#because she hadn't always been that way. it makes me do the math and like-

[firstroseofspring]

i have exactly one million questions.

[darlingofvalyria]

❝Like we're going to hustle the shit out of his brain.❞

part 01 | it's called a hustle, sweetheart

chapter summary:

[ The math is easy in Helaena's head. One brother, heartbroken and moping and in a red flag relationship redder than Mars, and one hot best friend who is definitely his type. It's 1 + 1 = 3, really. ]

[ 2,345 ] [ series masterlist ] | best friend's brother!aemond targaryen x f!reader, ft. cregan stark x f!reader & aemond targaryen x alys rivers,

contains— this is going to be comedic and stupid in its comedy, bear with me - fake dating, fwb situation, toxic on and off alysmond, no use of y/n - mentions of sexy times but no sexy times yet (it'll be coming though, so minors gtfo) - multi parts - no kings, no martyrs, no betas.

a/n— the main vibe is silly and sexy !! you're hel's hot friend !! you getting it down with cregan stark (as you should) !! dunno yet how many parts, but we vibing !! comment, reblog & like at will, mwa ♡

You and Hel watch her baby brother, Aemond of usually calm and pretty countenance, drag and wince as he took a mug of coffee- a slow, almost painful affair - mumble something, somewhat of a gratitude and an apology 2 in 1 special, and reverse drag and wince back into into the room.

It's a painful shuffle. A Michael Jackson awkward moonwalk attempt. A pitying regression from the usually very pretty boy you've made it a habit of teasing.

In the past few months, there hadn't be a lot of teasing from you.

When the door clicks, you turn to Helaena with an absurdly amused snort. "He's really such a pathetic little meow meow, huh?"

She slaps your arm. "Stop it. He's really down. Alys really did a number on him this time."

"She always seems to do a number on him every time they breakup." You fight the urge to roll your eyes, for the sake of the concerned frown on your best friend's pinched, starlight eyebrows.

After all, this isn't the first time of the very many on and off moments of the Alys and Aemond Train. You bore witness to it like you're sat in an empty cinema, popcorn stale and it hurts your jaw to chew, and the train has come unloose from the tracks about thirty minutes into the film, but the plot is predictable because it recycles.

Which makes it a garbage film you can hardly stomach, rolling your eyes and getting the fuck out of the cinema about to demand a refund.

Sure the first time, you felt bad, felt horrible for the both of them as it did seem like they loved each other. You had even commended the maturity of their decision, expressed sympathy and an even pious comments of 'but you were both so good together!'

But then the pity kind of loses its momentum when it's been the third time. The fourth. The fifth. So on and on and on...

At some point, you start thinking that maybe Aemond Targaryen— of pretty Jupiter glaze and cherry-pinched lips, a Greek god humbling at the image of Alicent Hightower and Viserys Targaryen's genes combined— third time's the charm! or fourth in Viserys' case, snort  — is kind of a masochist.

Because despite saying that they're growing toxic for each other, he comes back.

Every.

Goddamned.

Time.

The maturity made way for screaming matches, bolts of peaking jealousy, and purposeful social media posts made to hook, line, and sinker the other person— like. Gods.

There was pettiness. There was red flags. And then there was the Wikipedia page that pops up when you search 'who is the worst toxic relationship?' and it doesn't even have a paragraph. Or a sentence. Just a picture of Aemond and Alys.

If Aegon Targaryen was made of easy vices and churlish, lazy smirks— his fingers, though cold and sometimes clammy, are still nice against your shoulder when he makes lazy circles at an attempt to flirt before you laugh it off and threaten rip his balls off, because if there's a few things that piss off Helaena, it's her older brother trying to go near any of her friends —

Aemond liked it in deep, ruby-red shards of a cracked heart being put together again and again. At first with superglue. Now he was more or less going with prayers and spit.

At some point, the pity turns to amusement turns to a roll of your eyes turns to concern shifting from the young man to his sister, your best friend, left somewhat the only one left to care for her crash and burn of a baby brother.

And you know for a fact that Daeron Targaryen is a menace on a dirt bike, and yet out here, in these streets, Helaena was worrying for Aemond.

Their mother's favourite child, their grandfather's most studious, and the pride and ego of Kings Landing U Business Department.

Helaena isn't used to worrying about Aemond like this.

You're not used to Helaena worrying for Aemond like this, and the usually pretty boy you liked to tease was starting to piss you off because of it.

"Hel," you start carefully, knowing you're threading on dangerous waters. As much as Hel adored you and no matter how many times she says her brothers are idiots cut from a blended cloth of her Hightower and Targaryen roots— she was also unmistakably protective of them.

She sighs, putting down the pancake batter she was mixing, and you, who was in charge of actually frying them, turn. She had hoped to talk to Aemond when he woke up, but clearly he was still very much smashed at any attempts of comfort or reprimand, even she wasn't sure anymore.

"I know, okay?" Hel mutters. "I know it's stupid."

"It's not stupid," you rush. At her doubtful look, you insist. "It's really not. I care about the little punk too. Even though lately I kind of just... want to hang him by his boxers on the balcony... make him see reason from there."

It works, Hel laughs. Then she smirks. "That little punk is only three years younger than you and a whole foot taller, babe." Then she blinks. Eyes going wide as saucers, which would be comical if not for the fact that she looked like she got the prophecy of Bathroom Urge Number #1. "Oh gods. Oh my god!"

"...Did you poop yourself?" Her face descends into a scowl, swatting you with the bowl. You yelp, giggling. "Hey, hey! Stop- Hel, you're going to spill everywhere! You know kitchen rules! No violence near the stove!"

"I was about to say I got it, you harlot! I didn't shit myself!" But she stops pestering you with the bowl as you snort.

"Okay, one, harlot? Who are you? A medieval peasant?"

"Please. If we were in the Middle Ages, I'd be a princess."

"That's actually too true, my princess, how dare I."

Hel raises an eyebrow. "But back to point- wait, actually, damn, where were you last night?"

Helaena already knew the answer. Apart from the fact that it is a best friend's duty to be apart of every slight and win in another's life, you had used your regaling tales about Cregan Stark as a means to distract Hel from worrying about her brother every time he broke up (or her; they're very gracious to each other as they take turns in piling to this toxicity), once again, with Alys.

"At Cregan's," you respond lightly, turning to flip another pancake into an awaiting plate. You were at Cregan's last night, so you only found out about Aemond's newly- and briefly - placed single status this morning when you got into the apartment you shared with Hel. She promptly placed her brother in her room while she, seeing as you weren't in yours, slept on your bed.

"And what did you do?" She knew exactly what you did— what you both did, every time since meeting again two months ago at the bar you worked.

"I helped him, uh." You stuck your tongue out, busying yourself with breakfast to clench at an excuse. "With his taxes."

Helaena snorts. "What does taxes have anything to do with the hickies? Gods, you look like you got mauled."

You snicker, fingers briefly dancing over the blue and violet marks over your neck and collarbone. It dipped lower to your chest and thighs, but you weren't going to tell your best friend that. By her wry grin, she already knew anyway.

"Okay, okay, enough of that. You said you 'got it'? Got what? A way to stop your brother's toxic relationship with the very hot older woman that we all known and adore as Alys Rivers?"

"Yes!" Then she hesitates. "But... are you and Cregan...?"

"What? No! I told you." You roll your eyes. "It's just a thing with us. We're both single, not really ready for the dating scene. He broke up with a serious relationship not long ago, he's not ready for it, and I'm sorry, but unlike your brother, is dealing healthily with it."

"With you."

"With me, yes." You shrug, turning off the stove once you've scraped the entire bowl. "So no, we're not in a relationship. But what's your plan got to do with my amazing- and frequent - sex life?"

"And you're sure you don't like him like that?"

You roll your eyes. Hard. "Yes, my royal pain the ass, I am."

Before you can react, Helaena has grasped you by your arms, watery lavender eyes wide and begging.

"Hel, I love you, but I don't like you like that."

"I love you too and same, no, no—"

"What do you mean 'no, no'? That is so offensive—"

"—I mean Aemond."

"I don't really love your brother either, though, I find him extremely pretty," you muse.

"Good! Might help with my plan!"

"What is your plan?"

"I will owe you, so, so much."

Your eyes narrow. "The fact that you're not telling it to me straight means it's a big ask, Targaryen."

As guilt flashes in her eyes, you know you're right. "So, so much. I swear. I will do your laundry— the chores! All of 'em! For a month!"

"Helaena Targaryen, I swear to the gods—"

"Canyoupleasefakedatemybrother?!"

You blink, triyng to unwound what she just spat in one exhale. "I am not fucking the sad out of your brother, that is also not healthy."

"What!? No!" Hel inhales, enunciating better now. "I said, Can you please fake date my brother? My poor, heartbroken, wonderful, you said so yourself 'very pretty', baby brother?"

She blinks, owlish and pityingly, the way you know she knows has gotten her out of a lot of messes. Has gotten her brother, Aegon, out of a lot of messes with their grandfather, who you know to be an asshole to anyone— the incident when he sideway called you a whore, still very bright in your mind; a grudge that keeps on going — but his granddaughter.

"Hel, I adore you, but that's the single most, stupidest thing I've ever heard."

"No, no, it's a lot more complicated than just you fake dating him, duh, I mean like, he knows it too! Like we're going to hustle the shit out of his brain!"

Your eyes flicker to Helaena's room where said sad sack she wants to hustle the shit out of, is in. "Elaborate."

"I meant like. Okay, so we know how this is going to go, right?" She rolls her eyes, her voice lowering to a hush, but her grip on you is just as strong. "They're broken up, he mopes around for a few days, goes to the seven stages of grief the on steroids version, making weird posts and baits against Alys until one of them takes a bite, then they meet trying to feel each other, suss each other out, next thing you know, they're in bed together and we're back to the Good Days of Aemond and Alys as seen on TV! But oh wait, it's worse every time it recycles! Like your favourite show but with butt-ugly new cast they never address!"

Hel takes a deep breath, defeated and desperate all at once. "I am so tired of it. Mom is so tired of it. You're tired of it. And I know, deep down, Aems knows this isn't a sustainable way to love someone. To be in love with someone. But he doesn't know anything but Alys. She's his first everything- yeah, I know about that too, it's disgusting. But now... there's you! My very hot, very beautiful, very amazing best friend."

You nod. "I am agreeing with most of your points so far, especially the compliments geared toward me."

She playfully slaps your arm, continuing. "If we pitch this as like, you helping Aemond make Alys jealous... make it seem as if we're helping him out by sussing her out... you're a total bombshell, babe, Aems will see that there's more to love and lust than just Alys Rivers. It doesn't have to tell all, start and end with her. Every time." She grins as if she's so smart, finally releasing you and placing her hands on her hips to complete the look of 'Yeah, my idea is brilliant, I know'.  "We just need to get his eye away from the not really prize, and make him realise there's more than just the toxic in and out of a failing relationship with your first love."

It's hard to tell her that her idea might not be so bad after all, but Helaena is already grinning as she reads your face like an open book, jumping and clapping around silently.

"Hold on, girlfriend," you say lamely. "How are we even sure I'm his type? Imagine thinking all this, and I'm a plate of grass to a carnivore."

Helaena snorts. "Please, girlfriend. You're older than him, hot as hell, and has a coochie that keeps Cregan Stark well entertained that he's politely said no to the female population that wants him. You are not grass. You are a prime rib-eye they need to ship from the other side of the globe and further ruin our climate."

At your snort, a blush spreading across your face, you press your tongue against your cheek, not willing to concede just yet but feel your will slipping with all the positives.

First, no chores for a fucking month.

Two, you'll have fun (in his own way), adorable pretty boy Aemond again, sans the toxic.

"He can't fall in love with me, Helaena," you say carefully. "I'm serious. I don't like him that way."

She is already shaking her head.

"Of course not, he won't. We just need him to focus on anything else other than Alys. Gods bless her soul."

"She's still alive, Hel, Jesus."

"But you're perfect for this. No ones going to fall in love with anyone. I promise." Helaena grins, tearing a piece of pancake and popping it in her mouth. "My plan is foolproof."

A few thousand hours later, her plan, is in fact, not foolproof.

TAGLIST (message to be added! please ensure you are able to be tagged to get notifs): @fan-goddess @snh96 @valeskafics @opheliaas-stuff @tempo-rary-fix @fantasticpeaceharmony @diannnnsss

[whore-era]

collage!ellie x reader hcs? <3

a/n: im gonna assume u meant college!ellie so HERE IT GOES just for you anon friend <3 sorry for how short it is kfkdkkd

tlou 2 university: college!ellie x reader headcanons <3 18+

i have a feeling ellie is either a biology major, engineering major, or a physics/astrophysics major (cuz our girl loooves space), meaning she's extremely intelligent and does very well in class!! she's always answering the professor's questions, taking notes, paying attention. when you struggle with any science/math related subjects, she's ALWAYS willing to tutor you. but, this doesn't mean she's just gonna give you the answers, she's gonna make sure you actually learn and study, even using any means possible — like having you strip off a piece of clothing every time you get an answer wrong and making it a fun time for the both of you.

when you have important projects/papers/quizzes/exams to do that day, she'll make sure to send an encouraging message. don't get me wrong, she always does, but on especially important days like these, she'll always make sure to send an extra special one <3 'good morning baby! you're gonna fucking KILL this chemistry exam babe! you worked your ass off and you're gonna do amazing and get the highest score ❤️ i love you my smart girl let me know what you get when you're done' 'ty els <3 i love you most babe ! i'm abt to start talk to u laterrrr 🏃🏻‍♀️'

ellie will always fulfill her girlfriend duties and walk you to and pick you from classes! even tho she's always a tiny bit late because your class was all the way across campus from hers, but she wants to make sure you're protected and safe so she doesn't care either way! and she'll always carry your books for you, making sure you don't strain or 'hurt' yourself (her words not yours). "els, i have two, capable working arms!!" you whine, as she takes the textbook off your hands, "and so? what if you get a muscle spasm? or you sprain your hand?" she retorts, "by a two pound book?" ellie shrugs, "the possibility is never zero, babe."

when ellie has a project or an essay to work on, it'll be a little difficult to reach her as she gets in the zone when she's working. you'll probably send her some texts throughout the day to check in on her, but as the day progresses you'll find yourself worrying and thinking about stopping by her dorm with dinner because you already know she hadn't ate all day from being cooped up in her room typing away:

you - 9:30 am: els! just got out of class!! gnna go get some lunch w jesse :) hope ur doin okay <3

you - 11:45 am: miss u babe hope ur work is coming along great !!!

you - 2:21 pm: havent heard from u......kinda worried....hope u have been eating n staying hydrated missy >:(

you - 5:56 pm: ok i'm On my way! to ur dorm rn w/ dinner i already know u haven't ate yet n ur gonna feel my wrath

you - 5:56 pm: ignore that extremely enthusiastic On my way! it autocorrected im still mad at u

hearing the booming pounding on her door, ellie takes off her earbuds and walks to the door, opening it. to her surprise, you're standing there, take-out in hand, and a grumpy expression gracing your face. "do you know what time it is? have you even ate yet, ellie williams-miller?" ellie grimaces at the sound of her full, government name leaving your lips. "i'm so sorry, babe. i was working all day, i didn't even realize how much time had passed 'til you showed up," ellie mutters, her stomach grumbling on cue. you hand her the take-out from her favorite spot on campus, and she graciously takes it from your hands. "you better be thankful you have a very caring and worrisome girlfriend, els," you say, "i really missed you today." a smile curls on ellie's lips, "i know, baby. here, let me take a little break from my paper, and i'll make it up to you, yeah?"

and that night, ellie was extremely thankful she worked on most of her paper, as she completely disregarded anymore work as she decided she'd rather fulfill her appetite by eating you out instead. leaving her take-out cold and untouched. but hey, she held her part of the deal and indeed made it up to you.

that was also how 5 papers ended up taped up against her dorm-room door, complaining of the 'fucking loud ass moans' the morning after.

"how'd they even know it was us?" ellie queries, reading over the complaints. "oh wait, it says here 'please tell your girlfriend to keep it down. she was screaming your name all night. thank you for reminding us who lives in dorm 114.'" needless to say, you were red as a tomato and it gutted you to leave her dorm, feeling everyone's eyes on you as you walked down the hall.

let me know if yall would like more college!ellie hcs!! <3

[shayyprasad]

weighing scale

tw: eating disorder (purging, not eating), bodyshaming, ed shaming

btw, if it's requested, i can turn drabbles into full oneshots!!!!!!!!!!!!!

you guys are beautiful the way you are, and nothing anybody ever says or does will ever change that. remember that gaining weight is totally normal, and you can always lose weight, too, but please, do it in a healthy way. if you ever need anyone to talk to, and this isn't just for eds, i'm here, and you can reach out. if not, there are people who care about you and love you.

you're amazing you beautiful mfs

(also i'm sorry if this might not be correct for you, everyone has different experiences with eds)

(also, also, i did 1st person ... and this is just the way i thought when i was going thru this so i kinda made it relate w/ me??)

100.

98.

96.

she watched as the numbers went down, satisfied despite the fact that it was only one pound less yesterday.

90.

88.

even if it meant that she'd always be cold, or that her hair would fall out. it was a small price to pay to be beautiful. to be skinny. to be like all the other girls that peter liked.

y/n kept telling herself that. and it was enough to keep her going.

{four weeks prior}

(first person)

they had little packets for us to take home, like forms. something along the lines of "annual health check-up." the form was just... well, it wasn't a form, really, but more of an opt-out. the paper said they'd just check weight, height, and some other things, like make sure you didn't have scoliosis.

honestly?

i was just happy to be missing a good chunk of math.

everyone got called down to the gym by period, and mine was 5th period, right before lunch.

our class was waiting for them to call us down, so mr. callen just let us do whatever until then. i glanced over to see liz, kayla, and chloe in the corner of the classroom, giggling and pointing towards some of the boys, and eventually, mr. callen.

he was one of the youngest members on faculty, fresh out of college. and i'll admit, he's not bad looking. in fact, he's hotter than most of the guys. and if it wasn't peter that had my heart, maybe i'd think about someone else.

not that the whole peter thing was going great anyways, he seemed interested in liz. so maybe that was my hint to move on. but i don't know. i've just liked him forever, it'd feel wrong to stop now.

i'm just really loyal, i guess.

or maybe this is some weird first love/crush thing, because no matter what, i keep finding myself coming back to him.

it took me second to realize that i'd been staring at the same spot for a while now, so i probably looked funny. i re-adjusted my position and looked at the clock, noting there there was just a few minutes until we'd have to go down.

i looked by at the girls, then at the teacher. did they not realize that he had an engagement ring on? or where they just dense?

because honestly, i'm having a hard time figuring out which one it is.

liz pushed chloe over to the desk, giggling like a manic.

chloe bit her lip, trying to hold in laughter. "hiiii, cal. you know, like, cupid's day is coming?"

me, personally, i didn't really believe in the whole dumb blonde thing, but chloe was changing my aspect on this.

cupid's day was on valentine's day, and you could pay a dollar to have a rose delivered to someone. normally, the freshmen girls did most of the planning. freshmen girls were annoying. they were always together, and i didn't remember a time i'd seen one alone.

i didn't get any on my first year here. last year i got three. but it didn't really count, because mj got me one and betty did. i was hoping that i'd figure out who the third person was, but three weeks into that investigation, i kinda gave up. if they hadn't revealed themselves to me at that point, i'd figured that they probably wouldn't.

maybe junior year will go better.

if you were popular popular, you got at least seven, so it was kind of embarrasing to only get one. and it was probably even more embarrasing to only have, like, one friend. which was betty. but she hadn't hung around me that often since she started dating ned.

mj was an observer, and i knew that much. it was probably the only reason she got me a rose, because she felt bad. but then again, anyone could see how pathetic it was.

peter and i used to be pretty close, but then he met ned, so the attention he gave me got halved.

i would have tried to be friends with ned, because i know he's really nice, but i stressed out too much about it for some reason and gave up. social anxiety, perhaps? it didn't matter, it was too late to do anything about it now.

after that, peter started hanging around liz and some of the other popular kids, and entirely forgot about me.

did forget about ned, though. maybe beacuse i was a girl, and so peter got called "gay" a lot for that. i didn't have much of a chance compared to liz, so i just admired him from afar. it's not that we didn't talk, because we did sometimes, but... actually, i don't know what.

if peter wanted to, he would have.

and it's fairly obvious, but i'm delusional and chose to ignore that.

the intercom snapped me out of whatever zoning out i'd gone back to, "block d, block d. i-is this on? oh, it is? i- yes, block d down to the gym."

everyone got up and pushed their way out the door, i didn't have that type of energy, so i just waited for everyone to get their butts outta the way and then went myself. i followed them down to the hall, staying behind a little. when i finally got over there, i ended up last, right behind chloe, kayla, then liz.

for the most part, it only took a minute or two for each person, so the line didn't take that long.

well, i suppose that's subjective.

it took 15 minutes, but whatever.

when liz was inside, she didn't take care to close the door all the way, leaving it a couple inches open. that's on her.

that's on her for being irresponsible, so it's not really my fault if i accidently hear. i leaned in a little, suddenly very interested in the wall, with all it's cracks... and... paint, and...

"and step on the scale, please... that is," she paused, and you could hear scribbling of a pen.

"121.3 pounds. perfectly healthy. that's actually the average weight for girls your age," another pause, "make sure to give this form to your parents. have a nice day."

liz said something in return and i stepped back, done admiring the wall. "next!" the lady called in.

i stepped inside the room, and it smelt strongly of hand-sanitizer. "okay, honey, step up against the wall... height is... alrightly. now the scale, please."

i did as she asked, keeping my eyes trained on the numbers.

149.7 pounds. basically 150. that was more than liz's, right?

"149, okay, you're good to go-"

"is that around average weight?" i asked, and it was impulsive, i didn't even think.

"well, it's somewhere around that. you're perfectly healthy."

the intercom came on again, signaling my time was over, and the lady thought the same thing, because she ushered me out.

as i walked back to the classroom, i couldn't help but think;

149? no, 150? around average? so basically, i was above average. 30 pounds heavier than liz? no wonder peter likes liz better.

god, that's disgusting. i'm disgusting.

i trudged back to class, unable to stop thinking about it. and suddenly, an idea popped into my mind; why not lose weight? if i lost a little, maybe peter would care about me again.

that's genius. god, i'm a genius.

yeah. i lose a little weight.

when i got back, he'd already started the lesson, not that i cared. i spent the rest of that class figuring out the kinks, like how many calories i'm allowed to eat per day.

i settled on 800.

it seemed like a decent number if i wanted to actually make an impact with weight loss.

stupid kale smoothies weren't gonna get me anywhere, nor idiotic influencer workout routines.

before i knew it, the bell rung and kids were hustling through the hallways. i was kind of on autopilot as i walked to lunch, not really watching where i was going. i'd by mistake shouldered some people, and they gave me dirty looks. i shot them right back.

i couldn't help but silently, in my mind, judge everyone's body that i saw. and not just their body, but other physical features, too. it was automatic, i didn't even mean to. but i couldn't help it.

she's really fat. the gym exists for a reason.

how is she so skinny? i know she's anorexic.

and it just went on and on.

i didn't know what was going on. why this mattered to me all of a sudden.

it was like i didn't notice these things before, i wasn't looking for them, but now that i knew they were there, i couldn't help it.

i couldn't help a lot of things.

when i walked into the lunchroom, i saw peter sitting by himself, writing on some piece of paper, and if i knew him, he wasn't doing the homework due tomorrow.

he was doing yesterday's.

it didn't seem like i'd be bothering him if i went to go talk to him, so that's what i did. i figured since we hadn't talked in while, it would be great to now.

and it'd be a great distraction, too.

i sat down across from him, "hi, peter."

he looked up slowly, a smile rising on his face. "uh, hey, y/n/n," peter paused, "what, um, what did you need?"

"huh? oh, i didn't need anything. just thought i'd come by and annoy the hell out of you."

"just like old times," peter snorted.

"math homework?"

"yep. i have math-"

"-next period," i realized my mistake after i made it. "um, 'cause i see you when i'm walking to class."

in repsonse, he nodded like he was considering it.

i didn't notice i was hungry until my stomach growled, but something inside of me made the thought of getting food and eating it repulsive. i hesitated before grabbing on of peter's fries and popping it in my mouth. he didn't say anything, or really even care, and i didn't know if i liked that or not.

"okay. you have chem next, yeah?"

i blushed at the fact he knew.

"uh, yep," i snagged some more fries, feeling myself loosen up.

and then i realized, that's what this was; i was just in need of some time with actual people who weren't my parents.

i liked this. i liked talking to peter. it was easy. this was easy.

we laughed about some other things, like flash's new donkey haircut.

and i stole more fries. ned, betty, and mj (who normally sat two seats away) came over. the topic of cupid's day came up.

"how many do you think you'll get?" betty asked.

i looked up, "roses?"

"uh-huh."

ned spoke up, "you won't need to worry, bet, i'll get you a whole bouquet." he looked proud of himself.

"i'm not worried," she giggled, like the lovesick fool she was. it was gross. and yes i admit, it was slightly because i was jealous, but whatever. betty didn't have to act so idiotic and desperate.

betty's skinny, too.

"what about you, y/n?" peter said, locking eyes with me.

"i dunno. i never really get any."

something changed in peter's expression, but as soon as it was there, it was gone.

i took another fry. they were really good, for some reason.

"fattie," peter laughed, pulling his lunch tray back, "and then you complain about not getting roses!"

that caused a round of laughs in the small group, but my heart dropped to my feet.

i was right. i was overweight. even peter noticed.

freaking peter noticed.

god, i was ugly and fat, and even peter saw that.

of course he liked liz. he'd be crazy not to. she was curvy and skinny and petite and pretty and skinny.

she was skinny.

i didn't have her hourglass figure.

never did i ever want out of my own skin more.

"y/n?" pete frowned. "i-i'm sorry, it was a joke, i didn't-"

"no, no, not that. i, uh, i... forgot i was supposed to meet with a teacher. sorry. i have to go."

i didn't go to any teachers.

i did go to the bathroom.

and i hid in the handicapped stall. i didn't cry, or sob, or weep or whatever it was stupid girls did in hallmark movies or stuff.

i stood in front of the mirror and picked out everything i hated, making a mental list in my head.

i didn't finish that list, not even after 30 minutes when the bell rung.

-

the rest of the day flew by rather quickly, it seemed. i felt like i was trapped in a warm haze, but not the fuzzy, happy warmth. i didn't like the way i was thinking. it's like i wanted my brain to turn off, these intruding, ugly thoughts were taking up too much room.

i felt icky.

when i got home, i didn't have my normal after-school snack like i usually did. i went straight upstairs and did homework.

i finished two essays (one that wasn't due until two weeks, and one that was due two days from now), my math homework and studied for my math test, started my science project, and did my french flashcards (and studied them a bit).

i must have been locked in my room for hours, because by the time i got up, it was dark outside.

i wasn't a studious person, and the only reason i did any of this was to forget for a little while. to snap out of it. and for a while, it worked.

"y/n, honey!" my mom screamed from downstairs, and as i glanced at the clock, i realized it was time to have dinner.

but i wasn't hungry.

well, i was.

let me rephrase that; i didn't want to eat.

however, i didn't want my mother yelling at me, so i went down anyways. not that i was planning to eat.

"mom?"

"oh, hey. i already set the table, you seemed like you were working hard and i didn't wanna bother you. dad's working late. go sit down-"

"not hungry."

she frowned. "well, you have to eat something."

"but i'm not hungry," i said, hating how sharply it came out.

my mom gave me warning look. "look, i've had a long day, so don't start with me."

"mommmm," i whined.

"sit."

so i did. i felt bad about bothering her.

i ate. small, tentative bites, forcing it all down. we didn't talk.

silently, i put my dish in the sink, before heading upstairs. the food sat at the bottom of my stomach, like a pile of heavy rocks. i wanted them out.

so i turned on the shower and locked the bathroom door, kneeling in front of the toilet. i pressed my fingers to the back of my throat and kept them there for a second. at first, all i got was bile.

but then i threw up.

-

peter and i started talking more again. i think he got in a fight with liz.

i asked him if they were dating, and he said no.

i think he started hanging out with me again because i got skinny. i know for a fact that i'm skinnier than liz. i weigh less then her now.

the numbers told me that.

but i didn't listen.

i didn't stop, and how could i? when i'd gotten this far?

-

we got in a fight. not the yelling kind, though. well, kind of. i yelled a bit.

i thought he was complimenting me. he said i looked skinny, so i thanked him.

"no... i-" he paused, trying to get his thoughts together, "you look skinny, yes, but not in a good way."

"what? what do you mean? like, there's only a good way," i laughed, slightly nervous.

peter ingnored that. "have you been eating enough, angel?" his voice was soft, but there was worry in it. why was he worried? this is the best i've ever been.

"do you ask liz that, too?"

"i- what?"

"liz is skinny. you don't ask her that."

"that- that is different. y-you haven't been eating, have you? is-"

"god, parker! stop! it's none of your business!" maybe if i hadn't been so flustered, i'd have come up with a better comeback.

-

i was hunched over the toilet, but nothing was coming out. everything hurt.

my head. my stomach.

my throat was scratchy and raw.

i didn't hear the knocking on the door.

i don't really remember peter coming in. i thought i locked it. what was he doing at my house? i couldn't remember.

i wanted to sleep.

i think i was crying. i don't know. i only vaguely remember the hot tears.

i slightly remember him pulling me away from the toilet and into his arms. there were lots of holes in my memory for that day.

he stayed with me, though. one thing i'm sure about is that peter never left my side. i can recall bright lights. tubes. i was laying on something. white walls. white sheets.

what was engraved into my head was peter whispering "i love you" over and over again. in the bathroom. in the car. was it a car? as they hooked me up to cables.

all that mattered, though, was that i was skinny now. just the thought made me feel light and airy.

to think that all it took was a little motivation and a weighing scale.

[mercurygray]

Merc, could I get "enchanting" for either Marjorie Gordon/Gale Cleven, or Joan Warren/Gale Cleven? Thanks!

Kat, I am really math-ladying memeing over the thought of Joan and Gale being an Item, but Gale and Marj (my Marj, sorry actual Marge) is catnip.

So here it is. Assume, for the purposes of debate, that Marj and Joan and everyone else decided joining the Air Force was more exciting than joining the Airborne

He wished she could be outside.

The weather was fine, for December - one of those bright, cold blue days where there was clear visibility for miles and every single pilot in the camp was itching to get his hands back into the yoke of his plane. The camp was almost bearable, on those days where you wouldn't want to be up in the soup - but on days like this? Being ground-bound was agony.

Gale glanced back up at the sky, half-wishing for a wisp of cloud - or the glimpse of a plane. Not that he'd ever get one - at the first sound of engine noise the guards would give the order to have everyone out of the yards and back inside the barracks, fearful that whatever they saw overhead would give away more news of the war.

But for some, even the scant pleasures of the winter sunlight were far away.

Gale ducked back inside the room he shared with the others, making his way carefully around the table with his hands in his coat pockets so he could pull up a chair next to one of the bunks, and the woman lying there reading a book.

She looked up at the scrape of his boots in the door. "Hey you. What happened to enjoying the sunshine?"

"Was coming to see my best girl," Gale said with a brief smile, lowering himself down onto the nearest crate. "How's the leg?"

Marj shifted a little in the narrow bunk, her breathing hitching a little. The bunks here weren't made for tall men or women, and Bucky and Marj both found it challenging to keep themselves where they were allotted - especially with Marj's leg still in its cast. She'd broken it on her jump, and letting it sit and fester for nearly a week certainly hadn't helped matters. She'd arrived at Stalug Luft III on a stretcher and in the throes of a fever that should have killed her, and the doctor had only just recently let her out of the infirmary and back into the general compound. "Still hurts. They tell me it's set fine, and now it's just a matter of letting it heal." She tried to smile. "You'll have to tell Bucky I don't think I'm gonna be able to pitch the next game."

"He'll understand."

"Or you'll make him?" Marj suggested with a wry smile. "I know how you work, Gale Cleven."

She knows me too well, he thought to himself. "If anyone catches him complaining about it, John'll have me to answer to," Gale promised. "You're too important to lose, Marj Gordon." Too important to me, he almost said, words to put paid to the thing they didn't say aloud, the thing that had no name. What kind of man lets a woman do his fighting? All the papers at home were filled with talk like that. The kind who trusts her to win just as well as he can, he always wanted to say. But it was one thing to win, and another to take on a green co-pilot because good pilots were spread thin, and lose your fort in a flak field, and bail out over Germany, and break your leg, and end up in a camp. He should have fought harder to keep her in his plane. Maybe if he'd done that she wouldn't have -

He sniffled, trying to hide whatever blush might have come out in his cheek and pulled something out of his pocket. "Here, brought you something," he said, holding out the can of Spam. "Traded some spare socks for it."

Marj set her book aside and took the can with reverent hands. Food was gold here, and it was a holy day indeed when you had a whole can of something to call your own. She looked up at him with conflicted eyes, the both of them knowing full well the can hadn't been traded for a single spare pair of socks. "Buck."

"Not going have that leg heal right on soup," he replied, refusing to rise to the accusation in her voice. "And we ought to find you a - a pair of crutches or something. Need to get you out, moving around again."

"You're not gonna offer me your arm?" Marj asked with only slight provocation.

Gale steeled himself, hating how much he loved the idea. Marjorie Gordon, if I do that they'll know I'm in love with you, he thought silently to himself. And I can't let them have that.

[mjlovescm]

Can you do Rodrick x reader who is like Eddie Munson from stranger things

The freak and his cheerleader, Rodrick Heffley

A/N: I really hope you mean Rodrick is like Eddie and not reader is like Eddie because thats how I wrote it. But if that is what you mean I'll be happy to write one for fem black Eddie type reader or of black male Eddie type reader. I needed some practice, so I wrote this in first person. I hope you like it.

To say Rodrick and I were an unlikely pair was an understatement. But what can I say, opposites attract and me and him are very opposite. He was the loud, trouble making drug dealing drummer who stayed back. And I was the friendly social head cheerleader. And as if the clash of our personalities and interests weren't confusing enough, there was our appearances.

Rodrick loved to wear dark, simple things while still adding his own spin on them. Like when he cut up his dad's old jean jacket and painted the Löded Diper logo and name on the back. Me, on the other hand, I can't get enough of bright colors, short skirts and my cheerleading uniform. Although Rodrick was strongly against any and everything that represented our school, he made an exception for my uniform. And, of course, for me.

“Do you really have to drag us to every one of these things?” Chris complained as Rodrick led him and Ben up the bleachers.

“Seriously, Rodrick, I really don't think she'll mind if it's just you in the crowd.” Ben agrees.

“Come on, guys, she's always at our shows. Just smile and cheer her on.”

“Fine.” The two put it to a rest.

Confused and bored, the three boys watched the game with absolutely no knowledge of whether our school was winning or not. Rodrick had no idea what the score was, nor did he care. He only really came to see me perform.

“There she is.” He pointed to me, smiling, as I led our school's cheer team.

As we perform, I can hear him screaming my name. Praising me and my moves, as if he hadn't seen me practice them for weeks on end.

Although a small part of me understands people's perplexity with me and Rodrick. A bigger part sorta liked the differences. With Rodrick being someone who was “weird” and okay with it, it brought out a different side of me. One I only showed to him.

“Do you maybe wanna talk about it ?” Rodrick's small suggestion was all that was needed to set me off.

The past few days, hell weeks, had been rough. Everyone was always expecting something from me. If it wasn't my teammates, it was my teachers. If it was my teachers, it was parents. Usually I could stay on top of things to keep a healthy balance to make everyone and untimely myself happy. But sometimes I slip and when I slip I just start falling. And suddenly everyone was convinced that I only make mistakes and excuses. I tried to explain, but I know they didn't want to listen to my troubles. So I just didn't tell them. Sometimes it really does feel like Rodrick is the only person who I can complain to.

“Math sucks for everybody, okay, It's not just you.”

“I know it's just he wants me to take it when I have cheer practice. But I was already sick and missed the last one, and I tried to tell him, but he said I take it then, or I don't take it at all.” I complain, frustrated.

Climbing onto Rodrick's bed, I bury my face into his pillow. Rodrick is quick to join me. Laying on his side beside me, he pressed a kiss to the back of my head.

“How about we just sleep it off for now.” He whispers against my head. “Then we can study and practice your cheers, okay?”

A bit more calm, I agreed with Rodrick. “Okay.” I said, lifting my head slightly from his pillow.

Rodrick didn't put me on a pedestal the way other people did. And I didn't put him down the way everyone else did, either. I think that's what makes us work so good. Sure, Rodrick would always be a freak to some, and I'd always be a golden girl. But when it's just me and him, we were just each other.

“I don't think I'll ever get used to this.” Rodrick told me as he took his blunt from my fingers.

I looked at him with a curious expression as I blew the smoke to the side.

“Get used to what?”

“You.” He took a deep inhale from the blunt, holding the heavy smoke in his lungs before releasing it. “This.”

My curious expression stayed, and Rodrick tilted his head slightly.

“I don't get it.” I admitted and he smiled before laughing.

Setting the blunt aside, he pulled me into his arms.

“I mean you and me.” He clarified. “I don't think I'll get used to the queen b of our school smoking with me or being my girlfriend.”

I rolled my eyes at the title “queen b”. I hated it.

“I hate when you call me that.” I told him pulling away only to be pulled back to my boyfriend's body.

“Yea I know. I know.” Rodrick plants his face in the crook of my neck. “I mean, I don't know, I guess it's just like weird you're dating me and not some muscle for brains athlete.”

“You're only saying that because I'm a cheerleader. That's such a boring clique.”

“And what the popular girl and the weirdo in the band isn't?”

Materslist Drum Lesson, 🍋 She keeps to herself

[innytoes]

Right so these two back to back

Okay so I can explain Why is your arm stuck in the vending machine?

screamed some sort of Peterpatterlina interaction to me.

Living in the oldest dorm building on campus had its perks and downsides. The perks were the gorgeous windows, the grand staircase, and the cheaper costs because apparently word got around the place was haunted and not everyone wanted to live there. The downsides were the shitty water pressure and how whenever the heating came on, the pipes creaked ominously for like fifteen minutes.

Julie wasn't sure where the himbos from down the hall fell into the pro/con list. On the one hand, as she and Flynn had discussed, they made for great eye candy. Especially the guy who was allergic to sleeves. Though that time the cute one with the dark hair forgot a change of clothes and had to walk back from the bathrooms in just his towel had been a great day. On the other hand, they brought so much chaos with them.

Case in point...

"Okay so I can explain," said one of the himbos.

"Why is your arm stuck in the vending machine?" Julie asked, even though she had a feeling the answer was just going to make her despair. These particular vending machines were stuck in a weird, quiet corner of the building, where the lights above always seemed a little broken. But they had the best snacks.

The guy made a sad little noise, thunking his head against the glass. He was sprawled out on the floor, his arm shoved into the opening of the vending machine up to his shoulder. "Tried to get my Twix and then my bracelet got stuck on one of the metal spiral thingies."

Julie crouched down and noticed that indeed, there was a metal bracelet hooked over part of the vending machine. "Ouch."

"The only thing that hurts is my pride," the guy shrugged, or tried to. "And my stomach. I really wanted that Twix."

The Twix was stuck several inches above where his hand was, and Julie wasn't sure how a math major had ever thought he could reach that far.

"Okay Reggie so I couldn't find a screw driver but Willie let me borrow his pocket knife and..." Sleeveless Himbo came skidding around the corner with a (thankfully closed) pocket knife and, more alarmingly, a big hammer.

"Please tell me your Plan B is not to break the glass," she said. Sleeveless Himbo paused, then hid the hammer behind his back.

"Of course not," he said, entirely unconvincingly.

"Oh stuck vending machine Twix we're really in it now," Reggie said behind them, staring up woefully at his treat.

"What even are you going to try and unscrew?" Julie asked, looking over the front of the machine. She couldn't see any obvious screw-holes or screws.

"Uuum," Sleeveless Himbo said. "I hadn't gotten that far yet."

Julie huffed a breath. She didn't want them to take away the vending machine with her favourite gummy snacks because some idiot - some cute, dreamy idiot, but still - broke it with a hammer. "Stay here. Do not break the glass before I get back," she warned, waving a finger between the two of them.

"Yes boss," Sleeveless said, and she hurried back to her room.

"Flynn, I need to borrow a knitting needle," she said. Flynn looked up from where she was flopped on the bed reading. "Longest one you have."

"Will I get it back without blood on it?" she asked suspiciously. "Because I have too much homework to help you bury a body in the woods."

"You will get it back without blood on it," she promised, then paused. "Probably. But no body burying either way."

Flynn stared at her for a moment before rifling through a basket she pulled out from under her bed. "Okay."

When she got back, Sleeveless Himbo was looking over the vending machine, probably for places to unscrew, while the other himbo, Reggie, was just woefully staring at his Twix.

"Okay, stand back," Julie said. She pushed up her sleeves, taking off her own bracelets just in case, and then shoved her arm with the knitting needle into the vending machine. With a little finagling, she managed to push Reggie's bracelet up just a little, unhooking it from the spiral.

"Freedom!" Reggie cheered, pulling his arm out. Julie did as well, relieved. "Thank you, my knight with shiny knitting needle."

"Julie's fine," she said, amused.

"I'm Reggie!" The guy beamed, smiling a smile so bright it made up for the broken lights above. "This is Luke."

"Thank you," Luke said.

"So um, could we borrow that to..." Reggie started, pointing at the knitting needle. Julie yanked it close.

"Absolutely not," she said. They looked dejected, like two kicked puppies, and she grabbed a dollar from her pocket. She'd actually been craving something else, but she pressed the Twix button, and they watched with bated breath as the second Twix knocked the first one down.

"YES!" Reggie shouted, doing a little victory dance, spinning her in his enthusiasm. She laughed and let herself be twirled, until she collided against a very nice, muscular chest.

"How can we repay you?" Luke asked, his eyes twinkling.

"Got another dollar?" she asked, grinning.

And if maybe she didn't make it back to her room for an hour or two, well, Flynn forgave her when she returned her knitting needle without blood on it and shared the tea.

[wisteriasymphony]

Adrinette April Day 16 (What If) + Secret Bonus AU Pitch

The Miraculous Jazz Ensemble (What if... Band Kids?)

Five minutes and forty seconds. Five minutes and forty seconds. That was how long it took Marinette to work up the courage to ask Adrien. She wasn't counting the half-hour during lunch, the odd few minutes during every passing period, or even the days since she'd thought of asking, because those had technically all failed. All she ever really needed were those five minutes and forty seconds.

Marinette approached Adrien, who was currently immersed in his homework. He'd been taking accelerated math classes this year, breezing through calculus and a bunch of other theorems and rules that Marinette could never wrap her head around just yet, and he had a habit of working on his calc homework whenever he could just to pass the time. Chewing on the end of his pen, too.

Marinette sat down next to him; He didn't seem to notice her. She scooted closer—once, twice, not a third time. Just enough distance to not break out into a ball of sweat

"Whatcha doin'?" she asked, trying to look cool. If she'd failed (and she sure felt like she did) Adrien didn't seem to notice.

"Integrating by parts!" Adrien smiled, closing his textbook. "It's fascinating, really." He then opened his mouth as if he was going to explain the concept, but he stopped, thinning his lips. "What are you doing?"

Marinette, as always, responded with nervous laughter. "U-uhm, just sitting here!" she said, grinning back. "Hanging out with my best buddy!" ...She wanted to kick herself in the butt for saying that out loud. Way to friendzone yourself, Marinette.

For a moment, as the lack of conversation topic set in for the both of them, Marinette realized that she might, again, need another five minutes. But she didn't have those five minutes anymore, and if she was going to ask Adrien she needed to ask him now.

"Are you, uh— Are you free on Friday?" she asked, unable to look him in the eye. Her fingers couldn't decide on how to link together, her hands fidgeting in something similar to somersaults, over and under and over again. She let herself glance quickly at Adrien to make sure he hadn't dissipated into thin air; There he was, cute as ever, the afternoon sunlight making it seem like his hair was glowing."

"I am," he replied. "Why?"

Oh, god, oh god, now it sounded like she was asking him on a date! And if she made it sound like that then everybody else would think it was a date, and if people started to think that her and Adrien were dating she'd barely be able to concentrate ever again! C-cause then they might hold hands or sit next to each other at lunch or—

"You do band! Yes!" she exclaimed, falling back on the bench somewhat. "Th-that is a thing we both do!"

"Marinette, we're in the same band class. We're in one of the only band classes."

"Y-yes. And, uhm— I was just wondering if.. you'd like to..."

She glanced at Adrien. Then the floor. His textbook. Adrien again. Everywhere else in the world.

"...Join a jazz ensemble with me."

Adrien raised his eyebrows, surprised by the sentiment. He placed his textbook beside him on the bench, turning in towards Marinette more.

"I didn't know we had a jazz department."

"W-well, we don't yet," Marinette stammered. "Mr. E told me he's been working on it for years, and he encouraged me to ask around t-to see who was interested. Alya is interested, and so is Nino, so I thought it'd only be fair if I asked you, too."

As if he knew exactly what would catapult her heart into orbit, Adrien took one of her hands in his, staring her down.

"Marinette," he said. "This is serious. Do you really think we're ready for this?"

"ACK-!" She pushed him away, worried that if he was too close he'd be caught in the blast radius a sudden heart explosion. It was clear by the way he was giggling that he meant it as a joke, but that didn't make her any less flustered. "You're so mean, Adrien!"

"Sorry, sorry. I am honored, though. So what's Friday?"

"Friday is the interest meeting. Mr. E wanted to make everything as official as possible. ...That's also when we'll see if we have enough people for a full band, rather than just an ensemble." Marinette fidgeted again, now feeling like she was again far too close to Adrien for it to be friendly. "Y-you don't have to do it, though."

"I mean, if it's another chance to see you, I wouldn't mind," he replied. "I'll be there Friday. I'm assuming after school."

oh sweet baby jesus he couldn't just say things like that out loud. holy cow. wow.

"Awesome!" Like a total dork, Marinette gave Adrien a double-thumbs-up. Now that he'd said yes, she needed to get out of there before she made an even bigger fool of herself. "I, uh— I have to go! ...And, uh. Do some things," she said, standing up so fast it gave her a head rush. "See you tomorrow!"

'If it's another chance to see you', 'another chance to see you'. She'd be thinking about that for the rest of her life, maybe. 'Another chance to see you', and he wouldn't mind. He maybe even would like it.

Seven minutes and one second, seven minutes and two...

[mudhamster]

CHWHWN: 18. December - "compliment"

Kacchan: *image attached* If I had saved a dollar for everything you said, I'd be rich Deku: If you had written them down, you'd realize that none of them are exactly alike Kachan: here we go again: why + wtf Deku: saying the same compliment twice is so lame Bottom category lame Cliché lame Kacchan: go ahead then Do you want to do it in writing? Here? Or do you want to come over? I confiscated the Gamecube from Shitty Hair after he felt like yelling at eleven last night. Deku: ehm, in person then I'll be up in 20. I bring a pot of tea? Kacchan: Good one? Deku: Momo let me use her black tea if I follow the instructions I would make her a cup and then come and join you? Kacchan: yo

GHA Not only had Kacchan completely flattened the whole compliment thing. He had also casually invited him to his place to play, as if that wouldn't be the ultimate sensation, because: guess what, they had never done that before?!!!??  He stepped into the hallway and made his way to the kitchen to get the tea. He didn't drink black tea at all, but he'd been chatting with Momo this afternoon about her latest acquisition, so this was the first thing he'd thought of as an excuse to stall. A compliment. A single one. What was he supposed to say? Something about his looks? His eyes? He cringed and went into the kitchen. Momo's cupboard was one of the larger ones, fortunately, that he could reach without a chair. While he searched through the huge selection of black teas for something that looked like it might taste good, he kept thinking. Izuku could say something about the food. Which, to be honest, was only that delicious because Kacchan had made it all by himself. And because there really was a difference in skill between cutting potatoes and frying meat. Maybe he could praise Kacchan's patience in the kitchen. He had never seen him concentrate so calmly on a task for so long. At least not one that he could solve while pacing back and forth on the same square meter for two hours. He had already said that he liked the way he explained math to him. He put the kettle on. Maybe his athleticism? His stubbornness? But as soon as he started thinking along these lines, he could think of so many qualities he admired that he lost himself in thought for a moment. The water started to boil, then the kettle squeaked. Izuku looked at the instructions, truly concentrated, always keeping in mind that he was pouring hot water over a fortune here, and filled a small pot and even a large cup for Momo. With two small cups in his sweater pocket, the teapot in his left hand and the full cup in his right, he climbed the stairs and tapped the door three times with his shoe. He didn't have to wait long before the door opened and two big brown eyes looked at him in surprise. Behind Momo, at her pompous desk, he also discovered Shouto. They were probably working on a project for the student council for the new year and both looked rather … stressed. "I miscalculated my time," Momo sighed and opened the door for him with a welcoming gesture, "I only have two days left to prepare for the-" "Four," Shouto corrected, "You're still here until Friday. You still have plenty of time." "But you're leaving on Thursday, right?" Izuku's mouth twisted when he remembered that he still hadn't talked to his mother about her plans. Otherwise… For years, they had sat next to each other on Christmas Eve and watched the same movie reruns on TV. There wasn't much to plan and organize. But he should call his mother about it soon. Meanwhile, Shouto and Momo had slipped back into a heated, polite conversation, and he had to clear his throat to get their attention. "Yaoyorozu," he smiled at her, "maybe you'd feel better if you had your favorite tea?" She instantly fell silent, a hand to her mouth, hearts in her soft eyes. "Oh no, Midoriya," she breathed, and he grinned softly back, "your foresight is impressive as always!" Then she approached him and… carefully took the teapot out of his hand. Izuku opened his mouth to protest, but then closed it again. At least the tea would be appreciated here. He reached into the deep pocket of his hoodie and pulled out the two small teacups. They had originally been meant for him and Kacchan. She took them from him, visibly relieved. Shouto watched him from the table as he inconspicuously fluffed his hair in Momo's dressing table mirror and then made his way back into the hallway. "And what are you up to, Midoriya?" Izuku stopped in the doorway and turned around, "Kacchan invited me to a game." A grin appeared on his face and a red eyebrow raised. "Ah. Good luck then." "See you tomorrow!!!"

With the huge cup left over (which was actually for Momo), he finally made his way to the fourth floor and raised his hand to knock - just as it opened.

"Be on time next time, asswipe."

"S-sorry."

The room was completely dark except for the flickering television, but in front of the bed, Izuku spotted a small pile of pillows and two controllers. The tea was taken from his hand (was that a thing? Did he look like someone who shouldn't carry tea?), then he stumbled into Kacchan's room through an unexpected tug on his sweater.

It smelled like soap and washed laundry and Izuku closed his eyes for a moment in pleasure.

"You always smell so good."

The grip on his sweater loosened and with a self-satisfied snort, Kacchan fell into the pillows on the floor, tea and all.

"Now that that's out of the way, get your ass over here. I've been listening to that crappy startup tune for 20 minutes, I - "

Izuku had pulled his sweater over his head.

Cool air had blown over his ribs, then his shirt had slipped back to where it belonged.

"Sorry, what?" he asked and threw the garment carelessly over the chair. He got awfully warm when he was around Kacchan anyway. He might as well avoid it.

Katsuki blinked at him, "What?"

"I didn't let you finish."

They looked at each other and the room filled with flute music as the intro started again. Kacchan clicked his tongue disapprovingly and shook his head, as if shaking off a thought.

"… get over here, Deku. I invited you over to beat your ass, not to sweet-talk with you."

Apart from the fact that Izuku's insides were twisting around each other and his ears were ringing like little bells at that statement, he managed to stop himself in the last second from making a serious compliment about the potentially good dirty talk Kacchan could deliver. Who knew what such a statement would have cost him. His head, probably.

He mentally patted himself on the back, proud of his rare survival instinct, then sank into the pillow next to Kacchan, a controller already pressed in his face.

[tiredrobin]

referring to my last post im too lazy to like. explain the premise in detail so the basic idea is danny and damian twins thing, danielle/dani clone is the same age as danny, she has his memories but not all of them and jumbled and fragmented and messy and it fucks with her a lot. and danny also. now theyre triplets in the way where damian has obviously no memories of dani but she remembers him and its SO MESSY and emotionally difficult for all of them because dani is 100% danny's sister but not damian's. heres a non-specific ficlet thing i tamped out because this au is stuck in my fucking head but i dont know enough to write it because i dont care abt dc stuff. thanks for understanding

also. theyre literally all transgender. because i said so. this is a legal requirement for this au. vlad switched the chromosomes to make a more stable clone but dani was like "...no, im a girl actually". danny and dani joke about switching bodies all the time. damian and danny didn't know they were trans until after they separated, damian still doesnt know danny is because he thinks danny is dead, danny does know Now because damians a wayne and is in the news and danny recognized him evn tho no one but damian's family knows hes transmasc. also danny is transmasc in the agender kind of way. nothing can fucking stop me

vague context: sometimes dani quizzes danny on his/sorta-their past, bcuz her memories are so weird and jumbled and it helps to hear the truth evn when she cant actually remember it.

cw: brief mention of an adult being creepy towards children

-

"Okay," Dani says, and Danny pretends he isn't fervently praying she'll shut up.

"Okay," he echoes after a long moment, prompting. Somehow, the wariness doesn't leak into his voice.

"Third coach tried to kill us—you," she says.

'Third coach' means Danny and Damian's third trainer. Dani uses words pretty strangely, sometimes. Her language has a habit of slipping into something more rudimentary, simplified, like she's a toddler.

She's a year and seven months old. Her grasp on language is, in Danny's personal opinion, remarkable.

"That happened, yes," Danny says when he realizes he'd been quiet too long. He's starting to drag. These conversations are exhausting in a way he can never articulate, not even to Dani, but there'd be no reason to because he knows she gets it. From the way she's listing to her side in the air, the imbalance fucking with her physics enough that she's starting to drift very subtly to the left, she's worn thin.

"… Why?" she asks after a long pause. "He seemed nice."

Danny focuses in on the thrum of her core. It's in near-perfect resonance with his own, which used to be so deeply disturbing it made his skin crawl but now feels soothing. It's a balm on his frayed nerves during the bad days; a reminder that, though he's lost one sibling, he has another.

"He wasn't," Danny murmurs. Third trainer smiled a lot—that might be what Dani is remembering—but he had wandering hands and a creepy way of looking at him and Damian. He taught them about pinching nerves. His fingers always lingered.

"Oh," says Dani. She rights her tilt, though she's still drifting. Danny's brain does a weird thing, a math sort of thing, that calculates the angle of her drift, the current speed, the projected acceleration. If she keeps going, she'll bump into the wall in three minutes, twenty-seven seconds.

(His brain does weird things like that, sometimes. Frostbite says it's a result of ectoplasm mixing with living neural pathways. The ectoplasm appears to be acting as a stimulant of sorts, or maybe a steroid. A stimulant-steroid. (…Stimuloid?) He hadn't been able to follow the explanation very well at the time, due to the fact that his brain was doing the opposite of what it's doing now. Sometimes he thinks so fast it feels like his thoughts are teleporting; sometimes his head is so foggy he can barely process what's right in front of him. It's super great. Super.)

"… Oh," Dani says again, softer. Then, in an abrupt subject change, "Did you really almost push Tucker off some stairs?"

"You" this time. The way she selects it—"us", "me", "you"—it says a lot about how the memory feels to her. She'd been raised an assassin; she barely knows Tucker, Danny's oldest friend. She hardly recognizes dad; she wants to cling to Sam. Sometimes it's him, sometimes it's her, sometimes it's a weird third thing. Or something. She'd phrased it in a way that made him laugh and forget most of it, when he'd asked, and now he regrets that.

"I did, yeah," he huffs a laugh. "He stole—"

"Our truck!" Our. "Yeah, okay, I remember that."

"It wasn't a truck."

"No? It—ohhh, it was the, um. The model train. The one you built! That Tucker's dad gave you."

He nods. "Yeah. I was worried he'd break it."

"And pushing him down the stairs wouldn't?"

"Assassin training."

"Sure."

One of her eyes is a little crinkled. She might be getting a headache, because that's the face Danny makes when he's getting a headache. (It's the face Damian made when he got one, too.) (Stop comparing them.) "You should get some rest," Danny tries.

"I'll get nightmares."

Her nightmares are weird. She's talked about them enough for Danny to feel familiar with them, even though his are nothing like her's. She'd tried sharing one with him, once, and it'd hurt his head for days after.

"I'm gonna get nightmares too, now," he points out. She winces. Danny realizes too late that might have sounded more accusatory than intended. He wanted her to stop asking questions, yeah, but not at the cost of herself. He's the reason she exists now; he's the reason why her head is so stuffed full of things that don't make sense, memories and daydreams and terrors both real and imagined haunting every step she takes. Even if he isn't the one that made her, hadn't ever wanted her—even if that, she's his responsibility.

"It goes both ways, idiot," she says.

She's not reading his mind, but. It's like she is. She can feel his core like it's his thoughts, and that's near enough. "I'm the older brother," he says, intentionally putting something a little haughty in his voice, a tone he hasn't carried since he was, like, eight or something. The effect is ruined a bit as he lays down, angled so he can still watch her drift towards the wall. "You're my responsibility. That's how it goes."

She rolls her eyes. "What if I wanna be the older brother?"

"Can't. You're the youngest, out of the three of us."

Dani sort of… pauses.

Danny does, too. He hadn't meant to say that out loud. Damian is… "gone" isn't the right word, because he's not dead. Not like Danny thought he was for a… for a while. But he's off limits in a way Danny can't access. He hasn't referred to Damian as his brother since the first time Dani started asking questions, and she'd been careful to avoid doing so herself. Which would seem considerate, if Danny didn't know she avoided it because the whole thing just feels too big and too messy to look at in the eyes.

And here Danny's gone, shoving his foot in his mouth. The three of us. There isn't three; Damian has to think Danny's dead. Has to have mourned him. If Damian knew…

It's so scary to think about.

And—there's Dani, now. Not a replacement—nothing could replace Damian—but Damian would feel that she is. Probably.

"What a mess," Dani says.

Had she thought the same things? Maybe. No way to tell without asking, and Danny's too tired to ask. "Yeah."

She touches down onto the ground. On silent feet, she checks the locks on Danny's door, and then she pads over to the bed and nudges him until he gives her enough space to lay down next to him. She's not going to sleep here, and Danny won't be able to sleep with her there (it reminds them both of sharing a bed with Damian), but she likes to do this sometimes and Danny likes it when she does.

Neither of them say anything else. Danny won't be able to fall asleep, but he manages to start a very light doze. Dani's core thrums contentment and his echoes it. She's saying I love you I love you I love you and he's singing it back, and when her pinkie hooks into his—like Damian, like Damian, stop comparing them but it's so much like Damian—Danny curls his to lock it in place.

"I might to spy on him," she murmurs after an unknown amount of time.

Danny cracks open an eye. "You won't."

"I want to," she amends, "But… I won't." I'm scared, she doesn't say, but Danny can hear it anyway.

"The tabloids do it enough for us," Danny points out.

She snorts. "Yeah, sure. 'Damian Wayne: Vegetarian or secret animal killer?' Definitely a good accurate way to get information."

Danny smiles and lets his eyes slip shut again. "He was like that even when we were little." Didn't like eating meat, eating animals.

"I remember."

He sighs. His core sings I love you. Dani's pinkie slips from his. There's a sweep of cold, like a blanket being pulled over him, and then she's gone. He might see her in a week; he might not see her for months.

Danny drifts to sleep.

[sirtadcooper]

@eohwyyn very kindly sent me maths homework some questions from the list of soft asks - but when I went to answer them, Tumblr ate the ask! So it's lucky that I was asked to answer multiples of four, now isn't it?

4. what flower would you like to be given?

I love flowers a lot, how colourful they are. I, however, know absolutely nothing about them. Just give me a pretty flower and I'll be happy. I'm not fussy.

8. tag someone (or multiple people) who make you feel good.

Oh there are so many people I could tag - those two mutuals I call on Discord every week spring to mind, but no, I am going to shout-out @mordred because she's still here, I'm still here - we've been mutuals for what? Ten years? Amazing! Look at us! I'm always happy to see you pop up on my dash. @matbaynton, because whatever you make, whether it's icons or fancy gifs, it's always full of colour and fun. Always lovely to see you too.

12. how are you?

Answered here, but since this is the sort of question that can have a new answer every time, here we go again: I'm grand, thank you. I had my first Chinese takeaway of the year today - I realised earlier this week that it had been a while, and then I checked my phone and I hadn't had chicken fried rice since 29th December! I don't know how that happened. So I sat down with my Chinese and the final part of Spearhead From Space and had a lovely time. Now I'm stuffed!

16. compliment the person who sent you this number.

Oh, that's very easy to do! You come across as such a lovely person every time we interact. I love how engaged you are - if there's an ask game, you take the time to send something in. Things like that are much appreciated. And you love Doctor Who so that's another plus point. <3

20. what do you want most in the world right now?

Hmm. Probably a good night's sleep to be honest - I am a bit tired.

24. what’s something you do to de-stress?

There are two main ways. I go and sit in a field with my pet sheep, or I watch something, ideally while lying in bed. Both excellent ways to de-stress.

28. hugs or hand-holding?

Hugs, I think. I haven't had much experience of hand-holding, but hugs are lovely.

soft asks to get to know people | send me an ask

[fuckingarataswespeak]

Let me tell you about my morning

Ok so a few facts to start off with:

I really like maths (I'm not a whiz but I really enjoy it)

My phone never dies, I always make sure it is charged

I just graduated secondary school (highschool) and in ireland you have to sit tests at the end of school called your leaving cert which is your entire grade that gets you into a college

I did an alternative leaving cert course these last two years called the leaving cert applied (LCA) which is like a practical (and easy af tbh) version of the leaving cert, which does have exams at the end of the school, but is mostly consisted of projects throughout the year which gets you your credits

Because I really like maths, I was losing my mind in the LCA maths class, as it was literally so so so easy I wanted to explode, so my year head and course coordinater told me that i could take off certain LCA classes in order to do maths with the mainstream leaving cert

I was asked if I wanted to sit the mainstream leaving cert maths exam and I said yeah, since I had basically spent a year teaching myself the course (i only got to got to a couple of the maths classes a week so i mostly just studied for fun in my free time) but then I was told something along the lines of "no actually you cant sit the maths exam because blah blah blah stupid ass reason" literally like 2 days before exams started

The maths exam is split into 2, Paper 1 and Paper 2, each done on different dates.

Ok NOW we get into how my morning started off like.

I had no exams today so I was sleeping in like a normal person on a free day. I wake up to hearing sharp knocking on my front door. I am not clothed, as it was a warm night so i go "nah, fuck this" and go back to sleep.

The knocking happens again, and my brother goes down to answer the door. I hear someone talking to them and saying to wake me up in an urgent voice, so I spring out of bed and throw some clothes on.

I go downstairs to see 2 teachers from my school outside my house going "ABBY QUICK GET IN THE CAR YOU CAN SIT THE MATHS PAPER 2 EXAM!!!! IT STARTED AT 9:30 BUT IF YOU GET THERE BEFORE 10 YOU CAN STILL TAKE IT" (it was like 9:50-ish at this point)

One of the teachers was my school chaplain (Ms X) and the other was the one that helps organize the exams (Ms Y), both very lovely ladies. Ms Y goes "ABBY I RAN A RED TO GET HERE, I'VE NEVER RUN A RED IN MY WHOLE LIFE", and then ms X added "Yeah and she screamed FUCK while she did it"

So i grab my bag and hop in the car and

my god we

ZOOMED

there.

This woman who seemed like normally a very sensible driver broke SO MANY LAWS to get me there.

She ran 3 red lights. She wasn't "pushing the yellows". These were fully red lights she went through, at definitely speed limit breaking speeds.

Ms X jokingly asked if I wanted her to pray and i was like FUCK IT yeah sure and so we all started praying that my exam would go well and that we wouldnt be pulled over by the guardaí, or alternatively, die on the way there.

When we got the the school my vice principal was waiting for me and he opened the car door and i was told to leave my bag and we ran up the stairs together, and i got in just in time.

When i got out, made my way home and checked my phone after I charged it, I saw almost my entire family as well a bunch of staff members had been texting and ringing me to wake up for the exam

Anyways, as for how the exam actually went? It wasn't bad! I definitely did the very best I could've, considering i hadn't taken my adhd meds, I hadn't studied for like over a week for it, hadn't had breakfast and nearly lost my life on the way over

Anyways that was one of the most intense and fun mornings of my life



[amor1st03]

Doe Eyes and Dimples | Eddie Munson

Eddie Munson x fem!reader

best friend to (kinda)enemies to lovers

in which: after an argument 2 years prior you and your best friend, Eddie, had a massive argument and it takes the bizarre happenings of Hawkins for you two to reunite

A/N: Decided to change the narrative to second person and I'll probs continue doing it this way. But yeah anyway, hope you enjoy!

Freshman year was always going to be scary for you. You always knew it was going to be. Being new to Hawkins didn't help either. Most people had come to high school with their middle school friends but you had had to pack up and leave them all behind. You leaned your back against the lockers and let out a deep sigh as you watched students rush past her making their way to classes. You had been here for a week now and still hadn't worked up the courage to talk to anyone. The most interaction you had had with anyone was when a gross Sophomore had hit on you.

Eddie saw you leaning against his locker. He stood still for a moment, in a trance. He didn't believe in love at first but if it was real then this must have been what it felt like. Nervously, he approached you.

"Um, d-do you mind, I need to get to my locker."

"Oh, sorry." You quickly turned your head to look at the boy and pushed yourself away from the locker. He smiled softly at you. God, those eyes, you thought, and those dimples. He opened his locker and you noticed a Dungeons and Dragons poster.

"Hey, you play D&D?"

"Yeah, I love it," He answered, enthusiastically. "I was thinking about trying to set up a group for it."

"That's so cool."

"Would you like to join? Of course, you don't have to if-" He started to ramble a little.

"I'd love to." You cut him off.

"Great, do you wanna sit with me at lunch."

"I'd love to. I'm Y/N, by the way, Y/N Y/L/N."

"Well, it's nice to meet you Y/N, I'm Eddie Munson." You shook hands, smiling again at each other. Your gazes lingered a little too long at each other so you cleared your throat to break the awkwardness.

"I've got to get to class but I'll meet you at lunch. See you later."

"See you!" He called after you as you left.

When Eddie sat down at his lunch table alone he felt nervous that you wouldn't show. I mean you seemed so nice and pretty, you probably already had a ton of friends and wouldn't wanna be seen with a freak like him who had no friends. He had friends in middle school. Together they shared a band called Corroded Coffin but slowly they began to drop out saying that they didn't want to be seen as freaks when they got to high school. Two weeks before they started freshman year the last member dropped out leaving Corroded Coffin a one-man band. Not only did he need to find friends, but he also needed new band members.

When you entered the cafeteria you headed for the lunch line. Eddie watched, anxiously, as you paid for your food and turned. When your eyes met his and you smiled he felt relief wash over him. You headed in his direction, taking a seat across from him.

"Hi," You said.

"Hi," He replied.

"I'm really excited for this, the thought of it got me through math class, to be honest." Eddie felt heat rise up his neck and cheeks. He hoped you didn't notice the red tinge on his cheeks. She was excited to come and sit with me? He thought to himself. He knew you didn't mean it in that way but he liked to think that something about him made you want to be here and not just the game. "Is anyone else joining us?" Your voice broke him out of his thoughts. He suddenly felt very embarrassed. He hadn't been able to find anyone else.

"Sorry, I haven't found anyone yet. Truth is I don't really have any friends." He looked down at his food, not wanting to make eye contact. Other than the band, kids had thought he was a freak. He had always been a freak just because of his music and interest in fantasy games and now he was a loner too.

"Yeah, me neither. But that can change today if you like. I'll be your friend." His head shot up to look at the girl sitting in front of him.

"Yeah, I'd really like that."

"Alright then, from now on, Eddie Munson, you and I shall be friends."

And you were. You managed to find a few outcasts who didn't sit with anyone and brought them into the group. The two of you taught the game as best you could to the ones who had never played before. Eddie had been named the Dungeon Master for the first campaign the group ever played. It was small but you and Eddie felt good to have found a group. You felt even better to have found each other.

*** "Whatcha' listening to?" Eddie asked as he sat down at the table. You had been the first to arrive for lunch so you had pulled out your walkman. You handed him the headphones before continuing to eat your food.

You were now in senior year. The older members of your original group had left and gone to college but you had found new students to take under your wing. Over the years the two of you had become practically inseparable. So inseparable most people thought it was just a matter of time before you finally started dating. There had always been hope in Eddie's mind that one day he'd work up the courage to ask you out but he was certain that once he tried to make a move he wouldn't be about to stop himself from confessing his undying love for you that he's had since freshman year and scare you off. Nevertheless, Eddie held on tightly to this hope.

Y/oufelt the opposite. You had spent endless years pining over your best friend. It was obvious. Everyone knew how you felt, surely Eddie could see it. But you couldn't admit it to him. You knew it would ruin everything you had. He was your first friend in Hawkins and you were not about to lose that just because you had learned to love him as more than a friend. Hope was just too fragile for you to risk holding on. You wanted to at least try and let go.

That's why when Anthony asked you out on a date you accepted. You had to move on and Anthony was sweet and cute, you couldn't deny that. I could fall in love with him, you thought. But really you just wanted to fall out of love with your best friend.

"Is this Fleetwood Mac? Are you kidding me, Y/N?"

"It's good!" You shook your head at him as some of the other group members began to arrive at the table. They ignored the two of you harmlessly arguing.

"The other day you were listening to The Beatles in the car when I was with you, what are you some kind of hippie? (honestly lowkey me my dad tells me if I was alive in the 60s-80s I would have been a hippie lmaooo)" You rolled your eyes.

"Shut up. Besides I like Iron Maiden and Kiss and you listen to them."

"That's because they're good. Fleetwood Mac and The Beatles, seriously? So generic."

"I like The Beatles." One of the boys piped up but Eddie just turned and glared. The boy slumped down in his seat.

"What else do you listen to, Y/N?"

"Everything, Duran Duran, Prince, Cyndi Lauper." Eddie groaned. "Well, what about Queen? (I had to, they're my favourite lol) You've got to like Queen, everybody does."

"Fine, I'll admit I like some Queen songs and Brian May is one hell of a guitarist I have to agree. But other than that I'm disappointed, sweetheart." There it was. That nickname he had started using for you in Sophomore year. At first, Eddie had been a bundle of nerves. Hesitant about everything because everyone thought he was a freak right? But you didn't. And that helped him feel less insecure about himself. It didn't matter what other people thought. He was happy with who he was. Plus, you had always assured him you didn't think he was a freak. And he thought you were the sweetest person alive because of it. That's why he thought that was the best thing to call you.

"Yeah, yeah, whatever." You laughed a little which earned you a smile from Eddie, dimples appearing. I'll never get over those doe eyes and dimples, you thought. You turned your attention away quickly. You were going on a date with a really nice guy and you weren't going to be in love with Eddie forever, you wouldn't allow it, not when it would result in nothing but heartbreak.

***

"Anthony?! Really, you know when you told me you had a boyfriend I did not expect it to be some jock." You had kept your relationship a secret for a while but the two of you had finally decided you wanted to make it public. You had grown to care for him. A part of you still belonged to Eddie, you had realised that your wish to fall totally out of love with him would never happen, he would always have a piece of your heart, but you were happy with Anthony. You had pulled Eddie into the room where you usually played DnD. You were going to tell the whole group but you had to do this one-to-one with Eddie.

"Look I know what you think about his type or whatever it is but he's not like that. He's so nice, you'd like him."

"I can't believe this. He's, like, everything our group is against. All parties and basketball games and popularity bullshit."

"No, he's everything you're against, Eddie." You raised your voice.

"We're outcasts, Y/N, we don't fit in with his crowd and we should keep it that way!"

"I can't believe you right now, I really like him, Eddie, why can't you just be happy for me?" Tears threatened to fall from your eyes as you felt a lump rise in your throat. Eddie wanted to be happy for you but it hurt so much to see you with someone that wasn't him. "He knows me and he knows I'm friends with you and he's never once said a nasty word against you."

"Yeah, maybe when you're around but you've seen the crowd he hangs around with."

"I can't believe you're being like this. You're the last person I expected to judge someone considering you're the one everyone thinks is a freak!" The second you said it you regretted it. Eddie could handle anyone else calling him a freak but not you. Not the girl he had spent years loving.

"Everyone..." His voice cracked slightly as he felt his eyes tear up.

"Eddie I-"

"No, I can't do this. We're done, go sit with your boyfriend at lunch, and don't bother showing up to the next game either." He stormed out of the room. Once the door had slammed shut behind him you couldn't hold back the tears any longer. You dropped to your knees as the tears continued to rush down your face. You didn't know how long you were in there, it could have been an eternity for all you knew. You had never admitted your feelings to him because you feared he would break your heart. You didn't have to admit them now. He had already shattered it to pieces.

You missed your next class. The tears had stopped but your heart still ached. Anthony had noticed your absence and had searched all over the school to find you.

"There you ar- Hey, what's wrong?" He knelt down beside you. When you explained to him what had happened you couldn't help but cry again. The two of you sat on the floor, his arms around you.

"This is all my fault. I've caused a rift between you and Eddie."

"No, he did that himself. I thought I knew him, I never thought he could be so awful to someone he's never even spoken to. I just wish I hadn't said what I said. Maybe I could have convinced him to give you a chance." The two of you fell silent for a little while as your crying gradually came to a stop. You pulled away to look at your boyfriend. He smiled, softly, down at you. He was handsome, you couldn't deny that but this time you took special notice of his features. No doe eyes. No dimples.

During the last couple of months of your senior year, you sat with Anthony. You tried to reach out but Eddie would avoid you like the plague. He just couldn't face you. His school work began to deteriorate. Sure, he had never been an A* student but he believed he could get by and graduate. All year he had been excited to graduate alongside you. The two of you had planned to get a job together and start saving up to go traveling together. The plan seemed like nothing more than a childish dream to him now.

Eddie's avoidance of her soon turned your emotions from sadness to anger. If only he had listened he would have understood. If only he had been more accepting of Anthony. You missed him but clearly, he no longer wanted you in his life and that hurt soon turned to bitterness. It was strange disliking him so much while still loving him at the same time.

Anthony had been a big support for you though. You believed some part of you would always love Eddie but you hadn't lied when you said you really liked him. It was all so confusing and you felt relief when you had finally graduated. You had heard that Eddie would have to retake his senior year and you did feel your heart ached for him. But the image of the anger in his eyes when he found out about your relationship popped into your mind and it pushed that feeling down.

After your graduation, you got a job working at Scoops Ahoy where you met Robin and Steve. You clicked instantly with them and were glad to have them to try and fill in the hole Eddie left in your heart. You were even closer with them after you discovered Russians were at the Starcourt Mall and you were brought into the Hawkin's own interdimensional monster fighting crew. It had all been confusing and scary but Will's disappearance a couple of years prior finally made sense to you. You had followed Steve and Robin along to a job interview at Family Video and got a job working with your two closest friends once again.

As for your relationship, Anthony had moved across the country for college you tried to stay in contact but you knew the two of you had drifted. You had realised you couldn't love him even though you tried to. You wondered if you would ever love anyone other than Eddie. You felt guilty but nothing could change it and you knew that. 

Anthony was visiting home for the weekend and he too had noticed you had drifted. He found his once strong feelings beginning to fade.

"We should break up," He said in a soft, sad voice.

"What? Why?"

"Come on, Y/N, we've drifted and maybe it's just because I'm at college most of the time but I think there may be another reason for it."

"But-"

"Do you love me?" You opened your mouth to speak but you couldn't find the words, you couldn't lie to him. He smiled sadly. "It's him, isn't it? It's Eddie."

"I'm sorry, Anthony." You couldn't meet his eyes.

"I'm just sorry I couldn't make you love me because I did love you."

"And now?"

"When love is unrequited and distance is added to the mix it can fade after time, for some."

"I really am sorry. I tried and I did like you but Eddie. He was my first friend here. I had been in love with him for years."

"We can't help our feelings and you tried to put it aside but sometimes you can't." He was always so understanding. You didn't know how he did it.

"I just don't understand why I can't let him go."

"Maybe it's not unrequited and deep down you know how he feels about you."

"He hates me." You shook your head slightly, meeting the boy's eyes. "And as far as I know I hate him too which has just made things extremely complicated and confusing."

"Well, love conquers all, so it might work out in the end. I hope it does, you deserve it."

"I feel like such I've been such an asshole to you."

"Hey, I'll be alright. You're not an asshole."

"You'll find someone and whoever it is they are gonna be one lucky person." His smile brightened a bit before you pulled him into a hug.

"Thank you for being such a good boyfriend."

"You're welcome, it was a pleasure."

***

"Dustin's right, he didn't do it. I know what Eddie's like sure he's may seem a little eccentric but he could never kill somebody."

"Thank you Y/N- Wait, you know Eddie?"

"Well, I did. We were best friends all through high school."

"Were? What happened?"

"We fell out. Safe to say we definitely not friends anymore. But that's beside the point. We might not get along anymore but he doesn't deserve to be accused of murder when he's innocent."

Dustin and Max had come to Family Video where you were working with Steve and Robin. It was Saturday so you couldn't leave right away to go find Eddie but luckily your shift was nearly over. You were keeping an eye out for customers while you all crowded around the computer, trying to find the address of Reefer Rick. Once you had found it your shift was done. You quickly collected your things before heading out and piling into Steve's car. As Steve drove over to the house, you felt an anxious feeling rise in your stomach. You hadn't spoken to Eddie in what felt like forever. What would he say to you? Would you be able to remain calm and focus on the situation at hand or would everything from the past come rushing forward? Would you scream or cry? Would you tell him you hated him now, or worse, that you loved him? 

You looked out of the window, focusing on the blur of trees, trying to calm yourself. What happened between the two of you right now didn't matter. You had to help him. 

You found the house and clearly no one was inside so you headed to the boathouse. You stood by the door in case you needed to make a run for it. Steve poked at the tarp laid over the boat with an oar when Eddie jumped out and ambushed him. Dustin eventually managed to calm him down. Eddie turned around and looked at the group, his eyes finally landing on you. You couldn't read his expression but he turned away. He ignored you for the rest of the time the group was there. You just sat quietly as they all explained everything to Eddie.

When they left you and Steve were at the back of the group. He nudged you with his shoulder.

"You okay?" Steve and Robin were the only people you had told about what had happened between you and Eddie and they were well aware of your feelings for him. You nodded your head but could not bring yourself to smile. Steve wrapped an arm around your shoulders, giving you a light squeeze. From the window of the boathouse, Eddie watched as the group walked away but his eyes were only focused on you. He clenched his jaw as he saw the small interaction between you and Steve.

He had been an idiot. He wished he had just agreed to meet Anthony because losing you was the biggest regret of his life. But some part of him still remembered your words from that day. You're the one everyone thinks is a freak.

He wanted to hate you but he couldn't. He never could. 

***

"Why can't you someone else take it?"

"Because everyone else with a car a busy."

"But I-"

"Look, I know things are awkward but the guy's gotta eat. Please, just drop it off and then you can leave straight away," Dustin shoved the bag of groceries into your hands. You sighed in defeat before agreeing. Dustin gave you a small smile before turning away.

"Can't I just drive you up there and you take it to him?"

"Nope, I gotta get home, I'm already late I don't want my mom to go into cardiac arrest." You groaned in response. Once again, Dustin had come to your workplace and disturbed the peace with something Eddie-related. Steve and Robin didn't have a shift today and you had been stuck with Keith all day. Luckily, he chose to be anywhere but behind the counter for most of the day, doing god knows what. You checked the clock. An hour before closing time. You took the bag of groceries to the staff room and put it with your own belongings. Even when you went back out to the counter the thought of it and the task given to you loomed over you for the rest of your shift. Finally closing up the store was a relief, you could head over to give Eddie the food and get it out of the way as quickly as possible. On the drive there you couldn't stop tapping your hand on the steering wheel. Even the music blasting from the radio wasn't enough to drown out your thoughts. You parked a little away from the house and walked over there. When you knocked on the door nobody answered. You pushed it open and cautiously walked inside.

"Eddie?" You closed the door behind you and looked around the room. You found Eddie sitting on the floor pressed up against the wall under the window, so that if someone looked in they wouldn't see him.

"What are you doing here?" He got up to his feet.

"Try not to sound too displeased, I didn't volunteer to bring you food," You snapped.

"Yeah, wouldn't wanna be seen near the person everyone thinks is a freak right?"

"I didn't mean everyone. I never once thought you were a freak. I was angry and I said it to hurt you. I regretted it ever since and I'm sorry." You sighed and slumped against the wall, sliding down it and sitting on the floor. Eddie watched you before sitting next to you. "You were my best friend, Eddie, you were the most important person in my life who I wanted to introduce to my boyfriend and you wouldn't do it because you thought you knew him. One chance to introduce the two of you. And you knew back then full well that if he ever said anything about you or our group back then I would have broken up with him." Eddie remained silent for a moment.

"I regretted it. I've spent hours lying in bed thinking about it and you were right. I should've given him a chance, for you. Truth is I was scared. I thought I would lose you because you would be too busy with your boyfriend. And I did lose you and it wasn't his fault, it was mine. But when you said that I really thought you saw me the way everyone else sees me. I thought you didn't really care anymore."

"I never stopped caring. Why do you think I'm here? I could have just not brought the food, stay out of this entire thing altogether but I couldn't. I wanted to help you."

"I thought you hated me."

"I thought I did for a little while too. It was confusing. I still cared for you as my best friend but after that day I felt so much anger about everything. But I don't think I could've ever fully hated you. I don't think that I ever truly did."

"I never hated you. I know I avoided you but I felt the same. I was angry and hurt but I still cared."

"How could we have let this happen to us, Eds?" He couldn't help but smile softly at the nickname.

"We were dumb teenagers." The two of you sat in silence for a couple of minutes. "Can we try again? I'm done with this stupid thing between us and I miss you. You can introduce me to Anthony and I won't judge him before I get to know him."

"I missed you too and I do wanna try again but you don't need to meet Anthony. We broke up."

"Broke up? Why?"

"I couldn't love him and he knew that so we broke up."

"So are you with Steve now?"

"What? Steve?" You laughed a little, turning your head to face him. "He's a great guy but he's definitely not my type."

"What is your type then?"

"We were friends for years, haven't you figured that out yet?" The two of you gazed at each other and you thought back to the first time you had met. The way you had held eye contact just a little too long. Eddie's eyes flickered down to your lips as he leaned slightly forward.

"Everything I know about you and that one still remains a mystery." You smiled at him as you leaned in too before you realised what you were doing. You cleared your throat.

"Um, I should probably go." You stood up and Eddie followed your action. You handed him the bag which you still held in your hand.

"Thanks," He said, gratefully taking it from you. "And thanks for giving me a second chance."

"Thank you, as well." You opened the door and peeked out slightly to make sure the coast was clear. Once you were sure you opened it fully and stepped out. You turned to look at Eddie one more time before leaving, slowly walking backward but you hesitated for a second. A sudden impulse overtook you and you hurried back over to the boy and flung your arms around him. He dropped the bag that was in his hand and wrapped his own arms around you.

"I'll do everything I can to make it go back to the way it was." He smiled at your words but a slight ache in his heart told him he didn't want it the way it was before. He wanted more. But he had lost you once and he wasn't about to ruin it again so he just remained silent. "I really need to go," you said but you made no attempt to move.

"Just one more minute," Eddie replied. 

***

You weren't really sure how Dustin and yourself had managed to get back through the gate when Eddie had cut the rope but you did. You weren't about to lose him. For the next couple of days after the two of you had reconciled, you had driven up to see Eddie where the two of you sat and talked for hours. You had missed his laughter. 

When you went to the Upside Down for the first time he was there to hold your hand and calm you down. And now here you were again but this time Eddie wasn't next to you. He had run back to take on the bats all alone, hoping to buy the others more time and keep you and Dustin safe. When you had made it back into the Upside Down Dustin cried out because of the pain in his leg. You turned to help him but he shook his head.

"No. Go to Eddie. I'll catch up."

"Dustin, I'll try to get as many bats as I can away from him. Help him, not me, alright?"

"Y/N."

"We don't have time for this, say you'll help him, not me. Say it!"

"Okay, I'll help him."

You ran out of the caravan to see Eddie standing in the middle of a swarm of bats, fighting them off as best he could. You ran towards them as you saw a couple of the bats attack Eddie. 

"Hey, over here, come on, come and get me!" You screamed and some of the swarm broke off and headed in your direction instead.

"Y/N, no!" Eddie screamed. Tears were pouring down your cheeks now as you tried to fight the bats off. Some of them managed to bite or scratch you but you weren't worried about yourself. You were worried about Eddie. Dustin had finally caught up, giving a sad look to you, he headed to Eddie as you had instructed. The two of you continued to fight as Dustin started to attack some of the bats to get them away from Eddie. You all were getting tired when all of a sudden it all stopped. As if the bats had been called they moved away from the three of you. 

You raced over to Eddie as he dropped to the ground. 

"No, no, Eddie." You placed his head in your lap and gently stroked his hair. 

"You're gonna be okay, Eddie, we just need to get you to a hospital," Dustin said. 

"I-I didn't run away this time, right?"

"No. You didn't." You began to cry.

"You're gonna have to look after the little sheep for me, Dustin. Cause I'm gonna graduate. It's my year. I think it's finally my year." Tears were streaming down your and Dustin's faces as you both looked down at the boy in your lap.

"That's right, Eddie. You're gonna graduate and get a job and we can both save up together. We're gonna go travel, see as much of the world as we can, together."

"Yeah, just like we planned."

"Just like we planned." You nodded in agreement. Eddie reached up and wiped away a tear from your face. "But I gotta tell you something first. Something I should have told you a long time. I love you, Y/N. I always have." You sobbed at his words.

"Eddie, I- Eddie, Eddie!" He began to close his eyes and his breathing slowed. "No, no, please!" Your voice faded along with the light.

***

The bright lights of the hospital room almost blinded him. He was alive. He had no idea how you and Dustin managed to get him back to Hawkins. You would later explain you did it with great difficulty but with the help of Steve, Robin, and Nancy who had made it to them just in time.

He felt a weight in his hand as his eyes slowly adjusted to the light. He looked down to see his hand being held by you. You were curled up in a chair next to him, fast asleep. He smiled at the sight. Gently, he reached over and nudged you awake. You were confused at first but your eyes widened as you saw the boy in front of you.

"Oh my god! Y-you're awake!" A bright smile spread across your face. "How are you feeling?"

"A lot better than I did the last time I was conscious." You laughed slightly.

"I was so worried you weren't gonna wake up."

"It's me, sweetheart, I couldn't leave you, not yet."

"I've got to call your uncle and Dustin. They'll be so glad you're awake! And I'll go get the doctors too." Eddie laughed at your excitement. "I'll be right back." You hurried off to tell the doctors Eddie was awake and call his uncle and Dustin.

***

The doctors checked up on Eddie. He'd been in a coma for close to a month. Once the doctors had left you excitedly explained to him how the plan had been a success (Eddie's alive and Max is okay but I refuse to let that trauma take place in my writing) and how he had been given an alibi and was no longer a suspect. He was a free man.

"This year you really are gonna do it, Eds, you're gonna graduate. Dustin has been taking work from your teachers for you and it may seem like a lot but I'll help you catch up with everything. And some of the guys from Hellfire have also agreed to help in case I'm a bit rusty." There was a knock at the door before Dustin entered the room.

"Dustin!" Eddie exclaims.

"Hey, Eddie, how are you feeling?"

"A bit sore but much better."

You stood up to greet the boy, wrapping your arms around him and giving him a quick hug. He reciprocated it.

"Hey, Y/N, you alright?" He asked as he pulled away.

"Yeah, I'm good. What about you?" You smiled at the boy as he sat down in a chair.

"I'm great." He smiled back.

"I'm gonna get myself some water, give you guys a few minutes to catch if, do either of you want anything?"

"Can I have a glass of water too, please, sweetheart?"

"Sure thing, coming right up. Dustin?"

"Nah, I'm good, thanks"

"Okay, I'll be back in a few."

Once you had left Dustin turned to Eddie with a big grin on his face.

"So?" Eddie gave him a confused look.

"So?"

"You and Y/N, what's going on? Are you together? Did you finally get to talk about what you said?" Right, that's what he was talking about. 

"Wait, I actually told her," He sat up straight, a panicked look in his eyes. "Oh my god, I thought I had dreamt it."

"Eddie, you need to talk to her about it."

"No, I can't. I could've ruined everything but she's not mentioned it so either she's ignoring it or can't remember it."

"What are you so worried about?"

"I might lose her again." Dustin gave Eddie a soft smile.

"I don't think you could lose her if you wanted to. You know since you got to put in hospital she visited you every day. She has sat hear and held your hand for countless hours. On days she was working, she'd come straight here from work and wouldn't leave until one of the nurses asked her to. I don't think you're gonna ruin anything, Eddie." Eddie listened carefully to the young boy's words. His heart warmed at the thought of you coming here every day just to see him. Could it be possible you felt the same way? "My point is, just talk to her. You were so brave in the Upside Down against the bats. Admitting your feelings is nothing compared to that." But Eddie disagreed. Somehow, he thought facing his own feelings was far scarier than some bats from another dimension.

"Here you go, Eds," You said as you entered the room carrying two cups of water. She handed one to Eddie, who thanked her, before sitting down in her seat.

"Actually now that I think about it, I want something from the vending machine."

"Dustin, I asked you if you wanted anything."

"It's fine, I need the toilet anyway so I'll get something on the way back." The boy stood up to leave. Making sure you weren't looking, he mouthed 'talk to her' to Eddie. Once Dustin had left the room Eddie turned nervously to you.

"Come here, you." He moved over on the bed, patting the spot beside him. Carefully, you laid down next to him as he wrapped an arm around you. Your fingers found the chain that hung around his neck with a guitar pick. "We need to talk." You moved so you were resting on one of your arms, leaning close to him.

"What about?" You asked, gently.

"That day, I said something to you. I told you I loved you..."

"Eds, you were barely even conscious, you didn't know what you were saying, it's alright, you don't have to explain it to me."

"You think I didn't mean it? I did mean it. I love you. As more than a friend. As in, I am in love with you."

"Eddie."

"But I was so scared that I might ruin everything if you brought it up."

"Eddie."

"But then you never did bring it up so I thought you had forgotten and I was relieved. We could go back to the way we were. But I realised I don't want to keep it from you anymore. I don't want things to go back to the way they were. It's been killing me to keep it in all these ye-"

"Eddie!" You brought your hands up to his face and gently caressed his cheeks. He stopped rambling, his breathing hitched in his throat as his eyes met yours.

"On that day, I wanted to say it back. But then you passed out and for weeks while you were in a coma I cried thinking I would never get to tell you. When you woke up earlier I wanted to bring it up but I was scared, I thought maybe you had forgotten. But the point is, Eds, I love you more than anything." He smiled brightly.

"Really?"

"Yes, really." You laughed softly.

"You wanna know why I couldn't love Anthony?" He nodded.

"Because I already loved you. He was a great guy but he wasn't you. I always noticed the differences in your personality and appearance. When I looked at him I found myself missing your doe eyes and dimples. Have I told you before how much I love your eyes and dimples?"

"No, you haven't."

"Well, I might just have to remind you every day."

"Sounds good to me," He replied before leaning up and softly placing his lips on yours. You kissed back. It was soft and passionate, one full of love and years of longing. You both pulled away, breathing heavily as you rested your foreheads together.

"Yeah, sounds pretty good to me too."

[queen-mihai]

Hi I know that this may seem out of place. But at what point in your life did you begin to feel stable/adult. I often times have conflicted my feelings of gender discomfort or writing with these beliefs. Because of this I have abandoned myself to a point where a stranger now lives in my body. Have these thoughts ever bothered you?

Hmm🤔

This is an interesting question. I suppose it's rather gradual. And there's never a feeling really of being "there".

You always feel kinda like you're faking it in a way. People really are telling the truth that nobody knows what they're doing. Everybody's making it up as they go along

And one thing that we all eventually find is that no one can do this alone. I work as an engineer. I work in the field with machines that don't move, meaning I have to go to it instead of it coming to me.

That means that I not only have to be an expert at math and designing and troubleshooting, but also logistics. I need to figure out schedules and times and make phone calls so people know who I am and what I'm doing and if it's going to affect them.

But like that didn't happen suddenly all at once. The reason jobs measure *years* of experience, is that it genuinely takes *years* to get used to the type of things adults have to do just getting around.

My boss doesn't want to have to come pick me up to bring me to work. The regional manager I work for would suffer if every time I ran into a problem I came asking him what to do. I wouldn't have gotten this job if I hadn't been doing the stuff I do here for years already. But I didn't start by doing this much. I started in my career just kind of accepting assignments that needed to be traveled for. They might have come once every 6 months in my early career. But I jumped at them because I wanted to get out of the office and I thought that part of the job was fun.

Eventually employers got used to that idea and they sent me out more. "Oh Mihai will take care of that. She loves driving around. And with her doing that, we can have some of the other engineers do something else"

Eventually that grew into enough that I could add it to my resume and really take it on as part of whatever job I got next. Etc etc etc until the job I have now doesn't HAVE an office; I'm pretty much forced to demand a company vehicle, and I spend practically half my life living in hotels.

Regarding feeling stable, that's more a job of meditating and feeling good about being *you*.

I don't feel like the world is stable. I don't feel like people's opinions of me are stable. The political, corporate, financial, and climate world is unstable. But I know who I am, and how I make decisions. I know I'm always going to be honest about how I feel, if I am proud of my work or if I made mistakes, and I'll always try to communicate. I know I work really best alone, but I love being around people. I know I'm a leader and people tend to do what I do, so I try to do the right thing always. That's what makes me feel stable. I'm stable in myself, no matter how unstable the world is around me. And that consistency of personhood provides an anchor from which other people can latch on and help find themselves too. (Because you're not me, but you can use me to find what similarities and differences there are between us, and thus, paint a clearer picture of your own personal image)

I don't know how much I can help with the "abandoning yourself" part.

Part of what hurt me previously was being involved in a very destructive relationship. Once I left that relationship, it became much easier to construct *me*. Maybe that's not what you have going on, but it may be worthwhile to take a look at your environment and see if there's something making you feel like you can't grow into the person you want to be.

In any case I wish you well. And I hope you find your place. What I can say is that there's no finish line; there's no race; there's not even a path. There's just decisions you make every day. They're all important and none of them are important. But what IS important is that you see that you're not waiting to start your story. You're in the middle of it right now. Please know that you are loved, and very cool, and I especially appreciate you for sending such an interesting ask 🥰

Peace ✌️ ❤️

[wclairlune]

MILES MORALES 42 x Reader

— I won't work with you!

And there you were, being forced to do a job with the most annoying guy in your school, Miles Morales. You hated him.

— És una pena, cariño, but if you want to earn points in math you'll have to do this damn job with me, right?

And how I hated him.

I hated his annoying way of being, I hated how hoarse his voice was when he spoke in Spanish, I hated the damn nicknames he called you in Spanish just to annoy you, I hated those two beautiful braids of yours.

- In my house or in yours? — Asks Miles.

- What?

— Work…at my house or yours?

— It could be yours, I'm tired of seeing you at home. — He grumbles.

— It's not my fault if, unlike you, your brother likes me. Be at my house at 2:00 pm, okay?

Miles always goes to his house to play Fortnite with his younger brother, Kyle, but everyone here knows that he has much more interesting reasons for coming to his house.

[…]

— Hijo, there's someone knocking on the door, can you see who it is, cariño? —Says Rio from the kitchen.

— Ah...it's you, you arrived 5 minutes later! — Miles says, “disappointed” when he sees you standing at the door.

— It was only 5 minutes!

— Oh, hijo, who is this hermosa? — Asks Rio.

— Mom, this is [name], Kyle's sister, remember? She came to do school work with me. — Miles introduces you before you even introduce yourself.

— Now I remember you, you're Kyle's older sister that Miles talks about so much here at home. So hermosa, the way Miles talks!

- Mother! — Miles scolds.

— So your son talks about me, Mr. Morales?

— Yes, he talks so much…

— [name], come on, let’s go up to my room. — Miles says, dragging you upstairs and leaving you confused.

—So does that mean I'm hermosa, cariño? -- You ask.

— Don't believe anything my mother said, okay? She was just really excited because a girl came here.

— So you mean no girls came here? — Miles nods in agreement — Ah...

— So...yeah...did you bring the materials?

[…]

You've been doing this work for two hours now, but you fight more than you work, why? You explain and Miles doesn't even pay attention, he just looks at you, in fact he's been looking at your clothes since you arrived at his house, the short cargo denim skirt and purple lace blouse shape your body well, the that is bewitching him.

— There's no way you can learn the history of mathematics if you don't even pay attention! -- You scream.

— I'm trying, okay?

- It does not seem.

— This is your fault.

- What?

— If I hadn't been wearing that outfit I wouldn't have been distracted, couldn't there have been pants and a long blouse or something like that?

— Ah, so that means that just because you told me to, I have to wear other clothes? Miles, what's your problem?

— You. You're my problem, how am I going to pay attention to the math story if I can only look at you? — Miles shouts. He gets closer, breathing for you is starting to be difficult.

He's your enemy, right? Everything he's saying must be another insult to bother your mind, right?

— So hermosa. — Miles caresses your cheek with his thumb, you move away from the act.

— Miles...stop it — He approaches again.

— Mira, estoy cansado, no puedes escapar de mí, mami.— You try to move away, but to no avail, you are against the wall now with Miles approaching your mouth.

Rapid breathing.

Foreheads glued.

It could be a kiss, couldn't it?

— Dear ones, I brought you empanadas! — Rio enters the room, making you step back in fright.

— I love empanadas! — You run out to try the wonderful empanadas that Rio made — Hmmm, how perfect!

— Mom, wasn’t there another time to come in? I was almost kissing her! — Miles whispers to Rio, wanting you not to hear.

— Oh, cariño, forgive me, the way you treated her down there didn't seem like you were interested in her, but I'm going to leave then, understand these teenagers! — Rio heads towards the door -- Bye, darling!

— Rio, wait for me and I’ll go with you… — You give up when she closes the door.

— No huyas de mi, mami. — You turn around to find Miles right next to you.

You look into Miles' eyes, his eyes exude passion and desire, his full mouth is open, his breathing quickens. This was all driving him crazy.

— Miles... — You let out a loud sigh when he pushes you against the door and connects your lips.

A desperate kiss, two tongues that were eager to meet and finally met. Miles holds your waist tightly, but his hands don't stop there, one hand on your waist, another goes down to your ass, then it goes up to your neck, driving you crazy, but unfortunately you separate due to the lack of air that prevails there.

— Mejor de lo imaginaba.

•

— Eu não vou trabalhar com você!

E lá estava você, sendo obrigada a fazer um trabalho com o cara mais irritante da sua escola, Miles Morales. Você odiava ele.

— És una pena, cariño, mas se você quiser ganhar pontos em matemática terá que fazer esse maldito trabalho comigo, não?

E como o odiava.

Odiava seu jeitinho irritante de ser, odiava como a sua voz ficava rouca quando falava em espanhol, odiava os malditos apelidos que ele lhe chamava em espanhol só pra te irritar, odiava àquelas suas duas lindas tranças.

— Na minha casa ou na sua? — Pergunta Miles.

— O quê?

— O trabalho…na minha casa ou na sua?

— Pode ser na sua, eu tô cansada de te ver lá em casa. — Resmunga.

— A culpa não é minha se, ao contrário de você, o seu irmão gosta de mim. Esteja na minha casa às 14:00, ok?

Miles sempre vai à sua casa jogar Fortnite com seu irmão mais novo, Kyle, mas todos aqui sabem que ele tem motivos bem mais interessantes para ir à sua casa.

[…]

— Hijo, tem alguém batendo na porta, você pode ver quem é, cariño? —Diz Rio da cozinha.

— Ah...é você, chegou 5 minutos mais tarde! — Diz Miles "decepcionado" ao ver você parada na porta.

— Foram apenas 5 minutos!

— Oh, hijo, quem é essa hermosa? — Pergunta Rio.

— Mãe, essa é [nome], irmã de Kyle, lembra? ela veio fazer trabalho da escola comigo. — Miles te apresenta antes mesmo de você se apresentar.

— Agora eu me lembrei de você, é a irmã mais velha de Kyle que Miles tanto fala aqui em casa.Tão hermosa, do jeitinho que Miles fala!

— Mãe! — Repreende Miles.

— Então seu filho fala de mim Srt.Morales?

— Sim, ele fala tanto…

— [nome], vem, vamos subir para o meu quarto. — Miles diz, te arrastando lá para cima e te deixando confusa.

— Então quer dizer que sou hermosa, cariño? -- Você indaga.

— Não acredite em nada do que minha mãe disse, certo? Ela só ficou muito empolgada porque uma garota veio aqui.

— Então quer dizer que nenhuma garota veio aqui? — Miles assente em concordância — Ah…

— Então…é…trouxe os materiais?

[…]

Já faz duas horas que vocês estão fazendo esse trabalho, mas vocês mais brigam do que trabalham, motivo? Você explicando e Miles nem se quer presta atenção, ele só faz olhar pra você, na verdade ele está olhando pra sua roupa desde que você chegou na casa dele, a saia jeans cargo curta e blusa roxa de renda modelam bem o seu corpo, o que está enfeitiçando ele.

— Não tem como você aprender a história da matemática se você nem presta atenção! -- Você esbraveja.

— Eu tô tentando, ok?

— Não parece.

— Isso é culpa sua.

— O quê?

— Se não estivesse com essa roupa não estaria me desconcentrando, não tinha como ter vindo com uma calça e uma blusa longa ou algo assim?

— Ah, então quer dizer que só porque o senhorzinho mandou eu tenho que vestir outra roupa? Miles, qual o seu problema?

— Você. Você é o meu problema, como que eu vou prestar atenção na história de matemática se eu só consigo olhar pra você? — Miles esbraveja. Ele se aproxima, respirar pra você está começando a ser difícil.

Ele é seu inimigo, certo? Isso tudo que ele está falando deve ser mais um insulto para importunar sua mente, certo?

— Tão hermosa.— Miles acaricia sua bochecha com o polegar, você se afasta com o ato.

— Miles…para com isso — Ele se aproxima novamente.

— Mira, estoy cansado, no puedes escapar de mí, mami. — Você tenta se afastar, mas sem sucesso, está contra a parede agora com Miles se aproximando de sua boca.

Respiração acelerada.

Testas coladas.

Poderia ser um beijo, não poderia?

— Queridos, trouxe empanadas pra vocês! — Rio entra no quarto, fazendo vocês se afastarem pelo susto.

— Eu amo empanada! — Você sai correndo pra provar as empanadas maravilhosas que Rio fez — Hmmm, que perfeição!

— Mãe, não tinha outra hora pra entrar? Eu tava quase beijando ela! — Miles sussurra pra Rio, querendo que você não escutasse.

— Oh, carino, perdoe-me, o jeito que você tratou ela lá embaixo não parecia que estava interessado nela, mas eu vou sair então, vai entender esses adolescentes! — Rio vai em direção a porta -- Tchau, querida!

— Rio, me espera que eu vou com você…— Você desiste quando ela fecha a porta.

— No huyas de mi, mami. — Você se vira se deparando com Miles bem próximo de você.

Você olha nos olhos de Miles, seu olhos exalam paixão e desejo, sua boca carnuda entre aberta, sua respiração acelerada. Isso tudo estava enlouquecendo ele.

— Miles… — Você solta um suspiro alto quando ele te empurra contra a porta e junta seus lábios.

Um beijo desesperado, duas línguas que estavam ansiosas pra se encontrarem e que finalmente se encontraram. Miles segura em sua cintura fortemente, mas suas mãos não param ali, uma mão em sua cintura outra desce pra sua bunda, logo ela sobe para seu pescoço deixando você louca, mas infelizmente vocês se separam pela falta ar que prevalece ali.

— Mejor de lo imaginaba.

Espero que vocês tenham gostado!

É meu primeiro one shot, então se estiver ruim, relevem.

[gaoau]

bittersweet

it's the color of rejection.

is there color in your world? warnings — none. word count — 745

prev. — next.

"suna-san!"

thundering footsteps behind him brought suna to a halt on his way back to the cafeteria. he turned his torso backwards, eyes narrowed and brow quirked as he stared down the hallway at the fuming beast rushing to him. he'd forgotten her shrill voice over the course of the months.

fingers fiddling with the stone in his pocket, he met her scalding scowl burning a hole on his face. "shijiki?"

"ya better watch it, pretty boy."

shijiki's byzantium nail—clearly the same nail polish as [name]'s—stood millimeters away from his nose. she would've slashed his skin open if he hadn't recoiled on instinct.

"i been with [name] fer far longer than you. i don't understand why she chose ya. i don't get what's about ya that she likes so much." her palms waved in the air, bracelets tinkling, swinging back and forth. "she even—she even said yer colorless! so why? she said i'm bittersweet, this super pretty color, and i still ain't better than you?!"

suna held back the grimace twisting his face to pretend his eardrums weren't suffering. "it's because i'm colorless that she likes me. two of a kind, black an' white ain't bad. her words, not mine." his shrug was natural yet careful of not stepping on a landmine.

"what's that even mean? i don't get her!"

"that makes two of us."

"don't!" shijiki screeched. suna flinched. "i ain't like you! do not lump me in with ya! you didn't even try ta understand her, you just—! you—! i don't even know whatcha did for her!"

"i just went with it, i guess. she figured things out on her own."

the sickening growl crawling out from her throat stung concerningly into his ears. "whatever! you better watch it, for real. f'ya do anythin' to her, i'll snatch her right outta yer hands and then destroy you." her fist clenched too tight to be safe; the skin of her palm surely broke.

"i'll hold you to that."

"ya better take care of 'er."

"i will."

"i hate this, i don't want this. i tried so hard ta get her attention, but she was always lookin' at ya an' flunkin' math and sayin' suna-kun, suna-kun, ahahaha!" the tears gathering at the corner of her eyes made suna whisper out a sigh. "if yer black an' white, and i've color, why'd she choose you?!" her voice cracked and trembled.

"what color is bittersweet?"

she sniffled to recompose herself. "a really pretty soft color, i dunno, what's it to ya?"

"is it magenta or something like that?"

"what? no, s'like a… i dunno… peachy color from the crayola crayons set."

"oh, so it's crayola." he couldn't help but visibly grimace this time. [name] didn't hold back when flinging abstract nonsense at people to figure out.

"yeah, what 'bout it?"

it wasn't his place to tell her. then again, he himself got threatened into understanding the words [name] threw at him. "[name] doesn't like crayola colors."

silence boiled and swam through the hallways. shijiki froze in place, tears disappearing in invisible droplets down her chin. her lips quivered as incomplete words choked out in shock. if her palms hadn't split open before, now blood was waiting to trickle onto the ground.

suna shifted awkwardly on his feet. "sorry, shijiki, seems like she rejected you long ago." he hesitated with his words—just in case she had the courage to pounce on him and snap his neck. 

her fingers—free of blood, fortunately—hooked around the collar of his shirt. nonexistent creases [name] had smoothed out resurfaced. "watch it, pretty boy," shijiki growled through gritted teeth. "remember that [name] don't stick to one place ever. she'll get bored of ya real quick." she shoved him away, glower stabbing daggers into his neck.

her eyes could never compare to [name]'s in intensity. she held her glare while biting the inside of her cheek. there were no more words she could say; all was done. shijiki swerved on her heels to storm down the hallway, scrambling away to the bathroom.

suna whistled to himself as he resumed his trip to the cafeteria. "salty…" although maybe he deserved it. not everyone got threatened twice in a day by different people.