#her little ringlet ponytail is the best thing that's ever happened to me

[maraczeks]

bcs s6 thread pt 2

[gucciwins]

it’s your birthday?

As luck would have it you once again find yourself in a breakout room with Harry

Word count: 3296

A/N: Hello friends, it’s a new semester and it felt only right to continue breakout room, a story that was well loved by you. The inspiration once again came to me during class and also because it’s Harry’s birthday. Thank you to the lovely @soullikestyles for reading this over. Here it is, enjoy!!!

I hope you love this, it is a continuation from Breakout Room 

Please shoot me a message of what you thought!!!!

i love you, take care xx 

_____

It's the start of a new semester. It's safe to say you did not make any friends last semester due to this ongoing pandemic, but what you did manage to get was a 3.9 G.P.A for the Fall semester. It was probably because you did not leave your apartment, and when you did, it was to go grocery shopping with your roommate, who would be dead without you because, as she liked to put it, you're the chef, and she's the taster. 

Well, you maybe did make one friend. 

Harry Styles.

He was the person to talk to you during a zoom breakout room in your women's gender studies course.

Sure, you were never in the same room again, but you might or might not have pinned his face during one of the professor's long ramblings that is no longer related to the course. 

He was pretty to look at; you would never deny that. 

No, with the floppy curls that he almost always seemed to run his hand through, then stopping when one of his rings got caught in a knotted ringlet. His camera would instantly turn off, and in thirty seconds, he was back as if nothing had happened. The glasses framed his face just right, making his eyes look soft and inviting. Also made his dimples stand out. He almost always wore a different colored cardigan. Your favorite from the semester was when he wore a multicolored cardigan. That looks like it was knitted; there was a hole by his heart. Honestly, you were hoping he had, would have made him even more endearing. 

Also, might one day ask him to make you one, or he could even teach you. You're a fast learner and have patience. 

He's got a great choice in clothing from what you was able to observe in such a short time—also a lovely personality. 

After his initial email, you decided to answer, thus creating a chain of messages back and forth. He was honestly funny, and that was just on paper. He had asked for her number and said no, and he respected that. It doesn't mean they never helped each other in the class; Harry asking for more help than Y/N. She sent him over her notes and explained the readings he found harder to grasp. 

As soon as finals week hit, she received her last email from him with the subject as Goodbye. It took you by surprise, and you erased the draft you had waiting for him that had your phone number wanting to keep talking to him. Still, clearly, he thought of them as just classmates for the semester, so without even opening his last email, you trashed it. 

You felt guilty about it, so you then transferred it to your archives, where it sits with other unwanted emails. 

_____

The holidays are over, and since you could not make the trip home, you celebrated with Amy, your roommate. You both help each other buy your family's presents, looking for the best discounts and adding extra items to get the free shipping. Together, well, mostly you as she handed you pieces of tape you wrapped present after present in brown wrapping paper. It was harder to tear and more comfortable to decorate in any way you wanted. On each box, it had everyone's name written in beautiful handwriting, courtesy of you. Then you would add snowflakes or stripes to make it stand out. 

It was a success from their looks when each gift was open through the zoom call. 

The month break flew by, and the next thing you knew, it was time to be back at your desk for hours of learning. It was fun until it wasn't sure there was a lot to look forward to, but you would miss sleeping all day and eating snacks in bed with no fear of forgetting to submit an assignment. 

This semester you had four major courses. Psychology of Personality and Psychology of Aging were the two courses you were most looking forward to. You decided on taking the women's gender studies class called Politics of Sexuality. You had gotten the recommendation from the department's head to take it and did so without a second thought. Yes, fifteen units was a lot, but you were close to graduating, and you knew you could handle it. 

The first week flew by because it was merely going over the syllabus. You had your camera on, but you did not bother to look at your other classmates. Sasha, a fellow person in your major, would be your study partner as she had been all semester. Sasha might not always be in the class section, but she did take the same professors and courses. It makes studying and taking notes easier. You know you won't always have Sasha, but having a study partner has ever made you do better. 

February 1st. The start of the second week of the semester. 

You woke up at seven, got the tea that Amy had ready for you, and were sitting at your desk by eight. Your professor droned on about the first chapter of the book. You felt confident knowing you understood the significant points. 

It's 11:30, and your second course of the day is going to start. You were not looking forward to the class simply because Dr. Rossi had warned you he would be putting you into breakout rooms of two. That person would be your partner for the semester. You had a project due at the end of the semester, and he wanted you to be acquainted with someone rather than having a person working alone. 

You sat there, Baby Yoda ceramic mug in hand, as you waited for your breakout room to load and to see who you were destined to work with for the next fourteen weeks. 

There was a knock on your door that distracted you from seeing the video of someone else load. 

"Sorry, I know you're in class, but I was wondering when lunch was to see how big of a snack I should have." Amy shoots you a small smile. 

"No worries, Ames, I'm out at 12:45 and will need half an hour to cook, so roughly 1:30. Is that okay?" You tell her feeling a little awful, making her wait. 

"It's perfect. Have a good class." Amy shuts the door.

As you hear the click, you turn back to your computer, and they're staring at you in a lavender cardigan with a white shirt underneath is the one and only Harry Styles.  

His curls are shorter, meaning he recently got a haircut, and they are just growing back. You wished he had let it grow out, wanting to see how much more ruly they would have gotten.

You feel your face heat up, remembering you did not do your hair, instead of letting it sit messily in a low ponytail, small hair framing your hair. You were sure the black sweatshirt you had one had a hummus stain but too afraid to look down to check. You weren't even aware he was in this class; it shows you should be paying attention more to your classmates. 

He shoots you a small smile, and you grimace, trying to force one out, but you're still a bit shocked. 

You see his microphone go white, meaning he was about to speak. You leaned forward in anticipation, a bit desperate to hear his smooth accent through your computer speakers. 

"Hello, it's been a while." Harry raises his glasses to hold back his hair. 

You reach forward and unmute yourself. "Hello, Harry. It has been a while. It's a new year and everything." You joke. 

He chuckles, scratching his chin. You aren't sure what to do; it was never this awkward the first time you chatted. 

"Guess we're partners, huh." 

"Apparently." You sigh, a bit loud, forgetting he can hear you. 

"Ouch, don't need to sound too excited." He tells you not at all hiding his frown. 

"No, I didn't." You stop not knowing how to go back from that. "Sorry, that was rude of me." 

He nods, not saying anything more, and you take it as a sign to continue. 

"I-i, well, after our last class ended, I figured that was that. You said goodbye in the last email, so I figured that was the end of our friendship, if you can even call it that." 

"I thought my email would give the opposite impression, but not everything can translate as smoothly when talking." He tells you, which causes you to pause. 

"Your email literally said goodbye," You blurt out before you can stop yourself.

He hides his smile, "My subject said goodbye, the content said quite the opposite. You did read it, right?" 

You duck your head, not allowing yourself to meet his eye even through a computer screen, too embarrassed to be caught. "Well, no, I didn't. Hurt my feelings, just seeing the goodbye." You look up and see his eyes soften, giving you just a bit more courage to continue. "I've always struggled to make friends, I have like three good friends, and it's hard putting myself out there, and I didn't actually if you considered me a friend or not." 

"Y/N" He breathes out your name.

You stop him before he can continue. "Do you mind if I read it now?" 

Harry shakes his head. 

You restore down the zoom and open up your Gmail on the split-screen. You find it reasonably quickly; you look up at him to see him patiently sitting back chipping at his nails. They are a pastel yellow; it makes you smile, knowing just yesterday you went from that color to a deep red. 

hstyles@gmail.com 

Subject: Goodbye 

Y/N, 

It's been enjoyable emailing back and forth. I honestly would not have passed this class without you. I think you are brilliant and if I had you in every course, I would finish with A's in them all. So, thank you for having the patience to teach me. 

Also, thank you for being my friend. I know we mostly talked about school work. Still, you did help me decide on what coat to buy for my sister, so I know that makes us friends, and I did help you get that switch for your little brother. (That was like trying to buy floor tickets for Lady Gaga.)

On another note, after emailing for twelve weeks, I was wondering if I could have your number. I would like the chance to give you a call and formally ask you on a date. I know we're in the middle of a pandemic, and dating is hard, but we can do zoom dates before we try in person. 

I understand if it's a no, but I am really grateful to have met you.

Your friend (although I do want to try to be more)

Harry Styles 

City Pointe Apt 32 (in case you want to send a care package, I would gladly return the favor)

"Oh, Harry," You inhale, "I'm so sorry." 

"No worries." He shrugs. 

You pause, thinking your next words. "I live in Rose Villa." Those were not the words you wanted to say, but you don't take it back. 

"That's across the street from my building." He gasps. "We could have run into each other." 

You nod. "Small world." 

Harry brings his focus back to something you skipped over. "I realize you didn't mention the part of asking you on a date." 

"Oh, I figured you over that now. It's been well over a month since I ignored your email." You grimace, starting to feel awful about it all over again. 

"I guess it was email abandonment this time." He jokes.

You laugh, and it gets Harry laughing as well. He was always good at that, making you laugh and not be so serious even if he didn't know it. 

"Y/N," Harry's voice was strong, no signs of laughter in his trace. You lock eyes as best you can through a computer screen. "I would still very much like to take you on a date."

A date with Harry. 

You want to say yes, but it's like you're frozen. 

"Can I say something else before you give me an answer?" You nod, waiting for him to go on. "Sarah Jones, do you know her?" 

Sarah Jones, you rack your brain trying to place her. 

The theater composer. She's written original tracks for the theatre department for the original plays they've done and remakes. She's won countless awards.

Sarah even won the talent show. Played a killer drum solo that no one else could ever think of topping. 

If you're honest, she's the definition of your girl crush. 

"We follow each other on social media. We met at a paint night; she was really easy to talk to." You tell him, remembering how sweet she was to you when she saw you walk in, and just as you were about to walk out, she introduced herself to you, asking to sit with you. 

He nods. "Sarah is my roommate's girlfriend. Mitch and Sarah practically live together; he's so in love with her it truly is the sweetest thing. Back to the point, she overheard me talking about you to Mitch and spoke how she knew you. Then I proceeded to stalk your Instagram on her account. I hope that's not weird." 

You laugh, and it causes Harry to calm down, "Not weird at all. I would have done the same thing, but as you can see, I rarely upload anything." 

"Well, the things you do have, I think, are wonderful." He rambles on explaining how your beach photo on a bike with a pretty pink basket was one of his favorites and how cute you look wearing sweaters. 

As endearing as Harry was being, you decided to put him out of his misery. "Harry," you interrupt. 

"Yes." 

"I'd love to go on a date with you." 

"You would?" He gasps in surprise. 

"Yes." 

"That's fantastic. I think this is the best birthday gift I could have received." He tells you, but you're stuck on the last thing he said. 

"It's your birthday?" 

Harry smiles sheepishly. "Yes." 

"Happy Birthday, Harry." You tell him softly, a big smile on your face.

A blush overtakes his face; you can tell he wishes to cover up his face with hands but holds back from doing so. "Thank you." 

"Do you have any plans?" 

"No, well. Mitch and Sarah are coming over for lunch in a bit. Then they are off to study at Sarah's for the week. Her roommates are gone for the week." 

You frown, not liking that he'll spend the rest of his birthday alone. 

"Would you-never mind" You stop yourself from being able to invite yourself over to celebrate with him?

"Hey, it's okay. Whatever you wanted to say, I wouldn't judge you, love." His voice was soft and reassuring. 

"Well, I'd love to come over and hang out with you if that's okay. I can make us dinner, I make delicious enchiladas. Also, my carrot cake is to die for." 

Harry is surprised at her offer but nods his head quickly. "That sounds wonderful, but you don't have to cook for me. We can order takeout."

She shakes her head. "Consider it my gift to you." 

"Well, okay. Is six okay for you?" He bites his lip, not believing this is happening.

"Perfect." 

You sit there smiling at each other. 

When a message pops up overhead, "You have five minutes left before we join back as a group."

Your eyes go wide, having forgotten you were in class. "We didn't even discuss the assignment." 

Harry shakes his head in laughter, a smile spreads over your face. He has an adorable laugh that just rings through your ears, and you can't wait to hear it in person. 

"We've got time, now that it seems we'll be getting to know each other better." 

You relax, settling a bit, you have weeks before the assignment is due.

"I'll email you my number, love. Easier to communicate for later."

"Sounds great." You respond. 

_____

It's five-fifty, and you're standing outside his door. You're more than a little nervous. You're wearing high waisted jeans paired with a black off the shoulder top with floral embroidered sleeves. You decided against a sweater knowing the short walk would keep you warm enough. Your mask is red, with three small hearts stitched on the lower right side. Perfect for February. 

You shift the items in your hand to the right and lift your hand up to knock. After three gentle knocks, you hear footsteps and take a step back. 

"Hi," Harry breathes out, a big smile on his face.

"Hello, Harry, happy birthday." 

"Thank you." He smiles wide, blessing you with his dimples. Definitely look better in person. "Please come in." He grabs some of the items from your hand and allows you to step in before locking the door behind you. 

"Your mask is lovely. Did you make it?" 

"I did!" You share excitedly. "My roommate, Amy, and I spent lots of our free time making a different kind. We took old shirts we no longer wanted and used for the material. It was a lot of trial and error, but we're pretty solid at it now. My embroidery could use some work, but I think it's lovely. 

"It really is. Would you make me one?" He asks, staring at you as you pocket your mask. No longer needing it in his home. 

"Yes, I'll send you pictures of the fabric I have, or you could come over, and I can teach you as well." You tell him, excited at the prospect. 

"Sounds like a wonderful date." You nod, feeling your body get warm at the word date because today could also classify as a date. 

Harry knocks you out of your head when calling your name. "Turned the oven on like you requested." He informs you. 

"Thank you, my mom showed me how to make them, but I learned about the melted cheese on my own. She wasn't a big fan of it, but everyone else I know loves it, so I hope you will as well." 

Harry grabs your hand and gives it a squeeze. "I'm sure it's wonderful." He bumps your shoulder gently. "Go finish up; I'll set the table." 

He pushes you into the kitchen, and you go in and place your stuff. Harry is whistling, settling down on the table two glasses and two forks when you turn back around towards him. 

Harry turns around just in time for you to wrap your hands around his waist. You fit perfectly in his arms, taking in his musky scent. "Happy birthday, Harry." You whisper against his chest.

He squeezes you tighter, leaning his head on top of yours. "Thank you, love." 

He pulls back, holding you by your shoulders. A big smile on his face, you reciprocate it feeling his happiness warm your heart. 

"Run along now; I'm starving." He jokes.

You walk backward, creating distance; as his left-hand trails down your right hand slowly until he's touching your fingertips, do you pull away. Although you, more than anything, wanted to hold his hand. You want to feel the weight of it in yours; you want to know if his hands are soft or calloused. How cool his rings will feel against your palm. All in due time. 

"I'm happy to be here." 

"Me too, love. Me too." 

It's safe to say you were more than luckily going to have yourself a valentine for the first time in a long time. 

[artificialqueens]

A Vampire in Paris: Part One (Gigi x Crystal) - Chae

A/N: aaaa it’s here, part one! i was NOT expecting it to be 3.4k words but i’m so so so proud of the dialogue in this chapter. if you can handle a bit of exposition to get to the crygi fluff i swear it’s worth it XD

Summary: Gigi Goode arrives in Paris to start preparing for Fashion Week, but what dark secret is her company hiding? What’s the deal with those three supermodels? And why is Crystal Methyd so damn adorable? 

We Begin

This couldn’t be happening. It felt wholly, totally, surreally unreal. Every dream Gigi Goode had ever dreamt seemed to be coming true at that very moment. The twenty-two year old had gone through immigration and baggage claim without really feeling much. When she met the Uber that was ordered to take her to the complex, she hadn’t felt much either. But now, as she drove through the streets of Paris, taking in the narrow paths and low buildings that completely contrasted the Los Angeles she was used to, she felt like she had arrived.

Crystal Methyd wasn’t exactly well-known, but she didn’t fly under the radar either. Anyone who spent more than two minutes researching modern fashion knew about her. She’d risen to popularity online through her wacky and interpretive, yet still fashionable, street style. Then, arguably the largest label in the world, ‘Fatelle,’ bought her company (as they did with about 90% of the fashion industry) and moved her to Paris. In a few weeks would be ‘The Methyd’s’ first showing for Paris Fashion Week, aka her ticket to worldwide fame and success, and Crystal had asked Gigi to model for her. She didn’t even know Crystal was allowed to choose her own models in the first place.

Gigi was used to having some spotlight. She’d amassed quite the following on Instagram and YouTube, which was how she got signed to her agency and apparently how Crystal had found her as well. Gigi was still dumbfounded by her luck, or talent, or universal power or whatever had gotten her to Paris to model for fashion week. She still couldn’t wrap her head around that fact when the car stopped in front of a huge building. It wasn’t modern or tall like businesses back home, but it took up an entire Parisian-sized block and stood a story or two higher than the average building. 

Gigi gripped her luggage, two roller-bag cases, a duffel bag, a small backpack, and a purse, and breathed out. She wanted to look confident and put-together when she met… whoever she was going to meet. Would it be Crystal? She’d been contacted by someone named ‘Trixie,’ so probably not, but one could hope. Gigi stepped forward, entering through the gigantic gold spinning door and coughing a bit as the scent of floral cleaning product wafted up her nose.

The lobby was pristine—spotless, sparkling, even, marble floors and marble walls and marble ceilings galore. The architecture was retro, yet the furniture seemed almost futuristic. Glass display cases flaunted the designers’ best works, particularly the original creator, Miss Fame’s, designs. She felt like every single person who would work here attended at least three fashion shows a week. The young model took a moment to admire her surroundings before her heels clicked all the way to the reception desk.

There, she was met with a strikingly familiar face, with a name tag to match.

“Excuse me—wait, are you-”

“Shhhh!” the woman seemed to perk up immediately at the prospect of being recognized, looking at Gigi frantically. “I’m nobody! I’m the receptionist.” She held a finger up to her lips.

“But your name tag, it even says-”

“My nametag doesn’t say shit!”

Gigi was a little surprised at how casual the other woman spoke to her, but blinked and continued.

“You aren’t even trying to hide it?”

“Well, not everybody is as smart as you and remembers photoshoots from forty years ago!”

“This is a fashion label’s headquarters!”

The woman paused, not knowing how to respond. “Okay, touché. Ya got me.”

“May I ask a question?”

“I mean… yeah?”

“How do you look the exact same as you did in the eighties?” Gigi was raising an eyebrow at Adore Delano, a female rock icon known for her raunchy photoshoots and close relationship to the Fatelle brand. Her hair and makeup changed, her clothes were different, too, of course, but she looked the same otherwise. What kind of ooky kooky hyaluronic acid was keeping a 60 year old woman looking 20?!

“Ask, and you will not receive,” Adore sighed, playing with her hair. “There are just some things you’d be safer… not knowing,” she smiled decidedly, pleased with her answer.

“Right,” Gigi grimaced, avoiding eye contact with the star.

“Anyway girl, what’s the sitch? What can I help you with?”

“Ah, yes of course, I’m here to meet.. well, someone. I’m a new model and I’m supposed to be staying here for a while.”

“Ohhh, you’re one of the international shipments coming in for fashion week. Which designer?”

“The Methyd.”

“Shut up!” Adore grinned, a twinkle in her eye. “Babe, you’re set for life. You better make a good impression on Crystal, she’s supposed to be the new thing and stuff!”

Gigi blushed. “Will I meet her today?” 

“Mmm,” Adore checked a computer screen, clicking a few buttons and squinting. “You’re supposed to meet with Trixie, so you’ll have to ask her.” She grabbed something from under her desk. “Gigi Goode, right?”

“That’s me. Good morning!”

“Party!” The older girl grinned, handing Gigi a small card. “That’s your room key—don’t lose it. Unless you wanna like, get stolen from.”

Gigi took the key, placing it in her purse. “Thank you, and noted. Do not get robbed.”

Suddenly, another voice joined the pair as a tall woman strode into the lobby, conversing on the phone. She was wearing a pink blazer-mini skirt set and white patent pumps, the outfit hugging her curves perfectly. Her hair was big and blonde, straight with iron-curled ringlets at the tips, and her big lips and long lashes completed the Barbie aesthetic. Her voice, however, was stern and confident, the complete opposite of her doll-like appearance. If this was Trixie, Gigi was already intimidated.

“Well, Brenda, tell Katya that I’ll call her back later, please,” she commanded, a short answer coming from the other end before Trixie interrupted, scolding the person in French before hanging up. She looked to Gigi with a smile. “Sorry about that. You must be Gigi!” 

Gigi smiled and reached out to shake her hand, but forgot that air kisses were the customary French greeting. Nice going, idiot, Gigi thought to herself as she finished the proper hello. “It’s nice to meet you, Ms. Mattel!”

“Oh hun, you can call me Trixie,” she smiled. “Welcome to Fatelle! I’m your modeling manager, so we’ll be seeing each other a lot. You come to me with any questions, concerns, issues, you need a tampon, a condom, a chocolate, a shot, I’m your gal,” she winked. Gigi laughed.

“In that case, can I have a-”

“You are not about to ask me for a condom.”

“Well…”

The two burst out, Trixie’s laugh coming out more like a bird screech than a human chuckle. 

“Ah! Almost forgot,” Trixie reached into her pocket and grabbed a sticky note, handing it to Gigi. “That’s my number. I’ll text you important info, like meeting and fitting dates and such. We’ve only got three weeks to prepare for this, so the schedule is packed.”

Gigi folded the paper and put it with her room card, already nervous for what was to come. “Agh, well, I’m excited to start!”

“Of course!” Trixie smiled, glancing at her phone as it buzzed. “Shit, well, I gotta go.”

“Hold on, sorry, how do I get to my room?”

“Right! I’m stupid for not telling you.” Trixie pointed to where she’d come from. “Over there is the apartment complex area. Your key card will say which room it is, and the elevators are dead ahead. This place has a restaurant open to the public like a hotel does, but it’s free for models and employees and serves us privately during the day. There’s also kitchens in the rooms if you wanna cook for yourself,” she explained. “Later tonight our team should be getting together for a meeting, I’ll text you the details, kay?” Trixie almost mumbled the last part as she frantically punched the keyboard of her phone, obviously annoyed with the person she was texting. “Enjoy your stay!”

Before Gigi could even say bye, Trixie was gone. She understood for the most part, but she couldn’t help but notice Trixie hadn’t said anything about the portion of the building across from the apartments. The curiosity ate her up, so she opted to ask Adore.

“What’s over there?” Gigi motioned to the glass doors that led to the mystery area.

“That’s where all the businessy stuff happens,” Adore rested her head in her hand. “You’ll probably go there to do your model stuff. The further in you go, the crazier the shit is.”

“Crazy shit? What kind of crazy shit?”

Adore bit her lip, knowing she’d said too much. “Enjoy your stay, Miss Goode.”

Gigi raised an eyebrow. Something smelled rotten at the Fatelle headquarters, and the young woman was dying to learn more. She followed instructions to get to her room, a spacious and immaculately decorated space. Flopping on the bed, Gigi closed her eyes, imagining what it would be like to own such a large company. She’d never considered designing clothes, more than happy to stick to modeling. Speaking of which, she had a dinner to get ready for. She sat up, releasing her ginger waves from their ponytail with a shake of her head, exhaling a breath. After she unpacked, she was going to make herself look smoking hot. Crystal would not regret choosing her to be a model.

———

Gigi knocked on the glass doors leading to the private seating of the restaurant, trying to get Trixie’s attention. She’d worn her fanciest mini dress and most expensive Louboutins in hopes of impressing her team. The table was large, maybe ten or eleven girls crowding around it. And in the back, she spotted Crystal.

Or did Crystal spot her? Because they were making eye contact— holy shit they were making eye contact and Crystal was the prettiest girl ever what the fuck? Gigi gulped as someone else, a girl she didn’t recognize, let her in.

“Hey! Here to meet with The Methyd team?”

“Mhm,” Gigi nodded, air kissing the other woman. “Gigi Goode.”

“Oh, awesome! I’m Rock M Sakura, one of the makeup artists,” the shorter girl grinned at Gigi, her appearance reminding the model of a magical girl anime. “But you can just call me Rock.”

“Rock? What’s that short for?”

“Rock and Roll, baby,” she made a face and sat back down at the table, leaving Gigi to giggle and flick her eyes around to find an empty spot.

Of course the only one left was right next to Crystal.

And of course Crystal was smiling at her the entire time she walked to the seat.

“Hey, you’re Gigi right?” The designer asked, making the model blush at the fact that she knew her name. 

“Good morning, it’s an honor to meet you Ms. Methyd.”

“Ah jeez, just call me Crystal! We don’t use last names here,” Crystal motioned to the laughing girls around the dinner table. “It looks like everyone’s here actually, we can finally introduce ourselves!”

Gigi glanced at Trixie, who was sitting close by, her facial expression reading “is this girl always this sweet and peppy?” The manager caught her eye and shot her back a look that said “yes.” 

Crystal tapped a wine glass, garnering everyone’s attention. “Everyone, thank you all for coming to start this journey with me,” the designer started, a grin wide across her lips. “I know we’re all gonna make an amazing team, we just have to, uh, know each other’s names first?” Everyone chuckled lightly. Crystal looked towards Gigi with a sparkle in her eye. “Why don’t you start?”

Gigi took a breath, wanting to make sure her expression was stone-cold. “Nice to meet you all, I’m Gigi Goode, I just arrived from Los Angeles, I’ll be modeling.”

Crystal smiled, beckoning the rest to introduce themselves.

“My name is Jackie Cox, I came in from New York not too long ago, and I’m your backstage coordinator!”

“Bonsoir, I am Nicky Doll from Paris, obviously. I’ll be modeling as well.”

“Hey y’all, I’m Trixie Mattel, which you probably already knew, because I got you all here, because I’m your modeling manager.”

“The name is Jaida Essence Hall, and I’ve been modeling with Fatelle for some time now. I’m looking forward to working with Miss Methyd.”

“Hi, my name’s Rock M Sakura, just got here from San Francisco!  I’ll be your assistant makeup artist!”

“Raven. Lead makeup artist.” 

Now this chick seemed… off. She was extremely out of place amongst the rest of the girls in the group. She was just sitting there, glaring at the rest of the crew and almost… taking in information? Her face was sharp and beautiful, but her eyes pierced through Gigi’s soul as she, for some reason, stared her down. They moved on.

“I’m Plastique Tiara, I’ll also be a model. I can’t wait to start!”

“Hey there, I’m Brooke Lynn Hytes, if you’re Canadian, you know me. I’ll be helping get you guys outfits and hair stylists.”

“Ugh, great to meet y’all! I’m Jan Sport, I’m another model!”

There was only one girl left, thankfully, and only one more name to remember. “Hey, I’m Dahlia Sin. I’ll obviously be modeling.”

Crystal rubbed her hands together excitedly. “Yay! Now that we all know each other, hopefully the waiter’s coming sooooon!”

The table murmured in agreement, returning back to their previous conversations.

“It’s so nice to meet you, Gigi,” Jackie said from her left. Nicky peeked over her shoulder and nodded, flashing a gorgeous smile.

“The pleasure is all mine!” Gigi replied. “I can’t wait to try some authentic French cuisine,” she liked her lips.

“That’s right, you just got off the plane!” Crystal exclaimed. 

Gigi confirmed. “How long have you been staying here?”

“Oh gosh, not long, maybe a month or two. Most of this team has only been working at Fatelle for less than a year.”

“Except moi!” Nicky’s thick accent interjected, an eyebrow raised playfully. “And Raven. Jaida’s probably been here just over a year. But yeah, apart from us, even Trixie’s a baby.” 

Raven seemed to sense her name being spoken, but only tossed them a glance before returning to typing on her phone. Trixie was enthralled in some deep phone convo, the hard worker never seeming to catch a break.

“Oh, I just can’t wait to start! These designs have been in my head for years and they finally get to see the light of day on my amazing models!” Crystal gushed. The passion for her work seemed to be flowing out of each word she spoke, the radiant positivity infectious. 

“We’re so excited to see you succeed, Crys,” Jan quickly complimented before returning to an apparently intense debate with Brooke and Dahlia. 

Gigi noticed the waiter walk in through the glass door to take their drink orders, the model smiling at the thought of finally getting some real food in her. The only thing she’d been eating for the past 48 hours were shitty plane meals and junky snacks to try and make it through the thirteen hour joint flight. 

When the door was open, however, Gigi couldn’t help but notice three distant figures sauntering down the restaurant hall. They looked super important, super rich. They must have been supermodels, but she couldn’t tell from how far away she was.

Jackie caught her line of sight. “You know them, right?” She asked, an edge of malice in her tone.

“I couldn’t exactly see who they were, but I’m sure I’d know of them.”

“They’re some bad business,” Jackie grunted. 

“Really? Who are they?”

“Those are just some of the other models. Aquaria, Valentina, and Naomi Smalls,” Crystal explained, making Gigi’s eyes widen.

“No way! They’re insanely famous! Isn’t Aquaria supposed to take over the company or something?” Gigi raved.

“That’s up for debate,” Nicky rolled her eyes. “It sure looks like it, though.”

“If Mean Girls was real life, Aquaria is Regina, Naomi is Gretchen, and Valentina is Karen,” Jackie said. “And don’t you dare try to become Cady.”

Gigi laughed. “I won’t, I promise. I like you all too much.”

“Their people are another beast altogether,” Nicky spat. “One that we’ve been trying to conquer, but they’re just so full of themselves they can’t see past their own noses.”

“They’re working for Fatelle Official, so they’re doing something right,” Crystal tried to reason. 

“Well, I’m working for The Methyd, which is gonna be bigger than Fatelle. I can just feel it,” Gigi grinned. Crystal laughed airily, a tinge of red hitting her cheeks.

“Thanks, Gig!” 

Gigi couldn’t help but blush once again at the cute nickname Crystal has already begun to use. They all placed their drink orders, and Gigi managed to converse with Crystal without exploding. The older girl was dressed in a sparkly cocktail dress, with bright colored eyeshadow and thick eyeliner. Her hair was curly and mouse-brown, and it framed her face while flaring out in the back. Crystal was dastardly gorgeous, with twinkling eyes, a tiny nose, and lips ever-curved into a smile. Thank god it was normal to look at someone while they talked to you, because Gigi couldn’t stop looking at Crystal.

Gigi sipped the mixed drink that was brought to her at last, while Crystal looked at her with a playful smirk. 

“Have you ever thought about going blonde?”

“Ha! Maybe? Why?”

“One, you’d look good. Two, I’ve been wanting to go redhead but I don’t want to come for your brand!”

Gigi laughed heartily, wiping a bit of drink off her lip. “I’ll have to think about it!”

“If you do it, do it before the show!”

“And do it at a hairdresser,” a voice said at the other end of the table. It was quiet and barely audible over the chatter of the other women, but Gigi realized Raven had been listening to their conversation. She made eye contact with the older woman and grew hot, her gaze making Gigi anxious and want to look away. She nodded at Raven and turned back to Crystal, cringing.

“What’s her deal?”

“Raven’s?” Crystal bit her lip, not entirely comfortable with the makeup artist’s presence either. “The higher ups said she needed to work with us since everyone was new, and she is the best makeup artist in the city, really,” she shrugged. “I couldn’t say no.”

Gigi nodded in understanding. “She keeps looking at us.”

“I know,” Crystal chuckled. “But I mean, who wouldn’t want to look at you?”

The model turned bright red, rubbing the back of her neck. “Thank you, Crystal. It… means a lot coming from you.”

It was the designer’s turn to blush, and for a few moments the two sat in awkward silence before they were interrupted by the waiter taking their orders. Gigi hadn’t even looked at the menu— she was too busy talking, so she just ordered whatever Crystal got. 

Gigi knew, even from the short time she’d spent with her new friends, that she was in for a wild ride. And she knew something was up with Raven, Aquaria, Valentina, Naomi, and Adore, and she was going to get to the bottom of it before Fashion Week was over.

———

It was 11:58 PM when Raven opened the great wooden doors to the study, shutting them gently behind herself. She spotted Violet Chachki perched on the desk as usual, smoking a cigarette from a holder ring. Violet shot the makeup artist a look before clearing her throat.

“Darling, Raven’s here.”

In a movie-like scene, the huge velvet chair behind the oak desk spun around, revealing a disinterested Miss Fame. She too, was smoking a cigarette, but in a much less dramatic fashion than her assistant. 

“So?” She pressed.

“You definitely want that Gigi girl. And you want Methyd, too.”

“Right. And?”

“You’re in luck, because apparently they’re a package deal.”

Violet grinned, glancing to her lover who seemed to share the same sentiment. The designer and the model. The CEO and the burlesque dancer.

Fame looked back to Raven, stubbing out her cigarette with her own finger.

 “History repeats itself, it seems.”

[tortureorbliss]

Late

Summary: MC, Juliet Garcia, is late because she wanted to guide her intern. So, Ethan decided to let her catch up on the topic (among other things ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°) )

Warning: NSFW !!! also filthy,,, desk sex,,,

Word Count: 3k+

Tags! : @openheart12 @ethandaddyramsey @noboundariesplease @binny1985 @critussle @perriewinklenerdie @hatescapsicum @queencarb @titaniaangel​ @x-kyne-x​ @soft-for-drake​

Shit, shit, shit, shit, shit, shit, shit.

Juliet squeezed herself between a handful of nurses and interns, careful not to cause any trouble. 2nd day of being in the diagnostics team and I'm late, fucking great. What'll Ramsey think of me now? One of his 'Best Doctors', late.

She pushed the doors open and was surprised to see only Ethan in the room. Maybe I'm actually early-

"You're late." Oh.

"I'm so sorry, I had to accompany my intern today so she wouldn't-"

"Juliet, it's fine." She felt a familiar stir in her stomach when he said her name, she missed him. God, she missed him.

She sat down on a vacant chair across him, her eyes never leaving his stubbled face. It tickled.

"So what happened? Any breaks? Did Baz forget his pager again?" She hinted on their last interaction, hoping to see his response. He looked up from his work, giving her a warning. Don't test me, Garcia.

"Juliet-"

"I know, I was just messing with you." Her words were followed by an uncomfortable silence, making her shift in her seat. He wasn't this silent yesterday, I wonder what he's thinking?

Ethan snuck a glance at his mentee, noticing her every move. I like her better with her hair down, it makes me want to run my fingers through it like velvet. In a way, it reminded him of Miami. The heat kissing her complexion, the salty aftertaste of the winds, wet sand clinging onto her calves, her cheeks slightly a salmon pink from the blazing sun, her raven hair blown against her face, it was a sight he'll never forget.

She was drumming her fingertips on the chair she was sitting on, clearly uneasy on the lack of talking. Her eyes wandered around the room, noticing the writings on the whiteboard.

"Care to walk me through the process, Dr. Ramsey?" She stood up, walking towards the board, eager to catch up on the overlooked topic. A part of her just wanted to spend secluded time with him, but she didn't want to admit it to herself.

Ethan studied her, searching for any mischief in her eyes. He didn't want to give in to her again, not here. Then again, it's solely for work.

"Baz was the one who proposed it was the Creutzfeldt-jakob disease, a brain disorder." He stood up, settling on the empty space beside Juliet, not daring to move much closer even if every nerve in his body wanted to do so. He wanted to feel her again, he wanted to touch her, he wanted to taste her, he wanted-

"CJD? I've read about that before."

"We ran some tests and he was positive. The disease isn't quite at its peak yet, but I'm afraid there's no cure." Ethan dropped his gaze down to the floor, their patient's family on his mind. The two doctors fell in silence, the same emotion in their eyes. Pity.

"I've yet to tell his family." He swallowed, his chest burning. The memory of the first patient he lost stung him, so did Dolores'.

"I can do it if you want, you know. As far as I remember, I'm a doctor too." A smile crept its way onto Ethan's lips ever so slightly, but he quickly concealed it with a cough.

"If you insist, Dr. Garcia." This time, a wide grin was present in Juliet's face. There's nothing quite satisfying as her name on his lips.

Ethan gazed at her for a little longer before finally returning to his desk, only to pick up his papers. He's leaving? Juliet watched her attending walk towards the glass doors, disappointment clear in her face.

"Wait." She blurted out, her eyes widen by her own sudden outburst. What am I doing?

He turned around, waiting for a question. A couple of agonizing seconds pass by and still nothing, only complete and utter silence. What is she doing?

"How's Jenner?" What the fuck? She felt so embarrassed, her heart was going to burst out of her blouse. Ethan was puzzled by her uncanny question, so much so that he had to stifle a laugh.

"Still a lovely dog, thank you." He mumbled, still quite shaken by her sudden concern. Ethan studied her, he was concerned there was something wrong and she just couldn't say it.

"What is it, Rookie? Are you okay?"

"Yeah, it's just..." She trailed on, not knowing what to say next. Stupid.

"I need help on... something."

"And what is that?" She hesitated, she didn't know what she was doing. All she knew is that she's going to get in trouble, deep trouble.

"Actually, on second thought-"

"Juliet, what is it?" His hand made contact on her arm, keeping her from leaving the room. Oh no, what did I get myself into?

"I... uh..." At this point, there was no turning back. She tried to make an excuse but her words weren't forming correctly, his eyes were distracting her. His blues were strangely warm to her, like forest fires in November.

They stared at each other for what felt like eternity, the tension in the room building up. Fuck, they both thought. The doors were still closed and they were the only two people in the room, thinking about the same thing. Ethan fought himself, refusing to risk both of their careers. Meanwhile, Juliet craved him. She craved his gaze, his voice, his smile, his laugh, his lips, his tongue, his touch, his-

All of a sudden, Ethan's lips crashed onto hers. He missed this. God, he missed this. Her arms snaked their way around his neck, pulling him closer.

"You have no clue how much I've missed you." He mumbled against the kiss, eyes closed. A familiar tug in his trousers was present, masked by his lab coat.

He remembered all the lonely nights he had whilst in the Amazon. He exhausted himself, filling his brain with nothing but work, and work, and work. It was a way to distract his thoughts, keeping him from even thinking about her. He didn't want to admit it but she haunted him, her ecstatic personality, her sarcasm, her laugh, she haunted him. He wanted to forget about the intimacy they had, but instead his longing for it only grew.

"No clue."

"And you think I didn't miss you?" She pulls away, arms never letting go around his neck.

She waited for a call, a text, anything. Two months. Two whole months without him. Juliet was heartbroken, for sure, but she had to be strong for her friends, her patients, him. It wasn't until the week before the 2nd month when she had started to give up hope, she started to move on. Her work fulfilled her, her friends supported her, she was happy.

"It ruined me, Ethan. It ruined me not knowing when you'd come back,"

Until that night at Donahue's.

"Or if you'd come back." Ethan watched her eyes turn glassy, his expression turning soft. He leaned in for another kiss, his hands placed on her waist. One day, just one day.

"All the nights I've spent, Juliet. It was... frustrating." He purred against her ear, giving the woman goosebumps. He resumed the kiss, gently pushing her back until she was leaning on his desk.

"You were horny in the Amazon?" She teased him, a smug look on her face. Juliet was pleased with herself, she knew he was whipped but she didn't know he was this whipped. Ethan's face was crimson red at this point, taken aback by her explicit reply. He didn't want to admit it to her but she was right, he thought about fucking her with her socks on.

"Shut up." He snarled before nipping at her neck, soft kisses turning into wild ones. Her hands roamed around his firm chest as a hand slithered its way around the back of her neck, taking control.

He pulled away to take her in, his eyes having a dark glint to them. She's so fucking flawless. His hand went from her neck to her ponytail, giving it a faint tug. Juliet smiles against his lips, a familiar ache between her trembling thighs. He took a hold of her hair tie, slowly pulling it off of her, letting her loose ringlets fall on her shoulders. His hand grabs a fistful of her hair and gives it another playful tug, his other hand roaming lower, and lower, and lower.

"Ethan, please." She whined, making him twitch in his slacks. In one swift motion, he lifted her onto the table, using his weight to make her lean back.

"Keep an eye out, the fog can only cover so much." He whispers against her skin, a hand slowly crawling up her skirt, making her squeeze her thighs together. Ethan caught them in his hands and forcefully pulled them apart, exposing her damp panties.

"Cherries? Very cute, Rookie." He chuckles, lowering himself on his knees. Juliet's eyes shut when he traces a finger up and down her cunt, pressing a bit harder when he reaches the clit.

She hides a moan as he plays with her, her hands gripping the edge of the desk. Juliet struggles to keep her eyes open for lookout, Ethan working wonders on his knees.

"Put both your legs up." He commands, his hard cock restrained. Ethan's eyes watched her in awe as she lifts both her legs up, her shoes making a tap as it comes in contact with the wood.

He distanced himself a little and took the view in, the bulge in his pants were getting hellish. Strands of her dark hair were on her neck, her shoulders back, her knees up high, and a dewy spot on her little cherry panties.

Juliet watched as his lips inched closer and closer to her cunt, throwing her head back in frustration. Ethan's eyes never left hers as he inched closer and closer, letting her feel every breath he took.

He watched her arms tremble as his mouth wrapped around her clothed clit, both of his hands pulling her legs apart.

"Ethan..."

"Say it again."

"Ethan." She giggled, giving in to his touch. Juliet's arms struggled to keep her in balance, her eyes never failing to watch for stray eyes outside the room.

He toyed with the hemn of her panties, pulling it down slowly, earning him a whine. A chuckle rumbled against her, only parting to take the flimsy cherried fabric off of her. The cold air was giving off goosebumps as it brushes against her bare skin, a blush creeping its way onto her face.

She felt exposed, and she is, but she felt like Ethan could see every inch of skin, every fiber of coarse hair, every secret she had. Yet, it was only her panties that were on the floor. Were.

"Open your mouth." The attending commanded, getting off of his knees and onto his feet. Juliet didn't hesitate to obey, parting her mouth for whatever Ethan had planned.

He grabbed her crumpled underwear on the floor and stuffed it in her mouth, creating a makeshift gag.

"This is to keep your damn mouth shut, you're getting too whiny on me now." She mumbled a response, only to be muffled by the cloth.

Ethans lips collided with her neck, his fingers undoing the first button on her blouse. She felt like she was on fire, like she was about to burst into flames any second now. After her blouse was loosened, his fingers tiptoed their way on her slick cunt, gliding it up and down.

She whimpered against the cloth inside her mouth, her hips rolling, knees trembling. She wanted him, she wanted him now.

Ethan looked through the fogged glass walls, searching for anyone who would potentially see or hear them.

The coast is clear.

He began unzipping his pants, unbothered to unhinge his belt buckle or take off his lab coat. Juliet was dripping by now, the anticipation was absolutely horrendous.

"Mmfh." She tried to plead against the dampened panties, only to be muffled by the patterned cotton.

"I know." His firm cock bobbed up and down as he pulled it out from the opening of his trousers, Juliet's eyes were glued to him. A whine erupted from her gagged lips, desperate for his touch. She needed this, she needed him.

"I'm gonna take off the gag only to hear you beg, understood?" Immediately, she nodded. A hand gently pulled the panties from her mouth, leaving her parched.

"Please, Ethan-"

"Tell me how much you want me." Ethan's eyes were burning through her, his light blues seemingly turned prussian.

"I want you so bad."  A shy voice emits from her, clearly embarrassed. Ethan had a disapproving look on his face, but continued to stroke the tip from her entrance to her clit.

"Oh come on, Rookie. You can do better than that."

"Please, Ethan. I want you to fuck me right here on this desk, please-"

She was interrupted by her panties getting shoved in her mouth again, followed by a forceful thrust into her. Her eyes went wide and nearly screamed from the sudden contact, but a hand muffled her gagged mouth. His cock went deep inside her cunt, his pelvis pressed on her, a couple of hairs tickling her clit. He lingered inside her for a little while, letting her adjust to his width. He was damn girthy, for sure.

"Fuck." Ethan cursed under his breath, wrapping an arm around her. He wanted to make this feeling last forever but it was too risky, he knew he had to make this quick. Juliet, however, intended to prolong their little encounter, the risk of being caught somehow excited her.

"Cum for me as quickly as you can okay? Whine for me if you like what I'm doing."

Ethan began to pull himself in and out, the slapping sound of both their skins echoing around the room. He focused his gaze on her undone blouse and her sweat-glazed skin, hoping it would bring him to the edge quicker. He hit a sensitive spot inside of her, making her widen her eyes in surprise. It felt like euphoria, and Ethan knows it. He purposefully hit the same spot again, and again, and again, and again. Juliet tried to distract herself from the pleasure driven by Ethan, refusing to make this a quick fuck.

"Do it, Rookie. Cum for me." He encouraged her, knowing he was giving her enough attention. He knew her, he knew what she wanted, how she wanted it, and where she wanted it.

Ethan noticed how she was holding back, so he took his hand off of her mouth and placed it on her clit, slowly rubbing it in circles. This drove the woman crazy. She managed to whine through her gag, shutting her eyes. So she likes this?

"Be a good girl and cum for me." He breathes on her ear, his hand on her clit increasing its pace. Ethan's fingers slowly wrapped around her dark locks, controlling her, maneuvering her, dominating her.

Still, Juliet shook her head. She wanted him to make up for lost time, and for all the nights she had spent all alone longing for him. Her thoughts tried to wander elsewhere, desperate not to reach climax this early. But, it feels so good.

"Rookie, I want you to cum for me. Now." His lips made contact on her neck, tickling her supple skin. He left a trail of pink, plump stains on her, his marks precise enough to be shielded by her collar.

It was too much, too much. His lips on her neck, his cock pumping in and out of her, hitting her in the right places, her hair being tugged on, his fingers working wonders, it was too much. She quivered as waves of pleasure washed over her, making her arch her back, shut her eyes, and dribble hot urine on the table.

"Fuck, I'm almost there."

Ethan continues to thrust, his eyes fixed on her flushed face. She looks so angelic like this. He thought about her writhing in pleasure on his sheets, her lips dancing with his, her soft nude-tipped fingers around his erection, pumping up and down, her sweet ass high in the air for him to see, he thought about every filthy thing with her as the starring role. His cock twitched inside her, his pace quickening.

"Rookie..." He groans as he hurriedly pulls out his spasming cock, white fluid mixing with Juliet's on the desk.

They stayed there for a little longer, panting and catching their breaths. Ethan just watched her, chest heaving up and down, sweat trickling down the valley of her breasts, her mouth agape, legs still trembling from her orgasm. What a sight for sore eyes.

The both of them didn't want this to end. Not the sex– actually, the sex too–but what they have going on right now, they didn't want to end it. They both knew that if they walked out the door right now, it was back to square one. No more lingering looks, no more burning touches, no more whispered promises, no more them.

Ethan pulled off the panties in Juliet's mouth, stuffing it in his coat pocket instead. She blinked at him while trying to regain the moisture of her mouth, her legs slowly withdrawing from his touch.

"Sorry, I kind of peed a bit. I'll clean it up I promise, I know how to get it off wood." He knew she was embarrassed, the way her gaze was on the floor shows it pretty clearly. Ethan was amused at her, intrigued at how childlike she was. Juliet was gagged by her own panties and fucked on a desk merely seconds ago. Yet here she is, too bashful to even look him in the eyes.

"It's okay, I'll do it."

"Are you-"

"Yes, Juliet. I'm pretty sure I can handle body fluids. As far as I remember, I'm a doctor too."

[camillesfm]

。· . ˙ ⌈ alva bratt + cis female + she / her + the  intangible concept ⌋  yo ,  have  you  meet  that  KOOK  ,  camille 'cj' petersen ,  yet ?  — no ?  well ,  to  give  you  a  little  heads  up  before  you  do  ,  they’re  a  TWENTY   year  old ,  PRE-LAW STUDENT  ,  and  have  been  living  in  coston  for  TWENTY . since  i’ve  known  them  ,  they’ve  reminded  me  of PALE PINK POINTE SHOES , CHAINS MADE OF WHITE CLOVERS , A PURPLE SKY JUST BEFORE SUNRISE , STEADY WAVES CRASHING AT LOW TIDE , AND SHATTERED & SCATTERED GLASS . usually  they’re  quite  LEVELHEADED  &  THOUGHTFUL  but  just  make  sure  you  keep  an  eye  out  for  them  around  town  because  i  heard  can  be  quite  RETICENT  &  ALOOF  as  well  so  here’s  hoping  they  aren’t  the  ones  to  undo  this  whole  peace  pact  they  have  going  on  this  summer .  but  just  between  you  &  me ,  i  kinda  hope it  all  falls  apart .  the  rivalry  keeps  this  whole  boring  town  interesting . –– this is cj . . . let’s just . . . dive into this mess ! 

𝐁 𝐀 𝐂 𝐊 𝐆 𝐑 𝐎 𝐔 𝐍 𝐃 .

scarlett petersen is a name known statewide, as she’s the best corporate lawyer on the east coast, clever as the devil and twice as pretty with long blonde hair often pinned into a sleek ponytail. david petersen got his degree at vanderbilt university, moving on to get his phd at unc chapel hill where he could never quite shake that carolina blue. he’s been sitting chancellor for the past six years in tandem with a long term sports-medicine, neuroscience research project that studies the long term affects of brain damage in athletes in contact sports. they both hail from old money families, and long lines of success are continued in two people who hold appearance and accomplishment far above humility or even . . . . humanity lol. they’re good people, really . . . just not really the parenting type.

which is unfortunate! as.  well into their marriage, they had twins, caleb, first, and camille, ten minutes later. bright eyed and blonde haired, the perfect petersen babies were angels in their infancy, and it was easy to parent them . . . especially when they were paying someone else to do it.

caleb and camille grew up under the watchful eye of a rosy-cheeked nanny. think julie andrews as nanny in eloise. they were happy, but lonely, though you’d never guess it by their wide smiles in cuddled family portrait christmas cards. for all anyone else knew, scarlett and david were perfect parents, raising two beautiful children who they loved more than anything . . . but behind that iron gated entryway to a house on the coast was another story.

they liked their kids, sure, but whether or not they loved them was another question entirely. camille, growing up to be the spitting image of scarlett, was liked in the way a rare porcelain artifact was. she was a beautiful thing to behold; seen, not spoken to. shown off, not interacted with in anyway. held with delicate hands and passed around as a humble brag: look at this precious thing i’ve brought into the world. i bet mine’s better than yours. 

but as time passed, the novelty of having children seemed to wear off, and they were moving to the next big thing, the next big step in their careers. they weren’t around when camille began going by cj because it was easier for little voices to say. they weren’t around when blonde ringlets relaxed and grew darker. they weren’t around when she started to develop a personality of her own, interests of her own, talents of her own. christmas cards would go out, but rarely were they all together on christmas morning. thanksgivings were often spent with grandparents, as their parents worked through the holiday. they spent more and more time away from coston, leaving cj and caleb in nanny’s capable hands.

but life goes on, and sometimes it was easy to forget that it was abnormal not to have your parents around. as a youngin, cj was interested in everything. she took a liking to soccer and lacrosse, painting and drawing, piano and guitar . . . but somewhere in between a blue mat and pale pink pointe shoes, she found her thing.

it was obvious, from an early age, that cj was one hell of a dancer. disciplined and precise when she needed to be. creative and passionate when it called for it. gymnastics trained her strength, ballet trained her patience, contemporary pushed her limits with creativity, partner work taught her teamwork. dance was very clearly her best thing and her favorite thing.

her parents only ever attended recitals when it didn’t conflict with anything else on their schedules and when it was classical ballet. dance was a frivolous thing for them, but for cj it was everything. being a naturally shy kid, naturally timid in the shadow of her last name, she became a completely different person on stage who dominated a spotlight . . . without even needed a literal spotlight. ultimately, this is what she spent her life doing. monday through thursday evenings, dance. competitions and performances on the weekends. if neither were happening, you’d catch her teaching classes at coston’s local studio.

it’s what truly made her happy, but that wasn’t something her parents understood. caleb and nanny did, sure, but her parents? not one bit. someone would ask what she wanted to be when she grew up, and if dance was mentioned, she’d be cut off mid-sentence. they didn’t want to hear about it because it wasn’t logical. you can’t make a career out of it. it didn’t help much that her brother was the ideal child in that realm, charming and on a path to success in the medical field. they still had questionable motives, but they favored nonetheless.

sometimes it was a blessing; sometimes it was a curse. when she could slip under the radar, she was grateful, but it seemed that her parents had a keen eye for her screwups. any chance they had, they’d use to scold her or nudge her away from the pointe shoes.

so cj spent a lot of time being pristine in the way that was expected of her, never letting anyone know too much about her, only keeping a few friends close enough to really know her. she stayed out of trouble, kept up exceptional grades, smiled and nodded when necessary, and began catering to the idea that she’d go to law school, a fate pre-determined by her mother no doubt. 

nowadays, she attends brown university, pre-law. she’s a picturesque ivy league gal with a dark academia aesthetic when at school, but there’s a restlessness lingering under the surface. even she’s doing what her parents require of her, she never seems to live up to their unrealistic expectations. we rly do be . . . . waiting for her to have a complete breakdown . . . . aklsdfjha

𝐏 𝐄 𝐑 𝐒 𝐎 𝐍 𝐀 𝐋 𝐈 𝐓 𝐘 .

miss camille . . . better known around town as cj . . . is, above all else, the picture of serenity. she’s levelheaded and calm, and patient as all get out which is probably why she’s so damned accustomed to just going with what her parents thought of her. she’s really great to have in a crisis because very few things cause that steady nature of hers to crumble, and because she’s honestly. . . quietly very maternal. putting the needs of others before her own comes naturally.

she’s quiet and shy, yes, but just because she doesn’t speak doesn’t mean she doesn’t listen. she listens and sees and is . . . quite observant. there’s a way about her that notices the little things, which makes her quite thoughtful when it comes to the people she loves. if you’re lucky enough to be close to her, you can bet she quietly takes notes of little habits and favorites and carefully uses them to idk love ya better ya feel??

reticent comes from the fact that she doesn’t often let people get close to her. the way her parents treated her and caleb growing up has taken. .. . a toll for sure because honestly she’s terrified of disappointing people by shattering the mirror of perfection and revealing too much about herself that’s unexpected

aloof comes from the way she’s calm and quiet . . . and how that sometimes translates as apathy . . . on top of that she’s very daydreamy like she is That Bitch who is staring out of the window producing a whole move in her head which sometimes causes her to not hear when people are talking to her . . . cue the ‘hm? what?’ tuning back in

when i say cj is a different person when she’s dancing . . . . i mean it. like i REALLY mean it. she’s confident and expressive. her choreography tests the limits of tradition. she pushes boundaries when it comes to the physicality of performances. like u rly look at her being quiet and to herself in the corner at a country club event and then see her performing like she invented contemporary and ur like . .. . are u SURE that’s the same girl

people who know her most know her as warm. when she opens up, getting past the shy, she can be a little goofy, definitely has avery creative way about her, wants to know that you’re okay and if you’re not, how can she help ya know!! 

has a black cat named lucky because ya know . . . black cats are bad luck . . . ha ha ha ha . . . get it

the ‘j’ in cj is for her middle name . . . but no one really knows what her middle name is . . . except family and close, close friends 

absolutely hates the energy of the pogue/kook rivalry and thinks violence is most cERTAINLY not the way to go

often times found by the shoreline at night, just a little ways off from the petersen estate because she likes the way the waves sound as they roll in. it helps her think

is trying to make the best of law school by studying to become a defense attorney and she likes it! sort of! really, she just wants to dance for as long as she can and ultimately open up her own studio

definitely believes in wishing stars

bad case of insomnia

has a finsta dedicated to lucky

has a dance insta too . . . . but that’s lowkey bc her parents can’t know about it

please for the love of god watch this because charity and cj have the same energy

this also has cj energy

so does this . . . classical is fun when it’s telling a story and she loves a good pas de deaux but otherwise meh

my girl is physically . .. QUITE strong

says sorry WAY too often

incessant need to prove herself, prove her worth, since her parents never seem to find it

loves caleb sfm but will thump him in the forehead for mentioning he’s older

overachiever . . . . yikes

ABSOLUTELY burns the candle at both ends

idk if y’all watched high school musical the musical the series but gina . . . . . ..  minus the ‘mean girl’ plot they tried . . .. is v cj and bitch i hate to say it but neville longbottom??? also a cj mood LMAO

OK THAT’S IT THAT’S ALL THERE WE GO IT’S DONE I’M DONE GBYYYYYE BABIIIIE

[leigh-kelly]

Showmance Transcript 6/6/19 Part 5: HEYA

K: When do you guys think you became—like obviously you guys like hit it off on set, or like, had some camaraderie immediately—

N: Mmhm.

K: Most likely. Was there a point off set, or like, offscreen, where you were like ‘oh, we’re going to be very good friends’? Like actual friends.

N: We did, I think for me, the Grove thing that everyone did. Remember? You guys did a thing at the grove.

J: Yes! Kevin, I don’t think you were there.

N: Where were you?

K: Yeah, I wasn’t at the Grove.

J: I think you were put of town or something like that.

N: Oh. I don’t know, there was some Grove event and then we, it was like one of the first times we did like, an EPK together and we were like, doing like, choreographed dance moves together, I was like—

H: We were nuts.

N: I was like, this is great

H: We were nutballs on those—

N: We were always, like, paired up together and so—

K: That’s true.

N: You know, like, we’d go hang out.

H: Yeah. Go have dinner afterwards or—

N: Or, I’d be like at your apartment—

H: Yeah.

N: I got to see that Beyonce video at her place.

K: Ugh.

H: Did I show it to you?

N: Yes! She showed me all her greats

H: Oh my God, what an entertainer!

N: I remember sitting on the floor in your apartment in Toluca Lake.

H: Stop. Oh my God.

N: So good.

K: Que romantico.

H: Oh my God! No, but I think we just had a great relationship from the beginning. Because Naya, I mean, if you don’t know Naya, she’s just so down to earth. I’m saying, like, our general audience, you don’t know anybody personally—

N: Yeah

H: Until you listen to their conversations and—you’re just so down to earth and I think I gravitate toward that and you do as well. We just didn’t have to put on a show towards each other and that was the easiest part about our whole cast. Most of us are just so dynamic.

K: And the two of you, I think, always keep in one hundred.

J: Yeahhh.

K: You know?

H: It’s true. And I think we all feel that from Naya for sure—*laughter* No—

N: That’s hilarious.

H: No, you’re so professional—

K: Oh, super!

H: And you work so hard—

J: No, no, super professional.

H: Guys, that’s what I’m saying.

N: Guys!

K: It’s true.

J: But also, like, real.

K: Yeah.

H: But real and professional.

K: That’s the thing, I think Naya is able to straddle the line of, because a lot of—I learned to finally speak up for myself in life—

H: Yeah.

K: From being around Naya and Amber I would say.

H: Exactly.

J: Definitely.

K: Like the two of them and obviously, like Jenna would help. We would coax each other to like, speak up.

J: No, Kevin and I learned from the best.

K: Yeah.

H: Yeah.

N: No, you guys tried first.

H: That’s the point I was trying to—

K: But like, Naya was like, ‘I gotta say something’ and I’m like ‘well yeah, you have a leg to stand on’ because she’s like ‘am I late? Have I ever been late? Do I ever not know my lines?’

N: I mean, I don’t like getting accused—

H: Her points are legit.

N: --of something that didn’t happen.

K: As we were told once, you show up on time, you hit your marks—

N: Marks.

K: And know your lines.

N: Well, I mean, I was super late here today to Podcast One, but I mean—

K: Yeah, but that’s just us. There’s no paycheck.

J: You still texted us and let us know.

N: And I also didn’t hit my mark with the mic. Lost my touch. 

K: How was—

J: Do you guys feel like you—So I guess you guys feel like you became friends first before—and then they wrote like, for you, the two of you?

H: Yeah, cause we were always sitting next to each other. The whole time, we were always paired together.

N: Always. Dressed the same. Just the same, goofing off.

K: Freezing your asses off. 

H: Freezing our asses off.

N: It’s true.

K: Those tiny skirts on the coldest day.

H: Our hair falling out from our ponytails.

J: Just burnt. I remember Heather’s hair would start to burn off. She’s like ‘can I get some soft curlers instead?’ So she’d walk around with those cute little pink spongy curlers in her hair.

H: Oh my God! Sponge curlers!

N: That was cute! Yeah, with your set coat! So cute!

K: That’s why?

H: Have you guys—do you guys watch Riverdale? It’s totally off-topic.

K: Um, I’ve seen the first season.

J: Yeah.

H: They do that ponytail thing with their cheerleaders.

K: They do.

N & J: They do. They do.

H: I’m like, cute.

N: Our ponytails changed so many times. It was like, a ringlet explosion—

K: It was.

N: Then it was like, one.

H: That’s what it was, it was the sausage curl.

N: Like a tube.

J: I loved—

N: That was my favorite.

K: I liked playing with that. Like, this is crazy, you guys—

J: I feel like we all had like, different experiences on tour. Like, Kevin and I really—

K: Look.

J: No, so Kevin and I really, I remember you basically held my room keys because I would always lose them because we were always together.

K: Mmhm.

J: Like, were you guys together a lot on tour?

N: We did a lot of ab work. I remember like, honestly, in Vegas, we were working on a lot. I just randomly, she would come in and be like—

J: We did a lot of ab work.

H: Oh my God

N: In front of mirrors.

H: The warmups, for sure.

K: That’s fair. 

H: Yeah. I feel like I was a little out of my mind at that point. No, it’s true.

K: Everybody was.

H: Everybody was out of their mind. But I remember specifically—

K: Everybody was losing in.

H: And Naya—

N: Which tour? The second?

H: The second.

N: The second tour, you lost your mind. That was when you said—you were Brittany. Because I will never forget, Heather, the moment that you were sitting cross legged on the floor and we were like ‘are you coming to lunch?’ and you were like ‘I just want to eat like I did when I was a kid.’ And I go, ‘what does that mean?’ 

H: What happened?

N: She was just like ‘I just want a peanut butter and jelly’ I’m like ‘oh my God.’

H: You’re like ‘who is this?’

K: Tour broke people. 

H: But Naya was so real about it to me.

N: Oh, I was.

H: She actually, and I had been having some issues, obviously for a long time and we all knew it on set but Naya had come to me at one point and I remember this so specifically cause she was so real. I was like, getting ready in the dressing room and she walks in and she had kinda confronted me about my eating issues and what was going on.

N: I did.

H: As a good friend would.

J: Aww. I mean, that’s Naya for you.

N: I mean, I’m a good friend.

K: See, these are valuable things to learn how to do.

J: That’s what I’m saying.

H: No, and it’s always been so special because—

N: Aw, thanks.

H: You know what I mean, it’s just you want that from a friend who’s not gonna pretend and who’s gonna tell you exactly what you need to hear, even if I didn’t want to hear it at the time.

J: Yeah.

N: Yeah.

H: But now, I’m like, that’s a good person to have around.

N: Well that’s why we have a good friendship, because you’re not like, combative and like neither am I. Like, we’ll just let it sit, you know?

H: Yeah.

J: It comes from a good place.

H: It comes from a good place. 

[amarauder]

green with envy {benny rodriguez}

prompt; "you can't just waltz in here and –"

"i would've died for you. i think that gives me leeway for a little waltzing."

word count;

warning; none, maybe a few minor cursewords

a/n; this is a terrible imagine. I'm so sorry, I really don't feel like I captured Benny's personality right in this peice. But I've been working on this for far too long and if I hav to write anymore on this stupid story then I'm going to scream.

                                     "You jump, I jump. Remember?"

The tennis ball shot back to the other side of the court and the opposing member of the team Y/N was playing, missed. Cheers and Screams of happiness from the h/c haired girl's team bounced around the tennis court. Y/N laughed as everyone on the court crowded her and thumped her on the back.

"Wow, Y/N, you're so good!"

"So when are you going to become a professional?"

"Golly, I wish I was as good as you!"

Y/N grinned at all her friends and thanked them, "Give her space girls! Giver her space!" Y/N looked up to see her coach beaming at her.

"I'm sure glad I recruited you on the team!"

"Me too, Mrs.Gillfird. Me too." Y/n smiled and looked at the stands. She saw her younger brother, Tommy and her Mother cheering at the stands. But one face sparked her curiosity.

'What was Phillip doing here?' The last time she checked, he hated her guts.

An hour later, Y/N was heading over to the malt shop across the street from her high school; Valley High School.

"Hey, Y/N." Nancy grinned, "What are you thinking about?" Nancy had bright red hair that was quite curly and was currently styled into perfect ringlets inside her ponytail. Nancy had light hazel eyes, that reminded her of Benny's eyes constantly. Nancy was the type of girl who could be all innocent and cherry then break your nose in a spilt-second.

"Nothin' much, Nanc." (pronounced Nance with a silent e)

The truth was Y/N was thinking about Benny Rodriguez, her ex-best friend. The pair of them had gotten into a huge fight when Y/N didn't tell him that she was moving to the East Side until the day before. It had been about a year since that event had occurred and it was understandment to stay she missed him. God, her heart ached to see him again.

"She's probably thinking about Phillips." Sarah grinned mischievously. Sarah was a petite girl, with dark black hair that was pin straight, paired with blue eyes. Sarah was one of those girls who had a heart bigger than god and a personality bigger than life. Y/N felt that she was the closest to Sarah out of the four girls.

Y/N rolled her eyes, "Trust me, Phillip feels nothing for me except for maybe a lot of hatred."

"Well, don't look now, but he's coming out this way." Mary grinned, Mary was very tall. She was around 5'11 and had short blonde hair that went about midway from her chin to her shoulders. She green eyes that seemed to match the grass in spring. She was the shyest of the group. Mary was one of those girls who everyone knew how gorgeous she was, except for her.

Sure enough, all three girls did the exact opposite of what Mary had told them to do. Phillip was coming this way and strangely was looking directly at Y/N. She met eye contact with the idiot and watched as a giant smirk grew on his stupid face.

"Ugh," Y/N crinkled her nose up and started to quicken her pace, "Let's go into Roger's, quickly."

The bell rung on the door of Roger's Milky Way and the quadruplet quickly all piled into an empty booth. It was quite packed inside the Diner, this place was the prime hangout place for all Valley kids.

This Magic Moment played softly in the background, as they picked up the menus and started teasing Y/N about how Phillips was making goo-goo eyes at her.

"Y/N, he's so dreamy," Nancy smiled, "He's an amazing baseball player."

At that comment, she snorted, "Trust me, I know better...a lot better actually."

Sarah raised her eyebrows and narrowed her eyes in a teasing manner, "Oh yeah, who?"

"Benny 'the jet' Rodriguez."

The three girls rolled their eyes and groaned, "Y'know, I'm starting to wonder if this guy exists, all you do is talk about how in love with him you are! We've never actually met him."

"I can't happen but to overhear your conversation, n/n. So, who is the lucky guy?" Y/n turned around to see straight into Phillip's eyes. They were the color of mud.

"Hmm, funny." The h/c haired girl snapped, "Last time I've heard, it's rude to interrupt, Phillips."

"She's in love with this imaginary guy names Benny 'the jet' Rodriguez."

Phillips' eyes grew huge, "You like him?"

"No! I do not!"

"He exists?" Nancy asked, shocked.

"Yes, he does. He sucks at baseball."

Y/N laughed, but then stopped when she realized no one else was laughing, "Wait, I thought that was a joke."

Phillips ignored that comment, "So, L/n, I can help you get over Rodriguez if you help me get over you."

Y/n rolled her eyes and was about to reject him when he said, "Just remember, I wouldn't hang onto him so long. You know he hates you more than me now, don't you? What the hell did you do to him?"

"Shut your trap, you idiot! Mind your own business! I will never ever go out with you! You need to stoop down back to your league, chump." Y/N paused to catch her breath, but then smirked as an idea quickly formed in he head, "Tell you what, the day you stop playing baseball like a girl, is the day I'll go out with you." The h/c haired girl sassed and used Ham's line.

"You are a girl!' He threw his hands up in outrage.

"Ya, but at least I don't play like one. C'mon, Phillips, we both know I can beat your ass. Do you really want a girl that can do that?" Y/n made a mock concerning face.

"I think it's hot as hell, L/n. Why don't you just go out with me? The rest of your gang is going steady with mine? Why don't we just make it official?"

"I'm standing my grounds, Phillips. Not until you stop playing like a girl." Y/N raised her eyebrows at him.

It was starting to get dark outside, so Y/N decided to start heading home, "I'm going to go home, I'm really tired."

Sarah smiled, "I might head out with you too."

"Okay, Sarah, let's agitate the gravel."

"Let me just grab my sweater." Y/n wrapped her own sweater around her tennis outfit; which consisted of a white collared shirt with her school logo printed on her left breast and a white pleated tennis skirt with a navy blue stripe at the bottom. Her Varsity Sweater was Nazy Blue and it was possibly her favorite thing to wear.

They waved at the two girls and shivered at the night's cold air, "Jeepers, it's cold." Sarah whispered.

"I know, I just want it to be Summer already."

"At least it's not Winter."

"Oh, please. We don't even have a Winter."

Sarah laughed, "True. Why won't you go out with Phillips."

"You don't understand. My old gang, before I moved here and met you all... We were enemies with theirs. I was so different then. I was practically a boy. I wore overalls all the time or jeans and a baseball jersey. I looked like a badly groomed boy. Anyway, we were the best baseball team out there. But they would constantly terrorize us. This one time, they threw a rock through Benny's window and it almost hit his Mother. Golly, t think that was the scariest for me. The worst part was, Mr.Rodriguez had died 5 years ago from that day. So, I was there comforting Benny..." Y/N trailed off as she started to recall the horrendous memory, "That's one of the main reasons why I won't go out with him."

Silence settled between them, "How long ago was it?"

"What?" Y/N asked confusedly.

"When did they throw the rock?"

"About three-fourish years ago...I think."

"As much as I don't want to say this, it needs to be said. I will never ever think that what Phillip did was right. Ever. I love you, Y/N. You're my best friend. But you need to get your head out of the past. If Benny and your squad missed you as much as you miss them, then they would have visited you by now and it's been almost a year now. You need to get over him. You don't have to go out with Phillips, but everyone deserves a second chance. You were the one who taught me that, Y/n. Now, you need to go do it reciprocate it."

Y/N bit her lip and looked down at her white sneakers, "I know, I do... I'll go tell Phillips tomorrow. But if he does anything that I don't like, then I'll drop him."

The next day was Saturday. Y/n got dressed in a red dress paired with a blue scarf tied around her neck and white heels. A knock on her door interrupted her morning breakfast.

"I'll get it!" Y/N hollered to her Mother who was currently doing the dishes.

Y/N opened the door and saw Phillips standing there, "Phillip? What are you doing here?"

Phillip smiled shyly at Y/N which only caused Y/N to be more confused. Phillip was never nervous. Even when he knew her and the boys were going to beat his toushie.

"Umm, I-I wanted to show you something."

Y/N's eyebrows furrowed but she nodded, "Alright, let me just put my dish away and let my Mother know I'm gone. You can come in if you'd like." She mentioned with her hand.

Phillip laughed nervously, "Good, I was scared you were going to let me bake in this heat."

Y/N gasped in fake horror, "In 70-degree weather! Why I would never do such a thing!" {a/n; that's cold for California. lol, I'm so spoiled}

The two surprisingly made great conversation despite their differences, but what shocked Y/N the most was how much she was enjoying herself.

Y/N shut the door to her house and followed Phillip to their bikes that were leaned against the wall, "Where are we going?"

"You'll see."

Y/N started to whine, "I hate surprises."

"Sucks for you," Phillip said and hopped on his bike. "Now, hurry up. We've got things to do, places to see, people to meet."

Y/N laughed, "Since when have you ever liked people."

"Oh, I like people. Just not your old friends."

"Because we were better at you at baseball."

"Yes, exactly-...Wait! No!" Phillip started to stumble over his words as Y/N almost fell off her bike from laughing so hard.

The two started to slow at the top of the hill, Y/N couldn't see the top of it and it was driving her mad. "Where are you taking me?!?"

Phillip laughed at her impatience, "Would you relax?"

"No. Now tell me!" Y/N exclaimed annoyed, but her anger was shortlived as the two finally made it to their destination. The place was beautiful. The gorgeous field was a lush green and was spotted with pink and reds from flowerbeds. Butterflies and birds twittered around through the hunter green trees. Y/N couldn't speak. She was in such awe of everything around her, she just looked around with her jaw slightly ajar.

"Do you like it?" Phillip asked a small smile dancing on his lips as he watched Y/N's facial expressions.

"How did you find this place? This is nothing like I'ver ever seen before, especially here."

Phillip smiled shyly and put his hands in his pockets, "My Father and I used to come here a lot."

"Used? If I knew about this place sooner, I would be here all day, every day."

Phillip kept smiling but shrugged, "We just grew apart, I guess."

"Oh." Y/N nodded along like she was understanding everything he was saying, but in reality, she was entranced by the meadow she was surrounded by.

An hour later, Y/N felt guilty for how she and the gang had treated Phillip. He was most likely one of the sweetest boys she's met in a while. He didn't try anything with her and had shown her around with the most upright respect she's gotten in a while.

As the pair were watching the stars and lying on the blanket that Phillip had brought for their eventful picnic and 'baseball' game; that he had supposedly won.

"Phillip?"

"Hmm?" He hummed in reply.

"Umm," Y/N sat up slightly causing Phillip's eyebrows to furrow and for him to also sit up, "I was just wondering why you're suddenly being nice to me."

Phillip groaned and put his head in his hands, "Truth is... I've always had the biggest crush on you. I've just never known how to show it."

Y/N felt a ball of stress release in her chest, "Oh," Y/N laughed, "Good."

"Good? I've treated you like shit."

"No, good, as in you also like me."

Phillip's eyebrows shot up, "Also like?"

"Ya, well, wasn't this a date?"

"Princess, this was a way for me to show you that I was a good person. My dates are going to be much better than this. Golly, if you become my girl, I'll spoil you so much."

Y/N blushed, "I don't need to be spoiled. I already have plenty."

"I think you deserve everything."

Y/N didn't know what to say after that, so she kissed him.

Within the next week, Philip and Y/N were inspirable. They went on dates almost every day and kissed many times. It was finally Summer Time and the couple were beyond ready for the warmth to bloom over them.

Y/N's doorbell rang and she blushed but hurried down the stairs, "Hey Mom! I'm going out!"

"Who with, honey?"

Y/N gulped, she knew her Mother was starting to get suspicious. Y/N and Sarah hung out every day, but Sarah would never ring the doorbell, she would just let herself in and shout, "Everyone! I'm home!"

It drove her Mother crazy, but Y/N always felt that her Mother secretly liked it, even if she would never admit it.

"Umm, I'm going out with Sarah and some friends." Now, that wasn't a complete lie. She was going out with Sarah, but they weren't all just friends. They were both going steady with the guys.

"Who are the guys?"

"Guys?"

"Yes, honey, the two boys standing next to Sarah?"

Y/N groaned silently, "Well, there's Johnny and Phillips."

"Phillips? Boy, I haven't heard that name in a while. I thought you didn't like each other."

Y/N gulped and decided to tell the truth, "We're jacketed, Mama."

"Jacketed? Oh, sweetheart, why didn't you tell me? It's rude to him and I for us not too meet."

"Sorry, Mama. I'm still new at this."

"I know, honey. Now let the poor boy in."

"Alright, Mama."  Y/N opened the door and plastered a fake smile on, "Hey, Phillip? Would you want to come in? My Mama wants to meet you."

Phillip looked surprised but nodded anyway, "Alright."

"Johnny and I are going to hit the gravel. We'll see you both later." Sarah grinned at her boyfriend, who smiled right back.

"Okay, bye, Sarah."

Y/N showed Phillip around the house, hoping to stall, so Y/N could think of a quick way for her Mother not to talk too much. Mrs.L/N was a known chatterbox. You could never get the woman to stop talking. Although, Y/N and her closest friends thought it was endearing occasionally. Many others thought it was quite annoying and she often used to get teased from it.

Phillip smirked teasingly, "When are you going to introduce me to your Mother? She's not a troll is she?"

Y/N smiled slightly from his joke, "Something like that."

Phillip's brows furrowed and he flung his arm around her and squeezed the girl around him, "Hey, I've heard the rumors about your Mother and personally I don't care. I'm dating a chatterbox myself."

"I'm a chatterbox?"

"Yes, you are. But you know what? People like it. After all, you're a queen."

"I'm not that popular."

"Umm, excuse me, you are our Sophmore President, Tennis Captain, and you won Homecoming Queen last year. I think you are the top Queen."

Y/n blushed, "You always know what to say."

"I know, I do." He smirked, causing Y/N to roll her eyes.

"Now, I'm starting to regret saying that."

He chuckled, "No you don't."

"Yes, I do."

"Y/N! I want to meet your suitor! Get down here!"

"I'm coming, Mama!"

The pair raced down the stairs to meet an impatient but beautiful looking woman, whose eyes softened at the sight of her daughter and Phillip.

"Phillip, this is my Mama. Mama, this is Phillips."

"It's sure nice to finally meet you, Mrs.L/N."

"And me you, Phillips. Although, I've heard plenty about you. So much, it's like I already know you."

"Really?" Phillip smirked as her eyes widened and she blushed scarlet. Y/N's stomach growled uncomfortably and she glared daggers at her Mother and wondered when she would be done torturing poor Phillips.

"Hey, Paulie?"

"What's up, Babe?"

"Mom, Phillips and I should really be going."

"Okay, you make sure you don't lose this one, Y/N. He's a real keeper."

"Okay, Mama."

"Phillip make sure you come around for dinner sometime. I'd love to have you over again."

"Alright, Mrs. L/N."

Y/N's Mother opened her mouth to say something again, but Y/N beat her to it, "Bye Mom."

Y/N hurriedly shut the door and sighed, "Sorry about that."

Phillip laughed, "Don't worry about it. I like your Mom. Say, look at the time. Do you want to head to Rosie's Diner?"

"That sounds great." Y/N grinned but stopped short.

"Isn't that on the other side of town? That's a long bike ride, Phillips."

"Good thing we won't have to ride. I got my own flip top."

Y/N's jaw dropped in surprise, "Golly. That's one tuff mustang."

"Tell me about it, Baby. Hop in."

Y/N smiled and admired the car, "It's gorgeous."

Phillip smiled and started the car up, The radio turned on and Y/N squealed, "This is my favorite song!"

Phillip laughed, "This song?"

"Yes, Then he kissed me!" Y/N sang along to the song.

Phillip smiled and put the top back causing Y/N to shout with laughter as her hair flew crazily with the wind. Phillip looked over at her in awe, he swore he had never seen anything so beautiful before in his life. She was an angel descended from heaven.

"You're gorgeous." Phillip smiled and glanced over at her.

Y/N didn't hear she just kept screaming and laughing.

Y/N went to unbuckle her seat belt, but Phillip quickly scolded her, "NO! No! Y/N you could get really hurt. Plus, we have like five minutes until we're there."

Y/N looked surprised, "Usually it takes me like 15 to 20 minutes."

"It has been you've just been so busy yelling and screamin'" Phillip laughed.

"Oh, oops." Y/N smiled sheepishly.

"Don't say oops. I thought it was cute."

Y/N giggled but couldn't help but feel guilty. She liked Phillips, but Benny will always be her first love. Unfortunately, for Y/N, you never get over your first love.

"Hey, daydreamer, we're here." Y/N got her head out of the clouds and took in the place they were at. Y/N's grin widened immensely. This had to be one of her favorite places on Earth. Rosie's Diner was one wild jig. Her old gang and herself had many old but fond memories here.

"Why'd you take me here? It's so far, compared to all the other diners." Y/N asked.

Phillips shrugged, "I knew you grew up with this one. I thought you'd enjoy the change of scenery."

Y/N nodded but she couldn't convince her mind that he was telling the truth. The doorbell rang as they stepped into the diner. Phillip went to talk to the hostess as Y/N quickly scanned the tables and everything around her.

"They can't be here. God, please don't let them be here." Thankfully, they weren't here. The hostess lead them over to their table and sat them down.

"I'll be back to order for drinks." She smiled.

Y/N grinned back, "Thank you..." Y/N glanced at her name tag, "Sally."

"My pleasure."

Y/N smiled at Phillip and took his hand, "Thank you for being so thoughtful this past week. I'm so sorry I treated you that way before. If only I had-"

"Hey, hey. I acted like a jerk. It was only right for you to hate me. Plus, It's not like I stopped when we got older. I just hit on you all the time. Which sometimes, can be worse."

Y/N laughed, "Tell me about it."

A small voice interrupted their conversation, "Y/N?"

Y/N looked over to see squints gaping at her wide-eyed. Y/N copied the gang's look and looked around for Benny. After not finding the attractive boy, she relaxed.

She cracked an uneasy smile, "Hey gang." The boys all rushed over for a hug.

"Hey, girly, where've ya been?"

"Hey, girly, where've ya been?"

"Shut up, Timmy!"

"Aww, Bertram you got glasses!"

"Yeah, yeah, he sure did Y/N!"

"We really missed you, Y/N." Kenny said while hugging her tightly.

"I missed you so much. You don't even know, Ken."

"Aww, I don't get a hug from my favorite girl?"

"Come here, Hammy."

"Ugh, you know I hate that name."

"Why do you think I use it?"

"Just because you're finally visiting us, I'll drop my sassiness."

Y/N fake gasped and clinked a glass cup and spoon together, "Everyone! Everyone! Ham said he's going to stop being sassy!"

Everyone gasped causing Ham to growl, "Whatever!"

Everyone gasped again, "Ham, are you feeling alright? When's the last time you've said whatever?"

Ham rolled his eyes at everyone's antics.

"Who're you?" Y/N looked in the back to see a small boy holding a baseball glove, looking quite confused.

"This is Y/N L/N. She's been on our baseball team ever since... we can all remember."

"Yeah, yeah," yeah yeah said, "She's also Benny's secret lover. Benny and Y/N are on the hook more than Squints and Wendy Peffercorn!"

"Then why is she with Phillips?"

A growing silence made Y/N shiver, the boys were looking at her like she had betrayed them.

Ham suddenly grinned and punched Y/N in the arm, "You sly dog. You were luring Phillips over here to us, so we could give him a knuckle sandwich."

The boys started to get rowdy again, but Y/n closed her eyes, "No, I wasn't. Phillips and I are going steady."

"What about Benny?"

Y/N laughed, "He didn't tell you? Hmm, funny, Why don't you go ask him? He's coming out now."

Y/N froze as she registered what she had just said, Y/N made eye contact with Benny. She felt her body go numb and the world seemed to stop spinning. Benny smiled at her which made her insides melt. If it was possible Benny had gotten hotter. He was taller and more muscular, but still had those kind, sparkling eyes which she loved.

"Hey, Rodriguez!" Phillips shouted.

"Uh oh." Y/N whispered.

"Hey, Y/N." Ham whispered, "We should get you outta here, before things get messy, ya?"

Y/N sighed, "I'd love too, but I have to make sure things don't get messy."

"Things are going to get messy, Y/N. Benny's a jealous guy. Especially with you because he's so in love with you. Now, you finally show up with Phillips-"

"Benny told me to never show my face again. So, I'm truly sorry that I show up with Phillips."

"So that's why you haven't visited me."

Y/N's eyes softened, "Oh, god, Ham, I've wanted to see you for so long. Personally, without Phillips."

"So, you don't like Phillips."

"No, I do. You would too if you got to know him."

Ham laughed, "Oh, that wasn't a joke."

"No, it wasn't. So, Squints is still in love with Wendy Peffercorn?"

"What guy isn't, Y/N? If they're not in love with her, then they're in love with you."

Y/N's eyebrows raised, "I don't think so Ham."

"It's true. Benny's in love with you and he doesn't even take a second glance at Wendy. She's one hot fox."

Y/N rolled her eyes, "Of course, she's one hot fox."

"Hey, nosebleed! She loves me!" Benny pushed Phillips who was glaring daggers at Benny.

"She's mine!" Phillips threw a punch.

Y/N quickly stood up just in time for them to wrestle on the ground, Y/N ran toward them and attempted to get Phillips off of Benny. Phillips accidentally elbowed the poor girl in the eye. She screeched and fell down. Benny pushed Phillips off of him and ran to Y/N's aid.

"Y/N! Y/N, are you alright?"

"I'm fine."

The manager came over to Benny and the gang and Phillips, he rested a hand on Y/N's shoulder. "Here's an ice pack. I think it would be best if you guys could leave quietly."

"Alright, Mr.Flowebed, we understand. I'm sorry we caused trouble in your diner." Y/N apologized and took the ice pack.

"It's alright, sweetheart. I already kicked the other guy out."

Y/N groaned she had completely forgotten about Phillips. "Thank you, Mr.Flowerbed. Let's go boys."

Y/n was about to stand up when Benny swept her off her feet. She laughed, "Benny, what are you doing?"

"Carrying you. You're badly injured, Ms.L/N."

Y/N rolled her eyes and smiled, she didn't feel like mentioning that the only thing hurting was her eye. Y/N snuggled against Benny's side and felt like closing her eyes. It was pretty late, almost dinner time. The sun was starting to set and Y/N felt calmer than she's felt in a long time.

A sharp voice cut off her calming thoughts, "Y/N! Let's go!" Y/N felt herself being lowered to the ground and her eyes focused in on a very angry Phillips. Phillips grabbed Y/N's hand and dragged her forcefully over to the car.

Y/N waved to her gang and caught one shout from Ham, "Come back Loser!"

"What did you say!" Phillips marched over to them.

"I said 'Come back Loser!', it was directed toward Y/N, but I can understand why you'd think it was for you with 'loser' in the sentence and all."

Phillips laughed darkly, "Didn't know you knew what a sentence was, Ham."

"Didn't know you knew how to play baseball, Phillips. I mean swinging a bat around is not the same as playing."

"I don't care about Baseball, Ham. What I do care about is Y/n. She's mine, Rodriguez, whether you like it or not."

Benny looked at him calmly, "She's not a thing, Phillips."

For some reason, that made Phillips angrier, "Then stop treating her like a thing Rodriguez."

Benny punched Phillips square in the nose, they were on to each other again. Y/N's eyes widened, she was about to get out of the car again when the boys pulled them apart.

"Get out of here, Phillips!" Ham spat and shoved him away from the gang causing him to stumble and fall.

"How about we settle this once and for all, Rodriguez. We play baseball in my field, tomorrow at 3 o'clock, sharp. Winner gets Y/N. Deal?"

Benny glared at the hand in front of him, "The Loser also has to leave Y/N and the winner alone and respect her decision."

"Deal." They shook on it.

The next day, Y/N was a nervous wreck. She hadn't slept at all that night, she had called Sarah at least 5 times in the last hour, and everything seemed to be getting worse.

The dumb baseball game was in about a half-hour and Y/N decided to grab her sweater and start heading over to the pitch. Y/N personally didn't see the point of this game. Shouldn't she be the one to be able to decide?

God knows who she'd choose. It was Benny, it's always been, Benny. If Phillip hadn't told her to "Fuck off. It's all your fault you slut," then maybe she'd have put up more of a fight for who she wanted to stay with.

"Hey, Mama! I'm going to head over to the baseball game!"

"Okay, sweetie. Be back by the time the lampposts are on!"

"Will do, Mama!"

Y/N locked her front door and was about to walk over to her bike when she tripped over something. Y/N groaned, her stockings were ripped.

"Damn it!"

"Y/N! Language!"

"Sorry, Mama!" Y/N looked over to see what she tripped over. It was a huge bouquet of flowers and chocolate.

"What on Earth?" Y/N touched the flowers gently. They were positively the most beautiful flowers she had ever seen. No, not beautiful, beautiful was a poor and boring word to describe those flowers.

Spontaneously Breathtaking.

"Do you like them?" Y/N turned around to see a guilty looking Phillip standing on her second porch step looking mighty awkward.

"Yes, I love them. Where'd you get them?"

Phillip smiled, "Our special place."

Y/N smiled, she quickly got off the ground and playfully glared at him, "I'm still mad at you, so the chocolates better be the best chocolates I've ever had or you're in trouble."

Phillip smirked, "What kind of trouble?"

"No kisses for a week." Y/N deadpanned while trying to hold in her laughter at his reaction.

"WHAT?!?! Y/N, sweetie, don't you think that's a little harsh?"

"You called me a slut. Need I say more?"

"No, I think I'm good."

"That's what I thought. I'm going to put these flowers in a vase and then we can head to the game together."

"What about the chocolates?"

"I'm bringing them to the game."

"So, you're not going to try them now? You're going to make me wait?"

"Oh, honey, you are going to wait a very long time."

Phillip whimpered but opened the door for Y/N hoping to get some sort of reaction out of her. He didn't get one.

They had won. Phillip had won.

"How the hell did that happen?" Y/N whispered to herself in her hands. She had been pretending to be happy about it all of yesterday and now almost all morning, but all she wanted to do was find Benny and kiss him. She knew she had a high chance of marrying Phillip, especially with her Mother still alive.

"Hey, babe, you alright?" Y/N looked up to see Phillip drinking some water and leaning against the batting cage that Y/N was currently sat in.

"I'm fine. I don't understand why I'm not allowed why I can't play with you guys."

"Because I don't want you to get hurt sweetheart."

Y/N stood up angrily, "Bullshit. You won't let me play because you're embarrassed by me playing in front of your friends."

"Hey, baby, that's not true."

"Don't you baby me." Y/N spat and stomped out of the batting cage.

"Where are you going?"

"I don't know. Away from here."

"Okay, come back when you cool off." Phillip shouted and got ready to batter up.

When she was out of sight from the boys. She started to run, Y/N didn't know where the hell she was going, but it was away from her disgusting pig of a boyfriend and his gross friends. She shivered, gawking at herself.

"How did I get here?" Y/N was tough, she was one of the toughest girls in LA. However, she was one of the sweetest also. It was merely a matter of how you judged.

Y/N walked along a random path, she had gotten a ride from Phillips and didn't bring her bike. A loud car drove past her and Y/N almost jumped from the music. She wanted to curse at it but held it back.

Y/n sighed and kicked a pebble that was sitting innocently on the ground. "Sorry, little pebble."

"Hey! Y/N! Watcha' doin' talking to a pebble?" Y/N looked up to see Ham grinning up at her inside a van.

"Hello, sweetie. What are you doing walking alone? Do you need a ride?"

Y/N smiled, she hadn't seen Mrs.Rodriguez in a whole year.

"I think she's good, Mom," Benny said. Y/N gulped, she knew Benny was mad at her but there was no other choice. She needed a ride home.

"Actually, Mrs.Rodriguez, if it's no trouble. I do need a ride home." Y/n looked up guiltily.

"It's no trouble dearie, hop right in." Mrs.Rodriguez gestured.

"Thank you, Mrs.Rodriguez." Y/N said politely before getting in the car. Surprisingly, the boys didn't really care about yesterday's events. The only one who was being stony towards her was Benny, but Y/N understood his reasons.

The boys and she joked around till they were almost at her house, "Why were you walking home?" Mrs. Rodriguez asked.

Y/N sighed, "Phillips was acting like a jerk." Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Benny stiffen and all the boys hide their smiles.

"Benny tells me the two of you are jacketed, yes?"

"Correct." Y/N sighed.

"Do you see anything more than just going steady with him?"

Y/N wrinkled her nose at the thought and was about to reply when Mrs.Rodriguez did it for her, "I'm going to take that wrinkled nose as a no."

Y/N giggled lightly and the boys finally let out their laughter that they had been holding in for way too long.

"Boys, boys, calm down now. I know you want Benny and Y/N to get together but that's no reason to laugh at Phillips"

Y/N's eyes widened at Mrs.Rodriguez comment and she quickly looked down to attempt to hide her blush. Everyone laughed at Benny's and Y/N's very obvious blush.

"Y/N, would you like to join us at the lake?"

Y/N grinned, "I'd love to Mrs.Rodriguez. Do you mind if I just grab my suit?"

"Sure, sweetie."  

Y/N went into the house and grabbed her suit and threw it on before rushing downstairs again. Y/N locked her front door again but stopped short when she saw Mrs.Rodriguez and her Mother chatting it up. Y/N started to giggle lightly at the boys annoyed expressions. The whole gang knew how long it was going to take for their conversation to end.

"Heya, Mama." Y/n  kissed her Mother's cheek and hopped into the van.

"This is going to take a long time." y/n said and looked out the window. Surprisingly, it didn't take that long.

"Alright, bye M/n! We need to catch up!"

"Definitely! I'll see you kiddos later!" Y/N's mother headed back inside.

The trip to the lake was rather uneventful, Benny still wouldn't talk to Y/N even after her comment on Phillips. It frustrated her like no other.

Y/N hopped over a rock and was giggling with Yeah, Yeah, "So squints is really in love with Wendy?"

"Oh, yeah. He even kissed her!"

Y/N gasped and burst into laughter, "Did he kidnap her?"

"Nah Nah, he purposely drowned and then when she performed CPR on her, he gave her the tongue."

"Wow, didn't know he had it in him."

"Yeah, yeah... Hey, Squints!" Alan shouted squints looked over, "How was necking with Wendy Peffercorn?"

Squints groaned as the boys and Y/N all laughed, "Shut up idiots. Y/N and I are the only ones who've kissed something other than your Mother's asses!"

Y/N gasped, "Squints! Language!"

Squints blushed and drew something in the dirt with his shoe, "Sorry, Y/N."

Y/N smiled and ruffled his hair, "It's all good, Squints. Golly, you've sure changed."

"Hey, Gang! We're here!" Benny shouted as his Mother set down the picnic basket.

"Wicked!"

"Sweet!"

"Far out!"

Y/N grabbed her PB and Marshmellow Fluff sandwich {a/n; if you don't know what that is, I pity you immensly} and sat down next to Benny and Ham.

"So, Y/n what's necking with Phillip like?" The boys all sniggered at Ham's question.

Y/N shrugged, "Nothing special."

"Aww, c'mon Y/n you've got to give us something more than that." Bertram teased.

Y/N stuck her tongue out at the bespectacled boy but continued on, "I've had better. He needs to keep his tongue shoved down his own mouth, not mine."

"Eww." The boys all shouted and clamped their hands over their ears. Y/N smirked, she got them. No more talking about make out sessions with Phillips.

   "Cannon Ball!" Ham shouted and hopped into the water, shortly followed by everyone else. They all played in the water for about two hours before Mrs.Rodriguez announced a suggestion.

"Hey, guys! Do you want to go on a hike?" She asked everyone and looked at the clear sky.

There was a collective amount of 'no's' or 'I want to go in the water, Mrs.Rodriguez.' However, after Mrs.Rodriguez death glare everyone was on their feet except for Benny and Y/N who she'd forced into staying.

The second they all left, things went from awkward between Y/N and Benny to God Awful, kill me now awkward.

 Y/N got out of the water and started to dry off. She drying her legs when she heard an annoyed cough behind her.

"What?" Y/N snapped, she was tired of Benny's rude behavior.

"Why didn't you come back?"

Y/N laughed, "You'd think you would remember, wouldn't you?"

"No! I don't Y/N!" Benny stepped closer to her.

"You told me to never show my face in this town ever again!"

Benny looked down guiltily, "Why'd you date Phillips?"

"Because he cares about me."

Benny's anger flared up, "No, he doesn't. He doesn't care about anyone but himself."

"Maybe if you gave him a chance then you would-"

"I GAVE HIM A CHANCE Y/N!"

"BUT YOU NEVER GOT TO KNOW HIM DID YOU?"

"WELL, GUESS WHAT Y/N? I HATE TO BREAK IT TO YOU BUT HE'S ONLY WITH YOU BECAUSE HE WANTS TO GET ON MY NERVES!"

"IN CASE YOU FORGOT, RODRIGUEZ! THE WORLD DOESN'T REVOLVE AROUND YOU!"

"I KNOW IT DOESN'T! BUT IF IT'S NOT THAT THEN HE JUST WANTS TO GET INTO YOUR PANTS Y/N! IF YOU WERE SMART YOU'D BREAK UP WITH HIM!"

Y/N felt tears spring up, so she did what she thought was best. She smacked Benny Rodriguez hard, "Guess, what Rodriguez! I'm the smartest in my damn grade! I have honors roll as a sophomore! I won the Science Fair twice in a row. But the smartest thing I think I've ever done was follow your advice and not talking to you for a whole freaking year."

"Y/N, Y/N, I'm so sorry. I didn't mean what I said. Honest." Benny went in for a hug, but she only pushed him away. Benny wrapped his wet self around Y/N to get her to laugh but she only pushed him away again.

Benny groaned but knew he had to go to extreme measures for this. Benny picked her up and threw her over his shoulder.

"Benny, NO!"

"Benny, YES!" He threw Y/N in, then jumped in right after her.

Y/N surfaced quickly and glared at Benny, she was so frustrated with him! God, he was so annoying. Y/N was almost out of the lake when she felt her body being pulled back in by her arm. {a/n; i am so sorry this is the cheesiest thing ever}

Y/n surfaced the second time in Benny's arms, "Damn it! God, I hate...mmph." Benny kissed her. The creases in Y/N's forehead from her frustration slowly melted away along with everything else until it was just her and Benny.

Y/N quickly broke away from the kiss in shock. Her eyes were wide and her lips were slightly parted with slowly evening breaths flowing out. "Benny," she started, but all she could say was his name. His name seemed to be the only thing running through her brain; it seemed to be a mantra pulsing around her brain.

"Y/n," Benny gulped nervously, he knew it was time to spill his guts out no matter how she reacted, "I love you. I have for a while now. Even though you never noticed, when you left I would go out and look for you. I-I just needed to hear your voice. God, if I spent any more time away from you it was going to drive me insane. Anyway, I know that I made the deal with Phillips about not messing with your relationship with him. But, I know he doesn't treat you right. I know I could do so much better. Even if he has more money than me, Y/N. I know he would spoil you with gifts. But I would spoil you with my love and I know you feel that's more important. So please, please take me instead. Take me back."

Y/N was frozen, her heart was pounding painfully in her chest, her mind was going haywire begging her to say what she wanted too. But all she could do was gape at him like a blind fish.

Seconds ticked by, seconds that turned into minutes, which lead to Benny whispering, "So what do you say?"

Y/N's mind betrayed her heart, she ran away as fast as she could.

Y/N's heart felt heavy in her chest as she ran, a little while away Y/N stopped to rest but only got blown over by someone. Thankfully, she didn't fall over, she just stumbled a little.

Someone spun her around by her shoulders and grabbed onto her arms, "Tell me you don't love me."

Y/N's eyes widened, "Let me go, Benny."

Benny didn't let go. "Look me in the eyes and tell me you don't love me."

Benny felt Y/N's arms tremble in his hands, but she looked him the eyes anyway, "I-I don't lo..I don't love you, Benjamin Rodriguez."

Benny forced his eyes shut and tried one last move, he had to get her with this one. He kissed her. He kissed her hard and long and passionately and lovingly.

Without opening his eyes, he broke the kiss and rested his head on her forehead, "Look me in the eyes and tell me you don't love me."

Benny opened his eyes just in time to see Y/N open hers, "I-I can't, Benny."

"Thank God."

They kissed again.

A week later, Y/N's arm was wrapped around Phillips as they entered the dance she's been working really hard on. Y/N's Mother was a member of the Valley Country Club. The Country Club was hosting a public free event to try and gather more members and Y/N was partly in charge of it.

"Hey, babe? I was talking to you. Are you alright?" Phillips waved a hand in front of her.

"Hmm? Oh, yeah, I'm fine. Just worried about the event." Y/N's mind was nowhere near the event that was taking place. Instead, it was wondering why the hell she rejected Benny.

It was the next morning after her and Benny's get together and Y/N was curling her lashes when a doorbell rang throughout the house.

"I'll get it!" Y/N's Mother hollered to her.

"Oh, Hello Benny. What a lovely surprise. Come in." Y/N almost ripped out her lashes in shock. Phillips was supposed to be here in five minutes. The poor girl was already running late for a date and she didn't need any distractions at the moment.

Y/N heard a knock on her bedroom door and hastily pulled a random shirt over herself and opened up the door with messy wet hair and close to no makeup.

"Hey, Y/N. I got you these," He held out a bouquet of flowers.

"Thank you, Benny. Listen about last night..." Y/N trailed off. She needed to end it quickly, like ripping off a band-aid. "I need to stay with Phillips, I really hope you understand."

Y/N quickly closed the door in his face and cringed into her hands. God, what was she doing? She was probably the stupidest girl alive.

"Ladies and Gentlemen! Now, I need to gather up the final contestants of the annual Valley Pagent! We have Sarah Berman, Daisy Sparks, Nancy Parker and last but certainly not least Y/N L/N."

Y/N stumbled up to the stage with Sarah holding her hand tightly, "Are you alright?"

"I'm fine."

"Oh, shit. Benny's here." Nancy whispered to them.

"Really? I didn't notice." Y/N whispered sarcastically.

"So, that's why you're freaking out."

"I'm fine!" Y/N whispered harshly and shook off their grips on her. She shut her eyes and took in a deep breath. Y/N scanned the room to look for Phillip and her Mother. The H/C haired girl found her Mother, but Phillip seemed to be missing.

"And the Pagent Award goes to... Y/N L/N!" The man sang and held out a sash with a bouquet of flowers. "And final words to everyone."

"Thank you for voting for me, I really appreciate it and I hope you like the event and have an amazing Fourth!" Y/N smiled and wondered how the hell she could be doing this right now. Her head was spinning violently and she just needed to get out from all the stares it was overwhelming.

The second Y/N was let off the stage she raced to the girl's bathroom. Sarah, Nancy, and Mary were all running after her, worried about their friend.

"Y/N Wait!"

"What's wrong?"

"How the hell do you run so fast in heels?"

Y/N threw the door open and quickly ran over to the sink. Y/N heard the door slam open then noises from their shoes hitting the tile. The h/c haired girl quickly splashed water on her face and calmed herself down.

"Y/N are you alright?" Someone asked behind her.

"Yes, I'm fine. I just needed to get away from everyone for a second." Y/N said and looked at herself in the mirror.

"Then don't look behind you," Sarah grumbled. Y/n furrowed her eyebrows and her eyes shifted to the left. She screamed. Phillips and Sherry Williams were holding each other in a compromising position looking at her terrified.

Y/N whipped around her, her emotions running wild. At first, she felt so mad she wanted to smack the shit out of him, but the realized she felt relieved. She was so relieved that she could break up with him.

"You know what?" Y/N laughed, "I don't even care. I wanted to smack the shit out of you five seconds ago. But honestly, I just want to thank you."

"Thank me?" Phillips asked, his eyes searching her as if making sure she was alright.

"Yes, thank you so much for showing me that Benny has always been the right one." With that said, Y/N walked out of the bathroom and headed over to the dance with a newfound confidence inside her.

"Hey, Y/N." Sarah smiled, "Thank goodness you dropped him. He was getting on my nerves."

Y/N burst out laughing, "Honestly, me too."

"Hey! Y/N!" A very high voice said behind her, "Let's get out of here, shall we?"

Y/N felt two pairs of hands guiding her over to the doors of the country club and heard whispers behind her.

"Wait, I need to find Ben..." Y/N found Benny alright. He was kissing Sherry. "That Bitch! What the hell is her problem?"

Y/N felt tears prickle her eyes, so she did what she did best. She ran for it.

Y/N woke up with a dry mouth and a pounding headache. The girls had slept over at Y/N's house and all shared gallons of cookie dough ice cream and watched Splendor in the Grass over and over again.

Y/N had to admit that was the most romantic and saddest movie of all time. {a/n; hey! they didn't have the notebook yet!}

"Hey! Y/N! Wake up, Sweetheart!" Y/N's Mother popped her head through the crack in the door.

"I'm already awake, Mama." Y/N's voice cracked as she saw her Mother's worried face.

"Honey, what happened?" Mrs.L/N walked over to Y/N and brought her into a warm embrace. Y/N tried to explain everything, but even she knew it sounded like a load of codswallop. No one could hear a word she was saying with her sobbing.

"Alright, alright honey. This calls for a major break up kit, doesn't it?"

Y/N hiccuped, "The Biggest."

"I'll call Sarah up and have her come over while I'm gone. I'm going to go get chocolate and ice cream and all those goodies. I'll be right back."

Y/N nodded and hugged her Teddy Bear tightly. She cried and cried into the stuffed animal until her Mother came back in.

"I'm going to go get everything at the Grocery Store. Sarah will be here in five. Will you be okay till then?"

"I'll be okay, Mama. It's only a breakup."

"A very messy one at that." Y/N's Mother kissed her forehead and walked out of the room. Y/N sighed to herself and willed her eyes not to cry for another ten minutes.

She looked around for something to do when she heard the car start signaling her Mom was gone. Y/N groaned into her pillow and just sat there for a while.

Y/N felt the bed dip and looked up. It was Benny. She rubbed her eyes quickly to make sure she wasn't dreaming. When she realized she wasn't she grabbed her pillow and hit him with it as hard as she could. "What are you doing here? You can't just waltz in here and-"

"I would've died for you. I think that gives me a little leeway for waltzing." Benny raised his eyebrows at her.

Y/N glared at him but didn't say anything, especially when he kissed her.

                                            Eleven Years Later

"Honey! Mails here!" Y/N shouted as she stirred some cake batter. Benny smiled and kissed his wife on the cheek before sticking his finger into the batter.

"Benny! What did I say about eating the cake batter!"

"Since when have I ever listened to you?"

Y/N put her hands on her hips, "When I'm a pregnant lady with raging hormones. Now, go get the mail!"

"Alright, alright. I'm getting it! But since I'm being such a generous husband, do I get a reward for getting the mail?"

"BENJAMIN RODRIGUEZ! DON'T MAKE ME SMACK YOU!" Y/N shouted and smiled satisfactorily when she heard the screen door slam.

"Bills. Bills. Bills and more Bills. Let's guess the next one? Bil-. Nope, not bills."

"Well, that's a shocker." Y/N said and threw the cake batter into the oven and dusted her hands off on her apron.

"It's a Wedding Invitation."

Y/N furrowed her eyebrows, almost everyone in her family and Benny's family had gotten married already... or were dead. "Who's it from?"

Benny burst out laughing, "It's fro Squints and Wendy Peffercorn. Do you remember her?"

Y/N's eyes widened, "No way. Squints got the girl."

Benny put the invitation down and walked over to Y/N. "I also got the girl."

Y/N rolled her eyes, "You will really do anything for a kiss, won't you?"

"No, I'm just showing you my love."

Y/N gave him a look which he caved into, "Fine, but I really do love you Y/N."

Y/N smiled and wrapped her arms around Benny's torso, "I know. I love you so much, Benjamin."

Benny gave Y/N an Eskimo kiss, "You know I hate when you call me that."

"That's why I do it." Y/N kissed Benny this time on the lips.

"I'm so glad you both could come." Squints said, "The whole gangs here! Even Ham!"

Y/N smiled and laced her hands through Benny's, "We wouldn't miss it, Squints. So, you really did get the dream girl, eh?"

"Yes, I did. I can see Rodriguez did too...Whew, And you two got busy."

Benny rolled his eyes, "Shut up, Squints. You're just jealous."

"Mmm, no. Not really." Squints grinned, "Now, go say hi to the gang, I need to go meet Wendy for the First Dance."

"Bye, Squinty."

"Bye Rodriguez, Y/N, and baby Rodriguez."

An hour later, Y/N took another sip of water and watched the sunset. The peace and quiet was so nice. She hadn't had it in quite a long time. Ever since Y/N had broken the news to Benny, he was constantly hovering over her, making sure she was alright an comfortable at all times. When he wasn't with her, he made sure Smalls was. Which was quite exhausting.

Loud shouts made Y/N groan into her glass of water. One by one the gang started to pile around her, Ham sat to her left, Yeah Yeah to her right, and Benny pressing behind her. Y/n smiled and closed her eyes as she leaned against Benny.

"Hey, babe. You look gorgeous tonight." Benny stamped a kiss next to her collarbone.

"Thank you, love. You look pretty nice too."

"Hey! Lovebirds! What are you going to name the baby?" Ham asked, knowing he shattered the moment.

Benny glared at Ham and playfully pushed him, "Thanks for ruining the moment, man."

Ham put his hands up in surrender, "The baby better be named after me, Rodriguez."

"Oh, please we all know it's going to be named after me." Yeah yeah disagreed.

"Hell, no. It's me." Squints said.

Everyone turned to look at Squints, "What are you doing out here?"

"You really think I was going to let you all have your fun without me?" Squints raised his eyebrows at everyone.

"I'm thinking we should name the baby after Benny or my Father." Y/N said and reached back to run her hands through Benny's hair. Benny hummed happily into Y/N's neck and drew circles on her swelled tummy.

"I like that idea, baby."

"The baby's going to be so loved, Ben."

"Well, obviously, he has like 10 uncles."

"Shut up, Ham."

Y/N giggled at the gang's antics and cuddled into Benny more. She took a quick whiff of his jacket when she felt something wet flow through her legs. She quickly sat up straight, "Benny! I think my water just broke!"

Word Count: 9017

[4birds-of-a-feather]

Chapter 26 - Man, it doesn’t show signs of stoppin’ [part 3]

Birds Of a Feather

(In the previous chapters: Layla’s stuck at SeaTac and gives a call to WC Boyfriend who, once more, confirms to be the shittiest boyfriend ever; in the meantime, Sara has reunited with her long-lost cat and an acquaintance of her family, but it wasn’t all peaches and dandelions. WARNING: the other super-short update – we know that we had promised you to update sooner, but we were busy with our job, studies and festivities – just in time to wish you a fantastic 2018!)

Sara walked upstairs back to the loft, frantically rummaging in her shoulder bag to find the apartment keys. When she arrived on the landing, she jumped. “Fuck, mr. California! You scared the shit out of me!” the girl angrily shouted, almost dropping her headphones “The fuck are you doin’ out here???” The singer was in fact sitting on the floor, next to the front door – notebook and pen in his lap. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to…” he quickly grabbed the objects and hid them behind his back “It’s just that I went for a walk but forgot my keys on the table, and Jeff’s gone to a party, so…” “No problem: Layla left me hers” she made the keys clink under Eddie’s nose, so the singer smiled and stood up while she made the lock spring open. When they went inside, Sara stopped in the hallway to hang her coat, scarf and bonnet, while Eddie was looking at her, scratching his nape. “Weren’t… weren’t you supposed to spend this day with your family?” he finally asked, almost startling her. The girl gulped, rubbed her blubber eyes and put on a rather convincing cheerful voice, trying not to let him notice her real attitude. “Oh, yes, it’s just-I went to my parents’ house and I noticed that my mom’s relatives from Portland were there too… They’re annoying and know-it-all and kind of churchy too… <Why in hell did I mention Portland? Fuckin’ A, Fancini! Congrats!> … So I just drew the attention of my dad, without making the others notice me, and I explained him that I couldn’t tolerate ‘em, so he agreed and made up some persuasive excuse too… I guess my mum will understand, even if they’re her siblings and shit like that” she ended her monologue and finished to hang all her things, while Eddie was still looking at her. “So… this means you survived” he gave her a warm smile and she did the same. “Yeah, I guess so… Man, I fuckin’ hate these festivities! Hypocrisy flows in torrents” “Don’t tell me… The fuckin’ triumph of bleeding hearts, ugh” the singer soon joined her in that anti-Christmas rant and the two of them quickly ended bursting into laughter. “Glad to see another cynical and black soul around here – the world is too full of retarded Santa’s little helpers” “Man, I hate those lil’ fuckers!” Eddie laughed again, then his eye fell upon a packet full of ribbons that was under the Christmas tree – Sara’s gaze followed his own one. “Oh, you noticed Layla’s work of art…” “… How the fuck does she know that yesterday was my birthday?!” he finally exclaimed, making the girl look at him in disbelief. “Wait a minute: yesterday was your birthday?!” “… SHIT” “Why the fuck didn’t you tell us, Eddie??? You really are grown up in the woods, for fuck’s sake!” Sara scolded him, her eyes plopping out of her head. “I don’t know… I just didn’t want to bother, that’s all” he shrugged, not knowing what else to say. “… you really are weird” the girl sighed, shaking her head “Anyway, that’s your Christmas present… Layla always remembers this kind of things so, in your shoes, I wouldn’t be bothered…” “Didn’t she buy you anything?” Ed asked her, noticing that his pack was the only one under the Christmas tree. “Who do you think you’re talkin’ to??? Of course she bought me something, I’m her fuckin’ best friend!” she gave him a little slap in the nape “But I’ve already hidden it… ya know, with that animal of Ament that freely scampers in this loft, you’ll never know what he could do to my wealth” The guy laughed again “I think I’ll take the risk – I’ll leave mine here” “As you wish, mr. California – I won’t be the one who’s gonna stop you… don’t say I didn’t warn ya” He nodded and started to go in his room’s direction, then stopped and looked at her. “I guess I’m goin’ in my room to listen to some records… Wanna join me?” Sara winced a little, but quickly regained her usual aplomb. “Yeah, why not?” she shrugged “Just gimme a minute and I’ll come” “Ok, great – I’ll leave the door open, no need to knock” The girl nodded and made her way to the bathroom, while he stood in the hallway a few other seconds; when he saw the ringlets at the end of her ponytail disappear, he finally went in his bedroom.  

<Nothing happened – you’re perfectly capable to have a natural conversation without embarrassing yourself… you’re gonna fuckin’ own this, you’ll see> Sara splashed her face, then looked at her tired reflection in the mirror: she could still spot some glitter but decided that her cheeks had already been rubbed enough – oh, and her face was the embodiment of misery. <I’m gonna be fuckin’ owned, ugh – this motivational bullshit is pathetic> She took a deep breath and made her way to Ed’s room, stopping just outside: Quadrophenia had just started playing when she peeped out from the doorjamb. “Am I still welcome?” Eddie raised his eyes from the books he was browsing and gave her a smile. “Always – come in!” he went to close the door and gestured for her to find a place to sit; she decided to take a seat on the floor, near the bookshelf where he was standing before. Soon after the guy approached her, waving something with a playful grin: “What did I tell you? Here, see for yourself” He handed her the infamous Polaroid he had taken with Joe Strummer and the girl sneered. “Since a month has almost passed, I thought you had made the whole story up…” she provoked him, without tearing her gaze from Strummer’s autograph at the bottom of the picture. “Yeah, in fact this photo is false as the fact that in 1977 I saw Springsteen and the E Street Band…” he casually added, going to sit next to her. “… you did what???” “… and I also saw The Who in 1979, when I was almost fifteen years old” “YOU LUCKY BASTARD!” Sara kicked him, making him laugh. “Why, are you telling me you never went to a concert?” Eddie mocked her with an evil smile. “Yeah, in fact Fleetwood Mac in 1980, Cat Stevens in 1976 or Led Zeppelin in 1977 were just hallucinations” “HOLY SHIT!” the guy exclaimed, surprised “Wait a minute, Cat Stevens in 1976? How old were-” “Eight years old, and he played divinely” she smiled again “Anyway, I won’t be jealous about you seeing The Who – Moon The Loon was already underground, I can tolerate it” “Shit, you were just a child! And Zeppelin at nine years old – I’m not surprised you turned out like this” Eddie spoke again, then laughed for her second statement. Soon after The Real Me began to play and Sara’s smile turned into a big grin. “The Ox is fuckin’ awesome here – I mean, I can totally say that he’s my favorite bass player without any doubt” “You love Quadrophenia too?” Eddie’s eyes lit up at the thought of a fellow fan of The Who. “Well, that’s not my favorite album made by them, but my second favorite song that they composed is here, so I guess I have to give it some credit” “Just spit out the title” “Love, Reign O’er Me, obviously” “I knew it – sooo, this means that your favorite album’s Tommy…” “Nope – Who’s Next” she gave him a mischievous grin “My favorite song is there, guess it!” The guy mentally listed the tracklist, then answered: “The Song Is Over, right?” “… you’re starting to impress me, ya know?” Sara mocked him, and he laughed. “Sooooo” after a while Ed cleared his throat “what are our plans for Christmas’ Eve?” “Well, since our beloved chef’s not here… I guess we’re fucked, mr. Surfin’ U.S.A.” “Nope, listen: food problem will be solved with pizza delivery… but what about after dinner?” “Why are you lookin’ at me as if I were the life and soul of all parties?!” “Hmm, maybe we could go out and drink somethin’…” he ignored her and went on with his suggestions. “… so then we would be surrounded by stupid people with their fuckin’ stupid Santa Claus hats or Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer antlers?! No, thank you!” “Or we could reach Jeff at the party he went to…” “You really want a Seattle remake of Silent Night, Deadly Night, don’t ya?” The guy laughed again, then raised his hands in order to declare himself innocent: “Oook, I get it! How about stayin’ at home and watchin’ some old movie provided by yours truly?” “Are you really makin’ me responsible for our pre-Christmas entertainment?” “C’mon, don’t be too modest! I liked Neighbors and I’m sure-” “Of course you liked it, I kept tellin’ you that you’re Belushi’s alter-ego!” Sara interrupted him, while he stuck his tongue out. “… I was telling ya that I liked Neighbors and I’m sure you’ll do a great job this evening too, that’s all” “… Whatevs” “Great! An Italian one, please” “What? Don’t tell me you’ve ever watched one of them!” “Yep, Miracle in Milan” “NO FUCKIN’ WAY!” the girl exclaimed, sincerely enthusiastic “D’ya know that its last scene inspired the E.T.’s one with the bicycles lifting into the air?” “Shit, that’s why I had a déjà vu when I first watched it!” “Sorry, I’ll stop immediately with my movie geek act – I know it’s weird, I just can’t help it” “No problem, I learnt something new” The girl gave him a grateful smile, then resumed her considerations:  “Hmm, so you watched somethin’ from Neorealism… What about Commedia all’Italiana? Err, I mean, Italian-style comedy?” she quickly corrected herself, while Ed smiled because of those few Italian words. “Yeah, why not? I mean, Neorealism is great, but I’d like somethin’ lighter” “Well, ‘lighter’ is not the word I’d use to describe I Mostri, but it’s an awesome example of how great satire could be” “I’m in your hands, I’m sure you won’t disappoint me” Eddie cracked another smile “Dubbed?” “In your fuckin’ dreams, Vedder! I’ve got the subtitled version, this is no place for heretics!” “Yeah, I thought so… I also bet that on March you showed off the Italian flag when Cinema Paradiso won the Academy Award, am I right?” “… you almost got it” was her embarrassed answer, while the guy laughed and stood up to put his notebook in a drawer. “That’s your holy Bible full of personal lyrics, huh?” she asked him, and he immediately turned to face her, as if he had just received a punch in the face “Because that’s what your songs are… Autobiographic, like a diary” Eddie didn’t say anything and lowered his head, and soon Sara was forced to interrupt that awkward silence. “I’m-I’m sorry – I didn’t mean to sound like a bitch but, well!, apparently that was the final result…” she wrung her hands “Man, I really suck with social interactions” “It’s ok, don’t worry” the guy finally opened his mouth again and went to sit on the floor, next to her. “Did all that stuff happen to you?” she asked, after a while. “Except for the incest, yeah… I have lacked for nothing” “… shit” she took a deep breath, trying to clear her thoughts “I’m-I’m so sorry, Ed” “Yeah, I know you really mean it” he said in a low voice, then brought his knees to the chest. “Would my humble singing your praises make you feel a little better?” “Why, did you really like the songs or are you just givin’ me a lump of sugar?” he abruptly raised his head and shot her a nasty glance. “Fuck, do I really look like a person who gives compliments away?!” she retorted, starting to get worked up. “Are we really assembling a conversation by using only questions?” he went on, finally being able to chuckle, while the girl soon followed him – she mentally thanked him for making both of them a bit more relaxed than before. “Anyway – yes, I really liked ‘em, I think you’re a worthy lyricist… At least, the few times I can understand what the fuck you’re singing” At those words the guy laughed heartily and gave her a playful push, to which she answered with another one, a bit stronger. “But yeah, jokes aside: we can totally say that I’m in presence of talent” she winked at him and he thanked her, a bit embarrassed but pleased all the same. When Eddie resumed to talk, I’m One was playing in the background. “Oh, I was almost forgetting to tell ya that I really like your voice” Sara immediately froze, then slowly turned in his direction. “I beg your pardon, what did you just say?” “I said that I like your voice… I heard you, you sing pretty well” “WHEN DID YOU HEAR ME?!” “Well, a few days ago, when we hung out at that bar and-” “Holy Marvin Gaye, I knew that the whole karaoke thing was a shitty idea!” she facepalmed. “… but I heard ya yesterday too, while you were taking a shower” “Fuckin’ A, Vedder! Since when are you overhearing me?!” the girl asked him, her eyes almost plopped out of her head. “Err, since when you’ve started to sing Elton John out loud…?” “That’s because I thought I was alone! I thought that nobody was at home, except me! And instead you were there, lurkin’ like a vulture!” At that last comparison the singer laughed out loud, making Sara even more irritated. “C’mon, don’t be offended! I just wonder why you’re freakin’ out like that!” he tried to ease the situation, given how she didn’t seem to relax. “Because I don’t want anyone to know it, genius! I don’t like it, it’s just a personal thing” “… a personal thing?” “Yeah, a promise I made to someone – someone really important, but that was just a thing between the two of us” “Hmmm, understood” he thought over something, then resumed to talk “My father… he sang too. I mean, that’s what other people told me – I met him a few times, as a family friend, but I didn’t talk to him that much… And then one day my mum took me aside and told me that who I thought was my father was actually my step-father, and that my real dad was ‘that man that once in a while came to visit us, you remember?’ but he had already died, and I-I didn’t know what the fuck I was supposed to do, or say, or think, or feel, and-” Eddie stopped talking and took a deep breath, probably in the attempt to not cry, but Sara had already noticed his eyes becoming bright with tears. “It’s ok, Eddie, you don’t have to talk about it” she carefully put a hand on his shoulder and softly squeezed it, while he let out a deep sigh. <Am I the first one to hear his story? Well, who cares! I mean, he trusted me and told me all these things –  maybe I should tell him about-> The girl’s thoughts were interrupted by the noise of a guitar’s sound box – Ed had grabbed the instrument and now was strumming it absent-mindedly, trying to tune it. “You play guitar?” “Yeah, a little bit… Well, playing is a huge word: let’s just say that I strum away on it” “Hmmm, I see” “You’re gonna make me listen to somethin’, right?” “What?!” she almost choked “Absolutely not – this is a categorical no!” “I’m sorry but I won’t accept refusals of any type” “… are you blackmailing me?” “Hmmm, maybe… you think I am?” “I think so, Alvin without the Chipmunks!” The guy laughed: “C’mon, just a song! It’s just the two of us – nobody will ever come to know this, I promise” Sara rolled her eyes, so Eddie went on: “Silence gives consent… fine, let’s do this!” He casually plucked some strings, then finally had a flash of inspiration and began to play. “I’m sure you know this one, I saw this album in your collection” “Great! Have you searched my bedroom too?!” she hysterically asked him, but he ignored her. “C’mon, be ready! Your turn is finally coming!” the guy played the last introductory chords and Sara finally began to sing, her eyes still rolling. “Blackbird singing in the dead of night, take these broken wings and learn to fly… All your life, you were only waiting for this moment to arise…” Eddie smiled to himself and the two kept on performing the song; at a certain point he slowed down the fingerpicking and started to whistle, imitating the birds chirping, while the girl looked at him in a perplexed way – but then burst into laughter. “The hell are you doin’???” “C’mon, try it – be a blackbird too!” he suggested her, still laughing, and when she emulated him he smiled satisfied “See? That was easy” “… idiot” the girl laughed again, and resumed to sing the final lines: “You were only waiting for this moment to arise, you were only waiting for this moment to arise, you were only waiting for this moment to arise…” Eddie finished to play, then smiled at her. “Well, you did learn to fly… Congratulations on your voice” “You’re just a flatterer, but thanks” she blushed, then cleared her throat “Instead, congratulations on your guitar style! You don’t limit yourself in strummin’ away on it… you play it, Ed” “Nope, I’m not that good” “Have you ever considered the possibility of playin’ in the band? Like, for real” “In the band? A band with three guitars?” “Yeah, why not? Kind of a Lynyrd Skynyrd thing, ya know” “Well, I’m just the new guy – I don’t know if Mike and Stone would agree…” he shrugged “Plus, as I said before, I can’t seriously play it” “Hmmm, as you wish… But, in your shoes, I’d give it a try” “Who knows, maybe in the future? Like ten years from now, just gimme enough time to practice…” “Why, are you really believin’ that you guys are goin’ to last that long?!” she provoked him, and the guy laughed. “No, you’re right – but, in the meantime, I’d be really glad to make at least a duet with you at the karaoke” “No fuckin’ way, I’ll never set foot again on that goddamn place, sure as hell!” “Ok, as you wish… but, sooner or later, you will sing somethin’ with me” he pondered “Like a collaboration… I should seriously write somethin’ for two voices” “Don’t you fuckin’ dare, Vedder! This is a secret, I told ya once and I won’t tell you again: keep your mouth shut or there’ll be big troubles!” Eddie pretended to go along with her wishes and gave her a mischievous smile – then his gaze fell on something that was peeking from the pocket of her sweatshirt. “What’s that?” “Oh” the girl suddenly remembered its existence and pulled it out “Just a mixtape I was listening to before” “Can I?” he extended a hand and she gave it to him “Footprints like puddles – strange choice for a title… I like it” “It’s-err… It’s just a silly title, I wrote down random words” “It seems well put together to me…” Ed fumbled with its case and finally pulled out the tracklist. “It’s just a couple of songs for the days when I get the mean reds, nothing serious” “The… the mean reds?” he hadn’t even started to read through the track titles but stopped immediately “What’s that?” “Well… ever watched Breakfast at Tiffany’s?” the guy nodded and she went on “When Audrey Hepburn gets ‘em, she jumps in a cab and goes to Tiffany’s – and it calms her down, just like that” “Ok, now I get it – this right here is your personal Tiffany’s, right?” “It is” “Then it’s better if I don’t intrude” he quickly opened again the case and started to put away the tracklist, but her hand stopped him. “… Go on, I think you could appreciate it” He looked at her, a bit puzzled: “You sure?” “Yep – go on” The guy smiled and finally began to read it. “Let’s see… we’ve got Leonard Cohen – woah, Ella Fitzgerald! – Brian Eno and Tom Waits… you put The Boss too, awesome” “Yeah, Racing In The Street reminds me of the way I feel when I choose not to open my umbrella on rainy days” “I think he’d be honored to know it… well, you should totally lend this to me, there are a couple of songs in here that I don’t know and I’d like to hear ‘em” he stopped, scratching his nape a bit embarrassed “… of course, only if you feel ok with that” “Yeah – err, yeah, that’s fine… I don’t mind” “Great, thanks” “You’ll tell me what you think about it, ‘kay? And I also wanna know if you appreciated the ones you hadn’t heard before my magic tape came to your rescue” “… you just got yourself a deal” “That’s what I like to hear” Sara looked around, her gaze stopping on the surfboard in a corner, the big waves painted on some walls, the books and vinyls piled on the desk and shelves – a few were also scattered on the floor; she found out that the room really reflected Eddie’s soul – at least, for the little bits she knew about him. The girl also found herself really missing her old chamber, the one that was waiting for her in that godawful mess of her loft, with most of all her belongings stocked there and the furniture apparently put in a random way – when in reality it had been carefully arranged by her. Out of the corner of his eye Eddie clearly saw her sigh, so he quickly tried to introduce a new topic in order to offer her a little distraction. “Say… can you play some instrument?” Sara startled, a confused expression upon her face. “Who? Me?” the guy nodded and she went on “Nope – when I was a child I used to play the harmonica from time to time, but it was nothin’ serious” “Oh, I see – and you got a favorite instrument? One that you really enjoy listenin’ to, and maybe you’d also like to learn how to play?” “HA! Lemme surprise you: banjo, mandolin, kazoo – ya know, all those weird things” she listed, all proud  “Oh, and I love bass too… but don’t tell Ament, pretty please!” “Ahahaha, ok! Pinky swear” he laughed, then they entwined their little fingers and the deal was made “But yeah, really unusual choices… I was expecting something entirely different” “Like what?” “Like… I dunno – violin? Piano? Maybe the harp too… You strike me as someone who would enjoy these instruments a lot” “… I strike you as someone this ordinary? Wow, Ed – you really have a way with words” “Shit, I-I didn’t mean that, I just-” “Relax, I was just teasing you!” Sara let out a carefree laugh “I know that on the outside I may give this impression… and let’s not talk about this squeaky, little voice of mine – it’s obvious that you’d link it to a violin instead of a kazoo” The guy laughed and gave her a playful push, then resumed his observations: “See? That’s why a collaboration of the two of us would be so interesting – and stop it, your voice isn’t squeaky” “You’re the one who has to stop it, Ed! Erase this crazy idea of yours right now or-” “Or what? You’re gonna kick my ass? Punch my cute face with those small, childish hands? I don’t think so, Fancini” “VEDDER, YOU’RE SO GOING DOWN” she roared and threw a cushion at him that perfectly landed on his face. “Ouch! How can such a little person be this evil???” he grabbed another pillow and did the same with her. “You’re one to talk! Beware the mighty Big Foot!” “See?! Well, I’m going to expose you in my next song, which is gonna be this caustic piece about how one should never trust Italian girls with big, brown eyes because in reality they’re Satan’s daughters – and, the good news? I’m so gonna force you to sing some lines, the ones with the nastiest insults” he laughed again, avoiding a cushion “I can’t wait to hear your angelic voice singin’ something along the lines of ‘you’re a sewer rat decaying in a cesspool of pride’…” “Angelic my ass! Stop talking about me singin’, nobody has to fuckin’ know it!” Sara gave him a strong push that made him fell legs in the air, her irascibility growing as she heard him guffaw without restraint. “Ok, ok, nobody will ever know this thing! I swear!” he shouted breathlessly among his laughter. “… nobody will ever know what?” were the words that came out from Layla’s mouth, as she suddenly peeped out from the door.

[tokyoteddywolf]

Fuck It I'm Gonna Minific From A Phone

A little Self Story bc I need to write SOMETHING and my Voltron fics are reserved for a computer with a proper keyboard.

————————————————- Huffing, the teenage girl smacked her head onto her desk for what felt like the thousandth time that day. ‘When will this suffering end?’ She thought, tugging her scrunchie out and letting her copper and red streaked hair fall out in curly waves, brushing against her shoulders. She idly played with a particular ringlet as her English teacher ranted about Shakespeare or something similar up front, near the whiteboard. Lucky her, she was sitting in the very back, which meant more chances to daydream. Vaguely she thought that she should shower when she got home, since her hair was feeling a little oily and looked dusty, and earlier this morning she’d broken a comb trying to smooth out a few tangles. Curse her genetics for giving her father’s fluffy curls and her Mum’s wavy thickness to her unruly hair. She didn’t care if her hair was classified as “perfect curls or waves”, all she knew was she never had to use a curling iron to get perfect ringlets, and straightening the damn thing was an hour long process she had no energy for. Not to mention water was her number one enemy, always causing it to either curl or frizz when dried. Or both, which was normally why she kept it tied back with a scrunchie. She snapped back to attention when the bell rung, and she gathered up her things and left that godforsaken class. She said hello to a few friends as she passed them in the hallways, and played her usual game of How Gay Am I For That Girl as she walked to Algebra class. Humming along to the tune on her headphones, she slid into her seat once she’d arrived and waved an awkward hello to her pal Nathan, or Omega as he called himself. Things had been a bit strained between them, mainly because Nathan had a crush on her and she only saw him as a brother. She always felt bad when someone liked her, not that it had ever happened before to her knowledge, mainly because she was Aromantic. She turned to her notebook and hummed quietly to herself, remembering the conversation she’d had with her Mum the other day. “Boys are like static cling sometimes!” Her Mum had sighed, brushing silver and black hair out of her hazel green eyes. “So, you never really felt like dating anyone?!?” She’d responded, actually a little shocked. “No, actually. I stayed single my whole life til I met your father. He’d actually just stuck around me, and we ended up getting married, before that divorce. Every boyfriend since has just stuck to me until I agreed to one date, and I guess I just never had the heart to say no until I got fed up enough.” The older female had explained with a wry smile. “So you must actually be Aromantic like me! Huh! Ya learn something new everyday…” the teen had muttered, before grinning at her Mum. “So once we kick Steve out, no more boyfriends? Promise?” She’d asked, adding puppy eyes for full effect. Her Mum had laughed and nodded agreement. She shook out of the memory when a sheet of complicated looking equations was passed over to her, and she sighed. She had no idea what she was supposed to do, so she huffed and at least tried to figure out what the fuck X equaled. An hour and a half later, she was slumped against her close friend and brother figure Sam, who didn’t complain and merely continued to eat the nachos she’d gotten for him. He never had any money for school lunches, and she’d felt awful when she saw the sad little sandwiches he’d had to eat. She’s started with handing over her leftover food she hadn’t eaten, since she was worried he wasn’t eating enough. Then it turned into her handing over her food at every lunch period since her new meds that controlled her anxiety and ADHD also acted as a hunger suppressant, leaving her appetite nonexistent. She ate, of course, usually when she saw food she liked, such as the fish or the egg rolls, or usually just survived off of the fruit cups and milk cartons. Sam glanced over at where her head was pressed against his leather jacket covered shoulder and raised an eyebrow. “Tough day?” He asked nonchalantly, dipping a chip into some of the liquid cheese and sour cream as she grumbled and looked up and stared at his sideburns. “You have no idea. I might not live through fifth and sixth period.” She groaned, absolutely limp against his form. They had that weird sibling dynamic where physical affection wasn’t all that unwelcome. Sam chuckled and patted her knee sympathetically. “You’ll survive. If I can listen to Mel whine about her problems all day and still keep my sanity intact, then you can survive the next two classes today.” She snorted out a half laugh. “Well, yer her boyfriend. Listenin’ to her is kinda yer job.” She drawled, slipping into her Texan accent. What? She was tired! Her ADHD had kicked her ass the night before, so she’d been up til nearly three in the morning aching to go run or something before she managed to settle down enough to get SOME sort of rest. Sam rolled his eyes and munched on another chip. “Can’t argue with that.” He hummed, shrugging. She sighed. “Honestly I just want to take a nap but I have stuff to do…” Sam rolled his eyes again. “Don’t we all?” He joked, reaching up to ruffle her hair. She purred delightedly at the attention. She adored head rubs, but it was something she only let trusted people do. Which was rare, since she literally had no trust in anyone, anxiety only worsening the problem and making her believe that, even though she had a good life and friends and family that really cared, everyone would turn on her and abandon her and pretty much show that everything was one big lie, a joke. She and Sam started chatting about story ideas, since they had their own little AU called the Squad AU, just a little story about their OC’s and the trouble they get into in different universes, some already existing and some made up. The bell rang again, dismissing the lunch crowd, and she gathered up her things and bid goodbye to her pals as she moved to the class in the library. She grinned as the class door unlocked and she entered the computer filled room, sliding into her favorite spot and swivel chair, adjusting the tilted computer screen and lowering the chair so her chest could have a rest on the wooden table and give her aching shoulders and back a rest. Cracking her neck and back, rolling her shoulders, she popped a few finger joints and logged in, already working on an essay paragraph so she could do what she really wanted to; free write. She actually had a deal with the teacher, after several talks and lectures. After a while, he’d given her a deal: as long as you write a poem a day or an essay paragraph, you can take the rest of the class off to write your creative stories and documents. She’d finished the poem assignment a few days ago, so now it was just a paragraph for an essay a day and she could go back to writing plot lines, head canons, fic ideas and short stories as much as she liked. Once finished with the paragraph, she pulled up a familiar document, the plot line for a Shance one shot she was making, and started adding in more details to the document. Humming, she checked over everything and made a few changes before deeming it ready to be written out as an actual story before opening a new document and starting a new plot line, this one for another one shot idea she’d had last night during her little hyper episode, though to be honest she’d seen the same thing around a few times already but it never failed to make her smile or giggle. She had to research a little for it, but that was okay and she had the bare bones of the idea down by the time the bell ring. She saved everything twice before closing everything and logging off, ready for the long exhausting march to sixth period over in the second building. Once there, she greeted everyone with her usual “Man I feel dead inside!” and slumped into her tall chair, grateful for the cold black plastic table top against her cheek as she rested her head against it. A pencil shooting across the table had her glaring up at her frenemy, Nicholas. “Nick, for the love of everything holy, could ya fucking not?” She growled as the taller boy grinned at her from two tables away, his face blurry since she’d left her glasses at home today, but she could still practically FEEL him smirking. “But messing with you is more entertaining than anything else.” Nick chirped, twirling another pencil in his hand before flicking it at her. She flipped him the bird and nuzzled into her bag, to tired from the jog up the stairs to respond back for the moment. She rummaged around in her bag before pulling out a bag of chips and throwing it at him. “Here. Now shut up and leave me alone.” She hissed, glaring at him as she fumbled with her scrunchie and retied her hair back into a ponytail, or bunnytail since it was short and fluffy and curled down to brush against the back of her neck. To be fair, they were friends, sort of, since Nick went to her Grandpa’s church and she usually saw him there whenever she visited. But, they had a mutual hatred and respect for each other. A weird dynamic, since one moment she’d be sharing food with him and he’d be chatting with her about the logistics of a show, but the next they’d be at each other’s throats with scissors and flailing arms. No real harm was ever done, but it did annoy her to no end when he threw things like pens and popsicle sticks at her. She put on her headphones and ignored him the best she could, occasionally throwing a pen back or discreetly flipping him off, and started doodling in her notebook again. “Oh thank God, I’m free!” She declared as she exited the school, her scarf getting tossed into her face from the wind. Tucking the blue fabric back around her neck, she mumbled to herself as she walked the short distance to her house. “Well, at least until tomorrow.” She sighed, waiting for the crosswalk to turn green so she could cross the street and get home. It was a nice day for once, windy but not freezing cold like the winter they’d just left. Her skirt pressed against her legs as cars blew past, her scarf fluttering over her shoulder as she plucked her loose curl, the one she kept shorter for aesthetic purposes, out of her eyes in time to see the light turn green. She finally got home, and after fending off the excited dogs that swarmed her when she got inside, carefully dodging the hard whip-like tail of her boxer pit bull mix Kane who was a total sweetie, she managed to get into her room and shut the door to be alone. Ignoring the mess on the floor, she flopped onto her bed and sighed into a pillow before checking Tumblr, bored already. “Well, today was boring.” —————————————— I’m ending it there. See what happens when I’m not allowed to write for so long?!?!?!?