#i did not take spanish in middle school. i should have though

[mx-t4t0]

ive found my first big issue with spanish which is that i can do the single r tap really easily but i need to practice the double r. like i can't do the trill noise so there's basically no difference between pero (but) and perro (dog) when i speak. which is a problem.

[callofdudes]

141 + Rodolfo & Laswell general headcanons

Before he was Ghost (and still sometimes after) he was the guy you'd go to if you had a rip in something or wanted something stitched/embroidered.

His brother was the type to bully him like he did, but if anyone outside the home tried to hurt Simon Tommy would beat them.

Had a schedule where he was to be home straight after school but would sometimes get to go dirt bike riding with Tommy.

Was a prime bullies target because he was very small before his growth spurts. And after said growth spurt has a lot of stretch marks around most of his muscle area.

Is the favorite child of Laswell.

Loves squishmellows, has many.

Will eat Thrills gum just to spite everyone even though it tastes like dish soap and he hates it.

Brings all Gossip to Gaz first.

Because of trauma and stress Simon gets constant migraines and everyone knows to avoid him because he gets insanely cranky.

Knows spanish from how long he was kept in mexico.

Used to play those computer games where you had to input the command of what you wanted the simulation to do.

Doesn't like VR. It's cool but he gets motion sick inside.

Huge mama's boy.

Had braces when he was younger but it didn't stop him from showing off his amazing smile.

Used to bug his older sisters with nerd guns.

I like the idea of Johnny being the youngest chaos gremlin but being the middle child also works for him. (Of two or three sisters)

His parents let him be in football because he was a very smart kid. Topping his science and math classes and becoming valedictorian of his class.

He thinks he's the favorite child of Laswell.

Gets scared when Simon tells him about pixel command prompt games.

While his sisters were watching Frozen he was dealing with the weird crush he had on the king.

Steals pick up lines from Kyle.

Doesn't voice his achievements a whole lot because he wasn't enough for his dad when he was younger no matter what he did. Which has led to his snarky form of confidence and Rizz.

Even older people with take credit for his work and he will fight.

Was 100% a theatre kid.

And an only child.

Is scared to come out even to people close to him after what happened when his platoon mates first found out and wouldn't let it go.

Also thinks he's the favorite child.

Almost got his eyebrow pierced once.

Started to learn what a good father should be because of Price.

Brings all gossip to Ghost first.

Massive people watcher. People credit Ghost for his people watching but it just gives Kyle more opportunity to also people watch.

Has a mentor/big brother little brother relationship with Ghost and they're actually very close.

Used to be a menace when he was younger, and to be fair he still is.

Can't have kids because his balls don't work very well 😅

He was in history in school and was also very good at math.

The Duolingo bird hates him for some reason so he's taken to learning languages from interrogations, now knows 7 languages.

Is Nikolai's permanent backup plan if some shit goes down in Russia and has gotten used to waking up with the man asleep on his couch.

Attracts girls looking for older rich men and it pains him to tell them he is not old, nor is he rich.

Had a strict Military dad who currently still works for the military as a higher rank than him and they do not have a good relationship.

Spends most of her leave time up in the mountains camping. She loves being out in nature.

Has older brothers who are really into rock climbing so she'll accompany them and their friends for rock climbing and camping when she can.

Simon is the favorite child.

Everyone thinks she's married to Price but she'd actually scold him like a child half the day and encourage his antics like a good friend for the rest.

Was in the history and chest club.

Keeps gifting Simon his squishmellows.

Mother to all her 141 children.

Brings her wife to base and Johnny had taken to calling them the "moms".

Will bully people for 141.

Have you ever seen the crazy taser girl?? Yeah, that's him. He has many tasers and he loves them all.

He's actually crazy.

Very capable of yelling and defending himself but Alejandro has bestie senses and usually beats him to whoever did it.

Rudy is quiet but don't bark at him because he barks back.

Alejandro and Rudy used to skip school and go hang out on the cliffs they now trek for military.

His father made a joke once that he was going to get milk and Rudy never recovered mentally.

(and then he left for real-)

He was in photography and sports team manager in school.

After checking out each other's turf, Simon and Rudy are now chronically insane besties.

(had this in my drafts for a while, decided to post because I'm bored.)

[irayoeywa]

avatar characters as humans headcannons vol.2

part one part three

tuktirey, spider, aonung, and rotxo.

tuktirey

justice and claire's are her favorite stores.

loves roblox and always asking for robux.

blackmails lo'ak into giving her money or buying her robux.

definitely an outside kid, she loves playing outside.

neytiri and mo'at are probably the only people that can say no to her.

she has jake and neteyam wrapped around her finger.

hair always done in cute styles with barrette's, bobo hair ties, or beads.

very tender headed so she hates to sit down to get her hair done. she's wincing and flinching the whole time.

kinda gives zuri from jessie vibes so she probably has imaginary friends.

spider

well he’s already a human so i guess i mean modern.

doesn't have locs bc let's be fr.

since quaritch is his dad, he grew up around military men and women.

they probably let him take a sip of their beer when he was a kid.

did wrestling at one point.

has mommy issues.

played in dirt as a kid and got ring worm a dozen times.

chased people around with bugs so they would run away.

he listens to alternative music.

his grades be all over the place.

was too scared to ask quaritch to help him with his hw after the first "IF JIMMY HAD 5 APPLES" incident.

aonung

resting bitch face.

said "i don't know what you see in him" to tsireya when he found out that her and lo'ak were dating.

only person he trust fr is rotxo.

i feel like his parents pay more attention to tsireya so he's always trying his best in both his studies and sports.

on both the basketball team and the swim team.

probably bullied girls he had a crush on.

is a morning person.

listens to travis scott.

he kind of gives me chase atlantic listener vibes.

always rolling his eyes.

a DC fan.

rotxo

someone said that he was def raised by his grandma and now i can't see it any other way.

was definitely that person in middle school/high school that would go to teachers he didn't have anymore to say hi and give unwanted advice to the students in the class.

listens to tyler, the creator, brent faiyaz, and drake.

dank memes are his humor.

always wearing baggy jeans.

very obvious when he has a crush on someone but oblivious when someone has a crush on him.

somewhat book smart but not common sense smart.

now even though i just said he's somewhat book smart, he reminds me of that scene in outer banks where jj says, "he's straight up like the spanish, just bon voyage" and everyone is just like ???

on the swim team.

tonowari treats him like a second son.

sleeps in class.

doesn't own a folder so all his papers are crumbled up in his bag.

rotxo's is way longer than i anticipated. but i hope you enjoyed :)

i was thinking about making one for the adults, lmk if i should. also if you have any ideas or requests, send them in.

[nicsnort]

Gravita Anima (part 63)

Nightcrawler/Fem!OC/Quicksilver Long-form romance and drama fic. All chapters have been posted on Ao3.

Intro (with link to Ao3 story) First Previous

It was a good thing that Kurt still had his apartment in DC, though Elle would have gladly let him stay at her apartment. Even after their night in New York City, there was still tension between Pietro and Kurt. Of course, there was. But no further fights broke out so that was a good sign. Elle still had a job to do in DC so when the weekend came to a close she and Kurt returned with Hank and Lucy in the X-wing.

A few days passed without incident at her job. People were still coming to DC and taking tours. Her job was steady and so were the tips. But then on her last tour on Wednesday, there was a lone man that appeared in her group. At first, Elle paid him no mind. There had been many times that lone businessmen had taken her tour when they were in town for their job. But as she reached during a few parts of the tour - as she always did - to influence the group towards further enjoyment, she realized that her powers could not reach him. No. It wasn’t just that he was pushing back against her powers.

He was a mutant, that much was certain. A telepath of some sort to be able to psionically push back. That was fair. She would not try to influence him then. It was only polite. Throughout the tour though she noticed that he was closely watching her and she could have sworn that she felt him pressing in on her mind and emotions as well. A wave of fear coursed through her making Elle lose her place while speaking.

She laughed awkwardly, looking around the tour group. “Sorry, completely lost my train of thought...ah yes, the reflection pool…” Elle continued her tour now watching this man closely. He had dirty blonde hair, dark green eyes, with European-Spanish features. He looked to be in his 50s or so, middle-aged to be certain, but he was physically fit. Attractive in that older man way...he looked oddly familiar but Elle could not place where she may have seen him before.

She was very glad that Kurt was coming to pick her up after work for dinner.

The tour ended and just like Elle thought the man stuck around. He came up to her, with a smile that did not quite reach his eyes. “The tour was wonderful,” he told her, his voice revealing a Spanish accent. “You are very knowledgeable and powerful. Very clever using your powers to influence the humans and make them give you better tips.”

“I merely ensured they had a good time. Nothing is wrong with that. The tips are their own choice,” Elle defended. There was no point in hiding her powers when this man obviously knew.

Her words caused his smile to widen. “You could say that. Ah, but how rude. I should introduce myself. Manuel de la Rocha, it is a pleasure to meet you, Eleanor Hughes.”

Elle took a step back. How did this man know her surname? It was not part of her introduction to tours. “Yes, well I am busy. I am glad you enjoyed the tour.”

She turned and began to walk away in the distance she saw Kurt waiting for her. This man was following her though. “Hold up there, I think we should talk some more. Eleanor, at least tell me how your mother is doing.”

Elle froze and looked back at him. “No,” she said in disbelief, taking a step back. No this wasn’t happening.

“No? And here I just wanted to know how she was doing after all these years...she never told me I had a daughter.”

~~~~

There had been some semblance of normality returned once they were back in D.C. Kurt was glad for the distance mostly from Quicksilver but lamented being gone from the school itself. He missed those he knew but knew they would be fine. In any case, he enjoyed spending more alone time with Elle. She had work and he had a few missions and tasks around D.C. that let his time pass. They were almost like a normal couple.

They were going to try a new place for dinner, a middle eastern place, so that she might have another recommendation for the tour. He had managed to find an old movie with Flynn - The Private Lives of Elizabeth and Essex - at the library and thought that would be a good ending to the day. On his way, he had picked up a small bouquet of flowers, sunflowers as they were the last of their bunch before fall came. 

As Kurt strolled to their meeting place, taking in the weather, he started to daydream about the delicious foods that the restaurant promised to have. He had decided against his image inducer for now -- they had won against the MRA, it seemed only appropriate -- so he had gained several stares, not that it bothered him. As he approached their meeting place, the place where Elle ended her tours, he blinked. There was a man with her, an older man. He couldn’t see her as her back was to him, but she took a step back. There was also just something off about the man, something Kurt was keenly aware of but couldn’t name.

He teleported behind Elle, flowers in hand. “Elle, there you are.” He said gently, smiling. “I see you’re with a guest...I wanted to remind you about that reservation we have.” It was a gentle way to see if she needed a way out. Being close to her, however, he caught the look of disbelief on her face and tensed. What exactly was happening?

The moment that Kurt was next to her Elle automatically took his hand. It was both out of habit but also a desire for comfort, for grounding. 

“Who is this, sweetheart,” Manuel, her ‘father’, asked looking at Kurt. “An X-man? At least it is someone powerful. Shame you didn’t inherit my taste for beauty though...and knowing how strong Azazel genes are your children are going to be just as deformed. Though seeing how you inherited my looks, Eleanor, perhaps there is some hope yet.”

The man reached out a hand to Kurt. “Good day,” he said, finally speaking to Kurt and not just about him. “I am Manuel de la Rocha, Eleanor's father.”

“Don’t you dare say that,” Elle finally hissed breaking from her state of shock. “And how dare you insult him like that?! Get away from me and stay away from my mother. You aren’t my father.”

Elle turned sharply walking away but suddenly she felt Kurt’s emotional signature snuffed out. There was nothing from him. “Kurt,” she asked, looking at him and saw that all emotion had disappeared from his face and eyes. He was doll-like in his appearance - there was nothing.

Manuel stepped up and put a hand on Kurt’s shoulder. “Powerful as his skills are, nothing compared to an empath. Isn’t that right sweetheart? Now then, he said something about a reservation. Let’s go, I want to get to know you.”

“What did you do to him?” She demanded looking Kurt in the eyes trying to find any hint of himself.

“Just a bit of mind control, he’s still in there. He can see everything. He just can’t feel anything and listens to me. Like this: Take us to the restaurant.” That last bit was an order and instantly they were teleported outside the restaurant the couple had made a reservation at.

“Leave him alone,” Elle growled. Reaching out to Kurt she was forced to do the one thing that she swore to never do. Use her powers on him. Though it was not to control it was to free him. She pushed back against Manuel’s power driving him out of Kurt and restoring Kurt’s ability to feel emotions.

But instead of looking displeased, Manuel grinned. “Very good,” he said, clapping. “You are powerful indeed. I actually think I feel proud...yes, yes, this is pride I am feeling. So strange to feel it for somebody else’s work.”

Kurt looked around. How did they get there? “Elle, what’s going on?” He gripped her hand tightly, the flowers in his other hand forgotten. He should teleport them away, far away...but he wasn’t sure how they got here to begin with. He hadn’t wanted to see the man, so why was the man...what was his name again? Manuel? He didn’t want him there still yet here he was. 

The moment Kurt spoke Elle looked at him over ignoring her father. But she could not ignore him for long. “Why are you here,” she asked him, anger in her voice, “just leave us alone.”

“I am here because I just learned of your existence. I saw the battle with the Sentinels and then when my old friend Emma Frost reached out. Well, I knew I just had to meet you. As I said, your mother never told me she was pregnant if I had known I would have stayed...or I at least would have kept in contact. Haven’t you ever wondered who your father is?”

“No,” Elle said shortly. “And given what you just did to my boyfriend I’d rather not know you. Especially if you consider Frost a friend.”

“Oh yes, she did tell me about that little issue you had with the Brotherhood. Well, I am here now and I want to get to know you, daughter. But perhaps not tonight, you have a date...I can see you thought me rude there. I’ll check in with you later, yes? Maybe you can tell me how your mother is doing. Or else I’m going to have to check in on her myself, though I am sure she will be happy to see me…” Manuel turned and walked away.

Elle watched him leave. Dumbfounded and furious at what had just happened. As soon as he was out of sight she turned her attention solely to Kurt again. “Are you alright? He controlled you to teleport us, oh Kurt. I’m so sorry.”

He slid his arm around Elle’s waist, pulling her close to him once the man left. “It...I’m alright. It’s alright. Are you? Here, let’s...we’ll order in tonight. Let’s get home.” He teleported them back to his apartment. “We should reach out to the Professor. I don’t like that he knows Frost or the Brotherhood.” He was uneasy, particularly since he had been controlled by the man without realizing it. 

Mentally he was going through some of the past experiences and defenses he had with telepaths, but they were little more than an attempt if the telepath was strong. Empath. Was that was her father was? He had stepped back, about to secure the area, when he felt the weight in his hand. “Oh.” He held up the six sunflowers, a few droopy from the abuse of the past few minutes. “I...thought these would make you smile. I guess they are needed more than ever.” 

Elle took the sunflowers with a sad smile. “Thank you, Kurt,” she told him. He had never gotten her roses and for that she was grateful. It would remind her too much of Pietro and something told her that that was his reasoning. But now was not the time for flowers.

“If he knows Frost then he cannot be trusted at all...and he was just able to take you over without trouble...we need to talk to the Professor but first I’m going to call my mom. If this is him I need to warn her.”

Elle grabbed her phone and dialed her mom’s number. It took a couple of rings during which Elle was worried. Her “father” had mentioned Azazel and he could teleport just like Kurt...Elle was not able to think long about the connection she literally just made when her mom answered. “Hello daughter-kins,” she cheerily greeted.

“Mom,” Elle replied in a serious tone. “I just met a man claiming to be my father. He said his name was Manuel de la Ro-something…”

Her mom was silent on the other end for a long moment and when she spoke again it was obvious that she was afraid and holding back tears. “Yes, that’s him. Please, please, you have to promise me, please do not spend time with him. He is an awful, awful abuser. I was going to tell you about him when you were a teenager but then you got your powers and they were so similar to what he could do...I didn’t want you to think you were the same…”

“Hey, mom, it’s okay, I told him to fuck right off...but he talked about wanting to get to know me, and if I didn’t comply he would come and visit you. I want to know you are safe and will be keeping an eye out.”

She heard her mom give a stifled sob. “I’ll keep an eye out. I promise but please don’t let him manipulate you...he made me believe I was deeply in love with him using his powers and he can turn people into zombies to get them to listen if he can’t manipulate them.”

“I know, I know, he did that to Kurt. I managed to free him of the influence using my own powers.” She still looked concernedly at Kurt at that moment.

“I’m sorry to drop this on you mom, but I promise I won’t let him hurt you again.”

“Don’t get involved with him.”

“I know, mom, I know. I love you. I’ll call you tomorrow too.”

“I love you, sweety.”

Elle hung up and looked at Kurt. “We have to do something to stop him.”

~~~~

Kurt tried to keep himself occupied as she called her mother. He hoped nothing had happened -- he could teleport over if needed, but still. He went to get a vase of water for the flowers, just to keep himself distracted as he heard the one side of the conversation. At least she had answered, meaning she was alright. Well, physically okay. Mentally...Kurt felt bad for her. If this was true, if that man was Elle’s father -- and if that power had anything to say about it, he was -- then this would be an upsetting time. But why did he suddenly re-appear?

Kurt walked over to her, the flowers on the counter as she hung up the phone. “We will, mein herz, we will.” He placed his hands on her forearms, his tail wrapping on its own accord around her waist as if to prevent her from leaving -- as if she were the teleporter. Unaware of the possible realization she had before her mother answered about himself, Kurt offered a small smile. “You were able to deflect him...you are just as strong, Elle. We will call the Professor and ask for his assistance. I am certain he will help. There have been other telepaths we have encountered...I am certain an empath will be similar.” 

He leaned forward to kiss her on the lips, his heart aching at the twist of events. Hadn’t they just settled into something of a calm? No Brotherhood, no mission, no MRA? He sighed inwardly; peace was just not an option for mutants, not for long at least. He pulled his phone from his pocket and dialed. Elle sat beside him leaning against his shoulder and listening in on the call.

When Xavier greeted Kurt, he almost felt bad that he was going to lay more worries on his shoulders. But then, that was one of the Professor’s gifts, to bear it without breaking. “Professor, I’m doing well, but we could be better. You see...we met someone today.” He pressed the speaker button. “We met Elle’s father...who knows Frost.”

“Eleanor’s father,” Charles asked, confused, not knowing the situation with Elle’s parentage. “Knows Emma Frost...well that certainly is not good. Is he in trouble?”

“He is trouble,” Elle said, before shooting an apologetic look to Kurt for answering for him. “He’s friends with Frost. Said she reached out to him. He’s a mutant with powers similar to mine. Emotionally abused my mother. I never even knew his name until now.”

They could almost hear the nod of understanding Charles gave. “I see. So your father shows up out of nowhere because of Frost...I smell Magneto all over this. Likely this is revenge for your spying on the Brotherhood. He has always been petty.”

“His name is Manuel de la Rocha, he was able to control Kurt with his powers. I broke him free but…” She looked at Kurt worriedly. How easily could it happen again?

“I see. Kurt, why don’t you return to the manor as soon as you are able to. I will put a strong mental shield in your mind. It should help prevent such intrusions in the future.”

Kurt squeezed Elle's hand. "We will be there in a day or so." If Elle could take the time off, it went unsaid. A mental shield sounded perfect as a temporary solution. They would need it for any long-term task. "Should we alert any of our other friends? We cannot be sure how much Frost told him." 

Charles rubbed his brow thinking. The news today with Hank and Lucy, they must not have seen it. Of course, not given what happened to them. “Yes, though Hank and Lucy have their own issues right now...don’t worry about it, focus on your problem...Eleanor is your mother safe?”

“I...I don’t know,” Elle replied. “He threatened to go to her if I don’t “let him get to know me”...I can’t let him meet her again. There is a reason she never told me anything about him.”

“I understand. Why don’t you bring her with you when Kurt comes up. I can put a shield in her mind as well and if she wants she can spend a few days at the manor until we can deal with your father.”

“Thank you, Professor,” Elle told him in relief. “I’ll talk to her. Thank you.”

“Of course, let me know what else I can do.”

They hung up and Elle sighed deeply, wrapping her arms around Kurt for comfort. “I was expecting something in retaliation from the Brotherhood but nothing like this. My father?! I just assumed he was some deadbeat loser riding on my mom’s coattails or even just a bad hookup...and he was always human!”

There was a moment when Kurt knew exactly what the Professor’s plan was. He should have thought of it himself, to be frank. But then...he grew just a little uneasy. How would she respond to seeing the mansion full of students with sometimes unique and difficult powers? Would she think her daughter unsafe? He thanked the Professor and said he intended to be there soon.

“It is...definitely something unique.” Kurt agreed as he leaned back, allowing Elle to wrap and lean against him with ease. His tail wrapped around them both, the spade resting on her shoulder. He frowned. No, if this was a family retaliation...it had to be because Quicksilver left the Brotherhood. It made sense, in a strangely Godfather-like sense. He sighed and rubbed Elle’s back.

“Well, there are theories that the mutant gene comes from the father, I believe. Hank is better versed in that than I. But I know you are worried. You have the right to be. This was a surprise...and an unpleasant one.” He tilted his head, pressing his lips to her forehead. “We will get through this together. He may have experience on his side with his powers, but you have people you love and will fight for. I believe that is the stronger of the two."

Elle wasn’t sure which comforted her more, Kurt’s words or his kiss. Both calmed her in different ways. “I love you,” she told him, resting her head on his shoulder. 

“And I love you.” He murmured softly, wishing they could bottle this peaceful moment for the challenges to come.

She rested on his shoulder for a moment before speaking. “So the X-gene is passed through the father...so his jab about Azazel…? Your father is in the Brotherhood?”

Kurt tensed and sat up straight. He felt dread settle in the bottle of his stomach. “...I say this only because you would understand exactly how I mean: I do not have a father. But...yes,” he deflated just a bit, “Azazel is my...biological father. He is no father in the traditional sense though.” He frowned, recalling how he had first found out. It should have been so obvious when they first fought, but it wasn’t. It should have been so obvious when he first met Mystique...yet it wasn’t. 

“Out of all the mutants in this world, mein herz, how both of our...genetic lineage comes from that side is a twist of fate.” And if she had reasoned out -- if her father had reasoned out who his own father was, he wondered how long it would take Elle to reason out his mother. “That is an odd thing for him to know though.” It wasn’t as though Magneto knew he and Elle were...oh. Quicksilver. Right. 

The instant that she asked about it Elle regretted the question. She should have just kept her mouth shut. Yet, his words...as he said she did understand. It was her own words - not doubly true having met her mother’s “sperm donor”. “I understand,” she told him with a soft smile, reaching out and touching his cheek gently. “And they are not us, my hero, their deeds are not ours. We are the ones that will be remembered.”

She pressed a kiss to his lips. “Let’s not talk about this anymore...we can deal with this later.”

It was amazing at smoothly and effortlessly Elle could calm Kurt and ease his discomfort about being the devil’s son. He relaxed under her smile, her touch. He returned the kiss, his heart swelling with her statement -- yes, they would be the ones remembered. Kurt deepened their kiss and said once they broke away, “Life would be dull without you, Elle.”

______

Next

If you don't know who Manuel de la Roche is, he's a mutant called Empathy (yeah, that's why Elle's name is Anima and not Empathy lol). He is a small-time mutant that is usually more evil-aligned in the comics. In the comics, he is younger than he is here but he's far too perfect to have as Elle's dad not to use.

Fanfic Masterlist

[lenaswritingandstuff]

Losing Game [Antoine Griezmann x fem!OC] (Chap. III)

Requested: No​

Pairing: Antoine Griezmann x OC!Gabrielle Darian; more to be added.

Warnings: OC's mom is a bitch, English is not my first language!

Wordcount: 4K+

A/N: Thank you for reading! GIF IS NOT MINE. Enjoy!

Previous chapter

CHAPTER III

“He told me”, Sabrina continues, “that they would donate a lot of money and that they will talk about the company and charities on social medias, etc.”

Very strange. Generally, we’re the ones that invite the celebrities. But the entire French National Team is excellent from a marketing point-of-view. Oh God, I sound like my mother.

“Do we need to tell your mo-I mean, the Director of Operations?” Sabrina asked.

“I'll tell her,” I answered. “We never know, but knowing her, she’ll want to impress them and I’m gonna have to restart all the organization. Thanks for letting me know, Sabrina.”

“Of course, beautiful. See you tomorrow.”

“See you.”

I hanged up, and spent my time in the supermarket wondering what my mother will want me to change and how I’m gonna change it. After thirty minutes, I go back home. Louisa is cmoing back in thirty minutes, and even if I’m hungry, I decide to wait for her to eat, but I barely had time to store the groceries that I hear the entrance door open.

“Yo.” She said, putting her school bag on the bar.

“Already here?”

“Yes, the teacher left us leave early. Did you take that apple juice I like?” she asked after noticing the groceries bag.

“Did I ever forget to buy what’s on your list?” I asked, raising my eyebrow.

“No, never. So, how was work?”

“Oh, it was good…Surprising.”

“Why?” she asked, eating a bit of bred.

“Didier Deschamps and the French Team want to come to the gala,” I told her.

“No way! But how could they possibly know about the gala?”

“I have no clue,” I said, realizing I never thought about it. “I guess they saw the article on the website. They’re fast, in that case, considering we published it this morning.” I added.

“If they publicly talk about the company, it will be a great promotion. Your mother will be thrilled.”

“Yes, before she tells me to change everything I prepared, just to impress them.”

“Yeah, probably.”

We prepare lunch together, mostly talking about football players inviting themselves.

“Honestly though, have you seen these handsome dudes?” She laughed. “If we’re lucky enough, we could get one of them.”

We both laughed and I shook my head. I don’t really watch football, but I have to admit, some players are rather handsome. But still, I don’t feel like starting a relationship. We sat to eat, and she tells me about her classes. Like her, I can’t wait to finish college so I can get a job in a translation company and finally leaving the family’s company. I know it’s gonna be hard, as there are not many jobs available in that sector, but I’ll do whatever it takes to be independent, even alienating my family.

“What did you plan to study today?”

“German. It’s not like I’ll ever go to Berlin or Munich, but that exam might compensate for bad marks, so…”

“Good luck. And don’t fall asleep!”

“Me? Never.”

She went to her room muttering against the German language. When I see her German lessons, I’m glad I took Spanish since middle school; even though I’m not good at it at all. I studied in the living room, the television’s sound in the background of my head. Exams are coming soon, for both Louisa and me. I can’t wait to have them, just so the stress can go away – even though it’s gonna be replaced by the anxiety of waiting for the results. After one hour, I got up and went to see Louisa to make sure she wasn’t falling asleep. I knocked on her door, and I heard a “No, I’m ain’t sleeping”. I went back to the living room and stayed focused on my studies. When I decide it’s enough for today, it’s already 5:30 pm. Crap, mother. I took my phone and called her. She finished work earlier today, she then should answer. After a few seconds, she answered at the same moment Louisa came back from her room.

“Yes?”

“It’s me.”

“I know it’s you. What do you want?”

Alright, great.

“It’s about the gala. The French National Team want to come.”

“The football Team?” she asked, more surprised than I expected.

“No, the soap bubbles team,” I retorted, “Of course, the football team.”

“Don’t be insolent. Who did they call?”

“Sabrina,” I answered. “Deschamps called her this morning. He told her they would donate money and promote the company. But how did they know about the gala?”

“It does not matter. Tell Sabrina to call them back to accept the invitation.”

“Alright. So, what am I gonna have to change? We’ll have to put on a show, right?”

“Send me the services you chose. I’ll see that tomorrow.”

“As you wish.” I answered.

And she immediately hangs up. I shook my head and sat beside Louisa on the sofa. She proposes we go shopping tomorrow, in order to clear up our minds, and I accept.

*-*

Between college, studying and the gala’s preparation, the 31st of May arrives way sooner for my liking. Coming home from work, I went directly to pick a dress. I try to tell myself that every detail is organized, but to tell the truth, I had never been more anxious in my entire life. I also try to tell myself that I don’t care what my mother will say about the evening I’m organizing but I know deep down, I’m anxious to see her reaction. I sighed and stared at the dresses I had before noticing a long black dress with straps. As for my hair, I decided to put in a bun with some locks around my face. I put my make-up at the same as Louisa does in our small bathroom. She is still as excited about meeting the football player, but she thankfully has given up on the idea of get one of them. She’s wearing a long red dress and let her curly brown hair down.

“Thank you for coming, bestie,” I told her while putting back my make-up in the cupboard. “It’s really helpful to me.”

“Are you kidding, I wasn’t gonna miss your first night as organizer.” She said smiling me through the mirror.

Once we’re ready, it’s already time to go. Like my mother does, I arrive early at the place to take care of last-minute details, and Louisa is coming with me. Jerome comes picking us up as usual, always so nice. In the car, I can’t help but to bite my nails, which I do when I’m stressing out, and even Louisa’s ‘Tsst!” can’t stop me from doing it. Once we have arrived, Jerome wishes me good luck and assures me everything will go okay. Damnit, give this man a raise already. The photographs, more numerous than last time, that my mother has forced me to invite, are not here yet, which amazingly suits me. I entered the room, and quickly the services’ bosses came to me to tell me everything is ready to welcome the guests. I inspected the decoration, put exactly as planned, and the tables put like my mother usually does.

“You nailed it, Gaby.” Louisa told me, looking around.

“Thank you. Hey, if something wasn't working, you would let me know, wouldn’t you?”

“Of course I would, don’t worry. Relax.”

I checked the last details and the time, and realized the guests should arrive any minute now. I barely had time the waiters coming with plates full of drinks and food and to go place myself by the entrance that the first car is already coming. It’s the adorable elderly lady from the last gala, giving me a big, warm smile.

“Good evening, my dear,” she said before kissing me on the cheek. “I’m glad to see you, you look beautiful.”

“You too, ma’am.” I said, taking the wrinkled hands she gave me. “Thank you for coming.”

“Thank you for inviting me, my dear child. It’s always a pleasure to see the Darian family.”

I invite her to come in, and she goes to Louisa, who she greets warmly. The other guests then arrive, and I pray none of them notices that my hands are sweaty. After a while, Louisa comes to me.

“You parents are not here yet?” she asks. “It’s unlike them to be late.”

“Yes, except when it’s for something involving me.”

Giving only them and the football boys are yet to arrive, I decide to go inside. I ask the waiters and the cooks if everything is okay, and their positive answer relaxes me a little. I go back to the room, psychologically preparing myself to have a conversation with boring, arrogant people when nearly all eyes suddenly turned to the entrance, where a group of twenty people or so just came in. They’re all wearing the same classic yet elegant suit and most of them did their hair. Most of them are silent and look around them with curious looks. I walk to the man with white hair leading them both as like a father and a teacher.

“Good evening,” I said, more intimidated than I thought I would be, before shaking his hand. “It’s very nice to meet you all.”

They all answer with a nod, a smile or a rather shy “Good evening”.

“Nice to meet you, too.” answered Didier Deschamps warmly. “Thank you for allowing us to come.”

“Thank you for asking. It’s not everyday that we have high-level athletes coming at our galas. I hope you’ll have a good night.”

“No doubt about it”, he smiled. “Benjamin was not able to come tonight because, well, of a last-minute problem, I hope you’ll excuse him. He says hello.”

“Oh,” I said, “I hope he will be fine.”

“Yes, thank you”

I vaguely nodded and stared at the 22 players standing in silence in the entrance.

“Well, have a good night.”

“Thank you very much.”

Most of the men gave me smile and I smiled back. Then they scattered, and right after, a silhouette came in, and I immediately recognize my mother. My mind is screaming at me to turn my back and ignore her, but I don’t have the energy to start a fight. I walked towards her, more insecure that I wished I was. She looks around with a probing look before turning to me.

“Hi, mom.”

“The decoration isn’t that bad. I would have picked another color, though. Gabrielle, what is that awful dress you’re wearing? The color is just dreadful. This robe is barely good to be wore at a cocktail party. Especially with famous guests…And let’s not talk about your hair.”

She sighed heavily and I felt a red light coming. She grabbed a glass when a waiter passes before us, took a sip and grimaced.

“For God’s sake, Gabrielle, what is that champagne? I specifically told you to pick Mr. Sandrin’s champagne!”

“I did!” I defended myself, trying not to raise my voice. “This is the champagne you asked for.”

She stared at her glass and then raised her shoulders, not convinced.

“Dad and Noah aren’t here?” I asked, changing the topic.

“Your father had an impediment, and your brother is sick.”

With Noah, “sick” means “at a party” with the option “girl” or “has a hangover”. I try to see Louisa among the guests but can’t find anywhere. My mother tells a waiter to come and grab a hors d’oeuvre.

“Gabrielle, do you even know how to read? I thought I told to the Menu number Three! The Second one is horrible.”

“Well you know what? Next time why don’t you just organize your freaking gala yourself?”

Before she can answer, I turned around and nearly ran to the bar, my eyes watering. On my way to the bar, I rapidly meet of the footballers’ blue gaze – Antoine Griezmann. Hell, now one of tonight’s most important guests saw me cry.

“Good evening, Miss.” The barman said with a smile. “What can I serve you?”

“Something strong.”

“Coming up.”

I closed my eyes and tried to breathe. I usually only drink champagne at galas and don’t drink alcohol outside of galas, but right now I need to relax. At the same time the barman put a glass in front of me, I hear a voice in my back.

“Hello. Gabrielle, am I right?”

I turned around, and to my surprise, saw Kylian Mbappe standing before me.

“Oh, hello.” I answered with a voice that I hoped sounded confident. “Yes, you’re right. Is everything alright?”

“Yes, thank you. Very cool night," he said, pointing out the room.

“That’s nice of you.”

“What it will be, sir?” the barman asked Kylian.

“Do you do alcohol-free cocktails?”

“Sure. Right away.”

The French Team’s striker walked to the bar, which gave the perfect spot to observe him. He was actually cute, with his frank smile and his sparkling eyes. I supposed he was barely older than me, maybe by one year or two. He thanked the barman, grabbed his glass, and then turned to me. We started talking about anything and everything, and his kindness and his sweetness almost made me forget my mother’s comments. It’s obvious he remained humble and down to earth despite the fame. He asked me about the company, and I asked him about football, his club, and the World Cup coming up. Suddenly, as he’s giving an answer I’m doing my best to understand – I didn’t know anything about football – my eyes move far behind him. Antoine Griezmann is talking with one of his teammates – Lucas Hernandez, if I’m not mistaken – and some other guests, but his eyes are on me.

I tried to focus on what Kylian was saying, but every fifteen seconds, my eyes turned to Antoine who continued to staring at me, and every time I looked at him my heart beated faster. For God’s sake, dude, why are you looking at me like that? Don’t be silly, Gabrielle, he’s probably looking at Kylian. A few minutes later, I’m still giving a quick glance at Antoine when a young man dressed exactly like Kylian comes to us. He was rather tall, pale with blond hair and tired brown eyes, who looked a bit older than Kylian. He had like him a big smile, but seemed more confident than Kylian.

“Sorry to interrupt, but Hugo wishes to see you, Kylian. It’s urgent, apparently.”

“Oh,” said Kylian. “I’ll just go then. See you later, I hope,” he added to me.

“Of course.”

Even though I didn’t know anything about football, I still knew who the most famous were. And this blondie wasn’t one of them, I thought. But I didn’t have to ask who he was, as he’s quicker:

“I don’t think we've met before. The name is Emilien.”

“Gabrielle,” I answered politely.

“What your family does is really wonderful. I mean it.”

“That’s nice of you.”

“Maybe we could have a partnership? I’ll give you my number and-”

“Emilien?”

I jumped and turned to see a young man with dark blond hair and large blue eyes standing before us, his hands in his pockets. My hearts stopped, and I almost let my glass fell.

“Ah,” said Emilien, “Yeah, Antoine?”

My heart was beating so fast I could hear pound in my head.

“The coach wants to see ya, it’s important.” Antoine said.

My, they sure do have a lot of important things to say to each other.

“Oh. I’m coming, then. See you later,” he added to my direction.

I just nodded, and he disappeared. Antoine took a step in my direction and gave me a smile.

“I hope they weren’t too awful”, he said with the same smile.

“Not at all,” I reassured him with a smile.

Damn it, his eyes are so blue. Blue like the sea, soft, and warm.

“Your teammates are very nice.”

“Kylian thinks you’re very nice, too.”

I searched for him, but he was invisible.

“You’re the one that organized this gala, right?” he asked.

“I am.”

“You did very well. I love the decorations.”

“Well you’re alone in that,’ I muttered.

“I-I accidentally heard your conversation with your mother.”

Sweet Jesus.

“Oh no, I’m sorry. You must think I’m a crybaby who can’t handle her mother’s critics.” I said, embarrassed and looking at the floor.

“Not at all,” he assured. “I never speak ill of someone else’s mother, but what she said is totally wrong. The decorations are nice, the two glasses of champagne I had were really good and, personally, I think the food is good as heck” he finished with a little laugh.

His laugh is so cute and contagious that I can only laugh as well.

“For real, you’ll have to give me the name of the cook.”

“Sure.”

“Believe me, you shouldn’t let other’s opinions get to you – even your mother’s,” he said with a voice that sounded sweeter, and more adult. “Especially since no one agrees with her – and agree with me.”

“That’s nice of you to say that. And you’re right.”

He smiled again, and I realized I never saw such a beautiful smile. Hell, everything about him is beautiful. The way that strand of hair falls on his forehead, his childish smile, the way his suit fit perfectly on his body which I imagine fit and firm…I felt my cheek turn pink and suddenly felt hot. We started chatting, but unlike earlier with Kylian or Emilien, I’m only focused on him and the words that come out of his mouth. I don’t know how much time had passed, five minutes or five hours. I can no longer hear the waiters walking, the soft music in the background or the conversations around us. It’s like…They was only us on the planet. I answered his questions, and saw him bit his bottom lip. He got closer to me, and I shivered when he rose his hand and put my hair on the side of my face back. Before I can even breathe, his face gets closer to mine, so much so that I can smell his intoxicating perfume and his breath on my neck. His hand is only a few millimeters from my cheek, and my heart is beating so fast that its gonna explode.

“Gabrielle!”

A cold hand grabbed my arm, and reality comes back. The voices, the somehow fresh air, the food’s smell coming from the kitchen. The charm is broken.

“Come here, hurry,” my mother said, pulling my arm before I could react. “You must announce diner!”

Antoine’s eyes became more and more distant, and soon I can’t see him anymore no matter how I lean. My mother puts a microphone in my hand and tell me to hurry with her hand. I cleared my throat.

“Ladies and gentlemen, the diner.”

Slowly, the guests went towards the round tables, and instinctively, I look for Antoine. Louisa, who went missing, comes from nowhere and smiles at me.

“Hi there.”

“Lou’, where the hell have you been?” I asked her.

“I was talking with Mr. and Mrs. Aubret,” she said with a bit surprised voice. “I saw you talking with Griezmann, I thought you didn’t need me.”

“It’s fine.”

Around us, people are sitting, and we do imitate them. The adorable elderly lady comes slowly and sits in front of us. Her smile comforts me, and I smile back. My mother then arrives and sits silently. A few days ago Louisa begged to let take care of the seats, and I eventually gave up and said yes – only if none of the players would be sitting with us – and I suspect her of putting us with important people so my mother can’t talk too much. I need to talk to her about it. The dishes arrive one after the others, and even though I’m talking with Louisa and the adorable lady – whose name seems to be Mrs. Orment – my eyes are looking for a striker. I finally find him, sitting at a table not far away from us. His eyes meet mine and he gives me a smile. I’m about to smile back when Didier Deschamps, sitting on his left, lean towards him and whispers something in his ear. Antoine vaguely nods his head before concentrating on his plate.

“Gaby?” Louisa asked. “Are you okay?”

“What? Oh, yeah, yeah, of course.”

“The diner is delicious, my dear,” Mme Ornent said cheerfully. “You chose well.”

“Absolutely,” his neighbor, a doctor who were about to retire soon, said. “You have good taste, miss. It must be a family thing, right, Anita?”

My mother had a laugh I knew was hypocritical and took her glass.

“You’re too kind, Doctor.”

Thankfully the dessert arrives soon after.

“Damn, that cake be good as heck!” a voice which I guessed was Adil Rami’s said loudly and his neighbors laughed.

The other guests seemed to like it too, and that comforted me a bit. I look in Antoine’s direction without realizing it, and I see him talking with the CEO of a multinational company. Once diner is over, those who wants to have a coffee walk toward the bar. Then arrives the auction, which is eventually very successful.

“Excuse-me,” I said once the auction is over.

I really need some fresh air. I grabbed my bag and went to the door. I tried to breath, and a few seconds later, I felt better. To my surprise, I saw a silhouette coming.

“Oh,” Emilien said while walking to me, “you like some calm sometimes, too?”

“Oh yes,” I said with a smile. “You can feel like suffocating at this kind of event. Even if you’re used to it.”

“You’re doing very well, though,” he smiled.

“I appreciate it. You still want to do the partnership?” I asked him.

“You’re reading my mind,” he laughed. “I’d be happy to do what I can: meet people with illness, sign autographs or jerseys, make videos to promote the charity…”

“That’s good, because you’re very likely to be asked to do that,” I laughed too.

“Perfect then!”

“I’m gonna give you the number of the person in charge of that, she’ll explain everything.”

“No problem.”

I opened my bad and took out a piece of paper and a pen. I scribbled a phone number and gave it to him.

“Thanks a lot. It’s really important to me help others, you know…”

“That’s wonderful.”

Suddenly, Didier Deschamps, followed by the rest of the players, arrived and the coach turned to the blond man.

“Emilien, there you are. Sorry to interrupt, but we are leaving.”

“Very well, coach. Goodbye, then,” he said after turned to me. “I guess we will see each other again at some point.”

“I think so. See you soon, then.”

He smiled, and went to his teammates. When Emilien joined the group, Kylian walked up to me with a smile.

“It was a fun night.”

“I’m glad you had fun.”

“Say, do you wanna come to the match against Italy tomorrow night? With your friend Louisa?”

I didn’t see that coming. I didn’t go to a football game since I was ten – Noah’s birthday gift – and I barely remembered it.

“Well, yeah, with pleasure.”

“Great, I’ll send you tickets. If you want to invite other people, please let me know.”

“That’s nice of you.”

“See you tomorrow, then.”

“See you.”

I expect all of them to get in the cars, but it was Deschamps’ time to walk up to me.

“Thank you for tonight. Do you mind me asking you something?”

“Please go ahead, sir.” I answered.

“Would you mind mentioning us in the article you will write about tonight’s gala?”

“Hum, no, not at all. May I ask why?”

“Oh, well, people sometimes think that with money and success, football players forget about helping others and compassion. I’d like to prove, in some way, that it’s not true when it comes to my men.”

“I see. Well, I sure will be talking about you guys.”

“Thank you very much. See you soon, young lady, take care.”

He patts my arm in a fatherly way and showed his players the cars. They all waved at me and said discreet “goodbye” which I say back. I hope the ones I didn’t talk to didn’t find me mean or rude. They all get in the different black cars that brought them, and when Antoine walks past me, his arm grazed mine and he stared at me until he sits in the car.

NEXT CHAPTER

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Masterlist

[sleepyshouto]

Letters from Baji Keisuke Chapter 15 Eng Translation “Nowhere”

I know a lot of people are still waiting for the English scans from Sena who does an amazing job (and shouldn’t be rushed) but since ch 16 drops on March 6th and there’s been no news of when to expect the English scans I figured I’d do a translation of the Spanish scans for anyone that can’t read Spanish, especially since ch 15 is one of the best chapters so far!

Please keep a few things in mind though:

1. I’m not a professional translator. While I’m confident in my ability to understand Spanish and translate to English, there are certain nuances that are difficult to translate directly without language sounding awkward. I will try my best to make decisions based on accuracy and readability and address my choices in notes designated with a *.

2. I do not have access to the Japanese raws of ch 15 (if anyone does please share where you found them). My translation is coming directly from the Spanish scans. Therefore, I can’t guarantee that there are no mistakes in the translations or that certain nuances from the original Japanese text have not been lost. Please take this as more of a general translation until the English scans are released.

3. Please go thank Yakisoba scans on fb for their hard work in releasing these Spanish scans. They deserve all the praise and once the English scans are available I’ll take this post down or update it with the link to the English chapter instead. I’m only doing this for any English speaking fans that don’t have access to fb or don’t understand Spanish.

Chapter 15: “Nowhere” (panels from right to left) Page 1

1-  Tsk, if you underestimate me more than necessary, next time I will show no mercy

2- Ugh

3-  It hurts... after all, a middle school student is on another level.  Can’t we come up* with a strategy? *(crear means to create but come up with sounds less awkward in English.)

4-  Shit... one day we’ll definitely pay him back

Page 2 (panels from right to left)

1-3  When we decide to do something, without fail we achieve it. The two of us could look forward no matter how difficult it was. For me who had a lonely childhood...

4- I thought the only place for me was next to Kojirou/by Kojirou's side* (next to Kojirou is the more accurate translation however I know that in Japanese the idea of being by someone’s side is often used in English translations so I’m thinking it’s likely in this case too)

5- November 2003

Page 3 (panels from right to left)

1- However

2- Kojiro-kun, what should we do about Killer Bee who we’ve already talked about? It’s a problem that they are growing in numbers

3-4- Ah, you know, apparently their leader has a little sister. Kidnap her.

Ah, yes, message received. Oh...

Page 4 (panels from right to left)

1-2  Hey, the guy in such a cool uniform... Tokyo Manji? How do you read that? It’s dangerous for you to walk around with those markings* in this area (*can also be translated to that look)

3- Shut up! Get Lost!

4- Who do you think you’re talking to like that?

Page 5 (panels from right to left)

 Leave him already, Kojirou

 You too... who do you think you’re giving orders to, Ryusei?

 He’s going to die

 Are you saying that you want us to become demons? Kojiro

Page 6 (panels from right to left)

“That” which was supposed to be my place was painful

 What did you (guys) come to take revenge?

Page 7 (panels from right to left) 

Tokyo Manji Gang First Divison (Captain), Baji Keisuke. Are you (guys*) Yotsuya Kaidan? *(Spanish has various forms of you plural which doesn’t translate into English so I use you guys instead)

Page 8 (panels from right to left)

1- That uniform is the one from the other day..ha ha ha. You all lined up and came to avenge your comrade?

2- You’re that bastard called Hishi, right? Lately, I’ve heard a lot about you, they say you don’t bring anything good/ none of it is good (*none of it is good sounds less awkward and has a similar meaning either way I live for petty Baji roasting people)

3- Don’t overexert yourself trying to show off. You don’t wanna die for such a stupid act, do you?

4- Kojirou-kun, Tokyo Manji Gang are the ones they say defeated the Black Dragons...!

Page 9 (panels from right to left)

1-3  Eh, that’s great! It means that if we crush them Yotsuya’s reputation can become big all at once right, Ryusei?

4-5  Yes.. Haha in that case (all) we have to do is clean up this trash and a juicy reward will fall from the sky

Page 10 (panels from right to left)

Shut up!!!

Page 11 (panels from right to left)

1- They are resisting... even though we have the advantage (in numbers)

3- How heavy!!!

4- Are your fists made of iron or something?* (technically this says iron balls but that sounds too funny in English so I changed it to iron fists)

Page 12 (panels from right to left)

You’re not bad. Tsk, it hurts...you fucking bastard/shitty bastard

Page 13 (panels from right to left) 

Page 14 (panels from right to left)

Ugh... Damn you... if you pull something like this... if you kill him

Page 15 (panels from right to left)

You won’t be able to come back (from this)... Kojirou...

Ryusei.

Page 16 (panels from right to left)

What are you saying, damn you?

Shit! It’s the police. Run away!!

Page 17 (panels from right to left)

1- Tsk, it’s time to close (for now). See you.

2- Wait! 

3-4 Don’t worry, I won’t forget this first round. We’ll play again, Baji Keisuke!!

5- Baji-san, we also gotta disperse.

6- Ahh...I see

Page 18 (panels from right to left)

My place a long time ago...

Page 19 (panels from right to left)

1-3  Ah..what are you doing? If you’re trying to take me hostage, there’s no point they won’t come to save me. Let me go...they’re going to arrest you... quickly!

4-6  You tried to save him, right? It’s hard, isn’t it?

Page 20 (panels from right to left)

Well, I don’t know anything about you (guys) but if even after having gone through this you want to continue in a gang... Guys like you are welcome in Toman, you know?

Page 21 (panels from right to left)

1-2 Tskk, stop laughing and get moving! You’re gonna die from a hemorrhage, you fool.

3- True, I don’t feel like dying in the arms of a mustached gorilla like you either.

WHAT? Baji-san, let’s throw him away instead/leave him dumped.

4- What’s with him? And he’s like this on the brink of death, what a funny guy

5-6  Besides... I won’t die, no matter what...

Page 22 (panels from right to left)

Since now I have a debt I must pay without fail to Toman!!

Page 23 (panels from right to left) 

July 7 2004

Page 24 (panels from right to left)

They came! Let’s finish this Toman!

And that’s the end! Hope you enjoyed the chapter and while I tried to look it over I typed this up quickly so I apologize in advance for any errors I might’ve missed. Let me know if you have questions about anything.

[bethaven]

#10 Glee

Plot: Spanish teacher Will feels that he's missing something in his life, something that really makes a difference. Then the director of his school's Glee club gets fired and Will seizes the oppurtunity to go back into the world he missed and loves so much. It's a long and winding road to success, with constang failures and setbacks. A group of misfits and strong wills need to come together to change lives - both their own, Will's and many others.

Years: 2009-2015

Seasons: 6

My story: I heard of Glee when it aired, but it wasn't until a few years later that I watched it. Being the musical-lover I am I was so happy to have found a series that actually was a musical, which few others have done. I fell hard for the music, the revenge of the underdogs, the diversity come together and the queerness. Even though much in Glee has not aged well, it was a really important feature for its time. As a person who was in choir (though not showchoir) in high school this was the first high school series that I could relate to.

Teachable moments: Something you should think about while watching Glee, especially in 2023, is - don't take everything so seriously. Glee is, though dealing with serious issues, done with a twinkle in the eye. Some stuff are purely ironic. What they did do was that they dared to deal with issues about bullying, body image, racism, homophobia, transphobia and funding for the arts in a way that few, if anyone, did at the time.

Best character: I've always been a huge Klaine-shipper and that inclines me to choose Kurt here. The story of how Kurt was written for Chris Colfer after his audition is amazing and he brings so much to that character and the series. Kurt is a fighter and he knows right from wrong in a very firm way. His relationship with his dad is touching and I love to follow them over the years. I had a friend in middle school, who was the only out guy in school and he reminds me a lot of Kurt.

Best episode: "Quarterback" (S5E3). It's heartbreaking, but I have to choose this episode anyway. When Cory Montieth (1982-2013, rest in peace) who portrayed Finn passed away they choose to make this in his honor. It's a beutifuly made tribute where everyone wears their emotions on their sleaves and where everything feels totaly pure and natural.

Best quote: "Being part of something special does not make you special. Something is special because you're a part of it" (Rachel Berry)

Fun fact: Both Amber Riley (Mercedes) and Naya Rivera (Santana) were cut early from different seasons of American Idol, before staring in Glee.

If you like this you might also like: Orange is the new black, Skins, Heartstopper, Young Royals and Julie and the Phantoms.

Naya Rivera (1987-2020), rest in peace.

[ayrq]

For a while, I've been struggling with writer's block again. There are lots of ideas in my head that couldn't seem to find the right words for them to come to life. They stay in my head where they began, and they keep messing around there begging to be written.

I have arrived to the conclusion that this unproductivity in my writing is caused by the long and lonely break from classes, where I only stay at home most of the days. Going out is never my hobby, so when I do, it gives me enough distraction and inspiration to meet stories in the places I go to.

Today, I learned that it takes doing something for 21 days for it to become a habit. As I write these words down, I commit to writing anything about my day and share it to the people who should know, so it becomes a habit that will grow naturally in me. And that I will not lose the ink to my pen. And maybe if I get used to talking to you about my little situations, I can regain the strength in telling the stories hiding in my head.

One day, we will meet day one.

So here's how it went. 12.08.24

Earlier, I met with my co-Psalmistas in PSALM House for the planning of our campus ministries in the coming semester. In our busyness, we missed lunch and only ate around 3PM. We never felt any hunger—only the hunger and passion to pursue His great commission.

Tope also visited at noon, but had to go leave for school after an hour.

We shared cups of cold coffee. I had Strawberry Macchiato, Ate Gea had Spanish Latte, and Maverick had Caramel Macchiato. After our late meal, he went out to have his bike fixed, while I and ate Gea were left with his phone to watch Mallari on Netflix.

Prior to this, I already read and watched reviews and spoilers about the movie of the infamous Filipino priest turned serial killer. I am the type to still find out how the story would unfold in my own pacing and perspective. It was exceptional. Putting a fictional touch to a historically significant account was made brilliant. 10/10 highly recommended.

We finished the movie around 6PM. Commuting was hard in that area, and made harder as a little girl in the middle of the night. The coffee started giving me jitters, making me nervous to come home thinking my parents wouldn't be too happy of me coming home that hour.

Thankfully, it didn't turn out that way. They have trust in me and I wouldn't do anything to break that and put myself in a difficult situation which I might regret later. Though at that time I somehow wished I didn't finish the movie and went home when the sun is still up to light my way. But the movie was worth it though, so is the time spent with two of my favorite trustworthy people.

I am writing this while I was in the old city hall, waiting for my father to fetch me, since this is where we planned to meet.

How about you? What did you learn today?

Talk to you later.

Tons of love,

Theia

[casspurrjoybell-20]

FOOLS - Chapter 21 - Part 2

BOOK ONE: The 'Fools Fall in Love' Trilogy

*Warning Adult Content*

Samuel Moretti

When I turned the corner I ran into something, well someone.

I looked up and saw Miss Adams, one of the school's social worker.

"Sam," she said enthusiastically.

I had been at that school for a month and she already memorized my name.

She would also say hi to me whenever we passed in the hallway.

Miss Adams was one of those young teachers, probably around twenty five, who was all chipper and tried to get everyone to like her, which I guess for the most part we all did.

As annoying as she could be, she was actually pretty cool.

"What are you doing wondering the halls in the middle of class?" she asked.

I tried my best not to face her, so she wouldn't see how upset I was but that didn't quite work.

"Oh no, what's wrong?"

"Nothing," I muttered.

"You know, when students speak softly and try to avoid eye contact, they're usually lying. Let's go to my office," she said as she turned around and started walking towards her office, assuming I was following her.

I sighed and obliged to her.

I sat in the plain black chair as Miss Adams sat in her swivel chair.

"So, what's on your mind?" Miss Adams asked.

I just shrugged, not wanting to talk to her about it.

"Let's check your grades," she offered.

Every time I was in here she checked my grades with me.

I don't know why.

Maybe that was something all the social workers had to do.

Probably to make sure students weren't failing.

She started typing on her computer before she revealed my grades.

Although, there's no need to check them, I already do that every other week.

"You got a 95% in Algebra II. 96% in English III. P.E, you got a 100%. 87% in Physics. 94% in Psychology, 92% in Government, and a 93% in Spanish. Wow, your passing with flying colors. You're doing great."

When I didn't comment on my grades, Miss Adams swiveled so she could face me and not her computer.

She crossed her right leg over her left.

"So, let's chat. Why are you so upset?"

"It's just... whatever. I'm fine," I told her though it was a lie.

"Sam, of course you don't have to tell me but I'm here to help. Anything you say to me stays confidential and I would never judge you," she told me seriously while I was shuffling fake sand around with the mini rake.

I sighed putting the miniature toy down and focused on her.

"My friend kissed me," I confessed deciding to dive right in.

"Who is this friend?"

Should I even tell her?

"Stays between us," she reminded me as if she could read my mind.

I sighed before I confessed.

"Noah Wright."

"Huh, that's such a coincidence," she said holding up a small pink sheet of paper that was used as our hallway passes.

The pink sheet had Noah's name written on it.

"I was just going to go and check up on him today."

"What? You were? Why?"

"Well I have to do monthly check ups on all of my students that I see more frequently than others and Noah seems a little more off today than he usually does, so I was gonna speak to him first," she explained then gestured to me.

"I guess this is why," she said referring to the whole me-and-Noah-kissed debacle.

She watched me for a moment like she was waiting for me to respond to that.

When she realized I wasn't going to, she continued...

"Well, to my knowledge Noah Wright is dating Kaitlyn Jefferson, correct?"

"Yep," I confirmed quietly.

"Hmm. So did Noah not take the kiss well?"

"He kissed me," I said almost harshly.

"Oh. Well, how do you feel about that?"

"I felt unbelievably happy at first but now he's being weird and pushing me away."

I leant my head back and took a deep breath before explaining to her, vaguely, what happened between us.

"And now he regrets it," I finished with.

"Why do you say that?" she questioned all therapist like.

"Because he frickin' told me. Just now at lunch. He said..." crap, why was I getting so upset again?

"He said that we could never be anything more than friends and that the kiss was a mistake," I said in a calmer tone, trying to blink my tears away.

Miss Adams handed me a tissue causing me to scoff.

"I don't know why I'm getting upset, I knew he'd never feel the same way I feel about him."

"Maybe he's just conflicted. He's dating a girl then kisses his friend who's a boy? He's confused."

I wanted to scream at that but I groaned instead and covered my face with my hands

"Can people stop fucking saying that?" I was getting irrationally resentful.

"Who else is saying it?" Miss Adams didn't comment on my swearing.

"My sister," I mumbled, feeling guilty for my harsh tone.

"So you've talked to other people about this?"

"Just her. Well and my mom... then my dad found out."

My family gossips like no other.

I bet my grandparents know by now.

"That's good. You should have people you trust enough to talk to. Though, you don't want this going out to anyone else. I was in high school once and trust me when I say rumors spread fast."

I checked the big digital clock that hung above the door.

Lunch had ended two minutes ago and I was supposed to be in English right now.

"I should probably get to class," I said standing up with my bookbag in hand.

"Okay. Just know that I'm always here to talk," she told me as she wrote me a pass to my fifth period class.

I walked out after telling her thanks and grabbing the pink sheet of paper.

[briamichellewrites]

23

Celine and her husband, Rene were watching a special interview with Bria on ABC News about her Grammy win and performance. It also covered her childhood and the loss of her parents. The show did a great job of showing who she was as a person and as an artist. They found out that she had been adopted when she was a baby. She was born with crack cocaine in her system and was immediately taken from her birth mother, who later signed away her rights to her.

She acknowledged that she had grown up rich and she had a lot of privileges other children might not have. While at boarding school in Switzerland, she discovered her gift of playing music by ear. She also could sing any genre perfectly on pitch.

Because of her ADHD diagnosis, she was active in the performing arts. She took jazz, hip-hop, and ballet classes; along with piano, guitar, and voice lessons. It showed her playing the guitar solo from Enter Sandman. It was believed that her ADHD diagnosis was caused by her birth mother’s use of crack cocaine during pregnancy. She spent about a month in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit going through withdrawal. The doctor believed that she would have significant developmental difficulties.

Her parents sent her to boarding school because it was more structured. They also learned she was fluent in Spanish, French, and German. During one of the scenes, it showed her singing How Do I by LeAnn Rimes while in the studio with one of her friends.

“It’s a simple song. The problem is that you don’t have a lot of room to breathe”, she said.

While she sang, she moved her hands to the rhythm. He demonstrated how to breathe through her diaphragm, instead of her throat. It would help her breathe longer and she wouldn’t make breathing sounds. She tried the chorus and second verse again. It sounded a lot better than the first time. He asked her about her hands.

“Jazz hands.”

He laughed. “What’s jazz hands?”

“Bring It On. It’s a chick flick about cheerleaders. Not your thing.”

“No, thanks.”

“That’s what I thought.”

Celine and Rene remembered meeting her at the Grammys. She was the same girl as the one they had just watched on television. Nothing seemed disingenuous about her. Despite her wealth, she was humble. Her adoptive parents did a great job of raising her. They died because of a driver under the influence. That made sense as to why she made that comment about safe driving during her acceptance speech. They couldn’t imagine losing their parents at a very young age.

Joe and Mike were having fun hanging out with Bria in her bedroom. They had stopped by to see how she was doing. Brad was keeping an eye on Phoenix to make sure he stayed sober. She seemed okay. Woody was keeping her company. He didn’t want to leave her side and he meowed more often for petting. Because he didn’t understand humans, he didn’t understand why the other human left. Mike suggested that he was mourning the loss of Phoenix coming over.

She should give him extra attention and love. It would make sense as to why he didn’t want to leave her side. Meow. She scratched his head and gave him pets. Thank you, human. They also pet him. He purred happily. Joe let him sniff his hand. He smelled like a human. After getting attention, he was satisfied enough to take a nap on her bed.

He had to be up during the middle of the night to run around the house. That was the most important part of his day. Even though he was sleeping, his ears were alert in case of danger. That’s just how cats were. Even house cats. Their instincts had evolved over thousands of years. Part of them were still feral. The difference was that house cats were adapted to humans, whereas feral cats were not. When they were hungry, they had to hunt for their food, instead of meowing.

When he played with his toys, he practiced his instincts to hunt and kill. He dreamed of hunting a mouse or a bird and bringing it back to his family. Just like he was in Africa and he was bringing home a zebra or a wildebeest. Look at me! I’m a good hunter! He could almost taste the delicious zebra hide. Would he share with the lionesses?

No. They could hunt for themselves. This was his zebra! Maybe in another life, he would be a strong lion in Sub-Saharan Africa. Until then, he was a small house cat. He tried to roar but it only came out as a meow. He batted his paws in the air like he was killing a zebra. First, he got low to the ground while he snuck up behind it. Then, he jumped up and pounced knocking it to the ground! I got you! When the animal was dead, he started eating. Yum! Yum! Yum!

Mike and Joe laughed as they watched him. Cats were strange animals. They didn’t understand them. She took pictures of the three of them with her camera. They laughed before deciding to go somewhere for dinner. Mike jokingly asked about Nobu. She didn’t have a reservation. Didn’t she just have to go there and say her name?

“OK, Michael. Just let me change my clothes.”

He laughed. The restaurant was fairly busy on a weekday evening. Like last time, they were shown a table after giving her name. Joe felt like a million dollars! They were able to be seated right away, despite not having a reservation.

Phoenix broke down because he was so in love with Linsey but he didn’t want to hurt Bria. Brad acknowledged what he was feeling and he suggested talking to Bria about it. They broke up but their feelings were still fresh. He shouldn’t jump into a new relationship so quickly. Be single for a while and focus on your sobriety. If he was in love, he could wait. He wasn’t in high school anymore.

He was right. Love was exciting, but jumping into a relationship so quickly would only lead to broken hearts. He and Rob were both single and had been for a while before they started dating. They were taking things slow because they wanted their relationship to grow. He recommended again to talk to Bria. Why did he need to talk to her? So she didn’t get her feelings hurt. It was better to hear it from him than to find out about him dating again from someone else. It was only fair. Okay.

Bria got up and excused herself when her phone went off. Joe was in the middle of eating his sushi with chopsticks when she got up. Mike asked him what he thought. Was this what it was like to be rich? He laughed and nodded. Yes, it was.

It was like they stepped into a forbidden world where there was expensive wagyu, wine, and caviar. When she came back, she told them it was Phoenix. What did he want? He wanted to meet up the following day to talk but he didn’t say what it was about. It must be something he talked about with Brad. Would she be okay meeting him? Oh, yeah. She felt like they could have an adult conversation. He asked to be kept updated. She promised to let him know.

@zoeykaytesmom @feelingsofaithless @alina-dixon

[quill-is-brainstorming]

Woe, questions be upon ye.

♡ : which languages do you speak/have you learned in school?

✓ : funniest word in your language

✌ : favourite proverb/saying from your language

I thank thee for thy questions <3

♡ : which languages do you speak/have you learned in school?

English is the first foreign language I learned, obviously, though to be completely honest I learned more English while watching Hermitcraft episodes than I did in an actual classroom. I swear I am quite literally at the top of my English class because of YouTube and I think that's funny as hell.

Third language, Spanish! I studied it for three years in middle school, the only phrase that I have memorised is "yo no puedo hablar en español", that alone should tell you loads about my ability at learning languages.

Then I guess I technically also understand Vulgar and Bolognese! Vulgar is basically primitive Italian, it's the language Dante wrote the Divine Comedy in. Meanwhile, Bolognese is the official dialect of my city that, as I've already stated, is considered a language in it of itself, so yeah.

I guess I can also understand some Latin, but that's because of its similarities to Italian and Vulgar so that'd be cheating. I do wish to learn it in the future though.

✓ : funniest word in your language

Probably the word "porco", or even better, its more family friendly equivalent "orco".

Porco is an insulting way to say pig, orco is literally the word ork. Why do I find them funny?

Well, it's because if you were to add literally any word after them it becomes an imprecation.

And when I say any word, I mean ANY word. Just add the most random thing you can imagine after it and it becomes a completely valid curse!

Another answer would be the word "ramarro", which I have already talked about in a previous ask, but basically half of the world probably finds it unpronouncable (me included, though it's for a speech impediment more than anything). You quite literally have to train super hard to be able to say a word that only describes a type of lizard and I find it hilarious.

✌ : favourite proverb/saying from your language

Oooh, I've got two right here.

"A Carnevale ogni scherzo vale"

Which roughly translates to "At the Carnival everything goes" and it's basically a synonyn to "all is fair in love and war", thought its not its Italian equivalent because said equivalent is literally the same proverb but translated to Italian.

This saying is born from the pretty famous Carnival of Venice. Basically, during the celebrations, all the citizens would parade around wearing masks, and they would be able to party in absolutely anonymity, completely ignoring all kinds of social classes. I also looked it up and apparently Venice's Carnival specifically takes inspiration from Dyonisian festivities from Ancient Greece, thought I'd throw it in there since it's you and all that ;)

The second one would be:

"Aiutati che Dio ti aiuta"

Which means "Help yourself and you'll see that God will help you as well". Essentially, "God helps those who helps themselves".

This isn't really used in any religious way despite the mention of God, it's basically just a way to shit one someone that's being pretty annoying or needy. I just find it a pretty funny proverb lol.

[bookwyrminspiration]

Response to an ask from ⚙️:

Hello! Of course, I have no problems omitting things for privacy and comfort. Whenever you want me to do so, just let me know!

I used to have an IEP, but it wasn't for the sort of thing that you needed it for and I was fortunate enough to be in a situation where I was able to work things out, so I'm really sorry that your school had such a shitty way of dealing with it. It always sucks when there's a person being uncooperative or ignorant, because you just want to shake some sense and reason into them but they just! don't! want to cooperate! Or you don't have the energy or something, but you're put in a situation (like worse grades and participation because your teacher kept "forgetting") that is totally avoidable if only one person would stop being bigoted.

I don't know exactly what your experience was, (though I was also in a "no learning accommodations but has an IEP" boat, I'm actually not entirely sure what the point of my IEP was) but I can agree that IEPs don't feel super involved on the student's parts. I think I had the option to sit in on the meetings that I opted out of (didn't want to miss class, but otherwise might've gone), but it seems like it should be intuitive to go "hey, how about we ask the person this is supposed to be for and to help what they think?" Even if the person doesn't have anything to add, then you at least know they were consulted.

As for that Spanish teacher, I don't even know her but I'm already exasperated by her just based on the few things you've said about her. I'm really sorry that you had to put up with her for as long as you did.

I'm glad your current situation is slightly better! Having that say for yourself can be really gratifying and helpful, even if it is overwhelming to try and figure out what your needs are. I no longer have an IEP since it's no longer applicable (I was in gifted/advanced classes for elementary and middle school, hence the IEP, but my high school doesn't offer those), so I can't connect to some of your experiences the same, but I hope your business and chemistry classes go well! Can't say I know a lot about those topics, but I'm wishing you the best in those pursuits

And congratulations on not needing to take speech next year! I don't know a lot about that, but you seem happy about it so I'm happy for you :)

You don't sound petty at all, it sounds like a completely reasonable and warranted frustration with the IEP system where you are based on your direct experiences and the people you've interacted with. it's not petty to want to be treated better and have your needs met. It makes sense to want to be able to give input before you're fourteen, and I highly doubt the system is perfect so there's nothing wrong with critiquing it. It sucks that you have to deal with it and put up with ignorant, uncooperative people, but I'm glad the situation has improved somewhat.

I wish I had more experience in that area so I could connect with you over it better--that's what I'm doing when I mention my own experiences, by the way. I'm in no way trying to make this about me, I'm just trying to understand as best I can by thinking of my own experiences.

And you don't have to apologize for any word use or mistakes, asks don't need to be proofread; I make mistakes in my answers all the time because I get eager and there's so much text I miss things when answering.

I hope you're doing alright! Sending many hugs (or high-fives, or something else you're comfortable with) across the internet <33

[itsrottenwork]

Hiii mj!! Secret Santa here!! Happy Thursday, hun!! (Or Friday!! Yay Friday!!) ✨

I apologize this came later than usual!! The last 48 hours have been hectic. Typing this in the airport as we speak! 😅 nonetheless, the ask is here!! Also want to give a heads up that I might be a little more sporadic with these asks only because the area I’m in in PR doesn’t have very good signal. I will do my best to keep up the pace!! ✨

We gotta go on a deep dive to find more dramatic reads videos!! That’s the goldmine of content!! I’ll see what I can dig up!

That’s so cool!! Even if you don’t know them fluently, the ability to recognize that many languages is still impressive and should be recognized!! Since my parents speak Spanish, it’s more of a given that I had to learn when I was younger. I can read/understand Spanish better than I can speak it tho. I did take two years of German in middle school, but never continued learning it after that. I would like to keep learning it though as well, along with sign language!!

Speed Round Questions!! Oooooo, do you have a fav. type of tea? I’m basic, so I would usually say a good chamomile tea with honey is always a good way to go! Do you consider yourself a morning or night person? I despise having to get up before 11am, so I would probably say night. When you fist meet someone, what’s the one thing you notice first about them? For me, I always tend to notice their tone of voice before reading any facial expressions. When someone is content/annoyed, you can def. tell without really needing to look at them. Do you have any tattoos/piercings? I don’t have any tattoos, but I would love to get some in the near future!! I do have piercings; one flat and three lobes on each ear!! 🎄✨

no worries, it's totally fine!! the holidays are supposed to be a chill relaxing time of year but in reality they mostly just end up busier than normal in new and different ways. have fun on your big pr trip, I can't wait to hear about what you get up to!! and if I'm honest, I will also be going on a vacation in a few days so I totally understand. I'll definitely have internet, but time to sit and properly answer questions may be a different story lol

ooh spanish is such a useful language to know though!! sign language as well, I really wish I knew that!! for all the languages I've ever tried to study, I don't think any of them were ever like, something super useful in my day to day life, but when I lived in texas I'd always make my roommate order for me when we got texmex takeout because a lot of the places only spoke spanish. the united states needs to have better early age language education, I think if someone started teaching me a different language in elementary school I'd be better off, but I couldn't start taking language classes at my school until 9th grade

speed round answers!!

tea: oh def, for a black tea I'm very partial to lapsong souchong, though I will admit the flavor is not for everyone, I also like vanilla chai, I just got some actually and it smells like snickerdoodles omg. I also have a ton of different like, floral or fruity herbal blends, fancy tea is so fun to get into, but those two are like, solid go-tos for me

morning or night: morning for sure, I really am not the kind of person who can stay up late, but I usually wake up ~7:30 in the morning just naturally (though it's easier when the sun actually rises before 8am lol)

first thing you notice: I guess like, hair color/style? I know a lot of the time when I'm watching a show, if I didn't catch a character's name I'll just know them in my head as like, "guy with spiky hair" or whatever until they actually get around to saying the person's name again

tattoos/piercings: just my ear lobes!! and no tattoos on me unfortunately, I love the idea of tattoos, and I love them on other people, a lot of my friends have really nice ones, but I'm just too afraid of commitment to go through with something like that

have a good flight and enjoy your trip!! 🛫💖

[skamenglishsubs]

Subtext and Culture, Young Royals, Season 1, Episode 2

Episode 2 picks up the morning day after the initiation party, the girls are having breakfast lunch at their dorm, the boys at theirs, and everyone wants the juicy details about what happened at the party...

Culture: Tell me more, tell me more, did you get very far? Although, it's pretty funny how the roles are reversed, Maddie is all "meh" about it, while Nils tells a different story. Then again, since when do you get together after a blowjob?

Culture: I actually have no idea why Simon is having breakfast at Skogsbacken, since regular schools only cover lunch for students, everyone eats breakfast at home, and then goes to school. Then again, it allows a scene where (Never mind, they're having lunch, thanks @kamand !) Blink and you miss it: Wilhelm casts some nervous glances at Simon after having been called out for disappearing at the party and almost forced to confess to making out with someone.

Culture: I know Felice is trying to put August down, but don't knock a proper Swedish pizza! As much as I like living in the US, they can't fucking make pizzas here, and the first thing I eat every time I go back to Sweden is always a real pizza. With pineapple and shrimp as God intended pizza to be made!

Culture: August is namedropping ski resorts in the Alps, which is where you go skiing in Europe if you have money, although Saint-Martin-de-Belleville is actually near Val Thorens in France, while Verbier is in Switzerland. It does have a three-star restaurant, though. Sweden and Norway have a couple of decent ski resorts, but the Scandinavian mountain chain is simply not as impressive as the Alps.

Subtext: Remember Wilhelm getting up and hurrying to math class in the beginning of the scene? It was so he could grab the other seat next to Simon, because he knows Simon is gonna sit next to Sara, since no-one else does.

Culture: Formally greeting your teacher before class is very uncommon in Sweden, but since Hillerska is all about discipline and tradition, of course they do it. Note that they're again using the formal Swedish title for male teachers, Magister, which in a regular school would be kind of a joke, since teachers and students are on a first-name basis with each other.

Subtext: Wilhelm is exposing how the world works if you have money. At Simon's old school, studying alone would result in good grades, but Hillerska is slightly corrupt and almost expects the students to essentially pay for getting a good grade.

Subtext: Simon is lying to his teacher, he absolutely hasn't talked to his parents about paying for private lessons.

Subtext: No, Sara absolutely does care about what other people think about her, and when she directly tells Felice that she would actually like some friends, that's when Felice gets it and starts making an effort to become real friends with her.

Culture: They're all bilingual at Simon's home, they're all speaking Spanish and Swedish, although Linda has a very noticeable accent to her Swedish. Based on demographics and statistics, the most likely scenario is that Linda immigrated to Sweden from Chile, met Micke, and started a family. In real life, Omar Rudberg was born in Venezuela and grew up in Sweden, while Carmen Gloria Pérez was born in New York, and grew up in Puerto Rico.

Subtext: Remember how I talked in the intro post about how distant social classes know nothing of each other? Ayub and Rosh are either working class or lower middle class like Simon, and since rowing is a typical upper class sport, they know nothing of it, they don't even think of it as a real sport. Unlike football, which is a proper working class sport, they know all about that!

Subtext: Scandinavia has Jantelagen, and everyone there thinks it's uniquely Scandinavian, but all countries have some form of Tall Poppy Syndrome. In this scene, Simon is starting to make a class journey, he started rowing, he started trying to fit in with the other upper-class kids, and getting into a relationship with someone as upper-class as Wilhelm would definitely move him all the way. But going on a journey means leaving things behind, which is why Rosh and Ayub are cutting him down and literally turning their backs on him. They like it in the small town of Bjärstad, why can't he be happy there too? Why is he betraying his roots?

Subtext: This comment from August nicely foreshadows a later episode when August does something traceable on a School computer...

Subtext: What August means is that he's not sure Wilhelm has the same desire to be accultured into the upper class, to play the part of a proper prince, in the same way that he and Erik have accepted their roles and are even enjoying them.

Culture: Although it's impossible to read the name of the medicine, the paper tag on the bottle indicates that it's some kind of prescription medicine. From the conversation with Vincent, we learn that it's some kind of ADHD medication, probably some kind of Dextroamphetamine since those improve athletic ability and cognitive functions in healthy people.

Culture: Birkenstock sandals are associated with hippies in Sweden as well as in many parts of the world, so August is actually saying that the school counselor isn't really part of the same upper-class society as the rest of the staff. And again, his use of the word sosse drives the point home.

Subtext: Consequently, the counselor sees right through August and refuses to immediately prescribe him the medication that he wants...

Subtext: ...even though August tries to both bribe him and threaten him into giving him the medication he wants.

Subtext: A big theme of this episode is class journeys, and in this scene and a previous exercise scene, August gushes about how good a thing that is, how proud he is of Simon for going on one, and spouts some crap about how everyone can make it if they really want to.

Subtext: Thankfully, Madison says what we're all thinking: August is full of shit, life isn't fair, and they're only at the school because they were born into privilege.

Blink and you miss it: After Wilhelm has nervously texted his crush for the first time, he starts to bite his fingernails, but quickly stops himself, because why would he be nervous? He's just texting another boy about rowing practice, there's nothing more to it!

Subtext: Simon's texting game is on point though, he knows exactly what he should write to get Wilhelm to go on a totally-not-a-date with him.

Subtext: In the same way that August couldn't convince the counselor about being sick, I don't think Wilhelm's atrocious acting here convinces August that he's sick either.

Culture: Public transport in the greater Stockholm area - or wherever we're supposed to be - is of course cash-less, and you pay by either charging a special card, or by signing up in their app and buying tickets through there. The point of this scene though is to drive home how Wilhelm has never ever had to take the bus before in his life, and therefore has no idea how it works.

Culture: The totally-not-a-date starts at a Circle K, which in Sweden is just another gas station, but it is actually a Canadian multi-national convenience store corporation. The price of gas is of course posted in kr/l, and 13.98kr/l corresponds to roughly $6/gal.

Subtext: Throughout the totally-not-a-date, Wilhelm is trying to reach for common ground with Simon, trying to show him how he's just a regular guy...

Subtext: ...but then real life intrudes, Wilhelm is recognized by some local girls, who call out to him and run away giggling, which shows how he's not a regular guy, he's going to get recognized wherever he goes.

Culture: Kokt eller grillat, boiled or grilled, are the two ways you can get your hot-dog at pretty much any hot-dog place in Sweden, and ketchup and mustard is always offered. The correct answer to this question is of course grilled, with ketchup and mustard, and this just shows that Wilhelm is a man of culture and good taste. Unfortunately, they were out grilled ones, so they all got boring soggy boiled hot-dogs instead. Is there a metaphor here? I don't know.

Subtext: Again, the show drives home the point that absolutely no-one has a problem with people being gay. Simon is clearly out to Ayub and the rest of his friends, and Ayub immediately picks up on the fact that this is totally a date.

Blink and you miss it: Ayub nudges Simon with his elbow to tell him that he should make a move on Wilhelm.

Culture: What we're looking at is just the local junior/high school football team, Bjärstad, playing a match against some other unnamed junior football team. Since the stakes are super low, the audience basically consists of whichever parents and friends of the players that could be bothered showing up.

Culture: Driving age is 18 in Sweden, and even then getting your own car at that age is extremely uncommon. However, you can easily get a license for a moped when you turn 15, so these are the vehicles of choice for teenagers to get around.

Subtext: August found out about Wilhelm's trip to town, but his main problem with it is that he wants Wilhelm to stop slumming it with lower class people, and to start hanging out with everyone at school instead, so that he can be properly accultured into the upper class. Again, sosse in this context means working class, not socialist.

Subtext: Although Simon felt really great about his first date with Wilhelm, the text message reminds him that Wilhelm isn't a regular person, and that even this innocent little trip generates interest and scrutiny, and can't be posted publicly.

Culture: As everyone should have noticed by now, Madison keeps speaking English, while everyone speaks to her in Swedish, so clearly she understands it. But here she gives her motivation for sticking to English, and that is that she doesn't feel she's good enough at speaking Swedish. Boarding schools like Hillerska attracts international students that have some kind of connection to the country, so a likely scenario is that Madison grew up in the US with a Swedish parent, and she's being sent here to experience Swedish culture and get immersed in the language to learn it better.

Cinematography: This shot of August drives really home all the pressure he is under, he's out of drugs, the headmistress just hinted that he's out of money, and he's literally being weighed down by books and work-out weights.

Subtext: Simon has kept his visits to Micke a secret from Sara, so here he has to intervene to make sure August doesn't accidentally reveal this to her. He also wants to protect his sister, so he's redirecting August's search for drugs onto himself.

Subtext: And on the flipside, Simon isn't really telling his dad that Sara still hates him and really doesn't want to see him, so he's vague when Micke asks about Sara and Linda.

Culture: Finally a bottle of medicine where we can read the label! Unfortunately for Simon, this is Tramadol, an opiate prescribed for pain relief, which is the complete opposite of the kind of drugs August wants.

Subtext: If you haven't figured out yet that this episode is about class journeys, August spells it out for us here. However, the reason he's "congratulating" Simon in front of everybody is because Simon just supplied him with more drugs, so this is his way of thanking him, since he can't really pay him.

Blink and you miss it: For a split second, Wilhelm grabs Simon's leg during the scary scene.

Subtext: The entire dialogue of the movie works as subtext for what's actually going on between Wilhelm and Simon at this point, and Wilhelm is getting a little freaked out by this sneaky display of affection.

Subtext: The movie also puts words on the implications of Wilhelm getting together with a boy, what about having kids in the future? Can you carry on your family name and traditions, or will they die with you?

Lost in translation: The plaque actually says "FEEL YOUR RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE HERITAGE". Even though the plaque means the heritage and legacy of the school itself, Wilhelm is thinking about his legacy, his heritage, and how getting together with Simon would threaten that.

Lost in translation: Wilhelm actually says "jag är inte en..." - "I'm not a..." before he stops himself. So it's not possible that he was trying to say "I'm not gay", because that doesn't work grammatically in Swedish either. He could be trying to say "I'm not a guy like that" or "I'm not a guy who likes guys", that would work.

Cinematography: The framing and silhouetting of this shot is just chef's kiss. The outline of their hair allows us to see who is who, and we can see from their poses that Simon is welcoming a kiss, while Wilhelm is still hesitating.

[absolutepokemontrash]

The Brothers and Side Characters Go on a Road Trip!

So, Diavolo, Lord of the Devildom, wants to go on a road trip for reasons unknown. You know what? Screw it, the reason is because Dia wants to do a fun human thing because MC brought it up during tea time. No one can defy the king, so TIME FOR A ROAD TRIP!

Shut Up! HE DOESN’T NEED DIRECTIONS! (Lucifer)

He was going to turn that car around. That’s it, he was going to leave. Someone else drive.

I hope your MC likes staticky traffic updates because that’s what Lucifer constantly had on the radio.

Obviously, some of the brothers complained, so Lucifer put on Beethoven’s Symphony no. 9. HELL YEAH TURN IT UP DJ!

Lol JK no one can car-dance to classical music. Just go back to the staticky traffic updates…

Lucifer would have preferred it if MC or Barbatos were riding shotgun next to him, but Diavolo ended up getting it. Dia is constantly asking Lucifer to stop so he can take pictures of the most mundane shit.

Lucifer stopped stopping after the first fifteen requests.

“I’m not stopping at McDonalds- hang on. Hi McDonald’s employee, one black coffee please.”

In true father fashion, Lucifer got lost and REFUSED to ask for directions. They were lost for five hours before Diavolo finally asked:

“Lucifer, you can turn on the GPS right?”

“Yes, but I don’t trust it.”

Everyone screamed in frustration and were all fully prepared to abandon Lucifer at the side of the road.

Please… can someone else drive? Anyone else…

Are We There Yeeeet..? (Mammon)

Okay, so, Mammon was one of two ways on that road trip. One: complete ADHD daydream zoned out. Or type Two: AAAAAAAAAARRRRRRREEEEE WEEEEEEEE THEEEEEEEEERRRRRREEEE YEEEEEEET???!

He wanted to stop and go to all the tourist traps, by the end of the road trip Mammon wanted to open his own.

The Avatar of Greed loves driving, problem is, he’s used to driving off into the sunset as a lone bachelor, not with his friends and brothers in the car as well.

He only got to drive once, and it was awful. 0/10 would not recommend. Luke thought MC was driving and called shotgun…

Mammon just turns on the radio for music and hopes something good is on at least ONE channel.

STOP WEAVING BETWEEN LANES YOU MORON-

Not all of Mammon’s time driving was bad, the combined powers of Luke and Mammon meant that everyone stopped at a petting zoo at the side of the road. Everyone had a good time, even though when they got back into the car they all smelled like a farm.

Did anyone else hear that oinking in the car-

*Vibes to Music in the Backseat* (Levi)

After being cruelly dragged from his room and placed in this stupid van… he just climbed into the backseat and put on his headphones.

Maybe anime openings could drown out this problem…

Levi only drove for fifteen minutes, it was the most terrifying fifteen minutes of everyone’s lives.

Mario Kart is not a substitute for proper driving school!

Listen- Levi actually saved the entire trip, after stopping at a gas station everyone noticed that Levi never complained about what was on the radio because he was wearing headphones, so everyone bought their own pair and the car trip was so much more pleasant…

No matter how many times Lucifer told Levi to get his feet off the seat, he wouldn’t listen, he was GAMING and they took him away from his gaming chair! HE NEEDED TO SCRUNCH HIMSELF UP LIKE A GOBLIN TO FOCUS DAMMIT!

Whenever the car would stop so everyone could get out and take a picture or look at something, Levi had to be practically dragged out of the car and manually posed for the pictures.

“Is this one of those vans with TVs in them? I brought the first five volumes of TSL on DVD!”

While Satan was driving they stopped at a lake, and Levi burst out of the car and made friends with all the lake fish.

He was still soaking wet when they had to leave.

I’m a Responsible Driver- IS THAT AN OLD BOOKSTORE?! (Satan)

Satan, we believed in you…

Our favourite nerd wanted to stop at any and all historical spots or cool looking bookstores he saw.

When everyone went to buy headphones, he got a pair with cat-ears on them! Because obviously!

Satan’s a responsible driver, and he’s not as prone to road rage as one might think. He has patience, remember in the Jobs event when he worked in customer service? Those kinds of jobs take a godlike amount of self control to do.

Asmo called shotgun and Satan got to have the wonderful experience of having his ear chatted off by his dear brother.

Satan was not about to have fast food for the eighth time in four days, if everyone wanted food, he’d stop at a restaurant.

He was terribly sorry to anyone who needed to use the restroom, but they should have gone at the last rest stop.

When Satan stopped at the lake, he gave everyone a long lecture on the historical significance of the place, then noticed that Levi was being crowned king of the lake and decided he should cut his history lesson short before Levi abandoned his family to chill with the fish forever.

I wanted Satan to be the normal chill one with the radio… I really did… but deep in my subconscious I feel like Satan would put on one of those language learning DVDs so he can learn another language on the go like a total dork.

Road Rage (Asmodeus)

No one saw this coming but- Asmo gets some B A D road rage. Someone cuts him off? “Hi hello dear, WOULD YOU LIKE ME TO SHOVE MY FOOT UP YOUR ASS?!” Someone doesn’t use a turn signal? “YOU BRAIN DEAD MORON! LEARN TO DRIVE!” Someone just pisses him off? “*prolonged horn sound*”

It’s just… the car trip was so taxing on the poor Avatar of Lust… he was crammed into the middle seat for the majority of the trip… he had to give his sleeping mask to Belphie… Beel was getting crumbs all over him and he couldn’t move over… just so tragic…

Solomon called shotgun and it was the greatest couple of hours of his life. He got a front row seat to Lucifer and Barbatos dragging Asmo back into the car because he tried to pick a fight with another driver.

Asmo wasn’t having a good time…

He didn’t want to stop for any gas station food or go through a drive-thru so it was another expensive restaurant trip. Rest In Peace to the gang’s wallets.

When he wasn’t driving, Asmo was loudly talking with MC or talking on the phone. It was a blessing in disguise when they went through an area with bad phone reception and Asmo finally had to shut up.

Oh well… at least he got a few nice pictures for Devilgram.

MCDONALDS! MCDONALDS! MCDONALDS! (Beel)

We all know Beel is massive, right? His head is touching the ceiling and every speed-bump hurt.

He’s the one begging to stop at every gas station or fast food place they pass by.

Beel’s section in the car was covered in empty bags of Doritos by the end of the trip.

When Beel got to drive, Belphie got shotgun! Hell yeah dream team!

Poor Beel, he got distracted and ended up somehow popping a tire. He pulled over next to a farm, changed the tire, then got back in the car and kept driving.

Uh… there was an awful lack of snoring next to Beel- OH FUCK THEY LEFT BELPHIE!

Belphie was found sleeping next to the cows on the farm they had stopped at earlier.

The cows didn’t want to give their sleepy god up so easily…

After that… Beel didn’t want to drive anymore…

“Look, cows.” (Belphie)

I really need to stop with the cow jokes but I CAN’T

*snore*

Belphie’s crammed between Beel and MC for most of the trip and is probably drooling all over poor MC’s lap or shoulder.

Beware, he jolts up randomly and looks around in a panic before he realizes he’s in a car. This happens every three hours.

Belphie’s not allowed to drive, he’d fall asleep. But when Lucifer takes the wheel and puts on that fucking staticky radio, Belphie forms an idea.

“*ahem* four thousand bottles of beer on the wall, four thousand bottles of beer,”

Mission success, Lucifer wanted to tear his hair out.

Belphie ended up asking to stop when they get to a stretch of road with no streetlights, everyone got out of the and stared at the stars.

…listen, it’s a miracle no one got axe murdered but the stars were gorgeous.

Remember when I said Satan put on those language learning DVDs? Yeah uh…. Belphie woke up from his last nap of the trip almost fully fluent in Spanish. At least one person gained a new skill on this trip…

Oooo, Look at Thaaaaat! (Diavolo)

Even though the side characters were in a different car most of the time, sometimes people would switch to the other car if they met up at a gas station.

By the end of the road trip Dia looked like one of those tourist dads, Hawaiian shirt and all.

Dia can’t drive

He’s absorbing human culture… and human culture involves ordering everything at this random Wendy’s.

Diavolo’s camera roll is so unbelievably full by the end of the trip and he refuses to delete ANY of the pictures.

Most of the pictures are of really weird and boring stuff, like traffic signs and trees, but the picture he ends up printing out and putting in a picture frame is a picture of the whole group at the petting zoo having a grand old time.

He wanted to take home a baby goat but Barbatos said that wasn’t a good idea :(

Help. (Barbatos)

So, it could have been worse for Barbatos, he could have been stuck in the car with the brothers and MC.

Dia always had the seat up front, but when he left the car to go hang out with the dude-squad, Solomon got the passenger seat.

Solomon decided it would be a good idea to pester Barbatos to go faster and take weird shortcuts through (probably not legal) backroads and creepy forest paths.

Good thing Barbatos, Luke, and Simeon had functioning brain cells and knew that’s how horror movies began.

Barbatos stopped for fast food once and only once. It’s not healthy!

He’s the only driver to take suggestions for music, meaning that the side characters’ car was the best one of the two.

“SOMEONE GET THE BARF BAG!”(Simeon)

He’s just… he’s just trying his best not to vomit…

Simeon thought the car would be a good place to get some writing done while they drove down long stretches of road. Simeon was wrong in that assumption.

With his head down way too much while the car zoomed down the highway, Simeon felt himself getting *very* sick about four hours in.

He was worried he may have accidentally eaten something of Solomon’s… but nope. The angel was carsick.

Luke had the important job of patting Simeon on the back as he leaned over the barf-bag while Solomon dry heaved up front.

Hurry and open the windows before Solomon barfs too!!!!

Other than the car sickness, he had the job of making sure Luke was entertained, there was a good hour of eye-spy until they just got to a stretch of forest.

After that, Simeon realized that he could just give Luke free permission to ramble about whatever he wanted and that would keep the little guy entertained for HOURS.

What do You Mean I Can’t Legally Make This Turn?! (Solomon)

Shifty bastard can drive, problem is, he doesn’t care about the laws of the road.

He ended up getting pulled over after breaking approximately 11 traffic laws in less than ten minutes.

“License and registration.” “Yeah yeah yeah…” “…sir, this license expired in 1989.” “…shit.”

Solomon gunned it and managed to use his magic to hide the car and evade the very confused traffic cop.

Luke was completely aghast at the flagrant law breaking, but Solomon’s excuse was that the 80s were a lawless wasteland and he completely forgot he legally had to update his license.

He’s an equally obnoxious passenger as he is driver, but at least no one in the car is bored.

“You know, back in the day cars didn’t have seatbelts.” “Solomon put your seatbelt back on.”

…Can we keep it? (Luke)

He was against this from the start. A road trip? With those nasty demons? No! Never!

Okay fine… maybe he wanted to see some more of the human world… he agreed to go.

After helping Simeon through his car sickness, he misheard the other car say that MC would be driving, and Luke wanted to hang out with his third parent 🥺

That’s how he ended up riding shotgun next to Mammon. It started out rough, but when the two spotted the petting zoo it was all sunshine and rainbows.

Luke made friends with all the animals! He was like a little Disney Prince. He got especially attached to this one piglet, it was a surprise to Simeon that the goodbye wasn’t tearful.

Luke smuggled that piglet out of the petting zoo and they were all over fifty miles away before anyone noticed.

Of course, everyone was just shocked that Luke had stolen something, but he looked so cute holding the little piggy… awwww…

The bros obviously joked that Luke had gone to the dark side and was totally evil because he had taken the pig, much to the poor kid’s dismay.

Simeon tried to convince Luke that he needed to return the piglet but Luke was adamant that he could totally take good care of it.

Welp, time for Lucifer to fix this.

“Luke, you need to go put the pig back, it’s not yours.”

“No! I’ll take good care of it!”

“That doesn’t matter, you stole it. It’s not your property, do you want to end up a scummy thief like Mammon?”

“No not at all. Let’s go return the pig.”

“THAT’S ALL IT TOOK?!”

[littlepadika]

Calling Home (1) | Frankie Morales x Reader

Summary: You are a receptionist at the VA. Frankie Morales keeps calling. Yearning ensues...

Rating: M -> E in later chapters

Warnings: fem!reader, age gap (legal), praise kink, voice kink, discussion of addiction/PTSD/trauma, no use of y/n, no beta reader, reader is bad at Spanish, Frankie has a sexy voice 😩

Masterlist here

AN: My first fic. Pedro writers have inspired me to finally start writing again 🥺. Concept inspired by the movie RED. I hope you like it ❤️Set after triple frontier.

Chapter One

~~~~~~~~~~~

The first time he called was an ordinary Thursday.

“Veterans Affairs, how can I help you?”

You had been working at the VA office for about two weeks. Fresh out of college you felt lucky to have a job in the first place. You went to school to be a writer but your big idea for 'The Next Great American Novel' had yet to present itself. At least here you had access to the most inspiring stories and interesting people. Men and women who had seen more and done more than you probably would in your entire life. You loved talking to clients on the phone. It was weird but something about only being able to hear people’s voices excited you. You would sometimes write little stories in your head about the people you'd talk to, filling in the details that were unknown.

Your desk accessories reflected your love of books and writing. You had your growing collection of books sitting on your desk sandwiched between baby pink bookends. Next to them was a matching desk organizer filled with your favorite sparkly pens and sticky notes. You had decorated the plain cubicle walls with posters of quotes from your favorite books. You also brought your favorite candle from home. Even though you couldn’t light it you still liked to lift it to your nose once and a while and smell it between chapters. When you weren’t on the phone or scanning documents you would read. You finished To Kill A Mockingbird in your first week on the job and were now halfway through Murder on the Orient Express.

You were starting a new chapter when Frankie Morales called the first time.

You picked up the phone on the second ring already mustering your chipper 'customer service' voice. “Veterans affairs.” You stated your name. “How may I help you?”

“H-Hi. My name is Frankie- uh-Francisco Morales." A deep voice answered you. "I’m calling because I have gotten my benefits check yet. It’s been a month. I was hoping you could tell me if it got sent?”

“Okay Mr. Morales." You flipped on the computer. "Let me check. Can you spell your last name for me?”

“M-o-r-a-l-e-s”

“Okay... let's see.” You clicked on his account. You were momentarily distracted by his picture likely taken when he graduated basic if you had to guess based off the uniform. He looked sweet. Sharp nose and strong jaw balanced by kind eyes and a shy smile. You could imagine how age would continue to soften his expression making him even more handsome. The image was a strange juxtaposition to the voice you were hearing on the phone which was much deeper and rougher. His profile said he was special forces. A pilot. The rest of the information was blacked out. Something you were used to seeing on many people's accounts but even his years of service were redacted. He must have been involved in some dangerous stuff, you thought to yourself. The dates that were not redacted were mostly in Latin America. You clicked over to processing requests. “Looks like the check got sent one week ago.” You informed him.

"I'll look again but I haven't seen anything-" It sounded like he was apologizing when clearly it was not his fault.

"No no. It's probably a mistake on our end." You interrupted. With how shitty and outdated the payroll interface was you wouldn't be surprised if there was a mix up. "I’ll go ahead and let payroll know to send another."

"Great. Thanks." He replied sounding relieved. The roughness in his voice gave way to a smooth baritone.

“No problem. I'm sorry for any inconvenience it may have caused. We'll get it sent right away." You hoped he was not relying on this benefit check for anything important. While you could promise you'd fix the problem, the administration was notoriously slow. When he didn't respond you asked, "Is there anything else I can help you with today, Mr. Morales?”

“Uh-no" The roughness back in place. "Thank you." He paused before adding your name onto his thank you which made you smile. People usually never remembered your name.

“Alright. Have a nice day and thank you for your service.” You chirped before hanging up. The smile he put on your face lingered for a few minutes as you returned to your book.

The next time he called was exactly twelve days later.

“Veterans affairs” you answered, your routine greeting cut short as your eyes were still on your book.

“Hi- I’m calling because uh I still haven’t gotten my benefits check. This is Frankie Morales.”

“Oh Mr. Morales.” You recognized his voice even before he even said his name. You quickly shut your book, pushing your hair out of your face. Had you been thinking about him? No! Okay maybe you stared at his picture for a few minutes longer after he hung up. Yes, it was probably very unprofessional but you couldn't fight the curiosity. You were trying to rationalize the contrasting sharpness and softness of his features with his voice. How it all worked together. How one person's voice could change textures and colors so easily. You wondered what kind of things this man might have seen on the job. Most of the veterans you would help day to day did not have so many redacted missions and deployments. You were in the middle of Narcos season one so you immediately thought of drugs or something equally dangerous. After much pondering, you had come to the conclusion that Frankie Morales was both insanely attractive and insanely courageous. “Still no check, huh?”

“Nope.” He sighed the sound making the phone's shitty speaker crackle as you held it to your ear.

“Let me just check that it was approved...“ you found his profile again and scrolled to the status page. “Hmm... it says it was sent out last Friday after we spoke. That’s so weird...”

“Yeah. Really weird.” He echoed your frustration on the other end.

Typical payroll, you thought to yourself as you rolled your eyes. “I'll get another one sent to you right away. I'll see to it myself.” You tucked the phone under your chin and typed out a short email to Mary in payroll letting her know you'd be stopping by her office to explain the situation. You realized he hadn't hung up yet.

“Sorry for the back and forth.” You said, trying to fill the silence.

“It’s not your fault." The earlier irritation gone. "You’ve been really helpful.” His voice sounded warm and reassuring. Less gruff than it was last you spoke. Instead it was that rich baritone that you caught of glimpse of last time.

You feel your face warm at his compliment. It was this annoying reflex you had. Praise always made you blush no matter what context but it was worse when it came from a (you assume) gorgeous stranger.

“And just to verify that your address is correct- you’re on Maple Lane in Miami, Florida?”

“That’s right.” He confirmed.

“Okay. Sent!” You clicked send on the email, which caused the window to close and reveal Frankie’s profile page again. “I was curious-" You spoke before you really made the decision to speak. You didn’t want to overstep but once again your curiosity got the better of you. Honestly, you were just searching for a way to keep him on the phone. The day had been so boring.

“Your profile says you were stationed in Costa Rica.”

“For a bit.” He replied after a moment. He didn’t sound too defensive but there was definitely some tightness in his answer that made you feel bad for asking. Like you were scratching a wound.

“Did you like it? The country I mean.”

“Are you planning a trip?” He sounds a little amused.

“Yeah- well- kind of. It's more a trip in my head right now. I’d like to go there one day. It looks so beautiful.” You sighed closing your eyes trying to imagine the heat on your skin.

“It is." He agrees. "Really humid though.”

“Mm that sounds nice.” You would kill for some warm weather after such a long winter in DC.

“It was too muggy for me at times." He grumbled. "If you do go, stick to the costal areas where it’s more breezy or else you’ll just be sweating the whole time.”

“I don’t mind a little sweat” you shrugged, still thinking of the awful east coast winter you were currently suffering through. The sexual connotation of what you said hit you hard as soon as you heard the statement in its entirety. You felt your face flush again, though the man on the other end would never know.

“I’m learning Spanish!" You announced loudly trying to move the conversation past your awkwardness.

“Wow. Muy impressivo.”

“Si” you replied but after a moment you admit “I don’t really know what you said.”

Frankie laughed loudly on the other end and you couldn’t help but join in, drawing dirty looks from the elderly lady, Donna, working in the cubicle across from you. You ducked your head behind a stack of papers to avoid her glare.

“Fake it till you make it.” He chuckled.

“Maybe you should help me out.” You took on an indigent but still playful tone. “You sound better than duolingo” Your smile widened when he laughed again. His laugh was what you hoped it would be, by all your assumptions from his picture. It was an unencumbered, unburdened, rich sound with only a hit of roughness from the air behind it.

“Tell me you’re not using that dumb app to learn.” he scoffed, saying your name in an almost scolding tone.

“I’m got my thirty day streak today.” You boasted.

“You’ll be a total tourist if you go by duolingo.”

“But the owl is so cute every time I get something right!” You argued your voice taking on a more childish cadence.

“That’s how they trap you, silly girl.” He teased right back. Usually such a condescending nickname would piss you off but something about the affection behind him using it made you feel very differently. You felt warm like you were proud to be silly as long as it made him laugh.

“Then you saved me just in time, Mr. Morales.” You bit your lip. His scoffing and laughter died down on the other end.

“Frankie” He corrects you.

“Frankie…” You repeated it, smiling at how well the nick name suited the voice over the phone. Honest, sincere, and not pretentious at all. Way better than the pompous guys you know with equally stuffy names like “Edward” and “Christopher.”

“So what do you want to know?” Frankie interrupted your thoughts. “Dime”

You started asking him questions in Spanish to the best of your ability. Granted they weren't particularly probing questions. What is your name? What is your favorite color? What is your favorite animal? What's your favorite book? I am reading Gone Girl. He answered them all with patience and amusement, occasionally interrupting you to correct your pronunciation or explain what a word meant. Every time you’d repeat the word back correctly he would say something like “good” or “there you go” or “you got it”. You hated to admit that his kind words and his praise was doing something to you. You didn't even realize you were clenching your legs together unconsciously, almost in anticipation of his next correction or next answer. His low voice so sweet and encouraging against your ear, more tangible when he was speaking Spanish. You just wanted to hear more of it. Would it be this sweet in other situations? Would it get huskier or rougher? If you closed your eyes it was like he was sitting right next to you. It would be all too easy to slip into that daydream and escape the dull office.

Suddenly out of the corner of your drooping eyes you saw a flashing red light on the phone console meaning another caller was waiting.

“Shoot- i’m sorry, Frankie- I have to take this call.” You shot forward in your chair, legs uncrossing.

“Of-Of course. I should let you get back to work.” He sounded a little sad or so you hoped. You felt bad for interrupting him after you both were having so much fun. You wanted to say he could wait on hold but he killed that idea when he said, "I have work too. Technically I'm five minutes past my lunch break."

Your pout turned to a smile. He was spending his precious lunch break with you? Get a grip! you snapped at yourself.

“You’re welcome to call again if you want.” You threw out the offer in a small voice, scared you would be rejected. You peered over the cubicle wall to see if you were still being glared at. Thankfully Donna was away from her desk. Probably out for a smoke. “It’s really boring here and usually no one calls.”

“Maybe I will.” He replied and you could hear the smile behind those words. You felt your heart clench weirdly in your chest like it didn't know how to process the sudden spike in emotions.

“Bye, Frankie.” You beamed.

“Bye”

This time the smile on your face lasted for hours. Frankie’s laugh echoed around in your head, taunting you, sending your mind to the gutter. His voice went from grit to molasses on a dime. You wanted to be the one to bring out those sounds. You wanted to hear his voice bend and stretch and strain as you fucked him. What the hell is wrong with me? you screamed internally. You had never been so depraved and with a stranger no less! You clearly needed to get laid fast because this much yearning would not end well.

Frankie got the second VA check a few days later and this time he didn’t even feel bad about ripping it in half. He was already reaching for the phone to call you.

~~~~~~~~~~~

Tags: Message to be added 💕 no minors please!