#cherry on top he said i looked more like my sister than like my mom

[naughtystiel]

in december i moved in with my grandma to look after her and i just had to lie to my neighbour that i had a twin sister and basically talk about myself (her) in third person bc he remembered her from when she used to visit our grandparents in the past but now she is in uk, but me, ze brother, stayed in poland

my life is a comedy

[rowretro]

✧𝐆𝐔𝐀𝐑𝐃𝐈𝐀𝐍 𝐃𝐄𝐌𝐎𝐍✧

WARNINGS: not proofread, mentions of drug use

✧PROLOGUE✧

"Hee~ Look- before you lecture me for getting high yesterday- I was with Uncle Jamie- and his husband- He let us smoke joints because it was my 18th birthday-" Y/n explained, with those convincing, wide eyes, as she stared up at her older brother who sighed. "You've gotten caught multiple times y/n... ugh fine I'll let you off the hook this time. Only because I told mom that the high heel she found outside my window is yours-" Heeseung added as the girl frowned.

"Ok you two enough arguing- Heeseung that smart rich friend of yours is here... maybe you should learn how to be smart and rich from him. Y/n your top is on inside out-" Their mother says as she rushes around the house, rummaging to clean the place up.

Heeseung answered the front door, his dear best friend, Sunghoon walked in, and he was immediately shocked, having been met with the view of Y/n in her bra, for a second or so. "I- Y/N STOP FLASHING MY FRIEND- also now your top is on backwards-" Heeseung yelled, trailing off as he escorted his dear friend to the living room.

The girl fixed her top as she walked into the living room, a cherry lollipop in her mouth, as she took a seat on one of the sofas. She was simply scrolling through her phone, giggling and gasping. Sunghoon wasn't one bit focused on Heeseung's little story, his eyes were on the pretty girl before him. She was so cute, so pretty, so... innocent.

"Heyo- Hoon- are you listening?" Hee asked as he waved his hand before his face, Sunghoon turned to Hee "I stopped listening when I heard a girl's name." Sunghoon simply said as Heeseung rolled his eyes. "Hee I'm taking your car I have to but a uhhh book-" the girl suddenly said as Heeseung frowned "what book?" he asked as a silence followed his question.

"I need to buy more shoes and make up..." Y/n admitted, feeling defeated as Heeseung stared at the girl, a little confused "Honey I think it's safe to say you're a pretty bad liar-" her mother pointed out as Heeseung scoffed "Shouldn't you be more worried about the fact she couldn't even name a book?!" Heeseung pointed out as Y/n frowned. "Heeseung don't be mean to your baby sister-" his mother yelled, from the kitchen as Heeseung rolled his eyes.

"Yeah dork, don't be mean to the only girl who has actually lived with you, put up w ur bullshit and hugged you~" Y/n added smirking as Heeseung glared at her "Y/n don't disrespect your older brother!" her mother yelled. This was like a golden chance for Sunghoon "If you don't mind- I can take your sister to the mall-" Sunghoon chimed in as Heeseung shrugged.

"Be my guest- my sister's all yours... to take to the mall- nothing more than that- still my babysis-" Heeseung blurted as Sunghoon blinked, he got up as Y/n stared up at him. "Wow you actually have so many good looking friends... it's no wonder your girlfriends leave you after like 4 days of being with you- also because you date like 3 at the same time but whatever" Y/n shrugged as she grabbed a jacket.

"Don't you think your skirt's a little short?!" Heeseung asked, as y/n frowned "Why are you looking at my skirt you perv?!" the girl defensively yelled as Heeseung glared at her. Without any further ado, Sunghoon softly pulled the girl along, not wanting another fight to errupt.

It was a pretty awkward car ride, well, for Y/n, of course he's handsome, rich, the whole package by the looks of it, but He was also 2 years older than her, and one of Heeseung's friends. However, unlike Jungwon the annoying one or Jay the Overprotective mom-friend, or Jake who's just another Heeseung, that pisses her off, this boy was actually quite humble.

Sunghoon opened the door for her with a smile, as Y/n smiled back at him, thanking him out of respect. God that smile. the way it showed the one dimple she had on the left corner of her lips, oh she looked so goddamn cute, how bad he was resisting the temptation of pinching her soft little cheeks.

His little moment of admiration was scrapped when another, pretty boy who had multiple piercings, and pretty long hair walked up to y/n, he was like a rockstar, the leather jacket, the edgy style, rip jeans, and of course the guitar case he had. "Hey baby... man what is this the 45th time we bumped into each other since you broke up with me a week ago... it's like the universe is telling us we need to get together" The male flirted as Y/n rolled her eyes.

"Not Happening Jooyeon- what we had was an obvious mistake, plus aren't you like married to your music?! so what am I meant to be? your side chick?!" Y/n frowned as she glared the tall male down. Jooyeon turned to sunghoon, then turned back to Y/n, then turned to Sunghoon again. "Welp, good luck bro, a week into dating she might just throw you out saying something like nYeh I lOvE yOu bUt I lOVe mYsELf mOrE" Jooyeon said before walking of as Y/n groaned.

"I should've listened to Heeseung, never go for the first one you see, he's so pretty but so stupid!" She complained as she stomped off. Sunghoon followed after her, smirking, as he noticed how many people had seen the 2 together. If a rock chic thinks that they're a couple, of course everyone else will think so too right?

"Hey girl, I didn't catch your name but uh, since you're Heeseung's sister I'll let you buy anything you want, I'll pay for it." Sunghoon said as the girl stared up at him, speechless "No there's no need, I only got a part time job at a greasy pizza place so I can go shopping" the girl humbly refused, with a kind smile as she ran up to some girls, hugging them, giggling.

✧𝐆𝐔𝐀𝐑𝐃𝐈𝐀𝐍 𝐃𝐄𝐌𝐎𝐍✧

[willowrites]

Request for Steven Conklin.

Something sorta besties to lovers, but they keep friendzoning each other and getting confused until maybe she tells him she thinks she’ll invite someone else to the deb and he says no it’s fine he will and at the deb he confesses.

DEB ESCORT.

PAIRINGS. steven conklin x fem reader

SUMMARY. even though it was a struggle, you got steven to escort you to the deb ball. but he did more than just escort you...

WARNINGS. nothing really, just slight kissing!

AUTHORS NOTE. thank you for this request! i had a lot of fun doing it! <3 i'm so tired rn its been a long day so ill proofread later!!

y/n/n: your nickname

WORD COUNT. 1.5k

“y/n!” your mom susannah called out to you. “it’s time to go shopping for your deb dress!”

you shouted a quick ‘i’m going’ spraying some perfume.

your outfit consisted of a cute white tube top with flower detailing and some cute jean shorts along with doc marten sandals.

you grabbed your phone and speeded downstairs.

“okay, so what are we thinking?” your mom asked you as you both headed toward the front door.

that day you went looking for your dress and luckily enough you found the exact one you wanted.

it was everything you looked for in a dress.

you had no complaints.

overtime the week passed by and you were planning and planning. belly was helping you as well since she was also being a deb. you both shared your experience especially because you guys were practically sisters.

you guys talked about everything …but when it came down to dates. you didn’t have a clue.

“i’m thinking of asking cameron to be my escort.” she gushed.

“hmm you really like him don’t you?” you asked taking a sip of your milkshake.

“i do y/n. he’s so sweet and kind. he’s selfless like he genuinely is a good guy! ugh..tell me to shut up.” she covers her face in embarrassment.

“that’s so cute. aww belly welly is in looooove.” you tease her.

“oh please, so who’s going to be your escort? anyone in mind?” she asked licking the whipped cream off the cherry from her shake.

“no. i have no clue.” you huffed licking the whipped cream off your lips.

“why not steven? come on y/n. you should just tell him.” belly knew about your crush on steven. ever since you guys were smaller.

she could tell by the way you looked at him.

“i could never. im too scared i’ll get rejected and then everything will be so awkward.” you groaned. “maybe i’ll just…i don’t know”

“okay, you don’t have to tell him. just ask if he’d be your escort! he’s your best friend! it wouldn’t be weird.” she told you.

“i mean i guess that is a good idea.” you thought about if.

“of course it is. it’s my idea.” she giggled.

knock knock.

you were at steven’s door. fully prepared to ask him to be your escort.

“come in.” he grumbled.

he sounded like he was in a bad mood which almost made you chicken out.

“hey…watcha doin.” you asked first.

he made contact with you and a smile formed.

“hey y/n/n.” he said. “nah, nothing just tryna figure out some stuff for school. what’s up?” he patted his bed for you to sit.

“i just wanted to ask you something important.” you sat down crisscross.

“what about?” he leaned up off his headboard. he was concerned not knowing what to think. part of him wanted it to be about you two but he kept that thought himself.

“i was wondering since you’re my best friend and all…”

best friend? he thought. right.

“if you wanted to be my escort to the deb ball.” you were fiddling with your fingers as the question came out your mouth.

“uh…like that victorian shit?” he snorted.

“it’s not victorian.” you slap his arm. “it’s about a woman coming of age! and i need an escort.”

“are you sure it’s supposed to be a friend though?”

friend? you thought. right.

“i mean it could be anyone. there’s a girl bringing her girlfriend and my friend is bringing her friend from home.” you tried to explain.

“mmm, i’ll have to think about it. i told myself i wouldn’t get involved in that deb shit.” he shrugged off.

oh…

“okay well…um let me know then..?” you hesitated. you were kind of hurt by his answer. you thought you guys were at least close enough to do something important for each other.

you got up ready to walk out.

“where you going?” he asked.

stay; is what he wanted to say.

“oh- um i just don’t feel too well i’m going to lie down.” you said quickly before exiting the room.

as soon as you got inside your room you closed your door, locked it, and fell face-first on top of your bed sighing.

that went well.

a few days had passed, well more than enough time for steven to think about being your escort. at this point, he probably forgot all about it.

“steven.” you said his name as he was relaxing by the pool.

“hey y/n/n. are you gonna get in? let’s swim together.” he called u over starting to stand up.

“no thanks, i was just going to ask you if you thought about what i asked you the other day…you know. the deb ball?” you were standing there admiring his shirtless stomach as he spoke.

“oh yeah, i don’t think it would be cool for me you know. like being in a tux n shit.” he shrugged. “thanks for inviting me though.”

your blood boiled.

being in a tux…and shit.

“no yeah, no worries. i was thinking about taking another guy anyway.” you couldn’t help but blurt out.

you turned and started walking away until he grabbed your arm to stop you.

“who?” he looked confused.

“oh just this guy i met at one of the bonfires.” you smiled trying to walk away again but he still had his grip on you.

his face twitched. “well, actually now that i think about it. we’re best friends, it’s only right i escort you. i didn’t think about it like that.”

best friends?

“yeah, best friends …should have each other's backs. which is why i don’t know why you’d say no.” you crossed your arms defensively.

“well, to be honest. i thought it was lame.” he admitted.

“wow i didn’t notice!” you sarcastically shot back. “please get your tux on time. it’s the only thing you have to worry about.” you said and you walked away.

two weeks later.

it was the day of the deb ball.

you were nervous and freaking out. you knew exactly what to do and what you were going to do for your makeup and hair, you were just nervous about the night.

you wanted it to turn out okay. more than okay actually. you wanted it to be everything you’d dreamed of.

susannah had people coming to do your hair and makeup in the dressing room of the country club which took the pressure off a little bit. you had told them what you wanted and thank goodness they exceeded your expectations.

you looked at yourself in the mirror and thanked the beauty gods for this good outcome.

the other girls were also getting their hair and makeup done but it was time to change.

susannah helped you along with laurel. they were awed at how gorgeous you looked in the dress.

“oh honey, you look so beautiful.” susannah said hugging you.

“thank you mom.” you hugged back.

“she’s right, you look gorgeous..” laurel said smiling at you.

“thank you, laur.” you hugged her as well before she spoke again.

“if steven ruins your night you let me know.” she eyes you.

“i will.” you smile back.

“okay, well we gotta head out but we’ll see you honey.” susannah rubs your shoulders. “you’re gonna be fantastic.”

you smile once again watching them leave. you take a deep breath. it’ll be okay.

and it was.

you say steven for the first time. he looked so good.

steven thought the same about you.

she’s breathtaking. he said quietly to himself.

you got announced and as you guys walked down the applause was non-stop.

you saw laurel and susannah waving at you from the table as well as conrad and jere.

you smiled so big your face was hurting.

as the night went on you had the best time.

now it was afterward when you were getting dressed back into your clothes and getting ready to head home.

you were packing up your bag when you heard a knock on the dressing room door.

you turn to see who it is and steven walks in.

“hi.” he said shyly.

you smiled. “hi! thank you so much for escorting me.”

he nodded and looked around the room before making eye contact with you again. he was biting his lip nervously and fiddling with his fingers.

“you okay?” you asked walking closer to him.

he was about to speak but he paused.

“steven…what’s wrong?” you said worriedly. he was acting strange.

“im going to do something but feel free to stop me.” he said and before you could think of what to say his lips were on yours.

his hands grabbed your face pulling you for a kiss.

your stomach exploded so the fire works.

he was kissing you. you didn’t know what to do. all you knew was that you had to start kissing back, so you did.

you molded his lips with his moving them along with each other.

you felt him smile and pull him closer but you felt him pull away leaving you wanting more.

“i wanted to do that for so long y/n. i’m sorry i didn’t realize my feelings sooner.” he whispered.

“im sorry i kept friend-zoning you.” you admitted.

“i forgive you. you forgive me?” he cheekily grinds.

you roll your eyes and smile. “sure why not.” you giggle connecting your lips in a chaste kiss.

[heavyhitterheaux]

Cramps and Cuddles

First Lady of Private Garden Fic

AN: Jack will do anything for his girlfriend including dealing with her mood swings 🤣😂

Synopsis: Jack is trying to think of anything and everything in order to make you feel better while it's that time of the month

Pairing: Baby!Jack Harlow x Baby!Reader

Requested by: an amazing anon 😘

Please Do Not Repost My Content Anywhere

It was the middle of July and since it was summer time you and Jack were attached at the hip more so than when the two of you had school with the rest of PG.

Your parents were at work while your older sister Danielle was spending the entire week with her boyfriend in Hawaii.

That left Jack to fend for himself when it came to your mood swings from being on your period.

Those few days were always literal hell and the rest of PG would stay as far away as possible from you.

Even Urban.

But Jack always being concerned about his baby girl would suck it up.

Your period only lasted for three days anyway. 

You were currently laying on Jack's chest in your room as he was massaging your lower stomach in order to help give you some relief.

He put on your favorite Disney movies

He brought you your favorite snacks

He gave you a massage on your lower back

And you still felt like shit

"My boobs are so fucking sore!"

"I can massage those too if you want."

You simply looked up at him and all he did was shrug.

"What?"

"If you so much as look at them, I will bite you."

"What!?! Babe!"

"I'm serious Jackman. And I am so horny like got damn I hate this shit."

"I can take care of that Saturday so just two more days since it usually lasts three."

"Look at my baby paying attention to detail about me."

"Of course I do."

"Hmm, then why did you show up this morning with no doritos!?!?"

"Uhh…."

"Well!?"

"I'll text Urb to bring you some."

"Urban doesn't want to be within 100 feet of me."

"He'll do it for his best friend."

Jack- Urb! Bring my baby some doritos. The spicy nacho kind.

Urb- Fuck no. You on your own my boy. I am NOT coming anywhere near her.

Jack- She’s going to kill me if you don't 😫

Urb- And how did you even forget them!? She got the same routine every month. One she wants to kill us and two wants her snacks and three wants cuddles from her boyfriend. The shit is not hard!

Jack- She'll beat the shit outta me if I move. She's laying on me now.

Urb- Give me 20 minutes 🙄

"He's coming mamas."

"That's surprising."

"You need to eat fruit too. You have been eating literal shit all day."

"No I haven't! And ew I don't want any!"

"Let's pull receipts shall we? Tasty Cake krimpets, gummy bears, oatmeal cream pies, frozen yogurt, a huge ass slice of chocolate cake and six donuts."

"What's your point?"

"Baby! You cannot do that!"

"I can do what I want, Jackman!"

"You are to stay here and I'm getting you some fruit."

"Just because you get it doesn't mean I have to eat it." You said while crossing your arms and pouting since Jack moved you from his embrace.

"Y/N!"

"What? What I do?"

"Like I said I'll be back."

Jack went downstairs into the kitchen to see what he could find for you to snack on when he got the bright idea of texting his mom for help.

Jack- HELPPPPP

Maggie- What's wrong?!

Jack- Y/N is on her period and she's miserable. Idk what to do to help her. I'm just over here trying not to be killed.

Maggie- Awww! So get her healthy snacks, nothing extremely sweet or extremely salty, get her a heating pad for her back and lower stomach, and get her Midol to help with her cramps. Tell her I hope she feels better. 

Jack- If you don't hear from me, I've crossed over to the other side

Maggie- Go do what I told you and stop being so dramatic 🙄 

Jack- Yes ma'am 

Jack found some cherries in the bottom drawer of the refrigerator which he knew was your favorite fruit (that video still has me in SHAMBLES).

He also found grapes, he made you celery with peanut butter on top, and got you some popcorn which was lightly salted so you had options to choose from.

He texted Urban to get the medicine for you too along with some dark chocolate.

He had read somewhere that it could help and at this point he was willing to try anything.

Just then there was a knock on the door and he assumed it was Urban.

He opened the door to see him and he simply handed him the bag.

"JACKKKKK!"

"Andddd that's my cue to leave. Good luck."  Urban said before turning around and heading towards his car.

"So, you just about to let me get killed!?!"

"Shit, hell yeah better you than me."

Jack immediately rolled his eyes before closing the door and bringing everything upstairs to your room with him. 

He walked back in to see you sprawled out on the bed and watching Beauty and the Beast.

"Here mamas, sit up."

You did as you were told and he simply handed you the plate with your snacks on it and the bag of popcorn.

"Jackkkkkk, I don't want fruit!"

"Baby! Eat it! Super salty and super sweet foods only make your cramps worse. And Urb got you some medicine, here." 

You also saw how there were doritos in the bag and quickly tried to grab them, but Jack smacked your hand away.

"Y/N! No!"

"Fine." You muttered defeated as Jack plugged in the heating pad and set it on your stomach as you were munching.

He also handed you a bottle of water which made you turn up your nose.

"Drink it, mamas."

"You are literally the best boyfriend but you get on my nerves."

"I'm going to ignore that last part because I know that's your period talking." 

You had finally finished your food and you went right back to laying on Jack and he cuddled you closer to him while kissing your forehead.

"Here babe. I got dark chocolate for you too. I read somewhere that it helps." 

You looked at Jack after looking down at the candy and simply smirked.

"You should know better than that."

"Huh?"

"I want the white chocolate that is your dick. Take your shorts off."

"BABY!"

"What!?! Think of it as a thank you for all you did for me today. Let me suck your dick." 

"But…."

"Like you said, I'll get mine on Saturday. Take them off NOW."

Taglist:

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[xleeleeboox]

gareth headcannons :)

Idk i dont think there are any warnings really, gn!reader, eddie steals something, a lot of fluffy stuff and random stuff please tell me how to spell headcannon thanks PLEASE read my note at the end too :) 

815 words 

I fully agree with the headcannon of his having anger issues, but he can control it much better now in his later years of highschool since I believe he uses his drums as an outlet

I also headcannon (is it two n’s or one?? Is there a space??) that he has sisters, but one older and one younger

Spends time with the little sister much more often and fights with the older one

Has both parents but the dad is literally always gone working and mom is just always somewhere in the house or out

I think Gareth gets flustered easily

I also think he cries more than any of the other boys in hellfire 

Like he’s not gonna cry at just anything but if something hurts, he’s gonna cry, when this happens he just wants to hide his face because he thinks that it’s embarrassing

Calls you over when he is having a bad day just so he can bury his head somewhere on your body, your neck, shoulder, chest, back, stomach, thighs, oh god the thighs make him stop crying every single time

You will be sitting on the edge of his bed or smth and he pushes your knees together and then buries his head there, sure he can’t breath but that’s what helps slow it down right lol

Would get a bumper sticker that says “thick thighs saves lives” but never puts it anywhere

Eddie finds it and puts it on Gareth’s car, or takes it for his own van

Probably has a few pins on his cut off flannel that eddie got for him as a gift 

He didn’t buy them he stole them but Gareth doesn’t know that

Gareth likes all kinds of music and slow dances to 60’s love songs with you in his kitchen at night

One day his family was out to dinner and a movie and Gareth wanted you over, his parents said yes, but they haven’t met you yet and when his family came home you two were dancing in the kitchen, holding each other with your foreheads against each other smiling with your eyes closed and his mom looked into the window from afar seeing you two, back handed his dad on the chest and said “hun look, i think we gotta meet this person” 

Gareth is so in love with you and will show it he does not care

He pulls you onto his lap all the time

You cling onto his forearm and upper arm aaallllll the time and he is such a sucker, he literally melts especially if you are at the lunch table tired and gripping on his arm while laying your head on his shoulder, he moves to tangle his fingers with yours and kisses the top of your head

The rest of the table makes grossed out noises and you just smile with your eyes closed 

Anything you do that shows you are comfortable with him he melts

Sing around him please even if you can’t sing well, he’s still gonna think that it was good because you are literally perfect in his eyes

I feel like Gareth got some connection with hippies, either his mom/dad is one, or you are, oh if you are a hippie or have that style just know that he planned your wedding already

Probably has baby names picked out already because he does want kids and he does want to get married, but only if it is you

Probably slept with a nightlight for the longest time and is still lowkey creeped out by the dark (same bby)

When you spend the night and need something that’s not already in his room, he will go walking through the rest of the dark house just for you 

Tries not to look into the darkness because he’s convinced he will see something 

Every time you come over or hang out with Gareth, you pull through a drive through for some fast food and a Dr. Pepper because yes i do firmly believe he loves Dr. Pepper

He likes cream soda, cherry and grape flavored candy,

hates lemon scented cleaning products because his mom always disinfected everything with it when he or his sisters were sick, not fun times,

Doesn’t like watermelon :/ 

Broken his arm and had a red and black cast, he insisted on the two colors rather than just the one, cried when they had to saw it off like they do with casts, kept it in his closet and has like two signatures on it, he was 11 probably 

Does not sing in the shower, a psychopath 

He only kind of likes scary movies, if they are actually good, does not like comedy movies, but likes action and adventure and all that 

He would be a fan of marvel i know it

Uses pens but carries pencils just in case 

—------------

Let me know if you want more because im sure i have tons more random headcannons on gareth, do we want other characters? Hmu and let me know who you want headcannons like this for, will do

Steve

Robin

Nancy 

Eddie

Mike

Lucas 

Will

Jonathan 

Argyle

Dustin 

Max 

El 

Hellfire as a group

[doevademe]

heart successfully healed 💖 I can only imagine poor Nico's turmoil then relief at Percy remembering him 😊 also when u said Percy remembering doing something when Nico bited his lip, do you mean Percy used to bite Nico's lip??????? 🙈 can you drabble their reunion after Percy gets his memories back? Please?

[First part]

Percy helped Nico up as he took him on board the Argo II. The boy was barely conscious, but insisted on giving them the information they needed to close the Doors of Death.

Percy couldn't help but admire his boyfriend's dedication.

"You need rest," Hazel admonished. She got closer to them to take Nico. "Come on, you can use my bed."

"No," Percy said tersely. Hazel raised an eyebrow. "I'll take him. He does owe me a talk."

"Percy, you can't expect him to—!"

"It's fine, Hazel," Nico said. "I want to go with him."

Hazel looked troubled, but nodded. Percy lifted Nico up bridal style (he was so much lighter than he remembered) making him shout in protest.

"Suck it up, you actually love it," he whispered in his ear. If he was healthier, he would have blushed much more vividly.

Percy felt a hole in his chest.

"Does Hazel... do they know?" Nico asked quietly once they were a safe distance away.

"I've got all my memories back," he said instead of answering. "Do you really think I would out you?"

Back before he disappeared, only their closest friends knew they were dating (and maybe the gods, but they were irrelevant). Nico was just not ready to tell the world, and Percy respected that.

"Sorry," Nico apologized. "Hazel is from the past too and I... I don't know how she would take it."

"She's your sister, she loves you," Percy said gently. "You might be surprised."

She hadn't freaked out when Percy had mentioned kissing a boy in passing.

"Still I... why did we stop?" Nico asked, looking at their surroundings.

"Oh, that. Yeah, my cabin door is this one, and my arms..." he gestured at Nico, still being carried, and then at the closed door. Nico rolled his eyes and opened it for him. "Thanks. Hey—"

"If you make any reference to marriage or me being a bride I'll throw you over board," Nico said, making Percy chuckle. He had gotten quite good at anticipating his jokes. Nico got oddly quiet after he laid him down on the bed.

"Nico?"

"What did you want to talk about?" Nico said softly. "Are you mad at me?"

"Why would I be mad?" Percy asked, eyes wide. "I mean, I'm pretty miffed at you going off and almost dying on me, but mad? That's a bit much."

"Back in New Rome," he explained. "I evaded your questions, I didn't tell you about us. Hades, I didn't even tell you about your mom!"

"Could you?" Percy asked as he caressed his face. "What would have happened if you did? I doubt Juno would have let that pass. She already doesn't like you much."

Nico played with his skull ring.

"I still should have tried, at least," he mumbled. "I'm a terrible boyfriend."

"Nico—"

"I am! I'm terrified of people knowing about us, our first date was at a fast food place. I can't even hold your hand in public if someone is looking!" Nico fell on the bed, exhausted. Percy rushed to his side. It looked like he could shatter like glass at any moment. "This is just the cherry on top of the bad boyfriend sunday."

"Nico, you're the best thing that's ever happened to me," Percy said, carding his fingers through his boyfriend's hair. "So you got traumas and issues, welcome to the club! A relationship is all about taking the bad with the good. And believe me, there's a lot of good that comes with dating you."

"But that doesn't mean I shouldn't work on the bad," he insisted.

"Working and wallowing in it isn't the same thing," Percy said. "Baby steps, okay? Annabeth and Grover know, my mom knows. The important people know, that's enough."

"Not all the important people," he mumbled. He was getting sleepy. "The ship crew... they are becoming important to you, right?"

Percy nodded.

"You can only get into so much danger with the same people and not grow a little close," he joked. Nico smiled. "Want to tell them?"

"Hazel first," he said. "Then the others. Not now but... when I'm stronger."

Percy felt a feeling of pride surging in his chest. He leaned down and kissed Nico.

"If you really want to," he said.

A crumbling sound was heard below the ship. Percy and Nico both stood, swords at the ready.

"A hole just opened up in the middle of Rome!" Coach Hedge's voice sounded from the hallway. "A battle is about to start!"

"Annabeth!" Percy gasped. At Nico's confused look, he explained, "she went after the Mark of Athena, alone!"

Nico nodded. He still looked exhausted, but there was that fire in his eyes that Percy loved.

"Let's go help her, then."

[minimallyminnie]

My Twst Oc!!! Skip if you don’t want to read ^^. He’s a little bitch, but I love him <33 Hope @ryker-writes doesn’t mind me using their format for my character! I just didn’t know how to format it—

You can ask questions abt him if you’d like!

His hair is dark brown and he has a strand of hair on top of his head that fades to black because of a hair dye incident with his big sister when he was younger. Purple eyes that have really heavy eye bags underneath and he wears silver glasses too.

Name: Fuyuki Amamiya

Personality: Calm, observant, reserved, flexible, hardworking, reliable, stoic, flirty (you’ll know why and how), vulgar, too tired to take crap from people anymore

How others describe him: Strange, magic-less creature, too blunt and serious, inactive, sluggish

Hobbies: playing games, sleeping, sleeping, more sleeping, working a side job at Sam’s, trying out Maestro Cafe’s newer drinks

Height: 175 cm (about 5’9)

Age: 16

Birthday: November 11th (Scorpio)

Dominant hand: Right

Pet peeves: Crowley, Grim getting both of them in trouble, someone bothering him during his naps, milk first before cereal

Favorite food: Tart Cherries

Least favorite food: Coffee.

Dorm: Ramshackle (Housewarden of Ramshackle technically.)

Grade/Class: First year transfer/Class 1-A

Best subject: Alchemy (He tells his partner to read it out for him so he can pour the pretty colored liquids in.)

Club: Pop music club!

Talent: Adapting quickly, resourcefulness, and observant

Unique magic: None

Lore:

Meet the boy who had a life crushing experience as a child

Fuyuki was born deaf with a disorder causing him to never get enough sleep. Making him very tired all the time

His parents…

His mother was like Riddle’s mom two times worse (think of how Gothel was)

Narcissistic mother who cared about her appearance no matter what she had to do

Constantly watching what her children ate, only giving them food that had less than what they needed and picking out every one of their actions

She didn’t even believe the doctors when they said he had a sleeping disorder, just chalked to up to them trying to make her look bad

Comparing his sister to him all the time, always in her shadow despite him trying his best

Anytime he would try to talk back, a hard slap would be against his face or she would gaslight him into believing she’s right not him

Got to the point where he believed everything bad was his fault

He needed to be absolutely perfect for her to be a good looking parent

His father didn’t care about him being perfect but he did care about being useful

Any time he would catch Fuyuki sleeping or dozing off on accident, he’d shake him and start yelling about how he’s never going to be a proper and useful person

And alas, he grew up with the unhealthy obsession with being perfect and being useful

Until one day, his sister had enough. Once she was 18, she took him while their parents were away in the night and never came back.

Originally, his sister and him had different names but after running away, they both changed their full names

The unfortunate hair dye incident that occurred made a small part of Fuyuki’s hair black and it never washed off so he decided to just leave it on his head

Becoming closer with his sister, he began to see a whole new world outside of what his parents showed. His sister worked and he worked a small job in a convenience store restocking. They were pretty happy trying something new each month with what they could afford

He gets to sleep when he wants to, he finally got diagnosed, he’s not being yelled at or compared to

Even at his new school, he made two friends who he got close to!

He was happy with the life he had with his sister.

…until that night where a strange black creature with blue flames run across his room.

[thatoneblackficwriter]

Hard bargain.

A certain Sinclair sister has to take her brother home but her conversation is interrupted by an infatuated Eddie

warnings: none I guess

YOU AND LUCAS always had a mutual understanding that he could take care of himself on that rusted scrap metal he called a bike so it was a shock to him that you were bringing up a topic like this at lunch.

“Yeah I don’t really wanna keep you from whatever this cult is” you grimaced as you motioned to his friends all mostly wearing the same shirts “but mom says I have to drive you home after school.”

“But I rode my bike here” Lucas always had a way of making you think harder than you needed to.

“I don’t know we’ll put it in the truck or something” you shrugged this whole interaction was far to much and it didn’t help that you were stood at their table for far to long.

Your chat with your brother didn’t go unnoticed by Eddie. Once he saw you his jaw slacked he had never seen a girl as beautiful as yourself. He wanted to speak to you so he waited for the right time to interject. “If I may fair maiden,” who was this mullet wearing weirdo and why was he speaking in DND to you right now? “I could keep Lucas’s bike in my safe hands so when he returns to school it will be in it’s best condition.”

“Really you’d do that” Lucas gawked at the man

Eddie sent him glare almost as if he didn’t want Lucas talking to him while he was in the mist of wooing his sister.

“I guess it’s fine by me if it’s fine by Lucas” you looked down to your brother as did Eddie Lucas said nothing as he nodded in agreement “well I guess it’s settled thank you…”

“Eddie.”

“As in ‘the freak’ Munson?” “Among many other things” he smiled. You didn’t know how you felt about holding out a conversation with him for so long but his banter just kept flowing and you seriously didn’t know how to stop it, an off button maybe?

“Tell me Sinclair maiden why haven’t I seen you around before?”

Lucas looked to his friends in confusion them shrugging as they watched their cult leader display an unbeknownst affection toward you.

“We have like three classes together” you deadpanned it wasn’t uncommon for you to not be noticed it wasn’t like you didn’t try you hardest to be invisible.

“Ah, yes ‘Cherry bomb’ by ‘the runaways’ was it?” Eddie recalled. Of course he was referring to the time he got you busted by stating that you were so obviously listening to music and no students of such experience should be punished to listen to the teacher drone on and on.

“I’m sorry why are we talking about my music taste?” you were confused how your conversation with your brother jumped from one with his DND master.

“Well something so good should be shared with the world” he yelled theatrically. You were quick to pull his hands back down to his sides and put a finger against his mouth.

People around the lunch room stood with confused stares and you wanted more than ever to just crawl in a whole and die.

pushing your glasses up you looked behind the presumed Atheist “I’ll see you after school” you nodded to your brother.

“And I will see you tomorrow when I bring your brother’s bike back in tip-top shape” Eddie now stood above Lucas holding his shoulders with a widened smile.

“Oh how will I ever repay you” you rolled your eyes sarcastically. Eddie seemed to not pick up on any of it as he looked down at you.

“Tutor me” he blurted out. Eddie didn’t actually want you to tutor him he just wanted to get you alone knowing that would be the best way for you to see he wasn’t some devil worshiping creep.

You let out a thoughtful huff, you’d be lying if you said this whole conversation didn’t intrigue you and hey, you had nothing better else to do.

“Fine, tomorrow after school” with that you walked away leaving Eddie to celebrate his victory ignoring your brothers slacked jaw and wide eyes.

Eddie Munson drove a hard bargain.

[nwhk]

Fare thee well, 2023

Aaah..

Yeah exactly. That's the first thing I said out loud when I tried to think about 2023 in retrospect

Can you believe that it's only a few days until 2024? I have not even finished processing half of 2023 let alone entering a new year..

Honestly I have no idea how I dealt with this year - mostly giving myself the peptalk cause girl can't depend on no one for that. You gotta kick your own ass, sometimes. I lied. It's most of the time.

Because truth be told, it's you against yourself 90% of the time. You can't choose the environment nor the situation you're in but you can, at least, control the way you react to it. (Trust me, in my head, I've been on rampages a few times)

Looking back on 2023, it was a roller coaster. Emotionally. Physically. Mentally. Hold on, scratch that. It felt like being thrown in a fucking washing machine and being told not to scream - but eventually seeing light in the end

Yeah. Exactly like that.

I feel like I was thrown in situations so uncomfortable that I didn't get to tell that it was uncomfortable - it was more like God throwing stuff at me and told me to deal with it - and I did.

See, that's the thing. I never thought I had it in me to handle all of those things thrown at me. I used to think, nah that's not gonna happen to me. I used to think I GET to choose, but the universe said otherwise, obviously.

I lost a friend this year to Cancer. We used to be so close but my God, it was really a wake up call how fragile life is. How short life is! May Allah rest her soul amongst the beloved – really puts into perspective the things that we think are important in this life

I also lost a friendship that I really valued and tried so hard to keep this year. But I guess, one can only get hurt so much, so this one had to bite the dust. I'll cherish all the memories, for sure, but I believe wholeheartedly that we would be better off out of each others' lives and I wish her all the best

.

.

On a positive note, I went on two vacations this year - Kuching in July and KL & Penang in December. Where did I get the money with all the expenses on my car that I had to pay for this year? hahaha God indeed works in mysterious ways

and when they say people show their true colours when you live or travel with them, it is so true and I learned a lot in that regard and it did build my patience and get my mind blocking game strong

and as a cherry on top, my sister decided to give birth while I was away. Sister of the year goes to....? Yours truly. I have a new nephew ya'll and it is such a lovely addition to our family and even more lovely way to end the year - baby screams. I'm kidding. He's a good boy.

I don't know, but I feel like my mind went through a lot of shifts and lots of tweaking here and there throughout this year. I definitely learned a lot and it has definitely helped shape my character. Have I transformed into a better person? Not really. I really do feel like I am still a work in progress and I have gotten better in some areas more than the others, and other parts I feel, I have not started on or even identify them yet.. maybe I will next year?

I also learn that having people who love you and accept you as you are is hugely underrated - you need it and it makes this whole life journey more bearable. Those who feel your joy and your pain - those count, and I wish everybody has at least this one person in their lives.

Watching my parents grow old was really the highlight of this year, I feel. They played a major part in opening my eyes this year. I have taken for granted a lot of things - the way I would get mad how my mom would bang my door to call me for dinner every night - I don't get to experience that anymore. Mom can barely walk let alone walk to my door. A lot of things. How the tables have turned. How they have become so dependent on me now

Now I'm the one who has to call for dinner - to bring dinner to them. To worry if they have anything to eat while I'm away for work etc. I'm less worried now because my sister's home at least for a few months

There were moments where I caught myself wishing to turn back the hands of time. Wishing for this and for that but only to realise that all I have is now and for me to make it count and with all thats going on in my life, I am afraid to lose sight of this in the midst of all the chaos. It can easily be the most difficult thing in the world

I have no idea what 2024 is going to entail but I am trying to make sure that I enter the new year with a positive mindset. The grateful, blessed mindset with a new outlook on life. Wish I knew years ago that this is what growing up is. I used to always believe that life was like a tug of war where you have to fight to win and so I lived life on survival mode mostly. When I was told to relax and take life as it is, I panicked - in my mind that if I let go just a little bit, life will come crashing down

Now I am slowly accepting that I am just living life as it was written. Life will give to you naturally and all you have to do is navigate and make good decisions and most importantly, have a good heart and good intentions with you all the time. I believe God knows and acknowledges all that we do

What will be, will be - and so it is.

Happy New Year 2024, everybody!

This ship is only sailing towards the Northern Star

Note: I began writing this post a probably a week before 31st

[sailorwritesstuff]

Do you have any specific Pepa and Felix headcanons? I would cry

not a lot but i have a few! i hope you like them <3 (Also if you spot any mistakes let me know I'm not wearing my glasses so I can't see very well)

Ive said this before but the two of them LOVE to dance together. To any music they can find

They got married in the spring because it's Pepa's favorite season and Felix wanted to make her happy

They give off big Morticia and Gomez Addams vibes! Papa has a more closed off way of showing her romantic affections and Felix is very over the top and sincere. (If they were to celebrate Halloween they would definitely go as those two)

I think that they met at a festival (kind of like how we see Alma and Pedro in her flashback scene)

Pepa wore Felix's moms wedding vail. She wanted to wear the dress but she was too tall and she didn't want to make alterations so she bought her own dress and wore the veil because Felix only has brothers. And his mom always wanted a daughter to wear her dress at her wedding.

The two of them go on dates very often usually just small things like picnics or walks by the river

They place bets on all of the genders of their babies. Felix won 2-1

the two of them sometimes will pretend to still be asleep so that they can spend a little more time cuddling in the morning

sometimes Felix will randomly pick Pepa up over his shoulder and they'll both laugh even though she's trying to pretend she's not enjoying going.

of course we know Felix calls Pepa Mi vida (my life, probably short for love of my life) but Pepa calls Girasol (sunflower) when she's in a particularly good mood because on their first date he nervously brought her a single sunflower.

after wedding Peppa was so nervous that she forgot vows and ended up asking "so how about this weather?" Felix just stared at her and she thought for sure that he couldn't handle the chaos and was going to leave and call if the wedding until he smiled and just laughed. He laughs so hard he could barely make it through his own vows.

The two of them we're only going to have two kids Antonio was a surprise

Pepa sometimes uses his head as an armrest because she's taller than him.

whenever Pepa gets pouty Felix will teasingly pout back at her to make her laugh.

he always makes sure she and the kids eat before he does. Something he learned that men should do from his mother.

One time after Camilo was born Pepa tried on her old wedding dress to see if it'd fit and Felix was ecstatic (he was handsy for days.)

The two of them sit together and Pepa reads out loud while he like listens.

Felix laughs when Pepa stills Camilo's shoes because theyre more comfortable and one day he bought them matching pairs so she'd stop still their sons.

they dance in their room to old records whenever they've got the time.

when Antonio was born the two of them spoiled him rotten cuz he didn't think they were going to have another kid

they'll go to sleep cuddling each other every night

some nights they'll wake up with one or more of their three children sandwiched between them for some reason and they stare at each other and try not to laugh

One time they fell asleep under the stars before they got married and Julieta found them and shu'd Felix away with a broom. Pepa was so flustered that her sister caught her with a boy that she couldn't look her in the eyes for 2 days.

They have tea together every once in a while and Pepa's nose always crinkles in distaste because Felix puts so much sugar and milk in his tea. It drives her insane!

Pepa has been wearing cherry flavored chapstick since they met because she knows that it's Felix's favorite

Felix does her braid every morning! and every morning she tell him what a good job he did. Even on mornings where he does a Little bit not as good.

they've done the same thing for their wedding anniversary every year since they got married. get each other a sunflower and a drink and go play in the lake. They never tell anybody where they're going It's kind of just their little secret But every year they come home with two sunflowers in their hands and two empty bottles.

[mitch-the-simp]

The Only Teenage Bitch Worth My Time (Jotaro x Sister!Reader)

(I literally wrote this for my English final exam- But obviously modified and without cursing.)

(Y/n) had always been the star child; not one instance in her life had her intellectual potential been questioned by anyone in her family. Alas, this was one of those moments in which she felt like she didn't deserve to be the gifted child of the Joestar family.

Her brother, Jotaro, was as clever and quick-thinking as her, yet he was treated as intellectually challenged because of his demeanor. He was a rude teenager in his junior year that simply walked around acting like he didn't care about anything. He could walk into a restaurant and if he didn't like the food, he would refuse to pay no matter what. If you were to ask him for his opinion on how you looked, if he didn't like it, he would tell you his opinion straight up. No sugar coating, no nice little words; a simple "You look stupid." would suffice. Not to mention he didn't seem to respect his mother.

(Y/n) tried her best to appease her adoptive mother, Holly. But Jotaro? Oh, he didn't care about respect. He would talk back to her, go out and leave her to worry until he returned hours after his curfew. Yet, for some reason, their mother never scolded him. It was like she didn't even care about all that. She would let anything slide so easily. It baffled her to an impossible extent.

Yet, she knew there was more to him than that. (Y/n) seemed to be the only person he actually cared to talk to. She found it odd at first but eventually stopped asking herself why.

Jotaro would tell her about how annoying it is to walk to school and instantly be swarmed by his annoying fangirls. And with all honesty, (Y/n) felt the same way when she saw all those girls literally push her away from walking with her brother to school.

It wasn't soon until (Y/n) picked up a few delinquent habits from Jotaro, though. They were walking down the pavement as (Y/n) spoke to Jotaro, "Hey, you think I'm gonna do good in that science fair? The top prize is 148000¥!". In her hands, he held her science fair project. A small homemade printer she had been working on for months.

"You're pretty smart, I think you'll give those other nerds something to be scared about," Jotaro mumbled.

"You think you can help me set it up in the gym?" She asked smiling at him softly.

And just before he could respond, the stampede of girls ran towards them. They pushed around to be able to bother Jotaro. And when they did, one of them pushed (Y/n) out of the way, causing her to drop her project.

And that's when it happened. She balled up her fists in anger and punched the girl in the face.

Jotaro looked at her, taken aback by his sister's actions. Then he chuckled, pulled the brim of his black hat down to his face, and mumbled a proud, "Good grief." With that, he continued walking. Leaving (Y/n) alone to be caught and sent to detention, which eventually led to her being suspended for a week.

So that was exactly why she was sitting in the middle of her living room right now.

"Why'd it have to be today of all days..." she thought to herself. The reason being that her father, Sadao, came back from his Jazz tour that same day to go support her in the Science fair.

She looked around, wondering if there was anything she could do while she waited. Eventually, she decided to change out of her school uniform. Making her way to her room and changing her Japanese uniform with something that accommodated more to her Italian fashion desires.

She fixed her (H/c) hair and adjusted her (F/c) dress. Though, just as she was sliding on her boots, she heard a car in the driveway.

"Oh shoot-" she exclaimed, running out into the living room. She knew darn well that her mom had already informed her dad of her suspension. So playing it off was no option.

Her father stepped out of the car and hugged her mom. As soon as he saw him walk towards the house, she knew she was fucked.

"(Y/n), I would like to have a word with you young lady," he announced, not wasting a single second after entering through the front door.

"Yes sir." She gulped. She slowly walked towards him, already regretting what she had done earlier that day.

Her father sat down on the couch and patted the space next to him, signaling her to sit down. Once she did as instructed, her father sighed.

"(Y/n), your mother informed me of what happened in school today. Why did you do that?" he asked calmly.

(Y/n) grew nervous. She was too scared to lie to him, but would he be mad at the truth? She just knew he would, but she honestly had no choice, did she?

"I... I just hate it when all those girls crowd around Jotaro. He doesn't even want all that attention! But you know what just infuriated me?! They are constantly pushing through me to get to him! They made me drop my project! And- and you know what's worse?! I CAN'T EVEN ENJOY A SMALL WALK WITH MY OWN BROTHER! And I just thought, 'Ok, what would Jotaro do if he was as mad as I am?' And well... I don't want to excuse my actions... but it just... happened." She ranted, her voice trailing off at the end.

"I see, you were angry about a situation you constantly find yourself feeling helpless in, so you decided to strike at it as you've seen Jotaro do when he's in a problem." He spoke, attempting to understand what she meant.

"Well... he only reacts like that when someone makes him mad, so yes." She mumbled back.

"See, sweetheart, the past few years, I've seen that Jotaro looked at you as too perfect to even try to be like you. And now I see that in your own way, you see Jotaro as stronger than you. Perhaps more courageous? You have found a hidden nobility inside of him. A resilience that he doesn't even show us. And I know you admire it so much, that you wish you had the capability to be as carefree and careless as he is." Sadao commented.

"I... I guess you're right." (Y/n) admitted.

"Whether you see it or not, you two make a great duo because you're what the other wished they were. I'm not saying it wasn't wrong that you punched that girl in the face, but I'm saying that you should try to channel that newfound courage into... less violent things." He suggested.

"Just go where destiny guides you my cherry blossom," Holly added as she walked by them on her way to the kitchen.

"I'll take this as permission to be mean to people, verbally."

"Take it as you will, just don't get yourself into any more trouble, ok kid?" He clarified.

"Yes sir!" She cheered.

Sadao got up from the couch, he was about to leave the living room, when he stopped in his tracks and turned to see his daughter once again, "Oh and (Y/n)."

"Yes, Papa?"

"You're grounded."

"Awww! What about the science fair?" She asked.

"Well, you have a project to fix." He reassured her, letting her know he was still going to take her.

"Can I at least pick Jotaro up from school?"  You asked.

"Yes, but remember the conversation we had, (Y/n)." He responded as he walked into the kitchen. 

(Y/n) nodded at him, as she walked outside and laid on the grass. As she looked at the clouds. She really wished Jotaro had come to get her out of detention. Or had at least snuck her out of school for one of his smoking sessions before she got caught. Obviously, (Y/n) herself didn't smoke, so she really was just gonna sit there and maybe even snack on something while they both had a sensible conversation. 

That's where she got an idea: Jotaro was probably skipping class to smoke right now, and she had nothing to do, so she thought sneaking out of the house to hang out with him wasn't a bad idea. So she went back into the house and walked into the kitchen where her parents were talking to each other.

"Hey mom, dad, I think I'm gonna go take a nap until Jotaro is out of school." She announced.

"Alright honey, just let me know If you want anything, ok?" Holly smiled as she kissed her cheek.

(Y/n) went into her room and got a small backpack full of snacks. Slowly, she opened the door back up and ran out into the yard and out of the house's territory. Then she ran towards the school.

Once she got there, she looked around for Jotaro. As always, she found him sitting on the bleachers, cigarette in hand and black hat covering his eyes. (Y/n) made her way towards him, climbing up the bleachers and sitting next to him on the top seats.

He slowly turned to her, and chuckled, "Weren't you in detention?" 

"I was suspended you jackass." She responded.

"Oh, well that sounds bad for your permanent record," he spoke softly, taking a puff of his cigarette.

"Yeah... it was worth it though, those bitches have been getting on my nerves for some time now." She shrugged, taking a bag of chips out of her backpack.

"Really? Is it because they always push you around," he asked casually.

"Well, that's part of the issue... but mostly it's because I hate how they just won't leave you alone. It's like every hint you throw at them completely misses them! I mean, you literally call them bitches in their stupid faces!" (Y/n) complained.

"Yeah, it's pretty damn annoying..." he mumbled softly. 

He didn't want to actually thank her for getting him out of that situation; it would ruin the careless delinquent image he'd worked so hard to build. But he saw his sister's sweet gesture as the only reason why she was the only teenage bitch worth his time.

And even though he didn't say it, (Y/n) knew damn well that he was thanking her from the bottom of his heart with that response. 

"So, you want to help me fix my printer before the fair? I promise I'll let you use it." (Y/n) asked.

"Sure, it starts at 10, doesn't it?" 

"Yeah, I'm sure that if you help me we can get it done by 9:30." She spoke.

"But you have to tell me what to do, or else I'll probably fuck it up," he responded.

"Don't worry, I'll tell you, little Joot!" (Y/n) said as she pulled down his hat.

"Don't call me that you bitch." He turned away, hiding the embarrassed blush on his face.

"Come on little bro..." She pouted playfully.

Jotaro sighed, "I'm not your little bro. I was here first, you bitch." he grunted.

"Yeah, but I'm still older than you by one year." 

"Yeah, I'm pretty fucking sure that doesn't count." He rolled his eyes.

"Uh- I'm pretty sure that it does. Age is what determines who's the oldest sibling, dumbass." She said, matter-of-factly. 

"I still refuse to accept it." He grunted in annoyance

"Fine... suit yourself... little Joot.~" (Y/n) chuckled.

She wouldn't change what they had for anything in the world, and she knew Jotaro thought the same thing. Even if he didn't really tell her.

[lumosinlove]

Between Fifth And You

AO3

chapter two

~

It’s Saturday night for Manhattan’s elite, and we know what that means. The Noble House of Black beckons, and one particularly family seems to be a little behind on preparations—at least, their youngest son is.

Spotted—Logan Tremblay, looking hot in nothing but basketball shorts. Better soak up that fading blue August heat while you can, Lo. Or are you more interested in something a little more…fiery? But in the LES? Why so far from home, Dorothy? Eye color isn’t the only thing green about the Tremblay family. And they have a bad habit of sorting everything out with a little help from Ben Franklin.

“Shoot, shoot!”

Logan pivoted on his heel and was able to toss the ball around his opponent’s shoulder. He only caught a glimpse of red hair as Finn caught it with ease and jumped it up to the rim.

Finn O’Hara. One of these days Logan was going to step on his own shoes watching Finn O’Hara. His pale chest looked like sugar dusting, his exertion-red cheeks the goddamn cherry.

“Point moo-oi!” Finn shouted, slapping Will Morgan and Percy Marshall on their bare backs. “That’s how you say it, right, Tremblay?”

Logan feigned a shudder. “Non.”

“Shorty’s got game,” Will laughed, sweat dripping down his dark brown skin, darkening the leather bracelets he wore.

Percy shook his head, swallowing over a caught-breath, his silver Star of David swinging at his throat. “Shorty must be cheating with his Upper Side shoes.”

Logan just narrowed his eyes and laughed, pushing his hair out of his eyes. “You’re just tall. Doesn’t mean you’re good.”

“Yeah, yeah, Mazel tov, you fucker.”

“I’m finally winning,” Finn grinned. “And now I gotta get back to the shop. I said be back in five…pretty sure it’s been fifty-five.”

Logan swallowed. “I’ll—I’ll walk you.”

Percy slapped him on the back as they left, and Finn held the cage door of the basketball court open for him.

“So, you’re back at school?” Finn asked as he pulled his shirt on. Logan nodded, following suit, picking at the neck where it stuck to his sweaty skin.

“Yeah,” Logan nodded. “I’m supposed to be getting fitted for a suit right now.”

Finn snorted. “What does that have to do with school?”

“Oh,” the corner of Logan’s mouth raised as he realized. “Nothing, I…well, you know. The social scene. It sort of all feels like one thing, up there.”

Finn pouted at him. “Poor baby. Too many parties.”

“That’s not what I meant,” Logan laughed.

“Hey, feel like lunch?”

“I thought you had to be back.”

Finn shrugged. “I’m hungry.”

Logan bit his lip, wondering how many different ways his older sisters could actually kill him. Honestly, he thought he’d just die on the spot of he passed up the change to be squeezed into one of the small restaurants that Finn frequented. Screw the grand tables of his life. Logan wanted cracked leather booths small enough to let their ankles brush. Not that he’d ever say that out loud.

Finn didn’t disappoint. They walked down the shade of Mott street, then turned at a bakeshop on the corner. Finn pointed at it.

“You’ve been here, haven’t you?”

Logan raised a shoulder. “I don’t get down here much.”

Finn snorted. “Listen to you. Down here. You’re down here enough to pop into my bookstore all the time.”

Logan studied the cakes in the windows, biting his lip when he realized Finn’s eyes were still on him in the reflection. “I…yeah.”

Finn flicked the bill of Logan’s hat which shaded the back of his neck. “How’s that latest book you bought?”

Logan turned away from the window to get them walking again, not sure where they were going but trusting Finn to lead. “I’m starting school, man, I don’t have all the time in the world.”

Finn just laughed. “Come on, let’s catch the 6.”

Logan found himself squeezed into a tiny French restaurant in the West Village that served them even tinier croissants.

“I know the chef,” Finn said popping one he had spread jam and butter on into his mouth. “Dumo. Don’t pay a cent. I fucking love these things.”

Logan would have bought Finn a thousand of the tiny pastries without a blink just to see him lick a bit of jam from his thumb again.

“Dumo doesn’t sound very French…” Logan began cutting up his waffle.

Finn laughed. “Pascal Dumais does.”

“Oh. Yeah, that’s more like it.”

Logan glanced at a woman and her baby, who had started crying. He tried to think of something to say. For someone who’s job seemed to be making small talk at various parties and charming people with his accent—or so his mother sometimes said—he sure was horrible at it.

“So, what’s the suit for?” Finn asked, taking a sip of his black coffee.

“A fashion show,” Logan sighed, hiding his surprise—and maybe delight—at Finn’s unknowing shrug. “It’s…sort of a lot. Lots of people and cameras. And I always have to wear something green.”

Finn hummed in understanding. “It’s the eyes, yeah?”

Logan nodded. “A lot of fast English, too.”

Finn tilted his head. “I didn’t know that was hard for you. You’re perfect.”

Logan tried not to flush and covered it with a shrug. “I lived in France until I was fifteen before we finally moved to my dad. It’s still nice to be able to read lips sometimes. With the flashes and they make it super dark…I don’t know.”

“No, that makes sense,” Finn said, brown eyes soft. He smiled. “Hey, well, if you don’t want to go to the fitting, come man the shop with me. I’d love the company.”

Logan looked at him and ached, but saw his older sister Noelle’s pleading, excited expression in his mind. He might not love the scene, but he loved his sisters. “I wish I could. Really.”

They finished up their food and Logan had to admit that he lingered over his coffee until Finn said he absolutely had to leave.

“Hey, Tremblay,” Finn called from down the sidewalk, and Logan turned in the full knowledge that seeing the smile Finn sent him would only make him want to stay more.

The dutiful son wants the bookshop boy…I don’t know, Lo. How will their royal highnesses feel about that?

“Come buy more books you don’t read soon, okay?”

Logan couldn’t help but smile back. “D’accord.”

Finn walked backwards a few steps, yelling, “And bring me something green!” before turning and jogging down the subway stairs.

Logan laughed as he called his driver to him, escaping the heat for air conditioned leather.

XOXO

Pearls or diamonds, Upper Siders? Armani or Ralph? What, like you have other questions tonight?

Well, I have one for you. A tip from a friendly scroller gave me a peak at tonight’s guest list. Do you think we’re in for more than just a showdown on the runway? Cat fights over cat walks is what I always say.

XOXO.

[Image description: Two name cards reading, from left to right, Leo Knut and Remus Lupin, Sirius Black and Sebastian Montague]

Remus found Julian already dressed and tapping at a game on his phone when he descended the winding staircase of their penthouse.

“You waiting for mom and dad?” Remus said, dropping a kiss to the top of his head.

“And you,” Julian said.

“Right, right,” Remus smoothed his black tuxedo, trying to ignore the subtle glint of blue-silver embroidered into the black velvet. His mother was a planner—which Remus liked usually—but this design had not aged well. This suit had a twin that it no longer belonged with. Remus clenched his jaw as he caught a glimpse of himself in the mirror. He’d hoped wearing it would feel like defiance.

But it only felt like he was lonely. He gave his head a hard shake. He had Leo. He couldn’t let New York throw him.

“Gossip Girl’s going crazy. Of course,” Julian said.

“Jules, you shouldn’t read that stuff,” Remus sighed. “It’s just gossip—”

“Just posted about Sirius,” Julian murmured.

Remus huffed, pushing his hair out of its too neat style in the mirror. “So?”

Julian shrugged, but pointedly looked away when Remus took out his own phone.

The photo looked like one from the paparazzi, but the sight of Sirius on the red carpet made Remus’ throat close up.

I spy a statement piece. Or maybe it’s just a statement. Sirius Black arrives on the red carpet—or should I say black carpet—with none other than New York’s favorite icon, in worship and fashion alike. The Saint of these streets is looking particularly dashing tonight, hand in hand with the heir of this city. Ouch, Re. Looks like you’ve been dethroned.

Remus stared down at the screen, neck hot. Sirius’ suit sleeves had the barely there leather half moon cut-outs that Remus remembered tracing onto his skin.

Sirius had smiled into their kiss. Think anyone will notice?

Remus had just laughed. Everyone will notice.

But there was Saint, a crown of moonstones in his golden hair.

Remus looked down at his own suit. Of course Saint had thought of a way they’d match, that was all it was, but it still felt like a snub.

“I sort of miss him,” Julian said quietly.

Remus’ heart pulled. He swallowed and clicked his phone off. He looked at Julian, who looked almost sheepish.

“Do you?” Julian asked even more quietly.

“Don’t you like Leo?” Remus asked.

“Of course,” Julian nodded quickly. “But…”

“Remus,” Hope smiled, coming down the stairs arm-in-arm with their father. “Jules. Ready, boys?”

Remus didn’t think saying no was an option. He cleared his throat, pushed his hair back.

“Almost,” he said, backtracking towards the stairs. “Just a second. Gotta call Leo, make sure he hasn’t left yet.”

XOXO

“We can watch a livestream of the red carpet and the show,” Natalie said. “Sit.”

Finn groaned, squished beside Natalie on her tiny sofa. “That feels like I’m stalking him.”

“We’re allowed to stalk the boys we like.”

“You’re dating my brother, Nat. Does this mean you stalked him?”

“It really does,” Alex said, coming in from the kitchen with their margaritas and dropping a kiss to Natalie’s temple.

“Hm,” Natalie smiled up at him, accepting a kiss to her lips. “Scruffy.”

Finn sighed and pulled a knee up to his chest, watching the loading video Natalie had pulled up.

“Your wifi sucks,” he mumbled.

“It’ll load,” Natalie scooted over for Alex and passed Finn his drink.

“Salsa, too,” Finn said, waving it over.

Finally, the video popped up to a view of the red carpet.

“Oh, for fuck’s sake,” Alex said.

“Be nice,” Natalie laughed. “It’s fashion!”

“Look,” Alex sighed. “I know they’re wealthy and it’s suppose to be all, I don’t know sandy beaches and wristwatches, but not a single one of these people look remotely happy. Like take a look at this guy—“

Finn looked over the sandy-haired man posing in front of the cameras—well, not posing, really. Kasey Winter, the commentators were saying.

“Nice hair,” Natalie crunched on a chip. “And listen to that, his mother’s one of the biggest producers at Weird Sisters Records.”

“Fine, but he looks like he’s ready to kill someone. I mean, anyone else think its kind of fucked up that the New York families go to a New York university where New York businesses draw from New York’s elite?”

“Yes,” Finn and Natalie said in unison.

And then there was Logan.

Finn let out an embarrassing sound and set his drink down, leaning forward.

Logan walked out in front of the cameras with three girls—his sisters, Finn remembered. Not to mention he followed all of them on Instagram. They had a lot of shoes, sure, but they seemed all right.

“I saw this thing on Gossip Girl about one of the sisters,” Natalie said. “She—”

“Nat, why the hell do you read that?”

Natalie shot him a look. “Like you don’t.”

Finn ignored them, too focused on the dark, nearly black, velvety green cape—or was it cloak?—that covered Logan’s shoulders down to above his elbows, falling to an elegant point at the small of his back over his black suit. The sisters had a similar get-up in one way or another—a green train, a shawl, a corset. Logan’s clasp was a silver fleur-de-lis.

“Green,” Finn breathed.

“What?” Alex asked.

Finn bit the inside of his cheek at Logan’s expression. It was meant to be blank, Finn thought, at-ease and untouchable, but it came off almost enticing. His dark eyelashes swept against his cheeks. Finn watched his throat bob around a swallow, his adored eyes shifting from flash to flash.

“Nothing,” Finn answered his brother.

“How’d you meet this kid anyway, Fish?” his brother asked.

“I was closing up shop about a month ago,” Finn said. “And he stopped at one of our windows. Looked like he’d run the entire island, he was breathing so hard. Not to mention it was pouring like nothing else. Thought he was gonna pass out, so I unlocked the door and let him in to get dry. I don’t know, he was kind of shy at first. Listened to me talk for about an hour before he started giving anything back.” Finn shrugged, watching Logan walk off screen. “I invite him to play basketball with me, Morg, and Percy now. We get lunch after sometimes.”

Natalie sighed. “He looked like one unhappy camper.”

“I think his family puts a lot of pressure on him. He’s the baby. Only son. All that bullshit.”

“I kind of want that cape,” Natalie said.

Alex sighed. “That’s the idea.”

Natalie slapped his chest, then kissed his cheek, and Finn watched Logan walk off-screen.

XOXO

“What say you, Capulet?”

Sirius looked down at Saint at his shoulder. “They’re out of crab puffs.”

“Boo,” Saint said. “You still closing the show?”

“Yep.”

“Shouldn’t you be in hair and makeup?”

“Yep.”

Saint stepped in front of him, the gold band of moonstones nestled in his curls glinting in the dark stage lights. “Looking for someone?”

Sirius just reached out and ran a gentle thumbnail beneath where Saint’s golden eyeliner had smudged against his brown skin, striking it back to a point. “Nope. See you after the show.”

Saint clucked his tongue. “I’m unimpressed.”

“What else is new?” Sirius said.

Saint went to smile, when his eyes flickered behind Sirius and he raised his eyebrows. “That.”

Sirius turned around, and quickly schooled his expression. The cameras were going wild, and in front of all the flashing lights was Remus, hand-in-hand with Leo Knut.

“They make a sunshine pair,” Saint said from beside him. “How’re you feeling?”

Sirius touched two fingers to one of the black-leather moons on his jacket sleeve. They were meant to go with Remus’ stars. He remembered planning for them. He’d thought…part of him had thought if he’d worn them tonight—

“Cloudy sky,” he replied to Saint.

“I was gonna say dappled sunlight in…” Saint glanced around. “A dark forest.”

Remus and Leo were wearing dress shirts, collars rumpled and unbuttoned at their throats, each in a smooth shade of cream. Their hands, decked out in golden rings, were laced together, and they both wore pale gray slacks, slim cut, and laceless nikes.

My mistress’ eyes are nothing like the sun…hmm, but don’t I spy some burning jealous?

“What are we going for here,” Saint raised an eyebrow. “Left in a hurry and didn’t get the dress code?”

“We’re going against me,” Sirius replied, slipping his hands into his pockets and trying to stand straight. “That’s all.”

“Sunlight in a dark forest, indeed.”

Sirius watched them looking out over the flashes, and tried not to look surprised when golden eyes met his own. Remus’ expression didn’t change either. Instead, he simply blinked, then looked away. Leo, tall and lean, leaned into his ear, and Remus smiled. The cameras popped like champagne.

I love right here, Sirius remembered his own voice, the feeling of the soft skin by Remus’ eye beneath his thumb. I love right here when you smile.

“I need to get backstage,” Sirius said shortly, and turned on his heel.

“I’ll be watching.”

“Don’t I know,” Sirius called as he weaved his way through the crowd, heading backstage. The woman with a radio in her ear looked annoyed and nervous when he slipped past her, and radioed that he had arrived to whoever it was that needed to know.

“Sirius!” Alice called, hands full of makeup brushes and up in the air. “Jesus Christ, do you think I have all fucking night?”

Sirius shrugged out of his red carpet jacket—which someone took—and slid into her chair. “Sorry, Al.”

She twirled a protective cape around his shoulders, snapping it at the base of his neck. “It’s a good thing you’re pretty. But then again, I think everyone’s pretty.”

Sirius closed his eyes, letting her begin. “People are.”

Alice had just finished contour when Sirius all but felt his mother’s presence. A shift in the air. A cooler wind. People standing up straighter and shivering.  

“Sirius,” his mother’s face appeared in the mirror. Her red lipstick was the brightest thing about her, and even that was almost mauve. Her dress was tight around her breasts, but cascaded in thick waves of velvet behind her, and she wore tall leather boots. It almost looked like armor. “You’re very late, darling.”

“Sorry,” Sirius said. “Saint and I got caught up in the crowd, I guess.”

She hummed. “You two looked fetching out there. He’s much more pleasing than that other boy ever was. His family is important, too.”

It was true, that his mother had never liked Remus much. Though, Sirius couldn’t compare him and Saint. They were two different oceans.

“Get dressed,” his mother breathed, and was already snapping her fingers at one of the other models before Sirius could say another word.

“All right?” Alice asked him quietly.

Sirius looked at himself in the mirror. Her contour made his face look almost gaunt, as was the general makeup for all of the models, and he knew he’d be given dark eye makeup next, his hair fluffed into perfect curls.

“Fine,” Sirius said, and closed his eyes to let her work.

Sirius was shrugging into his given outfit—a billowing longcoat, 20th century in fashion, and a longer tunic made almost entirely of the thinnest black silk. It would shimmer when he walked, he knew, and his tall, lace-up boots, the flat sole so thin and delicate that he almost felt barefoot, would disappear beneath the shimmer. His mother was cold, stubborn, and cruel sometimes, an unfeeling, yawning sort of dark, but she was talented.

“Lord Vader,” came a voice from behind him, and Sirius laughed even before he turned to face Thomas Walker.

“Sounds about right,” Sirius said, and they clasped hands, pulling them into a one-armed hug. “You look fantastic, though.”

Thomas spun slowly on his heel, letting the long, loose fitting white linen of his button-down—which went out in two, tuxedo-like tails at his back—flare out above his slim, black trousers. He wore a thin scarf of distressed wool.

“Like a fallen gentleman, no?” Thomas grinned. “I might try and steal these pants. And maybe the shirt for Noelle.”

“Oh, yeah,” Sirius smiled, spying Noelle’s green eyes behind his shoulder. “She’ll love that.”

Noelle wrapped her arms, which were draped in a transparent green cloth, around Thomas’ waist. “Thanks for thinking of me, T baby.”

Thomas laughed in surprise. “Who let you back stage?”

“I’m a Tremblay, they’ll let us in anywhere.”

Thomas turned his head to capture Noelle in a soft kiss.

“See you after, hm?” Noelle said. “I’m gonna go say hi to my friend, she’s walking tonight, too.”

“Yeah, we’ll ride to Honeyduke’s together.”

Noelle raised an eyebrow at him. “You coming, Black?”

“Saint all but owns the place,” Sirius said. “Of course I am.”

Sirius walked. He didn’t look down, or hear the cameras. It wasn’t his favorite thing in the world, to be up here, not able to see past the lights—but something tonight was different. It felt as it had the night of his and Remus’ first kiss.

In that show, he had had one, thin line of black lipstick traced over the center of his bottom lip. It had marked Remus’ throat and cheeks like soot by the end of it all.

Remus had been waiting for him back stage.

“Come here,” Remus had whispered, and laced their fingers together.

“Where?” Sirius had answered, surprised by their palms pressing together.

But it hadn’t been a place. Remus had pressed them back in between clothing racks, and crashed their mouths together.

Here, Remus had whispered, and kissed him again.

Sirius felt the absence of the stage lights like a wash of cold air, and he stretched out his back, letting his stony face drop a little. He glanced around, but there was no one to be found. His cheeks were warm just thinking about it.

“Good,” his mother said as he passed her by to take off the makeup, and that was all.

XOXO

Saint looked across Honeyduke’s and felt like it was his. Logan was laughing with Thomas and Noelle, and he had Kasey Winter beside him, securing tickets to one of their favorite bands to see together.

“Done,” Kasey said, and flashed one of his rare smiles.

“I knew you were my favorite,” Saint took a sip of his drink, and Kasey scoffed.

“Me or my mom?”

“Maybe a little of both. Oh, and we’re going to sushi beforehand.”

Kasey’s smile was larger now. “Wouldn’t have it any other way. You gonna leave with that drummer again? What’s her name?”

Saint smiled. “Oh, Sally. And I make it a habit to always leave with the drummer.”

Kasey just shook his head. “Yeah, yeah. I’m getting a drink and leaving you to your one-liners.”

Saint watched him go, feeling settled, and set about scanning the room for Sirius. He was sure he’d know if he was there—people tended to swarm to Sirius, even if he didn’t ask for it. It was part of the reason they were so close. People flocked to Saint, too. So, they asked for each other’s company. A more intimate, calm part of life. Sirius was quiet. Saint wasn’t, but he let Saint , for a moment, be that way, too. Saint was loud. Sirius wasn’t, but Saint had his ways to fire him up.

“Another drink, sir?”

Saint looked over his shoulder, only to turn all the way around, interest peaked. The bartender had sandy hair, and a strong jaw, his cheeks textured by acne scars in some places. He had brown eyes—save for a sliver of green in one.

“Only if you have one with me,” Saint said, and glanced down at his name-tag. “Luke.”

Luke arched an eyebrow, pressing the heels of his palms onto the bar between them, revealing rolled up sleeves and some type of vine tattoo, wrapping all around both of his forearms.

“I’m working, sir.”

“Is that a later?” he nodded at the tattoo. “Nice.”

“I don’t think so,” Luke said.

“Oh, no?”

Luke scowled—how did he look so handsome doing that?

“Do you make it a habit to go home with all the waiters, too?”

Saint didn’t let his expression flicker, just smiled nice and slow.

“Hillrock,” Saint said. “Neat.”

The barkeep turned away.

Ouch. Looks like not everyone worships at your alter, Saint.

XOXO

The elevator doors opened, revealing the party to Sirius one outfit after the next. He had changed for the afterparty—the first of three. He wore a tight, thin black t-shirt and dark jeans. He hadn’t bothered to wash off the dark, smudged eyeliner from the show. His combat boots went up to just below his knee, and had the same nearly naked feeling sole. It made him feel soundless, like a shadow.

Maybe that’s why it was easy to find Remus and stand beside him without him stirring.

“You’re a little underdressed,” Sirius said without looking at him.

“Says the boy wearing a t-shirt,” Remus replied evenly.

Sirius scowled. “I meant at the show.”

“People like to be surprised,” Remus replied evenly.

“Who’s Leo?”

“My boyfriend.”

Sirius turned towards him. “You didn’t tell me you were coming home.”

Remus matched him. They were nearly chest to chest. “You didn’t say a word to me in class.”

“You didn’t—“

“I had the last word,” Remus snapped. “I figured maybe you’d finally have something to say back.”

Sirius stared at him, heart pounding in his ears. For a moment, he let himself look. At the golden eyes, hair more blond than ever from the summer’s sun. Sirius couldn’t stand that mouth set in a frown.

“Guess not,” Remus said softly, lips dropping open in the way they used to before they kissed.

Sirius all but felt him vanish into the writhing crowd.

XOXO

Finn looked up when a flash of color on the morning-silent street outside caught his eye. He set the books he was holding down, took the pen out from between his teeth.

Green.

“What the hell?” Finn laughed as he pulled open the door to his bookshop to find Logan standing there. “It’s five in the fucking morning, what are you doing here? Couldn’t sleep?”

“Never did,” Logan said, and that’s when Finn saw that Logan was still in his suit from the livestream.

“Ah, I see,” Finn said, eyes flicking up and down his broad form. He swallowed dryly. “The nature of afterparties, I suppose. Well, you—you look good. For someone who’s been up all night, I mean.”

Logan just smiled, one of his small, secretive ones. Finn watched as he stepped forward so they were almost toe to toe in the doorway.

“Wh…” Finn’s voice dropped off with a breathless laugh. He couldn’t help but look at Logan’s mouth. His full lips that could speak a language Finn couldn’t even begin to describe.

Logan just reached up to the base of his own throat and unclipped the fleur-de-lis clasp there. In one smooth swoop, he drew his short cloak from his shoulders and around Finn’s, right over his worn gray t-shirt, clicking it in place. The fabric brought a gentle scent, and he figured it must be Logan’s cologne.

“Something green,” Logan said softly. A warm, early morning breeze ruffled his hair, pushing the curls forward. Finn couldn’t move. “What are you doing here?”

“Inventory,” Finn whispered, then cleared his throat. “Inventory.”

“Okay,” Logan said. “I’ll help.”

[allegra-writes]

"Get Gone"

Cherry x Reader

General audiences

Warnings: Angst. No happy ending, but a hopeful one.

MY MASTERLIST

"How many times can it escalate

Till it elevates to a place I can't breathe?

And I must decide, if you must deride

That I'm much obliged to up and go

I'll idealize, then realize

That it's no sacrifice because the price is paid

And there's nothing left to grieve"

Get Gone - Fiona Apple

"You need to go away. Now!"

"No! No, I'm not going anywhere until I talk to y/n!"

"She's not here"

"That's bullshit, I can see her bedroom light on! Y/n! Y/N!!"

"Son" You couldn't help but flinch as your father's voice joined the commotion outside your window: His health was weak enough as it was, he didn't need that kind of stress on him "you need to leave before I call the police"

"Too late" Your sister's snappy tone let you know even her, usually mellow and sweet, had had enough, "I already did, and in the state you're in?" You didn't need to see him to guess how your boyfriend -no, not boyfriend,  fiancé- looked, disheveled with his ratty jeans and dirty hair. Hollowed cheeks and red eyed, probably very obviously stoned out of his mind. "I don't think you wanna run into them…"

"She means it, son. Y/n doesn't want to talk to you. Just get gone…" 

The loud crash followed by a car door being slammed and the hideous squeal of tires on pavement told you your fiancé had lost his temple, again, before giving up and leaving.

Only then, did you allow the tears that were trying to escape to finally flow freely.

It broke your mother's heart, to see her little girl's fragile frame being shaken by the violent sobs as she tried to drown her cries against the covers of her old childhood bed. 

And just like she used to do back when you were little, she started rubbing your back, hating the feeling of helplessness in front of a pain she couldn't protect you from.

"I don't understand" You could barely make out the sound of her voice over your own muffled screams, "honey… you're not the kind of girl to turn away from the people you love…" 

"I can't help him, mom" It was painful, trying to talk with your throat so raw after hours of crying, but somehow you managed, "I don't know what to do anymore and- and he is suffering, he's hurting himself but he's hurting me too and I can't…"

You didn't notice you were choking until your mom's rubbing turned into soft hits. She wrapped her arms around you, forcing you into a sitting position. A glass of water materialized in front of you, and you chugged it down.

"He needs professional help, mom…" you croaked, still holding onto the cold glass, as if it could physically support you, hold you up.

"I know"

"And I just can't…"

"I know, baby. I know…" 

Her sighed echoed your broken one, as she took the empty glass from your shaking hands. 

"I just can't see how this can be the right thing. Not when you still love him, not when it's making you cry like this."

You met her eyes, using every last bit of lucidity, every last ounce of clarity you possessed in trying to find the right words to explain in a way she could understand. 

"Yes, it hurts, and it's making me cry" You said, at last, with more conviction than you were feeling, praying with all your might that your words would prove true one day. That inner strength was one of those things you could fake till you made it. "And I'll probably keep on crying. In fact, I'll probably cry myself to sleep tonight. And tomorrow, and the day after tomorrow, and the day after that. But one day, I won't. One day, I won't be crying anymore, and being away from him won't hurt as if someone were drilling a hole inside my chest.

And I won't be happy that day, but some day after that, I will. And one day, even further away from now, maybe… maybe I will even find love again," Your voice broke, but you went on, because maybe if you could make it through till the end, you could make it through, "and that time… that time, it won't hurt. And maybe that time, it will be forever, for real"

The world tilted to the side, out of focus once again, as your mother brought you into her arms, letting you bury your head against her chest, while she showered soft, soothing kisses on the top of your hair.

"You will, baby, I know you will. You are the strongest person I know" she admitted, prompting a fresh river of tears to fall from your eyes, soaking her sweater, "if anyone can do this, it's you. I'm so proud of you." 

You could feel the warm drops, the tears of her own, falling on your hair, but it was okay. Because for the first time that day, the tears were not tears of heartbreak, or pain. For the first time that day, you were not feeling sadness, or shame, or guilt, because for the first time that day, there wasn't any judgement or doubt in your mother's voice. She understood, and what was more, she believed in you.

And that allowed you to start believing in yourself too.

The End.

Author's note: I have made my opinion on writing fics based on the novelization and/or movie based on Nico Walker's life quite known in the past. More specifically, about the sexualization of romanticization of the characters or situations depicted in them. I said time and time again that I would neither read nor write works with Cherry as the protagonist and even blocked the tag for a while. 

However, today I had a talk with my aunt, and she made me realize I may have gone about the whole situation completely wrong. Cherry is toxic, no doubt about that, so every relationship in his life gets tainted with that toxicity. And he was that way long before his army days but… the girls seeing Tom as him in a movie are not the first to ever romanticize a soldier. 

My aunt belonged to a whole generation of teenagers that idealized war and the men going to fight it. They were their boyfriends, their husbands, in many cases their very first loves. And like many, she saw what her boyfriend did as an honorable duty. Like Emily, she thought the right thing to do was wait for her fiancé to come back. 

Like Cherry, he came back changed. He came back a broken man, and for a long time she felt like her moral duty was stick to his side until he recovered. 

But she was just a 19 year old kid, with mental health problems of her own, in no way equipped to handle his PTSD, his night terrors, violent outbursts or his budding addiction. 

The story you just read, is her story. Exactly as it happened, unembellished and true. The dialogs in it, the real words she and my now late grandmother exchanged. I have tears in my eyes as I write this, but she wanted me to share this story with you. Because, sometimes, no matter how much you love someone, you can't save them if they don't want to be saved and the only healthy thing you can do is save yourself. Because sometimes the right thing to do feels wrong. Because "ride or die" means in richness and in poverty, not setting your own life on fire because your partner's is up in flames (or, you know, becoming an addict because your partner does drugs). And because sometimes, when you realize someone is not good for you, the best thing you can do FOR YOURSELF like she said, is crying yourself to sleep every night because you have to stay away from them and it breaks your heart, but knowing one day… one day the tears will stop. 

[miracleonice87]

25&28 w tkachuk (if not taken)

25. spending time with family / 28. “Where’s all of your holiday spirit, you Scrooge?”

quick note: happy birthday, Matthew 💕 decided to use an OC for this one as it fit a little bit better. enjoy!

quick warning: just alcohol I believe. suuuper fluff. 

song pairing, just for fun: It’s Not Christmas ‘Til You Come Home by Norah Jones (for a sad, mopey, brooding Matty)

_____

“Where’s all of your holiday spirit, you Scrooge?” Keith bellowed, nudging Matthew’s arm with the same hand that held his vodka tonic. The matching drink he poured for Matthew still sat in front of his son on the kitchen island, untouched. That’s how Keith knew his son was really struggling.

“I prefer Grinch,” Matthew grumbled, resting his chin on his fist. “And my holiday spirit left with Leighton.”

Taryn clicked her tongue in pity from the barstool next to him and stood to wrap her arms around her brother’s shoulders. “I know you miss her,” she said as she squeezed him tight. “We miss her, too.”

Matthew attempted a smile and patted his sister’s forearm appreciatively. Brady, on the other hand, took less sensitive approach.

“Yeah, plus you’re way more fun when she’s here,” Brady pointed out, pouring himself another drink.

Matthew rolled his eyes. “Thank you,” he murmured sarcastically, followed by a lengthy sigh. “I just don’t know why she had to be the one to travel so far for this game. I wish somebody else could have.”

“Because it’s a big bowl game, Matthew,” Keith stated in a matter-of-fact tone. “And we all know she’s the best at what she does. It’s Christmas Day. There’s gonna be a lot of eyeballs watching this afternoon. You should be proud. And understanding. She works in sports and you’re a pro athlete. Of anybody, you should get it.”

Matthew dropped his head back in dramatic fashion. As much as he hated to admit it, his dad was right. He absolutely loved that his girlfriend worked as a sideline reporter for college football — they understood each others’ insane work schedules and had a special bond over their passion for sports of all kinds. He loved listening to Leighton’s reporting because she was a hell of a lot smarter than he was, and also a lot smarter than most other reporters… plus, the fact that she was an complete smokeshow, and all his, was the cherry on top.

But her job stealing her away from him at Christmas just wasn’t fair.

“Speaking of which, her game is starting soon,” Taryn said, glancing at the oven clock. She clapped Matthew’s back and ordered, “Come on, let’s go.” Taryn led the way into the living room as each family member found a seat in front of the TV.

As if Matthew could have ever forgotten, Leighton was working a bowl game in Phoenix. He had initially tried to force his way into joining her on her trip, but she refused to allow him to spend Christmas Day alone in a hotel room or waiting for her somewhere squeezed into the sold out stadium. She insisted on Matthew’s going home to spend the holidays with his family, who barely got to see him at all during the NHL season. Though they’d promised to have their own Christmas when they both returned to Calgary late on Boxing Day, they were both brokenhearted at the prospect of spending their first major holiday apart.

“It just won’t be Christmas without you, Leight,” Matthew sighed as he leaned his forehead against hers during their final goodbye at the airport.

She took a deep breath and tried to hold herself together at his statement, her fingers smoothing the short hair at the nape of his neck. When she looked back into his face, her eyes shone with tears.

“I’m sorry,” Leighton whispered, not trusting her voice to carry her words. Matthew shook his head.

“Don’t be sorry, baby,” he whispered, pressing his lips to the space between her brows. “I’m just gonna miss you is all.” Leighton squeezed his neck tighter, and after one last searing kiss, she pulled back with a sniffle.

“I’m gonna miss you too,” she told him. “Like always.” She reached for the handle of her rolling suitcase beside her and said, “I really have to go.” Matthew nodded.

“Okay. Be safe,” he said quietly, pulling her into his chest once more. “I love you, Leight. Merry Christmas.”

He felt her choke on a sob before she whispered, “Merry Christmas, Matty. I love you so much.”

And with that, she threw him a tight smile with red, watery eyes and forced her feet to carry her inside to the check-in counter, before she gave in and jumped back into Matthew’s car and returned home with him, like every muscle in her body was screaming at her to do.

Though he smiled when Leighton first appeared onscreen, looking even more beautiful than usual, Matthew then immediately replayed the memory of their crushing goodbye a few days prior, and his face fell once more. His mom, seated next to him, took notice, and wrapped her hand around his, smoothing the other over his cheek with a sad smile. He squeezed her fingers and gave a halfhearted smile of his own.

Michigan edged out a win over Florida after an ultra-competitive game, which Matthew couldn’t even enjoy because his heart ached each time Leighton was shown on the sideline. He sighed after each report she gave, and by the end of the game, when it was time for dinner, he had given into the drinks Keith was offering and was now well into the process of drowning his sorrows.

He did his best to contribute to the conversation at the dinner table, but after the plates were cleared and they returned to the living room to play board games and watch Christmas movies, Matthew fell quiet once more. No one called him out for it — they felt the weight of Leighton’s absence, too. She had become an integral part of the Tkachuk family dynamic, and not having her there just felt wrong.

By the time it was nearing midnight, Matthew was lying motionless on the couch, watching Home Alone but not laughing at any of the parts that made him chuckle each time it was on. He was just about to force himself upright to pour one last cocktail for the night when there was a knock at the door.

Everyone fell silent.

Brady and Taryn looked at each other at the same time, and Taryn whispered, “No way…”

Matthew looked to his parents, cuddled together on the couch across the room. Chantal appeared just as surprised as her children did, but Keith’s eyes had a distinct glimmer in them. He gave half a shrug and said from behind his glass, “Well, why don’t you go answer it?”

It couldn’t be. No. It wasn’t. Was it? There was no way. Taryn was right. No way.

Halfway through a second knock, Matthew swung open the door to find a certain sports reporter on his doorstep, still dressed in the same ensemble she had worn on the sideline, covered with a pea coat and a Flames beanie.

A breathy chuckle escaped through her smiling lips and rose through the air as a puff of white steam.

“Hi, Matty,” Leighton said simply.

For a moment, Matthew was completely and utterly frozen in place, convinced his mind was playing tricks on him. When he blinked and realized that his girlfriend was still standing before him, that she was truly here in St. Louis, he lunged toward her and buried his face in her neck — she would have fallen over for certain if not for how tightly his arms wrapped around her waist.

Leighton felt tears on her barely-exposed skin as she wrapped her own arms around Matthew as best she could. She turned her head to press a kiss to his cheekbone and said softly, “Did you really think I was going to be able to survive spending a whole Christmas without you?”

He laughed in disbelief and admitted, “I almost didn’t. Just ask them.” He nodded toward his family, who were now all huddled in the entryway together. She giggled and smiled brightly at them, the family who had long treated her as one of their own — including the probable future father-in-law who had schemed to get her to them as soon as humanly possible after her game had concluded.

Before she could step inside to greet them, though, Matthew firmly grabbed her face in both his hands and gave her a long, tender kiss — the kind that told her just how much she had been missed.

“I can’t believe you’re here. God, I love you, Leighton,” he whispered, nuzzling her cold nose with his warm one. “You’re all I wanted for Christmas this year.”

[jimlingss]

Sugar and Coffee [Finale]

Chapter 22 - Chapter 23 [Finale]

➜ Words: 5.1k

➜ Genres: 99.5% Fluff, 0.5% Angst, Pâtisserie school!AU

➜ Summary: It isn't hard to be a pâtisserie chef, but it's not a piece of cake either. It seems like for you in particular, life keeps throwing in one wrench after another. It always finds ways to make your sweets bitter. The cherry on top is Jeon Jungkook — a rival with a sensitive sweet tooth who always finds ways to complain about you.

cr.

Baking is an art form. It takes more than just having ingredients and following a recipe. It’s the flavour, texture, taste, and the presentation. It’s knowing why when things go wrong and how to fix it. It’s knowing the right kinds of ingredients to pick, how much of each should be combined, what techniques and methods to use. Baking is therapy. Baking is scientific. It is art.   The ingredients are as follows: 

Fresh strawberries

White chocolate sponge cake

Sugar

Butter

Eggs

You place the fresh strawberries into the refrigerator as the stand mixer whips the six large egg whites and two cups of sugar. When it's combined, you place a bowl over a double boiler on the stove and whisk until the mixture is hot. You put it on your stand mixer again until the white chocolate swiss meringue buttercream is stiff. The cubed butter and white chocolate is added shortly after until it's smooth.   Once you’ve got your components prepared, you slice the cooled white chocolate cake into two layers and set the bottom layer on a cake board on the turning cake table. You spread the meringue buttercream evenly with an offset spatula and layer the strawberries.    Afterwards, you put the other chocolate sponge cakes over it and repeat the process.   You finish the white chocolate strawberry swirl cake with white chocolate strawberries on top for decorative purposes and pipe flowers with a twelve inch piping bag.   “It looks fucking incredible.”   Jungkook leans over the counter, peering at the frosted cake you’ve just made.   “It was supposed to be white chocolate raspberry swirl, but I know you like strawberries, so….”   The boy grins, a wide smile that makes his big nose scrunch. “I love it.”   You burst out into giggles. “You haven’t even taken a bite yet!”   Jungkook begins slicing the cake. You’re proud of what you’ve made — but it’s kind of sad at the same time. This is the final product of your portfolio before it's ready for submission. You’re glad it’s over, but it also means your journey here is ending.   It’s November now. And it’s been one whole year since your relationship with Jungkook shifted.    A year ago — when the internship posting went up and you found out he was going to be your partner over the summer. When you were made his exam partner in your fine pastries class. When that Friday night happened and you bursted out crying in the kitchen, and he comforted you to no avail despite it being a cold night where the air bit his skin and turned his cheeks rosy. Where he bought you grape soda for no reason whatsoever other than a poor attempt at trying to make things better.   It seems like it was so long ago, but it’s only been three hundred and sixty days.   It makes you wonder what will happen a year from now or two or ten.   “Not too sweet?”   You watch your boyfriend’s expression carefully. Jeon Jungkook has his brows deeply furrowed with a thoughtful expression like he’s trying to give honest output. His fork is cleaned empty and it lowers to grab another bite.    “It’s perfect.” He melts into a smile. “Maybe you made my sugar tolerance go up.”   “Maybe because I improved.” You loll your head to the side, challenging him. “It’s almost as good as your chocolate-covered strawberry cupcakes, huh?”   Jungkook scoffs lightly. “I wouldn’t go that far, babe, but we can all dream.”   You sulk. “I’ll find out that recipe one day, Jeon. You mark my words and when I do, I’ll profit off of it.”   He laughs, the sound tickling and boyish, causing another smile to rise onto your features. Jungkook digs in, having yet another bite and he lets his teeth rot with the sweetness.    It’s not long before he remembers something, strides away with a hum and returns with a cold tray. “What is it?” you ask curiously as he sets it down and removes the saran wrap.   “It’s truffles. I made it in my art of chocolate class, but it’s an original recipe. Give it a try.”   He pushes the tray towards you and you don’t hesitate to grab a chocolate truffle. You would never, on any planet, deny the opportunity of consuming chocolate, especially when it’s made by Jeon Jungkook. You’ve never said it out loud before, but for some reason he always makes the best.   No grocery brand or chocolatier can beat what he often bakes for you.   So you try not to devour the truffle all in one bite, opting to relish and savour it. You take half of the truffle into your mouth and chew with the same consideration he had for you. And you’re surprised as the deep flavour melts on your palate. “Coffee?”    Your brows furrow and you lick your lips. “Did you put black coffee into it?”   “I was inspired by a memory,” Jungkook says with a soft smile. “What do you think?”   “I love it,” you exhale in awe, finishing the bite and licking your fingers.    It tastes kind of bitter, but it has a sweet note at the end.    It’s bittersweet. But mostly ends up sweet.

Life with Jungkook continues. Lectures and workshops become more hectic the closer the end comes, but in between classes and late nights spent in the kitchens next to ovens, you and Jungkook still find plenty of time with one another. Or at least enough that you still have your dumb debates and have your hour of snuggling — which Jungkook regularly falls asleep during.   The honeymoon phase of your relationship eventually fades away, but luckily it molds into a comfortable pattern that neither of you mind whatsoever. There are still knowing gazes shared across busy rooms, his hand that often comes on your lower back that you find security in, tender kisses shared when the two of you greet each other and bid temporary farewells.    You still love Jungkook very much and you don’t ever find yourself afraid of him leaving you abruptly.    Your relationship becomes normal too, so Yoongi and Taehyung has little to tease you both about. They instead relish in bullying Jimin when he ends up going out with a coworker of his at his new part-time job, much to the shorter man’s dismay.   Hoseok, on the other hand, while no longer in a relationship, finds an interest in teaching and starts to look into what it would take to become an instructor. You’re happy for him and so is Aeri who tells you she’s considering going abroad someday to expand her culinary skills and cook more international cuisine. She keeps herself preoccupied by improving herself and becomes someone worthy of your admiration.   But for the most part, things remain consistent and constant. There’s still bickering over lunchtimes and dinner times across the cafeteria table. Still nights of crashing Yoongi and Hoseok’s apartment and playing games. The five of you also start playing Dungeons and Dragons much to Taehyung’s delight who becomes the dungeon master — and while Yoongi always says he wants to stab himself halfway through every session, you’re sure he enjoys it as much as everyone else does.   The memories made are ones you cherish the most.   And before you know it, graduation has come.   “You look beautiful, dear,” Jungkook’s mom holds back tears as she grasps your hands tightly. “Congratulations.”   “Thank you.”   “Come on, you two!” His dad suddenly calls, holding an old camera up to his chin. “Let’s take some photos to remember the occasion!”   One hand holds your rolled certificate and the other holds your navy gown, you stand in front of the school sign with Jungkook who adjusts his black cap. He drapes his arm over your shoulder and the both of you tilt your heads towards each other and give the biggest grins.   The camera flashes. Again and again.   The corner of your mouth starts moving as your smile twitches. “How many is he taking?”   “Just smile,” Jungkook mutters through his grin as both his parents, his aunt and uncle, Lia and Eunbi, and grandma look on proudly. “He’ll do more if you try to argue.”   “Two more!” His dad shouts, despite taking another five.   His entire family seems so elated that your heart swells with endearment.   “I didn’t know your family would be so happy when you told them we were dating,” you murmur, switching your poses a bit. “You know, your grandma just asked me when we’re getting married.”   “Really?” He glances at you and then scoffs with another smile that’s more genuine. “Be lucky she has half a mind not to start asking when we’re having kids. Unless…...”   “I swear to god, Jungkook, if you get down on your knee in the middle of our graduation with everyone watching, I’m going to kick you in your shin.”   He giggles, nose scrunched, eyes crinkled.    It’s not long before Jungkook’s mother drags over Jimin overbearingly by the hand with Taehyung, Hoseok, and Yoongi for a group photo. There’re so many parents, family members, and phones and cameras being passed around that your plastered smile starts to break on your face. Everyone’s mother and their goddamn cousin’s cousin wants three copies of the same exact picture.   “Oh my god, kill me now,” Yoongi groans but still has that dumb fucking grin on his face. He looks more like a kid showing off his braces or a grandpa who has his dentures stuck.   You think he’s putting on that idiotic grin just to ruin the pictures — even his mom is yelling about it on the sidelines.   “Just a few more,” Jimin whispers with more perseverance than anyone else has.   “Who is even taking our picture, right now?” Hoseok asks, his brows furrowing. “Does anyone even know who that lady is?”   “I think she’s the associate dean’s assistant who’s going to put it on the website.” Taehyung breathes out, his cheeks aching from his smile. “Either that or that’s my cousin’s brother-in-law’s younger sister’s friend.”   “Alright, that’s enough.” Yoongi gives up and walks out of the frame. Everyone starts dispersing before there are protests and they’re rounded up for another pointless photo session.    But after a while, you’re granted some freedom to roam around with Jungkook. There’s still a few more photos taken, ones with Aeri and classmates and teachers, like Miss. Kang, who you always liked.    “I always knew the two of you could be close.” The female teacher has the cheesiest smile and you have to admit, you’re glad she never changed Jungkook’s internship like he wanted. In a way she’s like your matchmaker, but you’ll never say it out loud in case you give her more credit than it’s due. She already seems to know it anyway. “Good luck on your future journeys. You both have great potential.”   Namjoon and Sejeong also show up to congratulate the pair of you as well. And they meet Jungkook’s family who seems to adore the couple straight away, asking plenty of questions of what their shop is like and if their son was in any way helpful.   But while you’d like to stick around to hear all the conversations, it’s nice to take a break from the bustle to just walk on the paths that you used to take all the time with Jungkook.   You don’t know what it’s going to be like when you leave this place.   “Aren’t you kind of sad?” Your hand squeezes Jungkook’s and you turn to look at him.   “Yeah,” he admits. “But I’m also happy we don’t have to submit projects or do exams anymore. I’ll miss the routine. Of being able to hang out with the guys and eat with them all the time. But they’ll still be around and I have you.”   Jungkook’s gaze meets yours. His eyes are tender, soft.   You smile at him. That’s right — this chapter might be ending, but you’ll still have many more with him.   “Y/N!” There’s a call of your name and you turn to see your family waving at a distance. Your mom holds a flower bouquet, most likely for you and your cheeks swell with a smile.   Your arm extended in the air to wave back and your steps quicken with Jungkook’s to meet them.

A lot happens after graduation.   There are many changes and alterations. While you’ll still always be learning until the end of time, you’re no longer an official student and you’re thrown to the hounds called the real world.   But it’s not all that bad.   You get hired back at Kim’s Wedding Cake Company and work with Soohyun who’s returned from maternity leave. Yuna also sometimes joins during the weekends and much to your delight, she tells you that she’s enrolled in the institution as she had wanted. You can only imagine what kind of knowledge she’ll gain and stories she’ll end up having there like you did. But there’s not a lot of time to reminisce when there’s work and a ton to learn, but you find yourself enjoying it more than finding it difficult.   Jungkook, on the other hand, doesn’t return to the company. He instead gets hired at a chocolatier shop not far from where you work. It’s only a ten minute walk down the block; five for each of you when you meet halfway like you frequently do for lunch.   He tells you that he’s learning a lot, on what it takes in the artistry of chocolate, that there’s more meticulousness than what meets the eye. It sounds like an absolute nightmare to you, but he loves it — especially on the days when he smells sweet and there’s some chocolate smeared on his cheeks. And you don’t hate that he often brings you home truffles and caramels to try.   The two of you also move in with each other, sharing an old apartment not far from your workplaces. It’s not much different from how you used to live on campus at different dorms, except now there are bills to be paid and Jungkook steals all the hot water in the shower.   You wonder if this is what it feels like to be an adult.   “Y/N?”   There’s a familiar voice, but one you haven’t heard in ages. A smooth timbre that sounds light and humorous at the corners. You whirl around, regarding the tall man with dark hair, dressed in a dark turtleneck and a black trench coat. His sheepish eyes crinkle in his smile, lips pink and plush.   “Jin?” A grin spreads into your face as well. “Oh my god! How are you? It’s been so long! What are you doing here?”   “I live here, remember,” he reminds in the midst of squeaky giggles. “And I’m good. I’m actually on my way to a meeting. I’m working in management of Toute Pastries and Pâtisseries.”   “Wow, working in commercial bakeries? That’s impressive.”    But you’re not exactly surprised. You knew Seokjin always had it in him and you feel proud that someone you used to know has become so great.   Seokjin laughs. “Not really. It’s kind of less hands-off than I’d like, but what about you?”   “I’m good too. Just heading to my friend’s bakery.” You hitch a thumb over your shoulder. “Today’s the opening. Do you want to come?”   “I’d love to, but the meeting starts in twenty. I saw the sign the other day though. The bakery is that place that was being renovated on Imlingss Avenue, right?”   “Yeah. It’s next to the department store.”   “I’ll swing by when I have some time then.”   “When you have some time?” You eye him playfully and cross your arms. It might be inappropriate to be so sarcastic with an acquaintance, but being with Jungkook has made you more snarky than is probably socially acceptable. “So you’re a hot shot, now, aren’t you?”   Luckily, Jin doesn’t take offence and simply laughs. “I swear I’m not!”   It’s good to see him. You thought you never would again, at least not face-to-face like this. But what you least expected was that your conversations could be so light and natural. It isn’t difficult at all and you don’t find yourself uncomfortable nor holding any resentments. You aren’t sad or angry.   It’s like seeing an old friend again.   “I heard you were with Jungkook,” Jin says with the corner of his mouth quirked. “That’s a surprise.”   “Isn’t it?” Whenever Jungkook used to come up in a conversation, all you ever said to Seokjin was how trash he was. But that was before you really knew anything about him. “But he’s great. An idiot sometimes. But it’s great.”   Jin can see the happiness radiating off your face and it’s infectious. “I’m happy for you, Y/N.”   He says it sincerely, genuinely, and your smile widens. “Thanks.”   The both of you share a little more small talk before you’re on your way. And once farewells are said and done, you don’t look back or peek over your shoulder for another glance at him.    You’re content continuing straight forward.   “Sorry, I’m late.” The door chimes as it slowly shuts after you, the warm furnace heating the air and melting off the coldness of your skin.    “Of course you’d be late.” Yoongi is in his black apron, white shirt rolled up to his elbows and his arms crossed. “We already took the photos, don’t expect that we’ll re-take them.”   “A joy as always, Yoongi.” You smile at him, taking off your jacket and putting it on the coat rack at the corner. Jimin comes to greet you and you sigh softly. “Why’d you ever agree to open a bakery with him, Chim? You must be a saint to deal with his shit all the time.”   “I heard that.”   Jimin laughs. “Trust me, he kept on asking Jungkook when you would come. He’s all bark but no bite,” he whispers but it’s loud enough that Yoongi looks sorely unimpressed.   The shop is cute and spacious. It’s rather modern with square tables and chairs lining the walls. The lights come from the sides of the fancy ceiling, and there’s a counter to check out at with a main glass case where people can choose pastries from. In the corner, there’s also several smaller pastry display cases where patrons can grab trays, tongs and fill up their own plates.    You quickly greet everybody and then move to grab your one prized possession.    “Lemon meringue pie?” Taehyung laughs, watching you put two on your plate.   “You know I just have to.” You smile and sit at one of the tables, luckily having it on the house. Taehyung sits across from you. “Man, you’re so nice to let Yoongi have the entire recipe since it’s yours too.”   He shrugs. “It wasn’t like I had any plans with it in the first place, plus it was Yoongi’s idea to add the secret ingredient.”   “Which is?”   Taehyung grins his infamous boxy smile. “Nice try.”   “I’ll find out one of these days,” you warn. Taehyung handed you the recipe a long time ago but he conveniently omitted the secret ingredient and you haven’t forgiven him since. “And then I’ll be making it for myself every other night instead of giving my pretty penny over to Yoongi and Jimin.”   “Yeah, good luck with that.” He leans back in the comfortable chair. “I’m sure Yoongi will be protecting that from you for the rest of his life. He might be willing to exchange information though if he can get his hands on Jungkook’s chocolate-covered strawberries.”   Taehyung wiggles his brows, but you shake your head with a sigh. “He won’t tell me. I swear he’s holding it above my head so I can never ditch him.”   The man laughs and takes a look around the new shop.   Everyone is here — Hoseok, Jimin, Yoongi, Jungkook, Taehyung, Aeri and you — the entire crew with no one else missing. There are other people as well, sponsors and Yoongi and Jimin’s other acquaintances, but you muse how hard it is these days to gather up like you used to.   Everybody was busy and on their own paths. Doing their own thing. But it’s what made moments like these more precious.   “I would’ve joined them, should’ve,” Taehyung says wistfully with a sigh. “The original plan was actually Jimin, Yoongi, and I.”   “Yeah, but you wouldn’t have been happy.” You take another bite of the pie, chewing in your cheek.   “Yeah, that’s true.”   “Do you regret it? Going back to school?”   “No.” Taehyung smiles gently. “I love learning and I knew after graduation, I wanted to keep learning. I’m not as good at cooking as I am at baking, but it’s still fun and I think I’m getting better. The only issue is Yuna.” The man visibly and dramatically shivers and it elicits laughter from you.   “Does she bother you a lot?”   “Less like bothering and more like she literally pops up wherever I go,” he tells. “Sometimes I’m just minding my own business and then boom, out of nowhere, I turn the corner and she’s there. I’m starting to think she’s like a ghost or like….like…”   “—a witch,” Jungkook finishes and then leans down to plop a kiss at the top of your head. “Hey.”   “Hey.” You smile and he leans down to steal a bite of your pie, but you don’t mind much. “You’ll never guess who I saw earlier.” Curiosity gleams in Jungkook’s eye and you grin, wanting to put him suspense for a little longer. “I’ll tell you about it later, but is everyone grabbing dinner afterwards? I haven’t checked the messages yet.”   “Yeah, we are.”   Soon, Hoseok comes over and introduces his lady-friend that he brought with him as Naul. But you know through advice he’s sought through you a few weeks back that he’s been seeing her and taking it slow.    It’s nice to finally meet someone you’ve heard about, and you find that her calm and collected personality fits into Hoseok’s quite well.   You also meet Jimin’s girlfriend who is sweet and an avid talker about all things deli meats.    At your surprise of how ham supposedly doesn’t taste as good as some other cold cuts, she insists that you and Jungkook need to have a double date with her and Jimin so she can enlighten you on the world of salamis — to which you agree needs to happen. She’s peculiar, but sweet and cute when she’s with Jimin.   “So you’re really going?” you ask after Aeri confirms it. She had told you a month ago that she applied to study abroad and you couldn’t be anything but happy. Especially now that she’s just told you that she’s been accepted, you have nothing but eagerness for her.   “Yeah, I’m a bit nervous, but I’m super excited.”   You pull the girl into a tight embrace. “I’ll miss you, but have fun and stay safe. Stay in touch.”   “Thanks and I will, Y/N.” She giggles against you and pulls apart. “I hear Amsterdam is really nice and my aunt keeps advertising it, so I’m looking forward to it.”   “Apparently, those Dutch men are really something,” you murmur and she laughs. “You know, if I wasn’t in a happily committed relationship and with my dream job, I’d probably ask if I could come with you cause damn, they’re like a tall glass of water. You need to take advantage of that.”   “Who’s a tall glass of water?” Jungkook approaches with a sorely unimpressed expression.   It makes you go tight-lipped and Aeri giggles, slinking away before she’s caught in the crossfire.   While you and Jungkook playfully bicker in the middle of the store and he grabs you in a chokehold and you tickle him — much to the shock of the other patrons who don’t know you — Yoongi looks on behind the counter with a displeased expression.   Except that’s only his natural resting bitch face and not what he thinks internally.   Or at least that’s what Jimin realizes when Yoongi says to him privately— “They’re a pretty good match, huh? Jungkook and Y/N.”   “Yeah.” Jimin smiles, watching the two of you act like children. “They are.”   It’s sad when the opening event eventually ends. The night comes and dinner is soon over too. Everyone ultimately says their farewells, waving before they go off on their own way and you linger just a moment until everyone’s gone. It’s nostalgic to be around them, reminding you of days that seemed simpler and easier, and when you were unaware of these facts.   It’s sad to say goodbye since you don’t know when you’ll see all of them again. At one place. At one time. But at least you have Jungkook with you, so you’re far from being alone.   “Don’t worry,” Jungkook jokes around, “They’ll be back for our wedding.”   “When is that going to happen?” you scoff, looking at him and how his features are illuminated under the lampposts that you pass. You squeeze his hand in yours.    “It’s a surprise,” he answers slyly.   You grin. “And what if I reject you?”   “Then I’ll be a very sad man.”   “And if we don’t work out at all?”   “Then we’ll still be best friends,” Jungkook says and interlaces his fingers with yours. “I’ll always be here for you. Because I’m lame and I think I’ll always be head over heels for you.” He smiles wide, bunny teeth revealed and features soft. “It’s a promise.”   And one you believe in.   Luckily, you and Jungkook never split.   You end up getting married two years later with Aeri as your maid of honour and Taehyung as the best man — the brunette giving you so much anxiety with his spontaneousness that you nearly wish it was Jimin who was the best man instead. But everything ends up without too many hitches or difficulties.   It’s hectic lives that you and Jungkook lead, but ones you love.   Ultimately, the pair of you get a townhouse together halfway between the suburbs and the city. You wind up running Kim’s Wedding Cake Company with Yuna many years down the line after Namjoon and Sejeong step down to retire. And Jungkook achieves his dream of becoming a chocolatier and ends up getting silver in The World Chocolate Masters competition.    The two of you have your first child together one drunken night when you both think it’s a good idea to have sex in your sacred spot — a professional kitchen. It’s the first and last time, swearing you’ll never do it again when you’re both on your hands and knees afterwards, sanitizing the entire area for fear of losing your jobs for the violation of health codes.    But you end up conceiving that night and it’s the first of many kids — rascals with sweet-tooths.   Life with Jungkook is a mundanity you could’ve only dreamed of. And you often count your blessings that you somehow ended with such a cheeky, lovable boy.

[Epilogue]   “And that’s how I met your grandmother.”   There’s a plump toddler sitting on his knee, slobbering as he babbles, and a slightly older girl sitting cross-legged in front of him on the carpet. She’s no more than five years old and blinks up at the old man with matching doe eyes.   “So a stupid man dumped grandma and then you came in and saved her?” she asks in a high-pitched voice.   “Essentially.” The old man nods and takes off his rounded spectacles to place on the small table beside his plush armchair. It’s his special seat for story time, placed under the picture frames of you and Jungkook over the decades, from your graduation to your wedding. “We were friends first and then started to date afterwards, but yes, it’s right to say I did save her.”   “Like a superhero?”   He grins and confirms, “Like a superhero. Now, do you know what the moral of the story is?”   His granddaughter shakes her head. “No. What is it?”   “The way to a person’s heart is through the stomach,” he declares with a smile. “If they like chocolate, you make sure you’re good at making chocolate. You like chocolate, right?”   “I like grandma’s cakes!” she exclaims much to his amusement.   “What nonsense are you telling her?” You’re leaning on the doorframe leading to the kitchen, sighing lightly as you shake your head with your arms crossed.   Your hair is slowly turning gray, but you’re still as attractive — if not even more so. Jungkook always mused how much more beautiful you got the more you learnt and experienced. And he likes the wrinkles around your eyes, even when you don’t. It reminds him of how many times he’s made you laugh over the years.   “Grandma!” Your granddaughter jumps up with a big grin that’s reminiscent of a bunny. She has big doe eyes that seem to sparkle in the afternoon light shedding into the cozy home. “Grandpa was just telling me how you guys met. He said he saved you. Is that true?”   “I saved him, dear.” You pat her head gently. “Without me, your grandpa would be hopeless.”   The older man at his armchair chuckles. “That is true.”   “It’s time for lunch, you three.”   You hold up your grandson and your granddaughter skips towards the kitchen.   Jungkook staggers upwards from his seat with weaker knees and muscles that feel exhausted to the bone. He’s still in rather good shape though for just turning sixty three two months ago. Even when you constantly worry about him, he can still play catch with the kids in the backyard and put them on his back without hurting it much.   When he comes into the kitchen, the two kids are in their seats and busy already digging in. His mug that says ‘Jungkook — World’s Best Chocolatier’ sits at the corner of the fruit place mat you bought at the thrift store. The letters of the mug are worn around the edges, handle chipped at the bottom, but it’s still his favourite.   But Jungkook doesn’t sit down to eat just yet.    He rounds the table and comes to the sink where you’re humming away. He leans his arms on the edge of the counter, standing right behind you and leans in as you turn your head.   Jungkook kisses your cheek. “I love you.”   You smile, the same one he fell in love with all those decades ago when you both were still young students who knew nothing about what was to come. “I love you too.”    Much to Jungkook’s contentment, you lean into him, filling his senses with your scent as you press a soft kiss to his lips. And it’s not bitter whatsoever.   It’s sweet.

[beautiful-and-terrible]

dazed ‘n’ confused (part 1)

A/N: Literally this is just a combination of frustration and gender envy I have for rodrick heffley. both characters are 18 :)

Ship: rodrick heffley x OFC

Warnings: none in this part, probably NSFW in later chapters

---

Nicole had never had a more boring summer.

She and her family, (Mom, Dad, and two younger sisters) had moved to this rinky-dink town in April, and Nicole squeezed in two months of school without making any friends before summer hit in a disgusting, sweltering mess of dry lawns and humid nights.

She managed to get a job life-guarding, and that was the highlight of her days through July and August. Her initial blistering sunburn on the tops of her feet and legs turned into a nice tan, and she usually walked the two miles from her house to the pool, so she stayed in good shape (minus the five or six ice-pops she would eat during her shifts).

Mainly, the reason she enjoyed life-guarding so much was because her neighbor, Rodrick Heffley, would come to the pool almost every day and stay until closing time (which also happened to be the end of Nicole’s shift). She tried not to think too much into it.

Nicole wouldn’t usually be attracted to boys like Rodrick. He was loud, and generally harassed the other kids in the pool, and splashed the old ladies when he cannon-balled off the diving board. He and his friends were always goofing off and violating pool rules. Nicole blew her whistle more times for him than she did for anyone else. Every time she did, she would point at him silently, and slowly give him a thumbs down.

And every time, he would give her a salute back and a shit-eating grin. It made her heart flutter funnily, and she would glower at him from behind her sunglasses.

Still, Nicole only worked at the pool four days a week - that meant her Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays were all abysmally, utterly free. Nicole tried to do things that made her happy - she practiced bass, and even a little guitar, and learned a few songs by heart. She redecorated her room, twice. 

From her window, she could occasionally see Rodrick pass by in his attic room - never anything indecent of course, but it always made her tummy feel funny to think of him, in his room, doing Rodrick things. She knew he was in a band, and played the drums - the whole block could hear their band practice on Friday nights. It was a little cringe, she knew, but she moved her bed under the window so she could glimpse his shadow when he walked by, coltish and gangly as it was.

She wanted to know more about him though - his favorite song, what he put on his burgers, even what his sheets looked like (which she blushed to think about. Get a grip.)

One blisteringly hot Thursday in August, Nicole decided to bike to work instead of walking. It would take less time, and would hopefully generate a little breeze to cool her off instead of trudging along on the soft asphalt. And, of course, right as she was about to turn off her street, her tire blew.

“Are you shitting me?” Nicole said under her breath, moving her long hair out of her eyes to look at what could’ve possibly punctured her tire. 

As she knelt down, a voice called “Need some help?” from behind her.

She turned to see Rodrick on his own bike, standing on the pedals and arms braced in front of him on the handle bars. He was wearing cargo shorts and a DIY tank top, obviously an old t-shirt with the arms cut off. Nicole’s eyes were drawn to his toned brown arms and the slip of torso she could see. She swallowed heavily before replying.

“Yeah, stupid tire blew out. Do you have a spare?” she asked, not really thinking about it. She didn’t know why she felt so comfortable asking Rodrick for help. They had never really talked before - only passing on the street, raising a hand to each other in greeting. The only other consistent interaction they had was Nicole reprimanding Rodrick for pouring cherry slushies in the kiddie pool.

“For sure - follow me. I'm Rodrick, by the way,” he said. "I know who you are - everyone at school told me to stay the hell away from you," Nicole teased, and began to follow Rodrick back toward his house, Nicole carrying her gimp bike over her shoulders and Rodrick walking his bike beside her.

"And all my friends said to avoid Nicole Tagliaferi like the plague,"

"It's Tagliani, dipshit. It's Italian."

"Sure, sure, whatever," Rodrick said teasingly, before turning to look at her, “You like lifeguarding?”. She could tell he was trying to make conversation, and it made a small secret smile appear on her lips.

“It’s alright - when you aren’t making trouble for me,” she replied, looking at him out of the corner of her eye. She saw his signature devilish grin appear, white teeth flashing.

“But otherwise, you’d just be sitting in the hot sun all day, watching old ladies do aqua-cize or whatever they call it.”

“Do you mean water aerobics?” Nicole laughed, trying not to let her mirth get away from her and let out a snort of amusement.

“Exactly. At least I bring something good-looking to the table,” Rodrick preened, jumping on his bike and riding it up the last leg of his drive way. Nicole followed him into the open garage - it smelled as most garages do, of rubber and dust and wood projects that the men of the family have yet to finish.

Nicole watched as Rodrick moved some boxes aside and reached up to grab a spare bike tire off the wall - her gaze slipped down to see his shirt ride up over his hip bones, revealing a flat stomach and a dark happy trail. Her mouth went dry, and she became increasingly aware of how hot the back of her neck felt, even in the dim shade of the garage.

“Let me grab a wrench and I can get started. You want anything to drink? Coke, lemonade?”

“Coke sounds good - thanks,” Nicole replied after a moment, still recovering from her earlier lapse of concentration.

While she waited, Nicole decided it wouldn’t be the worst thing to look for some music - she found an old radio in the corner and found her favorite classic rock channel. Luckily, they happened to be playing Led Zeppelin, and one of Nicole’s favorites, too. The slow, wailing guitar guided her hips as she started to dance a little around the garage. Being the nosy busy-body she was, Nicole had no qualms about letting herself get comfortable in other peoples houses. She was always looking in boxes and admiring little trinkets, imagining what it would be like to live there. Not that there was anything particularly interesting in the garage besides Rodrick’s drum set.

She swayed over to the shiny instruments and picked up the sticks, sliding around the back to the seat and beginning to try and replicate the beat from the song. 

“Sorry, neighbor, there's only room for one hot drummer in this band,” Rodrick said as he came back in the garage. Nicole stopped playing immediately, feeling flustered at being caught and simultaneously being called “hot”.

“Is that the noise I hear coming from this garage? You call that music?” 

Rodrick rolled his eyes, handing her the ice-cold coke. “You sound like my Dad. Let me guess - you listen to Taylor Swift?”

Nicole shrugged, taking a sip of her coke. “Taylor Swift is fine. So is classic rock, and nu-metal, and Mozart. I’m not picky.”

Rodrick gave her a funny look, wandering over to her bike and beginning to unscrew the washers from the flat tire.

“So what's your favorite classic rock band, then?”

“The same as many others, I suppose. Zeppelin, AC/DC, the occasional Metallica. My dad raised me on Rob Zombie and Bob Marley, and my mom learned more toward The Beatles and Carly Simon.”

Rodrick stopped what he was doing to look back at her, his mouth slightly agape. Nicole felt a swell of smugness at flooring this over-confident boy with her knowledge of music he obviously thought was “superior”. 

“Loded Diper was originally a Motley Crue cover band, did you know?”

Nicole hid a laugh behind another sip of coke. “No, I didn’t know that. I’m assuming now you write your own songs?”

Rodrick blushed, turning his gaze back to the task of fitting the new tire onto the frame of the bike. “Yeah, I dabble in song writing. Mostly the chords, I’m shit with lyrics.”

“That’s a good skill. It takes practice to learn how music sounds good together. You can’t just throw random chords together and expect it to sound good.”

“You talk like you know music,” Rodrick said, looking over his shoulder at Nicole. 

“Yeah, I dabble.” Nicole replied, throwing his own words back at him. Rodrick tightened the last screw on the tire and reattached the chain.

“There. Good as new,” he said, swinging the bike back around toward Nicole. She reached for the seat and the handlebars at the same time, and without thinking about where she placed her hands, ended up putting them right over Rodrick’s. It only lasted for a moment, but she swore she could feel all the air leave the room. Her eyes met his liquid dark ones. 

“Thanks,” she said breathlessly, and hopped on her bike without another word, coasting down the driveway and pedaling as nonchalantly and quickly as she could toward the pool. 

Rodrick didn’t follow her. She wished that he had.