#classes start on the 20th sigh

[16oun]

[asapeveryday]

The Last Time Pt1

Pairing: Paige Bueckers x Reader

Warnings: Smut, Oral sex

Summary: You rarely go out due to how hard your classes are, but a rare outing to a Halloween party draws you to a certain blonde’s attention.

Authors note: Not my first fic, but my first time writing for Paige, or writing anything on this app!!!im nervous asf but it’s okay 😇 pls point out any spelling mistakes pls I write these at like 2am.

Minors DNI beyond the cut!!

The house was one of the massive ones off campus, white picket fences and a big kitchen perfect for partygoers to escape the loud music. Fall had turned the hot, humid and vibrant summer nights into colder ones. Streets were littered with brown and orange leaves, and houses decorated with cobwebs and blow-up ghosts.

Your friends were used to going out for Halloween parties, but you never really bothered. Your classes just got harder by the year, so you always put off a long night out. To you it was worth it, because your grades were top 3 in your program.

“When was the last time you even got laid?” Your best friend asks you.

You shrug. “I dunno. July?”

“Whatever.” She sighs, realizing it wasn’t as bad as she thought. “Still, that’s like almost 3 months of no puss. Please just come to this party, it’ll be fun!” She whines.

“Isn’t it early for a Halloween party? It’s only the 20th. We still have a week. Plus, I don’t have a costume.” You say, hoping she’ll let you stay home.

“You don’t understand, this is massive. A Halloween-birthday-party is not one that you wanna miss” She beams at you. “And I have a basketball jersey you can wear for the night. Wear shorts with it, be sexy.”

“Shorts?? It’s October!” You groan.

Regardless, you found yourself inside of this house. Your friend wasn’t lying when she said this was a pretty big party, with all the people shoving up against you it was uncomfortable to be in in your sleeveless jersey and black shorts. The kitchen was slightly less rowdy so you started to search the fridge for some comfort in the form of food or alcohol before you heard a cough behind you.

“Yo.”

You turn only to find yourself having to look up at a much taller girl. Her blonde hair was long and down on her shoulders, except for the front pieces which were Dutch-braided closer to her head. She was wearing a really casual outfit, a matching Nike tracksuit. The only thing remotely Halloween-y thing on her was the pair of fake Angel wings on her back.

“Nice costume.” You almost scoff.

“You can’t be talkin. What are you, a fangirl?” She looks down at you. Her eyes are so blue you almost stumble backwards into to fridge.

“Fair.” You sheepishly smile at her. “It was really last minute, this isn’t even my jersey.”

“That’s cus it’s mine.” The mystery blonde laughs.

Immediately you look down at yourself, a white number 5 is sprawled against the navy fabric of the women’s basketball jersey you borrowed. You look up at the blonde again and your face drops.

“Oh shit! You’re-“

“Paige.” She finishes your sentence. “Not a basketball fan?”

“Not really.” You smile. You tell her your name and she repeats it back to you with a smirk that you feel straight in your gut. You’ve rarely seen Paige on campus, so having her right in front of you has helped you realize just how fine she really is.

“The jersey looks good on you.” Her eyes sweep throughout your body.

“You don’t come off as much of an Angel to me.” You raise your eyebrow at her, referring to her half-assed costume. You haven’t heard too many rumours about Paige Bueckers sex life, but you can just tell by her silent confidence, the way she stands and even just the way she looks at you that she gets around. Being a D1 athlete probably helps too.

“You’ll see for yourself soon enough.” She shrugs, maintaining eye contact with you.

“So Paige, is this your place or..”

“Nah. My friends threw this party as a surprise for me. Not even sure who’s crib this is but whatever.” She rubs the back of her neck. “You didn’t come with a gift, did you?” Paige asks.

“No, was I supposed to?”

“It’s my birthday ma, I think you owe me something.” She steps closer, looking at you through her long eyelashes.

You actually feel your heart drop to your ass at this point, and she can tell. Paige cocks her head to the staircase nearby and you almost run after her when she leads you upstairs.

You’re already making out by the time you crash into a bedroom, she slams the door shut and pushes you up against it. You almost faint when you feel her knee between your legs, applying pressure to your clit. She kisses you slowly, taking her time to memorize the feeling of her hands grazing your face, then trailing down your body and finding themselves inside the jersey. Her blonde hair tickles your neck as she starts to trail her kisses downwards.

Paige’s hands trail from your abdomen to your hips, roughly pulling your shorts down and kneeling to be face to face with your heat. You resist the urge to cover yourself from her, and can’t help but think about how awkward you must look from this angle, but she doesn’t seem to care. Gripping your thighs and looking up at you with her ice-blue eyes, she licks a slow stripe onto your already wet undies, chuckling when you shudder.

Pulling your underwear to the side with one hand, she slowly eases her finger inside of you and you throw your head back with a breathy moan that makes her smile. She sucks at your clit while adding another finger, then pumping into you almost on beat to the music blasting downstairs. Her tongue is insane to you, circling your clit so skillfully while curling her fingers inside of you, your knees almost buckle and your hands find her long hair, pushing her head. “Oh my god.” You breathe out. “I’m close.”

“Already?” Paige chuckles into you. When she removes her fingers and quickly replaces them with her mouth, lapping and licking inside of you you almost scream. The vibrations from her voice huffing around you are enough for you to feel that tight, building feeling in your stomach, and you cum right there and then.

She cleans whatever she can before pulling up your shorts for you and kissing you chastely, enough so you can taste yourself on her lips. When she pulls away you slump to the floor, legs twitching.

“Shit!” You embarrassedly mumble. Paige laughs and sits next to you. With both of your backs to the door you turn your head to meet her stare. “Happy birthday.” You laugh. She rubs her face, hiding her smile. “Pfft, thanks.”

“I thought I was supposed to gift you? You just gave me like, the best head I’ve had since I started college.”

“Seeing you fall to the ground at my head game is enough of a gift for me.” She shrugs, a smug look on her face. “Plus, there’s always next time if you wanna make it up to me.”

The two of you exchange numbers, the situation is so unreal to you that you’re convinced this is all some mistake.

“Did you even plan on hooking up with someone tonight?” You ask her suddenly, and she seems surprised at your honesty.

“Uhh…I’m not gonna lie, not really. This party was a surprise, remember?” She sighs. “I think seeing some cute girl in my jersey, totally oblivious, jus did something to me.”

You raise your eyebrow. “You didn’t even get to see what was under it.”

“Don’t tempt me, woman.” She laughs. “I’m exhausted, giving ankle-breaking head does that to you.”

“Shut up.” You say, shoving her lightly.

There’s a pause before you take a chance and say “There’s a good burger place nearby if you want to recharge a bit.”

The minute you say it you regret it. Paige Bueckers was in no hurry to get upstairs with you, there’s no way she’s gonna take you out for food too. Plus, since when did you go out with girls you met at parties?

She looks at you for a second, considering you. Finally she says “Fuck it, why not.”

Paige gets up and you follow after her lead. She laughs at the way you walk down the stairs and the two of you slip out of the house as sneakily as possible. Paige offers to drive you even though it was your suggestion. “What can I say, I love my car.” She smiles.

The burgers are good and her laugh is contagious. The two of you sit in her car while you eat, she almost screams when you steal a fry and you pretend to be annoyed when she takes a sip of your drink in retaliation.

You feel so nervous being around her, Paige seems so sure of herself. You can tell she already knows what she wants out of college, out of basketball, even out of girls. Sometimes, even though you devoted so much time to preforming well academically, you weren’t entirely sure it was all gonna work out for you. You feared all your hard work wouldn’t be worth it in the end.

After a moment of silence, you ask her “Does it ever freak you out, having so many people betting on your success? If I were you I’d be so scared of letting people down.” You disguise your own fear as a question for her. Paige looks at you for a moment, then smiles.

“Yeah, It does. I’ve already had moments where it felt like I let everyone down.” She says, looking down at her leg. “But no success comes without pressure, so I guess feeling that way is more of a blessing from God than anything. It’s like He’s reminding me of everything I have to lose. Ion’ think there’s much wrong with that.”

You’re surprised at how mature her answer is. “There’s no way you’re talking about God after you just gave head to a stranger.” You laugh.

She shrugs, a guilty but satisfied look on her face. “You’re not human if you don’t sin once in a while.”

“Amen.” You smile.

The two of you talk about stupid things until it’s well past midnight, and when she drops you off at your dorm you turn to say “I had more fun then I thought I would tonight.”

Paige smiles, her blue eyes staring holes into yours. “It won’t be the last time you have fun with me.” She says, laughing to herself.

“Shut up.” You nudge her. She shakes her head, and waves at you when you start to walk to your building.

You turn to wave back. Even though you know you can’t be anything serious with Paige, you can’t ignore the warm feeling in your stomach when you think about the night you shared. You seriously hope it won’t be the last time.

[eideticallys]

Who's Your Barber?

request: based on this.

pairing: spencer reid x reader

summary: “you move fast, kid.” he turned to spencer who looked like he was on the verge of passing out. “letting Y/N cut your hair without going on a first date.”

genre: fluff

word count: 852

author's notes: hello! i'm back with another spencer reid tooth-rotting fluff without plot. this was based on a request sent to me. i hope you'll love this! also posted on ao3 (spencereids).

“DO YOU THINK MY HAIR’S TOO LONG?”

You looked up from where you were working on a pile of paperwork from a recent case only to stare at a pouting Spencer.

Cute, you thought.

“Why?” You asked, now facing the man in front of you who was busy fretting over his hair. “Is it bothering you?”

“No, not really.” He mumbled. “I just—I don’t know. I want to keep it this way because it’s always been kind of on the longer side but I also want to try cutting it short.”

A bit shy from his admission, Spencer started fiddling with the hair tie on his wrist, obviously not that comfortable implying that he did care about his looks even for a small bit.

You almost cooed at how adorable he’s being for a grown man.

“Okay,” You prodded him again, wanting to make sure you understood what he was trying to say. “So, you wanna try a new haircut but you’re not sure about it. Well, I can help you with that.”

Spencer looked up from where he was playing with his hair tie and scrunched up his brow in question.

“How?”

You instantly blushed at what you were about to suggest when you noticed Spencer being all for it. The thing about Spencer is that he’s a great listener as much as he likes to talk. Coming from a household where he never got to have a good companion unless his mom was doing okay, Spencer knew what it felt like when no one wanted to listen to whatever it was one has to say. With all your doubts starting to vanish at Spencer’s obvious interest, you shared your thoughts.

“Well,” You decided to share. It’s not like you would recount to him an embarrassing childhood story. That’s a story meant for another day. “I may or may not have worked at my aunt’s salon over the summer back when I was in high school. I wasn’t a hairstylist but learned a thing or two.”

Spencer’s eyes widened in wonder. You no longer regretted sharing your experience and were sure he was about to share a tangent on hairstyling in typical Dr. Spencer Reid fashion.

“Archaeologists discovered that cutting our hair and styling it have both been practiced by human beings as early as the Ice Age.” Spencer babbled. “Also, they said that people’s social class, age, ethnicity, race, and genetics determined the style of their hair throughout history even up to the late 20th century.”

You grinned at Spencer’s info dump and ruffled his hair, to which he scrunched his nose.

“So, Reid,” You replied. “When are we gonna cut your hair?”

“What, did you join a boy band?”

Everyone around the table started giggling and smiling as soon as Hotch directed the question at Spencer, as your cheeks reddened. Unfortunately for Spencer, you being a former employee at your aunt’s salon certainly did not do you wonders. Because what was supposed to be a trim here and there became a short haircut for him, quite shorter than what he has envisioned, he shared with you.

You almost dug yourself a hole right then and there.

But apparently, Spencer liked it enough—loved it even—to not hate you for cutting his hair too short. It’s fortunate—for him and especially for you who gets to see him in his new hair every day—that Spencer was pretty. He looked good both in long and short hair.

However, with Hotch asking him that question, you were sure Spencer would hate you for cutting it wrongly.

“No?” Spencer replied as his brows crinkled. You breathed a sigh of relief with his answer, which Rossi didn’t fail to notice. 

You were about to head out when Hotch just announced, “Wheels up in 30.” When you heard Rossi speak to Spencer

“I like your hair, kid.” You almost smiled until Rossi questioned him. “Who’s your barber? Maybe I’ll get myself the same haircut.”

As if it couldn’t get any worse, you heard Morgan join in on the conversation, like both he and Rossi knew something you don’t. Spencer probably didn’t know what that something was too.

“Yeah, pretty boy. Who’s your barber?”

Spencer looked like he had swallowed a frog and he had seen a ghost with how comical he looked right now. 

It seemed Spencer knew what Rossi and Morgan were trying to imply in their prodding.

“It seems to me,” Rossi continued. “It was our lovely Y/N who cut his hair.”

At this, your eyes widened as Derek smirked.

“You move fast, kid.” He turned to Spencer who looked like he was on the verge of passing out. “Letting Y/N cut your hair without going on a first date.”

Spencer likes you back? 

As in more than friends? 

Non-platonic?

Spencer likes you back!

“Shut up!” Spencer screeched.

“Let’s leave the kids alone.” Rossi appeased Spencer while looking at you. “They have a date to plan.” 

Spencer sputtered out as both men chuckled while moving out.

“So, Reid.” You simpered. ���Where are we going for our first date?”

[sinofwriting]

So Many Reasons - Ollie Bearman

Words: 3,343 Summary: She honestly just wants to go to these two races to see her brother so he won’t complain about never seeing her anymore that is it. She has exams, an internship, and a job, she doesn’t have time for any of this. Note(s): Thank you V once again for commissioning the fic! I had a lot of fun writing it and may or may not have spent an hour researching different business degrees and universities and such. Reader is Andrea Kimi Antonelli’s older sister. Age gap of 3 years between her and Ollie. Not good family dynamics between her and Kimi and their father.

Taglist | Masterlist | Emergency Dental Fund

“Andrea, no.” Her voice is firm, perhaps harsh but she doesn’t care. She was tired, hungry, and had to stay up for at least another six hours. Her last red bull in her bag sounded better every second. “C’mon, sorella. It is my first F2 race. You can miss a few classes.” Her jaw clenches and she forces herself to take a deep breath. Thank god this was just a phone call. “No, Andrea. I can’t. I have exams.” “Ask for an extension.” “Andrea,” she snaps. “Does padre know you are asking me this?” His voice is quiet, “no.” She sighs, pushing away her work. “How is your school work going?” “It’s fine.” “And the sim?” “Good.”

It’s quiet between the two siblings.

“It’s been months since we last saw each other. Do you not miss me?” “We saw each other at Christmas.” She reminds him but softens. “Of course I do. But I’m busy. I can’t take a few days away to go to a race, at least not one that’s not in Europe.” She looks at her planner, at the days blocked out with different colors. Purple for exams, blue for classes, yellow for work, green for work and classes, the dreaded orange for when she had both exams and work. It was filled for days, weeks, and months. “I could maybe make it for Imola.” She’d have to talk to her professors, put in her time now for work, but she didn’t have any exams the day after his feature race. “Maybe even Monaco if you can get me a spare pass.” She shouldn’t go to Monaco, not with her final exams to obtain her MBA starting just the day after the race, but she didn’t have any work those days and she could always bring her books with her. “Really?” She smiles at the excitement in his voice. “Really. Are you sure you want your big sister around?” “Yes. It will be nice to have family in the paddock. Someone other than dad.” She hums, eyes widening as they catch the time. “Let me know about the passes for the different races, okay? As soon as you get them I’ll talk to my professors.” “I will.” “Bye Andrea.” “Bye.”

—

“Mr. Garcia?” She knocks on the door frame. “You asked to see me?” He smiles, beckoning her in. “Yes. Please sit.” He gestures at the chairs in front of his desk before quickly typing something. She sits down, smoothing the fabric of her skirt. “I wanted to talk to you about your plans after you get your MBA.” “I’d like to get a travel position or be able to work remotely half of the time. Then I think after ten years of doing that, I’d like to take a bigger account or two.” He hums, looking at her consideringly. “Why the travel position?” “I like traveling, going to different places, and when I went once before with Maria, I liked what she had to do.” “You're also good with languages.” “Yes.” “And the hybrid?” She fidgets a little. “The same reasons really as the travel position and I like the extended hours.” His lips twitch into a smile, “Maria hated remote.” She nods.

“She said you’d be suited for it.” Her leg that had started to bounce stops. He leans forward, “I’d like to keep you on. I know that your internship with Maria ends the first week of May. And that you’re only supposed to continue to work with us until August. But I’d like to offer you the remote position, starting June 20th.” She looks at him with a slight open mouth. “What,” she clears her throat. “What exactly would that look like?” He pushes forward a folder. “All of the details are in there, but there are two important things. There will only be a few days every month that require you in the office. Those days are always made known at least two weeks in advance, some as much as six months.” She nods. “The second is you will have strict deadlines. Miss two within a three month period and you will be on probation, meaning that for a time you will be spending at least eighty hours in office for the month, until your probation is up. Look over all the details and get back to me next week.” “Of course.” Taking the folder, she stares at it before standing. “Thank you, Mr. Garcia.” “Of course, Ms. Antonelli.”

—

“Andrea!” She calls, seeing him looking around. His head turns to look at her, a large grin taking over his face. “Sorella!” He calls, jogging over to her. “You made it.” She rolls her eyes, pushing him away when he tries to give her a hug. “I told you two weeks ago I’d make it to Imola. It’s not my fault, you don’t listen.” She touches her ears before giving him a quick hug. “How are you feeling?” “Good.” She hums, following him as he leads her to what she assumes is Prema’s space for this race.

The good was false that was more than clear to see, if she wasn’t his sister, she’d know just by looking at the F2 races so far. Round four with no podiums? Or pole position. Her brother was surely smarting. She wondered if it had hit him yet that he wasn’t the most talented driver in this series yet.

Entering the Prema garage she smiles when Rene immediately greets her.

“How are you?” “I’m good. Very good. How are you? How is Angelina?” “I am good, I’m sure you saw the Indycar news.” She nods, watching as Andrea starts talking to either a mechanic or an engineer. “I did. It sounds amazing.” “Very amazing. And Angelina, well,” He pauses, turning his head and calling her over.

“Oh, Y/N.” “Angelina.” She greets back, melting into the hug the older woman gives. “How are you doing?” “I’m doing good. And you are well?” “Of course, it is the season.” She smiles at her, knowing all too well how much everyone loved the motorsport season.

“Kimi!” Angelina calls and she has to stop herself from flinching at the use of his nickname. “You did not tell me that your sister was coming.” He shrugs, “She’s coming next race as well.” “You are coming to Monaco?” She shrugs, adjusting her purse. “It’s my last free time before my exams and Andrea asked when I was going to come.” Rene and Angelina share a look but before either can say anything, someone interrupts.

“Angelina, Dino and Antonio are wondering about the next shoot.” The older woman sighs, “And neither of them could get me themselves.” He shoots her a grin, and it’s the sight of his grin that makes her realize that this is Andrea’s teammate. “I volunteered.” Angelina shakes her head, muttering under her breath but leaves the small group.

“Ah, Ollie, this Y/N. Y/N, this is Ollie.” Rene introduces. She shakes his hand. “Nice to meet you.” “You as well. Are you new to the team?” “No.” She laughs, pulling her hand from his. “Just a guest for this race and next.” “Oh.” He looks at Rene questioningly, but the older man is already in conversation with other people. “I could give you a tour, if you’d like.” “You don’t need to do that.” He smiles, giving a small shrug with his shoulders. “I don’t mind.” “Don’t you have race prep?” She can see just behind him, Andrea talking to another two people, their heads all gathered around a tablet. “I finished mine already.” Her lips purse. “At least let me get you a coffee from Ferrari’s hospitality.” Her nose nearly wrinkles at the word coffee, but Ferrari… She wasn’t into motorsports by choice, but she was Italian. She knew the allure of Ferrari and more so now Charles Leclerc than the team itself better than anyone. “So, coffee?” He grins. She sighs but nods. “Just one though.” She doesn’t think she could stomach another one.

“You don’t like coffee do you?” He asks nearly twenty minutes later as she sips at the coffee he got her and she chooses not to think too hard about the money she tried to hand him that he refused. “No.” She laughs. “But you like Ferrari.” “I’m Italian, Ollie. I think I get kicked out of the country, especially this part if I don’t bleed rosso corsa.” “Yet your brother is a Mercedes junior.” She pauses, “My brother?” His eyebrows furrow. “I’m sorry, it’s just Kimi, he has a picture of you. I asked about it once, because I already knew what his girlfriend looked like.” “I didn’t know that.” She wondered when the picture was from. Not from this Christmas, that was for sure. Ollie stares at her for a few seconds, something dancing in his eyes before turning the conversation back around. “It is a bit funny isn’t it? An Italian choosing Mercedes, while an Englishman chooses Ferrari.” “A second Charles Leclerc in the making.” She muses, remembering an article that said it. He flushes red. “I wouldn’t say that.” She shrugs, “Then other people will for you.”

Her phone buzzing makes her look away and she rolls her eyes at the text from Andrea. “I have to go back, Andrea is looking for me. Thank you for the coffee.” He nods, standing with her. “No problem.” He then opens his mouth again, quickly closing it. She raises an eyebrow and he flushes a bit more. “Could I get your number?” “Ah.” She glances down at her phone, another text on the screen. “I don’t think that’s a good idea.” “Why not?” She can think of a million reasons. “It’s just not a good idea.” She settles on. “What if I want it as a friend?” She sends him a look and he grins. “I could do friends.” She shakes her head, “I need to go. Thank you again.” “Anytime.”

—

“You're at a race.” “Padre.” She greets, watching the screens as the sprint race goes into its fifth lap. “Andrea asked me to come.” “You don’t like races.” Her lips thin. “No, I don’t. But he wanted to see me, I made time.” “Have you made time for the interview I want scheduled?” “No.” He starts to say her name and she shakes her head. “No, padre. I’m here for Andrea, to see him. Just like I will be for Monaco, that is it. I have no interest in working for you.” “For the family.” “Or that.” He sighs.

Crossing her arms over her chest, she winces at the way Andrea gets overtaken, can already imagine the way he’ll beat himself up over it if he doesn’t regain the position, especially with the way Ollie is in P2, no battle in sight, as he more than comfortably keeps the place.

An arm wraps around her shoulders and she easily goes into her fathers side. “I miss my little girl.” She bites back on the words that want to crawl from her throat. “Love you too.”

—

“So,” she startles at the sound of a voice and the owner of it grins. “You don’t like coffee.” “Hello, Ollie.” “Hi.” He greets back. “You don’t like coffee.” He repeats. “I don’t like coffee.” She can’t help but smile at the way he grins at her responding to him. “What about,” he pauses looking around, before leaning closer and lowering his voice. “Red bull?” “I’m listening.”

She has to stop herself from giggling as Ollie leads her through Ferrari’s garage. She really shouldn’t be here. And not just because she shouldn’t even be at the race.

Stopping in front of a door, she watches as Ollie knocks, sending her a grin as he does.

“Hello?” The voice is a little confused. “Ollie! Come in, come in.” And Ollie grabs her hand, intertwining their fingers as he pulls her into the room with him. “Hi Charles.” Her eyes widen at the name and she quickly schools her expression though neither are looking at her. “What are you doing here?” Ollie grins at the older man. “I wanted to introduce you to someone and raid your fridge.” Charles rolls his eyes. “At least you don’t ask permission anymore.”

The tease makes her stiffen, this was a lot more than she felt she should be seeing or hearing.

“No, I learned.” Ollie laughs and then he’s tugging her closer. “Charles, this is Y/N.” A bit of tension leaves her when he doesn’t say her last name. “Y/N, this is Charles.” “Bonjour.” She greets, keeping her free hand firmly by her side as she wiggles her fingers in Ollie’s hand, but he just brushes his thumb over her knuckles. Charles’ eyes brighten at the greeting. “Bonjour. Est-ce un accent italien que j'entends?” (“Hello. Is that an Italian accent I hear?”) “Oui. Je suis italienne et je vis actuellement en France.” (“Yes. I am Italian currently living in France.) His grin widens. “Oh, très bien. Votre français est bon.” (“Oh, very nice. Your French is good.”) She ducks her head. “Merci.” (“Thank you.”)

“I didn’t know you spoke French.” Ollie says. She gives him a look. It should make his smile falter a little, but it only grows. “An Italian living in France. A bit uncommon, no?” Charles asks, handing her then Ollie a Red Bull. Before grabbing one for himself. “I study there.” “What are you studying?” Ollie asks, “Ki,” he stops himself. “Andrea never said.” Her eyes narrow at the catch, wondering why exactly he did it. “Accounting. And I’m not surprised. If it’s not something racing related, my brother has no interest.” Charles laughs. “I think Lorenzo and you would get along well. Having siblings that live and breath racing while you don’t.” “Maybe.” “Are you close to getting your degree?” “I am actually. My final exams start Monday.” “And you came to the Monaco Grand Prix?” Charles’ eyes are wide. “Yes.” “My goodness.” He looks at Ollie, winking at him. “This one is a keeper.” “Oh,” she says, feeling blood rush to her cheeks and Ollie is turning pink. “We aren’t.” He shrugs, taking a drink of his red bull. “Maybe not yet.” His eyes then fall to their still intertwined fingers and she gives another tug to Ollie’s hand, expecting him now to let go, but he doesn’t. “No, not yet.”

—

“What race are you coming to next?” Her hand tingles at the sound of Ollie’s voice. “I’m not.” “What?” She turns to face him. “Andrea wanted me at the first race of the season, but I couldn’t make it, so I said I’d come to these two.” She doesn’t mention that the want of her coming was because he apparently missed her. She had her doubts about that, especially after this weekend. “You don’t think he’ll ask you to come again?” She looks around, seeing no one nearby, she sighs. “Even if he did, I wouldn’t come. I love my brother, but not on race weekends, not during the season. I’ve seen you more than him.” Ollie’s face that had looked shocked, turns to understanding. “I’m sorry. I had no idea.” She shrugs. “He’s busy.” Ollie looks like he wants to argue, but he doesn’t.

Instead he leans a bit closer, “so, could I get your number now?” She laughs, shaking her head. “No. Still not happening.” “Oh, c’mon. I won today. This is the one thing I want as the Monaco F2 feature race winner.” She shakes her head. “Maybe, if you actually wanted it as a friend. I’d say yes.” “And why can’t we be more than friends?” He’s closer now somehow and she has to swallow around the lump in her throat. “Ollie,” Her name spills from his lips in a gentle sigh as he leans ever closer. “We can’t.” She whispers, hand against his chest, holding him place. “Why? Give me one good reason why.”

He’s guiding her backwards, down the short hallway and into a room that’s thankfully empty, the door shutting behind him.

“One good reason.” “You’re Andrea’s teammate.” “For nine more weekends.” She lets out a shaky breath, watching as his tongue darts out to wet his lips. “I’m busy with school and work.” “You have final exams this week, which you’ll pass. And I’m busy with work as well.” “You're younger than me. I’m twenty-two, you just turned nineteen.” He shrugs, her eyes following the strong line of shoulders with the movement. “I’m an adult. And I like you.” “Ollie.” She breathes. He’s closer than ever before, their lips nearly brushing. “I’m still waiting.” Her eyes scan his face, his words full of confidence, his body too, but he’s flushed and his nervousness is easy to read. And she delivers the reason that has to make him see reason. Because she doesn’t know if he stays this close to her if she can stop herself from kissing him. “Your parents,” his throat bobs. “Would never approve.” He looks at her and she looks back, holding her breath, waiting for him to back away but he doesn’t, and god when does Ollie ever do things she expects. “They don’t need to.” He whispers and then he’s kissing her.

—

“What are you talking about?” “Andrea,” “No.” He stops her, shaking her head. “What do you mean, you are seeing Oliver?” He spits the name out. “Don’t, Andrea.” “NO!” His face is red and she’s reminded of the times when he wanted candy that she had and threw a fit over not getting it instead. “He is, he is,” he shakes his head. “I don’t even know what he is. He is my teammate, he works in motorsports, you hate motorsports.” She keeps quiet, watching as her brother processes the news. “He is younger than you, barely older than me. And you.” He shakes his head again. “Does padre know?” She scoffs, now shaking her head. “Does padre know? That’s all you care about isn’t it. If our father approves or not, if he knows what he thinks, because heaven forbid Kimi,” he flinches at the name. “You think for yourself.” “That is not.” “Don’t.” She cuts him off. “Yes, he knows. Don’t worry he disapproves as well. So, you don’t have to think for yourself again.”

She stares at her younger brother, knowing that this is her fault, but she can’t, she still doesn’t have it in her to deal with it, not today. “I will talk to you sometime, Andrea.”

—

“Your fans are lovely.” Ollie makes a humming sound, half asleep. She pauses her scrolling on twitter, unable to stop herself from liking the picture of Charles’ dog in his own personal little car. “Your fans. Very creative as well. They can’t call me a gold digger, but a fame seeker? Well, if the shoe fits.” “They what?” He sounds so much more awake, it makes her laugh. “It’s just hate, Ollie. I’m an old woman praying on the young. Apparently I’m like Piquet.” “Ew.” And she can picture his nose wrinkling. “You know you aren’t though right?” “An old woman?” She jokes. “A predator.” She softens, turning in his arms, so that they are chest to chest. “I know.” “I mean, really if anything I was.” “You were very insistent.” He flushes. “Only a little.” She nods, pressing a kiss to his jaw. “Only a little.”

“I know we talked about it before, but are you okay with everything?” “Yes. I mean, it hurts that Andrea is still not okay with it but my father’s opinion has not mattered to me in a long time. And no matter what the media and fans were never going to give us peace, so I made my peace with that as well. Besides, your parents are okay with it.” “They love you.” “Our friends are understanding.” “They are.” “And you aren’t about to dedicate any more podiums to me.” He grins at her and dread starts to form in her stomach. “Ollie…” “About that last one.” “Ollie!”

@crashingwavesofeuphoria @poppyflower-22 @racingheartsposts @gemofthenight @peachiicherries @lpab @hiireadstuff @iloveyou3000morgan @boiohboii @bibliosaurous @skepvids @elliegrey2803

[dearly-somber]

Haircut | j.jk

-> pairing. wolf shifter!jungkook x human!reader (f)

-> genre. slow burn, fluff, f2l (friends-to-lovers), humor, found family, angst, drama, eventual romance, eventual smut, high school!au

-> w/c. 1982

-> rating. 13+

-> a/n. This ended so silly so goofy smdhjaheb

-> warnings. None!!

-> collection. mini-series

-> started. Aug. 14th, 2022 @ 19:49

-> fin. Thurs., Nov. 20th, 2023 @ 04:43

-> edited. Fri., Dec. 1st, 2023 @ 12:55

-> divider credit. @mmadeinheavenn

“You’re kidding right?”

Jungkook pouts, looking down at his hands with a furrow in his brow. “No…”

Y/N laughs, rocking forward to smack his knee familiarly. “You seriously got detention because your hair was too long? That’s ridiculous!”

“I know,” he whines, running a hand through said hair and sighing deeply as he lays back with his legs crossed, splaying his arms over the bed.

Y/N giggles as she stands, sympathetically patting his shoulder. “Is there really no way out of it?”

“Not unless I can book an appointment before school tomorrow.” Y/N cringes. “Yeah,” he sighs.

It’s so dumb. He didn’t get in trouble the entire week! Not one teacher mentioned it, and then during his last period on a Thursday evening, bam! Detention slip. And, obviously, it was from his least favorite teacher, Ms Kang, who he was pretty sure hated his guts for no other reason than she couldn’t fuck him. He’s honestly surprised that she hasn’t been reported for sexual harassment yet, but he swears if she touches his shoulder in class one more time…

Jungkook’s brought back to the present at the sound of drawers opening and closing, his attention piqued. The thing that spurs him into motion is the realization that Y/N is rummaging through his drawers and she might accidentally happen upon his underwear.

“What’re you looking for?” he asks, pushing up off the bed to sit with his feet hanging off the side.

“A comb.” She closes his sock drawer with a sigh. “Do you have one?”

His eyes flit to the hand she has wrapped around the dreaded underwear drawer handle. “In my bathroom. Why?”

She mutters to herself, “‘Course it’s in the bathroom, why didn’t I think of that?” Then, louder, “Wanna comb your hair first.”

“‘First’?” Jungkook repeats quizzically.

“Mm,” she hums, turning to him with a smile. “Gonna cut it for you.”

His eyes widen. “Seriously?”

“Sure!” She pulls him into the bathroom by his wrist, crouching to dig through his sink cupboard and turning back to him with a smile on her face and a comb in her hand.

“Uh…” Jungkook isn’t sure what to think. Does he like it when she plays with his hair? Yes. Does he trust her with his life? More than yes.

But his hair?

“I think I’d rather just go to detention…”

She punches his arm with a shake of her head. “My dad’s a barber, dickhead. I’m gonna get the water ready so long—can you change into swim shorts?”

“I…” Jungkook wants to say no and drag her back to bed so they could watch their silly little dramas and forget about how their plans to go to the movies tomorrow would be canceled because of some stupid detention slip, but Y/N’s eyes are sparkling and her voice is light, so he groans instead.

She smiles knowingly, turning her back to him as she starts fiddling with the handles in the bath, the water running as he goes to change, closing the bathroom door behind him.

He pulls his pants down and briefly considers changing out of his boxers before ultimately deciding to keep it on under the plain black swimming trunk he pulls out of his bottommost drawer.

He’s a little nervous for whatever Y/N has planned, but more than that, he’s excited. Whatever this is, he can feel deep in his stomach it’s going to be domestic and likely set his wolf off in the most pleasant way.

As he enters the bathroom, his eyes fall on Y/N. She’s standing inside the bath with her pants rolled up just under her knees, her shirt sleeves rolled up above her elbow, a comb and a bottle of shampoo in her hands.

“Well?” She beckons him closer. “What’re you waiting for?” Jungkook lets out a baffled laugh. She leads him inside the bathtub before gently pressing down on his shoulders so he’s facing the wall with his back to her, his legs crossed in front of him.

He feels Y/N slot her feet next to him, feels how her legs cocoon his arms. The water is pleasantly warm around his lap as she begins brushing through his unruly strands of hair.

She giggles softly. “I can’t believe you didn’t cut your hair,” she says, running her fingers through the hair at the nape of his neck.

“I didn’t think it was long enough to get me in trouble,” he grumbles with his eyes closed. “We grow our hair out all the time, so no one thought it would be an issue.”

Truthfully, Jungkook didn’t want to cut it because he knew Y/N liked it long, and wanted an excuse to keep it that way.

She tsks playfully, dragging the comb from the very top of his head (literally an inch short of his forehead) all the way down to the shorter strands of hair at his nape. “Guess it gives me an excuse to play with your hair, huh?”

“Guess so,” he mumbles, his chest warm and bubbly. “I didn’t know your dad was a barber,” he says.

“I guess it’s never really come up in conversation,” she replies, setting the comb aside and reaching for the detachable shower-head. She tests the temperature on her palm, water dripping onto the side of Jungkook’s arm before she interrupts with a little gasp, “Shit! I forgot about your shirt.”

“It’s fine.” Jungkook waves her off. “I’ll change into a different one when you’re done.”

“You’re sure?”

“Yeah.”

Jungkook imagines Y/N skeptically biting her lip. “Alright. Lemme know if the water’s too hot, yeah?”

Jungkook grunts as a reply, a soft noise leaving his lips without him meaning to at the feel of the water on his scalp.

She runs her fingers over his head, cupping her hands over his eyes to stop the water from going into his face.

“Did…did your dad teach you how to do all this stuff?” Jungkook asks, his brows furrowing as his wolf croons at the way Y/N lathers shampoo into his hair.

“Yeah, kinda,” she replies focused-sounding. “He took me to work sometimes, so I watched him a lot. Picked up on most of it that way, if I wasn’t asking questions.”

“That sounds really nice,” he mumbles distractedly, smiling softly at the image of baby-Y/N being taught how to wash one of those Barbie head’s hair properly.

“It was.” She makes sure to get the shampoo in the hair behind his ears as well. Jungkook can’t help but sigh contentedly, unable to find it in himself to care when Y/N giggles teasingly.

“You good?” she asks, a smile in her voice.

“Feels really nice,” Jungkook replies softly, his heart probably beating slow enough to make a cardiologist worry for his health.

After Y/N lathers the shampoo on, she rinses his hair out, applies conditioner, rinses that out, and then gently taps his shoulder. “C’mon Wolfy, let’s go downstairs.”

“Wolfy?”

“What?”

Jungkook smiles wide at her offended pout, throwing the towel she hands him over his shoulders. “Nothing, nothing.”

“Whatever,” she humphs. “Go down to the kitchen when you’re done changing so we can cut your hair.”

Jungkook salutes. “On it!”

🌕🌖🌗🌘🌑🌒🌓🌔🌕

“Okay, you ready?” Y/N asks, excitedly snipping the scissors next to his ear.

Even though Jungkook feels his stomach drop, he puts on a brave face. “Let’s go!”

Y/N grins, running the comb through his hair one last time before pulling the longer strands of hair at the nape of his neck between her forefinger and middle finger, waiting a second before quickly snipping off the hair.

“Your hair’s gotten so long…”

“Should you be talking right now? Shouldn’t you focus on not cutting off too much?”

“Yah!” Y/N laughs in disbelief as she smacks his shoulder with the fist she has closed around the comb, tsking disappointedly as she continues snipping at his hair. She moves strategically around the back of his head, eventually maneuvering around to the front to cut his bangs.

“Seriously though, your hair’s grown a lot. I didn’t think you’d ever let it get this long.” She brushes through his hair again.

“Why?” he asks with closed eyes, both to keep the conversation going and also out of genuine curiosity.

She shrugs. “I dunno. You just never seemed like a long-hair kinda guy? It looks good on you, though. The long hair, I mean.”

“What else would you mea—stop hitting me!” Jungkook pouts as he brings a hand up to rub at his bicep, scowling under his bangs.

“Just…shut up. Stop nitpicking everything I say.”

“Okay, okay, I’m sorry. Don’t be mad, eh?” He reaches out to tug at her shirt, smiling satisfied when she huffs defeatedly and pats his hand before she starts cutting bangs.

“All hairstyles look good on you, though. It’s kind of unfair, actually.”

Jungkook scoffs, letting his eyes drift closed as Y/N grabs the blow-dryer (which he assumes she brought down from one of the bathrooms) and plugs it into a socket on the wall. She starts it up, then immediately stops.

He turns his head to the side to look at her. “What?”

“I’ve never thought to ask, but does the sound not hurt your ears?”

Jungkook frowns for a second, then lights up in understanding the next. “Oh! No, not really. It’s loud, sure, but you’d have to have really sensitive ears for it to hurt.”

“Ah, okay.” Y/N nods as she puts one hand on his shoulder, standing behind him. “Just wanted to make sure I wouldn’t hurt you.”

As the blow dryer turns on and drowns out any attempt at conversation, Jungkook can’t help but smile to himself.

She doesn’t want to hurt him. That’s a relief. Hopefully, she won’t have to. Soon, right? At the very least, Jungkook knows any hurt isn’t intentional…

🌕🌖🌗🌘🌑🌒🌓🌔🌕

“Alright! We’re done!”

You set the dryer to the side as you pull the plug out of the socket, walking around to look at the finished product of your hard work, only to find him asleep.

You smile softly at the way Jungkook’s chin rests against his chest, lips slightly parted in sleep. His hair is not only shorter now (even though you kept some of the length, because you couldn’t find it in yourself to cut it all off), but it’s clean and fluffy and it makes you want to run your fingers through it.

Which you do—you reach out and card your fingers through his bangs and over his scalp, just kind of fondly staring at him while he sleeps, before realizing that that might be a bit weird.

“Jungkook?” Your voice is softer than you meant it to be, but you don’t mind. He’s so innocent when he’s asleep, it’s kind of awe-inducing. “Kookie?”

“Mngf?” Jungkook’s eyes open blearily, confusedly sitting straighter in his chair as he takes in his surroundings.

“I’m done, Koo. Go lay down on the couch if you’re feeling tired, you’ll hurt your neck.”

He grumbles something under his voice as he gets up from the chair, towering over you (damn his long legs).

Your eyes widen in surprise when Jungkook sleepily stumbles toward you, nuzzling into your neck as his arms wrap weakly around your middle. “Thanks, Bunny.”

You’re beyond happy that Jungkook can’t read minds, because in that moment you find yourself—for the split of a second—thinking about Jungkook in a not-so-best-friend way. “Sure, Kook.”

He drags himself to the couch, unceremoniously climbing over the back and flopping onto his stomach with a loud oof.

You press the back of your hands to your cheeks in order to cool them down, shaking yourself free of the stupid butterflies in your stomach as you grab a broom and sweep your best friend’s auburn hair out to the backyard.

Stupid haircut…

[harlowtales]

PART 2

Jack faces a glitch in his master plan but can he turn things around?

📍See Part 1: Jack decides to teach his friends a lesson for how they treat Y/N

18+ Adult Themes - Drama/Language

It was all over town. Drake and JCole were coming to Lexington and of course Jack wouldn’t miss it. His two idols couldn’t pass through Kentucky without paying homage to the King of Kentucky. The buzz was crazy and there was already thousands of people on a Ticketmaster wait list.

Everyone in Jack’s crew looked forward to going. No question Jack would perform Churchill Downs with Drake and the afterparty would be legendary. Immediately his team went into preparation putting out promo. Jack started getting calls from his inner circle. “Of course you’re all coming” He said on his 20th call for the morning. Even his mother called. “Really mom?” He said incredulously.

As part of Jack’s team you flew into prep mode to support Neelam with anything she needed to coordinate the perfect experience with Drake and Cole’s teams. You got to FaceTime with both of them and realized Jack must have a nickname for you that he was telling everybody to call you by.

When Drake got on the phone with you he said the same thing as JCole “Sup lil Mama.” They endearingly said.

“Jackman.” You said seriously to Jack one morning, why’s everyone starting to call me “Lil Mama?”

“Cuz pups is Lil Yo and you Lil Mama.” He said as he pecked you on the forehead preparing to head to the studio for the day.

“Ah ok thanks for clearing that up.” You said smiling to yourself that he considered you, him, and the puppy such a unit. You didn’t live with him but you may as well. You had a lot of stuff at his place like clothes and a toothbrush. Technically you actually lived on campus.

Since the incident with you telling him about his female friends being two-faced with you Jack had a plan to fuck with them for fucking with you and you couldn’t wait.

You took “Lil Yo” a.k.a Lou Lou for a walk, went to the gym, and headed to art class. The bartender from the club Jack DJ’d at was in your class and always held a spot for you. “Hey girl” he said “You ready to present today?”

“So ready, I did a ton of research for this art history project. How about You?” You asked him.

“I’m not as prepared as you which is no surprise.” He replied with a sigh. “So has Mr. Lovin on Me proposed yet?”

You were surprised at the randomness of the question.

“Is there something you know that I don’t?” You said slightly irritated.

“Just think it’s been awhile. From what you’ve told me there’s no shortage of competition.” He said. Word in Jack’s circles was a proposal was coming.

Jack was going to pop the question and his female friends were saying in secret chat rooms that Jack could do better. Your friend was in that chat and you had no idea. He got chummy with some of them the night you ditched them to talk to him at the bar for so long. Finding out they had the same goals of hating you and Jack as a couple, they invited him into their inner circle of witches.

He wanted you badly since first year of college. The mission they gave him was to get things on you they could use and provoke a situation where you kiss, or even sleep with him and they get Jack back as an eligible bachelor. When Jack was single they believed one of them had a shot at landing him and they would all share the benefits in money, clothes, gifts, or trips, and have access to other rich men.

Jack was FaceTiming you which he often did when you were in class. He didn’t care about timing. Class hadn’t started yet so you picked up.

“Hey babe!” You said “what’s up?”

“Just wishing you good luck today.” He said but his smile soon faded.

“Hey What’s Poppin?” The bartender appeared and waved.

“Sup.” Jack said unceremoniously

You caught the change in Jack’s tone. “Babe are you good?” You asked concerned

“Why wouldn’t I be?” He said in a bit of a snarky way

“Ok either you’re suddenly bi-polar or I’m trippin.” You said about his complete switch up.

“He always sit next to you?” Jack asked

“Yeah of course, he saves me a seat most times cuz you know I’m always late.” You explained

“Oh of COURSE he saves a seat for you.” Jack repeated in a mocking way.

“Uh I gotta go hun. I love you, and don’t forget to call Drizzy this afternoon, we need everything to be perfect for the show.” You were a bit troubled by Jack’s change in behaviour all of a sudden and decided to bring him back to business.

After your presentation you were standing outside talking with your bartender friend and some other classmates who were congratulating you on a great presentation when a White Jeep rolled up with heavy bass thumping. Once people caught on who it was they swarmed the jeep screaming and whipped out their phones. Urban, Nemo, and Nicki waved to you as Jack jumped out with the puppy and came towards you. He had on jeans, a white tank top, and shades. A simple but deadly combination. He signed some autographs and took a few selfies on his way over to you and your friends.

“Baby.” He said handing you Lou Lou and planting a deep kiss on you making girls on campus wish they were you.

“Ummm hi” you said a bit embarrassed and a bit mesmerized as your lips parted. He always had that effect on you. “What a pleasant surprise.”

“Well I thought I’d come see my girl and take her shopping.” He said glancing nonchalantly at the bartender who stood there with his arms folded.

“So as I was saying Y/N I think your point about Van Gough was spot on.” The bartender continued completely ignoring Jack Harlow just appeared. “Your work is amazing. I can’t wait to see it at a gallery one day. With all Jack’s connections I’m sure that’ll happen for you.” Bartender guy said. “Jack what’s your favourite piece Y/N has ever painted?”

Jack knew what this guy was trying to do but fact of the matter was Jack couldn’t really answer him. He was so absorbed in his career he didn’t know what your best work was.

“I can’t pick a favourite.” Jack said “Y/N is so talented, she can get her own opportunities and I’ll support whatever she does.”

“Wow, can’t even get a little hook up? That’s kinda rough Y/N.” The bartender said getting on Jack’s last nerve.

You watched the exchange in silence. Finally understanding what was going on. You decided to defend Jack. “You know if I was touring the globe I don’t think I’d have enough time to know all of my work either. Jack doesn’t have to know what his favourite painting of mine is. He supports me 100%.” You said lovingly looking up at Jack.

“Yeah well you’re an artist. Why did some other artist do his album cover? Drake’s 5 year old drew his album cover. Do you know all the words to Jack’s songs? I bet you know your favourite Jack Harlow song but he can’t tell us what his favourite painting is of his “Lil Mama?”” He dug into your deepest insecurities as you confided in him that you thought Jack was not selfish but self-absorbed.

Everyone was staring and a crowd was gathering. Jack didn’t want to make a scene and get you in trouble at school.

“Let’s go baby before someone gets hurt.” Jack said looking at the guy and then at his friends in the Jeep, sending a clear message. Jack’s radar went up. Only inner circle knew he called you his “Lil Mama”.

“Yeah Jack I agree let’s go” You said and looked disappointedly at who you thought was a good friend as you walked away.

“Why did you come to my school?” You said snapping your seat belt angrily.

“I thought you were happy to see me.” Jack said sarcastically.

“Since when do you show up at my school in your fucking sunglasses acting like you just showed up to some red carpet just to take me shopping? You don’t do shopping sprees, and I don’t want them. What douche bag is impersonating my boyfriend? And you should know my paintings and have a favourite!!! Everything is not about you!”

“You see what this fucking asshole is trying to do and it’s working!” Jack yelled as he hit the road. All the guys were quiet in the Jeep as you argued.

“Take me to my dorm.” You demanded.

Jack did want to take you shopping…for a ring. The thought of some other guy that shared your passion in life and could get into your head was not ok. He had to make a major move, but now he was just mad.

“Fine. Go back to your little dorm.” Jack said furiously

“I don’t even know who you are anymore.” You said bawling and slammed the Jeep door. You handed Lou Lou over to Urban and ran to your dorm. You weren’t even at the front door before you unfriended Jack on IG.

Jack’s female friends saw the unfollow as soon as it happened.

“You ok buddy?” One of them said as soon as he put them on speaker in the car.

“I’m fine why?” Jack said bewildered

“Y/N just unfollowed you.” She said

“What?” Jack said shocked “We had a fight, but why would she do that?”

“I never liked her. You don’t deserve that.” The girl said

“Naw you got it twisted. I don’t deserve Y/N” he said.

Jack couldn’t believe all the snakes in the grass and saw what everyone was trying to do to you and him. “Fellas, you wanna shut down a jewelry store so we can buy a ring in peace?” He said to his guys.

“A ring? After that just happened?” Urban said thinking his bestie had lost his mind.

“I need it now more than ever. Everyone tryna fuck me and Y/N up got it coming” Jack said determined.

“I’m down” Nemo said

“Let’s go fuck it up” Nicki agreed

“I think you’re crazy but count me in.” Said Urban

@itsyagirljaz @okaaay-mice @ride4harlow

[lixzey]

head over heels

January 20th, 1976

Eloise Clark was late; she was never late for class. 

Eloise never meant to sleep in, and she never meant to stay up late last night either. She was revising for her O.W.L’s down in the Gryffindor common room and lost track of time. By the time she fell asleep, it was already half past two in the morning. 

Now here she was, running down the corridors on the way to Transfiguration class, her long red curls flying all over the place as she tried to get to class in a dash. Eloise prayed to Merlin, Circe, and Morgana that Professor McGonagall wouldn’t get angry or disappointed with her for being late; she was one of her best students, and she didn’t want to get detention for being late. 

“Sorry I’m late, professor!” Eloise said, panting once she reached the classroom, leaning beside the door frame. All eyes were on her as Eloise tried to catch her breath. 

Professor McGonagall raised an eyebrow at Eloise, her lips pressed into a thin line. “You're lucky that you are one of my best students, Miss Clark. I'll let it slide this once; do not let it happen again.”

Eloise nodded frantically, feeling a wave of relief wash over her. She quickly hurried to the vacant seat at the back of the classroom, pulling out a quill along with its inkwell and a roll of parchment. 

Professor McGonagall continued with the day’s lesson. Eloise eagerly scribbled down notes when the smell of chocolate and old books invaded her nostrils. She whipped her head around to see Remus Lupin standing in the doorway, looking worn and tired. Why in Merlin’s name does he look that tired? 

“Good morning, Professor. I’m sorry I’m late.” 

Professor McGonagall looked at Remus with a sympathetic smile. “It's quite alright, Mr. Lupin. Please take a seat and catch up with the lesson.”

Eloise watched as Remus made his way towards her, brows raised in confusion. Why the hell is he walking towards me? 

Eloise looked around and mentally kicked herself at the realisation—there weren’t any available seats other than the seat beside hers. She could see the rest of the Marauders snickering from the corner of her eye. Eloise visibly rolled her eyes as she scooted further to the other side. 

“Lovely to see you too, Clark,” Remus muttered, rolling his eyes as he settled into the seat next to her. Eloise bit back a retort, not wanting to cause a scene in the middle of class. Great, just great.

Eloise and Remus have been academic rivals since first year. Eloise has never gotten along with him since he beat her in answering Flitwick’s question in charms class. Since then, Eloise has made it her mission to best him in every subject they shared. Unfortunately for her, Remus seemed to always be one step ahead, much to her frustration. It was petty, sure, but Eloise was determined to beat him at least once before they graduated from Hogwarts. 

As the class continued, Eloise tried her best to focus on the lesson, but she couldn't help but feel irritated by Remus' presence next to her. His mere existence seemed to throw her off balance, and she couldn't shake the feeling of annoyance she felt for him.

Eloise sighed, tucking a strand of her hair behind her ear and taking a peek at Remus from the corner of her eye. He has another scar; why the fuck does he have severe-looking scratches on his face? Is it contagious? Merlin, does he need help? 

Remus, on the other hand, felt Eloise’s gaze on him. He was used to the stares of people, but somehow this time, Eloise’s felt a lot different than the others. It didn’t feel like she was judging him; Remus couldn’t pinpoint the feeling, but it was good in a way.

“Alright, I will be expecting three a parchment essay about today’s lesson on Friday. You shall work in pairs,” Professor McGonagall explained as she started to assign pairs for the essay. 

“Potter with Evans,” Eloise heard her friend, Lily, groan, making her chuckle. “Black with McKinnon, Pettigrew with MacDonald, Lockhart with Vance, Longbottom with Fortescue, Vance with Snape, Boot with Rosier, and finally Lupin with Clark.”

Eloise groaned inwardly, annoyed at the fact that she was stuck with the person she despised the most as a project partner. Why the fuck did it have to be me? Eloise shot him a glare, making it clear that she was not happy about the partner situation. 

Remus, however, seemed unfazed by her hostility. He merely nodded and began to gather his things as the class ended. Eloise quickly packed up as well, eager to get away from him as soon as possible. As the both of them walked out of the classroom, Remus stepped beside her, much to Eloise’s annoyance.

“Look, let's just get this stupid essay done and over with, alright?” Remus said, his tone surprisingly casual. 

“I can’t believe I’m stuck with you.” Eloise sneered, taking a dramatic step back. 

Remus sighed and ran a hand through his mussed hair, looking equally as annoyed as her. “I don't like this any more than you do, trust me,” he muttered. “But we have to work together if we want to get a good grade.”

Eloise gritted her teeth and nodded, knowing that he was right. I can’t believe I’m actually agreeing with him. “Fine, meet me in the library after classes.” 

Remus sniffed, annoyed at the redhead in front of him. “Alright, see you then.” 

Eloise rolled her eyes before walking away from him, her red curls bouncing behind her like dancing flames. Remus sighed, leaning against the wall behind him. “That girl is definitely going to be the death of me.” 

Eloise sat in the library alone after her classes ended, hunching over a book larger than her head as she waited for her essay partner. 

Eloise sighed, her eyes still glued to the book. He’s late—ten minutes late. Why the fuck is he late? Ugh, being the smartest bloke in school doesn’t mean he can-

“Hey Elsie, thought I'd find you here are you busy?” Eloise snapped out of her thoughts; her eyes snapped up to see one of her best friends, Alice Fortescue. 

“Oh no, I’m not—well, not yet. What’s up?” Eloise asked, closing the book and sitting up straight. 

“Can you help me with my potions essay? I asked Lily, but she’s busy with Prefect patrols tonight,” Alice said, plopping down on the chair beside Eloise.

“Erm, well, actually, I'm supposed to meet Lupin for the essay Professor McGonagall set,” Eloise replied, feeling guilty for betraying her friend in favour of working with someone she hated.

Alice raised an eyebrow. “Lupin? As in Remus Lupin? I thought you couldn't stand him.”

“I can't, but we were paired up for an essay in Transfiguration,” Eloise explained, feeling a bit awkward about the situation.

Alice chuckled. “Well, that's an interesting turn of events. Good luck with that, Elsie.”

Eloise groaned, biting on her lower lip. “Luck? I need felix fucking felicis at this point just so I can endure hours with him.”

“Oh, honestly, Elsie,” Alice laughed. “Remus is not that bad when you get to know him.” 

Eloise rolled her eyes. “He’s insufferable.” 

Alice chuckled before giving Eloise a teasing smile. “Maybe you just need to give him a chance. Who knows? You might actually get along after spending some time together.”

Eloise shook her head, not convinced. “I highly doubt it, Allie. He's always been one step ahead of me in everything, and it's really irritating.”

“Well, if you say so,” Alice shrugged. “And here he comes.” Alice’s lips quirked upwards when she saw the boy approach the table. “Hey Remus, how’ve you been?”

Remus gave Alice a nod, a smile on his lips.  “I've definitely been better,” he snorted, now looking at Eloise and her furrowed brows. 

“You’re late.” Eloise glared, crossing her arms over her chest.

“Well, Clark, I'm sorry you're just so eager to see me.” Remus rolled his eyes, pulling out the chair across from Eloise. “Flitwick kept me a bit longer to talk; he didn't know about your oh, so busy schedule that ten minutes was just perilous to your precious time,” Remus said, his voice now higher pitched to recreate Eloise’s.

As her mouth moved to retort, a chair screeched under the wooden flooring, grabbing both of their attention as Alice stood up to leave. “Oh Merlin, just try to not kill each other during this; Elsie still needs to help me with my essay; now behave you two,” she said, collecting her things as she went off to give them space.

But as she was parting ways with them, Alice turned around and mouthed good luck to Eloise. Merlin I- 

“So, I was thinking I could start finding out more about the doubling charm, and maybe you could go with the vanishing spell? After that, we can go through our notes and find important points that we need to include so we can start outlining our essay,” Remus asked, beginning to unpack his supplies and now looking at her, expecting a response.

“Fine,” Eloise grumbled, opening her own bag to take out parchment and quill. “But we'll start with my research first, then we'll move onto yours. Understand?” she demanded, giving him a challenging look. 

Remus sighed, shaking his head as he scribbled down notes. “Honestly, Clark, must we always be so competitive?” he asked, not bothering to hide the annoyance in his voice.

“Yes, because I don’t want to fail just because of an incompetent partner like you,” Eloise retorted, rolling her eyes as she scribbled down on her roll of parchment. 

“Right, because you're the epitome of perfection,” Remus mocked, his tone mimicking Eloise’s voice. 

“Have you met me? That's just who I am,” Eloise replied, her tone matching Remus’ sarcasm. “Get writing, Lupin.” 

Remus fought the urge to groan out loud, knowing that arguing with Eloise would probably be like talking to a brick wall. He dipped his quill into the inkwell and began to write, mentally telling himself that this study session would be over soon.

“What kind of handwriting is that?” Eloise snorted, peeking at Remus’ wonky handwriting. “It looks like a drunk chicken swam in ink and danced on your parchment.”

“Well, I wasn’t blessed with beautiful penmanship like yours, Clark,” Remus shot back, resisting the urge to roll his eyes. 

Eloise scoffed. “I can barely read it, Lupin,”  she said, shaking her head in disbelief. “You write like a first-year; it's embarrassing.”

Remus sighed, closing his eyes and pinching the bridge of his nose in frustration. “Look, can we please just focus on the essay and get it done? I don't want to be here any more than you do.”

"Fine, could you try to write legibly? It’s not that difficult,” Eloise replied, her eyes never leaving the parchment.

“Fine,” Remus groaned, dipping his quill into the inkwell. “Freckle face.”

Eloise snorted, raising an eyebrow at him. “Is that really the best insult you can come up with?” 

“Well, it seems to have gotten your attention, hasn’t it?” Remus had a smug smile tugging at his lips. 

Eloise’s nose crinkled at the smug smile on Remus’ lips. “Scarface.”

“Swot,” Remus shot back. 

“Look who’s talking,” Eloise scoffed, her nose still crinkled in annoyance. “Teacher’s pet.”

“Try hard.” 

Eloise scowled. “I do not try hard.”

“Really? Because being second to me is saying otherwise.” Remus smirked smugly, leaning back slightly. 

“You take that back!” Eloise hissed angrily, her eyes narrowing. 

“Or what?” Remus challenged, meeting her gaze with a smug grin that Eloise wanted to smack off his pretty face. Pretty face? What the fuck, Eloise!? “What are you going to do, huh Clark?”

Eloise gritted her teeth, feeling her temper flare. “I'm going to stab you with this quill over and over again until you beg me to stop, Lupin.”

Remus rolled his eyes, unable to hide the smirk spreading across his lips. “Real mature, Clark.”

“You started it, you prick!” Eloise snapped, gripping the quill in her hand.

“It’s not my fault you get riled up so easily,” Remus retorted, his smirk not fading.

“I hate you!” Eloise spat through clenched teeth, her eyes ablaze with anger.

“The feeling's mutual,” Remus said, his tone laced with annoyance, though there was a hint of amusement in it as well.

“You absolute git!” Eloise snapped again; her red curls looked as if they were blazing.

“Can you both keep quiet? You're not the only ones in this library, you know.” Both Eloise and Remus’ heads snapped up as they heard a voice coming from the other side of the library. Madam Pince, the librarian, hissed, glaring at them. 

Eloise clenched her jaw, narrowing her eyes at Remus. “This is your fault, tosser.”

“You were the one who started giving me grief about my handwriting,” Remus retorted, rolling his own eyes at her. “Last time I checked, it takes two people to argue, Clark.”

Eloise groaned, massaging her temples. “Yeah, well, you were baiting me the whole time!”

Remus held up his hands in a gesture of surrender, a look of fake innocence on his face. “Hey, you're the one who just threatened to stab me with a quill; it's not my fault.”  

“Why I oughta-,” Eloise began, but was cut off by laughter from behind her. Eloise whipped her head around, only to see James Potter and Sirius Black trying their hardest not to topple over from their laughter. 

Eloise scowled at them, crossing her arms over her chest. “What’s so funny, huh?” she demanded. 

“My apologies for interrupting your romantic tension,” James said with a smirk and a mischievous glint in his hazel eyes. “Just couldn’t help but overhear your bickering; it was quite entertaining.” 

Sirius raised an eyebrow, still chuckling. “It’s just amusing to see you and Remus bicker like an old married couple.” 

“We do not bicker like an old married couple!” Eloise protested, her face flushing with embarrassment—or anger—the shade of her cheeks nearly rivalling her hair.

Sirius chuckled and draped an arm around James’ shoulders. “Please, you two arguing was the most entertaining thing that’s happened in this library since we got here,” he replied with a smirk.

“My galleons are on Clark; she'd definitely win. Moony here won't hurt a girl.” James laughed, leaning over Sirius with a smirk.

“Remus has the patience of a saint to put up with you, Clark,” Sirius snickered.  

Eloise's face flushed red with embarrassment. “Oh, shove it, Black, before I hex you into the next century!”

“Oh, charming,” Sirius snorted, feigning fear. 

“Ugh! Finish the damn notes yourself, Lupin!” Eloise growled, gathering her things to leave. “You are a prat, the lot of you! Kings of bloody prats!” 

Remus watched as Eloise stormed off, her red curls bouncing behind her as her footsteps echoed through the library. He shook his head and let out a sigh, turning to face James and Sirius. “You two are absolute gits,” he muttered, his lips quirking upwards in a small smile.

“Oh, Moony, you’re one to talk,” James responded, a grin on his face as he winked at Remus. “You and Clark would make a perfect couple; you both have the same level of stubbornness.” 

Remus rolled his eyes as he gathered his things to leave the library. “Not a chance in hell, Prongs. I’d rather get hit by the whomping willow than spend more time with her.”  

Sirius chuckled, patting Remus on the back as they left the library together. “We’ll see about that, Moony. We’ll see about that.”

@helens3amstuff @gatoenlaciudad @thebetawolfgirl @lovemelikecrazyiloveyoucrazy @tchalamss @ashlynnmalfoy @crazycat-ladys-blog @michakune @mxltifxnd0m @spencerr3idd @dangelnleif @sthkate @ferrjulie @imnotoverlyobsessive @mel-vaz @elsagreeer @lovely-maryj @meowmeowmau @bobthe-turmpetman29 @saintcosette @ladyladybuggg @nyrasunderwrld @lizzxoxo @remussbitch @jadahxx @starrystormwritings @ell0ra-br3kk3r @dreary-salem @drewsandsebastianswife @greenapplegrass @lilianelena39 @danni-phant0m @haybellewrites @cloudlst @si4a @ev3ningrain @ttulipwritezz @lilmaymayy @bullets-from-another-dimension @siriuslycaptainofthedawntreader @reg-arcturus-black @abruuinlove @marina468 @3stelar @timhalamet @st4rf00k3r @idli-dosa @jimins15thhair @blacksgarden

[akaashiwaifuuwu]

Love - lana del rey

Bangchan and fem reader

Warning: fluff, angst, mention of menstrual cycle and fem.

this is inspired by the the song love by lana del rey and you all can play that song while reading lmao and also 20th century girl ;) this is my first time writing over tumblr lmao

walking to your uni felt amazing in the end you fought with so many people, you won the competition. This war for studying till day and night is done? No.

You still gotta study to get better marks for semesters to make your parents proud in the end they deserve it don't they? They sacrificed a tons and now here you are shifted to a new dorms.

New place? New city? New people? New college? Everything is so New. You wanted to be friendly and then you knocked at your neighbors doors. No answer, you can hear the music is going on being an overthinker you started thinking if you were disturbing him or not when you turned around suddenly someone opened the door.

"Hi, were you knocking?" Flabbergasted. Just Flabbergasted. "Helloooooooo" oh, yeah 'I'm supposed to be speaking dumbfuck' you were thinking "hi?" The guy was standing thinking you're deaf and then he was giving signs to you "I can speak, I'm sorry I was" flabbergasted because you look so hot? Are you gonna say that? No.

"Hi?" He smiled at you "my god, this is for you I'm your new neighbors I hope we get along" you smiled at him and handed him your cookies "bro, what's taking you so long?" A new person start walking with a deep voice making you rethink that what if they are a bad guy?

"Oh, a new neighbor?" The guy who looked so fluffy cuddly had that voice like what the hell? "I'm felix nice to meet you" he smiled "hey, I'm yn I'm new here hope we get along and there are some cookies for you two" you and felix shaked hands "I'm bangchan" the guy with gentle masculinity smiled "I'm yn" you smiled at him.

you found out that your new neighbours go the same uni as you but they're majoring in a different field as compared to you. Felix and Bangchan were both majoring in music meanwhile you were studying law, you also made friends with lee minho and seungmin who was doing law as their major.

You were sitting alone at the class and a girl name ryunjin came to you "hey I know we don't talk but please tutor me I will fail if you don't tutor me" that girl was begging.

"Hey yn" felix started running towards you and hugged you "hey lix" you giggled at him "hey channie" you smiled that him he nodded and smiled. "So you and minho?" Chan asked "what about him?" You were confused looking at him with tilting your head "oh come on don't you see the way minho looks at you" felix smirked "what? Nah we ain't having anything what the hell chan you believe that? I thought you know me better" you sighed teasing him.

"You and emiko are dating tho" you looked at chan "she is my ex no way I don't do old deeds" he looked at you.

| you're a part of past but now you're the future|

you started hanging out with chan and felix every weekends. "No way you listen to lana del rey?" Felix yelled at you "I love lana del rey you didn't knew?" You both gave eachother high five. "Favorite song?" Felix asked "Honestly, I can't choose but yk love by lana del rey hold different spot" you smiled

"No way that's chans favorite too" felix looked at chan "chan listens to lana?" You grabbed chan hands "yn everyone who have amazing taste listens to lana del rey people who listens to lana are hot and they are self aware" chan started massaging your hands. Honestly it feels nice you had hard weekdays and weekends are amazing for you.

"I need water gimme a minute" you said while walking out. "Yn change your cloths and take a shower" chan gave you a smile "why?" You were confused "oh, your monthly cycle started" felix replied "no wait, I stained the sofa? I STAINED THE SOFA?" It's okay don't worry much about it me and felix can clean" chan hold your hands. In this very moment you melt.

"I love you two I don't know what I would do without you" you hugged chan and felix. You felt safe with them. They made you feel good really good.

|you get ready, you get all dressed up to go nowhere particular|

"Chan, what do you think about this dress?" He stared at you from top to bottom. Red lipstick, red backless dress with red high heels. He wanted to elope with you. "Amazing, are you going somewhere?" He questioned "oh, no I just wanted to get dress" you laughed "well let me dress up too"

"Oh my God yes yes dress up so we can play dress up dress up" you smiled at him, he was Flabbergasted by it everything about you made him feel happy? Yk when weeknd said "if you're the air I need I'm dying just to breathe" yes you never knew what love was.

Until and unless every love song was about him. You're lovesick and you ain't even ashamed of it.

You thought falling in love was good but was it? No it wasn't absolutely not. Falling in love isn't always the colors, flowers etc its sad if the lover doesn't love you back but as long as he is happy right?

"Hey" chan looked at you but you were deeply in sleep. He removed your hair which was covering your face and saw stain on your face were you crying? You woke up and saw him staring at you which made you smile you smiled at him thinking it was a dream you giggled like a little kid and when you felt someone pinch you. It was at this moment you knew you fucked up.

"What are smiling for?" He looked at you awestruck "I thought it was a dream" you look terrified "you dream about me? How cute how fluffy awww" he started teasing you. "Are you going to that party? Today?" You said "ah hyunjins? Yes I'm and you" he asked earning a yes for you.

You entered the party with felix and chan and wore black short dress you laughed at them "im going to drink a lot today" you started walking toward the counter "im warning you" they nodded smiling.

"My god you aren't kidding when you said you will drink a lot?" Felix asked again earning a nope from you. 1 shot, 2, 3, 4, 5? You lost count and you were dancing with minho awkwardly since you don't know how to dance and he doesn't wanna take advantage of you.

"Chan here" minho handed you to chan "holy shit? She is really drunk?" He looked at her "channie were you always this good looking?" You stared at him. He could feel his heart beating faster.

"I'm beyond handsome" chan made you sit beside him "we love self aware king" you smiled at him while putting your head on his shoulder and grabbing his hand.

"Felix you coming bro?" Chan asked the blonde man "no bro I'm going to some where else" felix reassured chan that he should take you home.

While chan place you in front seat you grabbed his face "your lips is so pretty, oh no this is bad I can feel my heart beat so fast, no no no this is bad" you place your face on his chest he stared at you without saying anything he brushed your hair which was covering your face.

You woke up in the sound of birds "oh hey yn" you slept on chans bed "oh no way I stayed here? My head hurts" chan gave you hangover drink. "So, was I really drunk yesterday?"

"Don't worry about it you anyway have warned us" chan smiled "and oh have breakie"

"Oh I want to change and brush my teeth then I will come back yeah?" Earning a okay from Chan

You and chan were alone just you and him and Watching la la land the ending made you cry and you're crying so hard sobbing on his chest while he whispering sweet nothing.

"Hey chan wanna go on a date with me on Friday today is Wednesday" he said nothing "it's okay if you don't wanna come whatever I'm gonna get going-" she got stopped by chan pressing his lips "see you on Friday then?" "Yes, Friday."

Felix looked at chan "I think I like yn" he confessed to chan and he was shattered. "Oh wow man this will work it will" chan smiled at him.

At night he entered his room and cried and cried and cried he needs to sacrifice ofcourse it has to be, he doesn't wanna fight over a girl with his friends and felix is like other him.

"Hey chan let's go somewhere on Saturday yeah? Me, you, yn and ryunjin" he looked at chan. Yep.

On Friday you waited for him outside infront of movie hall it is 12pm now its is 5pm you waited and when it was 8 you started walking towards home and it was raining you looked down and stared at the ground for a while until you felt it wasn't raining when you looked up you saw minho was holding an umbrella.

"Yn you're here" felix looked at you "why are you all wet?" He was concerned "don't bother" this was the last thing you said to him as you entered the room"

You read 'incoming call from channie 💌' you picked up "hello?" "Yn let's meet right now"

You heard the knock and opened the door and let him enter "yn I didnt came todaye intentionally" you both stared "why?"

"I don't wanna"

"Oh" was all you could manage with that being said he walked out.

"Yn wanna go to amusement park? Me, you, chan and ryunjin?" Felix asked her earning a yes from her

"Yn and felix take a photo" chan said as if he wasn't getting hurt. Chan made them take ride together but while felix and you were together you could only see chan. And felix saw the way you looked at him.

"Let's go to that" chan pointed felix and ryunjin denied while chan went and you said you will go too knowing very well you're scared of heights.

As you both went to ticket corner ryunjin said "I really want to go there" and felix questioned her "why didn't you go?" Making ryunjin laugh "stupid, they like eachother well they love eachother can't you see it? In the party chan and yn was there together and always looking for eachother dumbass"

Then it hit felix yn liked bangchan and bangchan like yn, chan sacrificed for him, chan always did that, everytime, everyday, chan takes the blame, chan protects him, he isn't even selfish why?

When the roller-coaster was going up you could see yourself getting scared and chan saw that too "yn why are you shivering?" He asked you "im scared of height" you confessed "then why did you even joined me in this?" He was genuinely scared for you.

"Because I want spend some time with you alone me and you just us" you took his hand and breathe in screaming "bahng Christopher chan I love you" and then it went down causing you to faint while chan was holding you.

"What happened" you opened your eyes the roller coaster ride was done and chan was looking at dead in your eyes meanwhile you're feeling dizzy.

Chan hold you by your waist and you vomited and said "if you hate me then I'm thinking of moving to different apartment" once you've stopped vomiting you heard him saying "that's great, I'm happy"

That shattered your heart.

"I never regret meeting you chan" that last thing he heard from you as he starts walking away. In the end you were not here you went home alone on chan and felix way to home.

"Hey felix did you saw the photos I took you and yn looks goals like so cute" he muttering until he heard felix speaking up "for how long are you willing to sacrifice for me?" Chan turned around "what happened did anyone said anything? What happened tell me"

"You like yn why are you willing to sacrifice you always do that everytime like I'm something to dumb or can't handle pain whatever it is why chan why? You know what I'm just gonna go and yn is shifting because of you and you better go apologize to her"

Chan was stunned "no I don't like her" felix was about to yell "shut up you do and why didn't you tell me"

"What was I supposed to say? Hey I like her so you should back off a girl coming between our friendship? I like you more and you matter more for me"

"I need to stay away for you I need some alone time bye chan" felix said walking faster to his dorm.

Chan knows he fucked up but what was he supposed to do? God he feels like shit he hadn't cry this much.

"Hey yn can I talk to you?" Felix looked at you "yes sir" you laughed "I like you yeah I do but chan loves you and when I told him I like you he back off and did that he always tries so hard for me willing to do anything for me you know it's so I don't know what he is so loveable person talk to him yeah?"

"I love him you know" "I know he knows too"

"Where is chan?" You looked around "dorms he is about to shift so you don't have to go" you don't know what happened you were running to your building and as soon as you saw chan all you could say is "I hate you why did you do that?" You looked at him.

"I like you chan I love you chan, don't do it, don't go stay with me" you cried he came and hugged you "I love you" he smiled as you look at him.

"-felix" chan pushed you away "mate you're happy im happy I can find anyone I want and I think me and yn are made for platonic relationships right yn?" You smiled anything him and kissed chan on his lips.

As long as you're both with eachother you don't have to worry about anyone and anything.

| cause I'm young and in love|

[admrlthundrbolt]

Sweet Tooth (Iruka x Chubby Reader)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Iruka has a morning routine that includes your bakery. What will happen when a certain knuckleheaded ninja tags along?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Hey guys, I'm back at it again. I was recently rewatching Naruto and it resurfaced feelings for favorite characters. I thought that sweet Iruka would fit this idea perfectly.

I have an idea for a longer story for the 20th fanfiction. It's a concept I've been thinking about for a while, but will take a bit of research.

Anyway, I hope you enjoy.

---------------------------------------------------------

With a heavy sigh of exertion, you dropped your hands from the whisk and bowl. While being a early bird, transitioning into the baker life was fairly easy. Mixing made up more of your prep than you’d like to think about though. But the happy looks on your customer's faces made up for it.

Especially a certain scarred sensei's.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“Naruto, you seriously need to get your act together. A ninja must live a life of honor and sacrifice, not of childish pranks.” Iruka shook his head as he reprimanded the troublemaker. Hands on his hip, he leaned down to his eye level. “You need to take training and school seriously. It may seem like a game right now, but your future depends on your present actions.”

The blonde shuffled his feet and pouted at the ground. “It was just a prank.”

Shaking his head, he sighed. “No matter how innocent a prank may start. It can turn into a dangerous situation.” Putting a hand on the boy shoulder he said. “Do you understand.”

With a sullen nod he finally met his sensei's gaze. “Yeah.”

Patting the boy’s back, he let his stern expression drop. “Good.” Looking at his watch he cringed at the time. Glancing between the time and his pupil, he realized there was a decision to be made. If he escorted Naruto to class, he wouldn't have time to go by your bakery. Which would put a major damper on his day. On the other hand, he could take the troublemaker to the bakery. But what kind of mischief the blonde could get into, especially in your shop.

“OK Naruto, I’m going to make you a deal. “ He pinched the bridge of his nose at even the thought of what he was considering. “If I treat you to breakfast, do you think you can behave until we get to the academy?”

The boy nodded enthusiastically.

With a prayer the duo headed to your bakery.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The bell rang and you turned to the door. Smiling widely at the sight before you. “If it isn't my favorite customer.” A beeping came from the back and you clapped at the sound. “You guys couldn't have come at a better time. The Anpan is ready to come out of the oven. Excuse me while I go get it.”

Iruka could feel the heat building on his face. A love sick smile graced his mouth as he stared at the door you went through. He couldn't get over your kind nature and luscious full body. It was like you were crafted by angels themselves.

He was broke out of his fantasy by Naruto failing to hold back his laughter. “Wow sensei, they should change the name of the bakery to blush blush bakery.”

His blush spread even farther at the comment. But he didn't have a chance to reprimand his student.

You return with a tray full of red bean bun that smelled heavenly. As you faced them your eyes widened a bit. “Now Naruto, what have you said to make your sensei so flustered?”

Now the blush had crepted all the way up his ears. He quickly out his hands over the boy’s mouth. This kind of thing was exactly what he was afraid of. “Oh, trying to talk his way out of punishment. When sometimes the best thing to stay out of trouble is to just stay quite.” He gave the boy a pointed look to try and get his message across.

The blonde nodded enthusiastically. “Yeah yeah. What he said.” He rushed over to you and grabbed a bun. Then yelped when he realized how hot it was, juggling it between his hands.

you squinted in suspicion between the pair as you gave him a napkin to hold the treat in. “Uh huh.” Wrapping a second one you passed it to Iruka. “By the way.” You have the blonde your full attention. “What did you think of the milk bread with?”

His eyes sparked at the memory of the delicious bread. “It was so good! Did you makes any today?” Craning his head around the counter, to peak into the back room.

Swating your hand at the boy, you shook your head. “Not today, but I’d be more than happy to send you to class with lunch.” Facing Iruka your smile widened. “In fact, I would love to give you both lunch for the day.”

He waved his hands in front of himself. “We couldn't possibly take advantage of you like that.” His flush, that was starting to fade, flared back to life. Forget angel, this woman was a goddess. He had no idea that she was feeding Naruto. Though he had noticed his lunch containing baked goods more often than not.

With a hand on your hip you frowned. “I’m the one offering, so it wouldn't be putting me out.” Tapping your chin, you slammed a hand in your fist. “What if you paid for lunch, but I throw in desserts for free. That’d be fair, right? “

Seeing that you weren't going to back down without sending them off with free stuff, he nodded.

Clapping your hands together, you were beaming. “What sweets are you boys in the mood for?”

The blonde squinted at the display case. “What’s the sweetest thing you have?”

Without missing a beat, Iruka's mouth was faster than his brain. “She can’t put herself on the menu Naruto.” His blush had somehow doubled and migrated to you as well. “That is to say that you're the sweetest person in the village!”

“Oh.” You weren't sure how far the flushed travel, but your entire body felt as if it was a flame. Busying yourself with wrapping the lunches, with as many extras as you could sneak in. Including a note for Iruka to read later.

Thankfully by the time you had everything packed away, you both had calmed down a bit. “I hope you boys enjoy these.” Handing Naruto his along with a pat on the head. Then facing Iruka, you gave him another dazzling smile.

Your hands brushed as he took the box, they were as plush as the rest of you and warm. He fought off a shiver and gave what he hoped was a handsome smile. “Thank you.”

“Anything for my boys.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

He was glad that it was finally time for lunch. With the way his day was going, a break and your cooking was just the pick me up he needed.

Once he got over the shock of how much you had pack in the box. He noticed a note tucked into the corner.

Dear My Favorite Customer,

I mean it everytime when I call you my favorite customer. I was wondering if you would be interested in taking that relationship in a different direction. Call me when you're ready. XXX-XXX-XXXX

Love Your Baker

Rereading the note, he pondered if giving you a call tonight was to soon.

[sparkleburstdoodles]

Stepping In The Sun: Looking Up?

Sunburst was starting to feel good.

Finally, something he was actually making progress with. Something he can actually DO. Something other ponies were proud of him for. And Sunburst was really good at it!

He couldn't help but smile with pride at the scoreboards for the final grades. His name was so high up, his neck kind of hurt looking at it.

“Wow. You're second place, Sunburst!” Bouillon Roux–an albino filly– remarked. “Think you can tutor me a bit? I got 20th place…”

“Well, shucks, I dunno about THAT.” Sunburst rubbed a leg in bashfulness. “Moondancer beat me by a LARGE margin. You probably should ask her.”

“Get real. She doesn't like anypony but her friends. I feel like she'd bite me if I approached her.”

“Come on, I don't think–”

“Look, it's Shimmer and Cadenza!”

The two turned with the crowd to see the two stellar students of the academy—under the tutelage of Princess Celestia herself! — trotting down the path.

Mi Amore Cadenza: the supposed niece of Celestia. She was a pegasus with incredibly mysterious aero-magic that seemed to enchant anypony that laid eyes on her.

And Sunset Shimmer: a newer protégé with exceptional spellcasting skills and a seemingly endless well of magic at her disposal. She also happened to be Sunburst's sister.

Sunburst ducked a little behind Roux when he spotted Sunset. He didn't want her to see him.

Sunset held her chin high, seeming to ignore Cadenza's chatter in her ear. Sunburst wasn't sure if she was trying to act cool, but she had an annoyed expression that focused directly ahead. She always seemed so mad these days.

The two mares approached the boards, where Cadenza sighed so loud. “Phew! My all-nighters paid off. I hope this makes Auntie proud! What did you get, Sunshim?”

Sunset pointed as she looked for her name, then grunted in displeasure. “Not good enough. So not fair.”

Cadenza’s ears flattened a bit, searching the board. “Well…you placed lower last semester right? So it's still very good–!”

“Oh piss off already, Cadence.” Sunset pushed through a group of kids. “I didn't ask you.”

Sunburst watched her storm away, Cadenza hurrying behind Sunset.

“What was that about?” Roux whispered. “She bit her head off.”

He shook his head. “I don't know. She's quick to be mad.”

“Huh? You know Shimmer?” she tilted her head.

Crap. Sunburst rubbed the back of his head. “It's…not important. Let's just get to class.”

“Right. Isn't today we gotta get our report cards?” Roux remarked.

Gulp.

Report cards. He didn't think that part through. He grew nervous.

“Sunburst?” Roux touched his shoulder. “Are you worried? What for?”

“I…didn't tell my mom I switched classes,” he admitted.

“Why?”

“I'm worried she'll take it wrong. And she'll make this big fuss and make the principal put me back in Spellcasting.”

Bouillon blinked. “So she won't understand? Even if you're really good at it?”

“I don't think so. When my mom has her mind set, it's hard to talk to her.” Sunburst looked down.

“My dad’s kinda harsh too,” Roux admitted. “I love cooking, but he wanted me to be a scholar more. Because he couldn't make my brother do it. Hey!” She stepped closer to his face, making him nervous. “I got an idea!”

“W-what?”

“Shh!” She warned, whispering. “I'll change your report card for you! Then she won't know!”

“Ch-change…?? Are you crazy?” Sunburst panicked. “But that's wrong. If she finds out, I won't hear the end of it!”

“She won't! Don't tell anypony, but I've gotten good at it!” Roux smirked. “I do it for my brother all the time. And Dad never catches on.”

“I don't know…” Sunburst looked away.

“It'll be just a name switch. Think about it. She'll be proud, and you don't have to go back to the other course! Avoid the conflict!”

“I would think lying would add MORE conflict…”

“Fine. How's this? I’ll change it for the night. If you don't send it to your mom by morning, I'll change it back. No sweat!” Bouillon held out a hoof. “Eh?”

Sunburst hesitated. Well…he'll be letting her down either way…but he COULD go scotch free. “....Alright. I’ll think about it. ”

————————

Later that night, Sunburst couldn't sleep, even if his short life depended on it. He just sat on his dorm room bed, staring at the paper.

It wasn't like he was changing his grades or anything. He was changing the class names. Could it be so bad?

Yes! This was still lying! Mom would be so mad and Dad would be disappointed! What if the school kicks him out for this?

Sunburst groaned and rubbed his forehead. He didn't want to tell Mom what he's been holding back either…could he claim he lost the report card? No, Mom would probably call the school for it.

Knock! Knock! Knock!

The orange unicorn jolted. Somepony at the door?

“H-hello?” He stood near the door, reluctant to open it.

“It's Sunset.”

Sunset??

“I don't have all night.” She grunted.

Sunburst cracked the door open enough to poke his head through. “Something the matter?”

“I'm visiting Mother tomorrow.” Sunset explained, “Did you get your report card?”

“No!!” Sunburst panicked.

Sunset blinked, and scrunched her nose in annoyance. “You don't have to yell. Jeez. I thought your whole grade got them today? I was just saving time.”

“Right…we did. Sorry I'm just…stressed over…homework!” He nodded and smiled nervously.

“....whatever. Give it to me.”

He did so. Get it over with.

“And stop wasting ponies' valuable time.” Sunset turned to leave.

Sunburst sighed, and moved to shut the door, when he heard his sister mumble.

“Take care of yourself.”

Did he hear that right?

—————————————

Another piece for Sunburst’s story! Bouillon Roux is a very old OC I decided to ponify

Cutie mark vectors are all from DeviantArt I credited them on my DA lol

[squeakyfir]

A small hostage (A night at the museum 2 X Child! Reader Fanfiction)

Description:

You, an eight year old child who was left behind on a school field trip gets locked inside the Smithsonian and are held hostage by wax figures of historical figures. Though one was cruel, the other's were a bit mean but they showed a bit of care. So much for being evil. There were questions that needed answers.

Will you live?

Will you die?

Will you see your family again?

Will you even remember this night?

Enjoy!

*I do not own the night at the museum movies. All rights to the characters and storylines belong to 20th Century Studios ™*

Chapter 1

Next

A two hour bus ride to a museum for a field trip is just as terrible as getting left behind. That happened to you. And man does it suck.

Here's what happened...

"Alrighty kids, we'll be arriving at the Smithsonian in 30 minutes" said the bus driver through the speaker. You sighed as you slumped back in your seat. Your whole class was going to the Smithsonian museum for a field trip. Everyone else was thrilled but you could care less. You hated field trips because they seemed pointless to you. The only upside is that it was an opportunity to get out of school. And that was it. The other kids on the bus were getting ansty about getting there.

Your teacher was pretty excited too since it wasn't easy to convince the school board to go on this trip. You opened up your book bag to see your history textbook since you forgot to take it out, your bagged lunch, your sketch book, your cell phone, your headphones, your homework folder and pencils. You also had some money on you in case you saw something in the museum's shops that you wanted. You smiled since your mom left it for you.

Some time went by and the bus stopped. All the kids stood up ready to get off but the teacher had to go over the rules. You didn't really listen but there was one rule that you did hear. "And lastly, if any of you are not here when we leave, we will leave without you".

You grinned. 'Yeah right'. The bus doors opened and all of you got off. The teacher led you all inside the big entrance with the Smithsonian as busy as usual and you all started your tour. You didn't listen to the information that was being told to you all, so you pulled out your phone and headphones to listen to music. Luckily, the teacher didn't notice and you just followed the group.

The whole tour was boring but the wax figures that the Smithsonian had were kinda cool. You especially loved the art galleries. You took an interest in the bronze statue called 'The Thinker'. You smiled and said, "Thats me wondering why I'm still here".

The tour had to stop for lunch and you sat by the fountain to just nibble on your food. You weren't that hungry but your mom knew you would be bored and packed you some fruit gushers. You loved your mom and she loved you so much. You two were a team but your dad is a whole other story.

You didn't realize what time it was and saw one of your class mates stand up to leave. You put your food back and stood up to follow. The tour continued and you went back to the music. It was long and tiring but when it was almost time to leave, you all started to head back to the entrance but you needed to use the bathroom. 'They won't leave me'. You went to the bathroom to do your business and you took your time since you knew they wouldn't leave you.

When you finished, you came back out and saw that the students were gone. You went outside and saw that the bus was gone. "No way". You ran back inside and looked around to see if they were anywhere but they were all gone. You couldn't believe this. This is illegal! Since the adults who were monitoring the other adults, you decided to do a little tour of your own. You went all around the place. A couple people glanced at you and wondered why you were alone. But you remembered what your mom said about 'stranger danger'.

You kept walking around until you came around a large room that resembled a cathedral. There was a small black wall with Egyptian hieroglyphics and a skull sarcophagus. You reached out and touched it, only to hear, "Hey"! You turned around and saw one of the night watch men coming towards you. "What are you doing? No touching".

"No, I didn't touch it".

"Oh really? Put your hand on it and touch it, cause I stand there and I wait all day for a little girl like you to come in and put her precious nail polished nails all over the exhibits".

"Ok, I'm sorry. I thought we all lived in a free country"?

"We don't. It's the United States of don't touch that thing right in front of you".

"Ok, just leave me alone" you said backing up.

"No, I'm not gonna leave you alone. You don't touch the exhibits".

"Would you relax"?

"Why should I relax"?

"Because your freaking out about me touching it" you said with sass.

"Do not touch it".

"Don't yell at me".

"Do not touch it".

"Don't yell at me".

"Do not touch it".

"Don't yell at me".

"I'll yell at you all day. I will literally call your parents and yell at them to". You sighed loudly and said, "Fine. Fine. I'm sorry. Better"?

"Yes it is. Now, don't touch it, understand"?

"Yep" you said with a smile. The man started to walk back and you saw his key card fall off his belt. You took that chance and snatched it before he saw you. You now had access to basically any part of the museum. You went to a metal door and saw it required a key card. You scanned it and it worked. You grinned and started going down a hallway and then down the stairs to the archives.

You checked your phone and saw that it was getting late. You didn't want to get caught either so you had to hide down here in the darkness with a ton of wooden crates and more wax figures. You didn't know how long you would be here for so you went inside an empty crate to sleep but you obviously set an alarm. The alarm was for one hour.

You awoke to your alarm, wide awake and hopped out the crate. You then heard banging sounds and talking. You put your phone away in your bag and wandered towards the sound and had to be careful to not get caught in case it was workers.

But what you discoverd instead was something way more interesting and confusing.

There were men in old outfits of French soliders, men who were literally in black and white, men with chain armor attire and one was wearing an Egyptian uniform. You stood on the other side of the shelf with crates and had an opening that was big enough for you to see through. The Egyptian man was speaking and he said, "I am Kahmunrah. I am half god, once removed by my mother's side. Rightful ruler of Egypt, future ruler of... well, everything else".

You kept listening to this talk and he then said, "Now, I have lost some men. So, I am in need of some new generals to join me in my little plan of conquering this world. Ivan the Terrible. Napoleon Bonaparte. And young Al Capone. Some of the most despicable, most feared leaders in all of history. Gentleman". Kahmunrah tried keeping a straight face but he failed and smiled like you when you were having fun with your mom.

"Really, it's just fantastic to meet you all". The other's nodded their heads and took it as a compliment. "Now all I ask is your allegiance, and in return, I offer you the world. Literally. Are there any questions"?

"Yeah I got one. How come you're wearing dress"? You giggled a little but had to stop yourself fast since you didn't want them to know that you were here. "This is not a dress. This is a tunic. It was the height of fashion three thousand years ago, I assure you. Are there any other questions"?

The man named Ivan who had a Russian accent said, "Da, this dress you're wearing, do we have to wear one of these too"? You once again tried not to laugh and then heard Kahmunrah say, "No, of course not. Were you not listening? I just told Mr. Capone here, that this is not a dress. It is in fact a tunic. Very big difference. Are there any other questions"?

Napoleon raised his hand but Kahmunrah then said, "Any questions not about the dress? Tunic". Napoleon put his hand down then Kahmunrah said "Alright then. Moonlight is wasting and the time is short-"

"SHORT"! You jumped a bit at Napoleon's sudden outburst then he said, "Why do you look at me when you say short"?

"I'm sorry. It slipped out". You tried looking over at the other men but then knocked some things off the shelf. They all looked towards you and you made a run for it. Kahmunrah then shouted, "GET HIM! BRING HIM HERE"! You heard footsteps running after you and you turned around a corner to then run into one of the French soliders. He instantly grabbed you and brought you back towards you the others.

When he came back with you in the light, the others were very surprised that it was just a kid. The solider held you by the shoulder firmly and you were now face to face with these strange people. "Well well well, what do we have here" said Kahmunrah.

"It's just a kid. But aren't you supposed to be in bed by now" asked Capone.

"No, I can stay up if I want to" you said struggling to get lose from the solider. "Why are you here" asked Kahmunrah.

"I was on a field trip and my class left me here".

"Well, no matter. Where is Mr. Daley? He has stolen my tablet and I want it back. Where is he"?

"I don't know a Mr. Daley now let me go". Kahmunrah gave you a look of irritation and said, "Tell me where he is or else".

"Or else what" you sassed.

"I'll have my men kill you".

"Hold on. I dont know you that well, but I don't kill kids" said Capone.

"Me as well, I do not murder children" said Napoleon.

"Well... if they give me a reason as to why, I might". You, Capone and Napoleon looked at Ivan like he was crazy but he didn't know what was wrong with what he just said. "What"?

You had enough of this. You slammed your foot down on the soliders foot and kicked Kahmunrah right in the shin. You ran off and heard Kahmunrah shout, "GO! GO! ALL OF YOU! GET THAT BRAT! BRING HER HERE"!

Well... tonight will surely either be a memorable night or your last night.

[jabbage]

My new dream is becoming the Victorian middle class now.

(Without the work and only the clothes and certain ways of speaking to eachother)

Do you have any tips on how I can adapt to this in a good way without interfering with my usual day to day routine? If not, then welp- do I always wear vests or is it specific occasions only?

(i hope this makes sense)

Ok full disclosure I wrote a really long answer to this and Tumblr ate it, and idk if I have the energy to write it again

I think my biggest advice would be not to worry about fitting a certain aesthetic, or following any rules - wear what you would like to wear! Speak how you would like to speak!

I think it's hard enough to figure out how to dress for any particular occasion, without trying to factor how a certain demographic of people might have done so 130+ years ago.

But if you want to add a little late Victorian flavour into your wardrobe, I guess here are some ideas?

Coats and jackets - peacoats, frock coats, capulet coats, ulster coats...

A lot of styles of woollen coat that were popular at the turn of the 20th century still work today, and are fairly unisex.

I always smile at how modern Inspector Lestrade looks in his stylish peacoat:

But I think any woolen coat in a vintage style can have the right vibes.

As for waistcoats/vests, sure go for it if you'd like!

2. Accessories

I think hats and gloves can be a lot of fun! I actually started wearing hats all the time for ADHD reasons, because I kept leaving them everywhere. I realised either I had to stop wearing hats, or I had to decide to wear them all the time. So now I tend to always wear one when out of doors.

Everyone who knows me knows I love straw boaters, which were wore by men and women.

I posted a picture a while ago of me wearing a Tam o'Shanter, which I associate more with the Edwardians than the Victorians, but hey who cares if it's cute.

Funnily enough I feel like a lot of middle class hats are the ones that would seem far too formal to wear casually these days - top hats and bowlers etc.

But hats that people would have worn in the countryside or the more working-class hats are still popular.

Like the old button top hat, or flat caps... *sigh* deerstalkers.

Patterns.

I guess another approach would be to focus on patterns that were popular at that time, rather than the clothing styles themselves?

Black and white photos can cause us to forget that the later Victorians loved maximalism. They liked paisley patterns and eye-boggling colour.

(Like oh my gosh this coat)

I keep seeing clothes with William Morris patterns on and going YESSSSSSSSSS

So yeah, I hope that's the kind of thing you wanted!

I'm going to post this now and hope Tumblr doesn't eat it again.

[haphira]

Aerial Dancing Through My Heart     By: Haphira

For: OmnoraMayDay

Rose had her pleading puppy dog eyes out, staring at Marinette.  

“Pleeeease Marinette? It will be so much fun!” Rose asked for the 20th time that day, Marinette wasn’t convinced that aerial dance would be a good idea, she could imagine strangling herself, or falling from a great height, or-

“It would be as scary as you are thinking, we would be 4-5 feet off the ground at most, this is a beginner class.”  

Marinette gave a big sigh, “Okay, but if anything happens, I'm blaming you.” Rose squealed in delight.

“Awesome! This is going to be so much fun! Practice starts at 5p on Wednesdays and Fridays.”  

Marinette gave another sigh as she watched Rose scamper off, what did she just get herself into?

The next day, when Marinette showed up for practice, she was surprised by how many different body types there were, and started to relax. Looking around for Rose, Marinette saw Mylene talking to someone who looked like the teacher.  

“Marinette! You came!” Rose’s high pitch voice was loud over the sound of everyone speaking and getting ready.

Marinette saw Rose next to two mats and silks hanging from the ceiling and beckoned her over.  

“Is Mylene joining us?”

“No, she was my ride and is here to support us!” Rose explained. Stretching and getting ready for the warmup for practice.  

Marinette joined her in the stretching breathing deep, to stay centered and calm. As soon as practice got under way, and the girls were going through the basics of safety and such, Marinette forgot her worries and started to enjoy herself.  

Soon after a few months of beginner classes, Rose and Marinette started working on their final dance routine. After going through a couple moves, they wanted to incorporate, they took a break and got some water.

“So, who are you inviting to the recital?” Rose asked, taking a big sip of her water and wiping the sweat off her neck.

Marinette froze for a moment, “Ah, well, I wasn’t planning on inviting anyone...” Marinette mumbled. Red rose in her cheeks.

“Why not?”  

“Because no one knows I’m doing aerial dancing besides you and Mylene.” Marinette looked intensely at her water bottle, “Besides, anyone who would come would just think I’m going to hurt myself and talk me out of it...” Marinette sighed, “It’s better that no one knows.”  

Rose frowned then smiled brightly, “What about Luka? He has always been supportive of you, and non-judgmental, I think it would be great to invite him! Plus think of how he would swallow his tongue when he sees you dance!”  

Marinette whipped her head up, eyes wide in surprise.

“Wha- LUKA?! B-but, I mean- that is-” Marinette stuttered, her face growing warm at the thought of Luka watching her dance and giving that same warm smile and adoring eyes. Marinette blushed heavily, and Rose just looked even more excited.

“You two have been dating for a long while now, he will always give his support, just ask him.” Rose said softly.  

“Yeah, Luka has always been there for me, this won't be any different!”  

“Yes! Invite him, he will love it!” Rose replied, Marinette nodded and took out her cell to text him.

Melody: Hey, I have a recital on X day and X time, would you want to come watch me?

Guitar Boy: Yes I would love to come watch you preform!  It is for fashion?

Melody: No it’s a dance recital

Guitar Boy: Awesome! I bet you will be amazing  : )  

Melody: Thanks  : )  

Marinette was excited and very nervous the day of the recital, Marinette had designed and made her costume for it almost 3 weeks ago, now she was just nitpicking details. Adding jewels to parts that already had some. She could admit she was nervous. But remembering that Luka was out there cheering her on helped. Rose came over to give Marinette’s costume a once over.

“It looks amazing, any reason behind the color?” Rose asked innocently.

“No... well, maybe. It’s no big deal and I doubt-” Marinette stared.

“Nope! None of that, he will love it.” Rosed confirmed, smiling brightly, “Well, we better get ready!”  

The two girls grabbed their costumes and ran off to change. Marinette was uncertain at first, with the cut of the outfit but looking around she didn’t stand out much at all with the other dancers. Fidgeting with the neckline, Marinette took a couple deep breathes that Luka taught her and got in line to go onstage. It was time.  

Luka had never been to a dance recital before, he had been excited for Marinette, hoping that this would be a good and fun experience for her. She needed more fun and less stress in her life. Luka tugged at the tie around his neck, his mother insisted that he dress up nice and now he was grateful for it. Glancing at the other people in the theater he realized that he blended well even with his punk-ness added to the formal wear he was wearing. Luka waited for the lights to dim and let out a loud whoop when they announced Marinette’s name as one of the dancers for tonight.  

Marinette could hear Luka’s yell on stage and the trembling in her hands stopped. She wasn’t alone, she had Rose and Mylene and Luka. Especially Luka, he had been her rock for the past few months and she knew now was time to tell him how she felt, that she was ready for the next step in their relationship. This dance and her outfit were part of it, she hoped that he would get the message.

When the silks dropped down, and the lights on stage went up, Luka’s jaw dropped. He had no idea that Marinette would be doing aerial dancing, and suddenly his heart was in his throat. He swallowed hard and his chest felt tight. Then, he saw her on stage, saw what she was wearing and the color theme she chose. Luka could feel the heat rising on his cheeks as he watched her dance. Luka let out a calming breath and focused on Marinette again. Oh man was he screwed.

Marinette's outfit looked like she was covered in blue flames, his color blue; and when the stage lights hit her costume, the jewels she had sewed in made it look like the flames were moving. Luka had no idea how she was able to make that happen and realized again how amazing and talented Marinette truly was.  

Luka couldn’t tear his eyes away from Marinette, he watched her climb up and twist, then drop and stick a leg out, and do amazing poses. Luka could feel a tightness in his pants as he watched her, he gripped his knee hard and breathed deeply to hopefully get his blood to stop moving south. Luka was damning his hormones, they had been dating for three years now, he wasn’t a teenage boy anymore. At 23 years old, Luka hated his hormonal reaction but Marinette was too damn beautiful, flexible, and amazing to not notice. Luka swore there was a moment that their eyes connected and she smirked at him. He had to cover his face with this other hand to hide how badly he was blushing. Which was not helping the tent he was sporting and he really hoped it would die down by the time the recital was done.  

When the lights flickered out signaling the end of the dance recital, Luka quickly adjusted himself before the house lights when on. He quickly made his way to the exit where the dancers would be and held onto the small bouquet behind his back. Luka was nervous and jittery, like he was the one on stage and he could help but smile brightly when he finally saw her.  

Marinette was conversing with Rose as they exited the backstage and into the primary hall, but she could feel eyes on her and when she looked up, she saw Luka’s bright and warm smile waiting for her. Marinette forgot where she was and what she was talking about to Rose the instant their eyes met, she just reacted. Marinette moved and waded through the crowd of people to Luka who was waiting for her near the edge of the hall. Then there was space and Marinette didn’t think, she just ran at Luka and threw herself into his waiting arms.  

Luka saw Marinette running toward him and he reacted on instinct, opening his arms wide he caught her and twirled her around, holding her close. The bouquet was slightly crushed in the warm embrace but neither of them noticed.  

“Hi,” Marinette said breathlessly. Their faces were inches from each other, both of their red cheeks stretched into wide smiles.

“Hi,” Luka replied just as breathless, that’s when Marinette noticed their proximity and felt how tight Luka was holding her. And was that...? Yup, Marinette could feel his hard-on against her pelvis. She blushed harder and giggled.  

“What?” Luka questioned, curiosity at war with the warm look in his eyes.  

Marinette leaned forward and whispered into his ear.

“I can feel you; I can feel all of you.” Her breath sent goosebumps down Luka’s neck. It took a second to register what Marinette said before his face felt like it was on fire.  

“S-sorry,” He choked, and quickly set Marinette down, but Marinette refused to let go of his arms, and smiled at him.  

“I’m not.” Marinette looked up at him from under her lashes with a soft seductive smile on her face. Luka groaned and buried his head onto her shoulder.

“Are these for me?” Marinette lifted on shoulder that had the bouquet trapped against it. Luka lifted his head and nodded; his face still bright red. Marinette accepted the bouquet with one hand, the other still tightly clasped onto Luka.  

“Come. Let’s get these into some water, and then I get to have you all to myself.” Marinette grinned. Luka grinned back, a smoldering look in his eyes.  

Luka leaned down to whisper, “And I can’t wait to get you out of that costume, you have no idea how tantalizing you look.”  

Grinning from ear to ear, Luka laughed and led the way out of the theater, bringing a very red Marinette, who was also smiling, to his bike. After sitting down on the bike, Luka checked his pocket to make sure a small ring box was still there. Yes, he got the message and couldn’t wait to get home and give it to Marinette. They were definitely celebrating a lot tonight and they both couldn’t wait.  

[glenndiferous]

1. Pancakes and Birthday Bois

July 20th means birthdays, and birthdays mean pancakes.

The ingredients engulf my meager studio apartment kitchen countertop. Flour, baking soda, baking powder, buttermilk, oil, sugar, milk, even that good syrup that comes in those glass containers shaped like a maple leaf. Enough assorted toppings to feed a small village, ranging from fruits to candy pieces to mini marshmallows all situated in Tupperware containers. It’s all so perfectly arranged. Tonight, we dine like kings, if those kings dined on the worst pancakes you’ve ever seen in your life.

I’m not too sure when the tradition got started exactly. It must have been in freshman year of high school, or technically the summer after it. We were doing icebreakers in one of the classes on the first day- typical ‘say a fun fact about yourself’ kinda stuff, and these two other kids- Jake and Tulip- mentioned that they shared the same birthday: July 20th. As soon as I heard that, I was like- hey, July 20th is my birthday too, and that was all it took. Before the end of the day, we were bound at the hip. The Birthday Bois. With an ‘I’. Don’t ask why the ‘I’, or why the name at all, given two of the three of us are girls. It was Jake’s idea, and it seemed funny at the time. I’m not gonna get into it.

Tulip and Jake, they’ve been friends since elementary school, so they already had dual birthday celebrations down to a science by the time they met me. But once I joined the gang, and there were three birthdays to celebrate at the same time, we knew had to do something bigger. At some point during our brainstorming process, I mentioned I liked cooking and baking, so we threw out suggestions of some foods to see if we had anything we all enjoyed that I could try my hand at making. Finally, we decided on breakfast for dinner- however many pancakes we could eat, and however many ridiculous toppings we wanted. Pamcakes, we call them, because I’m the one in charge of making them. Tulip tried to make them one time, and she’s gotten mad every time we’ve brought it up since. I swear, that girl could burn water if she tried. But hey, I can’t dance nearly as well as she can, so we’ve both got our strengths, right? She’s the one dancing professionally, while I’m stuck waiting tables at the Hard Rock. I say we’re even.

It isn’t long before I get a knock at the door. Let the fun begin, I think, the corners of my lips tugging into a grinch-like grin.

“Is this the residence of the third Birthday Boi?” Jake’s familiar teasing voice calls from behind the door.

Snorting, I place my hands on my hips and approach the entrance to my apartment. “And just who’s asking?”

“Birthday Boi one and two!” Tulip’s voice chirps.

Enough pleasantries out of the way, I go to pull open the door. “Well, if that’s the case, come on i- oh my god!”

I spot Jake first, probably because he’s wearing the loudest shirt I’ve ever seen, a violently hot pink tee with BIRTHDAY BOIS written across the front in blocky yellow letters. His smile spreads wide at my reaction, and he reaches up to tilt the highlighter yellow shutter shades he’s wearing so I can see him wiggling his bushy brows.

“I think she likes it,” Jake stage whispers to Tulip.

Tulip, in comparison, is wearing something far less ridiculous- a strapless, peachy orange sundress whose skirt ghosts past her knees. I can all too easily imagine her twirling around in it. It’s hard to imagine her off the stage once you see her dance. She looks ridiculously pretty in it, but she looks ridiculously pretty in everything, so that’s not like, shocking.

“Make yourselves at home, idiots,” I say, recovering from my hot pink nightmare surprise long enough to step aside and let them through.

Jake carries his bags with him, collapsing onto my sofa with a contented sigh. “So, what’re we doing?” he asks. “Presents first, pancakes first…?”

“Up to you guys,” I reply. “I’ve already got the stuff out, so it’s ready to go whenever.”

“I’m gonna be honest,” Tulip chimes. “I haven’t eaten… anything today. I need to murder some pancakes.”

I clap my hands, rubbing them together like a mad scientist. “Well, I think that settles it! Alright, pancake murder accomplices, to the kitchen! We’ve got a crime scene to create!”

“Off the couch, dummy,” Tulip calls.

“Pamcakes, pamcakes, pamcakes!” Jake chants, launching off the sofa like a rocket.

For all my talk of them being accomplices, they don’t really do much other than stand there and watch, at least for the pancake-making portion of the activity. Not that I mind, of course. I’ve got a Process. I’ve got an Intricate Pamcake Ritual.

Tulip stands a safe distance away, like she’s worried stepping too close to the stove is going to start another oil fire. Jake, on the other hand, practically rests his chin on my shoulder, watching with fervent, hungry adoration as I pour globs of my mixture into the greased pan.

The pancakes bloom over the metal surface, cream-colored batter slowly stiffening into thick, risen disks and filling the air with the scent of butter and vanilla. My mouth waters- god damn, I always seem to forget how good they smell when I’m not in the moment. I slide each finished pancake onto a plate, shooting Jake the stink eye whenever he tries to nab one. Tulip’s got me covered, though- every time he reaches out for the ever-growing Tower of Pamcakes, she slaps his hand away.

Once the mixture’s depleted and the pancakes are done, I set out the plate on the kitchen counter next to the containers of pre-prepared toppings. “Alright, Bois. Commit as many crimes as you want,” I say.

Jake cheers, immediately snatching up at least five pancakes from the pile before moving to the toppings. A chuckling Tulip follows, taking a far more modest two.

While they’re preoccupied with their own creations, I grab a few for myself. I dump spoonful after spoonful of mini marshmallows, white chocolate chips, and toffee pieces onto the pancakes, then bury it all in a mountain of whipped cream and generous syrup. I’ll commit a food crime, sure, but only in terms of proportions. I still have to eat it, after all. Who’d want to eat something that tastes bad on their birthday? That’d be a waste of perfectly good pancakes!

I catch Jake staring at his pancake crime, studying it like it’s a modern art piece he’s trying to make sense of. His plate is a mess of chopped-up strawberries, cinnamon sugar, chocolate chips, blueberries, caramel- and that’s just what I can make out in the multicolored madness.

“What’s up, Jake?” I ask.

He’s silent for a long time, rubbing his chin contemplatively. “So like. This is a pancake crime. But right now it just kinda looks like a pancake misdemeanor. Maybe even just a pancake tort.”

“When you want, what, a pancake felony?” Tulip asks, in the middle of showering her pancakes with sliced bananas.

“I want a pancake violation of the Geneva Conventions.”

With his intentions uttered, Jake takes to my fridge, practically ripping the door off its hinges to see what’s inside. He moves faster than I’ve ever seen him move, grabbing whatever his hands touch, and soon enough he’s gotten an armful of shit that should never go on pancakes. Then, because he’s not yet satisfied, he raids my pantry as well.

God help us, it all goes on the pancakes. He pours tabasco. He sprinkles broken pieces of pretzels. He plucks grapes off the bunch I had in the fridge, dropping them onto the plate without even bothering to cut them up. When the grapes expectedly roll off the pancakes, he gets creative, spraying a layer of whipped cream atop it all to act as a weird grape trap. He powders the cream with some of the thyme I keep in the pantry closet. I feel like I’m watching the pancake Hindenburg explode.

Somehow, he’s finally satisfied. Thank fuck. I’m not sure I could have handled watching and more of that. He pulls a fork and knife out of my drawer, then sits down on my couch next to Tulip.

“Well, I think you’ve done it, Jake,” Tulip says, not bothering to hide her horror. “That’s not just a pancake crime, that’s a downright pancake calamity.”

“And you love it.”

“And I love it. But… you’re not actually eating that, right?”

“I have to at least have a bite,” Jake counters.

Tulip’s face scrunches like a perturbed muppet. “Do you? That thing looks poisonous.”

“Are you doubting me?” Jake asks.

Tulip shakes her head. “No! I’m just worried that I’ll have to return my birthday present after you inevitably die from eating your war crime.”

“Then I hope you’ve kept your receipt!” exclaims Jake as he carves himself a forkful.

“Don’t start yet, I haven’t even sat down!” I interrupt, rushing as fast as I can to get to the recliner beside the coffee table. Luckily Hard Rock has me well-versed in carrying trays of food around, so I manage not to spill anything on the way there. I put my plate of toffee-marshmallow-chip pancakes aside, pulling out my phone and turning on the camera. This needs to be recorded. This is the kind of shit you show at weddings- or funerals, if Tulip’s hypothesis is correct.

“Tell me when you’re recording,” Jake says, the fork full of nightmares hovering inches away from his mouth.

“Floor’s all yours, bud,” I say.

Tulip angles her body so that she’s shielding Jake. “For legal purposes, neither of us forced him to do this.” Her disclaimer over, she sits back, letting Jake have the stage again.

“Gimme a countdown,” he says.

I hold up my fingers on my free hand for maximum effect. “One… two… three!”

Jake plunges the forkful of his atrocity into his mouth before pulling the utensil out. He chews several times, his cheeks puffed up like a chipmunk.

All is silent for a moment. I can feel my held breath sitting in the back of my throat.

Then, slowly, Jake’s face twists in a mixture of disgust and regret. I stifle my giggling.

“It’s not good,” he weakly manages through his mouthful. His eyes crinkle in despair, semi-visible behind his highlighter yellow shades.

The dam holding back my giggles bursts. I nearly drop my phone in my laughing fit, barely able keep the camera trained on the suffering Jake.

Tulip cuffs him on the shoulder. “No shit, idiot!” she playfully chastises.

To his credit, Jake finishes his mouthful, forcing it down his throat before sticking his tongue out and making a show of trying to wipe the flavor off of it. “Never again,” he mutters darkly, eyes wide and haunted.

Tulip snorts, returning her attention to her own, considerably less cursed pancakes. “Yeah. Next time, leave the food stuff to Pammy.”

“Deal,” he wheezes.

The rest of the pancake consumption passes without issue, unless you count them being too damn delicious an issue. With our food demolished and the plates in the sink, it’s time to move to the gift-giving portion of the evening. Since I’m the one who made the pancakes to begin with, I get my presents first.

“Dibs!” Jake calls, already reaching into his bag. He rips out a small gift- a lumpy, sad wad of a thing that’s more tape than wrapping paper. I take it from him, pulling apart the sticky bits until a very familiar, very vibrant hot pink fabric greets me. I pull the article out, holding it up to confirm. It’s the same BIRTHDAY BOIS tee shirt Jake is wearing.

“Oh my god, Jake,” I breathe.

“You like it?” he asks.

“Of course I like it!” I squeal, hugging it to my chest. “Birthday Bois for life!”

“Birthday Bois for life!” Jake cheers, pumping his fist.

“Okay, okay, my turn,” Tulip urges. She hands me a small, wrapped rectangle, and I tear through the paper shell with reckless abandon. A book cover stares back at me, depicting a gorgeous young woman in the tight embrace of an amorous, even gorgeous-er mermaid, the latter’s tail curled protectively around the human’s legs as they float under the waves. ‘Mermaids and Mischief’, the title reads, ‘by BN Donner’.

“Oh my god, Tutu,” I whisper, heat rushing to my cheeks. My eyes break away from the cover long enough to glance to Tulip, who’s grinning like a loon.

“What is it?” Jake asks, craning his neck as he leans forward on the couch.

Squeaking, I cover the book with the Birthday Bois shirt and put it aside. “A-ah, it’s just a uh- a thing! Girl stuff- you wouldn’t get it! Uh- you want your presents next, Jake?”

“Duh!” he answers, immediately distracted. I nearly empty my lungs. Pammy’s Monsterfucker Secret = 1, Jake = 0.

From Tulip, Jake gets a new notebook for his standup, and from me, he gets an equally dumb shirt- one with a bunch of giraffes standing in a crosswalk next to a stoplight labeled “giraffic jam”. He laughs at the latter for a solid three minutes. Now it’s my turn to smile like an idiot. Hell yeah. Look out, ladies! Pammy Packard wins at cooking and gift-giving.

Tulip, on the other hand, gets a new dance bag from me, along with the same Birthday Bois shirt from Jake.

“We should take a picture with them!” he suggests. “Y’know, to mark the occasion! I mean- we’ve been around a whole quarter of a century.”

“Say no more!” I declare, snatching up the shirt and hurrying into the bathroom.

Shutting the door behind me, I remove my tee, pulling the shirt over my head. I stare at myself in the mirror for a moment, shooting finger guns at my reflection. Honestly, for such a dumb shirt, I’m kind of pulling it off. Have I always looked this good in bright pink, or am I just bored to tears by my black work uniform? Both? Probably both.

Satisfied with my Birthday Boi attire, I come back into the living room. Jake and Tulip are standing by the night-darkened window, downtown Pittsburgh twinkling shittily behind them. In lieu of changing out of her current outfit, Tulip’s simply put the shirt on over it.

“… probably should have done that, huh?” I ask, chuckling.

“Nah, I only did it because I’m wearing a dress,” Tulip points out. “Now get over here.”

I rush over, getting in between them as I pull out my phone and switch the camera to selfie mode. The three of us stand there as I angle it this way and that, trying my damnedest to find a position to hold my arm that allows all of us to show up in the shot. Finally, I line it up successfully, grinning toothily.

“Saaaay twenty-five!” I call, voice cheery.

“Twenty-five!” Tulip and Jake chime.

I press the button a couple of times, making sure I’ve captured a decent image of us. And then I take a couple more, just in case. Once that’s done, I head to the gallery, flicking through the photos to find the best one while the other two loom over my shoulder.

“Ooh, that one’s good- send me that one,” Tulip comments. I stop on the image she’s chosen. To the right of my toothy expression, Jake is sticking his tongue out, and on the left, Tulip is flashing a warm, crooked smile.

My smile grows warm at the sight of it. Damn. I’ve really known these two doofuses for over a little over a decade now. Hell, sometimes it feels like we’ve been friends even longer. I’m not too sure where our lives will have taken us in a decade beyond this moment, but I sure hope that, if we do end up going our separate ways, we keep the Birthday Boi spirit alive from a distance. Maybe one day Jake’ll be a famous comedian, and Tulip will be dancing on Broadway. Maybe I’ll get a better job than the Pittsburgh Hard Rock Café, at a place that serves food more high-brow than Lionel Messi-themed burgers.

Wow, my dreams seem a lot lamer in comparison, huh?

I send Tulip the image, and things wind down after that. I turn on Netflix and we pick a movie to watch, and we spend the rest of the evening in relative silence- save Jake’s occasional goofy commentary on whatever’s playing.

Eventually, Tulip has to leave- her barista shift starts first thing tomorrow morning, and she needs her beauty sleep. Jake follows her out, and the two depart with their assorted gifts, wishing me plenty of happy birthdays as they stroll into the hallway.

I shut the door behind them, sighing. Alone again. I pull out my phone to check the time. 11:34. Jeesh. Maybe I should get some sleep too.

I pull the plates out of the sink and load the dishwasher, putting away any pancake ingredients I’ve left on the counter while I’m at it. There’s still plenty of toppings left in the containers I set out. I could always make myself some more pamcakes tomorrow morning. I’ve got nothing else going on, after all. Yeah! Who says the birthday girl has to stop treating herself as soon as it hits midnight?

With the scene of the pancake party crimes cleaned up, I brush my teeth and toss my pjs on. I flop onto the bed, letting the mattress engulf me. Oh, fuck yeah. Bed time, baby.

I spend maybe five minutes trying to sleep before I give up and start scrolling through Tumblr. So, the usual routine, really. I pass by the typical text posts and stolen TikTok clips, reblogging a few that make me chuckle. Then, I reach a piece of fanart, and I stop my scrolling.

It’s an image of Horse and Wammawink from the Netflix show Centaurworld. It’s been ages since I’ve seen the show, but one of my Tumblr mutuals I started following during my Centaurworld phase still reblogs fanart of it daily, so images like these aren’t a rare occurrence. Damn, what a throwback. It’s been what, two years since that show ended? Two and a half? Maybe I’ll rewatch some of it tomorrow. I know Jake liked it too; it was exactly his kind of show. Tulip, not so much- Jake tried to get her to watch it since she’s into musicals, but she couldn’t stand the humor and stopped a couple episodes in.

In the image, the magenta-and-pink alpacataur holds the tubby blue-gray equine’s snout in one hand, the latter nuzzling against her face in a display of gentle, reassuring affection. It feels warm- the colors were soft, the linework softer, everything fluffy and curvy. I can almost imagine the sensation of Horse’s muzzle in Wammawink’s hand- the way the warhorse’s white snout nestled into the centaur’s fingers, the way the fur rubbed against the digits...

Reblogging it, I continue on with my nightly doomscrolling until I’m too tired to see the words on the screen. Putting the phone on my nightstand, I curl up under the covers, trying to get some sleep. No work tomorrow. Fuck yeah. That means I can sleep in and do a whole lot of nothing. One of my favorite activities!

* * *

I dream, and I dream I’m on a battlefield where no one’s fighting. The combatants have lowered their bows, their fists, their gazes- and mine- cast skyward. They’re all looking at the same thing, and once I see what that thing is, I can’t bring myself to look away either.

A monstrous ribbon of black, smoking tar swirls in the sky, an airborne oil slick given sentience. It coils in on itself, swallowing and regurgitating its own oily smog, a horrendous roaring howl bellowing from its bony, bestial skull. Then, just as quickly as its torturous display began, the hovering monster dives downward, a black, disgusting tar dripping from the sockets of its skeletal face and the gaps between its teeth as it vanishes into a nearby ravine.

It all falls silent again, and something strikes the still-awake part of my dream-brain. I’ve seen this moment before. I remember seeing this moment before. It’s from the Centaurworld finale- the scene right before The Last Lullaby.

As soon as I realize that, however, something new happens- like my brain’s punishing me for the recognition. A massive geyser of multicolored light erupts from the ravine, a kaleidoscope of vibrancy. It’s so powerful that I can hear it, the air itself humming. The ground trembles as the laser surges skyward, filling the air with the rainbow light.

Then, a bright white shockwave bursts from the massive beam, spreading outward in a large, expanding ring. It knocks over everything it touches, human soldiers, multicolored centaurs, armored minotaurs,

Me.

It’s like a cannonball’s slammed into my chest. I feel my legs go over my head, my body suddenly airborne, tumbling. Everything inside me hums and rattles, like my bones and organs are trying to escape without me. I try and grab something, anything, but the more I move the less I feel like I have fingers to grasp with, or arms to flail, or a mouth to scream or ears to hear the ringing or eyes to see when

Everything goes white.

* * *

I grumble, sitting up and scrubbing my hands over my face. Ugh. That was a weird-ass dream. Note to self: no more reblogging Centaurworld art before bedtime. I rub away the crust trying its damnedest to glue my eyelids together. Pittsburgh is loud today, even this early in the morning. Louder than usual, even, if that can be believed. Someone’s honking their horn on the streets outside, earning a smattering of muffled curses and other snide remarks from nearby pedestrians. Blegh. Never a dull moment downtown, that’s for damn sure.

Rising to my feet, I shuffle into the bathroom, my gait sluggish and not yet awake. I know I’ve got some ibuprofen in here somewhere…

With only one foot in the doorway, I freeze in the threshold between the bathroom and the rest of my apartment. My eyes widen at my reflection, my shocked expression projected back at me from the mirror above my sink.

Two soft, circular magenta ears poke through the blond hair atop my scalp.

[dearly-somber]

9 And 3 Quarters (Run Away) | txt

-> pairing. txt ensemble x f!reader

-> genre. mystery, soft-fantasy, angst, fluff

-> rating. 13+

-> w/c. 2193

-> warnings. some sus behavior from the reader; school fire; manipulation?

-> a/n. This era has me in a chokehold.

-> collection. songfic

-> started. Sep. 1st, 2020 @ 23:30

-> fin. Dec. 20th, 2021 @ 00:22

-> edited. Wed., Jul. 12th, 2023 @ 23:56

Beomgyu sighed as he walked the long stretch over the field, the paint mechanism lagging behind him and dyeing a long white streak over the grass.

He walked and walked until he saw a soccer ball sitting idly a few meters in front of him. Coming to a standstill, the boy contemplated for a moment before, with a huff, he got a running start and kicked the ball further across the field and into the bleachers.

“Was that really necessary, Gyu?” Beomgyu startled at the sound of your voice. You were leaning against the bleachers, lazy grin tugging your lips upward. “It's not the ball's fault you got detention for ditching!"

"It's unfair! How come I got detention and you didn't? You ditched, too!"

You appeared from behind the bleachers, soccer ball in hand. "That's just because I'm a better liar." You smirked, throwing the ball up into the air. Beomgyu's eyes followed the object and watched it drop to the floor with a thud, looking up to find you gone.

In their homeroom, Yeonjun was sitting with a box-opener, cutting into the pages of a math notebook he seldom used these days.

He cut what looked like a door into it, leaning against his left arm that was propped on a stack of other school books, clearly bored and heavily uninterested. His bear was sitting to the left of him, just out of his peripheral view. The burn on his right hand had already healed enough to be only barely visible, and the cut on his hand stuck out like a sore thumb. Kids had been asking about it all morning, and it was starting to piss him off. Couldn't they mind their own business?

"What are you doing? You're making a mess!"

Yeonjun scoffed, looking up at you. "Does it matter?"

This time it was your turn to scoff, moving forward to pat his shoulder sympathetically, walking off to the back of the class somewhere. "Don't come to me begging to help you clean up!"

Yeonjun rolled his eyes with a smile, continuing his carving ritual.

"Kai! Did you finish the yellow line?"

"Yeah! I'm just about done with the blue one—"

"Great!" You stood still, looking at the road with scrutinizing eyes. "You couldn't make them at least a little bit straighter?" you chastised playfully, pointing with your finger at the particularly squiggly sections of line.

Heuning Kai grinned, elbowing your shoulder playfully before standing up to his full height, checking to see how it came out. "It's really cool looking..."

You grinned from ear to ear.

“Where'd you get the idea for it, anyway?" he asked, looking up at the classroom in the distance thoughtfully. You shrugged with a “hmmph”.

"Go clean your hands before someone pins this on you," you said in a bit of a whiney voice, pushing Heuning Kai toward the outdoor bathrooms. He laughed, turning around to say something but inevitably being left with an empty clearing and deafening silence.

"Wah, Soobin-ssi! This looks great!" you shouted with a happy smile, looking over the array of drawings on the whiteboard in the front of the class.

Soobin eye-smiled at you giddily.

"Still dreams?"

"Yeah. They seem to get... darker and darker as time goes on," he mumbled, finishing off the last line of the door he was doodling, admiring his work proudly.

"I'm sure it'll be fine,” you cooed reassuringly, rubbing a hand over the small of his back. "I'm sure we'll figure it out, soon enough."

Soobin nodded, smiling at you and closing his eyes for a moment. He knew you had vanished when he no longer felt that reassuring warmth over the small of his back.

Taehyun took his airpods out at the sight of his friend appearing in front of him, as you so often did. “What you listening to?" you asked with a sly tilt of your head and disarming smile.

He smiled weakly, shaking his head. "Nothing."

You raised a brow, still smiling at him slyly. “I'm not so sure about that, Hyunnie."

Closing his eyes, Taehyun counted to three, while simultaneously back in the homeroom, Soobin put on his colored glasses, looking at the door on the board.

When Taehyun opened his eyes again, they were sitting on the soccer field in a semi-circle. You watched Soobin intently as Beomgyu put a plaster over Yeonjun's cut before laying back with a content sigh. Chuckling, everyone else followed suit, huffing as their backs hit the ground.

"Man, this is refreshing. That stupid classroom was getting stuffy," you said after a few moments of silence, looking at the clear sky above you.

Soobin hummed, the others making a few comments about it before you got back on your feet.

"How 'bout a quick game, hmm?" The guys got up pretty quickly, grinning as you disappeared and re-appeared with the soccer ball from earlier. It was a 3v3: Yeonjun, Soobin and Heuning Kai versus you, Taehyun and Beomgyu.

"Y/N! Shoot, shoot!" Beomgyu shouted as he kicked the ball to you for the winning goal, tripping as Yeonjun tried to get the ball from him. When you got the ball in, Beomgyu picked you up, swinging you around while you all laughed triumphantly. From behind you, Taehyun was smiling and clapping, though the way he looked at you gave the idea that the gears in his head were indeed turning.

The five of you walked down the school halls together, split into groups or pairs as you walked, talking about a math equation and how hungry you were (cough Soobin cough).

Taehyun was standing idly further in front, and Yeonjun being Yeonjun, ran forward with a huge smile on his face, swinging his arm around Taehyun's shoulders and causing the smaller male to loose his footing; Yeonjun laughing at the shocked expression on his face. The rest of the group chuckled at the duo's antics, continuing after them quietly.

You stopped when you noticed Beomgyu lagging behind slightly. "Hey, Tiger! What's up? You look pissed," you said, commenting primarily on the rather intense look he was giving Taehyun from behind.

He shook his head with a somewhat forced smile: "Nah, it's nothing. I just don't think I did well in that math activity we did today."

You laughed. "Yeah, same. Tell you what, if you did better than me I owe you ice cream?" You wiggled your eyebrows challengingly, the taller boy laughing as he hooked an arm around your shoulder.

You were standing behind Yeonjun, the rest of the crew scattered around the room. Yeonjun was holding a pair of glasses over his notebook, and as the two of you were looking at it, the space in between where he had carved the box (or door, depending on how you wanted to look at it) had suddenly caught aflame. The lot of you shared looks with each other, though neither of you really tried to do anything about it, until that is, Beomgyu grabbed a fire extinguisher and sprayed the notebook.

The only problem?

The fire was still going. "The fu—"

"Language!" Kai said before you could finish cussing, causing the lot of you to laugh.

Having made your way up the stairs and to the roof as the sky slowly started to darken, you had told Taehyun to bring the fire extinguisher along. "Why?" He asked, a questioning look on his face.

"I have a feeling something magical is gonna happen." You said, a mysterious glint in your eyes and sly grin pulling at your lips. Taehyun had eventually brought it along, not without a lot of complaining though.

"Y/N noona! This is heavy!"

"You have muscles for a reason, Hyunnie! I'm making sure you keep them!" Yeonjun and Soobin snickered at the comment, Hyuka offering to help Hyun, who very happily agreed.

From the corner of his eye, Soobin watched Taehyun and Kai, still walking with Yeonjun as he noticed that you had interlocked hands with Beomgyu, for some or other reason.

However, he ignored it when you got to the rooftop, considering that it was almost completely dark. The majority of them went to sit down, Taehyun having been told to keep standing.

"Right," you said, clasping your hands together in anticipation. "Use the extinguisher, Taehyun!"

Though he looked skeptical, the raven-head did as he was told, quite surprised when a weird beam of red light blasted out of the extinguisher instead of what you often referred to as 'whipped cream'. When you all headed off to the library (mainly because you and Beomgyu had been complaining about the cold), Taehyun had decided to grab a book, whereas Yeonjun and Beomgyu had fallen asleep leaning against one of the shelves.

You were scrolling idly through your phone, sitting across from Taehyun while Soobin and Hyuka wondered through the various bookshelves in hopes of finding something that'd catch their eye.

"Run! Faster, Y/N!"

You were panting, your chest aching painfully with the amount of running you had to do. Yeonjun grabbed your hand, pulling you along with him to urge you to run faster. The fire had already started spreading, and it was moving a lot faster than they had thought it would. Soobin had been the first to find it, quickly alerting the rest of them to the immediate danger, and here they were, on the ground floor of the school building, confused as to why you seemed to be the only one tired after having to run down five to six hallways, (this being your sixth) and a good five flights of stairs.

Beomgyu was quick to lead everyone to the indoor swimming pool. "Great idea, Tiger! The fire can't catch us in the water!" You praised him, still trying to catch your breath from all of the running.

"Well, technically it can still get us, the water isn't everywhere in the room," Taehyun argued, Soobin and Yeonjun nodding along.

Kai was quick to take off his shoes, climbing into the pool first. "Get in!" he shouted after resurfacing, his hair wet and accentuating his facial features.

The lot of you were quick to jump into the pool, not needing to be told twice. Though, it was fun being in the water, and soon enough you had forgotten all about the fire spreading through the building. You grinned evily, splashing water into Yeonjun's face. The look he gave you was pointed and playfully serious, somewhat offended even.

You merely smirked at him, hiding your face as he chased after you.

The six of you started goofing around in the water, though you were sure you had seen them fall/ jump into the pool just a few moments ago, in the exact same manner.

Soobin sat on the side of the pool, watching as you and the rest of the guys dove into the pool like in that one High School Musical scene, one after the other, reminding him of a row of domino's.

His attention was diverted to the hatch in the middle of the swimming pool though, and soon enough everyone was moving through it. You came in last, scared to jump down. "I can't do it, it's too high up," you said, fear evident in your voice.

"I'll catch you, noona! You'll be fine!" Kai said, opening his arms wide. You sucked in a nervous breath, jumping down with a scream. True to his word though, Kai caught you and gave you what was probably the cutest smile ever.

"What is this place?" Soobin muttered.

"I don't know.. It seems like a rainforest of some sort?" you mused, shining your torch around curiously. The further all of you walked, the more you noticed the opening on the other end.

Soobin pulled away the shrubbery at the end, giving way to a vast, open field. And a...

Giant sized, white door?

"What the hell?" Beomgyu said, moving forward with the rest of you. They stood in front of it, and Yeonjun, out of curiosity, put on the same glasses from before. Lo and behold, the door burst into flames.

"Wah... It's quite beautiful, isn't it?" You awed as the six of you sat in front of it, watching as it burnt and splintered under the heat of the flames. Yeonjun nodded slowly, watching with absent, glazed over eyes.

A few minutes passed, and Yeonjun looked down at his finger. Slowly he peeled off the plaster, revealing that his cut was fully healed. He looked it over a few times before shrugging. Not the weirdest thing they've dealt with, after all. When everyone got up to leave, Taehyun stayed behind a bit longer than the others. Noticing Yeonjun's bear laying on the dirt, looking different from before; a lot more ragged and cut up. So he picked it up. "Taehyun! Come on, let's go!" You called after him, having a mini staring contest before he finally joined the rest of you.

You took one last glance back at the burning door, your blue and green eyes seeming to glow in the light of the flames. With one last, mysterious smirk, you followed after your friends.

[halfawitch-willow]

Show A Little 'nitiative, Work Up Some Guts ❁ WSoH 5

With the hybrid growing faster every day and more people showing up in Swynlake from the Boiling Isles who know exactly who -- and what -- Willow is, she has to think about whether she's going to try and stick with her 'pretend to be a Mundus' plan or 'fess up before someone does it for her. And also Hunter's here. Takes place Oct 20th 1 // What Do You Want From Me, Blood? 2 // Someone Tell Lady Luck I’m Stuck Here 3 // Long As You Don’t Make A Habit Out Of It 4 // Does This Look Inanimate To You? @thegcldenguard tw: mentioned child abuse, Very Sad Soup

WILLOW

Willow wouldn’t say she was stress baking. Her baking had nothing to do with her stress. She was baking because it gave her a reason to be out of her dorm. 

(And a little bit because of stress. She was just ignoring the stress right now.)

Willow sat at the little island opposite the oven, her feet swinging back and forth. She had her tail tucked in her lap so she didn’t run the risk of someone stepping on it when they passed. Again. She’d already washed up the dishes from mixing up the brownies so now she just had to hurry up and wait for them to bake. The whole kitchen smelled like spiced chocolate, and she’d had a few curious students stop and investigate.

Sighing, Willow reclined back in her seat and let her head fall back. She needed to go to the Grove tonight to get some sleep, even if sleeping in the restricted greenhouse made her dreams all weird…

Willow opened her eyes a bit to look back into the main living hub and yelped in surprise when she realized she was no longer alone.

HUNTER

Hunter nearly jumped at the yelp.

He hadn’t even noticed Willow when he came into the common room. Actually, part of the reason he’d stepped into the common room now was because it was empty.

He hadn’t really felt good all day. He’d slept through his alarm and only barely made it to classes. Then he came back and passed out. Other than the sheer exhaustion, he didn’t feel sick: no sore throat, no stuffy nose, no muscle aches. Nothing. He just felt… drained. 

It was his growling stomach that had woken up and prompted him to go to the common room to microwave some soup. But also, his hair was sticking up on one side and he was sure that the dark circles under his eyes had dark circles.

Willow’s yelp snapped him out of his daze, though. He yelped too — just as the dorm microwave started to beep.

“Titan!” gasped Hunter. “Sorry — you startled me.”

WILLOW

"Sorry," Willow said with a grimace, sitting up straight. Well, she was definitely awake now. 

She considered running, at least until he finished his food or her brownies were done. She was not in the right headspace to deal with people. But then she got a better look at Hunter and her eyebrows furrowed in concern.

"You feeling okay?" Willow asked softly. He looked like he'd just woken up from a coma.

HUNTER

“Yes!” Hunter said, very quickly. “Of course, I’m feeling okay. Just, you know… studying for midterms.” He waved his hand, then glanced at the timer on his phone to start counting down the allocated one minute that the can of soup had instructed him to wait.

“And yourself?” Maybe it was hypocritical to spin the question back on Willow, but looking at her now… well, she looked stressed. “Whatever you’re baking smells delicious, by the way,” he added, a bit shyly. 

WILLOW

"Yeah, I'm okay," Willow said with a small, tired smile of her own. "Just a little stressed with Flower still out of town."

And the rapidly-growing magic hybrid flower in the back of the restricted greenhouse. And the influx of people from the Isles who knew who she was and what was wrong with her. And the one person who knew the actual truth that she was still trying to decide if she trusted or not (it depended on the day). And the growing guilt from lying to people who seemed to genuinely care about her.

… Okay, so there was a lot more than the Flower thing, but Willow kept it to herself and shoved it down. Out of sight, out of mind.

At his compliment, her smile got a little easier. "Thanks," she said softly. "It's my dad's recipe. They uh… they should be done soon, if you want to try one?" Willow checked her own timer on her cheap phone, nodding when she saw she only had a few more minutes before she needed to take the pan of brownies out.

HUNTER

Hunter should say no, because eating a brownie would ruin his (admittedly pathetic) dinner.

But as he opened his mouth, his stomach growled, and he couldn’t deny the delicious smell of the brownies, or his sudden desire for some chocolatey goodness.

“Oh! Well, if you can spare a bite, I’d love to try,” he said. “A sugar rush might be a good thing for a study session.” And Titan knew he had to get studying. He’d wasted the whole damn day asleep. 

Hunter rubbed his eyes with the back of his hand, then checked his timer again, before making his way to the microwave and removing the little bowl of soup. He blew on it gently and then stirred it, chunks of pale chicken floating to the top. 

“I have, uh, a paper for my magical ethics class due next week,” said Hunter, trying to both make small talk and also remind himself of his own schedule. 

WILLOW

Willow nodded. "Yeah, they should be cool enough to eat by the time you're done," she said, standing from her own seat and heading to the oven. She glanced at his bowl of soup and had the passing thought that if her dad saw it, Hunter would be the one getting a care package next. 

Maybe she should make something savory for the dorm to snack on for midterms…

She hummed at the mention of his paper, digging through the drawers for the potholders that had probably been left there by someone who graduated in the sixties. Willow thought they might have been blue at some point. "What's your topic?" she asked. With the potholders over her hands, Willow opened the oven door and the smell of spiced chocolate only intensified. It was still weird to use an oven that didn't start drooling whenever the baking was done. She pulled the brownies out and set them on top of the range to cool down.

HUNTER

“Oh, uh.” Hunter blanked for a moment. His brain still felt light and fuzzy and not entirely there. He rubbed his forehead. “It’s on what different cultures deem a “good” life — success, happiness, meaning — and also taking into account what the majority Magick population is. My professor told us to specifically choose cultures that we were unfamiliar with, which I think she directed at me, since I tend to lean on the Boiling Isles for all my examples.”

He chuckled and shrugged.

“So, I’m going with the United States, which is proving to be far more complicated than I thought. I think I might break it down into regions. Maybe I’ll ask Phineas for his input. Or interview some of the other Americans on our floor…” 

WILLOW

She giggled with him. “Take Professor Daemonne’s class, you’ll have the opposite problem,” Willow said with a wry grin. She opened her mouth to ask what the Head Witch was like back on the Isles, but stopped herself. Right. She wouldn’t know that Hunter knew Darius back on the Boiling Isles.

She still hadn’t told him that she was from the Isles.

Objectively, Willow knew she had to. There were too many people from the Isles in Swynlake now who either knew her or her parents personally, and the longer she put it off, the more likely he’d hear it from someone else first. She was putting too much trust in the belief that she was not important enough to be mentioned, no matter how well it had worked so far.

It was just the moment she told Hunter, there was nothing keeping that secret from the rest of their friends. Especially if he took it poorly; either because she’d been lying to his face now for months, or because of her status on the Isles as a social pariah. She wanted so badly to think the best of Hunter -- he’d been nothing but kind to her since they’d met! -- but… well, experience was the greatest teacher, and she’d learned her lessons well.

“Regions sounds good,” Willow said instead, ducking to look through the cabinets under the counter. “Isn’t the United States massive?” 

When she popped back up, she had two energy drinks from her stash in hand, and held one up as if to ask if he wanted it.

HUNTER

At the mention of Darius, Hunter felt himself freeze a little. 

He was still trying to wrap his mind around the fact that Darius was here. Not just Darius — but LIlith and the Blights and so many people who knew him. Darius was just the cherry on the top. 

It was a reminder that he had to be perfect. That he could not make another mistake. 

Hunter blinked, snapping back to the present when Willow offered him a can. He took it, popping open the top, and taking a small sip.

“Apparently New York isn’t New England — what’s up with that? It’s named after an English city! Wouldn’t it make sense to be part of new England?” 

WILLOW

Hunter tensed up a little, and Willow figured she had her answer to the question she didn't ask. 

Her eyebrows furrowed together at his explanation about New York. "Wait, seriously? Why would they even call it New York, then?" she asked, opening her own can. She took a sip and the carbonated drink and sharp taste hit like a punch to her system. She'd bought way more boxes of the stuff recently, thanks to her whackass sleeping schedule.

She shivered at the taste, and behind her, a wilting potted basil that someone had bought from Moon Market seemed to shudder a little as well.

HUNTER

The energy drink popped and fizzed and was sickly sweet on Hunter’s tongue.

It jolted him, though, and he took another sip, longer this time. 

“Wow — what is this?” he asked, looking it over. “It’s not an energy potion? It’s a Mundus creation? Fascinating! I wouldn’t have known. It has all the potency of a Lesser Energy Potion!” 

Add another Mundus marvel to Hunter’s ever-growing list! 

WILLOW 

Willow smiled because yeah, she got it. Aside from all the cultural differences that made Willow feel like she was constantly on the back foot, there were so many things in the Mundus world that made her life so much easier. If the lack of murderous bullies hadn’t already done the trick, then air fryers would have convinced Willow to stay down on Earth easily.

“It’s an energy drink,” she explained as she started to cut into the tray of brownies. Her tail was invisibly swaying back and forth in a content rhythm. “It has a lot of caffeine in it and is supposed to help you stay awake. Though, take it from me, not a good long term solution,” she said dryly, twisting so she could point at him and emphasize her point. “I drank like three in a row once and I was twitchy for four days.”

The part of her that was an apothecary’s daughter really wanted to dive into the Lesser Energy Potion vs Energy Drink debate, because she had Thoughts and Opinions, but Willow kept her mouth shut. Silently, she was delighted he noticed the same similarity she had.

“I keep a stash here and in my dorm, if you need some,” she offered. Willow pulled two mismatched tea plates out of the cabinet and plated one of the brownies for herself. They were still steaming a bit, but they smelled amazing and looked perfectly fudgy with red flecks of cayenne in the chocolate.

“Edge piece or center?” she asked.

HUNTER

Hunter mulled over the offer. He shouldn’t be taking to Mundus culture so quickly. In fact, it alarmed him how easily he’d embraced some of it. Like he was betraying Belos and everything that the Boiling Isles stood for. 

But at the same time, Lesser Energy Potions were expensive and it wasn’t like there was a local potions shop that Hunter could just pop into…

Willow’s question once again snapped him from meandering thoughts.

“Oh! The edge. I like the crispy parts,” he said. 

WILLOW

Willow nodded, plating one of the corner pieces for him and taking both plates back to the table. Her new job at the Court meant she was easily able to balance both plates on one hand and carry her drink in the other. She set Hunter’s plate down near him before taking her seat again and tucking her legs up close to herself.

She picked up the brownie and hissed a bit as the heat lightly stung her fingers. It didn’t stop her from taking a bite that immediately burned her tongue, but it was so delicious that she didn’t mind. She and Dad had the same bad habit of never letting their food cool, which drove her Papa half-crazy.

She hummed happily, fanning off her mouth with one hand. “Uh, maybe give it a second,” she said with an embarrassed grin. Her tail was curling happily, the curly fur on the end tickling her toes with each pass.

HUNTER

“Noted,” Hunter said, with a grave nod.

As tempting as the brownies smelled, he did not want to risk a burnt tongue. It was one of the worst sensory feelings in the world if you asked him. 

Actually, speaking of that… he should probably eat some real food before indulging in sweets. So he took a little sip of soup. It was fine. It tasted exactly like every other can of soup Hunter had made in this dorm room: a little too salty, the temperature slightly off, but it did the job. 

WILLOW

Was it weird that his soup was making her sad? It was probably weird. She blamed a childhood of growing up with Harvey Park, who showed his love via food. She kept her mouth shut, not wanting to be weird or pushy. She had already given him a drink and a brownie, she shouldn't force anything else on him. They weren't really friends, after all. Not so long as she was lying to him.

She wanted to be, though.

It was a scary thought, and Willow took another bite of her brownie - this time a little cooler - to try and distract herself from it. It was a bad idea even being this close. Just because they both hung out with a lot of the same people didn't mean they had to hang out! She could just do the smart thing and keep her distance and keep her mouth shut. That way if the truth did come out, which felt more inevitable with every day, the fallout would be minimal.

But then she thought of the little stuffed bee in a place of honor on her desk, or the gloves he'd helped her save from being scattered to the wind, and she would want to stick around a little longer. Repay some of the kindness he has shown her. It was why she couldn't keep her distance from Eilonwy or Edward either; why she'd so happily accepted the job at the Court and why she gladly took on all the extra responsibility when Flower left to hide in their Hollow.

She opened her mouth, lips moving uselessly around words that wouldn't come.

'There's something I need to tell you.'

'I'm sorry I haven't been honest with you.'

'Thank you for being so kind to me.'

'We need to get you some better soup.'

Instead she just took another bite of her brownie and felt like a coward.

HUNTER

Hunter didn’t really miss the food in the Boiling Isles. 

Belos had been very strict about their diets. He prioritized health and wellness above all, which meant that they only really indulged during special events. Sweets, like chocolate and cookies and brownies, were incredibly rare.

Which is why these brownies smelled so good to Hunter now.

But it was also why he told himself he needed to finish his soup first. That’s what Belos would want, after all. Finish your vegetables and your designated protein intake. (Not that this little can of soup had a lot in the way of vegetables or protein).

It was then that Hunter realized that maybe he should say something.

It’s not like he hadn’t hung out with Willow alone before. It was just that usually there was something else to talk about, be it jello shots or carnival games. Now there was soup and there were brownies, which they had already talked about. There was Hunter’s essay that he should be working on, but they had also addressed that. 

“Er,” he ended up saying. “Do you like soup?”

WILLOW

Willow was starting to seriously regret not bailing when she could have when Hunter spoke up. She looked over at him curiously before glancing down at his soup and realizing he was probably feeling as awkward as she was now that they'd kind of exhausted the obvious topics of conversation. She smiled a little bit.

“Yeah,” she answered, wrapping her arms around the leg tucked up against her chest so she could rest her chin on her knee. “My Papa makes the best red pepper soup, it's my favorite.” 

She didn't mention that the red peppers were the ‘screaming’ variety from the Hips.

“Maybe that could be my next experiment,” she mused. “He'll send me the recipe if I ask, but he always adds like, six other ingredients that aren't written down so I have to do some trial and error. I don't think we have a pot big enough here, but maybe if I ask Eilonwy and Laurel, they'll let me use their kitchen.” Willow had brought plenty of baked goods both sweet and savory over to the Lightfoot house while Eilonwy was recovering from her broken ribs and arm.

Scrounging up her courage, Willow looked at Hunter and gave him a bright smile. “I’d probably need a taste tester again, if you'd want to,” she offered, trying not to look down at his sad canned soup again.

HUNTER

“Oh they definitely would.” Hunter brightened at the mention of Eilonwy. He knew that she’d be absolutely thrilled to let Willow use the Lightwood’s stove. Especially if it was because she wanted to try a family recipe that Willow didn’t know all the details about. He could practically see Eilonwy’s eyes growing wide as Willow poured over ingredients.

“I don’t know if I’d be much help, but I’m happy to taste test,” he said, feeling his cheeks flush a little. “I don’t know much about cooking. Which, uh, makes sense given this soup.” He nodded at the cup. 

“I’ve always wanted to learn how to make pancakes,” he added. “I tried them for the first time in Ingary. I never had them back home. My guardian… well, he wanted to make sure I had the healthiest food options possible. And pancakes are an indulgence. Especially with chocolate chips in them.” He nodded solemnly. 

WILLOW

Oh thank the Titan, he was self-aware about the soup. Willow tried to smother her laugh, grinning behind her hand.

She mirrored his solemn nod before reaching out to tap her hand against the counter near him and gave him a very serious look. “After midterms, we will make pancakes and they will be absurdly loaded with chocolate chips,” she swore, her lips curling as she tried not to grin.

“That way it's a reward for our hard work.”

(On top of the fridge, the basil plant looked fresh and healthy again.)

HUNTER

The corner of Hunter’s lip twitched up. Despite himself, he smiled. 

“Yes, that sounds like a plan,” he said. “With a lot of maple syrup!” 

He slurped up the rest of his soup in record time, then set the empty bowl on the counter.

“Alright, I think I’m ready for that brownie now.”