lose from being quiet than there was by being honest. 

Devi felt her mouth go dry. “Well… that kind of blew my little speech out of the water…”

“Nah, I think we both win here.” 

“And what brought you to that conclusion.”

Ben took his free hand and gently cupped Devi’s face, “I think we both ended up with the answers that we wanted, don’t you?” 

Instead of replying to him, Devi leaned in for a kiss. She wondered if her heart would ever stop beating so fast when she kissed Ben. She wouldn’t complain if it didn’t though. 

“So, how are we doing this?” Devi asked. 

She may have managed to overhaul a lot of things in her life but being a chronic overthinker was something that was probably always going to stick with her. 

“Well, I think a good place to start is asking you to be my girlfriend…” 

It wouldn’t have been possible for Devi to smile any wider. Throwing her arms around his neck, Devi buried her head in his shoulder. 

Does he shower with tea tree and grapefruit? Ugh, he smells so good.

Devi could have inhaled his scent all day but she could feel Ben vibrating from laughter. “Is that a yes then?”

When she finally pulled back, she saw mirth in Ben’s eyes and a smile so wide that it rivalled hers. 

“Of course it’s a yes. I would love to be your girlfriend, Ben Gross. But could we maybe take the rest of this slow?” Devi bit her lip, hoping that Ben wouldn’t think she was lame for not wanting to jump straight into things. 

Ben kissed the back of her hand, giving her a gentle smile that made everything inside Devi melt. “That sounds perfect to me, how about we start with a date?

[seeyoumondaydevi]

Could you elaborate on why you didn't enjoy season 3 as much as the previous seasons?

Sure :) Few things I wanna say before I get into it. 1) I'm not an articulate person at all. I suck at wording my thoughts well. 2) I'm not saying I didn't enjoy season 3, I'm just saying Season 1 was the show's best in my opinion. 3) No I'm not saying I didn't enjoy season 3 bc of daxton.. if it was all about daxton I wouldn't be saying season 1 was the show's best season 4) I'll be using certain lines from other metas bc they've worded it really well and I'll link it to the original post as well.

I liked season 3 for personal growth. Nalini and Devi's relationship season was amazing this season, especially in episode 9, "How dare you come into my house and talk about my daughter this way" . I really enjoyed Trent and Eleanor as well and Paxton's character... I was so scared going into season 3 that they'd ruin his character for the love triangle drama but they didn't and he thrived outside the love triangle this season.

Now.. onto the things I didn't enjoy/like. Too many new characters who were used as plot devices to move the plot forward. There were so many new characters this season and they all were thrown in for an episode or two and they just disappeared after a couple of episodes. The Lady Whistle boy, anonymous texter / Haley just disappeared after daxton broke up. I didn't like how the anonymous texter was a random new character we've never seen before. There were so many new plots every single episode which didn't excite me. It felt like it was all over the place. Story lines were being raised and then just dropped. It kinda reminded me of disney shows haha (no hate). They kept adding love interests (Margot and Des) to trouble the already existing love triangle which they spent two whole seasons working on only to constantly rival the established relationships (Benvi and Daxton) instead of letting them develop. Fabiola and Aneesa were cute, Aneesa's character had so much potential but they just threw her out. Fabiola went with a randomly added new love interest (Addison) who was in two scenes.. two scenes only. One of the reasons trent and Eleanor are so fun to watch imo is that they're characters who've been there since the beginning. I know realistically people will date people outside of their friend group but this is a show... I wanted to see the characters I already knew. 

Kamala, she didn’t want to get married in s2 because she wanted to focus on her career etc. She also left Prashanth because she felt like he wouldn’t be supportive of her career but her whole plot in s3 revolved around her boyfriend. Like I get it, this season she stood up against Nirmala and moved out etc but idk it just felt incomplete(?). 

Two episodes frustrated me a lot this season. 3x05 and 3x10. 3x05 : Instead of this random thing in school where Devi had to ‘kiss some boy to activate her romantic vibes’ or some shit. Instead of that they could have just focused on Devi working on herself that episode. Paxton made a very valid point about Devi not loving herself. We could have had a scene with her therapist talking about why she thinks she doesn’t “deserve” to be in a relationship with someone.

3x10: The finale.. Devi gets an offer to go to some school in Colorado.. was this ever mentioned in the previous seasons? The build up just wasn’t there. If they had at least mentioned in in the start of the season that would have been fine. The Colorado school was again another plot device to give us some emotional scenes between Nalini and Devi. I did love the scene but the number of plot devices just frustrated me a lot. Instead of giving actual issues like they did in season 1 they only used plot devices this season. I just felt like they had a lot of lazy - poor writing. 

I’ve not completely covered why I didn’t like this season as much as the previous ones and I don’t think I’ve worded it well so yeah.. Thanks for the ask :)

[bewilderedbuck]

for the fic title ask game, in honor of olivia rodrigo’s new single, which i just listened to a few minutes ago: “bleedin’ me dry (like a goddamn vampire)”

ok i want u to know that i ALSO hadn't actually listened to vampire yet bc i was too busy freaking out over leanna firestone's new ep all day BUT i did give the song a listen after u sent me this (and it is SO GOOD oh my god) but.....

ben s2 pov: obv post "...thrown a rager" and pre-reconciliation, still so angry and heartbroken. canon divergent in the way they don't actually reconcile in season 2, to amp up the angst. devi's apology + the convo between nalini and noor doesn't work out. aneesa has to transfer schools again. and somehow devi keeps fucking up even more. she tries to apologize to ben after aneesa transfers - says she tried, that she really fucking tried but ben....he cares about her, of course he does, but he can't do this anymore - this back and forth. so, he cuts her off completely (like he does in s4...whoops). now...this is still s2 devi, this is still pre-s3 benvi besties era, so there's not that year-plus of friendship between them anymore. and devi is just - devi is always around. and he hates it, not because he hates her but because he hates how he feels around her. he's just - he's exhausted. he blocks her number, blocks her on insta and twitter and wherever the fuck else, asks to have his class schedule changed because, well, being around her is bleeding him dry. it's preventing the wound from scarring shut. so...he removes her from his life, as much as he can.

and then dun dun dunnn paxton still shows up at the dance and the "she wanted to choose you" convo with eleanor still happens and that's where it ends :)

send me a made-up fic title and i'll tell you what i would write to go with it

[expelliarmus-percabeth]

nhie season 3 thoughts

aneesa has screamed bi vibes since her appearance but im so glad they actually made it canon! I wasn't expecting that. I'm glad they decided to scrap her and fabiola though, it was turning out to be kind of a meh ship and it felt like anessa just latched onto the nearest person for emotional support after her terrible rs with ben. also fab didn't seem to be into anessa as much as she was into her :( PLEASE GIVE ANESSA A LOVING GF IN SEASON 4!!!! my girl deserves sm better :( though i will say that it's kind of annoying they had all that "omg who's going to make the first move" tension that eventually led to nothing... it felt so half-hearted

eleanor and trent actually work together stupidly well. I love them your honour <333

fabiola's romantic storyline with eve has never interested me much i felt like it was the blandest thing i have ever watched.... glad they broke up and never mentioned eve again 💀💀💀 i really hope they don't redo that whole storyline with addison i think fab deserves more layers and nuance to her romantic relationships. also the fact that we got to see devi and eleanor lose their virginity on screen (at least the start of the scene) but fab's was just an offhand remark like "oh yeah we just did it offscreen"??? cmon.

rhyah is a terrible but unfortunately realistic character. perfect representation of people who will smile to your face and secretly thank god that they're not suffering your misfortunes. shoutout to the actress for doing such a great job I actually wanted to punch her in the face

paxton continues to steal my heart. I just wish they gave him a more concrete goal or desire other than him being a "kind and nice" person. (and tbh based on all the ghosting of the girls he had sex with wasn't even like. an EXCEPTIONALLY nice and kind person. so.)

I think the daxton breakup was handled the way it should be - the problem with the relationship was there from the start, it's that devi only sees paxton as this unattainable dream that signifies her ascending into popularity or whatever and doesn't like him as an actual person other than for his looks.

also i think it's hilarious how haley appears for like one episode to become best friends with paxton again to make devi jealous then completely disappears for the rest of the show

I don't understand why rhyah introduced des as someone who was bullied a lot and sad and lonely when it's clearly established later on that he's in the popular clique and does have friends??? There doesn't seem to be any logical reason other than for the writers to pull that "he's actually hot" twist on us... and man did not mention sea slugs ONCE

i seriously love nalini so so much.... I have a special spot in my heart for characters who act all tough but are actually soft inside. The scene where devi tells her shes not ready to leave her mom yet she just wants one more year and you know her mom was thinking the exact same thing about her daughter.... i started tearing up fr

every line out of nirmala's mouth is iconic and comedy gold. "I'm a regina" so true bestie

I really hope we get to see more of ben having more male friends in the next season bc the paxton and ben scenes were genuinely sweet. stop fighting over devi!!! just be bros

speaking of ben i go back and forth on him a lot because he's honestly really douchey at times and the way he treated anessa while they were together was just.... not it. but honestly the last scene where devi gave ben the one free boink card is going to live in my head forever. the way they didn't need to say a single word??? the way it should have been cringe but wasn't??? the way they smile at each other and slipped in???? WOW.

also the irony/character development of ben calling devi an "unfuckable nerd" in s1 to him quite possibly being her first in s3 is not lost on me

[infinite-wanders]

Never Have I Ever ...

Written theories on leaked episode titles

3x02 ... had my own troll

Leads me to believe Devi goes in search of the author of anon insta DM.

I am more so leaning towards it being Trent, over Ben as Ben wouldn't troll.

It could still be Eric or Jonah but they don't have the same investment in Daxtons relationship as Trent.

Trent loves Paxton more than his grandma and has said in s3 ep 1, he knows Paxton has a tender heart that not everyone sees behind the sculpted abs. Therefore, would message Devi to hint that Paxton is "not who you think he is."

It's been said many times through the fandom that Devi "idolizes" Paxton, which is why Trent may assume this too of Devi. Daxton have formed a deeper connection whether people see it or not.

While I initially said it's out of character for Trent to send it. Thinking it over, I wouldn't be surprised if Trent did and forgets. This is in character as displayed many times like when he forgot he fell off Devis roof, and forgot Shira told him Aneesa was anorexic.

If Paxton finds out Devi was on this Scooby Doo hunt, it may lead to drama between them but not a breakup.

3x03 ... had a Valentine

Definitely Daxton Valentine moment.

Wouldn't be surprised if Devi gets a secret Valentine from Ben.

Or, Devi and Paxton are meant to celebrate vday, something happens where Paxton can't make it, then Ben comes in as the surprise Valentine.

Would be cute for our Paxton x Fabiola moment.

3x04 ... made someone jealous

I'm actually going to go opposite to other theories and say Paxton shows his jealous side, caused by Ben announces he's transferring and Devi is upset (or if my ep 3 prediction comes true).

Devi may even make Aneesa jealous due to her understanding of Ben regarding school.

Considering Devi was the first to be jealous of Aneesa, how surprised will she be if Aneesa suffers from the green eyed monster. Twist.

3x05 ... been ghosted

Paxton ghosts Devi, which would annoy me regarding his character development.

Ben ghosts Devi after moving to private school.

3x06... had a breakdown

Possible Ben episode.

Enter Des, who helps him with his parent trauma.

Maybe Ben will wonder if he is pansexual as he sees Des and realises he is attracted to someone as smart as him and shares the same academic focus, rather than gender.

Imagine if it is referring to Devi having an absolute breakdown. Like the kind where you shut down completely rather than loose your cool. The kind where you die inside and can't get out of bed in the morning, and are an empty shell of yourself.

It could be the pressure of Ben leaving Sherman Oaks to increase his chance for an Ivy and Devi having to apply for her Ivy.

Could we get our Daxton pool scene maybe to help her through her breakdown?

3x07 ... cheated

Could be Ben's episode.

Definitely cheating in school as opposed to relationship cheating.

Possibly Ben cheating off Des as he finds his place at the private school. Ben gets accused of cheating but it's really Des.

If it is a Devi episode, it would be a significant catalyst for her to cheat in school. But also wouldn't be the first time if we count her doing Paxton's homework out of guilt.

3x08 ... hooked up with my boyfriend

Devi x Paxton.

Eleanor x Trent.

I'm not ready to elaborate yet lol.

[popentertainment-moviereviews]

BARBARIAN (2022)

Starring Georgina Campbell, Bill Skarsgård, Justin Long, Matthew Patrick Davis, Richard Brake, Kurt Braunohler, Jaymes Butler, J.R. Esposito, Kate Bosworth, Sophie Sörensen, Brooke Dillman, Sara Paxton, Will Greenberg, Derek Morse, Trevor Van Uden, Zach Cregger, Kalina Stancheva and Devina Vassileva.

Screenplay by Zach Cregger.

Directed by Zach Cregger.

Distributed by 20th Century Studios. 102 minutes. Rated R.

Well it started out well. That’s something, right?

I’ll even go so far as to say that the first 30-40 minutes of Barbarian was terrific – a promising set up for a smart and funny and creepy genre film.

But boy howdy, did it ever fall apart quickly after that. The story got more and more nonsensical as it went on, venturing into new unneeded characters and plotlines popping up out of the blue. Not only that, but the characters also kept performing actions that were just so amazingly stupid that I walked out wondering what the hell I just watched.

I mean, I get that you have to give a certain amount of leeway in horror movies. The victims are always doing the wrong things, otherwise you would not have a story. As the commercial says, why go to the running car when you can hide in the creepy shed? However, even in the realm of stupid horror reactions, this group is particularly boneheaded.

It had a wonderful set-up, though.

Tess (Georgina Campbell), a young woman in Detroit for a job interview to work on a new documentary film, shows up at a little Airbnb which she had rented in the middle of a torrential downpour. The house itself seems cute enough, although it is in the middle of a wreck of a neighborhood which looks like something out of Khaboul. However, when she tries to get the key from the lock box, it turns out there is no key there.

It turns out that a guy named Keith (Bill Skarsgård) is already staying there. Keith seems to be nice, seems to be a popular musician, seems to be down to Earth and he had also rented the house. Somehow, they got double booked. It is the middle of the night, and no one is in the real estate office. It is pouring and a medical convention has the local hotels booked, so Keith suggests that she stay over with him.

So they stay together. He gives her the bedroom and sleeps on the couch. But who opened her door in the middle of the night? Who is making noises somewhere in the house? What is causing Keith to have nightmares? Doesn’t Keith look an awful lot like Pennywise the clown? And what is that strange hidden room off of the basement?

Then, suddenly these two characters are disposed of (so to speak), although one returns to the action later. Instead, the lead is taken over by a smarmy Hollywood actor named AJ (Justin Long) whose career is being ruined by a #MeToo charge. By coincidence, he is also the owner of the house in Michigan (which is where he is from, although it appears he’s never actually been to the house himself). Suddenly unemployed, nearly broke and with lawyers’ fees piling up, he goes to the house to see if he can sell it.

And any chance this had of being a good movie dies a violent death.

The inconsistencies and ridiculous plot points start to pile up. As noted earlier, every character does the exact wrong thing, often putting their lives in mortal danger for people they barely even know. There is even a flashback which kind of explains what happened, although the timeline consistency of this explanation makes absolutely no sense. And don’t even get me started on the VHS tape that has apparently been playing on an endless loop in the basement for about 40 years.

Barbarian is a dark and sordid film, which I guess is okay, many horror films are. It certainly has more than its share of surprises and first-time writer/director Zach Cregger (previously best known as a member of the comedy troupe The Whitest Kids U’ Know) certainly has an interesting visual sense.

Too bad his movie turns out to be a complete mess.

Jay S. Jacobs

Copyright ©2022 PopEntertainment.com. All rights reserved. Posted: September 9, 2022.

[catty-words]

Cant wait to hear your take on teenage sex and devis agency in 3.1 cori!!

Have a great day!!

oh, man, you really have my number, huh? put the words ‘devi’ and ‘agency’ in the same sentence and i will start to vibrate onto a higher plane of existence thank you for prompting this. i’m gonna link a couple posts from last night which are relevant and also help contextualize my thoughts - x, x, x

so. from the very start, sex has been an important component of devi’s story, and i’ve always appreciated the way the show took the simple concept that most teenagers experience raging hormones and made it the fulcrum for devi’s identity issues. by devi’s logic, if wanting sex is a normal part of the teenage experience, then actually having sex proves her normality. and having sex with paxton hall-yoshida would be so epic of her, that no one would dare call her weird ever again. i’ve already talked at length about the way her choice to pursue sex with paxton - her whole ‘rebranding’ agenda, in fact - is a way for devi to express agency in her life at a time when she feels hopelessly out of control.

by the time we get to 3.01, devi’s no longer in denial about her grief, though, so her relationship to sex is functionally different. instead of being loaded to the hilt with subtext, it’s more a straightforward marker of devi’s maturation and development as a young adult. is she emotionally aware enough to handle a sexual relationship responsibly? does she want to be in one for the right reasons?

the way the writing frames devi’s loss of virginity specifically in terms of whether she can answer those questions for herself - think kamala’s advice that when you sleep with someone, you're the most vulnerable you’ll ever be and if you rush into that, you could get really [emotionally] hurt and devi having to grapple with everything shira, zoe, and carley say about and to her over the course of the episode, respectively - builds quite nicely on her season one arc with paxton. the fact that she ultimately recognizes she’s not ready and is able to define exactly what a sexual relationship looks like to her for the moment (i.e. second base during scary movies) is made even sweeter by the fact that sex with paxton has been infused with so much meaning. it’s a HUGE act of agency, self-actualization, and self-awareness for her to express that she doesn’t need to have sex with paxton in order to legitimize the relationship. and, in doing so, devi stops outsourcing her worth as a person to paxton. it doesn’t completely resolve the way her putting him on a pedestal complicates their relationship - as evidenced by the overarching conflict through 3.03 being whether she can accept that he wants to be with her at face value - but this step is what allows her to draw a line around her own integrity and leave paxton in 3.02. which, like, is one of the sexiest moments on the show in my humble opinion.