#just a series of one-shots meeting each of the party members | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

gurugirl · 2 years

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Gurugirl's Wattpad & Tumblr Fic Recs

Anything you read in these masterlists won’t disappoint but I’ve picked my absolute favorites from each blog and listed below.

NOTE: I did my best to include all my faves here but I've probably forgotten a few. I intend to add to this list (may need to make a part 2 once I hit my mentions and link limits) because I'm always reading new fics so come back often!

Angst recs (all taken from list below but specific to the more angsty ones)

Daddy kink

Enemies to lovers

Summer vibes & party fics

Personal faves from my own writings

Other blogs I love

Tumblr

@1d1195

One Shot: Right Here: one bed, nightmares, enemies to lovers, hurt/comfort, childhood "friendship," coworker Harry, grumpy/sunshine (I'll let you guess who's who), etc. etc. etc.

@a-strange-familiar

Series: His Memories (3 parts): you and Harry broke up few months back but still love each other. And after all these months you see him again in a party. All memories you tried to push back in your head came back with a powerful speed.

@adorebeaa

One shot: Undo Me: YN reveals a kink in front of best friend!Harry, who is curious…

@awideworldoffanfics

Series: Milking the Grip (5 parts): Harry Styles is a single dad who golfs every Tuesday. Y/N is his babysitter who also happens to work at the golf course he goes to. They’ve never run into each other there. Until they do.

@be-with-me-so-happily

Series: My Way Back Home: YN is left to figure out what to do when the love of her life, Harry, does not remember loving her. (AU)

Series: Don't Worry Darling: Y/N has her first big break as an actress as she lands the leading role in 'Don't Worry Darling'. The only problem is that her co-star is Harry Styles, who she feels has a very big ego. Tensions rise the more they film. All kinds of tension...

One Shot: Friendly Favor: When YN's best friend Harry asks for a favor, she knows it'll be difficult, but she loves him too much to say no. However, it's a dumb plan, and those usually don't end how you think they will.

Series: Laceleaf: Gemma is definitely Cassidy James' favourite Styles family member, considering they are best friends and all. And especially considering that Harry Styles is Gemma's smug and self-centered younger brother. Her life isn't perfect, and neither is she, but she knows for a fact that anything involving Harry gets messy.

@bopbopstyles

Masterlist (anything you pick here will be a pleasure - seriously)

@fkinavocado

Series: Daddy Issues: in which you’ve got textbook daddy issues and when your tool of a younger brother brings a sweet doe eyed girlfriend home for Thanksgiving and you end up offering her a ride home, you meet just the man to fix them. (daddy!harry, dilf!harry)

Series: Hard Candy: in which Harry owns a candy store and he just loves giving good girls special treats… especially after closing time (candyman!Harry)

One Shots & Blurbs: Long Hair Harry One Shots & Blurbs

@freedomfireflies

Series: Playboy: Welcome to 1965, where the women are loose, and the morals are looser. Here you'll meet Michelle and Harry. You don't need to know too much about them. Just that they're both incredibly bold...and incredibly jealous. The summer of June 1965 was a rather wild one for the Playboy Bunnies but even more wild for our two dear friends. Stick around and I'm sure they'll be happy to tell you all about it. You just have to promise one little thing... Don't tell Hefner.

Series: Teach Me: 5 parts - Harry needs a little practice in the art of Eating Pussy, and who better to ask for help than his best friend?

Series: Mafia!harry: 2 parts so far - more to come - Your mafia boss boyfriend, Harry, has been a little neglectful of his most prized possession. But he's found the perfect way to make it right. Exhibition kink!!

@goldenbuckyyy

Series: Illicit Affairs: A series of events between your affair with Harry. (Cheating together)

@harryistheonlyoneforme

One Shot: Little Freak: pairing: dbf harry x reader (so hot - so many kinks all in one little shot - must read)

@harrywritingsbyme

Sneaking Around (a series of shorts): Best friends dad - FUCKING HOT

@helladirections

Series: Brother's Best Friend: Harry is YN’s brother’s best friend, and YN isn’t a little kid anymore. Ft. dom/sub, rough sex, and soft words.

One Shot: Under Summer Skies: Harry and YN are longtime best friends back for another summer as the Dream Team on staff. Featuring getting called out by 12 year olds, two dumb best friends who can’t see what’s right in front of them, and lots of stargazing.

One Shot: Moka Pot: Do you think you can maybe do y/n and Harry having a slow morning routine? Like drinking tea together, doing skin together, basically just doing everything together?

@itslottiehere

One Shot: I Don't Want to Hear About Him (angsty): bff!harry writes a song about bff!reader.. and her boyfriend.

@jawllines

Harry is Y/n's Criminology Instructor (2 parts)

Harry is a single dad and y/n is surprisingly good at babysitting (2 parts)

Harry & y/n are witches, they hate eachother, and something's coming (3 parts)

Y/n knows something she shouldn't and Harry does what on Fridays? (4 parts) - Boxer!harry

Harry is a grumpy mechanic and y/n just can't stop talking (4 parts)

@jarofstyles

King of the Jungle (multi part series): Y/N’s family works for a wildlife preservation society and Harry is king of the jungle or tarzan!harry

Lone Wolf (multi part series): Harry is a grumpy alpha who has given up on finding his mate or werewolf!harry

Beauty & the Beast (multi part series): Harry is a moody, withdrawn but successful creature who needs a companion who can tend to his… needs.

@lemoncrushh

Series: The Entertainer: Set in the 70s, Sky Jones meets Harry Styles, an up and coming musician and soon-to-be rockstar. The Entertainer Part II

One Shot: Dressing For Revenge: Still heartbroken from finding your ex cheating on you, you go to a nightclub with your friend Kelsie, where not only do you run into your ex, but also a handsome gentleman who’s willing to help you get over him. Part II

@lukesaprince

Series: Intruder: You were an outside hire for a promotion Harry wanted, and he despises you for it. The hatred is mutual since Harry is a bit of an asshole, until the day of an important presentation where the tension is finally dealt with - A very steamy enemies to lovers romance (domrry)

Series: The Roommate Series: After Y/N’s best friend and roommate Alex decides to move out, she’s desperate for someone to take her place. Alex seems to have found the solution in a British fresh-to-New-York musician who ticks all the boxes. He just happens to be insanely attractive and charismatic… what could go wrong? (friends to lovers)

Series: Fratboy!harry You Can Pretend All You Want: You hate fratboys and everything they stand for, so you decide to prove one wrong by sleeping with him… safe to say it backfires (fratboy!harry, enemies to lovers).

Series: Rich: Neighbour/Older!Harry. A Summer dogsitting job for Mr. Styles is a dream come true for any broke uni student. He's rich, gorgeous and finally fucks you after your weekly dinner together. A series that follows two neighbours who end up in a sexual relationship.

@moonchildstyles

Series: Aster: Harry is a tattoo artist and y/n just wants to know if he's like this all the time or if he just doesn't like her. tattoo artist!harry / lhh!harry

Series: Citrine: Harry's a witch and it's been along time since since he's been around anyone new, but there's no way he was getting y/n out of his head. witch!harry

Series: Chiaroscuro: y/n needed a job but this place is strange and the owner is even stranger. vampire!harry

Series: Prosecco: Harry is just on the edge of 30 and y/n is someone he's sure he shouldn't get involved with. until she seeks him out anyway, and he realizes no one has ever really shown her how she should be treated. older!harry

@0oolookitsme

One Shot: Dazzled: In which Harry has an uneasy feeling about Y/n’s new mission but the devil ignores his guts’ screams. But the vampire as well as his fiancé, Y/n, isn’t dumb and is quick to listen and take some weight off of his shoulders. They both soon find out, why, he was feeling uneasy.

One Shot: Anything For You... And I: SMUTTY!!!! Dwd!Harry x Dwd-Character!Y/n

@0nlythrowharrybeaux

Friends Share (2 parts):Harry & Y/N have been practically perfect roommates for several years but the appearance of a hot new neighbor creates an unexpected shift in their relationship.

Unavailable (2 parts): Y/N has a very specific preference for unavailable/inappropriate people and Harry is her therapist who is supposed to help her work through this.

@pleasingforharry

Moans & Elevator Music (2 parts): Y/N is in a rush for an interview at her new job, but her luck gives out when the elevators shut down due to a sudden power outage. At least she isn’t alone.

@purplekiwis

Breaking the Ice (2 parts): Hockey!Harry x Skater!Y/N It’s no secret that as a figure skater, you’re fed up with the local hockey team being treated like royalty… and your ex’s status as a player isn’t helping much either.

In the Witching Hours (will be 3 parts): Wizard!Harry x Witch!Y/N; Soulmates AU An emergency admission to the hospital gives rise to a series of strange events but luckily, there’s a cute, shy wizard around…

One shot: Tentmate: Friends With Benefits Y/N has always hated camping… until her and Harry got stuck together in the same tent. (This one is smutty AF)

@s-brant

Series: The Getaway Car: In a drug deal gone wrong, Y/N, daughter to a famous racecar driver, finds herself behind the wheel of a car with a gun to her head. A masked man named Harry demands she helps him evade the authorities, so she does the only thing she knows how to. She drives.

One Shot: Midas Touch: The night before they leave to spend Christmas with his family, a conversation with their friends makes Harry and Y/N confront the future of their marriage.

@stylesloveclub

Series: Pleasing: In which y/n is a broke waitress, and Harry is a Michelin star chef who thinks she’s cuter than a puppy.

@swiftmendeshoran

Series: Curvy Secret/No More Secrets Daddy: Dad's best friend (dbf!) Harry x plus size reader

@watchmegetobsessed

Series: The Sun Will Rise: You’re glad to be back at college and away from your family. Everything is back to its normal, but you have a little issue: you told your family you’d bring a date to your sister’s wedding, but you have no actual partner. An unexpected deal is made with the person you couldn’t even consider to be your friend: Harry can take the spare room in your apartment for the semester if he’ll be your date for the wedding. But can you actually live together with a guy who obviously dislikes you and you have no idea why? Can you fool your parents into thinking you’re dating Harry? And what will they think about him? Nothing is ever good enough to them, nothing that’s not as perfect as your sister, Alice.

Series: Wildest Fantasies: You’ve been struggling to finish your assignment for Professor Styles’ Creative Writing class. Inspiration is seem to be avoiding you, so to relieve some stress, you mess around with your roommates and write a rather dirty fiction of the hot professor everyone is into on campus. Due to a fatal mistake however, you end up uploading the wrong file as your attachment to your assignment and your wildest fantasies end up in the hands of the person they are about.

Good Girl (Part 2): sugardaddy!Harry / CEO!Harry x Reader

@writerpetals (writes optional male lead smut but you can easily imagine any male *coughharrycough* as the males are described as tall, well-built, with a nice head of hair - read anything this author writes - it's good, you will find almost any trope - ENJOY)

One Shot: Lakeside: werewolf!au, werewolf x reader

@zayndrivesmeinvain

Series (wip): The One That Got Away: In which Harry and Alena were college sweethearts, however, all of that has changed and the only thing keeping in contact is the fact that they have a child together. Is it possible for them to even get to a normal standing friendship or is that long gone? dadrry x oc | single dad!harry

i hit my link limits so was unable to insert link to part one of their series. check out their masterlist and you'll find it!

Wattpad

1-800-TITS = @1800titz (added May 21)

Series: The Devil is a Gentleman: "My name is Eros," the masked male cocks his head a smidge at her, and, if only slightly through the shadow casts between the parted zipper, Isla catches sight of a smile tugging at his lips on the latter fragment of his statement, "But you already know that. I'd hope, anyways. We've had a chat. Or two." His lips - his mouth. Isla ogles the latex through the peepholes of her own and wonders what shape the rest of his features take, what carves and forges his face, how his nose slopes, the assemblage of it all. "I think I recall, vaguely," she teases. "Mm. Vaguely. I'll take note of that. Well, although we are acquainted," Eros smooths his fingertips over the arm of the chair, a lavish facade of plastic masquerading. The latter fragment of his statement prompts the steady bump of her heart to spur behind her ribcage. "You will address me as Master." Isla swallows. Despite her prior train of thought looping so intently on the tracks to decipher what she believes he'd look like beneath his mask, it's entirely derailed by the serious note in his previously light cadence. She wonders how a mere introduction manages to send such a thrilling rush rolling down her spine. Eros leans forward, forearms braced to his splayed thighs, almost as if to bend to her level. "Or Sir. Master, Sir, it's all the same to me. Your preference." OR the one in which there's a sex club, Greek stage names, the exploration of boundaries, an open house, a pair of dress shoes, and two sides of the same coin.

_miiki

Series: Artwork & Aquarelle: "Sierra, you go with Harry Styles." I raised up my head at the words, giving my teacher an incredulous glance. "Do I really have to?" Was the only thing I managed to say. The teacher gave me an annoyed look. "Did you not understand? You go with Harry Styles." I turned my head to look at him. At the mention of his name he glanced up, and if his green eyes hadn't frozen me in place already, the unimpressed look he gave me would've done it right away.

Aggressivelyfriendly = @aggresivelyfriendly

Series: Who Names the Colors: In the last year, Joanne Smith Giles, has once again become Jo Smith. In another heartbreaking turn of events, she's also the single mother of an infant, again. She knows she can do this on her own, and better at 40 than 19, but it seems weird to be launching a son into manhood, a new career as an art professor, and changing nappies all in one day. She is so thankful when Ethan, her boy, comes home from Uni. Jo could use the help. His best friend, Harry, comes round too. And his launch into manhood may be another heartbreaking turn, for all of them

ErinAlterEgo = @yourwattpadmom

Series: Late night Talking: Alex is craving something at night, and it's not ice cream. Encouraged by her husband to explore a polyamory relationship to meet some of her more....eclectic tastes, she finds herself on a dating app for the first time in her life. She expected maybe some interesting experiences, possibly her first one-night stand ever. She didn't expect to meet a man who made her question everything about herself. Harry is on a new path in his life that is exciting and different than he ever could have imagined. He's looking for excitement, experiences, but definitely not love and attachment. When he meets Alex, he sees a whole new path that he's unsure he wants to go down, but finds it hard to resist.

Hitterj (love all of her stuff!)

Series: All This Time: The coming-of-age story of Harry and Riley who have known each other for years, but never actually knew each other. They've spent countless nights at the same parties, shared a few drinks and glances, they're even on track to graduate top of their class. What happens when out of nowhere they start to connect? Like an invisible string pulls them together, so they can experience life and love and heartbreak. Riley and Harry learn a lot about themselves, and ultimately have to choose what's best for their future no matter how difficult that can be. But does love find a way? After all this time?

Series: Kiwi: If you don't know about this one by now... go read it - super duper smutty and sweet and angsty

Series: Sweet Little Lies: All her life, Ivy Malone has known what her family was. She grew up in the deep, unforgiving world of the mob. Ivy hates her position in life, knowing that her life was never fully hers. Harry Styles was cold. He trusted almost no one, especially his family. He had learned quickly that everyone was waiting for him to fail... to fall. An empire built by his father from the blood and bones of those who stepped in his way was all he had, no matter how much he hated it. He had no choice but to carry on the legacy. And marrying Malone's daughter was the next step in fortifying their defense. With new rivals making a move for power and a mysterious figure haunting the crime families of Queenstown, Ivy and Harry have to learn to live together. A bad start leads them down a tumultuous, passionate, and downright dangerous path, but maybe they were exactly what the other needed to live the life they always craved.

MysteryMixtapes (Just go read all their stuff)

Series: Stall & Stall 2: Violence/gangs/dark

Series: Perspective: Have you ever met someone that made falling feel like flying?

Series: Unforgettable: "If it feels so right, how can it be wrong?"

Peanutboyfriend (read all of Birdie's stuff - you won't regret it)

Series: Aerial: In Malibu, California in 1965, a surfer and world-famous aerialist undergoes a chain of comedic and not-so-comedic mishaps that force him to re-evaluate who he is.

Petit_cerise

Series: Devil's Due & Devil's Desire: Harry Styles, the brooding and intolerable tattoo parlour owner, meets River, a stubborn and somewhat oblivious girl, who just doesn't understand the reasoning behind his nefarious ways but is determined to find out. River comes to realize that Harry's hiding something much deeper than expected... only once those secrets come to the surface, it's too late to turn back.

Sunflowersnstuff

Series: One Word & Wonderland: We're all mad here, it's Wonderland.

ThousandYearsOfHope

Series: Lonely Nights: Willow Mackey is a quiet girl, but she is fiercely loyal and will never lie to you. Harry Styles is her brother's best friend, and someone she'll always have a soft spot for. Grown up and no longer shielded by their ages, lines start to blur, and mistakes keep being made. For the first time in her life, Willow realises that sometimes, the truth is too painful to hear. But how could she ever say no to the one person that's always understood her better than she understands herself?

Series: Pretty Boy: One night of impulse shouldn't lead to much for Joni Lewis, but when she meets the alluring Harry Styles, an opportunity arises that she can't ignore. A Harry Styles short story inspired by Pretty Woman.

Writhali (I really like everything I've read by Thali)

Series: Ambit: Gangs/violence/action/SMUT - "Hell's boring, Birdie." He claims, that cold, dead stare back to his eyes. "And this, this is what I call a Monday night."

#gurugirl fic recs #harry styles #harry styles smut #harry x reader #harry styles fic #my faves

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daisynik7 · 1 year

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In Between

Pairing: Eren x f!reader x Reiner

Genre: college au, one-shot

Rating: Explicit

Word Count: ~4.5k

cw: threesome, cunnilingus, nipple play, blow job, vaginal sex (doggy), creampie, horny reader (I mean, who isn’t), pet names, use of the term ‘big brother’, but there is no actual incest here I swear and I’m so sorry. This is just filth.

Summary: Your “big brothers” from Alpha Tau fraternity take care of you for a night.

Notes: OKAY, so I’ve had this in the back of my mind for a while now. Fun fact for those of you who have read my other series Rush: I originally wanted to make it an Eren x f!reader x Reiner fic but was intimidated about writing a love triangle, so I axed it. Instead, here’s porn with little plot to satisfy this itch. Enjoy! Likes, reblogs, and comments are always appreciated, I would LOVE to hear what y’all think!

Additional Notes: This might be the smuttiest one I’ve written so far, idk, you be the judge. As always, READER DISCRETION IS ADVISED. Also, think of this as an alternate universe to Rush, I’m using a lot of details from it, but there is no correlation. Okay, I’m done talking, have fun.

It’s a Sunday night and Sigma Nu Kappa begins their first chapter meeting of the spring semester. Petra Ral, your sorority’s social chair, stands at the podium, a delighted smile on her face. “Good evening, sisters! I have very exciting news: Alpha Tau has agreed to pair with us this semester! This means we’ll be joining them to collaborate on charity events and most importantly, social gatherings.”

There’s a collection of giggles and pleased hums. Mikasa, your big sister and best friend, nudges you. “This should be fun.”

Although the two of you are the same age, Mikasa rushed SNK as a freshman, you joined as a sophomore this past fall. She picked you to be her “little sister” when you were a pledge, adopting you into her family line called The Angels. Since then, the two of you have been inseparable.

Petra continues. “A neat thing we’ll be doing is combining families! We’ll be assigning each of our family lines to one in Alpha Tau. Consider them your ‘big brothers’. FYI, these were assigned at random.”

She passes a stack of papers to each row. When you get yours, you try to find which family you’re being paired with. Before you can, Mikasa scoffs. “Of course.”

Next to The Angels is The Warriors. You turn to her with a questioning look. “The Warriors?”

“Guess who?”

You pause to think, then answer, “Eren?”

“Yup. Random my ass,” she jokes.

Eren is Mikasa’s actual brother, older by a year. You’ve never met him in person, but you’ve heard plenty of stories about him from her. Petra notices her reaction and grins. “Okay, maybe yours is not so random. It just makes sense!”

“So, what are we supposed to do with our assigned family?”

“It’s just for fun. It’s a nice way to get to know the brothers and build a strong connection with them. They’ll look out for you and take care of you, especially at the parties.”

Since joining last semester, you haven’t properly bonded with anyone in the other organizations, too busy acclimating to sorority life as a new member. Now, with a bit more exposure to Greek Life, it’s time to build your own relations, make new friends. Maybe even find a boyfriend. It’s been a while since you’ve had sex, and you find yourself desperate for it. This new partnership with Alpha Tau is a good opportunity to find potential candidates.

And, with the help of your new big brothers, you might be able to achieve this.

~~~

The first exchange between Sigma Nu Kappa and Alpha Tau happens on Friday night, inside the fraternity house. The theme for the party is Game Day. Everyone is required to wear a sports jersey of some kind. You and Mikasa come in oversized basketball jerseys paired with black bicycle shorts. When you arrive to the house, it’s packed with your sisters and Alpha Tau brothers. Immediately, your big sis leads you into the kitchen where the drinks are.

You help yourself to a serving of Jungle Juice, the common frat party concoction. Mikasa, already on her second, mentions, “I texted Eren. He’s finishing a game of beer pong with Reiner, so they should be meeting us soon.”

You chug the rest of your drink, excited to finally meet The Warriors. Several minutes pass, in which you spend time chatting with your sisters and refilling on more Jungle Juice. You turn around once you hear Mikasa yell, “Finally!”

In front of her are two well-built men, one with dark, brown hair wrapped in a stylishly messy man-bun, wearing a sleeveless jersey, showing off his tone arms. The other has a shorter, blonde cut, standing a few inches taller in a football jersey, displaying his broad shoulders.

“Sorry, the game went longer than expected. Neither of us could sink a shot,” the brunette explains. You assume this is Eren, based on family pics Mikasa has shown you. “So, where’s our new little sis?”

You step towards them, hovering beside Mikasa to introduce yourself. They both smile at you, shaking your hand. “Welcome to the family.”

You exchange small talk, asking the standard questions to break the ice. Reiner, Eren’s big brother in the fraternity, is a senior, scheduled to graduate this spring with his bachelors in psychology. He hopes to eventually become a therapist. Eren is a junior, majoring in education to become an elementary school teacher. You were expecting them to be intimidating and arrogant, the stereotypical frat boys. Lucky for you, they are surprisingly easy to talk to.

In the midst of your conversation, Mikasa checks her phone and announces, “Jean just got here. I’m going to hang out with him for a bit, is that cool?” She seems to be directing it at you, specifically.

“Don’t worry, Mikasa,” Eren says. “We’ll take care of her. Right, Reiner?”

He nudges his big brother, who smirks. “Yeah, we’ll take care of her, alright.”

As soon as Mikasa leaves to hang out with her boyfriend, the energy shifts. Maybe it’s your imagination, but there’s a different vibe being alone with your new brothers. They have polite expressions on their faces, but behind it is something…sinister? Wicked? Naughty?

You refill with more liquor, your nerves getting the best of you now that Mikasa is no longer there to protect you. Before you tip the drink into your mouth, Reiner intercepts and covers the lid with his palm, stopping you. “Don’t drink that anymore. All that Jungle Juice will give you a hangover. Let’s take shots instead.”

“Yeah, we got some vodka in the fridge.” Eren opens the door to the refrigerator, reaching in to retrieve a brand-new bottle of Grey Goose. “Big brother here works for the Psych department so he can afford top shelf.”

“Yeah right, like you can’t afford it with daddy’s money,” Reiner retorts. “Did you know his dad is a doctor?”

You nod. “Yeah, Mikasa has mentioned that.”

“I’m not getting a cent after undergrad, though. He’s pretty disappointed that I’d rather be a teacher than take over his practice. At least Zeke’s going to do it.”

“That’s your half-brother?” you ask. Mikasa’s briefing of her adopted family, the Jaeger clan, is coming in handy.

“Yup,” he confirms, pouring the liquor into three cups, poorly estimating a shot’s worth in each.

“Being a teacher is just as important a job as a doctor,” you comment. “Maybe even more, considering the impact you make on the students. It’s a crime how underpaid they are. That’s my opinion.”

He offers you the shot with a small smile, watching you carefully. “What other opinions do you have?”

“Huh?”

“I’m sure you have lots of opinions in that pretty head of yours.” He passes the third cup to Reiner without taking his eyes off you.

You’re unsure what to make of his comment, so you don’t respond, pretending to be fixated on consuming the shot. The buzz is starting to kick in, cheeks warm, head pleasantly airy, inhibitions loosening the slightest bit. Luckily, you’re being taken care of by your big brothers so that you don’t do anything reckless tonight.

The other two throw back the alcohol easily, Eren quick to refill their cups. He waves the bottle at you. “Want another?”

You refuse. “I’m good, thanks.”

“Can’t hold your liquor?” Reiner asks, moving to stand next you at the counter.

“I know my limits.” You lean into him, comfy against his large physique. You play with the hem of your jersey, observing the other party goers in the living room, dancing to the music blasting through the speakers. Mikasa and Jean are nowhere to be seen, most likely doing it in his room upstairs. You spot a few of your other sisters dancing alongside the Alpha Tau brothers, having a grand old time.

“Should we dance?” you suggest, hoping they agree. You want to join in on the fun.

Eren chuckles. “Reiner doesn’t dance.”

He stands up straight, setting his cup down. “That’s not true. I can dance.”

“I didn’t say you can’t dance, I said that you don’t. I have never, ever seen you dance, dude.”

With a mischievous grin, he looks at you and says, “Well, I guess there’s a first time for everything.”

In an instant, Reiner is leading you to the living room, Eren following close behind. It’s crowded, the small space not accommodating for the size of this party. The three of you squeeze in the middle, surrounded by other warm bodies, too intoxicated to care about being smushed. Someone shuts the lights off and only a dinky strobe illuminates the room. You start moving to the music, bobbing your head back and forth, swaying your shoulders to the melody of whatever top hit is playing. Eren is in front of you, copying your motions, a lazy smile on his face. Reiner is to your rear, close enough that you feel the fabric of his jersey brush against you.

Eren leans forward, lips grazing your ear. “You’re so pretty, you know that?” He shuffles closer to you, still dancing to the music.

From behind, Reiner drifts towards you, hands at your waist, his husky voice hot on your other ear. “You look so good dancing like this.”

It’s sweltering now; from the lack of air in the cramped capacity, the alcohol taking its effect, the swing of your hips in tandem with the bass. Or the situation you currently find yourself in, sandwiched by two extremely attractive men, breathing compliments in your ear, exploring your body. They trap you, Eren’s chest basically pressed to yours, your back flat against Reiner. His hands are still at your sides, while Eren reaches for your nape, pulling you in to kiss along your neck.

You should stop it. That’s what you should do. Whatever this is, it’s wrong. These are supposed to be your quote unquote big brothers. What would Mikasa think?

But something snaps in you. It’s curiosity. The need to know. What would it be like to be fucked senseless by them? It has your imagination running wild. How can you deny this opportunity? It’s basically being served to you on a silver platter.

“Let your big brothers take care of you,” Reiner whispers, nipping at your ear lobe, grinding his hips on your ass. It’s so wrong. So wrong, you keep chanting in your head.

Eren fondles your breasts through your clothes. “You want to feel good tonight, right baby? We can help you feel good.”

Is it the pet name that pushes you over the edge? Or is it the allure of being pleasured by two guys at the same time? Either way, you reach behind you to run your fingers through Reiner’s hair while you take your other hand to tug Eren forward into a sloppy kiss.

“Fuck, I think she wants it,” Reiner murmurs, licking a stripe behind your ear. “Let’s go.”

“Follow us, baby. We’ll take care of you tonight.” Eren grabs your wrist, leading you upstairs to follow Reiner into his room. It doesn’t seem like he has a roommate, considering the beds are combined to create one that is nearly king-sized. Too busy inspecting the interior design of a typical frat boy, which so far consists of flattened boxes of beer packs hung up like posters and a large Alpha Tau flag strewn across one side of the wall, the sound of the door shutting loudly brings you to your senses.

You’re very aware now that it’s the three of you, alone in this bedroom, air dense with sexual tension. Suddenly, you’re nervous. You’ve never had a threesome. It’s certainly been a fantasy of yours, but to experience it first-hand, you start having self-doubts if you can really go through with it.

Eren, sensing your trepidation, puts his arm around you, rubbing your shoulder. “Hey, you okay? We don’t have to do this if you don’t want to.”

Reiner, who’s already sprawled out on the bed in his boxers, clothes promptly stripped off, adds, “Yeah. We can just chill here. It’s all good.”

They’re not pressuring you, which you appreciate. You’re hesitant, sure. But you haven’t changed your mind. You want this. You want this bad.

“I want to do it,” you state, removing your shorts and tossing them aside.

Reiner laughs, sitting up to watch you, shoving his own boxers off. “You’re eager. She’s eager, Eren.”

“Yeah, she is,” Eren muses, tugging at your wrist. “Let’s go to the bed, sweetie.”

Reiner scoots over to make room for you, palming his growing erection, watching Eren strip you nude. When you’re naked, you turn to Reiner to kiss him. He smiles before shoving his tongue into your mouth.

“Lay down for us, baby,” Eren purrs, now naked, boner stiff against his sculpted abs, kissing your stomach. He peers up at you with twinkling eyes, almost innocent, knowing for a fact he’s about to wreck your pussy apart.

Reiner lies beside you, cupping your cheek, large tongue working its way deep inside your mouth. His hand trails down to your chest, squeezing at your breast. “Do you like having your nipples played with?” he asks, lips glossy with spit.

You nod, eyes glancing at Eren, his head positioned between your legs, palms spreading your thighs wide, staring at your pussy already sticky with arousal. Reiner refocuses your gaze on him, muttering, “Pay attention to me, princess.” Another nod and you close your eyes, kissing him, enjoying the soft caress of his hands on your tits.

Below you, Eren, the fucking menace that he is, doesn’t start slow. He wraps his lips around your clit, swishing his tongue against it until you’re whimpering from pleasure.

“Oh fuck, she likes that, Eren. Keep doing that. I want to see her come all over your face,” Reiner smirks, brushing his rough thumbs on your hardening nipples. He moves down, facing your chest, sucking on your breast until it’s hard and plump. “Fuck, your tits are amazing,” he rasps, flicking his tongue.

Eren gives you a break, slowly licking your sensitive bud a few times before latching on once more. It’s almost too much, body instinctually jolting from his touch. You endure it, though; the sensation too divine to stop.

“Finger her, Eren,” Reiner demands, as if reading your mind. The desire to be filled is overtaking everything else.

Tongue flat on your clit, he hums in the response, middle finger teasing your slick entrance before slipping inside, knuckle deep. Still, it’s not enough. Even Reiner knows it.

“Put another,” he growls, eyes focused on your pussy being wrecked as he continues to play with your tits. “Fill her up.”

Eren obeys, sliding his ring finger along with the middle, pumping his digits inside you. You’re a whining mess, unable to control the lewd sounds escaping your mouth. Drool leaks out from the corners of your lips, your tongue lolling out from being fucked out. Reiner chuckles, releasing you with a loud pop. “You’re a loud one, aren’t you? You need something in your mouth to keep you quiet.” He grazes your tongue with his thumb, staring at you hungrily. “Suck on these like they’re my dick.”

All you can do is nod dumbly, grabbing at his thick wrist to stick his three middle fingers down your throat. He pumps them into your mouth as he suckles at your nipples, like an animal desperate for milk.

You’re overstimulated, from having your mouth and pussy stuffed, to your most erogenous zones being consumed by lips and teeth. Your toes curl from the pleasure, throat dry from the endless moaning around Reiner’s rough digits, skin damp with sweat and saliva. The orgasm hits you like a wave of electricity coursing through your veins, exciting every nerve in your body. You whimper on Reiner’s fingers, tickling the back of your mouth, causing you to gag slightly.

“Fuck,” Eren muffles below you, still lapping at your clit. The wet squelches sound even more lewd from your noticeable orgasm. He flicks his tongue on your sticky mess, smearing it over your puffy bud, repeating the action several times until he’s satisfied.

“Ah, Eren. Fuck,” you breath out, mouth relinquished from Reiner. He has been relentlessly working your tits, swollen and sore from his efforts. When he’s done, he slides back up the bed beside you.

“Look at the mess you made.” He grips at your chin, directing your gaze at Eren, who’s face is glistening, smirk coated in your shiny cum.

“You did so good for us,” Eren says, crawling up the bed to join you on your other side. He gently pinches your tit, sucking on your neck. Reiner kisses you on the mouth, massaging the other breast. You grasp their hard cocks, stroking them simultaneously, resulting in both of them moaning.

“Fuck, baby.”

“You’re a good girl, aren’t you?”

“Fuck yeah, she’s such a good girl.”

“So fucking good for us.”

The three of you stay this way for a while, erections growing unbelievably stiff in your fists. One of their hands, at this point you’re not sure whose, is at your clit, tapping it and rubbing fast. You’re convinced that you can come like this if they let you.

“Think she’s wet enough?” Reiner asks his brother.

“Yeah, she’s really fucking wet, dude. It’s going to feel so fucking good.” Eren answers. “Can you take it, sweetie? Can you take Reiner’s fat cock?”

“I can take it,” you breathe out, needy and aching to be filled again.

Reiner moves to the bottom of the bed. “Are you on the pill?”

You nod, humming against Eren’s mouth, occupied with kissing him.

“Good. I want to fuck you raw.”

“Come inside her, Reiner. Give her a fucking creampie,” Eren murmurs, kissing your forehead affectionately, despite the filthy words coming out of his mouth. The way they speak to each other, instructing one another on what obscene act to perform on you next, spurs you on. Makes you feel like you’re in fucking heat, ready to be bred.

“You want my cum inside you, princess? Want me to fill up that tight cunt?” Reiner spits into his hand then strokes himself, teasing your slit with his tip.

“Yes,” you respond, voice shaky.

“That’s not enough for him, cutie,” Eren whispers to you. He massages your clit gently as Reiner slides his cockhead up and down your folds. “He likes it when you beg for it.”

You’re too desperate to care about pride. You’re going to beg for this, no matter what. “Please, Reiner. Fuck me, please.”

“That’s more like it,” he grunts, stroking himself faster. “Get in front of her, Eren.”

Eren gives you one last smooch before sitting up and kneeling at the top of the bed, tossing a few pillows to the floor to make space.

Reiner taps at your hips. “On your hands and knees, slut. And stick that ass up for me.” His voice is raspy, demeanor rougher than a few minutes ago. Something has taken over him; it’s his carnal desire to fuck you into the mattress.

You do as your told, arching your back to give him a nice view of your pussy, wet and fluttering, ready for cock. Without warning, he smacks your ass cheek, laughing. “I’m going to fuck you so good. You have no fucking idea.”

Eren kneels in front of you, erect and oozing with precum. “You’re so cute, you know that? So pretty.” He caresses you delicately, thumb brushing against your cheekbone. “Can you suck my dick, baby? Pretty please?”

You’re beginning to understand the dynamic that’s going on here. Eren is sweet, tender, and considerate. Then there’s Reiner: rough, harsh, and greedy. Opposites of each other, working together to tear you to pieces, rip you into shreds. Two sides of the same coin.

You wrap you fingers around Eren, leaning forward to spread the bead of precum along your lips like gloss. He smiles at you, still cupping your face. “So fucking pretty.”

Reiner continues to tease you, gathering your slick onto his cockhead to rub it on your bud. “I’m going to fuck you now, princess. Let me take care of this pussy.” Aligned with your entrance, he slowly slides in, your walls stretching to adjust to his girth. You hear him suck in a breath behind you, cursing. “Fuck, you’re tight. Such a good girl.”

“You are a good girl.” Eren pushes past your lips. You take him into your salivating mouth, surrounding him with your wet heat, tongue tracing the prominent vein running along his shaft. “Our good girl. Our good fucking girl.”

You bob your head on his dick, further and further until he’s deep down your throat. You keep him there, swallowing around him, resisting the urge to gag on his cock. Through teary eyes, you peer up at him, looking for approval, wanting him to be proud of the way you take it. He meets your gaze, breathing heavily, eyes wild with lust, staring at your stuffed mouth. His kind disposition from earlier is crumbling; he caresses your cheeks tenderly, but his expression gives him away. Still, he stays still, hesitant to take control.

Reiner, however, is on a different level. He starts fucking you, pulling his cock out halfway only to slam it all the way back in, pace picking up gradually after each thrust. The force causes you to plunge further onto Eren, nose buried in his dark pubic hair, spit seeping from the corners of your mouth. Your muffled whimpers vibrate around him, causing him to moan from the sensation.

“Fuck, you’re doing such a good job,” he praises, holding your head cautiously.

Reiner holds you firmly at your hips, fucking you hard and fast, grunting. “Take my cock, princess. Take it like the fucking slut you are.”

You pull off of Eren just enough so that only his tip is engulfed by your mouth. With your fist jerking his shaft, you blow him, swirling your tongue on the slit. “Fuck, that’s it, baby. Feels so good. Gonna make me come.”

“Make Eren come,” Reiner huffs. “Make him nut in that slutty mouth.” He’s found your sweet spot, barely pulling out to hit it over and over. You’re soaked around him, convinced that your arousal is dripping onto the sheets, making a mess of his bed.

“I’m coming,” Eren warns, stomach tight, eyes shut. His warm cum shoots into the back of your throat as you suck him off, swallowing every drip. He slumps against the headboard, catching his breath. “Thank you, baby,” he murmurs, bowing down to kiss your puffy lips. “Thank you.”

“I’m gonna come soon. Gonna fill you up with this load,” Reiner growls. Your ass smacks against his groin, his heavy balls tapping lightly onto your clit. You’re close to your second orgasm, but you need just a little bit more.

“Come here, Eren. Play with it while I fuck her.” It really is as if Reiner can read your thoughts, aware of exactly what you need to push you over the edge, get you closer to that peak.

Eren crawls down the bed, kneeling beside you, hand reaching between your legs, finding your swollen bud. When he does, you cry out, “Ah! Fuck!”

They both laugh, Eren brutally rubbing it as he watches Reiner fuck you from behind.

“Look how creamy it is. That’s all her. She fucking loves it.”

“Our pretty girl loves getting fucked.”

“Pinch her little clit. Make her come on my cock.”

Eren squeezes your clit gently between his thumb and forefinger. It’s too much. You let go, the orgasm so intense, you’re trembling, fists bunched in the bedsheets below you, whining in ecstasy.

“Holy shit, I’m coming.” Reiner thrusts into you a few more times before his cock spurts inside you.

“Fuck,” Eren swears, loosening his grip on you.

Reiner stays in you for several seconds, coming down from his high. He slowly pulls out, his cum and yours leaking out of your fluttering hole. They both breathe out a satisfied fuck, staring at the flow of cum dripping out of your slit. Someone, you’re not sure who, plants a smooch on your lower back. Most likely Eren, the more affectionate of the two. You lower your torso onto the bed, relaxing into the mattress, exhausted and satiated from the insanity that just occurred.

Once again, you find yourself sandwiched between them, both facing you, smiling. You turn on your back to stare up at the ceiling, glancing at each of them, unsure what to say.

Eren is the first to break the silence. “Did you have fun, cutie?” He turns your head towards him, nuzzling his nose with yours.

“Yeah, I did,” you answer, grinning. “That was amazing.”

“You came so much, princess,” Reiner adds, chin grazing the skin of your shoulder, palm tracing languid circles on your breasts. Eren kisses you on the lips while Reiner works on your neck. The three of you stay like this until a phone starts ringing.

“Shit, that’s probably Mikasa,” Eren mutters, breaking away. He hops off the bed to retrieve his phone on the other side of the room. Reiner quickly turns you toward him, taking this opportunity to kiss you passionately as his brother answers the phone. His arms are snug around you, cozy and comfortable in his warm embrace.

You don’t pay attention to Eren’s conversation, focused instead on making out with Reiner. It ends as soon as Eren comes back into bed.

“What did Mikasa say?” you ask.

“She’s looking for us. Specifically, you. She’s worried.”

“About what?”

“Probably about us corrupting you,” Eren laughs, nestling his face into your neck.

“I guess she’s on to something,” Reiner responds, copying Eren.

You snuggle them. “She doesn’t have to know about this. It’ll be our little secret.”

“You’re okay with sneaking around next time?”

“Next time?” In your head, you already decided this would be a one-time kind of deal. Not because you want it to be, but because you assumed they wouldn’t want to do this again.

“You don’t seriously think this is the last time we’re doing this, do you? Baby, you’re too cute,” Eren says, grinning.

Reiner chuckles. “You’re stuck with us now, princess. You’re way too good to let go. Right, Eren?”

“Yeah. I think we’ll keep you for a while.”

End Notes: Happy birthday Eren!

#eren smut #eren jaeger #eren x reader #eren x y/n #eren x you #eren jaeger smut #reiner braun #reiner smut #reiner braun smut #reiner x reader #reiner x you #reiner x y/n #eren x reader x reiner #eren x you x reiner #attack on titan smut #aot smut #eren yeager

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heliza24 · 1 year

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Wilhelm, The Look (™), and Endings

The recent poll on the confessions blog about the ideal end of the series (King Wilhelm vs leaving the line of succession vs the end of the monarchy) got me thinking about endings. In trying to think of what my own answer to this question was, I ended up reflecting on the way that Season 1 and 2 end, and that got me thinking about the infamous straight-to-camera Wilhelm looks that bookend each season. I’ve always loved those moments and found them crucial to the visual language of the show, but I don’t think I’ve ever really stopped to analyze why. But if I’m trying to decide how I feel about the possible endings of season 3, I should probably stop and figure out why I feel the way I do about the ending (and beginning) shots of season 1 and 2, right? So let’s take a minute and talk through these shots, and what I think they do for story structure and Wilhelm’s character.

I think the main thing those glances to camera do are establish Wilhelm as a protagonist with agency. Just for a second, he’s aware that he’s being watched, and that awareness means that he’s going to make active choices about what happens during his story. I think this makes sense when we realize that the first look to camera happens when Wilhelm is giving his first press interview. Wilhelm has always been in the public eye as a member of the royal family, But this is the first time that the attention of the press has been directed directly at him. It’s the first time that he has been asked to answer for his actions, and the first time he’s had to take responsibility for something like an adult. The camera catches him right as he makes his first decision: to follow his parents’ wishes, do the press conference, and go to Hillerska. It’s not a look of rebellion so much as it is a look of acceptance. All the growth that comes after as part of season 1 comes as a result of the awareness that starts in that moment. I think it’s significant that the gaze at the end of season 1 comes right after Wilhelm has made a very similar decision to the one he made in episode 1. Once again he has obeyed his parents, given the statement to the press that he was supposed to give, and toed the party line. It’s only in the fourth wall break that we know that something is different. We see all the rage and disappointment and heartbreak he has in that look, and we know that moving forward something is going to be different. But the season ends simply on this promise, and doesn’t let us see the payoff. Before we knew whether or not we were getting a season 2, I remember thinking that season 1 felt like a complete story (if not a happy one) but I would be mad if we never got to see all that Wilhelm was promising us come to fruition.

I think the gazes in season 2 function in much the same way– they emphasize Wilhelm’s agency and show us how much he changes over the course of the season. At the beginning of the season Wilhelm is literally ready to burn it all down, as he stares at us in the mirror as he burns August’s photo. But the look we get at the end of episode 6 is much more calm and confident. He’s taken the rage that fueled his initial revenge quest against August and turned it into the bravery he needs to tell the truth on his own terms. This last look once again acts as a promise; Wilhelm is swearing that he will live authentically, no matter the consequences. But once again the season ends before we have a chance to see him follow through. We know that there will be a whole host of difficulties that arise from his confession, and that last look gives us the confidence that Wilhelm will rise to meet them. But we don’t see any of that, or at least we won’t until season 3. The fact that the season ends here really emphasizes that what was most important about the season was Wilhelm’s growth. The fact that he grew to a point where he could give the speech and stare down the barrel of the camera with confidence meant that the story the season was trying to tell was complete, even though we might expect a longer denouement. I know it’s common fandom knowledge that there was at least one additional shot filmed, of Simon and Wilhelm walking away together. So I think it’s significant that in the edit Lisa and Co decided to end on The Look (™) instead. I don’t want to suggest that the Wilmon relationship isn’t hugely significant to the show, its ending, or to Wilhelm. It is, and I think that’s represented when they lock eyes right before Wilhelm’s final look to camera. But there’s something about Wilhelm growing just enough to tell the truth in front of everyone that means that this chapter of the story is now closed, with no additional Wilmon scene needed.

The other thing that first glance does of course is establish us, the audience, as part of the public that is watching and judging Wilhelm. We’re in the audience for the press conference he gives at the beginning of season 1, and we’re in the stands watching him give the speech at the end of season 2. The relationship this creates between Wilhelm and the audience is really charged. Those looks create an intimacy which makes us care about Wilhelm as a character. But they also implicate us as part of the reason why Wilhelm is always being observed. We’re part of the oppressive force Wilhelm has to deny in order to live truthfully and claim his agency. When Wilhelm looks into the camera he’s defying *us*. He’s daring us to stop him from getting revenge on August, or disobeying his mom, or telling the truth about the video. We’re brought in as co-conspirators in the same moment that we’re sized up as an enemy.

Circling back to thinking about season 3, I think it’s a fair guess to assume that the season will begin and end with The Looks (™). I also expect that the last moments of season 3 won’t tie up every single loose end, much like the end of season 2 didn’t address the fallout from Wilhelm’s speech. I expect that last look to feel like a promise, like Wilhelm saying “I’ve got it from here.”

In general I’m not huge on making super specific predictions. But if I were to guess how season 3 will end, I would predict that any questions about the larger fate of the monarchy will not be answered fully by the show, and will instead be covered by The Look (™). I think this holds true whether or not Wilhelm decides to remain in the line of succession, but that his character arc will feel most complete if he makes the decision to leave.

If Wilhelm does make the decision to leave the line of succession and this does have national implications, I don’t imagine that we’ll see them fully play out. Wilhelm growing enough to leave will mean that the story that Young Royals is telling is complete. After a lot of consideration, I think this is my desired outcome for the show and my best shot at predicting the general shape of the season 3 finale. I want Wilhelm to grow enough to leave (with Simon) and I want the show to end with us confident that he’ll be able to handle the consequences of that decision, even if we don’t see them all play out.

#young royals #my meta #wilhelm young royals #prince wilhelm

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sailoryooons · 2 years

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Hali’s Favorite Fics of 2022

Hi - in honor of 2022 coming to a close, here is a list of the things I read that are my favorite fics this year. These are fics that I either re-read multiple times, or completely blew me away the first time I read it and made me think about it for hours later.

I read upward of 100 fics this year, so if you don't see your fic that I've reviewed on here, please don't take it personally. Everything I've read this year is wonderful but these stories in particular have sat in my brain for so long I need to charge them rent. Also - I haven't finished reviewing some of these so... don't cancel me if you see your work on this list but I've never said anything djfhgdfrgihud

Also - sorry for so many repeat writers. As you can tell, there are a few people whose style really call to me and whose craft I deeply cherish and admire. Please consider sharing your thoughts with the writers below if you enjoy their work, they are amazing!

Note: Please don’t come for me about how some members recs are longer than others (cough cough Yoongi). I truly chose what, in my opinion, were literally my FAVORITE fics I read and I had a lot to chose from for Yoongi.

Kim Seokjin

Repeat Offense by @gimmethatagustd - One Shot

Summary: The are only two constants in life: the promise of death and the infuriating existence of the man who ruined your life. Will your immortal punishments keep you in an infinite loop, or will you one day be able to rid the world of the evil that is Kim Seokjin?

Sunday by @here2bbtstrash - One Shot

Summary: You got your boyfriend exactly what he wanted for his birthday.

Min Yoongi

Nothing to Hide by @gimmethatagustd - One Shot

Summary: It’s your boyfriend’s first Pride Month since coming out, and you’re determined to make sure he has the time of his life.

Cyber Sex by @gimmethatagustd - One Shot

Summary: The whole point of being a phone sex hotline operator is that you’ll never have to meet your clients. So what are you supposed to do when you find out your favorite client is your brother’s best friend?

Look Down On Me Like That by @here2bbtstrash - Series

Summary: Your asshole coworker Min Yoongi has made it his personal mission to ruin your life.

Moving Day by @here2bbtstrash - One Shot

Summary: You manage to entice your boyfriend into taking a break from unloading boxes to unload something else instead.

Deadly Desire by @nabiolive - One Shot

Summary: Reader agrees to a date with a handsome stranger despite there being a serial killer terrorizing the streets. What are the chances of it being him, though?

First Love, Last Love by @kithtaehyung - One Shot

Summary: After the most pivotal moment in your life, you never thought you would ever see him again. Years later, you cross paths in the last place you ever imagined him to be. Was this the universe giving you a second chance? Or were you destined to repeat the same mistakes you fought hard to forget?

Monster For Rent by @yoonjinkooked - One Shot

Summary: With your emotions riding high after a draining break-up, you can finally taste freedom after what felt like a prison you willingly signed up for. After a much needed night out with your friends, the word inhibition is erased out of your vocab. High on both adrenaline and liberation, you don’t even pause to think before you make your next move - and just for one night, you decided to go for a different kind of monster.

Jung Hoseok

Party On You by @here2bbtstrash - One Shot

Summary: The only thing stronger than your social anxiety is your big dumb crush on Hoseok - and you’re certainly not expecting it when he tells you the real reason he threw this album release party.

Please Stop Talking by @here2bbtstrash - One Shot

Summary: Hoseok is so good at giving head, but so bad at talking dirty. It really makes things difficult.

Kim Namjoon

Gravity by @kimvvantae - One Shot

Summary: 5 months after the breakup, you’re still gravitating around each other, no matter how hard you try not to. The only way to finally free yourselves from this pull is to let your orbits collide one last time.

Park Jimin

Nectar by @gimmethatagustd - Two Shot

Summary: Humans have this annoying habit of being drawn to danger, and you’re having a hard time stopping yourself from sinking your teeth into your new roommate. You’re not sure what’s more tantalizing: his impossibly good looks or his seemingly innocent way of flirting with the darkest part of you.

The Shape of Your Body by @here2bbtstrash - One Shot

Summary: The same day you finally manage to speak to your months-long public transit crush, you end up seeing much more of him than you bargained for.

Batteries by @amethystwritesbts - One Shot

Summary: Your sex life has been lackluster, much to the dismay of your roommate, who makes it his mission to show you sex can - and should - be amazing.

Kim Taehyung

Boy Blue by @nabiolive - Series

Summary: While going through a painful but necessary breakup, reader meets someone who is patient, kind, and understanding; everything her last ex was not.

Complete Faith by @daechwitatamic - Series

Summary: It’s Taehyung himself who admits that it’s usually around the one-month mark that he starts to lose interest in his relationships. So even though you’re so drawn to him you can barely stand it, even though he’s attentive and funny, even though you’re helplessly crazy about him… when you start dating, you feel like you’ve got an expiration date from day one. But will it be Taehyung’s issues that get in the way, or your own?

Jeon Jungkook

Babygirl by @here2bbtstrash

Summary: Your boyfriend claims the outfit was just for a tiktok - until you realize you’re both very into it.

Multi Member

Collateral by @nabiolive - Series

Summary: Your (soon to be ex) boyfriend gets in over his head working for the local mafia, and Boss Min has come to collect his payment: You.

Pairing: Yoongi x Reader x Namjoon

The Hooksborough Demon by @nabiolive - Series

Summary: You and two friends ventured into the location of an urban legend with the intention of exploring an abandoned building and having a laugh at small town lore for clout. But after a series of mysterious events, you’ve turned to a forum a year later to try to piece everything together, and to find out what the fuck happened to Yoongi & Jimin.

Pairing: Yoongi x Reader ft. Jimin

Outro: Tear by @nabiolive - One Shot

Summary: Your relationship with three amazing men felt like a dream come true until one of them cause everything to slowly fall apart

Pairing: Rapline x Reader

Dollhouse by @nabiolive - Series

Summary: Hoseok’s job is simple: He enters the host’s body, he confiscates or terminates the target, and he gets back into his own body by dinnertime, easy peasy. Until a client comes along who becomes as obsessed with his life as he becomes with theirs, and the lines between their realities begin to blur.

Pairing: Hoseok x Namjoon x Yoongi x Jungkook

Compromise by @here2bbtstrash - One Shot

Summary: You’re torn between the two loves of your life - but maybe you don’t have to choose

Pairing: Taehyung x Reader x Jungkook

Please give these writers the wonderful, amazing support they deserve and give these fics a read!

#bts smut #bts fanfic #bts x reader #bts fic recs #bts fanfiction #yoongi smut #seokjin smut #hoseok smut #jimin smut #namjoon smut #taehyung smut #jungkook smut

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flurrys-creativity · 6 months

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Ateez Yunho Masterlist

banner made by @daemour

Smiley Catalogue:

🥰 = Fluff 😁 = Slice of life 🤪 = Humour 🧜‍♀️ = Fantasy

❤ = Romance ⚡ = Angst 💣 = Sensitive themes (death, etc.)

🦄 = Hybrid 🥵 = Smut 😏 = Suggestive

Last update: May 2024

Series:

nothing so far

One shots:

Resistentialism 🧜‍♀️❤🥰😁🤪

Part of the unbeleafable bingo. Things are always somehow misplaced or just vanish. Yunho doesn’t know he is the victim of a bunch of fairies that use your home as a hideout. And he definitely doesn’t know you are half fairy, enjoying the teasing more than you should.

Matching 😁🥰🤪❤

Part of the Winter Hearts event. During a holiday party the host announced an interesting game to their guests. Everyone had to pull out sweaters of a bag, searching for the matching other. To your surprise your long time crush pulls out the sweater that matches yours and of course your friends had to tease you about it.

Yuanfen 😁🥰⚡🥵

Part of the Intimacy Anthology Project. As a professional ballroom dancer you shouldn’t have fallen in love with your partner but it happened and you regretted every second of it. Once a dance partner, always a dance partner - even after a break-up. So now you had to dance with your ex while preparing for the next competition.

Nipan ⚡💣🧜‍♀️

Part of the Year of the Villain Collab. As Yunho's fate was being discussed by the council, you couldn't simply stand by. Not until he answered some desperate questions from you and hopefully helped you sorting your feelings towards your hero boyfriend San and him, the infamous villain of Utopia.

Street fighter ⚡🥰❤🥵

Yunho had more than enough running after Wooyoung and saving his petty little butt from illegal street fights. That was until you came to their rescue and Yunho just couldn’t hold himself back anymore.

Aut viam inveniam aut faciam 😁🥰❤

Part of the Pirateez Secret Admirer Event. Two professors, who couldn't be more different, fated to meet each other and slowly grow closer than they dared to hope for.

Miscellaneous:

Crazy, stupid perv (drabble) 😁😏🥵🥰

With a roommate as hot as Yunho, you weren’t surprised to fall for him eventually. Yet you still tried to ignore it, provoking some drastic measures from Yunho as he wanted you just as bad.

Black thorn (drabble) 🧜‍♀️🥰⚡

Part of the tipsy drabbles. After she - the queen - recently became a widow the royal council decided to throw a ball, hoping to find a new king for the land. Though nobody dared to approach her. Except for one young man.

Twilight (drabble) 💣⚡

In a post apocalyptic world small groups formed to ensure their survival. You stumble upon a member of one of them as you scavenge for resources in an abandoned shopping mall.

Suckday (drabble) 😁🥵❤

Part of the lemon week. Yunho rarely let you give him head due to your size differences but when you're able to convince him, it's the best time of the day.

Secretive (drabble) 😁🤪🥰

Yunho had a secret and he involved his son. Neither of them were able to lie well in order to hide it from you.

#ateez #ateez yunho #jung yunho #masterlist

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aboutzatanna · 9 months

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To put into perspective just how forced the whole JohnZee pairing has been for the last few years, Zatanna met John 5 times in the pre-reboot continuity. That's 5 out of the 379 times she has appeared in comics before the Pre Nu 52 debut of Justice League Dark. Similarly John's Hellblazer lasted for 300 issues with his own supporting cast and love interests and Zatanna only appeared once in it.

(Yes, there was a divide between Vertigo and DC at the time but Zatanna was one of the few characters who famously flaunted the line)

Swamp Thing #49-50: this is where we first find out that these characters knew each other as John tries to recruit Zatara and Zatanna for the magical seance. Note that there is an element of manipulation involved in all of John's interactions with everyone in this issue. John was also a new character at the time and Zatanna was a very established character. Moore can be a perv so it's not surprising that he made their relationship sexual. He also basically ended the pairing with John Zatara's death and Zatanna blaming John for it. Although they were established as collegues, we got fans and writers today who think Zatanna should be a novice who needs John to lead her around and tell her where to aim her powers.

Books of Magic: In which we learn that John hasn't met Zatanna at all since the traumatic seance but feels he can just waltz in and ask her to babysit a kid for him. The writer likes him so of course it works and she hugs and kisses him, which felt so very jarring. Books of Magic is a book I enjoy except for the Zatanna scenes (and Spectres). Then we had Zee acting like a complete idiot who endangers Tim Hunter and needed to be saved by John Constantine. Really jarring when you see her appearances in JLA comics around the time where she was a powerful magician whose kicking ass. ( Yet, this one comic would decades later set the pace for her characterization in JLD as this novice with a lot of power except for when John needs to shine. ) We would later get a follow up to this in a dream sequence in the 1991 Zatanna mini series by Lee Mars but that too had a scene where Zatanna went 'oh no, I'm not as good John' which makes no sense since she has been involved in magic her whole life.

Hellblazer Vol 1 #63: Zatanna's only appearance in the title at John's 40th birthday party. I don't have any objections to this one. Zee getting high at a party with a floating joint is hilarious.

Totems mini series: A brief appearance where she turns down his offer for sex and even goes 'reven niaga'.

Zatanna Everyday Magic: I like this one. As it deals with things from her perspective. She is the one who saves him and very subtly we see her shed any resentment she may have for John but is not hung up on him. She has her own life and her own love interests, even has casual sex with them.

So we have a pairing that cratered and halfway buried, only for an ill thought out reboot to drag it back up and heavily retconning both character's respective histories to make it work. Like introducing Nick Necro and treating the seance like Zee's origin story instead of Zatanna's Search. Ignoring any aspect of her that's not related to John, like all her relationships with the JL members (except Batman) don't matter anymore even though they played important roles in her life as well. Yet, John gets to keep most of his history and supporting cast and even get several shots at an ongoing. Zee ends up being treated as less smart, less competent and daresay even less sexy, whenever the JohnZee pairing comes to the forefront. The seeds were there since even their second meeting.

I don't see why this pairing needs to be treated as something so sacrosanct that the characters aren't allowed to grow past it. It's definitely not an earned relationship that's up there with Clark/Lois, BatCat, WallyLinda or BarryIris. It's only post nu52 that writers can't seem to go two pages without mentioning the pairing whenever Zee shows up. And I hate the fact that it's lead to Zee developing a reputation as a woman with a bad body fetish. Yet another aspect of the character they had to twist to make the pairing work.

It's not just that Zee deserves better, it just plain doesn't make sense. Even on it's own, it's a constant merry go round 'oh John, you are lying to me, I can't trust you/John, you lied to me, I trusted you. Everyone in JLD gets this but Zatanna gets it the worst.

Also, Zatanna didn't 'choose him', they were apart then the reboot happened and DC went 'well, lets pretend these two are an angsty couple who can't quit each other, forget anything that might contradict this narrative'.

To drive the point home; compare Zee's last appearance in 2022 in JLD as team leader where she was shown to be reckless and dumb leader who endangered her team for no reason and refused to take responsibility (of course John comes out looking good). To her later appearances in Batgirl and the excellent Knight Terrors crossover team up with Robot Man.

Once she is away from John, she goes back to being her fun, competent, bad ass, sexy self.

Side note: Can we also go back to a time when Zatanna, Phantom Strnager, Spectre and Dr Fate were bad asses and not chumps so John Constantine can look cool as he pulls out a vaguely defined spelled from his ass? I saw scans from a comic recently where he got the drop on freakin' Waverider recently.

#zatanna #zatanna zatara #john constantine

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ssstarlighttt · 9 months

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What’s Next? You Choose: Second Poll!

hi! today, i’ll be putting out some polls that will give brief details of ideas for fics i have, five ideas here, and five ideas in this post. the winner of each poll will be the two fic ideas i’ll focus on next.

each of these will vary in length, but they’ll all be one chapter, because i want to wind down before focusing on my next multichapter project. also, none of these are the real titles, they’re just silly little codenames.

these polls will be open for one day!

CURTAIN: jack is only allowed to leave swan tower if he is accompanied by a body guard. when introduced to his new companion, the first member of his mother’s newly created “swan army,” he starts to examine their behavior, and learns more than bargained for.

GOLDEN: a retelling of canned heat. after saving the danceverses, wanderlust spends time at the spacetime hotel, unknowing to what’s to come for him.

CROWDED: an address me, your majesty side story. when jack attends a halloween party hosted by felicia and skarlett, he feels out of place. however, he meets two strangers, iluquim and vester, who take interest in him.

ARCHITECTS: part of a series of cygnus-centric one shots. he’d never been one for roller coasters, but that changes after he hears of the alphabet tumble, along with arleen, the mastermind behind it.

MECHANICS: part of a series of cygnus-centric one shots. after being given a crappy travel pod that crashes somewhere in the middle of Wasterra, a lively robot named Beedabop comes to his rescue.

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artemiseamoon · 10 months

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Immortal Seduction

A series of connected works

⏰ no posting schedule, they come when they come

📖 read on A03, previews on tumblr - upcoming!

A series of connected one shots and drabbles. No set posting schedule, they will come when they come. There is a main cast, and some of the characters will appear across works. Some background ones will remain unnamed. This was originally for frightfest.

📖: Once this starts, you can only read in full on A03 (you need an account), only previews will be added to tumblr.

About: This universe is focused around an escort service for high class vampires, called The Immortal Doves.* (more at the end)

Featuring: Various characters (oc’s, my fav characters, some vamps i like from other things, etc)

Warnings: Vampire stuff, adult themes, escort and sex work, etc. Each work will mention general warnings. Spice level will depend on my mood, sometimes i like to write it, sometimes I don’t.

Moodboards: part 1 , part 2, part 3

Oneshots & Drabbles

First Bite ft. Max Phillips - upcoming

Cast

Characters may appear across works. The list is by oneshot.

FIRST BITE

👩🏽Human | 🧛🏽‍♀️Vampire | 🧞Hybrid | ✨Fae | 🐺Werewolf

👩🏽 Ambrosia

🧛Max Phillips

👩🏻 Ravina (event manager, hostess)

🧛🏽‍♀️🧛🏽‍♂️Valentin Dupont, Adaris Chery (The current owners of Immortal Doves)

🧛🧛🏽‍♀️Kimora, The Count aka Dracul aka Vlad - (The owners of the mansion and head vampires)

👩🏾👩🏽👩🏻👨👨🏿👨🏽👨🏻 The Doves: Salomé , Robyn, Ambrosia, Daniella, Kaya, Leon, Rowan, Myesha, Antonio

🧛🏽‍♀️🧛🧛🏽‍♂️ Vampire guests in First Bite: Max Phillips, The Countess, Eric Northman , Kiaan✨, Angel Castillo, Santanico, Ethan Knight

Immortal Seduction (more about this)

“Mortal delights for the Immortal Soul”

Immortal Doves as founded by Venus de Luxe and Coco Sherry. Venus de Luxe was the vampire maker of Valentin Dupont, who is now the lead director and head of Immortal Doves, along with his wife, Adaris Chery.

The Dove’s are educated, trained and prepared for a vampire's needs. Included in this, they have curated meals, diets if requested by their vampire and wardrobes as well. The Doves work out of the Rose mansion (brothel) or can be booked for events and home visits.

MEMBERSHIP

Do you have a private or special event coming up? Would you like to spend a night or two with the human of your dreams? Or feast on the blood of a mortal catered to your exact tastes? Then we at the Immortal Doves have just what you need.

Our Doves are all carefully hand selected, educated and trained to make the best company for you. With membership, you have access to browse our selection of 40 delicious humans; women, men, non-binary, whatever your heart desires.

Once you make your choice, your human will be instructed on how to prepare for your meeting. If you have special dietary or sanitary requests, please do make them at the time of your booking so your human can be properly prepared for your pleasure.

To access our services, become a member today!

PLATINUM

All access! Included in your membership:

Immortal Dove Booking fees, special perks, full VIP access, a private party three times a year, and more. $$$$$$

DELUXE

Included in your membership:

Up to 60% off Immortal Dove Booking fees, special perks, some VIP access, a private party twice a year and more. $$$$$

GOLD

Included in your membership:

Up to 40% off Immortal Dove Booking fees, special perks, limited VIP access, one private party a year. $$$$

BRONZE

Included in your membership:

Up to 20% off Immortal Dove Booking fees, some special perks. $$$

More about us:

At Immortal Dove, we have three tiers to delight your senses and fulfill all of your desires.

Tier 1 - The Courtesans

This is the whole package. Book a Courtesan for a night of full pleasure (sex and nourishment included), or take them along for that long work trip of yours to feed your desires after a long day at the office.

Rules and limitations: Up to two Courtesans can be booked at once per individual, excluding event bookings. The limit for long term booking is 7 days at a time. Do not attempt glamor tricks, all of our Doves are protected.

Tier 2 - The Paramours

Would you like some tantalizing company for your parties, events, or in the privacy of your home? Are you tired of going out to hunt for your meal every night? Then the paramour is ideal for you. Have your food delivered and enjoy some light sensual play along the way. Paramours can act as dates to local events and gatherings.

Rules and limitations: Up to three Paramours can be booked at once, per individual, excluding parties. Paramours cannot be booked for longer than 12 hours. The sex menu is limited, please inquire for further details. If the rules are broken, you will be punished and stripped of your membership. Do not attempt glamor tricks, all of our Doves are protected.

Tier 3 - The Lovers

Spicy and decadent company for the hungry vampire! Book a Lover to keep you company socially, at home, or to be your date at local events, for up to 4 hours. Nourishment included. Have fun biting but no sex!

Rules and limitations: Up to four Lovers can be booked, per individual, excluding events. If the rules are broken, you will be punished and stripped of your membership. Do not attempt glamor tricks, all of our Doves are protected.

#Arte writes #Arte fics #artemiseamoon original #arte original #vampires #werewolves #fae #fic: Immortal Seduction

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ambitionsource · 1 year

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AMBITION “Reassessment” [ 4.09 ]♮PART 1, half 1

RECAP

Over a series of shots from the partially animated and fully bananas “The Other Side” dance sequence:

Vanessa, voiceover: Previously, on AMBITION…

Our ensemble took on a cinematic slant as they tackled some major ground on ongoing storylines -- Isa finally flew out to Los Angeles and connected with their estranged biological father, Zachary, or better known as Z.D. Roman. Yindra braved the journey back to L.A. to meet with the producer who has interest in her; Jade began her new job as a seamstress and designer at the local upstart Pinhead Threads. Despite an… interesting start with some new experiences at a party, Jade felt optimistic for the road ahead with this new role, as well as grateful for the cohort of friends she already has.

Jade: I’m lucky to know some pretty cool people.

At the same time, Lucas and Charlie endeavored to uncover the seedy underside of the school board elections, ultimately exposing the corruption of conservative members Yancy and Graham -- though not without some action-packed thrills of their own (suffice to say, if we had a nickel for every time Lucas went speed racing around Manhattan in a car that wasn’t his with a companion gay in the passenger seat that led to trouble, we’d have two nickels. Which isn’t a lot, but it’s weird that it happened twice).

Charlie: WHAT. THE. FUCK?!

The good news is that through the corruption, the bad publicity was just enough to hand Jack victory in the elections, which means ideally positive change for the district for many years to come. Riley also helped another friend find personal victory, helping Nigel rediscover himself and grasp for a new outlook on what he wants his future to be.

But not everything is so peachy, as long-awaited challenges loom on the horizon. The Turner transfer audition is just around the corner, and it’s having a palpable effect on Vanessa and Zay’s relationship -- in a desperate maneuver to preserve their romance from the friction, they decided to take some distance from one another until the auditions are done.

Zay: Vanessa. [ a beat ] Good luck. Vanessa: Ditto.

On the flip side, Farkle only seems to dig himself deeper into his unpopular romance with Jordan, so determined to hold on despite the naysayers (including his own doubts) that he may just lose everyone (including himself) to keep it.

Above all, time keeps marching on, and it waits for no one. Opening night of Ghost: The Musical is right around the corner, keeping Riley plenty busy. The Turner audition shadow only grows larger. And despite how much we’d like to look away and pretend it’s not there, deterioration and decay creeps up on us in all facets of life.

The question is, what’s resilient and healthy enough to persevere -- and what’s destined to wilt into nothing?

Guess we’ll find out soon enough. As the curtain rises on another episode…

End of recap.

INT. TURNER ACADEMY - DANCE STUDIO - DAY

We start close on ROSARIO GAO, her expression detached and scrutinizing as always.

Rosario: Welcome to the penultimate.

She doesn’t have to explain what that means. For the Turner transfers, they already know. They’ve lived it all year long, and now they’re finally here -- the last week of preparation before their auditions. The countdown to judgment day. We listen to Gao continue to lecture as the camera pans across the remaining transfer hopefuls, viewing them from behind. A faceless cohort, rather than individuals each with their own deep desires for being there.

That’s how Gao has to see them. Before long, not many of them will still be in her world.

Rosario: I should hope it goes without saying, but this week should not only be about rehearsal and refinement. More importantly, I hope each of you will take this final week to seriously consider where you are today. To take a deep, reflective evaluation of where you are, and where you’ve come from.

INT. CHARLIE’S APARTMENT - CHARLIE’S BEDROOM - DAY

At his desk, CHARLIE GARDNER finishes updating his agenda. He’s jotted down times for his audition slots and interviews at his transfer choices, his gap year dwindling to a close.

Rosario, voiceover: To think about where you want to go…

INT. NYU - DRESSING ROOM - DAY

RILEY MATTHEWS is in the dressing room, finishing wiping off her make-up from another run-through. She reaches up and uses a pen to cross off the dates on the mini-calendar pinned to the mirror.

Opening night is just a few days away.

Rosario, voiceover: And whether you’re prepared for what that entails.

INT. TURNER ACADEMY - DANCE STUDIO - DAY

Back front and center, Gao finishes her point with the bulletin that she’ll be doing a mandatory check-in with each of them throughout the week, intending to assess their progress and address any questions they may have before auditions. Don’t want to wait on a question that might cost you your chance until it’s too late. She also hopes they take this meeting seriously -- they may gain invaluable insight if they come prepared to engage at a mature, authentic level.

But mostly, they’re all bracing themselves for what comes next. The moment of truth, when they put it all on the line and take their shot.

Rosario: I hope, for all of your sakes, that you’re ready to face it.

With that, they’re dismissed. At the front of the pack, ZAY BABINEAUX and VANESSA JOHNSON keep their chins high, not willing to show even a flicker of weakness so close to the end. That includes with each other -- it seems their stance from the end of last episode hasn’t changed.

When they leave, they pass one another without acknowledgement, marching off to face the music alone.

Cue title sequence.

INT. CHARLIE’S APARTMENT - DAY

The tests of fate may be right around the corner, but for now, Riley is soaking up as much tranquility as she can get. It’s the weekend before the opening night week for Ghost, so the days to come are packed full of dress rehearsals, which on top of her school schedule means she’s going to be busier than ever.

Even so, she’s taking her sweet time this morning… in fact, she doesn’t seem at all keen to go off running into rehearsal mania. Instead, she’s having breakfast with LUCAS JAMES FRIAR, the two of them sharing a plate of pancakes and fruit on the couch.

Apparently, she’s not the only one loitering later than she should.

Lucas: [ without urgency ] I really have to go. Riley: I know, I know. [ hedging ] But not without finishing your breakfast. Lucas: There’s like one bite left. Riley: Yes, and it’s yours.

She insists, spearing the last piece with her fork and pointing it in his direction. He rolls his eyes, but obliges, allowing her to feed it to him. A bit of syrup drips off and lingers on the corner of his mouth, which Riley happily takes the opportunity to lean forward and briskly kiss away for good measure.

While Riley gets up to put the dishes in the sink, Lucas starts to throw his backpack together. Speaking of the time, he remarks that he really shouldn’t be pushing his luck.

Lucas: Given everything I pulled last month, it’s honestly shocking I’m still employed. Riley: Oh, please. There’s no proof. All the GoFundMes still have you listed as that anonymous good samaritan. Lucas: Yeah, and I wonder who set up all of those… Riley, innocently: Crazy, right? I guess the world just can’t help but fall for your unique, iridescent charm. Lucas: More like I managed to charm one person who happens to have a scarily good instinct for public organizing. [ off her coy shrug ] Anyway, yeah there’s not a ton of proof to a normie, but anyone who actually knows the school board staff would be able to figure it out in like five seconds. There’s no way Evelyn doesn’t know it was me.

Maybe so, but it hasn’t come back to bite him yet. Riley encourages him to try not to wait for the other shoe to drop, and just keep doing what he’s doing. Which is to say, all good things.

Even if their increasingly busy schedules aren’t doing them any favors. Riley laments the fact that she’s so booked up as she crosses back over to join him, considering it makes mornings like this basically the only time she can really spare with him.

Lucas: I thought you liked being busy. You were amped up a couple weeks ago, and you were even busier then with Jack’s flailing election. Riley: Flailing, successful election, thank you very much.

But Riley concedes his point. She comfortably settles onto his lap and makes herself at home, wrapping an arm around his shoulders. Yes, she was busy before, but it was a different kind. It was a balance of stuff, and the campaign nonsense energized her like nothing else because it was about something.

Riley: Now it’s just musical stuff and the occasional school project. And it’s not that I don’t enjoy that, but it’s a different pace. Different kind of busy, different demands.

And with opening night in sight, way less balance. Doing a musical is fun, and everything, but where is her time to volunteer with the shelter… spend time with her friends…

Riley: Appreciate my uniquely iridescent boyfriend?

She touches his jaw and leans in for a soft kiss, slow and teasing. Lucas doesn’t have any complaints -- or he might have one, along the lines of the whole late-for-work thing, but she’s not the only one with a partner with irresistible charm -- though he does interrupt their next kiss to comment.

Lucas: More like your uniquely unpleasant, soon-to-be unemployed boyfriend. Riley: Unpleasant, successful soon-to-be unemployed boyfriend, thank you very much.

She takes his self-deprecation in stride, because for once, it doesn’t feel grounded in disdain. Things are good, all things considered, and his mood reflects that. It’s a far cry from how things felt at the start of the school year -- it feels stable.

That is, except that there’s not enough time to appreciate it… Riley accepts another long kiss from him with a smile, obviously in no rush to go to rehearsal.

Lucky for both of them, the universe intervenes, in the form of one Charlie Gardner. He emerges from his bedroom and walks in on them sharing another kiss, immediately throwing up his hands to cover his eyes and apologizing.

Charlie: Oh, shoot. Sorry, sorry, sorry --

Riley and Lucas pull apart, the latter characteristically embarrassed while the former just looks amused. They shake their heads at Charlie’s profuse condolences as he tries to navigate the room without looking at them, nearly tripping over the arm of the couch in the process.

Charlie: It’s like I’m not even here! Riley: [ with laughter ] Charlie! Chill. Lucas: Yeah, don’t break your neck over it.

It’s really not that deep. Charlie relents, holding his hands up in surrender before dropping them at his sides. Based on the smile on his face, though, it’s unclear how much of his reaction was just to pick on them.

Now that he can see them, they ask what’s up with him this week. Apparently, it’s packed for him too.

Charlie: I’ve got some family stuff going on that I anticipate is going to take up a lot of my free hours, because otherwise, I’ve got a couple of college auditions lined up. Lucas: Auditions? Are you doing a performing thing? Charlie: Gosh, no. No, no majors, but I’ve marked an interest in minoring at both Columbia and Pace, so the admissions folks asked if I’d be open to coming in. More of a friendly assessment than anything, I think.

That’s on top of a couple of traditional interviews he has for other schools, so the process is picking up fast. He seems in good spirits about it, though, and far more invested than last year. Riley beams.

Charlie: But in spite of my schedule, Riley, I promise you that come hell or high water, I will be there for opening night. On my honor.

She waves him off, but it’s clear she appreciates the reassurance.

INT. BABINEAUX HOME - ZAY’S BEDROOM - DAY

Opening night is also penned in on Zay’s calendar on his bulletin board, showing he’s got it locked in as well. That’s not his focus at the moment, though -- Zay is on his bed, looking through his emails. He’s dressed like he was off to go choreograph in the garage, but something has him sidetracked.

It doesn’t take long to discover what. The email he has open on his phone is from the producing team of the Jagged Little Pill touring production, one of those offhand auditions Zay went to with Yindra. After a couple weeks of open call, they’re digging into callbacks, and they’re interested in seeing him again.

This isn’t the first line Zay has caught from that audition run either. He’s nabbed two or three callbacks, all slated for the coming week.

The prospect is exciting and all too tempting. Sure, he probably won’t get it, and he’s gunning for transfer anyway, but what’s the harm in showing up? All experience is good experience, isn’t it? But said Turner audition is on the horizon too…

And it’s what he should be working on right now. So he tables the offers for now, popping in his headphones and dutifully heading for the garage.

INT. TURNER ACADEMY - DANCE STUDIO - DAY

Vanessa is equally pressed about auditions, but with none of the exciting prospects. She’s further along in her choreography, as she’s been working it to death, but she doesn’t seem more confident. If anything, she’s even more stressed, sweaty and obsessing over the smallest details.

Isolation doesn’t help. With her and Zay taking their “space,” it’s like her social life is in limbo. There’s no boyfriend to distract her, and no new friends to pal around with, so all she’s got is the grind. Somehow, it’s not as comforting as it was before.

After a misstep in her routine, she cusses in frustration, kicking at the floor and descending into a sitting position. She takes a deep breath and hides her head in her knees. When she lifts her gaze again, she looks at her reflection in the mirror, then frowns.

She instinctively reaches for her phone. Part of her wants to text Zay. Not for comfort, or romantic distraction, but because he knows what she’s talking about. He gets it. They get each other, to some degree, even if their shared competitive edge is threatening to burn the world down with it.

But she can’t. She doesn’t need the help. They’re taking space, and she doesn’t want to be the thing that rushes the ruin. She doesn’t want it all to go up in flames -- their dynamic, her transfer prospects. Herself.

She’s on her own.

INT. SCHOOL BOARD OFFICES - JACK’S OFFICE - DAY

Not so for JACK HUNTER, who is enjoying a warm welcome into his transition as the brand new school board member. He’s got his very own office to show for it, which he’s finally finished unpacking and decorating. He puts the finishing touch on it by placing a framed photograph of the family picture taken during Thanksgiving on his desk -- all his favorite people together, happy, and all smiles.

He mirrors that smile now, then looks up at satisfaction at his new digs. There’s shades of the former principal’s office in it, the odd item here and there that was transplanted directly from it, but it’s fresh too. It’s bigger, and better, and full of new promise. All the hopes he has for what change he can make in this new position.

INT. SCHOOL BOARD OFFICES - DAY

He emerges from his office and walks a few steps to the assistant cubes, greeting Lucas with a grin. Here they both are! Once they discuss Jack’s move into his office, Lucas makes a face.

Lucas: Honestly, this is kinda weird. Working in the same place. Jack: Whatever do you mean? It’s just like we’re back at Adams. Lucas: That’s something I decidedly never asked for.

Big talk, Lucas. Jack rolls his eyes, and is about to retort, but they’re interrupted by another big move going on down the hall. In this case, it’s people leaving office spaces -- JEFFERSON DAVIS GRAHAM and HARRISON YANCY are clearing out theirs, after formally resigning from their positions amidst the controversies.

Suffice to say, they won’t be missed. They glance down the hall with their arms full of boxes and spot Jack and Lucas, who can’t help but smile. They both offer pithy waves, totally unbothered. Buh-bye!

Graham and Yancy scowl, before continuing their march towards the elevators.

Mm, this schadenfreude and karma combo is so tasty… Jack waits until they’re out of earshot, then offers a comment of his own.

Jack: Looks like we’ll be filling two more open seats. Maybe Riley should take on the campaigns -- she had a lot of luck with the last one.

You ain’t wrong, Jack! Off Lucas’s smirk --

INT. CHUBBIES - DAY

As much genuine fun as Riley would probably have in that endeavor, she’s fully booked at the present moment. Right now, she’s spending her last vestiges of freedom before dress rehearsals eat her to have lunch with NIGEL CHEY. They’re discussing their current course work and how the hell Riley is balancing it with all the dress rehearsal stuff.

Riley: I suppose that just comes with the territory. But I’ll admit, I don’t love how I have zero time in the coming week. Nigel: Honestly, I wish that were my problem. Not that like, I had a role specifically -- I’m over that, I promise. More the whole having so much acting to do. Rather than literally any other problem I have.

Which namely, right now, is his dance class this semester. His major requires an introductory movement course, similar to Farkle’s from last semester, which Nigel begrudges having to take since he spent four years doing dance curriculum at Adams.

Riley: So it should be okay, right? Easy-peasy. Nigel: God, you’d think! But no, our professor is insane and decided this introductory “movement” class is like auditioning for the damn Metropolitan ballet.

Riley laughs. As Nigel continues to grouse, the diner door opens, Vanessa stepping inside. She quickly scans the room as she approaches the counter, noticing Riley and Nigel in their booth just a few feet away. At first, she instinctively starts to say something in greeting, but then she second-guesses herself.

Is she even supposed to be talking to them right now? Would they want her to? How much has Zay told them about what’s going on with them, if at all? If she’s not talking to him -- for strategic, stabilizing reasons -- does that apply to them too? Where does the line between their worlds overlap, and how opaque does it have to be?

Just when she’s convinced herself that it would be a mistake to try to engage, Riley spots her when she glances over her shoulder. From that moment on, the choice is no longer Vanessa’s -- Riley smiles and waves her over without a second thought, as if nothing is out of the ordinary.

Well, here we go then. Vanessa manages a smile that’s only slightly awkward, slowly approaching their table and saying hello. Riley eagerly invites her to sit down with them, patting the booth seat next to her. After a beat, Vanessa obliges.

Riley: How are things? How goes your audition prep?

Okay, so Zay clearly hasn’t talked to her about it. At least he’s spared her that much. Vanessa shrugs.

Vanessa: Oh, you know. It’s… going.

Indeed. The conversation quickly shifts back to Nigel’s dance class woes, as whatever progress she’s making on her elite dance audition is probably leagues better than him struggling to learn the routine for his midterm -- although with his egomaniac professor, they’re probably about the same intensity.

Riley: Is there anyone you could get to tutor you, like a T.A.? Or have you asked Zay for help? Nigel: [ with a snort ] Are you kidding me? No way. I love Zay, but he is the absolute worst teacher ever. There’s a reason I never partnered with him for assignments. We tried to do a duet one time in Angela’s class sophomore year, and he tried to teach me this X-mode level choreography and then was all “come on, Nigel, you’re not even trying” when I didn’t pick it up in five seconds. I love him, and he’s got a gift, but I would never voluntarily put myself under his tutelage again.

Yeah, sounds about right. What else can you expect, he’s a fire sign! So that’s off the table. And it seems like that’s the only option he has, until Vanessa finds herself opening her mouth.

Vanessa: I could help you.

Oop. Where did that come from? Talk about ignoring the boundaries set up between their worlds. She’s just about to take it back, but Nigel’s eyes are wide as he considers the offer.

Nigel: Are you serious? Like, you’d really help me pick it up? Vanessa: Um… Riley: That would be awesome. Surely, you’ve got the skill set. Nigel: And there’s no way you could be as drill sergeant as Zay. That would legit be incredible. But like, no pressure or anything. I know you have a lot going on too. I don’t want to take up your time.

There’s the easy out, if she wants it… but Vanessa finds herself shrugging it off. Oddly enough, she thinks she might want to help him out.

Vanessa: Sure. It’s fine. Honestly, I think the distraction might be nice…

Nigel beams, already thanking her profusely. Maybe his chances of surviving this course aren’t dead yet! Riley mirrors his smile, offering one to Vanessa that she delicately returns.

INT. GARDNER HOME - KITCHEN - DAY

ELEANOR GARDNER is in the kitchen, deep in concentration as she finishes up decorating some mini cakes for a church event this weekend. Charlie enters the room and perks up when he finds her there, greeting her and claiming she’s exactly who he wanted to see.

Tellingly, as she’s been basically since he got home, Eleanor is less receptive to his friendliness. Not averse to it, more just… awkward. Unsure. Not clear on how to act around her only son, now that he’s gone off on his own and left the nest once before. Now that she isn’t so sure she knows him like the back of her hand.

Charlie senses all of this, at least her change in demeanor, and that’s precisely why he’s turning up the charm. If a bit more effort is what it takes to get their relationship back on track, less stilted and off, then he’s more than willing to put in the work.

Charlie: I was thinking we could spend some time together this weekend. We haven’t had much of a chance to since I got back, with the holidays and everything. You know, do some more mother-and-son bonding stuff, like we used to do when I was little. [ going for humor ] Though I doubt we could do much of the same stuff. I don’t think the Kiddie Cuts hair salon would still let me in at this point. Eleanor: You don’t seem much interested in cutting your hair these days anyway.

Oh… the comment wasn’t intended to come off as brusque as it did. It definitely leaves a gap in the conversation, neither of them quite sure how to respond or move on from it. Eleanor clears her throat and goes back to decorating a cake; Charlie tries not to take it personally, subconsciously running a hand through said hair. She always has been finicky about it…

Eleanor: Anyway, it’s a sweet idea, Charlie, but I just don’t have the time this weekend. I’ve got so much to do to prepare for the bake-a-thon event on Sunday. [ gesturing to the cakes ] As you can see. Charlie: [ not giving up ] Well, how about next week? Aside from my auditions -- Eleanor: I have quite a few obligations that I can’t simply drop last-minute. Errands, organizing, and the like. Charlie: I could come with you then. Help out. See what goes into all that volunteering you do.

Eleanor hesitates, eyeing him uncertainly. He really seems sincere about this…

Eleanor: You wouldn’t want to spend a whole week dragging your feet around town with your mother. Charlie: And I’m telling you, I do. It’ll be nice to immerse back in the community. And we’ll get to spend some time together, which is all I’m looking for.

He seriously doesn’t have lofty aspirations here -- he just wants to make sure the two of them are okay. Although she still seems skeptical, Eleanor cautiously agrees, claiming he can join her starting tomorrow on some of her usual runs around the community. So long as it’s really how he wants to spend his time…

Based on his smile, he couldn’t be more keen.

INT. MACNAMARA HOME - DINING ROOM - DAY

Meanwhile, things are going a bit more smoothly at the MacNamara home. With a couple more weeks under their belt, ISA DE LA CRUZ is settling into the new environment and routine, finding an uncertain but optimistic footing with the family. This growing ease is on display as they join the clan for breakfast, arriving a bit later as the brothers are just about finished with their food.

Although LOUIS MACNAMARA doesn’t seem enthused by their presence, everyone else greets them cheerfully. As they discuss their plans for the week and what’s on their plates, ZACHARY MACNAMARA mentions some important meetings he has with his management team for upcoming projects, as well as a callback audition or two. Based on his busy schedule, Louis gets defensive.

Louis: Are you going to have time for my field trip? Milo: Trip? Are we taking a trip? Zachary, hesitantly: I don’t remember you mentioning -- Louis: My homework field assignment. With local museums? You promised you would come with me to the Academy Museum. Milo: I wanna go! Zachary: I’ll double-check my schedule. I’m sorry, Lou, I didn’t remember you saying -- Louis: I told you like a hundred times! At least, I did before someone showed up --

Oop. Isa isn’t sure how to react, focusing on timidly filling their plate instead. RUBY MACNAMARA skillfully intervenes, defusing the pre-teen meltdown by insisting Zachary will look at his schedule like he said, and if there’s a problem, they’ll figure out a solution as they always do. No need to get all worked up before school.

Louis isn’t satisfied with this, but he stuffs it for now. Speaking of, it’s time for them to get rolling. Ruby tells Isa not to rush, and enjoy their breakfast. As MILO MACNAMARA gets up from the table, he cheerfully informs Isa of part of why he’s excited to get to school today.

Milo: Everyone is so jealous that I got a brand new sibling. Like magic! I’ve been telling all my friends and teachers how cool you are.

Aw. How sweet. Isa smiles. After Milo and Louis depart to grab their backpacks, Ruby pulls on that same thread. In the vein of integrating Isa into their worlds and proudly showing them off, she was hoping Isa would consider joining them at their church this weekend for regular service. A kind suggestion, though Isa seems reserved.

Isa: Oh. That’s… really nice. I’m not exactly… religious, though -- Ruby: Oh, don’t worry, hon. Half the folks at our church aren’t either. It’s more the habit of the thing. Zachary: Hollywood is a mixed bag of devotion. Ruby: But everyone is nice enough regardless. It’s non-denominational, very welcoming. I’m a gal of faith, but we more so go for the sense of community than anything else. It can be hard to find safe, comfortable circles of all ages and stripes in this town, and this has been a God send in that regard. No pun intended.

It’s also no stranger to celebrity congregants, so they’re very particular about security and privacy -- something Zachary greatly appreciates. All in all, it’s like extended family to them, and they’d love for them to get the chance to meet Isa. But of course, only if Isa is comfortable with it.

They think on it for a moment… then they shrug, agreeing. Things are going well enough, and it’s not like Isa takes a strong stance on religion one way or the other. If it’ll make Ruby happy, that seems like a fair trade.

And it does. She claps cheerfully and assures Isa it’ll be a lovely time, and she’ll make sure all the folks are prepped for their grand arrival. Her excitement is palpable as she goes to gather the boys and herd them off to school. Zachary mirrors the smiles, quietly nodding to Isa and thanking them for humoring her.

Zachary: She gets these ideas, and then gets all excited about them. Especially when community building is involved. Isa: Trust me, I get it. I’ve got one of those myself.

And they have to think Riley would be so proud. In fact, given how well they’re maintaining stability and good vibes these past few weeks, Isa probably couldn’t make her any prouder. They hardly have any reason to complain.

Though not everything is quite how they’d like it… when Zachary goes back to eating, they take the chance to look at their phone.

No new messages -- and pulling up their thread with Farkle, it’s clear that is who they’re waiting to hear from. Antsy about the silence, they quickly craft another text.

INT. L.A. APARTMENT - FARKLE’S BEDROOM - DAY

It comes through, lighting up Farkle’s phone on the nightstand. He reaches for it, opening up the text.

“Hey just wanted to say sorry again for the stuff we argued about the other week… I know you said it’s whatever but it doesn’t really feel like it and I want to do anything I can to make this work. We just got out of being shitty and I really want to keep it that way, esp while I’m in town”

“So ig just let me know what else I can do if you’re still mad, seriously I’ll do anything. I just want us to be good again. For the long haul”

It’s a nice sentiment, and clearly meant, since Isa is not one for being so vulnerable unless absolutely necessary -- let alone in written form.

And FARKLE MINKUS knows that. Based on the bittersweet expression on his face, he knows exactly how sincere Isa is being, and it means something to him. It’s what he wants too.

But it feels dangerous. Letting them in. Maybe because they’ve been so out of practice, or because of whatever weird volcanic activity seemed to bubble up when they last argued. But more than anything, because Isa’s voice is just one of many rattling around in his brain highlighting the potential flaws in his relationship, and he’s desperate to hold on to it with everything he’s got.

Much like the forgotten birthday, the best thing he can do to hold it all together is ignore everything else. Including, it seems, Isa De La Cruz.

So he doesn’t respond this time, putting his phone away.

EXT. GARDNER HOME - DAY

The sun rises on another day in Manhattan, Charlie and Eleanor starting their Saturday bright and early. It’s the beginning of her busy weekend, before an equally busy week, so there’s no time to waste.

They head towards Charlie’s car, Eleanor commenting that she’s grateful to not be driving for a change.

INT. CHARLIE’S CAR - DAY

Charlie slides into the driver’s seat, turning the keys in the ignition… and then he remembers a very important detail. The information for his Fall Out Boy mix CD pops up on the display, so he lightly curses to himself and hits the eject button. He acts fast while his mother is climbing into the car, retrieving the CD from the player and stuffing it into the pocket behind the driver’s seat.

By the time Eleanor is settled in, door closed behind her, Charlie has pulled off his heist. He gives her a bright smile as if nothing is out of the ordinary, asking her where they’re off to first.

As he pulls out of the driveway, Eleanor remarks how quiet it is and suggests they put on some music. Charlie directs her to the glove compartment to retrieve his CD sleeve (of not punk rock selection), which she flips through idly. She pauses on the couple of One Direction discs, but doesn’t comment, instead lighting up at the next sleeve.

Eleanor: Oh, Josh Groban! You know, I just love his voice. Charlie: I know you do. We listened to it often enough growing up. Eleanor: I dare say, “You Raise Me Up” might just be my favorite song. The way it speaks to that sense of faith… [ with a shudder ] Chills, every time. [ putting the CD in the player ] But you know, it was actually your father who was the fan before me. Charlie: Really? Eleanor: Oh, yes. He was following him from his first release. I hadn’t even heard of him until he was touring for his sophomore album -- what was it -- Charlie: Closer. Eleanor: Yes, Closer! We went and saw that together. You won’t remember that, of course, you were just a baby. But when I heard that song for the first time…

The rest is history. Charlie smiles. He doesn’t remember his parents going to a concert, no, but he claims he can remember listening to these first couple albums all the time as a toddler.

Charlie: I absorbed it like osmosis. It’s part of my DNA now. [ off her laughter ] Seriously, it’s your fault that I have his debut like, memorized, and all of my friends make fun of me for it.

Eleanor continues to chuckle, shaking her head lightly. It feels good, reminiscing like this -- to be able to find that easy rapport again. It’s always been a good sign to make his mother laugh.

There are other topics at hand to discuss, though, namely what their agenda for the coming week is. They’ve got their errands for today, obviously, mainly small favors for folks in the church community and gathering any last supplies for her baking event. But what else is to come? Eleanor rattles off some of the commitments she has -- church events, food bank volunteering…

Eleanor: And my United For Life branch has our weekly brunch on Wednesday -- oh, it would be so wonderful if you could come to that. I’m sure some of the women would be so heartened to see a young man like yourself advocating for the unborn. Charlie: Um… you said Wednesday? [ swiftly ] Shoot, you know, I think that’s the same time as my Pace audition…

And if it isn’t, he sure is about to pretend it is. The pro-life activism he’ll do without, but the rest of her plans sound reasonable. Either way, should be an interesting and lively week.

INT. USC - COFFEE SHOP - DAY

Farkle and JORDAN NELSON have met up on campus for a study date, at the same cafe they usually hang out at together. Things aren’t as cozy as they once were, though -- rather than cramming together into one oversized armchair and cuddling close, they’re sharing one of the leather couches, with a decent amount of space between them. That’s because Jordan is more focused on the shooting script he’s editing than Farkle, clearly more in study mode than date mode.

Which is not Farkle’s preference at the moment. Not right now, when it already feels like the rose-colored hue is starting to fade from their world. Jordan’s stolen attention feels like barbed wire, and Farkle doesn’t know when it got put up. He isn’t convinced about whether this is a new disinterest he’s suddenly earned from his boyfriend… or if it’s always been this way, if he’s always been reaching for scraps, and he’s just seeing it now. Lately, he doesn’t know what to believe.

But he knows it’s been good. It is good, he thinks. He just has to keep working on it -- relationships are all about effort after all. He clears his throat, delicately nudging his shoe against Jordan’s knee to get his attention. At first, Jordan instinctively swats him away, mildly irritated, but then once he realizes the gesture was meant to be playful, he gives him a second of his time, offering him a smile.

Jordan: Yes? Farkle: Nothing. Just thinking… about how happy I am to be here. With you. Jordan: Aw. So sweet.

Jordan leans over and gives him a brisk kiss, which seems like all Farkle could’ve wanted. But it ebbs away just as fast, Jordan going back to his laptop a moment later… Farkle scrambles to hold on, nudging the conversation along.

Farkle: It’s good to see you. And just be chill, like this. I know things have been busy, with classes and the show and stuff. Jordan: Yeah. Totally. Farkle: … I noticed you haven’t come to the show again yet. I’ve been told it’s getting better every night. Maybe you could come to the one tonight? I could get you a free ticket.

As if Jordan can’t afford to pay. Regardless, he dismisses the offer, claiming he’s too busy. Midterms, and all that. Like what he’s working on right now.

Jordan: Of course, I’d love to see you. I’m sure you’re killing it. Farkle: Right. Jordan: But bigger fish to fry right now. [ patting his cheek ] Just keep making me proud, Minkus.

He’s trying. That’s all he’s trying to do. Farkle searches for another route, bringing up an idea he’s been ruminating on as if he’s just thought of it.

Farkle: You know what I was thinking? Jordan, playfully: That you really need to be quiet so that Jordan can work on his edit? Farkle: No. With your film festival thing coming up -- Jordan: It’s not a film festival “thing.” It’s the Young Directors Summit. Where my short film was selected out of hundreds of entries. Farkle: Right. Yes. That. Sorry, I forgot the name. I know the Summit is a big deal, so I was thinking I could do something special to celebrate it. I thought maybe I could cook dinner, and you could come by the apartment. Sort of lowkey, but… special, you know? Intimate.

A situation where he can’t be distracted by something else. Jordan contemplates this, not opposed to the idea, but he warns Farkle that he doesn’t know what his schedule might be like through the week. So he’ll soft commit, but no promises.

What a sweet response… Farkle tries to hold onto hope, taking that as a yes. It’s better than a no, at least. Now he just needs to figure out what to make… Jordan shifts to discussing the Summit more in detail, reminding Farkle of the date of the event and that he’s going to be his plus one. It’s a pretty classy event, so they want to get there early and show up right. He’ll text him some ensemble ideas so Farkle knows what to wear.

Farkle: I mean, I can imagine. I did grow up with a millionaire CEO for a father. I’m no stranger to fancy events. Jordan: Of course. I just know your taste can be a bit… quirky, and I want to make the right impression. You know how these older Hollywood folks can be. No imagination. [ with a smile ] Just want both of us to come out looking just right.

Sure… hard to argue with that. Farkle drops it, just content with being included in Jordan’s very important plans.

Zay, pre-lap: I know you’re hella busy, but I’m just looking for some opinions.

INT. NYU - THEATER - DAY

Riley is at NYU for weekend rehearsal, already in costume and make-up for the first act of Ghost. She’s been there all day, and it’s just the start of a long, long week to opening night. Zay has come by to visit and ask for her advice on his Turner audition concept, following her through the auditorium towards the stage.

Riley: I get that, and I wish I could be more help. Seriously, if I could drop everything and just spend all week helping you craft the perfect Zay routine, you know I would in a heartbeat. Zay: I know you would. Which is crazy, but appreciated. Riley: But I am just so swamped right now. I barely have time for my classes around all of this, to say nothing of my free time. I don’t know how much help I’m going to be.

She doesn’t want to let him down, or the production by getting too distracted. Zay waves off her reservations, assuring her it’s not that serious. He just wants a once-over, honest opinion on the direction, then she’ll be free to go. As they make it to center stage, Riley relents, holding out her hands.

Zay grins, handing her the scribbled choreo and concept sheet he drafted up. She starts to skim it.

Riley: Have you asked Vanessa? I’m sure her dance perspective would be much more helpful than mine. Zay: Uh… no. No, we’re not really doing that right now.

That’s got her attention. Riley is far more concerned with that answer and the tone of his voice than anything he could’ve written on that sheet of paper.

Riley: What does that mean? Is everything okay? Zay: Chill. It’s not -- everything is fine. Riley: I’m chill. I’m calm. But you’re not doing what, exactly?

Well, anything, at this point. Zay sighs and briefly explains the situation, the agreement he and Vanessa reached to keep things from imploding. With the stakes so high for auditions, they’re taking a clean, silent break from one another so they can focus their energies on their routines and not get in each other’s heads. So pointedly, asking for advice would be out of the question.

Despite the genius move Zay seems to think they’ve made here, Riley doesn’t look impressed.

Riley: You’d rather not just… talk about it? Zay: [ with a snort ] Fuck no. That never ends well.

Talking hasn’t exactly been their strong suit. With things so heated right now just by nature of competition, they’re doing everything in their power to avoid anything that could spark another flash argument. That feels like the greatest obvious risk.

Zay: But it’s all good. This is good. We’ve got it so that we give each other space now, get through the bullshit without sacrificing either of our chances. And no matter what happens, we won’t have the opportunity to misplace blame on each other, since we definitely weren’t a possible factor in distracting the other before the audition. So we get through this, let what happens happen, and then bam. Back to normal, crisis averted.

There’s about seventeen things in that plan Riley takes issue with, but knowing Zay, she doesn’t think it’s worth it to argue. Once he has an idea in his head, it’s hard to convince him otherwise… not to mention she straight up doesn’t have time. Maintaining her own relationships is task enough right now.

So she moves on, directing her focus instead to the choreography and continuing to read.

EXT. NEW YORK STREETS - DAY

Meanwhile, a brief montage showcases how Eleanor and Charlie spend most of their day, stopping by church members’ homes to bring home-cooked meals for those that are sick, provide supplies and groceries for the elderly, pick up mail for community drop off.

Everyone seems grateful for the help and more than tickled to see Charlie helping out. Many of them remark how nice it is to see more of him, since he was away for so long. While the sentiment is positive, and Charlie always insists he’s glad to be back, Eleanor usually clams up at the mention of his absence.

It reopens a bit of the cold space between them, the mysterious chill that Charlie is working to thaw. He just needs to figure out why.

INT. GARDNER HOME - DINING ROOM - NIGHT

After that full day of work, Charlie is more than ready for dinner with his family that evening. AMBROSE GARDNER took the burden of cooking tonight, and DAISY GARDNER and ROSIE GARDNER are both dutifully in attendance. Charlie takes a peek around the table as Eleanor wraps up saying grace, enjoying the reality of getting to be sharing a meal with his parents and younger sisters again. It feels familiar; it feels normal.

No matter how things change or how long he goes away, he figures he can always come back to some form of this.

As they begin to idly chat, Eleanor reminds the family that tomorrow is a very special day at church with her bake-a-thon. She’s spent a lot of time organizing it, and she wants it to go off without a hitch. So they’ll likely need to head out a bit early tomorrow for service.

One thing that has changed, without a doubt, is Rosie’s willingness to throw curveballs. After a beat, she claims she wasn’t planning on going to service tomorrow.

This goes about as well as you’d expect. An uncertain quiet settles over the table, all eyes looking in her direction. Eleanor blinks, taking a moment to process that.

Ambrose: You didn’t, uh, mention this to us earlier, Rose. Rosie: Sorry. I guess I forgot. Eleanor: What gave you the idea that it was okay to change your plans? Rosie: Um… not being eleven years old anymore? I don’t get what the big deal is. I go to service literally every week. Eleanor: The big deal is that I have a very important event that I’ve been planning for weeks, and I would like my family to be there in support. I’ve been very clear about the timeline for this. What else could you possibly have planned? Rosie: Whatever, nothing. Something else just came up. Ambrose: I think we would’ve appreciated a bit more advanced notice -- Eleanor: “Something.” What else is “something?” Rosie: Okay, if you have to know! One of my friends from school is having a birthday party, and I really want to be there for it. Eleanor: [ with a scoff ] A birthday party -- Rosie: It’s their sweet sixteen! It’s a big deal! Eleanor: Oh, so that is a big deal to you? But not Sunday service with your family. Rosie: This is so ridiculous! Daisy gets to skip tomorrow!

Daisy shoots her a glare, not appreciating being dragged into it.

Daisy: I have the science fair! Rosie: I just think it’s dumb to act like you’re mad because of this one event, when we all know that no matter what week it was, you’d be mad at me for not wanting to go. Like, as if I could ever have another life outside of church. Eleanor: That is absolutely not true. I don’t appreciate your attitude. If that’s how you really feel, then maybe you shouldn’t -- Charlie: [ cutting in ] I’ll go. Tomorrow. I can tap in for Rosie.

All of them stare at him, effectively halting the back and forth.

Ambrose: That’s a nice offer, bud. Eleanor: That isn’t exactly the point. But I’m sure you have other things -- Rosie: [ under her breath ] So it’s fine when he does… Charlie: Really, I’m happy to go. It’ll be nice, actually, to go more consistently. I haven’t been great about reestablishing the habit since I got back, with all the moving and everything.

This way, Rosie can go to her party, but Eleanor will have one kid in attendance to rep the clan. Everyone wins. And next time, they all can be there together for a change. Wouldn’t that be nice?

For now, it’ll have to do… and at least it stops the arguing. No one quite won, but greater eruption is averted for now. Daisy shrugs, unbothered. As long as she gets to go to the science fair, not her problem. Eleanor frowns lightly to herself, stabbing at her dinner.

Eleanor: Why they would schedule that on a Sunday is beyond me…

Nice to have the peacemaker back in full force. Ambrose gives Charlie a grateful smile and subtle nod, which he lightly returns.

INT. LUCAS’S APARTMENT - NIGHT

Lucas swings by the old apartment for the first time in a while, bringing leftovers from the diner after a shift. He starts to head for the kitchen but is startled by KENNETH FRIAR reclined on the couch, plaintively watching TV.

It’s stunning not just because he’s not used to Kenneth being around so consistently, but more so because he looks so… small. So unlike himself. His formerly athletic and bulky frame has thinned from chemotherapy and fatigue. His usually tan skin from all those hours outside coaching has grown sallow. Even though he’s at rest at the moment, his breathing is fragile in subtle ways, like the work of raising his chest takes much more effort than before. If the room were quiet, you may be able to hear the air rattle through his lungs.

Considering he hasn’t visited in a bit, it’s obvious Kenneth is surprised to see Lucas, too. Surprised, and somewhat embarrassed by the state he’s discovered him in. Immediately, he pushes himself upright and tries to regain more presence, clearing his throat and asking why he’s stopped by.

Lucas: … finished my shift and we had leftovers. Thought you all could use them. [ a beat ] Mama especially likes the pie, so. Kenneth: Ah. Yeah. [ with a nod ] That’s nice. She’ll like that.

Yeah… Lucas awkwardly continues towards the kitchen, letting that be that. Only he’s startled again when Kenneth coughs, loudly, a violent reflex that sounds about as brutal as it probably feels at this point. Lucas winces, unprepared for the reality check.

It only grows worse as Kenneth settles into a coughing fit. He tries to fight it, not wanting to hack up a lung in front of him, but that only makes the spasm worse. He starts to wheeze, and in his effort to straighten up and ease airflow he knocks the remote off the arm rest and onto the ground, cursing angrily at his own clumsiness. He starts to get up and reach for it --

And that’s when he starts to tumble. His legs aren’t what they used to be, and before he knows it he’s losing his balance, beginning to crumple towards the carpet.

Lucas moves without thinking, placing the Chubbies bag on the floor and rushing over to help. He kneels down and stabilizes Kenneth so he doesn’t completely collapse, trying to help him back upright towards to the couch. For a moment, he allows it, too off-balance to think of anything but regaining alignment.

Then once he realizes what’s happened, and the humiliation sets in, so do his instincts. Like he has to prove he doesn’t need him, that any pity or superiority he might feel is misguided. In a flash, Kenneth rejects Lucas’s aid, shoving him away.

It all happens in seconds. A perfect presentation of old habits burned in deep, leaving Kenneth flushed in the face and Lucas sprawled on the floor.

For a second, neither of them move, unable to look at each other. Both uncertain how to react; both humiliated in different ways.

GRACE FRIAR comes in moments later, taking in the scene and dreading the worst. She cautiously asks if everything is okay -- already knowing the answer -- breaking the spell of paralysis. Lucas swallows his emotion and gets back to his feet without a word, allowing Kenneth to speak for the both of them as he claims they’re fine. Just dropped the remote.

In that same quiet tread, Grace approaches and steps in the middle, retrieving the remote from the ground and handing it to Kenneth. He takes it sheepishly, letting a nod substitute for actual thanks. He tries to push past the episode, aiming for nonchalant.

Kenneth: Lucas brought food. Should do you the favor of having to keep me alive for a couple more days.

That comes off more macabre than intended. Grace eyes the food bag on the floor, then Lucas, silently trying to figure him out.

Then she gracefully takes the food and leads the way to the kitchen, correctly assuming Lucas will follow. They leave Kenneth alone, solemn and pale in the glow of the television screen.

INT. LUCAS’S APARTMENT - KITCHEN - NIGHT

Grace delicately transfers all the leftovers Lucas brought into airtight containers, the only noise coming from the low din of news in the living room. Lucas leans against the counter, arms crossed and staring at the floor, expression knit into a frown. The figure left out of the conversation may no longer be so large, but he still casts a long shadow…

Lucas: Why didn’t you tell me it was getting this bad?

She knew he would say something eventually. She pauses, closing her eyes for a moment, then she sighs.

Grace: You want the truth? [ turning to face him ] It never crossed my mind.

Living with it so constantly, watching him deteriorate, it’s like she’s become numb to it. The evidence of it is more shocking to Lucas, who has been able to walk away for chunks of time. It’s been subtle to her, almost imperceptible.

Not to mention, what good would it have done to tell him? Other than stating the obvious? What would either of them gain if she had? Lucas shrugs, searching for the answer.

Lucas: I could help more. I can come by more often. Do more… chores, or something. I don’t know. If he needs help, then -- Grace: Based on how well that went?

She didn’t see it happen, but she can fill in the blanks. Kenneth was prideful to begin with, and no longer having the same ability and discipline is hard enough on him. Having to ask for help from Lucas would make it ten times worse, and probably bring out the worst in both of them. They already got a glimpse of it, with how he pushed him aside -- it’s not the same as being knocked around on purpose, no, but the actions hurt just as much. The scars sting the same.

Still, Lucas feels guilty. Grace is here dealing with all of it, having to carry the weight for all of them, and he’s just off doing whatever.

Grace: He’s my husband. [ with weak humor ] That’s part of the job description, isn’t it? In sickness and in health.

The way they’ve got it right now is what’s best for everyone. Less friction this way; less pain. Lucas has so many things to be focused on in his own life -- good things, the stuff she wants him to be investing his time and energy into.

Grace: You have your own life to live. I don’t want to mess with that. You don’t need to become a caretaker… least of all for someone who didn’t necessarily return the favor.

It’s one of the first times Grace has openly acknowledged the less-than-stellar hell the two of them have endured, rather than leaving it unspoken. The subtle admission is enough to stall Lucas’s complaints for now, though no one seems particularly satisfied with the situation.

However, with the Friar family, that’s not exactly out of the ordinary.

EXT. MACNAMARA CHURCH - DAY

Isa arrives at the usual church with the MacNamara clan, shy but doing their best not to retreat into themselves. Milo hardly lets them anyway, sticking by their side and eagerly pointing out all of the people they pass and things he likes about their church like their personal tour guide.

As they approach the doors, where cheerful ushers are greeting them, they take a deep breath. No turning back now.

INT. MACNAMARA CHURCH - DAY

The congregation is milling about and chatting while they wait for service to begin, and everyone is more than friendly when the MacNamaras arrive. They’re clearly well-liked members of the community, due in no small part to Ruby’s bubbly charm, and they mesh into the social scene easily.

Except Isa. They’re not sure how to comport themselves, although Ruby does their best to integrate them. They pull out all the stops while introducing them around, praising Isa’s creativity and gushing about how wonderful it’s been to have them join the family.

Even though everyone is kind enough, it’s still a bit awkward. Suppose there was no way it couldn’t be, a new family member appearing out of the blue, but Isa doesn’t help matters much with their natural lack of social charisma. They try their damnedest, doing everything they can to channel Riley and Dylan or mimic Ruby’s natural ease, but it just doesn’t land right. They keep saying the wrong thing, or causing awkward bumps in the conversation. When one churchgoer calls them MacNamara by default, they correct with “De La Cruz,” but then don’t even get why they felt the need to fill in.

Churchgoer: Oh, of course. My bad, dear. [ with sympathy ] We know all about your late mother.

Yeah, figures. Who doesn’t? They know Ruby told the congregation about Isa’s connection, so it’s no surprise people here would know. Somehow, the known feeling doesn’t make Isa feel better though -- it makes them feel even more like a sore thumb, an intruder with the MacNamara clan rather than a member.

Even so, Ruby tells them they’re doing fine. As she goes to find the boys and direct them to their pew, she promises Isa that this has gone swimmingly so far. Everyone is going to love them, no doubt about it.

While they wait for the others to return and head towards the pew, they hang back, checking their phone. They’ve got messages from Riley and Dylan, both encouraging them to just be themselves and stay out of their own head. They’ve got this! What’s not to love?

It’s not love Isa is concerned about. It’s feeling a part of things -- feeling like they belong.

Other churchgoers pass by Isa without comment now, no Ruby magnetism to draw their attention. No identification key to prove they should be there. As the world slows down around them, Isa does their best to keep their polite smile on.

Song Cue ♫ ♪ “Waiting On A Miracle” as performed by Encanto Original Movie Cast || Performed by Isa De La Cruz

They start the song trying to convince themselves it’s fine, that they’re doing great. Echoing the kind sentiments of their half-mother and friends in their head. They’re part of the family. They’re part of the community. It’s fine, totally fine.

But it’s not. This thing they’ve found with Zachary, with the whole family, is so fragile. So important, and they’re so terrified of fucking it up. They want it to be easy -- they want to effortlessly fit into their world.

Always walking alone Always wanting for more Like I'm still at that door longing to shine

These nerves are what motivate the performance as it unfolds, the world growing dark around Isa as a theoretical spotlight shines on them. They begin to move through the church and the pews, fittingly singing about miracles and grace from the universe in the house of whispered prayers. All they need is a chance -- they’re giving this everything they’ve got. They will not mess it up.

Their singing grows more pronounced as they make it to the front of the pews, now in front of the entire congregation. Their focus is on the MacNamaras, though, Ruby and the boys frozen in their seats. Isa implores them to not give up on them, to give them a fair chance, even though they can’t hear the prayer.

I would heal what's broken Show this family something new Who I am inside, so what can I do? I'm sick of waiting on a miracle, so here I go

They then bound through the center aisle through the rest of the number. Declaring their readiness, determined not to mess this one up. All they need is a blessing, a miracle that’ll let this opportunity be different from the rest. They land back at the far end of the church, throwing their head back and belting out the last line as the stained glass window of Jesus above them glows down on them.

Then the music and lights fade away, returning the scenery to normal as Isa murmurs the last sentiment to themselves.

Isa: Am I too late for a miracle?

Moments later, Zachary comes to join them, nodding towards the pews where Ruby and the boys are waiting.

Zachary: Ready?

They hope so, Zachary. They want to believe it. Isa manages a smile, then follows him down the aisle.

INT. L.A. APARTMENT - DAY

This time, it’s Farkle who is left hanging out in the apartment alone. He’s trying to do a reading for class, but is having trouble focusing. He keeps going back to his phone, waiting for new messages that aren’t coming -- or more accurately, rereading the last one he received and hoping it’ll be different.

“Got held up in the edit studio, sorry Minkus. Next time”

Which would be fine, a totally normal and understandable change of plans, if every action Jordan took these days didn’t feel like a nod to how rapidly Farkle is losing his shine.

He perks up when he hears the key in the apartment door, grateful to not be alone with his thoughts anymore. But it’s much more than that -- MAYA HART returns, yes, but she’s also got friends. In this case, JADE BEAMON and YINDRA AMINO, all three of them engaged in opinionated chatter about something or other. They’re just coming back from a Sunday brunch.

Without him. Not that Farkle would’ve expected to be invited, but somehow, seeing all of his peers together right in front of him makes his absence feel even more pointed.

They all seem surprised to find him there on the couch, greeting him cheerfully. Maya is most surprised of them all.

Maya: I didn’t realize you were home. Farkle: Yeah. You know, just, last-minute change of plans. [ a beat ] I did have something else going on, but -- Yindra: Sorry, Mink. If we’d known you were free, you could’ve tagged along.

They just assumed, given his very busy schedule, that he wouldn’t be. It honestly didn’t even occur to Maya to ask him. Farkle swallows his disappointment, waving off their concern with a tight smile. No worries.

Everything is fine.

INT. MACNAMARA CHURCH - DAY

As service is wrapping up for the afternoon, the MacNamara clan gathers by the front to say goodbye. Ruby is clearly well-established in the community, receiving warm hugs and exchanging kind farewells with basically everyone who passes them on their exit. Zachary always receives a handshake or nod, and Milo may as well be the belle of the ball with how everyone loves him.

Some people remember to acknowledge Isa; fewer actually remember their name. Most don’t think anything of it, so enmeshed in their usual routines that it's like they mentally skip over them. It’s probably not personal. Isa tries to convince themselves that it's not on them. Change takes time; they’re doing the best they can.

Ruby turns to give all of them a smile, asking if they’re ready to head out. She makes sure to give Isa an affectionate squeeze on the arm, a small but tender gesture signaling how glad she is that they joined them this morning. Isa smiles.

Louis leads the way out of the church, more than ready to be done with the socializing for the day.

EXT. MACNAMARA CHURCH - DAY

Boy, is he in for a nasty surprise. The instant that Zachary steps out behind him into the sunshine, Isa not far behind, it’s like the wolves descend. Somehow, the paparazzi have gotten wind of their presence and their brand new relationship, because they’re staked outside the church like vultures.

And when they see their prey, it only takes a second for them to swoop in for the kill.

Paparazzi: There they are! Paparazzi 2: Quick, quick, get the shot!

Cameras start clicking and tabloid reporters rush forward to meet them on the sidewalk, completely catching them all off-guard. One of them basically shoves Louis to the side to get a microphone in Zachary’s face, nearly sending him to the ground. Ruby scrambles forward to help him, sending a scowling Mama Bear glare in their direction.

It’s all happening so fast, so suddenly, that none of them have the proper preparation to react.

Reporter: Z.D. Roman, are the rumors true? You’re the father of the late Valerie De La Cruz’s illegitimate love child? Zachary: I -- uh -- Reporter 2: Isadora! How does it feel to finally know your father? Does it feel like too little, too late? Reporter 3: Do you feel like Valerie hid something from you? Is it a betrayal that it took so long? Reporter 2: Z.D., how does it feel to be a baby daddy? Reporter: Is it true that you hid the truth about the paternity because you didn’t want it to disrupt your career? Is that really more important than fatherhood? Zachary: No. No -- I didn’t know -- Reporter: Isadora, do you feel -- Isa, numbly: It’s Isa.

That’s all their brain can manage at the moment. It’s quickly shutting down, overwhelmed by all the chaos and unexpected third degree. Louis and Milo seem equally overwhelmed, not used to such public accosting. Despite their well-regarded father, Ruby and Zachary have always done a good job of keeping things lowkey and maintaining their privacy. Suffice to say, they’ve never had microphones shoved in their face like this before.

Reporter: [ to Milo ] How does it feel knowing your dad had another child? Do you feel replaced? Milo, confused: I love having Isa here? Ruby: Shh, baby, you don’t have to say anything to these people. [ to the reporter ] Shame on you. God bless your damn heart.

Zachary finally gets his wits back, helping Ruby to usher their family towards the car. Other churchgoers are staring, disturbed and unsettled by the sudden immense attention being drawn to their tight-knit community. More than a little judgment is being shot Isa’s way as they’re shepherded into the back of the MacNamara car.

INT. MACNAMARA CAR - MOVING - DAY

More than a little shaken, the family initially start their drive home in silence. Then, as if a dam has burst, emotions come flooding out of both Louis and Milo. Louis starts cussing out (without any actual curse words) the paparazzi for shoving him around, claiming that they could’ve killed him; Milo starts blubbering tears, overwhelmed and unsure how to deal with this new experience.

Next to the two boys in the back, Isa remains silent. They take in the intense emotions from their half-brothers, and Ruby as she turns around in her seat to try and calm them. Isa shrinks into their seat.

They can still hear the shouts of the paparazzi, see the flashes of the camera, feel the judgmental eyes on them. Memories of similar experiences past press down on them, leaving no space to breathe. It’s all happening all at once, stuck on replay, the sounds of Milo’s cries and Louis’s shouts merging in with the sounds of their memories.

Eventually, one sound cuts through the rest. It starts out quiet, but slowly comes into focus.

Zachary: Isa. Isa, we’re home.

INT. MACNAMARA CAR - DAY

Isa blinks, coming back to the present. The car is parked, Ruby already unlocking the front door with Milo and Louis close behind her. Only Zachary and Isa remain in the car. He watches them, concerned.

Zachary: Are you okay?

Isa can’t open their mouth. It’s glued shut. They shake their head, tears pricking their eyes. Unsure what to do, Zachary tells Isa that they can retreat to their room and spend as much time as they need there; he’ll make sure that they’re left undisturbed.

Isa manages a small nod. They carefully get out of the car, movements small and gentle, as if making too big of a move will injure them.

INT. MACNAMARA HOME - DAY

Inside the house, Isa heads towards the stairs. Ruby opens her mouth to say something as they pass, but from behind them, Zachary shakes his head to signal that Isa should be left alone. Ruby accepts this and shifts her attention back to the two boys, who she’s consoling with the promise of ice cream in the garden.

INT. MACNAMARA HOME - GUEST BEDROOM - DAY

After bounding up the stairs, Isa rushes into their room and shuts the door. It’s been a while since they’ve had a shut down like this -- but it’s also been a while since they were triggered that way.

And now, everyone else had to deal with it too. They slump down on the floor, tears slipping down their cheeks.

Sydney, pre-lap: I don’t understand how this happened.

INT. MACNAMARA HOME - LIVING ROOM - NIGHT

That evening, the family gathers together to discuss what the hell happened. SYDNEY NGUYEN has joined them, keeping tabs on how the story is breaking on their phone and clearly displeased with this turn of events. Zachary is trending, but for all the wrong reasons.

She can join the club. Zachary is still recovering from the surprise of the day, not quite himself and even more shy than usual; Ruby is downright livid, matching Sydney’s pacing as they try to figure out what the hell happened. Isa has come back around enough to be present, but much like their father, they’re not contributing much to the conversation.

Sydney: We go a whole two weeks with no leaks, not one word, and all of a sudden it explodes like this? Zachary, resigned: Welcome to Hollywood. Sydney: This was never OK’d. We didn’t even discuss how we wanted to break it, if at all. I would’ve gone through People if we’d had the choice -- now we’re stuck with the muckrakers. [ with dread ] God, you know Leticia is going to be fucking furious about this. Zachary: [ to Isa, helpfully ] My publicist. Ruby: I swear -- God forgive me for this -- but I swear if someone in that church did this, it will be the last thing they ever do. I hope it wasn’t, but --

But you just don’t know. In Hollywood, it feels impossible to know who’s truly a friend.

Isa, on the other hand, thinks they’ve got the blame all figured out.

Isa: This is my fault. Zachary: No. Ruby: Isa, honey, don’t -- Isa: It is. It’s nice of you to act like it isn’t, but it is. Before I got here, you all never had a problem like this. If Louis didn’t already hate me, he sure as hell does now. Ruby: He doesn’t hate you. Isa: I ruined everything. I’m -- I’m sorry.

Despite their certainty, Zachary and Ruby refuse to accept their apology. This is part of fame, for better or worse, and Isa isn’t the one to blame for it getting out. There was always this potential, they all knew it. Now, they just have to figure out how to handle it.

Sydney looks as though she’s more inclined to agree with Isa -- her job was much more calm before they showed up. But there’s nothing to be done about it now. Ruby assures them all that they’ll find a way to work through this as a family.

Isa does their best to believe her, but it feels like a hard sell.

INT. L.A. APARTMENT - MAYA’S BEDROOM - NIGHT

Of course, the news is out there though, and everyone else will be responding whether they like it or not. Maya is currently seeing the evidence of that on their social media, Isa suddenly popping up everywhere with the tabloid photographs from church.

It’s more than apparent how uncomfortable Isa is. Maya can recognize it, the discomfort and tension in the features of the best friend she used to know so well.

So she does what she can from her corner of the interwebs. She deflects attention from the media fire, taking the time to call out some users for not minding their own business and distracting others by posting new content to her socials. Might seem selfish on the surface, but if she can divert any of the clicks from one article to something else, that’s one less pair of prying eyes.

It’s all she can do. As the camera pans…

INT. L.A. APARTMENT - NIGHT

Across the empty living area, to the opposite side of the apartment, through the walls into another bedroom…

INT. L.A. APARTMENT - FARKLE’S BEDROOM - NIGHT

Farkle is also scrolling through the storm, obviously not happy with what he’s seeing. He knows how sensitive Isa is about this topic, how private they’ve always wanted their family stuff to be. Something they never truly got, given their mother, but a wish all the same.

Farkle doesn’t have the same media influence as Maya, so him keyboard warrior-ing on Isa’s behalf wouldn’t do much. He’s less concerned about the external people reacting anyway, thinking more about Isa on their own. He can see the signs in their posture too, the shutting down written all over their expression in some of the photos (that, of course, lazy tabloid writers are asserting is bad attitude).

He wants to be there for them. To be able to stand by their side, be a body to lean on -- or fall asleep on, if past experiences are any prologue. It actually surprises him how strong the desire to be close to them is. Like he so desperately want to help, however he can, that he’ll give anything he has to offer even if that’s just his bony shoulders.

But he doesn’t know how. Things have been so weird between them, especially with how he keeps leaving them on read right now. How shitty would it be for him to respond now, only after their life has been flipped upside down again? Not to mention, Farkle has the nagging feeling that Jordan would not take kindly to him letting Isa snuggle up close if that’s what they needed.

Still, he has to do something. So he finally opens their message thread again.

INT. MACNAMARA HOME - GUEST BEDROOM - NIGHT

If this catastrophe is good for anything, maybe it’ll be this. Isa sits up on their elbow when they see their phone glow with a new message.

“Sorry I’ve been so shitty about responding. I agree with everything you said, even though we’re so bad at actually making it happen. Guess that’s the curse of being us”

“I saw the stuff in the tabloids -- it’s fucked up. My track record this week doesn’t speak for itself, but if you need anything, let me know. I’m here for you”

The renewed contact is salve enough, cursed as they may be. Isa smiles at the messages, letting them give them the slightest bit of comfort.

Before they can respond, there’s a light knock on their door. So light they almost wonder if they imagined it, but they cautiously sit up and invite curiosity in anyway.

Isa: [ in a whisper ] Come in?

There’s a long beat of quiet… and then moments later, their door cracks open. Milo pokes his head inside.

Isa: What are you doing up? You’re supposed to be asleep. Milo: I couldn’t sleep.

He sniffs, holding a teddy bear tightly. Isa shifts on their bed and invites Milo into the room. He shuffles over to the bed and perches on the end of it. For a moment, neither say anything. Feeling awkward, Isa does their best to make conversation.

Isa: What’s your bear called? Milo: Mr. Cuddles. Momma got him for me to hug whenever I feel upset or scared. Isa: Do you still feel upset about the paparazzi at church?

Milo gives a little nod, and guilt washes over Isa. As if sensing this, Milo turns and crawls closer to Isa.

Milo: You don’t have a Mr. Cuddles, so you can hug me if you want. I’m very cuddly.

Caught off guard, Isa laughs. They accept the offer of a hug and squeeze Milo tight for a moment. When they separate, Milo beams up at them.

Milo: If you feel scared again, you can hug me. Isa: Thank you, Milo. You are very cuddly.

Milo’s chest inflates, proud of himself. Isa pauses, unsure how to broach the topic on their mind.

Isa: Sometimes I don’t really like hugging, especially if I feel overwhelmed. But it doesn’t mean that I don’t appreciate the offer. Milo: Because of your autism, right?

Isa is a little surprised he knows. Clearly Zachary and Ruby prepared their children well.

Milo: Dad said that’s why you needed to be alone this afternoon, too. I wanted to bring you some ice cream.

Milo pouts, making Isa chuckle again. They ruffle Milo’s hair and tell him that they’re grateful to have such a thoughtful little brother.

Milo, curious: Why did your autism make you want to be alone? Isa: [ contemplating a moment ] When I feel big emotions, I either shut down or melt down. Shut down means that my emotions are big and scary inside my head, but on the outside, I might seem quiet. Or numb. Melt down is the opposite, when I express the emotions outward. Milo: Like crying? Isa: It’s… a bit more than just crying. One time I threw stuff around in my room and broke everything.

Milo gasps, imagining the amount of trouble he’d get into if he did that.

Isa: I haven’t done anything like that for a while, though. I’ve learned better ways to deal with big emotions. Today, though… [ a beat ] it was very unexpected. It brought back other memories like that from the past, so I shut down. When I get like that, I find it difficult to talk, and need time alone to deal with all my emotions.

Milo takes all of this in and nods solemnly.

Milo: Thank you for telling me. Isa, amused: Thank you for listening. If you have any other questions about autism, you can always ask me. Milo: I have one more! Isa: Shoot. Milo: Can I hug you again?

Smiling, Isa nods and opens their arms. Milo grins and hugs them again before jumping down from the bed and bidding them goodnight. Isa’s smile remains even once alone.

INT. JACK AND ERIC’S PLACE - KITCHEN - DAY

By Monday morning, the tabloid fodder has reached the wider news ecosystem, so Isa’s father reveal is all over the internet. It even has a spot or two in some of the papers, in the entertainment section, which ERIC MATTHEWS is disdainfully flipping through as he finishes his morning coffee. He wants to do something, to make it stop, but he feels powerless. Especially with Isa so far away.

Eric: I should’ve known this would happen. Jack: Careful, you’re starting to sound like Isa and Lucas. You’re meant to be the optimist in this little arrangement. Eric: I should’ve known. I should’ve gone with them -- Jack: And done what? Tackled a reporter like their personal bodyguard? That would’ve made a more entertaining news story, I admit. “High school principal body-checks paparazzi leaving Sunday morning service. Amen.”

Eric rolls his eyes, but even he can admit it sounds ridiculous. His parental instinct is strong, but the reality is he couldn’t have changed this outcome. If it was going to happen, it would’ve with or without him there to play protector.

That doesn’t mean he has to be happy about it. Jack settles down in the chair next to him, leaning forward to take his hands and pull them away from the newspaper.

Jack: You want to help them. I get it. That’s who you are, and it’s one of the things I love most about you. Eric: Didn’t used to always feel that way… Jack: [ ignoring that ] But Isa’s not a kid anymore. And they’ve been dealing with this a lot longer than either of us have. In all honesty, they’ve always had pretty good instincts about how to handle it, when to bite back and when to reel it in. I was impressed by them because of that. I’m sure the same instincts will apply here.

Of course, they’ll always be there for them. But this development, unwelcome as it may be, might be the perfect chance for Isa to practice flying out of the nest. They have support here and there, but it might be time for them to pick these battles on their own.

Eric doesn’t look pleased about that, but they know Jack is probably right. He begrudgingly accepts a kiss.

INT. NYU - DANCE STUDIO - DAY

Otherwise, life goes on. Vanessa arrives with Nigel at one of the practice studios he booked on campus, about to embark on their tutoring journey. Vanessa gets a good look around while Nigel wanders further in, getting some of the equipment set up.

Nigel: Probably not as sleek and elite as you’re used to. Vanessa: Please, NYU isn’t short on resources. Turner’s are more polished, yeah, but this isn’t bad. And don’t forget I’m coming from Quincy High. We didn’t even have dance studios. I’m not going to shit on a decent set-up.

Fair enough. Once there’s no more small talk to bother with, the awkwardness sets in, neither of them quite sure how to act without Zay there as the buffer. Nigel turns away to retrieve his assignment packet from his backpack, which contains the choreography sheets.

Nigel: Before we get started, I just want to make clear that I promise, I’m not a bad dancer. I’m no Zay Babineaux, but I’m not without rhythm. Despite what you’re about to see from me, I’m normally not this whack. Vanessa: No worries, I believe you. [ holding out her hand ] Can I see?

Nigel hands over the sheets, allowing Vanessa to flip through them. Her eyebrows shoot up.

Vanessa: Wow. You said this was intro to movement? Nigel: Unfortunately, yes. I don’t know that my prof got the memo. Vanessa: No joke. Like, this is doable, but I wouldn’t call it novice material. Especially for a midterm. Nigel: [ genuinely grateful ] Thank you for the vindication.

She offers him a light smile. She finishes flipping through it, then assures him they’ll be able to work through it within the week. They can get him in shape to pass.

Nigel: From your lips to God’s ears. Just -- again, I know you have stuff going on too. Zay talks about it enough. So if you need to bail or whatever, don’t risk it on my account. I get it. Vanessa: All good. It’s… nice, to be somewhere else for a bit. Nice change of pace.

Getting out of her audition head will probably do her more good than harm at this point.

INT. TALENT AGENCY - WAITING AREA - DAY

Yindra is looking particularly groovy this morning, impatiently waiting in the modern offices of a talent agency in West Hollywood. She taps her feet against the floor, trying to keep her nerves from showing.

After another moment where she considers running for the hills, REESE DALTON-KING emerges from the hall, gifting her a warm smile as he spots her waiting there. She immediately jumps to her feet, returning his smile and accepting the handshake he offers.

Reese: Great to see you again. I’m so glad you could make it in. Yindra: You too. Thanks for seeing me. And your patience. Reese: Of course. Come on, let’s head back to my office.

Reese thanks the receptionist as they go, leading the way back down the hall past other agents’ doors.

INT. REESE’S OFFICE - DAY

Reese steps back to let Yindra in first, stepping into his personal office. It’s smartly decorated, inhabited without being gauche. While there’s accolades on the wall to show off -- platinum record certifications, a Grammy sitting up top on a shelf -- there’s touches of personality too, like the vintage concert posters he has from his youth or the Aaron Burr Funko Pop he has on his filing cabinet from Hamilton.

He gestures for Yindra to take the seat across the desk while he settles onto the adjacent couch, setting them up for an easygoing conversation. He asks if she wants water, which she accepts, before they dive into discussion. He reiterates that he’s happy they’re finally getting the chance to follow up after the Haunt, despite the time it took on both ends.

Reese: Again, I’m so sorry to hear about your grandparents. Losing both grandfathers back to back… that couldn’t have been easy. Yindra: Huh? Oh, yeah… [ faux touched ] Thanks.

But now they’re both here, which means they can finally talk business. Reese did mean it when he said he saw potential in her at the Haunt, and that’s only grown with time. He’s listened back to her performance a few times, and he first wants to commend her phenomenal talent. She has pipes, there’s no doubt about that. Pipes, and a lot of potential.

Reese: I believe you’ve got the stuff. There’s a path for you here to find real success, we just have to work together to find it -- if you decide to trust me with that honor.

With that in mind, he does have an opening pitch that he thinks could be a strong first move.

Reese: The label I do a lot of business with, Jupiter Music, is working on putting together a new powerhouse project. Yindra: Oh? Reese: With Fifth Harmony’s decline in the last couple years, and rumors that Little Mix will be announcing a hiatus soon -- and we all know how “hiatuses” end -- there’s about to be a big gap in the market. It’s been a while since we’ve had a competent, showstopping new girl group on the scene, and we think the time could be right to introduce a brand new sisterhood into the world. One that, I’m thinking, includes you. Yindra: A girl group?

That’s not what she was anticipating. For all her excitement about her potential career, and daydreams she had as a kid -- even with her love of Destiny’s Child -- somehow the concept of being part of a group never featured in her imagination. It’s a break from expectation, so it takes her a long moment to process it.

Reese: You have the vocal chops without a doubt. You have the right look. Based on what I’ve seen, you have charisma, which always comes in handy. It’s also a great way to get your name and face in front of audiences, get them familiar with your talent, before you make your eventual breakout. You know, there’s no guarantee we’d know who Beyoncé or Camila are without their roots in a group.

Maybe, but for every Beyoncé, there’s a Kelly. For every girl group breakout star, there’s three or four women who fade into obscurity for most of the general population. Yindra doesn’t know how she feels about that prospect.

Reese: Not to mention, it can be really nice to have a group of gals to navigate the industry with when you’re starting out. Keeps you from being stranded on your own, for there to be folks to commiserate with. Whatever happens, you’re weathering it together. And who knows, you just might make some life-long friends out of the deal.

The point is, he fully believes if she threw her hat in the ring, she’d have a great chance of being selected for the group. He’s willing to put some stake in it. Yindra isn’t totally opposed, but she’s not outright sold either, so she wonders if she could have a day or two to think about it.

Reese agrees, but he warns that in this case, they can’t afford to wait weeks again for forward momentum. Yindra takes that caution seriously, nodding. She knows she’s pushed her luck enough.

With the major pitch out of the way, Reese changes tracks, asking her to tell him more about her. Who is Yindra Amino -- and who does she want Yindra Amino to be?

Maya, pre-lap: I can see it now. The future is bright, bright, bright -- and this is going to be big.

INT. GLOBAL BEAT - JUSTIN’S OFFICE - DAY

Maya is having her weekly meeting with her own management, energetically pacing the floor opposite the desk where JUSTIN MILLER and MELISSA SUZUKI are seated. She’s got a binder in her hands, where she’s fleshed out ideas and concepts for her debut EP. She’s eager to start working on it, even though it hasn’t formally been greenlit by the label yet.

But she’s convinced if they pull from her bucket of unfinished demos, they’ll have to say yes. She thinks she’s got some really good material just waiting to be mined in there -- in case they haven’t had the chance yet, she shared a Google Drive folder with them a couple weeks ago. She wrote some pretty good base material over the holidays, and she’s confident if they beef one of those up into pop perfection, there’s no way Global Beat will say no.

Her enthusiasm is infectious, and Melissa and Justin are obviously endeared by it. They tell her so, asking that she keep that energy up. It does them all good.

Justin: Seriously, you are adorable. And I’m with you, babe, the future is bright as neon.

Maya beams, glad they’re on the same page. However, Melissa hits the brakes a bit, albeit gently. She informs Maya that they also have confidence about the EP being greenlit, but they have a different strategy as to how to approach it.

Maya: Oh. Okay, well, let’s hear it. I’m listening. Melissa: So. Totally agree that we think with one more smash onto the scene, it would be braindead for Global not to take you on with a debut. Like, we’re so close we can basically taste it. We just wanna make sure we knock this last banger out of the park. Maya: One-hundred percent. I think I’ve got -- Justin: And we lucked out in this case, because we’ve got just the thing. The label has a track from the songwriting vault that they’ve been wanting to get out there for months, but they haven’t had the right vehicle for it. Nothing was hitting right. Melissa: But they’ve given us a shot at workshopping it. We think you might be just the right fit.

It’s in the same vein as “O.M.G.” and “LolliPop” sound wise, so they already know she can deliver the vocals. They’ll have a bigger budget for a video too if they can show the label that they have the track crafted well, which is precisely what they think they need. If they can blow up the scene with one more bombastic, colorful spectacle, there’s little doubt in their minds that Global Beat will basically be on their knees begging for an EP. If they can make magic with one of their thus-far abandoned gems, too, then even better.

Maya can see the logic in this approach, but she’s slightly disappointed by the trajectory. She was hoping for something that might show off more of her range -- especially since the lyrics she toyed around with over break were deeper cuts. She wasn’t necessarily keen to do another “O.M.G.”

But Justin and Melissa seem confident in it, and she does know she can deliver. If she can break through with this and nab that EP, then the time will come to show what she’s made of. All part of the game.

So she smiles and agrees, taking the info sheet on the vault track from them and getting a look for herself.

INT. GLOBAL BEAT - RECORDING STUDIO - DAY

JOSH MATTHEWS is having a client meeting of his own, back to working with ERNEST FLOYD. The fella is quite excited, because today, they’re finally discussing how to launch his debut into the actual musician ecosystem beyond occasional snippets, cheerful social media presence, and manifestations.

They’re going to drop a single. Floyd convinced Josh it was worth a stab after Maya’s immense success with it, and Josh figured it wasn’t worth the effort (or pain) to explain how different the situations are. Floyd’s enthusiasm is too darling to kill, and there’s not really a harm in letting him drop a standalone track. Soundcloud artists get their start that way all the time. And so long as Josh has his hand in mixing it, chances are it’ll be salvageable.

At least, he feels that way until Floyd declares what track he wants to use.

Floyd: We have to use my cover of “Feelin’ Good!”

That’s just about the worst thing he could’ve said. Josh is so stunned by it he’s speechless for a long moment, blinking as he tries to process this turn of events. Not only is it definitively out of Floyd’s range -- not a high bar -- but it’s been covered by people vastly more known and vastly more capable than him. He’s basically setting himself up for cringe failure right from the get-go.

Josh: Um -- Floyd: I think if we want to showcase my star power, it’s the obvious move. You said so yourself, I sound like I’ve got spunk on it. You can tell how much I like singing. It’s undeniably charming, right? That’s what you said after we tabled it for a bit. Josh: … I may have used… similar words… Floyd: Well, I think the time to un-table it has come. This is it, Josh. There’s no better way for me to break onto the scene than this.

He’s gonna break something, all right, namely any prospects of success he might have. They’re flimsy enough as it is. Josh opens his mouth to say as much, to caution him, but the excitement in his big blue eyes is hard to shoot down.

Josh: Are you sure you want to go with that? We could revisit some of your original material, you were excited about those -- Floyd, positive: Nope. This is the one. I have a good feeling. [ with a laugh ] I guess you could say I’m feeling good, ha ha ha!

Ha ha. Josh manages to laugh along, but the smile doesn’t reach his eyes. He doubts saying anything will make much of a difference, though -- Floyd seems to have his mind made up. He’s ecstatic and energized and ready to rock and roll.

Which means Josh better figure out how to make the track remotely decent, or figure out how to get this sinking ship to change course.

It’s the only boat he has left.

INT. SCHOOL BOARD OFFICES - DAY

That’s not the only looming tragedy one could see coming a mile away… EVELYN RAND steps out of her office, quickly getting Lucas’s attention.

Evelyn: Lucas. Will you come chat with me for a minute?

Oh boy… Lucas nods and cautiously gets to his feet. His fellow assistants watch him go, exchanging knowing looks. By now, the rumor mill has done its job in the ranks of the school board, and there’s little to no mystery as to who may have obtained or passed along the evidence to get Yancy and Graham booted. There’s little to no proof, either, but that doesn’t stop people from making their judgments.

INT. SCHOOL BOARD OFFICES - EVELYN’S OFFICE - DAY

Lucas follows Evelyn into her office, asking if there’s something he can do for her or a task she needs done. She waves off his polite offer, sitting down in her chair behind her desk and gesturing for him to take the one opposite.

Evelyn: And close the door, would you? Our colleagues are nosy enough -- don’t need to give them any incentive.

Playful as the remark is, the request confirms for Lucas what he already knows. He knows what this conversation is going to be. He gently shuts the door and then takes the seat across from her as directed, patiently waiting for her to speak. He does a decent job of schooling his features, but the prim way he’s seated gives away his apprehension.

Evelyn can sense it. She gives him a subtle head tilt.

Evelyn: I have the feeling you know why I called you in here. Lucas: … I might have a theory or two. Evelyn: That’s one reason I like you, you know. You’re smart. Clever, but not arrogant. Detail-oriented, good at picking up patterns. All things that make you a decent assistant, but that’ll surely serve you in any job you choose in the future. Lucas: How soon do you define “the future?”

He doesn’t beat around the bush either, albeit with a classic hint of cheek… Evelyn smiles, though the moment is bittersweet.

Evelyn: I’m sure you’re aware of the rumors that you were involved in the exposé job that took down Graham and Yancy. Many reports seem to think you were an inside source. Lucas: No one’s said so to my face. [ a beat ] Do you believe them? Evelyn, diplomatically: I rarely accept rumors at face value. I prefer facts and evidence to gossip and hunches. However, I wouldn’t be entirely truthful if I claimed I didn’t have my own theories…

Unsurprisingly, she’s not an idiot. Working as closely with Lucas as she did -- and he, her -- it doesn’t take much imagination to make the pieces fit together. Especially with all the oddness these last couple weeks…

Evelyn: Regardless, it doesn’t matter what I believe. The impression of it is enough, and we know how much people in the political sphere care about impressions. After the resignations, trust has eroded enough in the board as it is.

So it doesn’t matter whether Evelyn thinks he stole from the board or not. It doesn’t matter if she thinks it was for a good reason, or if the actions were justified. What matters above all is how it looks, and understandably, having her assistant be responsible for the takedown of two fellow members and their corruption without investigative authority is not a good one.

Lucas: So, are you going to fire me, or should I follow suit and resign? Evelyn: It’s funny you should ask. Because I do happen to have the approved write-up for a nifty little severance package we’re willing to offer you, should you decide to resign quietly and without fanfare effective immediately…

She picks up the print out with the details and hands it to him across the table, then offers a wink. Getting a payout for packing up is better than nothing -- and it seems like Evelyn is far from disappointed with his performance, all things considered. Resigning will look better than being let go, too.

Lucas: I’m sure employers aren’t going to be too impressed with how short my stint was on my resume. Evelyn: I wouldn’t be too concerned about that. The rumors aren’t confirmed, but the corruption was public news. It’s more than believable you’d want to protect your identity, as a whistleblower of sorts -- all you need to do, should they decide to care, is pull up an article or two to send their way. Or simply omit the months on your resume, and let the years vaguely speak for themselves.

Resume building is all about artful fudging, after all. Lucas nods, keeping his eyes on the paper she handed him. To clarify any misconception of judgment, Evelyn clears her throat and waits for him to meet her eyes, then offers another light smile.

Evelyn: I’m not worried about your prospects, Lucas. You work hard. You have ambition. I have very little doubt that you have a very bright future ahead of you, just maybe not within the realm of administration. [ a beat ] Besides, the timing works rather well, doesn’t it? This’ll free you up before you inevitably jet off to California in a few months.

Lucas absorbs that. Sure, Jack has told him similar sentiments, and his friends are always puffing him up. But hearing it come from someone objective, someone high-powered and hard-working in their own right, who didn’t have any ulterior motive to give him the time of day… that hits. It means something, and definitely lessens the blow of termination.

Lucas: Well, thanks. For taking a chance on me. Not sure I gave you a return on investment, but… Evelyn: I think you did exactly what was needed. The district is undoubtedly better for it.

That’s about all they can say on the record on the matter. Lucas manages a smile, then claims he guesses he better go pack his things. Before he steps out of the office, Evelyn calls him back one more time. She has a message she’d like him to pass along.

Evelyn: Please tell your roommate Mister Gardner that he’s a terrible liar. I’ve had enough discussions with his mother on the state of the district to know where he got his talking points. [ with a grin ] He gave it a decent effort, but it just didn’t ring true coming from him.

Yeah, she was onto them the whole time. Somehow, that amuses Lucas more than anything else. Biting back a smile, he promises her he’ll pass the message on.

With that, she nods and lets him go, giving him one final dismissal as his boss.

[ 409 Hub ] [ Next (Part 1, half 2) → ]

#409 #episodes #s4

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the-bau-quinjet · 2 years

Text

Criminal Minds Masterlist

Spencer Reid

One Shots:

Anything for You - This takes place after Maeve. It sort of starts a month before Spencer goes back to work but then skips a year. Reader is the newest member of the BAU. Spencer lashes out when she tries to help him, but he doesn’t realize how much she can relate to his trauma.

Nervous - Reader is arrested by the BAU! Little do they know, she is dating the one agent who is currently on medical leave...

Nervous II - Spencer and Reader at Rossi’s dinner party after the events in Nervous!

The Perks of Cold Weather - Reader and Spencer have some fun in the snow in a small town in Alaska.

Sore - Reader breaks down after a tough case. Spencer is there to help.

Pumpkin - Rossi walks you down the aisle. Inspired by First Man by Camila Cabello.

Secret's Out - Request! Reid and Y/N are secretly dating, but their business doesn't stay their business for long.

Pasta Night - Request! The team worries about the reader struggling with nightmares after a bad case.

Cookie - Request! What happens when Spencer is the only one who believes you?

Series

Spencer x Singer!Reader (complete) - Reader is a famous singer with a murderous stalker. Spencer has to go undercover to protect her.

But with you, it's different...

With you, he wants it all.

Every Little Thing.

Forever

In Breakable Heaven (complete) - Y/N shows up drunk and sad at Penelope’s door after a terrible breakup. Little did she know Penny’s team was there celebrating a win after a tough case. What could this chance meeting lead to?

Aaron Hotchner

One Shots

Tolerate It - Readers struggles with feeling like Hotch is growing distant.

4 Months - Request! Reader is kidnapped by Tobias Hankel instead of Reid.

Please Don't - Request! Hotch and Y/N have been pining for each other but everything changes after they go undercover for a case.

You're Just Like Her - Hotch x daughter!reader request! Hotch comes home after a case and hears you singing a song you wrote to Jack.

Back to Me - Aaron needs you and Jack to come back to him.

Derek Morgan

One Shots

Finally - Request! Y/N is exposed to anthrax (instead of Reid).

#spencer reid x reader #aaron hotchner x reader #derek morgan x reader #spencer reid x y/n #spencer reid x you #aaron hotchner x you #aaron hotchner x y/n #derek morgan x you #derek morgan x y/n

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athena-writes-i-guess · 2 years

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Mixtape - Part 4 - Life Could be a Dream

Series Summary: You’ve just moved from Los Angeles to Hawkins to finish your senior year and you meet Eddie Munson, who offers to help you find a place in your new school.

Chapter Summary: Eddie decides that he is going to ask you on a date finally but his plans get derailed by a visitor from back home.

Part 1, Part 2 , Part 3

Masterlist

Pairing: Eddie Munson X Fem!Reader

Genre: Fluff, slow burn, very slight angst, friends to lovers

Warnings: Language, anxious thoughts, insecurities, pet names used(Sweetheart, doll, dolly, princess, darling, babe)

Word Count: 4.8K

Author’s Note: Hello! Welcome to the true part 4! I posted the other one, Mistletoe, in a panic when I had no ideas for how to get the story to the next point. But I wrote this instead and this will be the true next part to this story. I left the old one up but relabeled it as a one shot.

There will be one more part before I incorporate the reader into S4!

I hope you all like this chapter, I loved writing it.

Let me know if you want to be tagged in the next one!

Let me know what you think! and if you would like to request a one-shot.

(Please see Author’s note)

Friday December 27, 1985

“It’s your roll Lady Echo,” Eddie said with a smug smirk from his spot at the head of the table.

“We’re counting on you Y/N.” Dustin said from his seat next to you, arms crossed anxiously.

“Oh no pressure there Dusty.” You shot back sarcastically.

“Sorry.” He mumbled.

You took a deep breath and shook the D20 in your hands before letting it drop to the table. It bounced around the game map dramatically before landing on its side. “19 plus 8. 27 to hit!” You said excitedly, receiving cheers from around the table.

“And how much damage?” Eddie asked with a proud grin.

“16 points of damage!” You practically yelled after dropping your dice. “In your fucking face Munson!”

The man laughed as the table erupted again, your friends yelling excitedly and high-fiving at the victory. “Good job, Lady Echo! You have defeated Strahd and you and your party become heroes of Barovia!”

The trailer was loud with the sounds of the animated Hellfire members, each congratulating you and each other for the parts they played in the campaign as they helped clean up.

“Good game Eddie! Good job saving the day Y/N.” Gareth said as he and Jeff were headed out of the door.

“Thank you!” You smiled as you were throwing some Mountain Dew cans away. “See you around!”

You walked up to Eddie who, with Dustin’s help, was breaking apart the folding table you had been using to play on, “I’m gonna use the bathroom and then we can head out?”

“Okay, sweetheart.” He replied with a soft smile. You returned it before making your way to the back of the trailer and into the bathroom.

“So, you’re going to ask her tonight?” Dustin asked quietly once the bathroom door closed.

“Yeah. After we’re done, you nerds are going to go wait in the van and I’m gonna ask her.” The metalhead said confidently. He had finally decided to ask you on a date where he was going to tell you exactly how he feels.

“What were you going to do on the date?” The freshman inquired as he helped Eddie put the table away.

“Go to the arcade, get food at the diner, see that new Clue movie, then rent a movie to watch back at one of our houses.” He responded.

“But don’t you guys normally do that?” Mike asked, confused, as he walked up with Lucas.

“Yeah but that’s cause she likes those things!” Eddie replied, “Now you dorks go wait in the van.” He said quickly, practically pushing the younger kids out of the trailer. He wiped his sweaty hands on his jeans as he waited for you to come out of the bathroom. You came out a moment later and Eddie had to stop himself from biting his lip as he watched you walk down the hallway, now that you were alone for the first time since that morning. You were wearing your cropped long-sleeve Hellfire shirt and your new belly button piercing was peaking out from the top of your black jeans as your hips swayed. He had taken you to get it just last week so he was still getting used to seeing it.

“You send the kids out to the van?” You asked as you shrugged on your new sherpa lined jacket.

“Yeah, told them to wait out there.” He smiled as you put on the new jean vest he had made for you for Christmas over your jacket.

“It’s cold out there, Eds!” You lightly scolded as you walked up to him, slinging your bag on your shoulder as you did.

“It’s cold to you, dolly. We’re used to this weather and it’s not that cold, Miss California.” He teased.

“Not that cold.” You grumbled, “It snowed the other day Eddie!”

“Thats normal, you big baby.” He said, taking the beanie you had taken out from your hands and pulling it over your colorful hair. He chuckled when you stuck your tongue out at him. He took both of your hands in his, lacing your fingers together. His rings were cold against your skin. “Hey doll, I was wondering if you wanted to go out with me tomorrow? I was thinking we go to the arcade, then go to the diner, see that Clue movie you’ve been talking about, then rent a movie and come back here?” He asked quickly, trying to sound as casual as he could.

“That sounds great Eddie!” You beamed, “Oh I can’t wait to see the movie! Tim Curray is in it!” You said excitedly, bouncing on the balls of your feet. “Remember him from the Rocky Horror Picture Show?” Bringing up the trip you and Eddie had taken to Indianapolis the other week to see the shadowcast* perform.

“How could I forget? You said that next time we go you were gonna make me dress like Meatloaf does in the movie!” The metalhead exclaimed.

“His name is Eddie! You have to! And I’ll dress like Columbia, I’ll be your groupie!” You laughed as Eddie leaned in to press a kiss to your cheek.

“Aren’t you already my groupie?” He joked against your cheek.

“You wish, Munson!” You scoffed, pushing the man from you lightly as you turned to walk out the trailer.

“Oh but I would love to see you in that little party outfit, princess, with that gold top hat and those shorts!” He said following you out of the building.

“You dress like Meatloaf and you just might, Eds.” You smirked at him from across the van.

“Fiiiiine.” He sighed as you both jumped in.

“Dusty! I brought my Weird Al tape!” You said happily as you shoved the tape in the player.

“Sweet!” You heard from the back of the van as Eddie groaned next to you.

“Not again! You played Eat It on repeat last time!” He laughed as he made his way to the first stop. Feeling light as air becauae the girl of his dreams agreed to go on a date with him.

“Eat iiit, just eat it! Get yourself an egg and beat it!” You sang loudly as you and Eddie walked up to your front door hand in hand.

“Are you going to be singing that all night, doll?” The man teased as you opened the door.

“I just might Eddie!” You shot back with a smile.

“Hey you two!” Your dad said coming out of the living room. “We have a surprise for you pumpkin!”

“Hey babe.” You heard from the doorway to the kitchen. Both yours and Eddie’s head shot to the sound. Standing there was a man, he had firetruck red hair, a lip piercing, and was wearing a Doors shirt.

“Holy shit! Ryan?!” You shouted, dropping Eddie’s hand as you ran up to the man and jumped into his arms. He spun you around as both of your laughter filled the room.

“Hey beautiful! Oh I missed you so much!“ Ryan said as he squeezed you tightly to him.

Eddie was still standing by the front door, locked into his position as he watched you and this seemingly unknown man hug. The guy looked familiar but all Eddie could focus on was how bright your smile was. He felt a pang in his chest seeing you look like that because of someone else.

“I missed you too! How is everyone?” You asked quickly as you pulled back to look at your friend.

“We’re good, everyone is good. We all miss our bassist though.” The redhead said with a soft smile.

“Oh Eddie!” You called, turning your attention over to the man by the door. “Come here!” You beckoned him over.

Eddie walked up, trying not to show how nervous and surprised he felt. Oh and jealous, he was really trying to push that one down. He stood somewhat awkwardly next to you as you smiled up at him.

“Eddie, this is one of my best friends from back home, Ryan. Ryan, this is Eddie!” You introduced, excited to have two of your best friends meet.

“I’ve heard so much about you, man. Nice to finally meet you!” Ryan said with a friendly smile, extending his hand for Eddie to take.

“Yeah me too. Y/N talks about you guys a lot.” Eddie said with a small, forced, smile as he shook the man’s hand.

“What are you doing out here?” You asked happily.

“Well we all wanted to come out for Christmas, but I was the only one who had enough money for the plane ticket.” He laughed, ”Sorry it’s a little late, mom didn’t want me to miss actual Christmas. But I worked it out with pops. I’ll be here for a few days, Ducky.” He said, nodding his head towards your dad who was watching you all with a big smile.

“Ducky?” Eddie asked, confused. He noticed the shy look you got.

“Just a little nickname I had.” You said trying to waive it off.

“I’ve been calling her Ducky since the first grade, she didn’t have friends when we started school and she followed me around like a baby duck. So, Ducky.” Ryan explained with a shrug of his shoulders.

“Well, I can’t wait to show you around! It’s no L.A. but it’s really cute!” You said excitedly trying to quickly change the subject, “Mind if Ryan joins us to hang out tomorrow Eddie?” You asked the metalhead with a sweet smile.

“Oh.”

You thought he just wanted to hang out like usual. Eddie felt so stupid suddenly. You didn’t think about him like that, you didn’t even know he asked you out.

“Yeah, of course.” He said, trying to sound casual.

“Great! We’re going to the arcade and the diner, then we were going to go see the new Clue movie!” You said quickly.

“That sounds awesome, I can’t wait to see the Pinball Wizard in her element again.” Ryan replied, causing you to roll your eyes at the title.

“Well, we were about to watch Empire Strikes Back. Let’s go do that while you tell me everything I missed.” You said as you grabbed both mens hands and started to pull them towards your room. “Eddie, Ryan and I saw this movie 5 times in theaters, we know it practically word for word.” You laughed.

Eddie didn’t budge as you pulled lightly on his arm, “Hey, I’ll let you two catch up tonight okay? We’ll be together all day tomorrow.” The metalhead said as casually as he could, adding what he hoped was a sincere smile.

He noticed your expression drop just a fraction at his words. “Oh okay! Thank you for taking me home. I’ll see you tomorrow!” You chirped with that sweet smile Eddie loved so much.

“I’ll be here at 3. It was nice meeting you.” He said the last statement to Ryan.

“Yeah you too, see you tomorrow.” The redhead smiled back.

You dropped Ryan’s hand as you leaned up to leave your usual goodbye kiss on Eddie’s cheek. “MUAH!” You giggled to yourself when you saw the automatic grin that appeared on the brunette's face. “Get home safe.”

“Will do, dolly.” He said back, squeezing your hand before letting it go and heading out the door. Missing the amused look that appeared on Ryan’s face as he watched you two with raised eyebrows.

Eddie sighed deeply as he sat in his drivers seat, slamming his skull on the head rest as he did. “Fuck.” He felt so ridiculous and dumb, thinking you had actually said yes to a date with him. Why would you even look at him like that when you had someone like Ryan waiting back ‘home’, as you called it. He thought this was your home now, that he had helped make this your home. With him. He let out another sigh as he started the van, driving back to the trailer park as your Weird Al mixtape played quietly through his speakers.

“So that was the Eddie we’ve all been hearing about.” Ryan said as the opening music started on the movie. You were both seated against your headboard, hands joined as the text scrolled across the screen.

“Yeah that’s Eddie.” You replied with a bright smile.

“I will say, he’s cuter than I thought he would be. That picture you sent did him no justice at all.” Your friend said quietly, just so only you could hear him over the music.

“Oh I know, it’s so hard to get a good picture of him. He never wants to stay still.” You giggled.

“You two seem…close.” He decided on with a smirk.

“Just as close as you and I are Ry.” You responded with a squeeze of your hand.

“Right, right. Close like us. You know I don’t recall ever getting those love-sick eyes you send him. Or that dreamy smile.” He teased. “Unless your feelings for me have changed while you’ve been gone, babe.”

“Oh, you wish!” You said, shoving your shoulder into his as he laughed.

“It certainly would be easier if we could, wouldn’t it?” He sighed, leaning his head on your shoulder.

“Yeah, it definitely would.” You rested your head on his. “But hey, you know that I love you the way you are right? I wouldn’t want what we have to change at all.” You squeezed his hand.

“I know, Ducky. You have no idea what that means to me. I love you too, all of you.” Ryan said, returning the squeeze.

“Good, because you know we think you’re perfect. Exactly. As. You. Are.” You punctuated your words with kisses to his head causing him to chuckle. He nodded against your shoulder.

“Speaking of love, how is Alex?” You asked quietly.

“He’s good. He wanted me to say hi and that he’s been working on his pinball skills. You still have the high score at the arcade though. No one can get close. But he misses you and he can’t wait to see you this summer.” He whispered back. You both knew your parents would have no problem with Ryan’s sexuality but he still wasn’t ready to tell them, so you chose to keep your voices down. “You are coming for a visit, right? After graduation?”

“I am. I still have to talk to Eddie about it though, ask him if he wants to do the trip with me. I don’t want to drive all the way to California by myself. And I want to show him L.A. so bad. I know he’d love it there.” You said, biting your lip at the thought. “My dad got us all tickets to the Megadeth show on June 28th so I really hope he’ll say yes.”

“No shit? Pops got the tickets?” He asked, lifting his head to smile at you.

“Yeah, he still has connections in the music scene out there, was able to get us 8 tickets.” You smiled back, “I can’t wait for the show, gonna get a patch for my vest.”

“Yeah, speaking of the vest, I saw this.” The redhead said, tugging on a corner of your vest as he pulled back to look at you fully. “I love it, where did you get it?”

“Eddie made it for me for Christmas.” You flushed, not being able to keep your smile at bay.

“Oh, did he now?” Ryan asked with a knowing smirk. “I saw he added the Zeppelin shirt to the back, thats not your shirt right?”

“No, he said pops helped him find one.” You said as you absentmindedly ran your fingers along one of the bats Eddie had painted to the front right corner. “I think pops just gave him his old spare.” You said conspiratorially.

“What’s with the bats?” He gestured to your fingers.

“Oh Eddie added them, he has a tattoo that looks like this on his arm. He said he added it so I wouldn’t forget about him and so I can have him close.” Your smile grew even wider.

“Oh, I see. You know, it sounds to me like that man might be a little bit in love with you, babe.” Your friend suggested with a large grin.

“He just wants to be my friend Ry.” You sighed.

“Oh yeah, because that’s just how friends talk to each other.” He scoffed. “Y/N, I swear, I know we were only in the same room for a couple of minutes, but from what you’ve said in your letters and over the phone, and from what I can see with my own eyes, I think Eddie might have more…romantic feelings for you.”

“One of our friends said he’s had a crush on this really popular cheerleader at our school for years. Sometimes I think there might be something there between us, but then I catch him looking at her again. So I wouldn’t get your hopes up for us.” You chuckled sadly.

“Weren’t you like in love with Josh Philips from 6th grade until…hmmm let me remember,” He said with faux thoughtfulness.” wasn’t it until you met Eddie? Hmmm, seems like long held feelings for middle school crushes can change when you meet someone special.” He added almost sarcastically. You rolled your eyes with a small groan. “Just think about what I said okay, Ducky?”

You nodded with a small smile, “Now lets watch Han gut that Tuantuan.”

~The Next Day~

You walked through the doors of the arcade hand-in-hand with both Eddie and Ryan. “Where do you guys wanna start?” You asked.

“We should probably start with pinball, might as well get my ass handed to me sooner rather than later.” Ryan said with a chuckle.

“That okay, Eddie?” You asked, squeezing the hand you were holding. He had been quiet most of the ride around town as you showed Ryan Hawkins. You were a little nervous something was wrong.

“Yeah of course, doll.” He said, trying to sound light.

You led the men to the back corner where the pinball machines were located, you walked up to your favorite one, second to the left, the 1979 Star Trek cabinet.

“I see you already made your mark.” Ryan said, dropping your hand and looking up at a high score board that Kieth had put on the wall after he first saw you play, saying something about ‘needing to document such an amazing score’. Yours was higher than the next highest by over 100,000 points.

“Yeah I don’t think anyone is going to beat it.” You heard from behind you, you turned and saw Keith, hand deep into a cheeto bag.

“Hi Keith.” You said with a friendly smile.

“Hi Y/N,” He said with what he must have thought was a charming smirk, “You’re looking as hot as ever.”

You and Eddie both rolled your eyes, used to Keith at this point. Ryan however, couldn’t help the chuckle he let out causing the man to turn his attention to him.

“Who’s this Y/N? Your new boyfriend? Tired of Munson already?” Keith said with a condescending smile directed at the metalhead. You didn’t notice Eddie clench the fist of the hand that wasn’t holding yours.

“Not that it’s any of your business, Keith, but this is my friend Ryan from back home in California.” You said, rolling your eyes again. “Now go away.” You turned back to the cabinet as you heard the man scoff before walking away.

“I can’t believe you bewitched another one.” Ryan laughed as he watched you pull a quarter out of your jacket pocket. He turned to Eddie, who had his eyebrows furrowed slightly. “The dude who runs the arcade we go to, Johnny, is absolutely in love with Y/N. He asked for her number every single time we went for the last 2 years.”

“Johnny is a loser.” You smiled as you shoved the quarter into the machine, dropping Eddie’s hand you were still holding to free up yours to play. The music and lights in the machine came to life and you pulled back the plunger, shooting your first ball out onto the playfield. Just like every other time you play, you dulled out the world around you, only concentrating on your fingers hitting the buttons and the ball as it bounced around the machine. You barely even noticed as Ryan started to sing next to you as he watched, singing a song you hadn’t heard since you were back in your home arcade.

“I’m sure The Who would love your rendition of Pinball Wizard.” You teased once you had sunk your final ball, a respectable score appearing on display. You looked around and noticed that Eddie was nowhere around. “Where’d Eddie go?”

“He left a couple minutes ago, not sure.” Ryan said, looking around the room to help you find your friend. You walked down the rows of machines looking for the metalhead, you finally saw him in front of the DigDug machine, his back to you. You got within earshot as Dustin bounded up next to him.

“Hey Eddie!” The younger boy said, clapping a friendly hand onto his the brunettes shoulder. “How’s the date going?” You froze. “Date?”

“It’s not, Henderson.” Eddie said in a monotone. Pretending to concentrate solely on the game in front of him.

“What do you mean? I thought you asked her out for today? Wasn’t this part of the date you planned?” Dustin asked, confused.

“Yeah, well it was supposed to be but she didn’t know I had even asked her on a date. And her friend is in town so she asked for him to join us.” He said as he pounded on the buttons of the machine with a little more force than was probably needed. “See Henderson, an amazing girl like that isn’t gonna want to be with some trailer park loser like me from a hick place like Hawkins when she has a cool guy like him waiting for her back ‘home.’ Told you she would never see me that way.”

You were frozen as you processed Eddie’s words. He had asked you on a date? And he thought Ryan was ‘waiting for you back home’? You couldn’t believe what you were hearing. Not only were you pretty much positive that Eddie Munson felt the same way about you, you were pretty sure he was also jealous. Something you never thought you would see on him. You felt a sharp jab in your side, and looked to see Ryan gesturing towards Eddie with his head, “Now or never, Ducky.” He mouthed.

“This was supposed to be a date?” You asked as you took a step towards your friends.

It was now Eddie’s turn to freeze, his hands stilling over the controls, his character dying as a result. “Oh, shit.”

“Eddie?” You asked after a moment of no response.

You saw his shoulders deflate slightly before he turned to face you. “Hey, doll. Uh- h-how much of that did you hear?” He got out with a weak smile.

“Uhm, all of it?” You said back, a shy smile on your face. You watched him rub his face with one of his hands before running it through his curls.

“I’m sorry, sweetheart. Please, just ignore what I said, okay?” He pleaded.

“D-do you have feelings for me Eddie?” You asked, fidgeting with the ring on your hand as you did. “Because..well- because Im crazy about you Eds.” You locked eyes with his large brown ones as they widened. “I don’t think you’re a trailer park loser. You’re one of the most amazing people I’ve ever met.”

You watched as a wide smile broke out on the metalheads face as he closed the distance to you, wrapping his arms around you, pulling you into him. “Say it again please?” His face was just inches from yours.

“Im crazy about you Eddie Munson.” You said as you brought your hands up to cup his face.

“Me too, dolly. You’re all I think about.” He said, resting his forehead against yours. “Can I please kiss you?”

You nodded your head against his and then his lips were on yours quickly, like he was worried that if he didn’t kiss you right away you might change your mind. Your senses were suddenly overwhelmed completely by Eddie. The feel of his skin under your fingers as you moved them from his cheeks to around his neck, the smell of apples from his shampoo as his hair fell around your face as he leaned further into you, and the taste of cigarettes and mint as your lips molded against his.

You pulled away after a few moments, Eddie chasing your lips as you did, newly addicted to the feel of your plush ones against his and the taste of your strawberry chapstick.

“I’m sorry I didn’t know it was a date, Eds.” You said quietly as you pulled back to look at him.

“Don’t be, sweetheart.” He smiled back. “I should have been more clear.”

“You know, it’s not too late to make it one.” You heard from behind you, you both looked at Ryan who had a large smile on his face. He turned his attention to Dustin, “Hey kid, do you know how to get to Y/Ns house from here?” The freshman boy nodded his head, “Good, why don’t you show me how to get there and we’ll leave these two to start their date.” He started walking towards the exit with Dustin.

“Are you sure Ry?” You asked quickly.

“Positive, Ducky.” He beamed, “Have fun you two. Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do.” He finished with a wink as he walked out of the building introducing himself to Dustin.

You both turned your attentions back on each other, dopey, love-sick smiles on your faces.

“Sorry about him, he’s a little pushy sometimes.” You explained, “Just so you know, there’s nothing between Ryan and I, Eddie. He’s like my little brother, plus he’s got someone back in L.A., someone really great.”

“I know, I’m sorry I got jealous there.” Eddie said, biting his lip.

“Don’t be, I understand jealousy really well.” You chuckled slightly to yourself when Eddie cocked his head, “Mike told me that you like Chrissy, so I never thought I had a chance with you.”

Eddie let out a groan, “Jesus Christ, Wheeler. When did he tell you that?”

“My first campaign here.” You smirked, knowing he wouldn’t like that answer.

“We could have done this all the way back then but Wheelers big mouth got in the way?” He asked, groaning again when you nodded your head. “Well princess, we finally made it here. How about we start that date now?”

You beamed up at him with a nod as he pulled away and grabbed your hand, leading you back over to the DigDug machine he abandoned. “I know your not as good at this one but let me help you get better.”

You giggled as Eddie placed you in front of the machine and stood behind you, he put in a quarter and and then took your hands in his, moving them along the controls to help you play.

“I think I’m gonna have that song stuck in my head for days.” You laughed as you and Eddie walked through your front door hours later.

“Welcome back darling!” You both heard your grandma call from the living room. You led Eddie into the room to greet her.

“Hi grandma!” You said, kissing her on the cheek.

“Hi honey, hi Eddie.” She smiled happily to you both. “What song were you talking about Y/N?”

“Oh it was a song that was in the movie we saw today. It’s an older one. I think it was called Sh-Boom?” You said, turning to Eddie to confirm, receiving an unhelpful shrug.

“Oh I know that one! Eddie dear, go into that box and find The Chords album please and put it on the first track?” She asked happily. Eddie looked through the box for a few minutes before finding the record and putting it on the player.

The music started to play through the room as your grandmother smiled happily to the tune. “You two should dance, I love this song.”

“I don’t know if either of us know how grandma.” You said.

“Y/N, place your right hand in Eddie’s left and your other arm on his shoulder. Eddie, put your free arm around her waist and just let your feet move to the music.” She said kindly.

You did as she said, the three of you laughing as you and Eddie danced to the music.

“Every time I look at you

Something is on my mind

If you do what I want you to

Baby, we could be so fine

Oh, life could be a dream

Sh-boom, if I could take you to a paradise up above

Sh-boom, and tell me, darling, I'm the only one that you love

Life could be a dream, sweetheart, hello, hello again

Sh-boom and hopin' we'll meet again, boom”

Taglist: @natashaashleymarvelromanoff @dallysnecklace @beepisbeep

#eddie #eddie munson #eddie muson fanfic #eddie munson fanfiction #stranger things #stranger things fanfiction #stranger things fanfic #eddie x reader #eddie x you #eddie x y/n #eddie x f!reader #eddie x fem!reader #eddie munson x reader #eddie munson x fem!reader #eddie munson x female reader #eddie munson x you #eddie munson x y/n

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theteasetwrites · 3 years

Text

Spellbound | Part 1

❧ Pairing: Daryl Dixon x Reader ❧ Era: Alexandria, pre-Negan ❧ Pronouns: she/her ❧ Warnings: none! ❧ Word Count: 3.4k

❧ Summary: You take a leap of faith by inviting your crush, Daryl (of course), to your Halloween party. Just when you don't think he's going to show up, he makes an appearance after everyone else leaves, so it's just you and him...

❧ A/N: Happy Halloween! This is a special oneshot to celebrate the spookiest night of the year. As such, it takes place on Halloween night in Alexandria... enjoy!

If your calculations were correct, it was the thirty-first of October.

This would be the second Halloween you spent in a world where monsters roamed the Earth. You supposed it wouldn’t make much sense to celebrate a spooky-themed holiday when everything outside of the walls of your little community was already scary enough.

Still, everyone was coming to your Halloween party.

Back in the old days, when there were more warm bodies walking around than cold ones, your Halloween parties were legendary. They weren’t particularly rowdy or anything like that, but you gave Martha Stewart a run for her money.

From decorations to homemade hors d’oeuvres, you had it all. One friend even dubbed you the “Queen of Halloween.” You were intent on living up to that title, even at the end of days.

There you were, in your modest-sized home, frosting your double chocolate cupcakes. Maybe you were a little too enthusiastic about it, decorating each cupcake with a different Halloween character, but you needed to take your mind off the pestilence that constantly threatened to corrode Alexandria’s walls.

The threat seemed to loom in your mind more often than it once did, and you suspected it had a lot to do with the arrival of Rick and his group about a month ago.

At first, they were pretty quiet. They minded their own business, and were actually quite friendly. Most of them, at least.

However, Rick quickly made waves when he nearly beat Pete, the community doctor and a known wife-beater, to death in the street. When he eventually killed Pete, it was the beginning of a series of wake-up calls.

Only a day later, a hostile group of people known as the Wolves breached Alexandria’s walls and killed several of your people. Almost immediately after the attack, a herd of walkers stumbled in through the weakened walls, resulting in more deaths.

Things were getting better, though. Slowly but surely. The walls were built up and expanded in a matter of days, and a few members of Rick’s group were teaching you all how to fight.

That was how you met Daryl.

He was a part of Rick’s group, and he had a small class meet twice a week. He taught you shooting, knife-fighting, and general self-defense. You were still a bit rusty, but you were starting to feel more confident in your abilities.

You never missed a class. It kept you busy, and perhaps there was another reason, too. Well, you knew there was another reason: Daryl.

Were you terribly lonely and in need of romantic attention? Yes. Were you a bit too attracted to the mysterious, long-haired, slightly scruffy man? Absolutely. Were you desperately trying to find a way to talk to him? Oh, no doubt about it.

The day before, at your training with Daryl, an idea struck you: invite him to the Halloween party.

It was a long-shot. You knew he didn’t really like to socialize. He was always by himself, if not with someone from his own group. Even then, he didn’t seem to talk much to them. There was no way he’d like to go to a party, especially not something so frivolous as a Halloween party.

Still, you wanted to get to know him, and to test the waters a bit.

The two of you had had conversations before. They were brief, but they were conversations nevertheless. He was always kind to you. Straightforward, yet oddly shy. The man was truly an enigma to you.

You loved it.

“Hey, Daryl,” you spoke to him after his lesson, a little out of breath from having to tackle your partner in a practice scenario. “How are you?”

He gave you a curious look, then shrugged. “Fine,” he said. He looked down at his feet for a few moments, then back up at you. His hair hung over his face like a curtain, but his bluish gray eyes peered out from between thin chocolate-colored strands. “How’re you?”

You smiled, probably a little too wide for the situation. “Fine, as well.” You tucked a stray piece of hair behind your ears, then looked down for a moment as he just had. “Um, I was wondering, are you busy tomorrow? On Halloween?”

Daryl raised an eyebrow, as if he had no idea what you were talking about. “You keep track of that kind of thing?”

With the way he was looking at you, and the way he seemed so utterly confused by your question, you felt like hiding in a hole for the rest of your life. “Yeah,” you said, quite ashamed of your admission. “I mean, it kind of just… keeps me sane, I guess… knowing what day it is.”

Daryl was quiet for a moment, then nodded in understanding. “I get it,” he said. “Uh, no, I don’t think I’m busy. Might go recruiting with Aaron. Why?”

You took a deep breath. “Well, I’m having this… Halloween… thing at my place, and uh, I was wondering if maybe you wanted to come? I know it’s probably not really your thing, and it’s kind of silly, but you’re welcome to come if you want.”

There was a horribly long silence between the two of you, in which Daryl’s eyes seemed to dart between your face and his shoes. You watched as he bit his lip, seemingly deep in thought. You prepared yourself for the rejection of a lifetime.

“A party?” he simply asked.

You shrugged. “Kind of. It’s going to be a bit more relaxed than that, but I guess you could call it a party.”

He spoke with his lips curved in a slight half-smile. “I gotta wear a costume?”

You laughed. “Only if you want to. I’m going to dress up, but it’s optional. Some of your group is going, too. Maggie and Glenn, Carol, Tara… it should be fun.”

Daryl nodded as he rubbed the back of his neck with his hand. “There gonna be food?”

“Oh, yeah,” you said. “I’m going to make these chocolate cupcakes I used to always make for Halloween. They were a hit.”

He was quiet again, then shrugged. “I might stop by after I get back… have a few cupcakes.”

You were giddy ever since.

You knew there was a strong chance Daryl wouldn’t come to your party, but the very idea made your apocalyptic Halloween seem so much better.

With the cupcakes frosted, each decorated with vampires, witches, ghosts, Frankenstein, or mummies, you headed up to your second floor bedroom to put on your costume.

You embarked on your very first supply run just to get it, and Halloween decorations, too. It was a simple witch costume, but you always liked being a witch.

The dress had a black velvet corset top with sheer sleeves and a black tulle skirt reaching your calves. It came with a black velvet cloak and the obligatory pointy witch hat. You paired it with black sheer stockings and lace-up boots.

Though it was simple, everyone seemed to enjoy your costume. And to your surprise, most of your guests dressed up.

The evening was going well—you borrowed Spencer’s boombox and played a “Halloween hits” CD, and some people got so drunk on your punch that a dance battle ensued. You had no part in it, being a sorry excuse for a dancer, and not wanting to have to be known as the lady who dances badly at parties. Besides, you weren’t drunk enough for that, only slightly tipsy.

Laughs and stories were shared, and you had some good conversations with both new and old Alexandrians alike, but by the end of the party, there was no Daryl.

Even Aaron had shown up, and what you got from context clues was that Daryl, too, had returned to Alexandria a few hours earlier.

To say you were disappointed would be an understatement.

Though you really tried not to get your hopes up, you were terribly excited to see him. Even if nothing ever came of it, you at least wanted him to feel welcome and to make some new friends.

He was a good man, Daryl. You didn’t know him that well, but you knew he was good. He helped draw the herd away from Alexandria, and he helped fight the walkers when they invaded. He could’ve stayed outside the walls when it happened, but he didn’t. He risked his life for your community, and that was admirable to you.

He was devoting his time to training up your community, too, and Aaron trusted him enough to have him help find new recruits, so you knew he couldn’t be too bad.

Even so, his failure to show up to your party hurt you. You knew he probably didn’t mean to make you feel bad, but you couldn’t help but think there was something wrong with you, that if you were only more interesting or said something different he’d have come.

When the last guest walked out the door, you shut it with an exasperated huff and leaned your forehead against the wooden door. You shook your head.

“Stop feeling sorry for yourself,” you said out loud.

Following your own advice, you began puttering around the living room to clean up from the night’s festivities. There were plates and punch cups scattered about on every flat surface, and quite a few black, orange, and purple tinsel streamers strewn across the floor. They must’ve fallen in all the ruckus.

You picked up a handful of dishes and headed into the kitchen where you were immediately greeted by the small plate of three cupcakes you were saving for Daryl, in case he showed up late. A witch, a vampire, and Frankenstein. They also happened to be the best-looking ones.

It looked like you were going to be eating them all for yourself tonight.

Beginning to wash the dishes, you were startled to hear a knock at the door.

A quick peek through the peephole showed you that it was the very man you were just thinking about in your rattled brain.

Your eyes widened and you slowly opened the door. “H-hi,” you stuttered.

“Hey,” Daryl said with a nod of his head. His hands were tucked in the pockets of his leather jacket, and he smelled a bit of cigarettes. Still, he looked so handsome in the dim light of your porch lantern. He looked over your shoulder and peeked into your house. “Guess I missed the party.”

You looked back at the empty living room, then back to Daryl, who appeared to have an apologetic look on his face. “Yeah,” you confirmed. “Everyone just left.”

Daryl nodded and looked down at his feet. “Sorry,” he said. “Guess I lost track of time. Didn’t mean to miss it.”

You smiled. “It’s fine. I understand that you probably have more important things to do anyway. Halloween parties aren’t that important.”

Daryl shook his head. “Nah, coulda come earlier. Wanted to. Never been to a Halloween party. Just… I don’t know.”

He did know: he was nervous. Not only to have to socialize with so many people, but to have to talk to you. You always made him a little nervous.

You nodded in understanding. “I get it.” Looking back into the kitchen, you bit your lip as you thought about the cupcakes you saved for him, knowing that you did hype them up when you initially invited him. “Hey,” you said as you turned back to face him, “I still have some cupcakes left, would you like to take some?”

You conveniently left out the part where you deliberately saved them for him, in case that would make you seem desperate.

“Sounds good… thanks,” he said, his characteristically gruff, guttural voice contrasting with his friendly words.

You stood there for a moment, smiling at Daryl and getting lost in his eyes. Damn the man for being so ruggedly handsome.

Settling back into reality, you remembered what you were doing. “Um, do you wanna come in?”

He shrugged. “Sure, if that’s okay.”

You stepped back and gestured for him to come in, then led him into the kitchen where his cupcakes were waiting for him.

“We got a witch, a vampire, and Frankenstein,” you said, pointing out each of the three cupcakes. “They’ve all got your name on ‘em.”

His lips curled into the adorable half-smile. “Thanks,” he said. “Can I try one now?”

“Of course.”

Daryl sat himself at the bar and looked down at the cupcakes, trying to decide which one he would eat first. “Think I’ll take the witch,” he said.

You smiled. “Good choice.”

He peeled back the cupcake wrapper, then took a large bite of the chocolate confection. You waited with bated breath for his verdict.

You didn’t need verbal confirmation, though. His grunts and “mmm’s” were enough.

“Good?” you asked, beginning to wash some more of your dishes.

He nodded with another grunt. “Yeah. You make ‘em from scratch?”

“Yes, sir,” you replied, maybe a little too smug. You were sure he wouldn’t be that impressed, but you hoped he was just a little taken with your baking skills. “I’ve been making them since before all this. I know this recipe by heart.”

He took another enthusiastic bite of the cupcake. “Wow,” he said, still chewing.

You laughed. “I’m glad you like them. You can take the other two.”

He nodded, taking the last bite of the cupcake and tossing it back into his mouth. “Thanks,” he said with a mouthful of chocolate. You weren’t even offended by his habit of talking with his mouth full. He was too cute for it to be remotely off-putting.

You took a washcloth from the sink and began wiping down the counters, and Daryl straightened in his barstool. “You need help?” He looked around a bit to take in the messy state of the place.

Your jaw nearly dropped. If Daryl stayed to help you clean, you’d probably start planning your wedding the minute he left.

“Um, I mean, you can if you want but I think I can handle it.”

He hopped off the stool. “Least I can do,” he said. “Feel bad for missin’ it. Looks like you put a lot of work into it.”

“Yeah, and now the place is a pigsty.”

He shrugged. “Not for long it ain’t.”

It didn’t take long at all to get the place back in order. Daryl was an efficient cleaner, and you two made a good team. Daryl brought you the dishes, and you washed them. Then, Daryl helped dry them and put them away.

Next was picking up any tinsel and faux spider webs that had littered the floor. Once everything was done, you plopped yourself down on the couch in the dimly lit living room. Daryl joined, sitting himself down on the other end.

“Thanks,” you sighed, your arm draped over your eyes in exhaustion. “That went a lot faster with the two of us.”

Daryl nodded. “Don’ mention it. It was nice.”

He didn’t mean for that last part to come out.

You looked over at him curiously. “Nice?”

You didn’t mind cleaning, but you certainly wouldn’t describe the act as “nice.”

Daryl swallowed hard and averted his eyes from you. “I mean… good ta… hang out. With you.”

You couldn’t help but giggle a little. “Well, thanks. It’s nice to hang out with you too. We should do it more often.”

He nodded slowly, then tried to change the subject. He wasn’t about to admit his feelings for you then and there. If he kept talking about how much he liked being around you, and how much he wanted to keep doing it, he just might reveal how much he thought about you the last few weeks, and in not so friendly ways.

“You’re a witch, huh?”

You looked down at your costume, then up at the rim of your ridiculous hat that you completely forgot you were still wearing. You quickly took it off and set it on your lap, slightly worried that Daryl would think you’re some kind of childish fool.

“Um, yeah,” you said. “I found it out on a run a few days ago. I mean, we brought back other things too, obviously. Food and stuff… but I knew Halloween was coming up, and I liked it.”

“Suits ya,” he said, hoping the comment wasn’t too forward. He did, however, find you downright adorable in your little witch costume. It wasn’t particularly revealing, but he was sure he’d have a hard time not thinking about you in it later that night.

You smirked, and a sudden playfulness came about you. “Maybe I’m a real witch,” you said, a teasing lilt to your voice. “You better watch out.”

Is she flirting with me? he thought, secretly hoping you were.

Daryl scoffed, a smirk forming on his face. “What, you gonna put a spell on me or somethin’?”

You laughed and shook your head. “No… well, at least not a bad one.”

You weren’t purposefully flirting with him, but maybe you just felt emboldened by his sudden appearance. It showed he did care about you, at least a little, and it made you remember why you liked him in the first place—he cared.

“So, you’re one of them good witches?” he asked, that adorable Georgia accent practically giving you goosebumps.

Oh, how you wished you were bold enough to say, “I can be a bad witch, if you want,” but alas, you’d already reached your flirt limit for the night.

“A friendly witch,” you confirmed. “I won’t hex you.”

“Thanks,” he said. “And uh, thanks for the cupcake.”

“Cupcakes,” you corrected. “You’ve still got two more.”

Daryl smiled. It was a small smile, but it was genuine. Even the most real, meager smile from him was better than a huge, fake one from anyone else.

“Guess I’ll take ‘em home then.”

You wrapped up his last two treats in a Tupperware container, and saw him out the door.

He was about to turn and walk down the steps of your porch, but he looked back at you.

“Sorry again for missin’ the party,” he said.

“Daryl, don’t worry about it. Honestly, you probably wouldn’t have liked it. It was loud and full of drunk people. Didn’t seem like your thing.”

He shrugged. “Maybe not. Like I said, though, never been to a Halloween party.”

“Why not?” you asked curiously.

He shrugged. “Jus’… never got invited. Till now.”

You smiled bashfully and looked down at the ground, once again trying to hide the blush on the apples of your heated cheeks.

“Well, you’re always invited here. You know, you’ve done so much for us… this community. I really appreciate it.”

This time, Daryl was the one blushing. “Just pullin’ my weight.”

“Some people just sit around and let everyone else take care of them,” you replied. “Not you, though. You take action. We need more people like that. Thanks for everything you’ve done.”

Daryl nodded shyly, unsure of how to react to your kindness. He just looked down at the plastic container of colorful cupcakes and smiled.

“You’re welcome,” he said. “I’ll, uh… let ya get back inside. It’s cold out here.”

You nodded, silently wishing he’d stay and talk to you all night long, though you knew it was too soon for that. “Well, I’ll see you Tuesday for training.”

“See ya,” he said, then turned around and made his way down the street. You watched until he disappeared into the shadows of the pitch black autumn night.

When he made it home, he trudged into his room and placed the container of cupcakes on his nightstand. Settling into bed, he rested his head on his pillow and stared up at the ceiling, only illuminated by the moonlight creeping in through the blinds.

If he had to describe the time he spent with you that night, he’d say it was magical.

Of course, he knew witches didn’t exist, and that magic was only sleight of hand, but he was convinced you did, in fact, have some kind of spell over him.

Like you said, it was a good kind of spell, one that made him feel strange inside. A kind of… lightness, like the weight of the world on his shoulders didn’t seem so bad anymore.

Yes, you had a spell on him, and he was determined to find out exactly what kind of magic you had up your sleeve.

Thanks for reading! Likes, reblogs, and comments of any kind are always appreciated!

Part 2

#daryl dixon x reader #daryl dixon fanfic #daryl dixon #the walking dead #the walking dead fanfic #twd #twd fanfic

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queenshelby · 3 years

Text

THE SECRET - part one of three

Featuring: Cillian Murphy x Virgin!Reader

Summary: You are a new cast member, playing Tommy Shelby’s love interest. During filming, you fall for your co-star Cillian Murphy.

Words: 6,556

Warning: Smut, Age Gap

Notes: For the purpose of this fic, Cillian is single.

Tag List: @lilymurphy03 @deefigs

@chrisevanshoeeee @desperate-and-broken

@weepingstudentfishhorse @fookingshelby @livinginfantaxy

@atomicsoulcollecto @datewithgianni @mariapaiva13

The Scene

You were nervous. This was your first role in a popular TV show.

You had been on small production TV shows in your home country of France. But this was different. The show had international success and you couldn’t believe that the producers of the show had chosen you for the role of 27-year-old Yvette L’mare for the series’ final Season.

You spoke fluent French and English and had experience in scenes with extensive dialogue due to your theatrical experience since you were 12.

But, you were by no means as experienced as some of the other candidates they had casted. After all, you were only 19.

You read the scripts over and over again after your successful audition and made yourself small rehearsal cards for each scene. The dialogue heavy scenes didn’t concern you. But, there were some scenes which were out of your comfort zone.

Your script included two intimate scenes with the actor who played the main character of the show, Thomas Shelby.

The first scene was simple enough, not much more than a kiss. The second scene, however, was to be filmed under closed set. Neither of you were going to be clothed in more than underpants, which meant that only the director, one assistant and the camara man would be present.

Before the audition, you watched the last two seasons of Peaky Blinders and you re-watched them just a week ago as part of your preparation and to give you an idea what the director will look for when filming these kinds of scenes.

Before that, you hadn’t paid much attention to the show.

From watching some of the series, it was obvious to you that your co-star was experienced. He portrayed Thomas Shelby impressively well which was something that made you even more nervous.

Will you live up to the standards of the director? Or will you fail miserably with these challenging scenes?

It didn’t matter. It was all too late now. You signed the Contract and were on your way to England.

You arrived a day before filming started in order to settle into your apartment.

The apartment was located within a hotel residence that was booked out for the cast for the entire period of production.

You shared a small two-bedroom apartment with another new cast member named Emma. Emma was from France as well and, ironically, portrayed your sister in the show. Emma was 24, slightly older than you and quite attractive. You immediately got along. She was focused, didn’t care much about partying and was down to earth.

For the first evening, after everyone arrived, the producers organised a dinner to introduce the new cast and crew members to everyone. This was when you first got to meet your co-star, Cillian.

Since you had several scenes together, the director of the show took the time to personally introduce you to Cillian.

Cillian greeted you with a big smile and you knew immediately why so many women were smitten by him. You recalled that, when you told friends and family about your audition, they wouldn’t stop talking about Thomas Shelby and how insanely attractive he was.

They were not wrong. But, what impressed you the most about Cillian was that he was so easy going and funny.

You talked to him for a while, about the most random topics, ignoring everyone else for at least 20 minutes until it was time for you to meet the other cast members.

‘Looks like you two have a lot to talk about?’ Anthony said jokingly.

‘Talking about wine’ you smiled, rather shyly.

‘Yeah, I got carried away talking about the wine production in the province. Did you know that Y/N’s parents own Bessiux Wines?’ Cillian asked, catching Anthony by surprise. ‘His sister got married at your parents’ estate last August’ Cillian added, causing Anthony to nod.

You talked about your parents’ winery for a little longer before Anthony asked you to meet the other cast members.

‘I am looking forward to working with you Cillian’ you said as you walked away and he responded with a smile and comforting ‘Likewise’.

After your encounter with Cillian you were introduced to Finn Cole and Natasha O’Keefe. You heard about Finn from your new roommate but only just then realised that he portrays Michael Grey.

You talked to both Finn and Natasha for a while and, whilst you enjoyed their company, you wished that you had some more time to talk to Cillian. Unfortunately for you, he left rather early that evening.

The next day, you picked up your schedule for the week and noticed that the scenes you prepared for were to be shot completely out of order.

In fact, your most intimate scene was scheduled for 10am on Day 2 of Production. You couldn’t believe it. You were by no means prepared for that.

Your first day on set went well and the director of the show complimented your work on several occasions. But, when filming was finished for the day, your nervousness sat in.

‘Are you alright Y/N?’ Emma asked as you were picking on your salad and looked at tomorrow’s scripts.

‘Yeah, just a bit nervous’ you sighed.

Emma looked over your shoulder to read your script.

‘Wow, they are throwing you right into the deep end’ she giggled.

‘Yes, they are’ you said with a shy smile before listening to some advice from Emma, who had more experience than you acting on screen.

That night, after reading your scripts at least ten more times and letting it play out in your head, you could not sleep and your lack of sleep was evident on set the next day.

‘Are you alright Y/N?’ Cillian asked concerned, noticing your yawning and your hands shivering slightly.

‘Yes, I am fine. I am just trying to think how to act the next scene. From reading this, it isn’t very clear to me what exactly I need to do’ you said concerned.

‘These scenes are scripted in a way to allow for improvisation. From experience, actors often fail to act these kinds of scenes directly to script, that’s why’ Cillian laughed.

‘Right, so the script is lacking the details on purpose?’ you asked.

‘Correct’ Cillian said. ‘John and Anthony will tell us what to do and in which direction to face so that you are covered. You don’t need to worry’ Cillian said reassuringly, causing you to giggle.

‘I am not worried about anyone seeing my breasts or something. I just don’t know what do, where to put my hands, my face, any of that’ you explained with total embarrassment.

‘Well, I suppose you just pretend to do what you would normally do when you are getting down to business’ Cillian said with a chuckle, not knowing how else to explain it.

‘Well, my experience in this department is limited. So, I apologise in advance for any awkwardness’ you said, your cheeks flushing even through the dense make up.

‘Y/N, these scenes are awkward even for the most experienced actors. If it gets too uncomfortable, we can postpone it, alright’ Cillian said, keeping a relaxed approach.

‘Alright. Thanks Cillian’ you said just before it was time for you to get changed into your gown.

The next time you would see Cillian was on the closed set, pretending to make love to him on the large cedar bed.

Just as you were getting undressed in the change room and put on the skin-coloured panties and robe you were given by the set assistant, you topped up your perfume.

You were going to be so close to each other, at least you wanted to smell nice.

After you were done, the set assistant applied some more lipstick and fixed up your hair before you sat down on the large bed. You were nervous, your heart pounding.

Cillian was much more relaxed sitting next to you in black Clavin Klein briefs. There was no need for a robe, his intimate parts were well covered, unlike yours.

His freckled skin was highlighted by the light which had not yet been adjusted and you couldn’t help but look at him while you made an effort to keep your small breasts covered from him at this point.

The cameraman was angling the camera while the director discussed the scene with you and Cillian.

You knew that this was going to be a disaster. The issue wasn’t so much that you were naked in front of the camera and the director, but more the fac that, as part of the scene, another man who you felt somewhat attracted to was about to see you like this, completely vulnerable. He was about to touch your naked skin and kiss you, but not out of his own accord. It felt absurd to you, yet you knew this was part of the job.

Finally, after the director gave his instructions, you got yourself into position.

With some embarrassment you handed the set assistant your robe and lied down on the bed.

You were waiting for some kind of joke from Cillian to lighten up the mood, but Cillian was very professional.

He sat down right next to you and you could tell that he was trying very hard to look away from your breasts.

Before he climbed over you to get into position, he gave you a warning. Regardless of the warning, you stopped breathing for a minute as he positioned himself on top of you.

‘Are you alright?’ he asked as he could see the nervousness on your face.

‘Yes’ you nodded, taking in a deep breath. He was so close that you could smell his skin and the scent of his aftershave.

‘Sink down a bit on the left forearm Cillian, we want to keep the rating below R18’ the director said with a laugh because your breasts were fully visible on camera.

‘We do?’ Cillian chuckled, causing you to laugh just before Cillian adjusted his position as instructed. For a short moment, his chest brushed against your left breast.

‘I am sorry’ he said politely.

‘It’s alright Cilly’ you said.

‘I think we are good now guys, I will count to three and we start the first part of the scene’ the director said.

It felt like an eternity with Cillian on top of you by the time the director called action.

In this scene, Tommy and Yvette were having sex. It was to start with a kiss followed by the obvious act.

There was no practice for a scene like this and, as soon as you heard the word action, Cillian’s lips slowly met yours. You closed your eyes and caressed his face with your hands as you let him take the lead. The kiss lasted for what felt like an eternity until he pulled away from you.

His body was soon grinding against yours, but without your most intimate parts touching. He made sure of that. Regardless of this, you could feel his legs in between yours and his chest brushing against your breasts. The sensation sent shivers down your body and small little goosebumps began to cover your chest. How embarrassing you thought and, unfortunately for you, your embarrassment was evident on your face and the cut was called.

You attempted the scene again several times. You kissed over and over again and your hands moved from his face to his arms and chest, exploring his skin while his body was grinding against you.

But, this wasn’t enough for the director who picked up that the movement of your hands and the expressions on your face weren’t giving the viewers the impression that this was real. Your biggest problem was that you were attracted to Cillian and you realised this more than ever during this scene and tried very hard to hide it, making you look nervous and embarrassed.

After a few more takes, the director suggested a break.

‘I am so sorry Cillian’ you said as you sat next to him in your dressing gown.

‘Don’t be. You are doing fine. These scenes can be tricky and really shouldn’t be scheduled for the second day of filming’ he said with a warm smile before excusing himself.

He was gone for about ten minutes while you had some water and waited for further instructions from the team.

When he returned, he informed you that he agreed with the director that the scene be postponed.

‘Cillian, I can do this, really’ you said upset about the postponement.

‘I know you can, but like I said, it’s the second day of filming and it would probably be easier once we had a few more scenes together’ Cillian suggested.

‘Is that not going to be a problem with the set up?’ you asked.

‘No, the prop can stay here for another month and one of the perks of being a producer is that I get a say in this stuff’ Cillian smiled.

‘I feel like such a failure’ you said embarrassed.

‘You are not Y/N, you are doing great, really’ Cillian said, his hands touching your arms.

‘Common, time to get ready for more scenes’ he said with a warm smile and you followed him to get changed, separately of course.

Mr Matchmaker

Later that night, some of the cast members were heading to the pub for dinner and you sat down next to Natasha and Emma when you arrived.

You told Natasha and Emma about what happened on set. You were still upset about it.

‘Oh gosh, don’t worry Y/N. Cillian is very easy going and Anthony is very impressed with your scenes from the first day so you have nothing to worry about. I remember my first sex scene with Cillian and it took nine takes and a lot of laughter to get it right’ Natasha said.

‘How do you know when it’s right though? It’s extremely awkward’ you said.

‘If it looks like you are having sex then it’s right’ Natasha laughed. ‘I actually think about the man in my life and just switch off throughout the scene. So, if you have a boyfriend, think about him. That might help with the comfort level’ Natasha said.

‘I am happily single’ you said with a smile just as Cillian arrived at the table.

‘You are late’ Natasha said, noticing the frustration on his face.

‘Sorry’ Cillian said as he sat down next to you.

‘Still dramas with Nadine?’ Natasha asked, causing you to wonder who Nadine was.

‘Yes’ he responded just before he ordered himself a drink.

Throughout the conversation you learned that Nadine was Cillian’s ex-girlfriend with whom he broke up as little as six weeks ago. Him and Nadine were together for three years and shared a house in Dublin until recently.

Your group was soon joined by some more cast members, including Finn Cole and everyone seemed in a pretty good mood.

You talked to Finn for a while until you excused yourself to get another drink.

As you walked to the bar, you noticed Cillian following you and engaged in a conversation with him.

‘Just in case you haven’t noticed, Finn seems to like you’ Cillian said as he stood next to you at the bar.

‘Oh, what makes you say that?’ you asked.

‘I just know. My matchmaking abilities are impeccable’ he joked.

Whilst you felt flattered, you weren’t interested in Finn and little did Cillian know that he was the one you had your eye on.

‘Really?’ you asked.

‘Yes, really. You should probably consider him. He is a nice guy, down to earth, good looking, the right age’ Cillian said cheekily.

‘I have my eyes on someone else Cillian, but thank you for your efforts’ you said with slight embarrassment and a hint of humour.

‘Now I am intrigued. Who is it? Someone on set?’ Cillian asked.

‘None of your business Mr Matchmaker’ you laughed.

‘Well, if you ever require my services, you know where to find me’ Cillian said, causing you to raise your eyebrows.

‘Services as in setting you up with someone from the crew, discreetly of course’ Cillian laughed, realising that his comment may have been received by you in the wrong way.

‘Right, you got me excited there for a moment’ you said jokingly.

‘Did I?’ Cillian joked. ‘Now that makes me feel good at my age’ Cillian added.

You knew how old he was. You googled him, just before you came to the pub, because you were curious about him, his background, things he doesn’t talk about. But, to your surprise, the fact that he was nearing 45, didn’t bother you the slightest and it certainly didn’t dampen the attraction you felt towards him.

You also knew that, being 19 years old, you would have no chance with him. He wasn’t the type of actor who was chasing young models like many other celebrities his age.

You and Cillian talked and joked for another 20 minutes before he excused himself. He had a busy day filming ahead of him and needed to get some rest.

Over the next few days, Cillian and you had several scenes together and spent some of your breaks together. You enjoyed his company and he clearly also enjoyed yours.

On Day 9 of Production, you even went as far and asked Cillian whether he wanted to watch the Liverpool game with you and Emma.

He accepted your invitation and you were quite excited. Emma was confused as to why you invited him over but didn’t think much about it until there was a knock on the door and she opened it.

To both of your surprise, Cillian had invited Finn along. Was he really so oblivious to the fact that you were attracted to him that he had to bring a sidekick, you thought?

The evening went rather slow and with you sitting in between Finn and Emma, you felt somewhat uncomfortable.

The next day, on Day 10 of Production, you had another somewhat intimate scene with Cillian. It wasn’t more than a kiss and some touching. Regardless, you were nervous but not nervous enough to first ask him why he invited Finn.

‘He invited himself when I told him about it’ Cillian chuckled. ‘I told you, he likes you’ he added.

‘That’s just great because now Emma thinks that I have a thing for him’ you said laughing.

‘These Rumours. You got to love them. Sometimes I seriously feel like I am back at school working here’ Cillian laughed.

This conversation led to an interesting question from Cillian. After you had time to talk about your days at school, he brought up your upcoming birthday. You seemed to have referred to school as a recent event, so he couldn’t help but ask how old you were turning.

‘I am turning 20’ you responded, causing Cillian to look at you almost like he had seen a ghost.

‘You are 19?’ he asked.

‘You seem surprised. How old did you think I was?’ you asked.

‘Not sure, mid or late twenties maybe?’ Cillian said just as the set assistant called you both to the scene.

Your nervousness set back in as you took your position in Thomas Shelby’s office.

The scene started of with a dialogue between Thomas Shelby and Yvette which went smoothly, as expected. The next part of the scene involved Thomas lifting Yvette onto his desk and kiss her passionately while running his hands over the back of her body.

The first attempt resulted in Cillian and you both laughing as he lifted you up. It was awkward and it didn’t help that you were ticklish.

The next take went smoothly. Cillian lifted you on to the desk gently before his hands ran down your back while he kissed you. Your hands caressed his face as he did and the director had to call the cut on the kiss.

You enjoyed it, and to his surprise, so did Cillian. He felt uncomfortable about enjoying kissing you or even spending time with you outside of work. Not only were you a co-worker but you were also much younger than him.

A sense of guilt ran through his mind right after the scene now that he knew your age. Kissing you shouldn’t feel good, it was wrong.

The director was happy with the scene and you hopped back off the table before asking Cillian whether he wanted to have lunch with you.

Little did you know that your lunch date was going to be your last with him for while as Cillian was trying hard to keep his distance from you thereafter.

Birthday Surprise

But this all changed another week later, on your birthday, which was Day 17 of Production.

By that point, filming was getting to you and you were tired and, therefore, declined the offer from Natasha to organise a birthday party for you.

Instead, you and some of the crew and cast went for dinner at a nearby restaurant.

The food was amazing and you spent two hours at the restaurant after a rather long day of filming. By about 8.30pm half of the crew and cast had left and it was only you, Cillian, Emma, Sam and Finn who stayed.

Finn was going to meet some friends at a nearby pub at 9pm and invited you all to join him. Whilst Emma and Sam agreed, you and Cillian weren’t keen and made your way back to the apartment complex.

‘Would you like a glass of wine?’ you blurted out all of a sudden just as you were both getting into the elevator. This question took all of your courage after Cillian had been avoiding to spend time with you.

‘I think the hotel bar is closed already’ Cillian said.

‘Well, as it happens, I am holding a bottle of red wine in my hand’ you said cheekily holding up the birthday present from Natasha.

‘I am not sure Y/N, we have to be up early’ Cillian said.

‘Common, it’s my birthday’ you said convincingly, causing Cillian to laugh.

‘Alright, I suppose why not’ Cillian said as followed you down the hallway.

‘Your place. Emma is determined to pick up a date at the pub’ you laughed.

‘Yeah, I don’t want to be there for that’ Cillian joked as you walked further down the hallway. Your apartments were on the same floor.

You walked into Cillian’s apartment and took off your jacket before sitting down on the small lounge.

Just after Cillian poured two glasses of red wine and sat down next to you, his phone rang.

The display showed ‘Incoming Call from Nadine’ and he turned his phone to silent.

‘You should let me pick it up, it might solve all your problems’ you joked.

‘It just might’ Cillian laughed as he pressed the ‘Ignore’ button and put the phone down.

Just after the short interruption, Cillian and you began to talk about your work, travelling and some other things until he brought up an uncomfortable topic.

‘Do you remember two weeks ago when I tried to talk you into going out with Finn?’ Cillian asked.

‘Yes, Mr Matchmaker, I remember. Why?’ you said.

‘You said that you had your eyes on someone else…who is it?’ Cillian asked with a laugh, causing you to take a deep breath.

‘Oh god, are you still going on with this?’ you said with a laugh. This was the fourth time Cillian had asked you this question since you mentioned it to him.

‘Common, I have been pondering about this for weeks now. Tell me’ Cillian said.

‘No’ you giggled.

‘I promise I won’t tell anyone’ Cillian said.

‘Stop it’ you responded.

‘Alright, I will take a guess’ Cillian said before taking a pause. ‘Harry?’ Cillian asked, causing you to shake your head.

‘Daryl?’ he asked, causing you to shake your head again.

‘I don’t know then. That’s literally everyone who is around your age’ Cillian laughed.

‘Who said he’s around my age?’ you asked, causing Cillian to raise his eyebrow.

‘Paul?’ he then asked, causing you to shake your head again. Was he really that oblivious?

‘Everyone else is married, I think’ Cillian said.

‘You are not’ you said shyly after taking in a deep breath.

‘Me?’ he asked after taking a deep breath while his blue eyes looked at you, full of questions.

Your heart was pounding, your hand shaking again. There was no turning back now.

‘Yes, you’ you said nervously, looking at him almost fearful about his response.

He drew another deep breath while, in his mind, he was thinking about what to say.

‘Y/N, I feel humbled and it’s not that you aren’t a beautiful and smart woman, but I am more than twice your age’ he said.

‘Ignore the age difference for a minute and tell me that you don’t feel the same, that you don’t want me’ you said.

‘It is irrelevant what I feel and what I want, it still doesn’t make it right’ he responded.

‘But, are you attracted to me? It’s a simple question’ you asked nervously and, after drawing another deep breath, Cillian responded.

‘I’ve been trying very hard not to be...unsuccessfully so’ he sighed, causing you to smile.

‘Alright’ you said with the biggest grin on your face.

‘Alright?’ Cillian asked surprised by your response. This didn’t mean that he was going to give into you just like this and ignore his concerns, or did it?

‘So, what do you propose we do now? This will make things very awkward on set’ he said concerned.

‘This’ you said as you leaned in and pressed your lips onto his. His lips were just as soft as the last time you kissed on set, but this time there was an intensity and urgency between you.

He gave into the kiss as if there had never been any doubt and, unlike previous kisses you shared in a professional capacity, this time, when his lips parted, you could feel his tongue slip in between your lips and it wasn’t long until your tongues moved in sync with each other.

The kiss lasted for what felt like an eternity and you wanted so much more than taste his lips.

‘This is wrong Y/N’ Cillian said as your lips finally drifted apart.

‘Do you want me to leave?’ you asked, caressing his face, staring at all of the freckles which covered him.

‘No’ he said, earning him a smile from you just as he reached beneath your shirt and pressed his lips back onto yours.

His warm hands ran over the sides of your abdomen, up and down, until he lifted your t-shirt over your head.

It wasn’t that he hadn’t seen you like this before, but it felt different. His eyes didn’t have to shy away from your breasts and the rest of your body this time.

With his hands cupping your breasts, which were still covered by your black lace bra, the kiss intensified. It became more urgent and more passionate.

Your hands soon found their way beneath Cillian’s t-shirt also and, this time, touching his skin didn’t feel awkward or inappropriate.

Within seconds, his t-shirt landed on the floor next to yours just before Cillian’s fingers had found the clip of your bra.

It didn’t take his skilled fingers long to unclip it and let it join the rest of the clothes which you had already gotten rid of.

He took a moment to look at your breasts, right there in front of him yet again.

‘What’s wrong?’ you asked concerned as you noticed him stare at them.

‘Nothing, just taking in the beautiful view without feeling guilty about it’ Cillian smirked.

‘You checked out my breasts when we were filming, didn’t you?’ you said sheepishly.

‘Of course not’ he said with a laugh before he guided you backwards and down onto your bed.

You both were quick to remove your jeans and, moments later, there you were again, on the bed together wearing nothing but underpants. Just this time, there were no cameras. You were free to touch and kiss each other the way you pleased. It didn’t feel awkward. To the contrary. It felt right.

Hoovering over you again Cillian began to gently kiss your neck while one of his hands ran over your firm breasts. Finally, he was able to touch them, feel every inch of them.

Cillian soon worked his way to the lobe of your ear, playing with it using his tongue. Lightly sucking on it as his hand moved to your other breast, squeezing your nipple gently.

You didn't want this to end, and with a soft moan, you signaled Cillian to continue exploring your body. And so he did. You had never been with a man before, but in the moment, this felt comfortable, felt right.

As he continued to cast his spell on you and work his magic, your body responded. Your lace panties were soaking and your muscles began to vibrate with an unfamiliar feeling.

As Cillian’s lips moved back to your mouth for another passionate kiss, one of his hands wandered further down your body. But he was in no hurry, taking his time explore all of your body.

Cillian’s tongue began to gently drift between your lips and you responded with yours. Your arms wrapped around him, pulling him even closer to you as his hand reached the top of your lace panties.

Pushing your panties aside slightly, he ran his fingers over your wet entrance, slowly and gently while his lips never left yours.

You moaned into the kiss just as the tip of one of his fingers dipped into you slightly.

You took in a deep breath and broke the kiss for a brief moment.

‘Cillian, I never had sex with anyone’ you said, causing him to remove his hand from your wet mound.

‘It’s alright. We won’t go that far until you are ready’ he said reassuringly.

‘That’s so embarrassing, I am sorry’ you said.

‘What is?’ Cillian asked, slightly confused.

‘I am 20, it’s weird don’t you think?’ you said shyly, your face flushed.

‘Don’t be silly Y/N. There is no rush’ Cillian said as he ran his hand over your cheek. ‘If it is any consolation to you, I didn’t expect any of this, tonight, with you and I am enjoying every moment of it even if we don’t have sex’ he added.

‘So am I Cillian’ you smiled.

‘Good’ Cillian said before kissing you again gently.

The kiss soon became heated again but Cillian wasn’t taking it further, giving you the chance to set the pace at which you were willing to move.

But, you enjoyed him playing with you, teasing your most intimate parts and, after several more minutes of passionate kisses, you guided his hand back in between your legs.

Your actions earned you a chuckle from him as his lips moved from your lips down to your breasts slowly.

As Cillian was gently trailing kisses over your breasts, your hand made it’s way in between your bodies where it found the elastic of his Calvin Klein briefs.

Cillian moaned briefly against your breasts as you slipped your hand beneath the elastic, gently taking hold of his erection.

His cock was warm and firm and his tip slightly lubricated from the precum that had pooled there.

You moved your hand up and down his shaft, stroking him gently while his fingers began to circle over your clit, making you moan loudly.

Your panties were getting wetter and wetter with each stroke of his fingers and you were grinding against his hand, wanting more.

You were panting and moaning in pleasure as he kept stimulating you with his fingers, until, all of a sudden, me removed his hand making you squirm in protest.

His mouth soon wandered from your breasts down to your stomach, forcing you to let go of his hard cock.

But, as your body responded beneath his, your mind couldn't catch up to the events unfolding between the two of you.

You surrendered and let him take control and it wasn’t long until his lips had reached the top of your panties.

‘Oh god’ you moaned in anticipation just as Cillian took hold of both sides of your panties before slipping them down.

‘Do you want me to stop?’ he asked, unsure about your reaction.

‘No, please don’t’ you said, your hands falling onto the top of your head.

Admiring the view, Cillian let his fingers run up and down your slit slowly and gently, taking the juices leaking from it and spreading them up to the hood over your clit.

You moaned loudly at the sensation as, suddenly, you could feel Cillian’s tongue join his fingers, playfully darting closer to your opening, but not quite getting there.

‘Cillian, fuck’ you moaned as energy was coursing through your body, wanting to release, but not quite getting there. He apparently had received a masters degree in how to play your body.

Suddenly his tongue was there, licking up the sides of each of your lips. Inspecting the crevices.

Your head began to thrash, your hands flew out and grabbed the bedding.

‘Let me know if I hurt you’ was the next thing you heard but didn’t pay much attention to as you felt one of his fingers enter you.

With the mildest of discomfort, you arched your back while moan after moan left your mouth.

For several minutes, his finger went in and out of you gently while his tongue was licking you, circling over your clit.

He wasn’t sure whether or not to add another finger, but he decided to try his luck after reminding you to tell him if he hurts you in any way.

Moments later, he inserted a second finger while continuing to circle your clit with his tongue.

‘Oh fuck’ you moaned. There was a slight discomfort but it didn’t last very long before you felt nothing but pure pleasure.

Cillian’s fingers began rubbing inside of you as he placed his mouth around the hood of your clit and began to suck.

‘Holy Shit Cillian’ you moaned. You could feel him smile against your mound.

You began to squirm but he would not let up and your body began its final ascent.

Waves of electricity were crashing through you and your hips were grinding and bucking under his direct tutelage as your orgasm washed over you.

You were a shaking mess by the time he was done and, when you finally came down from your high, Cillian moved up and gave you a passionate kiss.

You could taste your juices on his lips and it was possibly the most erotic moment you had ever experienced.

‘Your turn’ you smirked before pushing Cillian onto his back against the stash of pillows.

You comment caused Cillian to chuckle just before you leaned over him to kiss him.

‘You know you don’t have to Y/N. There is no rush’ he said, running his hand over your cheek as your lips drifted apart.

‘But I want to’ you said with determination. ‘I might just need a little guidance’ you said shyly before descending down on his body, trailing gentle kisses over his chest and all the way down to his stomach.

You adored his body, it was perfect. He was the most attractive man you ever met.

As you were gently kissing his stomach, your hands moved beneath the rim of his briefs before pulling them down.

His erection sprung up almost instantly as soon as the briefs cam down and you couldn’t help but stare at him for a moment.

‘I think I will just go for it and you tell me if I do something wrong’ you said with a smile as you pinned back your hair into a bun with the hairband that was wrapped around your wrist.

Your comment made Cillian laugh for a moment until he could feel your warm lips on the tip of his cock, at which point the word ‘fuck’ was all that left his mouth.

Moans soon began to escape him as you used your hands to stroke him, up and down, while the head of his cock lolled uneasily on the top of your tongue.

You took him deeper into your mouth with every stroke and, as the third inch made its way into your mouth, your lips were being stretched.

You soon managed to take him in all the way, although it was a struggle.

‘Fuck, Y/N’ Cillian moaned as his length disappeared in your mouth.

His comment made you stop and ask whether something was wrong.

‘No, you are doing it perfectly’ Cillian reassured you just before you returned your attention to his very hard cock.

By this time precum had pooled on the tip as you took him back into your mouth. It tasted sweet but yet salty at the same time.

Your tongue began circling around him and then up and down his shaft before returning to the bopping motions.

Cillian leaned back and relaxed as you improved your technique minute by minute.

Each stroke of your tongue was now driving him crazy.

Looking up at him occasionally, you could see that he was enjoying whatever you were doing.

Your tongue was moving like a snake, coating every inch of his velvety soft, yet hard cock with a fine patina of sweet, warm saliva.

It wasn’t long until you could feel Cillian’s cock throb inside your mouth and his breathing was becoming laboured.

His hand was tangled up inside your hair as you continued to bop your head up and down firmly.

‘Y/N, I am close, you might want to stop’ Cillian said, trying hard to hold back.

‘Come in my mouth’ you said confidently before you continued your movements.

Your comment caught Cillian by surprise but he didn’t dare to argue and let go.

Just as your mouth bopped down on his hard shaft again, you could feel him pulsate inside your mouth and, with one loud groan, his warm cum spurted on the back of your tongue.

You continued to bop your head and collect all of his cum until he began to relax.

‘Did you just?’ Cillian asked, and before he could finish his question, you interrupted.

‘Swallow? Yes, what else do you normally do with it?’ you asked with a smirk.

‘I hate sleeping on dirty sheets and I was planning to stay the night, so that seemed like the best option’ you laughed before laid beside Cillian, his arms gently wrapping around you.

‘Hey, I am not complaining’ he laughed as he ran his hands gently over your arms.

‘Didn’t think so’ you said before kissing him again gently.

You fell asleep pretty soon afterwards, curled up against Cillian’s chest.

You both slept well and deep until, at 6am, Cillian’s alarm went off.

‘Oh goddam, what’s the time?’ you asked.

‘6am, why?’ Cillian said as you jumped out of the bed and collected your clothes, trying to put them on as quickly as you can.

‘Y/N, we don’t have a scene until 7am. There is plenty of time’ he said.

‘Yes, but Emma starts at 6.30am. She will notice me not being there’ you explained.

#cillian murphy #cillian murphy smut #Cillian Murphy x Reader #cillian murphy imagine #thomas shelby #Peaky Blinders

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