#or just generally when you need to chill but your brain won't turn off

[writingquestionsanswered]

How long is a normal length of time to work on an outline? (Sorry this kinda turned into a ramble) I decided to actually sit down and outline a novel I started in 2018 but dropped, mainly because I had no idea where I was going with it. During the pandemic, I discovered the wonder of actually outlining and sticking to a schedule-ish, and I managed to write a couple of short novels. Now, to myself, I call these "practice novels". They're not that good, but I needed something to practice with so I took really old stories I had discarded and just wrote them down, I had the time and needed something to write. Now, I wrote a short novel in January-March last year that came out really good, maybe the best I've written so far, and in November I started a sequel and finished it a little over a month ago. It also came out really nice. Now, it's normal for me to start thinking of my next project when I'm about to wrap up the one I'm currently working on, and this time I decided I was going to work on this 2018 project. It's also normal for me to take some time off to cool down when I just finished something, reread and revise, and basically get some rest before I get in the mood to write again. Now, a friend of mine has been asking repeatedly why haven't I written in so long and if something had happened. She even recommended me some books to get me inspired again. And honestly? I don't really feel in the mood to write yet, and I feel like my outline is still incomplete. I'm doing research and taking my time to properly develop the characters and the story. I already had a go with this one once and dropped it. This time I want to do it right, I don't want to rush it, I really like the story and the characters and want to make the best I can out of it. I kinda feel pressured by this friend but I also feel like I should just follow my gut and prepare the way I feel best.

Spending a While in the Pre-Write Phase

Every writer is different, and every project is different, so there's no right or wrong amount of time to spend outlining your story or in the pre-write phase in general. The only potential definition of "too long" there is would be spending so long outlining/in pre-write that you never actually write the story.

"Percolating" and Practice Matter

If you're not quite ready to work on this story because you feel the ideas need more time to percolate, that's absolutely fine. You should trust your gut on that and not friends who are pressuring you to write. But if you're not actively engaging in the pre-write phase of this story... for example, outlining, world building, developing characters, etc., it might at least be worth considering doing some writing prompts to exercise your writing brain in the meantime. Writing is a lot like bike riding in that you won't forget how to do it if you don't do it for a long time, but the required muscles lose their strength just a little bit. So things like reading, journaling, and doing writing prompts are some good ways to keep those writing muscles engaged. And you can even do writing prompts related to the story you're outlining, too. The first nine suggestions in Getting Unstuck: Motivation Beyond Mood Boards & Playlists has some story-related prompts you can try out. Getting Excited About Your Story Again has some other story-related prompts that are fun and can help you flesh out your characters and setting in surprising ways.

It's Okay to Politely Tell Writer Friends to Chill

All relationships take work, even relationships with writer friends, and those can be particularly prickly because part of being writer friends is to help motivate one another, but there can be a delicate line between motivating and nagging. Sometimes people don't realize they're crossing that line. So when you feel like a writer friend is putting pressure on you, don't be afraid to say, "Hey, I really appreciate your support and the motivation you give me, but right now I'm focusing on taking a little break to clear my head and let this old story percolate a bit before I start working on it."

I hope that helps! ♥

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[feralmoonlight]

I just realized I'm going to write lot's of moments when the reader is drunk- Do you have any tips on how to do this cause I have no idea? - Glitchy Anon (This is for my new au cause why not- Also do you have any idea what a super valuable object yet concerning that would belong to a rich casino themed william afton)

(rolling around the other ask in my brain still BUT) I absolutely love writing drunk characters. On one hand, there are definitely some tips and cheats I use for different levels of drunkness, usually in 3-4 tiers, with 5 being about to fuckin pass out zonked, so they're just... Existing and probably mildly hating life as their body is just screaming at them for the amount of alcohol they have in their systems. ON the other hand, you can almost write whatever you want for a drunk character, because some people DO NOT show signs unless they stand up and start walking, and even then some people are practiced enough they can just ghost out of a scene and you won't know they're drunk until they've called someone and rambled about feelings for three hours and passed out. BUT my general rule of thumb stages for drunk are- for an average drinker (plus or minus drinks for lightweighs and seasoned alcoholics lol) 1-2 average mixed drinks/2-3 beers/1-2 shots -- Emotions + 25%, usually leaning into the territory of what's a giggly drunk. If they're sad or in a bad mood, push them a little bit farther. Usually you're still lucid enough to hold a basic conversation without getting muddled, but you may jump to conclusions a bit faster than average. The 25% rule kind of applies to all things. If you were on the edge about smooching your co-worker, you might lend up leaning in before catching yourself. Still aware it's not the best idea, BUT now you have to deal with the backlash of projecting you had intent. Same for letting things slip/cracking jokes you normally wouldn't/or getting upset over things that may casually bother a character in passing. Now it will set them off enough to let people know it bugs them, but if they're not typically hostile they may still try to reign it in. Speak more with body language than with the mouth cause again, when you start drinking, usually you're still aware of what you're saying.



2-4 mixed drinks/3-6 beers/2-3 shots -- Emotions + 50%, Loose lips, your inhibitions are slipping. A lot. This is about the range where I see people will get touchy, whether it's throwing an arm around a strangers shoulder to get closer to talk to them, patting backs, pointing fingers in faces for reasons good or bad, people will usually get more animated. THIS IS ALSO THE STAGE WHERE LIGHTWEIGHTS Might need to chill because the dizzy can start setting in.(Also remember larger characters typically need more to get drunk, just a bit, and smols may start feeling ill if they aren't practiced. There's also again outliers for story reasons so have fun). This is the stage where standing up can lead to fun wiggle walks, though if someone is concentrating, it's not that impossible unless they're really feeling it. Standing up you can feel a small headrush, need a moment to steady, and there can be a slight feeling of almost floating into your walk. To the outside observer it's more just you're letting gravity help pull you forwards while not falling on your face, if they know what they're looking for. Other tells I've heard from people, where they know they're getting to their limit are light feelings of numbness, or like parts of you are lightly wrapped in cotton. Usual places may be the cheeks, lips or nose, arms starting to feel heavy, fingers being a little less cooperative, but nothing to a concerning level. Just like an 'oh, i should probably chill now and start to sober up'. Going past this stage leads to Bad Times TM for a lot of people, but it can be very hard to catch if you're a new drinker. anything over above will land the unlucky drunk into the realm of Bad Times TM.  The floating feeling turns into a spinning that wont go away. You can be laying full down and still feel like the couch or floor or bed is rolling you to the side. Worse if you sit up, but laying down is no real help. The nausea starts low after this, but it isn't usually super prevalent if you're staying still. You're definitely not safe from it, but good lord is it worse if you're moving. Sometimes getting the alcohol out can help and will sober you up RIGHT away, sometimes if it's already stuck in your system you're just fucked. Other things that this definitely effect is your balance (see spining). You can walk still, but the straight line test is a challenge. Walking forward will have you drifting from one side, uneven steps, stumbling over nothing (sparingly. Do it too much and it becomes comical and loses the effect of this dude fucked up).  Happy drunks are usually not happy at this point, though the toss up on if they go sad emotional or mad emotional, or just I want to die to make this stop emotional (not suicide, just please the sick feel is horrid) and they will beg for all kinds of stupid over the top deaths while complaining about the world being against them for that last drink.  But here? Emotions + 200%. If something needs to be said, and not taken seriously, THIS is the level of drunk that renders them unreliable to most others.  The other stages are usually things that can be laughed off, but there's a small chance the drinker won't remember anything that happened after they're at this stage. From experience, THIS STAGE IS REACHABLE for a light weigh with 3 martinis. From Experience, you can also drink 4 bottles of wine in an afternoon and barely hit the second stage. The last stage there can also be split between 2 stages, one where it's a Ha Ha I don't feel good, catching it early and having mild trouble, and a Late Stage I FUCKED Up version where the porcelain throne is going to be utilized to void the evil you've consumed. Aftermath includes horrible migrain hangovers, the desire to lay on cold tile floors(Wonderful for stage 3 and beyond during), Much regret and blanks in the memory, also unreliably remembering what you and others have said as the drinking goes on. Don't be afraid to have your characters fuck up and remember things wrong. It can be hilarious or heartbreaking depending on how it's used. AS FOR MR. AFTON....  Uhm... I don't honestly know? I'm not great with casino stuff personally, and the only thing that comes to mind would be a Poker Chip with a HIGH price on it, like maybe something he'd give out to people for an anything goes favor.  It can't be turned in for actual money, and its specific to his casino, but for someone (anyone) to present it to him means he WILL make good on whatever favor they ask of him, assuming it's within his powers to make it happen. (within reason and if he doesn't decide to do a murder instead)?

[pinkpuffballdude]

tagged by @shorter-than-her-tbr-pile to list ten songs I’ve been listening to on loop!

so recently I’ve had P.H.U.K.U by Orbital stuck in my head, which means I’ve been listening to a lot of Odesza and Ulrich Schnauss as well, for example:

It’s Only by ODESZA

Stars by Ulrich Schnauss

IPlayYouListen by ODESZA

A Moment Apart by ODESZA (which you may recognize from Eugene Lee Yang’s coming out video)

Late Night by ODESZA

Meridian by ODESZA

little bit of Cream on Chrome by Ratatat

also P.H.U.K. by Orbital and

P.H.U.K.E.D.U.P. by Orbital

when I get a song stuck in my head, it gets stuck, it was a struggle to even get ten songs on here. which I didn’t. ah well. just add Koto also by ODESZA and make it ten

if you want to, feel free to do it (and tag me! I like hearing about what kind of music people like), but I’ll officially tag @clericjester uhhhhh @ladywhitetower (I forgot your other blog I’m so sorry) @the-l-spacer (or @/podcastlimbo if you prefer) why do so many of my friends have multiple blogs why @asimpleram @jakkubrat and also literally anyone else who wants to do it I’m running out of brain

[kedreeva]

I just recently turned 16, i don't know if this is just a teenager thing or a mental health thing but I don't know many adults to ask. Does anything ever feel normal again? Everything feels off and I don't understand it, it wasn't like this when I was 13 or 12 but all of a sudden it's a feeling I can't shake

Short answer? Yeah, things generally mellow out eventually. It won't be soon.

Slightly longer answer? Teenage brains are just going through a lot, chemically, and unfortunately for everyone, even a little bit of change in brain chemistry can have huge effects on how a person feels. Make sure that you're eating enough if you can, sleeping as much as you can (the stereotype about teenagers sleeping more is only valid because y'all are still growing and need it), getting enough water and electrolytes, and taking a vitamin regularly. Doesn't need to be daily but vitamins are actually super important.

All of that being said, if you are feeling Off and it is Bad, your high school almost certainly has a guidance counselor! You can set up an appointment and discuss what exactly you're feeling (to the best of your words ability), and they are trained to help. It may be normal teenage feeling weird because growing, it may not. They'd be able to help you determine that AND they'd be able to help you foster discussion about it with your parents and, if you need it, possibly get you extra help with a psychologist. Because unfortunately "there's a lot going on chemically" also means "there's a lot that can go wrong chemically" but fortunately we as humans have developed a lot of coping mechanisms to help out with mental health, including chemicals we use to balance out our brains, and you can take advantage of that!

But, barring things beyond your control, it generally does get better, or at least it gets different. You just gotta embrace your inner capybara and chill until you get there.

[hollowbingbong]

i NEED to know what the diff dynamics are like in rokushipping omg can you spare some details? ive only heard about it today but god op your brain is HUGE what a good polyship!!

Well for one thank you for the ask! Two of course i'll share some deets on rokushipping! three in this astral has his own body and can be seen/touched by others.

For one, even though they're in a poly, the relationship is closed and they prefer it that way, now for dynamics! Yuya and yuma: they are very loud and affectionate, they feed into each others chaos honestly but they know when to step back and be chill. I feel like Yuma tries to lead the relationship but yuya actually the one who has a good idea on how a romantic relationship works. not like lacking knowledge in a relationship is bad, it's a learning experience for them

The Yuboys: Honestly like your typical dimensionshipping dynamic but it's less focused on just yuya. they all equally spend time together and make sure they have time for everyone in the relationship, they make sure no one is left out

Keyshipping: Astral and yuma are super close, sometimes it seems they aren't dating the others but the two are quick to reassure they love the others equally but what astral and yuma have in terms of bond is different, they're halves of a whole and they care for each other tremendously.

Astral and yuri: I headcanon yuri childhood wasn't that good so he doesn't know alot about the world so he and astral often go out to explore and just learn together. it's a good bonding experience for them

Yuma and yuri: As i have said before, yuri is very distant from yuma (and the others in general) but they do spend time together. often time's yuma helps yuri with his garden or the two cook when yuma or yuri have time

Yuya and astral: they duel all the time, if they aren't hanging off yuma or bothering the others of the poly, they're most likely dueling. if not dueling they're going out to eat or yuya is showing astral his magic tricks.

Yugo and Yuma: Bike rides! Yugo loves showing his D-wheel off to yuma, it honestly makes yugo's day when yuma asks to take a ride with him. yugo sometimes takes yuma out on his D-wheel for dates

Yugo and astral: Astral is the one yugo confines in a lot, thanks to yugo's short temper he fears he's going to hurt one of them by yelling or getting into a fight with them. astral is the one to sit quietly and listen to yugo vent and in turn, yugo listens to when astral needs to cool off or is upset.

Yuto and yuma: Yuma takes yuto out a lot, mostly parks to talk or walk. Yuma likes to see yuto be able to put his walls down and yuto loves spending time with someone who won't force him to be open when he's not ready.

Yuto and astral: They often sit down and read together, they love to quietly chat for hours on end or sit in silence. they love their partners but sometimes they just need quiet and thankfully they have each other for that.

Together: if everyone is together they mostly stay inside to spend time with each other, people accept poly's but a gay poly with six members is bound to get looks so they typically just stay in the comforts of their home. they take turns dueling each other or watch yuma, yuri and yuto cook or they sit out in yuri's garden. sometimes they have group discussions about their trauma's or feelings, communication is important especially in a big poly as theirs. All in all, loving each other is rewarding and the work they put in for their relationship makes it worth it.

anyway thanks for the ask and thanks for reading!

[boop-le-snoot]

masterpost • main masterlist • taglist & faq

Introductory prologue. The main pairing will be established ironstrange x reader. This story will be rated explicit, have some canon-typical violence and language. The 'fuck' harvest is bountiful this time of the year. Updates - irregular so far, I'm posting it as I go.

No y/n, no "you", no name - nickname only, no reader description - race/age/body type neutral, she/her pronouns. Please leave a comment if you spot a stray 'blushing' or the likes, I write as it flows and sometimes miss those words when I proofread. I try to be inclusive of all my readers.

"Your total is twelve dollars, seventeen cents," I rattled off on autopilot, casting a glance at the cash register and plastering an automatic smile onto my face. The pleasant expression was frozen on it, stuck like glue, despite the news I had received earlier in the day. "Thank you, have a nice day," I doubted the customer actually heard my words.

One of those business-types, wearing a tailored two-piece, with a Bluetooth headset attached to their ear and brain always a mile away, our little coffee shop a mild interruption in their daily routine of making more and more money. "Hello, how can I help you?" I addressed the next customer, my eyes unseeing, gliding over their face and to the storefront where I noticed we were running low on eclairs and carrot cake.

"Hey, Starlight," the woman's voice was familiar, tone soothing, as I snapped my eyes to meet a pair of reddish-brown ones, staring at me with concern. "The usual," our city's very own superhero; Wanda Maximoff stood before me with her head curiously tilted to the side and her brother hovering behind her, examining the assortment of various cakes on display. "Long day?"

"You have no idea," I sighed, sending off the organic, single-use cups with scribbles off to Dave, our barista. Wanda's order was large, usually about ten or twelve coffees and quite a few treats, so I donned on some nitrile gloves to package the treats while Dave handled the drinks with practiced ease. I admired his stoicism. "Might be seeing a bit less of me," the woman's eyebrows rose in displeasure at my admission.

"Tony won't be happy," Wanda mumbled, side-eyeing the backdoor behind which my boss usually resided during the day. "You got fired?" The words attracted the attention of her brother. Pietro was immediately at her side, joining into the concerned staring.

"Nope," I popped the 'p', methodically shoving the food in its packaging. "The café is expanding hours and our shifts are being split now. Jeremy is dead set on me working the graveyard shift, so I'll be here six AM to two PM," I couldn't help the sigh that left my lips.

My boss, Jeremy, had opened his boulangerie little over two years ago, and as he had predicted, it set off almost immediately. The place was located almost in the heart of the dozen corporate sky-rises full of busy, wealthy people who liked their things to be both instant and luxurious. Jeremy had fit right in with the law sharks and business vultures, if you ask me, with his penchant for demanding the impossible.

I was expecting an increase in work hours, I wasn't going to lie - our little cafe was busy nearly all the time it was open - but the fact that he chose to split a day's shift came as a punch to the gut. Like most service staff, I made most of my money from the tips, and they and they only were the only reason I stayed in a place with a shrew for a boss and the worst health insurance in the area. Thankfully, the rich businessmen from local offices didn't count their money and left me more than generous tips.

The coffee machine beeped for the last time as Dave passed me the three cupholders before I carefully bagged them, arranging the treats on top. I saw Wanda lick her lips at the aromas coming from the paper bag before Pietro snatched them out of my grasp. I rattled off the total, catching Wanda's eye as she passed me several twenty dollar bills, waving off my attempt to return the change.

"Penny for your wandering thoughts?" She smiled warmly as I chuckled at the question I've grown to expect with a quiet sort of joy.

The first time she'd wandered in, soaking wet from the rain and looking as lost as a child in a mall, ten minutes before closing time, I was reading my book right at the counter as I waited for the coffee machine to clean itself. I hadn't even noticed the quiet woman until her words startled me out of the book-induced trance and I shamefully had to ask her to repeat herself, hastily shoving my book under the counter. She smiled at me, shyly, and asked me about my reading instead of rattling an order for one of the sickly sweet caffeine concoctions female customers seemed to love. And she returned in a few days, asking the same question after taking a careful look at my face.

"And once the storm is over, you won’t remember how you made it through, how you managed to survive. You won’t even be sure, whether the storm is really over. But one thing is certain. When you come out of the storm, you won’t be the same person who walked in. That’s what this storm’s all about." I took a careful moment to recall a paragraph from the book I was currently reading, Murakami's 'Kafka on the Shore'. It seemed fitting, with all that had been going on in my life recently. I was still caught in the middle of the storm, unsure if I'd make it out but hoping for it nonetheless.

"That's beautiful," Pietro smiled at me, the tips of his silver hair reflecting the lights of the cafe's baroque style chandeliers. I barely managed to smile at him as he was already speeding off, the entrance door banging shut behind a blur of white and blue. Each time he did that, I couldn't help but wonder how he managed to not spill any of the hot beverages.

"Because it's true," Wanda added with a comforting smile. I nodded in agreement, hoping some of her positive attitude would dissipate the sense of doom I'd been lugging around all day. She departed, taking the sense of comfort with her, as I caught the tail end of something shouted in Sokovian - something that sounded exactly in place, coming from one disgruntled sibling to another.

When the residents of the nearby Stark tower began frequenting my workplace, I barely had the composure to stifle my quiet fangirling to socially acceptable levels. Not long after the Scarlet Witch turned a semi-regular, she started bringing her colleagues with her - Hawkeye at first, who was a decent, normal dude; he looked like an exasperated dad and Pietro appeared every thing the rambunctious son, as the younger man peppered the older man with questions about the cakes on our display.

They all had fancy names, but at the bottom of it, a chocolate cake was a chocolate cake. That much I told them, with a snort, earning myself a lopsided grin and a generous tip as I patiently listed off the more commonly used, simplified designations for the twins as the knowledge of them being European immigrants crossed my mind.

After Hawkeye came the Black Widow, and then Captain America with a sunny smile and his moody boyfriend in tow. While Bucky Barnes' expression was generally sour, the man had a wicked sweet tooth, shoveling frosted, glazed treats at the rate of a competitive eater. Both men were extremely polite if not very chatty and tipped well.

Tony Stark himself - well, he was a special one. His sense of humour trailed on the fine line of obscene, oftentimes raising the eyebrows of nearby people standing in line. I wasn't born yesterday, either: years of customer service work left me with little-to-no surprise regarding overzealous men and I could quip back equally as sharply, just slightly south of Tony's own jokes. He never overstepped, however, and with time, I developed a quiet appreciation for our small talks.

Which did brighten up my day, if only a little. "A little birdy told me your boss is being a douchebag. Want me to clean up that muck?" Tony was, as usual, wearing a bespoke suit and sunglasses, which he'd pushed up to his forehead as he frivolously leaned on the counter after placing his order.

I sighed, remembering Wanda's words. I didn't know what to expect from the eccentric billionaire; last of all, I didn't want any handouts. I'd started a search for a second part-time job the very day I got told my pay would be essentially cut in half. "No need, Mr. Stark, I'm gonna be fine and dandy," I replied with a smile that I was sure didn't really reach my eyes. "We'll still be able to resume our nice chit-chat at brunch on Saturdays," I winked, hoping to keep up the usual light atmosphere of our banter.

"I told you to call me Tony!" He exclaimed, like always, shaking his head and glaring at the back door. "Yeah, no," the man had absolutely no chill. "I'll still sic the IRS on him," the last part was said quietly. Mr. Stark often spoke to himself.

I laughed at the rich-kid, spoilt way he was acting. A grown man with an attitude of a teenager and a sweet tooth to match one - except for his coffee. That was always the strongest, blackest one we had on hand. I hadn't even heard of a triple espresso until Mr. Stark had waltzed in, skipping the line and filling the air around him with the smells of cologne that smelled like money, motor oil, iron and soot.

The moment I opened my e-mail at home, I felt my gloomy mood worsen, Mr. Stark's words echoing in my head. I'd sent my resumes to two dozen places and only a handful even bothered to reply - all preemptive rejections, there weren't businesses needing a part-time employee with a useless degree, who could only work evenings. Except bars, but they required some sort of certificate for bartenders and lots and lots of bare skin for waitresses. I tried to steer away from that part of the industry as much as I could, saving it as a last resort option.

It had come down to browsing Craigslist as I ate my way through a carton of cheap take-out, too exhausted to cook and too anxious to go out to the nearby bodega after 9 PM. One more negative side of working late shift - making my way home in the dead of the night in NYC and hoping Spider-Man was hanging out nearby should a thug decide on me to be their next victim. The joys of big city life.

As the column of various ads stared at me with various suspicious offers to make quick money, ads for 'young, sociable women' and I stared back at them in muted disgust. The 'looking for a job' section was much more sensible with the few ads I'd clicked on out of curiosity depicting people seemingly in a similar situation as me - short on money but not desperate enough to surrender their dignity to corporate greed. The decision was momentary - I'd started typing and hit the post button before I was through with my food, slapping my old laptop shut as soon as the as posted.

Hopefully, the creeps will stay away. The next couple of days stretched out slowly as I got up at the crack of dawn to open the shop, served the early birds whilst sipping my own matcha latte and clocked out not a second later than 2PM, taking home half the usual amount of tips. My e-mail remained as silent as ever, only a few suspicious replies to my ad, texts that I didn't even bother replying to. Human trafficking and pyramid schemes, was that all that NYC had to offer?

Apparently, not. Around 6PM, my phone dinged as a notification popped up and I scrambled to read it - all too aware of the upcoming rent day, and was pleasantly surprised with the contents of the e-mail, re-reading it several times to make sure there weren't any hidden stones under the water. I replied with my phone number, not expecting it to ring within minutes of hitting the send button.

"Hello?"

"Hi, we just corresponded," the voice on the other side was feminine but slightly rough, as if it's owner spent days chain-smoking. "I would like to invite you for a small interview, if you wouldn't mind."

I chewed on my lip in contemplation. "Could I ask you some questions first?" The levels of anxiety, I thought, were reasonable in the situation. It mutely gnawed at my chest.

"Sure," the woman agreed amicably. "My name is Odette, by the way," she mentioned off-handedly, the name fitting her voice in a strange way.

"Uh, well," I stammered. "You mentioned it's a herbal medicine shop, you're not selling weed under the counter, are you?" I voiced my worries meekly, hoping for an honest answer.

The woman laughed, a sharp, terse sound. "No, dear, I do not sell or possess anything illegal. I merely offer supplies for the locals that prefer natural, alternative medicine." She sounded jovial.

"Like - um, healing crystals?" I vaguely remembered reading about them on the internet, or seeing them in a YouTube video, perhaps.

"Yes, we sell those, too," her tone grew more joyful at the mention of the shiny rocks. I didn't think that they actually cured anything, to be honest, however I was willing to give it some credit - the placebo effect was a scientific fact. Whatever floats your boat, I guess.

"Okay then," I chuckled nervously. "I'm free tomorrow after 3 PM."

"Grand. The shop is open until 10 PM, just say your name at the counter and I'll be right with you."

As soon as I hung up, relief and curiosity and trepidation blossomed within me, imagination unhelpfully supplying images of human trafficking documentaries, basements with chains and other, less horrifying but still unusual things. The pep talk over a wine glass that I had was necessary: it was a herbal shop, for fuck's sake. Worst case, I'm going to work with Karens who think the Earth is flat and quartz cures cancer. I could even get a funny story or two out of those, something to share with Bucky or Wanda in lieu of the usual book quotes I entertain them with.

The day went by smoothly, the café no more and no less busy than usual so after a brief detour back home to put on something that didn't smell like coffee grounds and yeast: comfortable pants and a soft sweater, something that would keep me warm but would not unnecessarily restrict any movement. My good luck charm, a large oval necklace with a shiny gold star in the middle, hung heavily around my neck, providing quiet comfort.

Heart thudding in my chest, I approached the old-style, inconspicuous building, double-checking the address before opening the old, heavy wooden door right at the corner of the building. It was like a movie scene, in a way - the day was overcast, meager sun rays shining through the lead curtain of clouds, the streets were clear and few honks rung out in the far end of block, sending a flock of pigeons into a lazy scatter over the slanted roof. The door creaked softly, the handle cold under my touch, instantly filling my nose with a strong smell of herbs so plentiful, I could not distinguish one from another.

Inside didn't look any less intriguing: the décor was outdated but somehow fitting and homely, high wooden shelves stocked with glass jars and wooden boxes with neatly placed labels on them. The counter was empty - save for a large, golden bell, which I timidly pressed.

The woman who emerged from behind the worn cotton curtains behind the counter most certainly was impressive. Tall and broad, with dark eyebrows and even darker eyes, she critically surveyed me for a moment, making me shiver under her gaze - and then she smiled, revealing rows of pearly white teeth and instantaneously losing the imposing aura around her.

"Um, hi- I'm-" I didn't get to finish my nervous stammering.

She interrupted me with a careless wave of her hand. "Here for the interview. Yes. Welcome, Star," her eyes briefly fell on my necklace while I struggled to swallow the unease.

I hadn't told her my nickname - to be honest, these days, I heard it more often than my given name. People quickly took notice of my love of star-patterned items and teased me relentlessly over it, losing heat only when I calmly went along with it, too used to hearing the same jokes since my early childhood.

Odette motioned me over, parting the curtains to reveal a tiny, but tastefully decorated hall with two doors on each side and a staircase at the far end of it. I followed her into the room on the left, which turned out to be a peculiar sort of office. I thought I noticed an Ouija board in there but wisely kept my mouth shut.

"I live on the floor above the shop so don't go throwing any parties while you're on the job," she remarked playfully, gesturing to a pot of tea. "It's peppermint, does wonders for calming one's demeanor," the gesture was sweet - and very telling.

I wondered if I looked as spooked as I felt. After all, it didn't seem like Odette and her business were fishy in any way, and the décor and atmosphere were quite... Appealing, in a way. Something magical, something belonging in Europe or on a high schooler's Pinterest board. I sipped my tea in-between questions, thinking how maybe, I could actually grow accustomed to this place.

The shopkeeper acted as if I'd already accepted the job and I - well, it's not like I had any other options waiting for me. The pay was more than I expected it to be, for such a small bodega and a part-time shift, and it would help me cover my bills with enough to spare. The customers were said to be mostly regular and undemanding, with a few rare exceptions, and should I need assistance, the owner was always a call and a floor away.

With a considerably lighter heart, I left to pad the damp sidewalk back towards my house. Thankfully, my new workplace was only a short walk away.

The tag list is open until the story is finished. Please use the 'taglist' Google form to request (top of the fic, clickable link).

@mikariell95 @letsby @sleep-i-ness @toomanyrobins @mostly-marvel-musings @persephonehemingway @schemefrenzy @lillsxd @bluecrazedandbeautiful @slothspaghettiwrites

[yeongwvnhi]

Them as your college boyfriend

—

Pairing - Oneus x genderneutral reader

Genre - fluff, angst, suggestive (yet again the whole package)

Warnings - bullying, language, nosebleed, two vague mentions of sex (for the jokes) but of course nothing explicit

Taglist - @twancingyunhoe

Word count - idk,, sth between 1k-2k words

》><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><《

Youngjo

Most likely your seat mate or classmate first of all

Since he's such a sweetheart everyone loves him

A lot of girls in your class probably have a crush on him

He befriended you at the start of the first semester because he just immediately liked you (platonically at first)

Guess that didn't sit right with some of your fellow classmates

Let's assume you're not his seat mate for this

The jealous girls who sit behind you are talking shit about you and laughing

Some might even throw balls of paper at you with insults written on them

Of course Youngjo notices that something isn't right because you're acting weird

He's going to ask you repeatedly what's wrong

But you won't tell him because you think it's silly and that they will just stop

Of course it sadly doesn't work like that

The girls go even further,, purposely hitting your shoulder when passing by

Or tripping you

They even go as far as to spread rumors

And when they finally reach Youngjo he's going to be FURIOUS

First of all he's going to look for you to comfort you

But when he sees the girls in your class cornering you he gets mad again, yelling at them to back the fuck off

They try to pretend like they don't know what's going on, but quickly run away when he looks like he's gonna explode

Youngjo is going to hug you tightly and tell you that it's going to be okay and that he's there for you anyways

And even though this is a shitty timing, tells you that he really likes you

Of course you say that you like him back and he asks you out djjxjdg

After that he'd quickly make it a point that both of you are off-limits and he'll protect you

Will probably walk you to all your classes, even if you don't share them and give you a kiss in front of the classroom

Nobody messes with you anymore and you finally found nice friends

They always tease you for Youngjo being so protective, but they're not serious because they understand where he's coming from

And because he's a little shit you bet your ass he will always manage to give you at least one hickey

Because he's possessive but in a good way 💔

Seoho

You only share one class with him and that is chemistry

He immediately caught your eye from the first lesson you shared because he sits diagonally in front of you

Ironically he was kind of late on that day and clumsy him forgot his pencil case

So he turned around and went "pssst"

When you looked up at him, confused and all, he shyly smiles and asks if you've got a spare pen

Lucky for him, you never leave the house with less than two pens, so you lend it to him

"You can just give it back when we see us next time" you tell him and he thanks you a few times before going on to do his task

After that day you couldn't get that small encounter out of your head

Why? Because the two guys behind you gossip a lot,, saying Seoho is mean and cold etc

So next week when you have that class again Seoho sits down next to you instead of his original seat

He smiles at you and holds out your pen towards you "Thanks a lot for last week, you really saved my ass"

You tell him it's no big deal and introduce yourself to him finally

Turns out it's very fortunate for you that he decided to sit next to you now because you're not getting anything the professor is teaching

Seoho sees you struggling and kindly explains everything you don't understand

After that the two of you become really close and even hang out after classes to grab something something drink or to eat

This goes on for a few months before you finally just gain the courage to talk to him about your feelings

"What did you want to talk about?" He asks you after your classes for the day are over, the two of you met behind the building for more privacy

"I uhm... realized that I really like you... I just wanted you to know that" you tell him rather quietly, but he heard it all very clearly

"I really like you too, Y/N!" Seoho smiles brightly at you when you meet his gaze, and asks if you want to go out with him

Of course you say yes!! Jxjdnh

So since you knew he wasn't a big fan of PDA or skinship in general you never really initiated much of it unless he decided he wanted to hold hands or hug you

Of course that went differently when you weren't in college

Mostly he was chilling over at your apartment/house/dorm after classes were over for the two of you

He loves to give you random kisses out of nowhere or just grab your hand to play with your fingers

If you were over at his place, you'd just be chilling somewhere or you'd be laying in his lap and taking a nap after a stressful day while he was stroking your hair

But there were also days where he texted you in the middle of a lecture to meet him in the hallways of the toilets

When you got there he just pulled you behind the corner to make out with you for a good two or three minutes just to walk away shortly after, telling you that's all what he wanted

"Are you serious?! I hate you" you'd grumble and walk away, pissed off because he left you all riled up

Whenever he did that, you'd straight up ignore him until classes were over just to get him all whiny and clingy, begging for your attention and saying how he was sorry

Geonhak

You two befriended each other during the last year of high school and coincidentally enrolled into the same college, so you were glad to have someone you knew

Sadly you two didn't share a lot of classes, so you only saw each other during the breaks or after classes were over

But you had each other's number so it wasn't all too bad

He'd often text you during his free periods how he was so bored and that he hated the teacher he had for the next class

You'd jokingly tell him to stop being a baby and to toughen up

Of course he'd get cocky and say how he already was tough since he works out a lot, always getting you flustered when he (jokingly) offered to demonstrate it to you

Everyone knows the two of you as the bickering duo because you're always at each other's throats, but the second someone says something mean to one of you it's on sight

Geonhak always (again, jokingly) complains about how difficult or annoying you are, but he'd never let someone bad-mouth you on his watch

You also bet that he's always going to pick you up when you've got a shared class next or when classes are over

And he's going to walk you home (whether that be actually home or just the dorms)

Right from the beginning everyone just automatically assumed y'all are dating

But you aren't ✨surprise✨

Of course Geonhak soon realizes that he actually has feelings for you

And the second he's sure of it, he tells you

Like... in the middle of the walkway on your way from college

Of course you're perplexed and need a few seconds to comprehend what the hell he just said to you

When it finally clicks, you tell him that you feel the same

I swear the cutest, most wholesome smiles breaks out on his face and he hugs you

Catching you off guard yet again, but you hug him back

From then on the two of you stopped denying the questions about dating, and all your friends are like "we knew right away"

Even though Geonhak also isn't big on PDA or skinship, he doesn't mind holding your hand or giving you a quick peck here or there

But behind closed doors he's just a giant teddy bear, always wanting to cuddle

Or, well.... or he's gonna be pinning you against the next best wall the second you two are alone

Keonhee

He's your seat mate in all the classes you share

Which are... literally almost all wnjdjdjfh

You're just bound to become friends, so lucky for you that Keonhee is such a nice and cute guy, trying to help you out whenever he can

For example that one time when you forgot your P.E. bag in the last classroom and were just on your way back

There was Keonhee, meeting you halfway and handing you your bag with a chuckle and ruffling your hair "be careful with your stuff" He jokes and smiles before leaving

That's what made you fall in love with his unnecessarily tall ass in the first place

You decided to be subtle about your feelings and just opted for asking him about stuff concerning your curriculum or assignments more often than usual

But Keonhee isn't stupid, of course he noticed how you seem to be initiating more conversations with him

He didn't mind at all though, he thought you were cute and he already knew that he had a crush on you

Keonhee was also rather popular among the girls, so you decided to not get your hopes up just in case

Well lucky you because he decided he wanted to confess to you on a Friday to give you time with your answer

So he asked you to meet him behind the gym after your P.E. class, saying he's got something important to tell you

That phrase left you on your toes all day and you had a hard time concentrating in your P.E. class

Which led to you getting a volleyball right on your nose, causing it to bleed and someone had to take you into the gym's infirmary room so you could lie down

At least your nosebleed stopped after 5 minutes, so you washed up and checked if your nose was okay

Luckily your nose is fine and you can continue class with your mind now more focused on paying attention

After class is done, you wash up, get changed and then realize that Keonhee is waiting for you behind the gym, making your brain go haywire

When you meet him, his gaze instantly falls to your, still red tinted, nose

"What happened? Are you okay?" He immediately worries and gets in your face, flustering you unintentionally

"N-Nothing! Just a small accident!"

Keonhee pouts cutely and playfully scolds you for not being careful

Then you remind him that he wanted to tell you something

You watch him get nervous but that doesn't last long when he puts his big hands on your shoulders and meets your eyes

"I uhm I really like you, Y/N" He blurts out and you blink a few times, perplexed

Keonhee takes that as a sign to leave, but you stop him and also blurt out how you like him back

A huge smile breaks out on his face and he hugs you excitedly

After a few weeks everyone on campus knew you were dating and Keonhee wasn't shy on showing his love for you at any time or place

He'd always hold your hand, have his hand on your waist or give you back-hugs

Also loves to make out in empty classrooms during breaks, but you didn't hear that from me

Hwanwoong

Big surprise, but you've already been dating him before you entered college, so it was a huge bonus to hear you both made it into the same one

But sadly you don't share a lot of classes, so you always sit together during lunch and meet at who's locker is closer during breaks to talk

Word quickly went around and by the 2nd or 3rd week, pretty much everyone in the facility knew you two were dating and therefore off-limits

But of courseeeee it wouldn't be college without a little drama, right? So obviously there were girls who were hitting on Woong and guys/girls who were hitting on you

The two of have been dating for a long while though, obviously nothing would drive you apart

So the two of you had enough of the constant flirting that you just decided to be bold as fuck and made sure to make out whenever people were around who were hitting on you😳

Pretty soon everyone realized the two of you were happy together and FINALLY!! left you alone

But did that mean you two stopped being nasty in the hallways? Hell no

Your friends learned the hard way that it was better to not look for the two of you when you were gone during the breaks

Because one of your female friends had walked in on you two doing the dirty in an empty classroom at the end of a hallway 👁👄👁

Poor girl ran away for the sake of her eyes lmao

You two have no shame smh even the teachers make sure to leave you alone when you're not to be found at your lockers or in a hallway/the cafeteria

Surprisingly enough, you two were quite decent in your classes though

Your classmates would often come to you when they had problems with a topic

Woong and you even founded a study group for everyone in your year who needed help,, available every weekend aside from vacation

Everyone loves you guys even though you're nasties😭

At some point during the year there was a transfer student who didn't know you two are dating

So when he asked someone about your whereabouts, one of your friends deadass said that you're either eat each other's throats somewhere aka making out

Or that you were doing the deed

Poor guy thought they were joking and didn't listen to your friends' warnings and stupidly went looking for you

Instant regret is all I'm going to say here

So basically Woong is just your horny boyfriend who loves you to bits and pieces though and will fight anyone who dares to hit on you and vice versa

Dongju

Dongju is a transfer student and you got assigned to show him around and make him feel welcome

Of course you didn't mind and even though he looked really intimidating at first

He actually is really cute and a giant sweetheart 🥺

You became his first friend that day and you even exchanged numbers 👀

If he ever had a problem in finding a classroom or literally anything...

He'd come to you

He wouldn't even consider asking a teacher or whoever was close by

No, you were always his first option and I- he's so cute pls😭

Anyways,, after a month or two he got the important bits of the building down

You bet he will walk you to your classes and meet you after they're over

Because he just really likes you

And you quickly realize you like him too~

So you two meet up after the day of exhausting classes to get a bite to eat or have something to drink somewhere and talk about everything and anything that comes to mind

And a month or two again after getting even closer, Dongju decides to ask you out

He does it when you two are sitting in your usual cafe and you're so happy and excited,, immediately telling him that you'd love to go out with him

No one is surprised when they see you guys entering campus while holding hands and giggling to each other like little middle schoolers

But they all support you and wish you luck

Your friends will tease you for it but of course not in a mean way

Knowing that Dongju is a little inexperienced, you two take everything nice and slow and not rush anything

You tell each other whenever something bothers you, because it's important to build a relationship on communication and trust

Since Dongju is really mature, he handles everything like a professional 😳👍🏻

Your classmates are surprised about how you two never argue and just have such nice chemistry

I think that a relationship with Dongju is just very... well mature, because he handles everything so good

No one ever caught you two kissing in college or outside because you're not too big on PDA

It was mutually decided that holding hands and hugging is more than enough when you're out in the open

Doesn't mean you don't come to classes with hickeys on your necks occasionally tho 👀

[alexnettlesrants]

this is anonymous so im gonna brag aight?

this is my daily study routine (except Sundays bc yes)

Wake up at 6 am SHARP

Have a shower, meditate for 5 minutes, drink a lot of water and have some fruit.

7 am SHARP, start studying

7:00 am - 10:30 am study (genuine, proper study, not just loathe around) and with 10 minute breaks after every hour ok? AND NO TOUCHING THE PHONE IN THIS BREAK

10:30 breakfast, 11 am - 1:30 pm online school (which I'll be honest i do not pay attention in, Im on my phone all the time)

2:00 pm - 3:15 pm study (yes)

3:15 pm lunch, have a chill relaxing time till 5:00 pm

5 pm - 6:30 pm online class again

07:00 pm hobby/study/ Netflix anything in general

8:15 pm dinner

11 pm "bedtime" sike i do random stuff at this hour (hobby/study whotevah)

Go to bed at 1 am

Now of you see this, throughout the day i study approximately 5 hours, I do not pay attention in my online classes and I also waste my time, procastinate and loathe around

But still, the five hours I study, EVERY SINGLE MINUTE OF IT I STUDY BY HEART because I wish to do so. And it pays off. I got all A's in my recent exams.

Also these are a few study tips :

Read the chapter atleast twice beforehand, the first time just a fair reading, the second time highlighting few points here and there AND THEN put the book infront of you, take a notebook and write your own notes by yourself. Believe me, this may be the tiring way but is the best way to learn.

DONT. MAKE. YOUR. NOTES. FANCY. AND. AESTHETIC. LIKE. ON. PINTEREST. AND. TIK TOK. those are your notes, keep them simple and written in a way you can easily understand, don't make them too stuffed in, colourful and doddly and shit. NO. two pens and a notebook are ENOUGH

Every day, revise all the short notes you have. ALL OF THEM. even if you take 15 mins to read through the , do it. When you keep on reading the same thing everyday over and over again, it'll be registered in your brain (like song lyrics)

While making notes, don't make them all in text format. Make them in form of questions, any type of question you see in the book or anywhere? Jot it down. You never know what sort of question will turn up in the exam.

As for mathematics, do any TWO questions from each chapter every day. ANY TWO QUESTIONS it doesn't matter what kind wheter it be the simplest one or the hardest one. Two. Questions. Everyday. (This way you'll remember how to solve certain kinds of problems and won't have go through the entire book the night before the exam)

Stay up to date on what chapter/topic is being taught at time at school. Like supposedly they started chapter 3 of geography today, study it by yourself. It's fun and you'll understand better.

Don't stop doing what makes you happy, you don't need to suffocate yourself by being surrounded by books 24/7. For me what keeps me going and makes me happy is doing art and listening to music.

Find a purpose. Why are you working for this? What is the reason behind all of your effort? Imagine yourself achieving your dream, picture yourself being the person you want to be. I call myself the crazy rich asian, why? Because I WILL BE THE CRAZY RICH ASIAN ONE DAY that's why

You get one chance at life darling, and there's litterally nothing to stop you NOTHING AT ALL so why don't give it all you get?

The only person you are destined to become is the person you decide to be.

One day all of these 6 AM's, hardwork, pain and sweat will make you legend.

It takes 21 days to develop a habit, but 62 days to break one, and only 19 days to substitute and old habit to a new one. Think about it.

Thank you for coming to my Ted Talk

[absideon-ephemeral]

III - INFORMANT

Warnings: mild language.

____________

This one is a bit short but worth it. 

METANOIA Master list

_________

     At that moment, I wish I didn't exist.

     The men parted ways, allowing the terrifying Commander through. His footsteps were heavy and threatening as he walked towards the General and me.

     "What's the issue General?" This was the first time I heard his modulated voice, and it was as scary as it was said to be.

     The General did little to show his disgust at being near the Commander, "This technician is working where a confidential meeting is to be held. Unfortunately, she has no other work to attend to and I don't want her just lying around being useless."

     The Commander stared at Hux for a moment then turned to me; the black holes of his mask once again boring into my soul.

     Taking a few more steps towards me, he raises his hand. I brace myself for any type of physical contact, not taking my eyes off of his helmet.

     "You are to stay and continue your work, but you are to not listen to a word said during this meeting," His modulated voice sent a chill down my spine.

     I wanted to reply, but I couldn't. My body was no longer under my control.

     "I will stay and continue my work. I will not listen to a word said during the meeting," I repeated his words against my will. It was like I could no longer control myself, and I just had to watch it all happen through my eyes.

     I turned and went back to work, lying on the floor and wedging myself back into the vent. Once again becoming oblivious to the world.

_____________

     I wasn't sure how long I had been working in the vent. My body was on autopilot the whole time. It could've been a few hours or thirty minutes when I re-emerged. The high-class men, General, and Commander were still sitting at the long meeting table, discussing something intelligible. Any word they said went through one ear and out the other.

     I got up off the ground and went to my tool bag, looking for the necessary items to begin fixing another wiring panel. As I rummaged through my bag, I got a glance at the holo map floating a few inches off the table. I froze; disobeying the hold over me. I knew exactly what that map was, but it wasn't right. I fought against the hold on my mind, eventually breaking it into millions of little pieces. Not knowing that my next words would determine my fate, I spoke.

     "That map is wrong."

     All heads turned towards me. The General's and Commander's stares were harsh.

     "Excuse me?" General Hux asked, his voice laced in venom.

     I gestured at the holo map, "That map is wrong."

     The General, who was standing by the holo controls, was ready to bash and possibly kill me for pointing something out. But before he could speak, someone else spoke.

     "Sit down General." The Commander ordered.

     "But sir, she isn't supposed to -"

     "Sit. Down. General,"

     Hux went and sat, not without a huff of frustration. The Commander bore into me.

     "How?" That was all he asked.

     "Well," I walked over to the controls, "while I have no clue as to what you all were talking about, I do know that this map is incorrect."

     The General scoffed, "How do you know if it's wrong if you don't even know what the map is?"

     "With all due respect, General, I know what this map is. It's a portion of the planet Adoni. A forested planet lush with greenery and an unlimited source of Iadrite. This is the area where one of the main cities is located. Everything on this map is accurate except for two things."

     I point to the eastern side of the city, "One, there should be a small village right where that forest is, and two," I point to the northern side of the mountain near the city, "right here should be the landing pad and entrance of an old abandoned Resistance base. It was up and running during the time of the Empire, but was abandoned shortly after the fall of the Death star."

     I pause; every person at the table is staring at me: some with indifference, surprise, and others (mainly the General) with murderous intent. Clearing my throat, I begin to type into the control panel.

     "That's how the map is wrong, sirs."

     "But that's impossible! We just received this map from the Senator of Adoni today!" The General exclaimed.

     I continued to type, "Well, the Senator, or whoever made the map, lied to you." With a few more clicks, the holo map disappears and is replaced by a similar one. "I was just able to hack into the geographical records of Adoni, speaking of which they need to up their firewalls, but this is what the map should truly look like."

     On the map, right as I said there would be, was a village to the east of the city and a landing dock to the north of the mountain.

     No one spoke. It was as if no one was breathing. They all just stared at me. The Commander, who had been extremely quiet the whole time, spoke.

     "And how do you know all this?" His voice was calm with a hint of interest.

     "I was born there sir. Lived there until I was five then went traveling and learning the galaxy with my father. If you don't believe me, sir, you can check my records."

      "How can we believe you? For all we know, your records may be a fake as well!" Hux accused.

     I was going to speak, going to defend myself, but the prickling sensation returned to my mind. The Commander. He was going through my brain again.

     "She tells the truth. Her mind shows no signs of lying." He states. Hux could do nothing but huff.

     I shift on my feet, "I'm sorry sirs, I've just realized my actions. My input wasn't needed, but whatever you are planning, I didn't want you all to walk into something and get ambushed due to false information.

     "Your insubordination will be punished, little technician. It was not your place to-" The General began but was cut off. He began to cough, clawing at his throat to breathe. He was suffocating. The Commander was now staring at him.

     After a few, agonizing seconds, the General was able to breathe again and the Commander looked to me.

     "Leave, all of you."

     Taking no chance, everyone stood up, hasty to leave. I bowed my head and too began to leave but was stopped.

     "Not you, little technician."

     I fully regret opening my mouth now, he's gonna kill me.

      "I won't kill you. Sit. We have a matter to discuss." 

     I cautiously make my way to a seat at the other end of the table, near the control panel. The seat is still warm when I sit, and the Commander's mask bores into my eyes.

     "You've shown a great deal of knowledge. Had you not pointed it out, my men would have surely walked into something. That being said, you mentioned traveling and studying the galaxy, yes?"

     "Yes sir."

��    "Tell me about it."

     His words caught me off guard, "I'm sorry?"

     "Tell me about your travels." He leaned back in his chair.

     "Um, well, I lived on Adoni 'till I was five like I had said, then left and went to Ryloth. I was there for half a year, learned the language, culture, all that, then we picked up again and went to Mandalore. Then Shili, Pillo, Malastare, you name it. I studied every language, every culture, every aspect of that planet. The only planet I haven't been to is Mustafar."

     "Why not Mustafar?"

     "My father said that it was a haunted planet. Full of death and sadness. Told me that sometimes, the ghost of Padme Amidala could be heard; wailing for her husband and children, and would take revenge on any childbearing woman who stepped onto the planet."

     "Interesting. Wouldn't have taken you for someone superstitious.”

     "I'm not. My father was."

     The Commander let out something that sounded like a chuckle, but it was distorted by his helmet. "Why travel?"

     "My father wanted me to be educated on the galaxy. He hoped that one day I may become a royal translator or something. I just wanted to see the world and learn."

     The Commander took a moment to ponder. "Why did you stop?"

     "My father died when I was eighteen. We had just landed on Nevarro when he got sick. Passed a few days later. I had hardly any money, so when the recruitment ship for the first order showed up, it was my only option at the time, so I took it."

     "You could've joined the Resistance."

     "True, true. But the First Order didn't have a vendetta against me, so I went with it."

     "Interesting. What did you do?"

     I rubbed the back of my neck, "Uh, I would rather not talk about it. It's personal. But if you don't mind me asking sir, why the sudden interest in my past? What benefit can you get out of it?" 

     He hummed in acknowledgment, "Well, based on your knowledge and past, I have a proposition for you.

      "Yes, sir?"

     "Be my informant. My diplomatic ambassador. Translator. Your rank would be higher, you'd be in charge of diplomatic missions, treaties, alliances; you'd be the First Order's informant; bringing us more power through alliances and knowledge," he paused, "or you can stay a technician. Live your life fixing broken things; toiling away among metal and screws. The choice is yours."

     My thoughts are running. It's a tempting deal.

     This was what my father wanted me to be.

      But do I want this?

     "So, what will your answer be?" 

     I stayed silent. I didn't know what to say. This could all be some joke and I end up being his informant for a week and then I'm cast off to the side again. But hell, his offer sounded too good to pass up.

     "I don't have all day. What is your answer?"

     A beat of silence.

     "I'll do it."

[mevekagvain]

Chapter 189 - I still have no clue why the lords' sanctuary is used as a grave like okay yeah I do it's mostly symbolic and to grieve but I still think it doesn't make sense. All the other uses? Yeah cool. Grave? Nah, not when purebloods dissipate into red mist when they die. Extremely funny imagining mvp lord picking out a fancy coffin full well knowing he won't leave a corpse though like okay king <3 and I haven't even started on those damn stairs.

- Everytime Rael's being cringe I flash through renditions of memes that cover the general energy of habitual suffering that is simultaneously willing yet forced.

- Tbh as someone who doesn't particularly believe in the whole concept of honourable fighting unless it's sports or agreed upon beforehand by all parties and because they're going against what they perceive as traitors or invaders... Rajak shouldn't be scolding Rael for trying to get rid of the trio.

Chapter 190 - Here they know the traiters were behind the Loyard massacre but later Seira doesn't even think that Zarga may have played a part until he said it himself so what's the truth.

- Really, Rousare having died should make it obvious that Gejutel wasn't involved and prevent all this. At least Ludis has some sense.

- Ah, time for grandpa's trashtalk.

Chapter 191 - It always drives me insane that Raskreia knows jack shit about Frankenstein and Raizel like she really did not give a fuck about them did she lmao? Oh father has sent clan leaders out on an arrest warrant? Oh father asks me to regularly visit this random stranger who he adores often and wishes for him to be lord? Why would I ever wish to learn more about them? Like queen ily but keep track of important events in Lukedonia even before you're lord please.

- I know Gejutel's just bullshitting but like. The traitors having foresight? Sjjsjsis where? Lagus and Roctis yeah sure I get it. But the rest? Ignes literally experimented on ppl in Lukedonia. Urokai, as much as I love him, is definitely the stupid dumbass of the group. Zarga if he had any foresight would have either just stayed on Lukedonia and chilled as a loner or had a heir who he passed Lontrick on to and left Lukedonia to once again chill as a loner since unlike the others he only disagreed with the new ideals rather than wanting to actively murder someone. As for Gradeus... we know he can use his brain but he really turned it off entirely when deciding to install bloodstones huh? Like if all you want to do is fight than becoming that strong even when you're already the strongest around is not gonna be enjoyable. Well then he went cuckoo so whtever. Ofc I do wonder whether his goal went from enjoying fighting to mere murder before or after he was exposed to bloodstones and the same for him massacring his clan since the options have implications.

- And here we are at the "clan leaders should go into eternal sleep with the lord" bullshit. Like sorry but just cos the good guys are the ones spouting it doesn't mean I'll ever agree with it. Like tf. It makes me think immediately of rulers who had their servants buried alive with them, emperors whose harems were killed upon their deaths, wives set fire upon their husbands funerals, etc. It is interesting ofc that even nobles who are very obviously written as the best race in noblesse have such regressive and cruel practices. Much more fascinating to have humans take inspiration from them for both good and bad after all.

- Grandpa really tried to be mean so Raskreia wouldn't feel bad executing him huh. Not that it worked ofc.

Chapter 192 - It's so funny that Raizel changes his clothes to Lukedonia's black and gold upon entering because like, did he feel like the odd one out or something?

- Darling clan leaders, I'll excuse your ignorance and underestimation of the enemy, but esteemed lord please, you should know better.

- Hilarious that Gejutel saw that the current gen had extremely spotty knowledge due to their predecessors being like that ig but instead of fixing that he essentially went "It's none of my business idc idc" and ignored it until it came back to bite him in the ass. Like at least tell the lord about all this pls. She should know what a noblesse is 😭

Chapter 193 - Rip Karias not finding everyone in the throne room. It's like when a class gets changed last minute and you have no clue which new place it's in.

- Raizel just take the earring off normally I swear. Imagine having only one memento from a friend you actually meant to keep but you just tear it apart. I would cry.

- Gejutel being apologetic about making Raizel use his lifeforce... grandpa,,,

Chapter 194 - The fact that Ludis' eyes glow as he sets up the protection for the sanctuary,,, love him.

- Insert 300 page analysis on Raskreia's relationship with being lord and just her in general here. I'm too lazy to type it out so insecurities, lack of communication, lack of clarity, formality and duty leading to distant relationships, etc etc etc.

Chapter 195 - This is so rude 😤

- God Karias' entrance and interactions with everyone,,, the way he fusses over Raskreia openly, the way Rozaria beckons him over, them,,,

Chaoter 196 - "The clan leaders share my thoughts" obviously not with the traitors. Well Roctis may have agreed but Ignes prevented him from all that. Still, even from the other 4 non traitors of Ru, Elenor, Loyard and Mergas, it's very much possible they disagreed but simply kept quiet about their thoughts because how dare they go against the lord? I mean, the track record isn't exactly great and that's just how it is in these sort of systems.

- Well I definitely think the method he decided on was stupid but I do think mvp lord's sentiment was very sweet. And ofc just how he wants the best for Raizel... it makes me sad everytime like he just wants him to be happy and be able to enjoy life and yet. Just how his message always has him with that soft smile for Raizel as he tells him to live a long joyous life... that he wants him to be safe... that he's happy he's been outlived... gonna go cry brb..

Chapter 197 - Yeah just gonna ignore and replace the misogynistic bs they make mvp lord spout with like "Be wary of men; instead of wasting time beating them up see if you have any interest in women instead. Especially if they're not nobles. Only wear what you're comfortable with and don't let anyone pressure you. Remember to train often with swords or your skills will become rusty. Etc etc etc."

Chapter 198 - At least he has earring number 2 ig

- "This house is a little old and needs some renovation" It's great that you're being tactful but Tao we both know that this estate that hasn't had any upkeep for at least 5 centuries needs a hell lot more than a little fixing.

- M-21 just has his priorities straight okay,,, you all do need to change.

- Why did Tao pack aprons and gloves for the trip?

[ihopethisendswell]

The part where you get basic info on my Pokémon oc's so you don't get confused when I post about them.

This is gonna be a long post. I have like 8 total. 16 if your counting the secondary protags (my version of May and Lucas for example,which I won't be going over in detail cause I'm not insane). Might want to check my timeline 9 it's pinned or just check bulbapedia if your confused about the ages. If you have any questions feel free to ask. I hope you enjoy :)

Name :Jin Amachi

Gender: " I am nonbinary. I they/ them pronouns, but I'm alright with he/ him as well.

Age:

12( when started journey in Hoenn( Emerald)

22 by SM/USUSM

26 by SWSH

Basic info: With all things said and done, Jin is grateful for their journey. They learned a lot, even if they had to stop two extreme environmentalist along the way. They know the two meant well, but it's just too bizarre for it to happen. Though the two seem to be in a better place now. They're happy for them. They're father and them talk more now. It's still awkward, but better. They know he's trying his best, and they will do the same. It's much better than back then. But no need to worry about the past.

If anything, they're more worried about the others.

Kenji Elm

Gender: " I'm getting sudden dejavu. But I'm a boy! The best boy! Don't call me a girl, I will cry. And because I'm not one! So don't. Anyway have you heard of-" * starts to ramble*

Age:

10 when journey started in Johto( HGSS)

17 by SM

21 by SWSH

Basic Info: Kenji Elm is not the biological son of Professor Elm. He was adopted at a young age, and he doesn't know who is birth parents. Not that he cares. He's more than happy with the family he got( though he wonders when they'll throw him away like his parents did). Energetic and always willing for an adventure, Kenji is generally on the move!( He's so sorry if he's being annoying please don't leave please)

He has a vast amount of interests, but his two favorites are painting and battling. Battling is obvious, he's the champion of the Indigo League, but he always had an artistic eye. But his favorite pastime is hanging out with his friends! When he gets the time of course. He's sometimes wonder how he was able to hold the title of champion for so long though haha ( his win was a fluke he knows it he knows it) .But yeah! That's Kenji! Always there with a smile! Our little golden boy! 😁

Name: Danica Yamamoto

Gender: "I'm a girl. She/her pronouns. They/ them is cool too. Don't mind Kenji, he talks a lot." *Offended Kenji noises in the background*

Age:

11 when journey started in Sinnoh( Platinum)

18 by SM)

22 by SWSH

Basic Info: Giratina and Arcues are quite alike, the more she thinks about it. Though, the rest if Sinnoh, quite possibly the whole world would disagree with her. Giratina is " the lord of darkness". It's followers have a history of not being....the best. Giratina resides alone in the Distortion World, paying for it's past sins. Clearly, Giratina and Arcues are nothing alike.

Hm? Oh. Right. Pardon.

Danica grew up in Twinleaf town, with her best friend Barry. Those two are almost polar opposites. Barry is always moving, going fast, and doesn't wait for no one( except Danica and Emmet). Danica can go fast, possibly faster than Barry, but likes to take things slow. Both can be quite chaotic.Barry has a bit of a temper, Danica's chill. Both are cases where you should run when they are angry. Like. Very angry. The two bounces of each other well,and hang out regularly with Emmet, even with their busy professions ( Danica as champion, Barry as Frontier Brain and Emmet as a professor). Danica loves baking, and would often be making poffins and other baked treats for her, her pokemon and others ! She's also a bit of a nerd, so you'll also find her in a library or two. Her pokemon are her babies, and she hopes to have plenty of battles with them in the future!

.....

But really. They are quite alike. Both are beings of great power. Both have a following, even if one is less seen. Both are feared. They are feared greatly. Do they fear each other? Did Arcues banish Giratina in fear of the world or in fear of losing control? Did Giratina learn it's lesson after eons of being in the Distortion World? She could never tell. It doesn't really open up much, only going back to said Distortion World on its own Accord( it felt wrong to be it's "owner"). Though it do comes back, surprisingly. Maybe because she asked it to. To make sure Cyrus doesn't die in there. He still won't come out. She doesn't understand why. It's been years. Has he learned his lesson? Giratina seems to be fond of him. Affectionate. Cyrus never objects to this. So he must right? Right?

Ah, getting off topic. They're quite alike, being feared by the masses. Even if Arcues is mostly beloved. It's a god. It has such power. They're both feared. They themselves must fear as well . It must get lonely....... She thinks she gets Cyrus now.

Name: Alexis " Alex" Jones

Gender: " Um, hi? I'm just a dude. Use he/ him pronouns.....yeah"

Age:

14 when journey started in Unova( BW)

18 by SM

22 by SWSH

Basic info: It's so funny, the more he thinks about. He was so excited, despite his worries. He was going on a journey. A gym challenge. Pathway to champion. He was going to do that! With his sister and his friends! On his birthday! It was perfect! It should have been perfect! But everything just went wrong.

The bodies, the blood, the pressure to " be a hero"( intentional or not), it was all too much. Too much. Then- then he was a coward. He fled it all. Even after saving the day. It was stupid. So stupid. And the people in his life had a right to be angry. Why wouldn't they? He deserved it, really. But now things are better(?). He has a daycare to co-run, he's gradually learning his way as a pokemon medic, and he still has his pokemon( the ones that were lucky enough to survive). He's so grateful for them. He doesn't battle, though. No, he's never doing that ever again. He's caused enough harm( he hates how he stares at trainers battling). He's no good anyway( he hates how bored his team looks half the time) . He doesn't understand why people insist that he is( he hates that he has this itch, this desire). He doesn't understand why they look so disappointed when he says he doesn't battle anymore( he hates that he misses the rush, the strategy, the freedom of it all). He's fine with what he got. He's no hero.

.....Why is his aunt calling him?

Name: Evangeline " Eva" Ortiz

Gender: " Hiya! I'm a lovely lady! I use she/her pronouns, please and thank you!"

Age:

14 when journey started ( B2W2)

16 by SM

20 by SwSh

Basic Info: Eva! Eva my Beloved. Eva's fun, y'know? Always moving, helping, laughing, smiling. Life of the party! She rivals Kenji with that winning smile. Not to mention that she's a great battler! It's almost like she was born for this. Maybe she is! Who knows. But what she do know is that she's Unova's Champ and she gotta defend her title! And protect her region! Though she probably would have done that without the title anyway haha! Hmm what else? Oh! She loves technology! For some reason that surprises a lot of people that don't really know her, but she does! She's a bit of a tinkerer if she do say so herself. She likes it when people compliment on her skills it makes her more confident in them. Even Col-

No.

....

Ahem.

Anyway she's pretty talented. But that comes from a lot of hard work! And luck. But lots of hard work.( And also luck). Aaaah, that should that's it? Well, she does tend to be distant, b-but she's busy, yeah? Don't worry about it. Oh! One more thing. It's not really a big deal, just a random fact.

She hates the cold.

Name Jude Bellrose

Gender: "...... Why do you care ?" ( E: Jude don't be rude! Al: No no, she has a point.) *Ooc: Jude is genderfluid. Right now, in this post, she's using she/ her pronouns, but she also uses he/him and they/them*

Age:

18 when journey started in Kalos( XY)

20 by SM

24 by SwSh

Basic info: Death has a way of teaching you things. Jude learned a lot from it. She learns to not take it for granted, both death itself and the one that is dead.She learns to be humble. She learns to be kind.

Jude was, and still is, prickly. She's not rude my any means, unless she is, but she's just hard to become friends with. She used to have this philosophy of trainer and pokemon; they should be no emotional bonds. They're not here for that. They're here to win. And she did. Until she didn't. Her first pokemon died. It devastated her. Her pokemon, surprisingly, comforted her. And then another one died, and her pokemon comforted her again. Star, her Staraptor, was strong. So strong, and yet it died, and she cried and get pokemon cried with her. She never felt so loved. Not saying that her mother doesn't love her, the opposite really, it's just things have been....complicated. Couple that with strangers turn( begrudgingly) friends, and Jude's heart turned all warm inside. Not that she'll ever admit that outloud.

Jude is a kind person, despite her prickly nature. She loves the world around her, loves her friends, loves her pokemon. She respects death, despite the pain she causes her. The world itself of beautiful as it is, which it's such a shame that a capitalist fool a certain someone couldn't see that way( poor Sycamore).

Jude is a good trainer, despite her loss. She knows this. She'll prove it too the moon and back. If only a certain someone thought the same for himself.

Aster Mahina

Gender: "...." "Mizzz Aster is a girl! She uses she/her pronouns! Zzt."

Age:

11 in SM, where her journey started

15 by SwSh

Basic Bio: Aster doesn't hate Kanto. She doesn't. She was born there and lived there for 11 years. She just doesn't want to back. But she has to, cause she's " the first champion of Alola and as champion" yada yada yada. Like. She gets it. Being Alola's first and currently only champion, you gotta make an impression. She gets that. She still doesn't want to go. Even when she's been there, like, 4 times now. There are some good things in Kanto though. Lillie is there. And seeing Lillie physically is always a plus. She also gets to see Uncle Red, Uncle Green, and Aunt Blue. Kenji, while not living in Kanto, is champion of the Indigo League, and it's always fun with Kenji( she loves his art). But. Like. She still doesn't want to go.

But she also likes being Champion. That means she's strong. And since she's strong she can protect her mom. But she can't protect her mom when she's all the way in Kanto! What if he comes back? What if goes to Alola when she's away? She knows that her mom is strong, she knows that but still!

No. No it's okay. Her mom is strong. Lillie is strong. Gladion is strong . Hau is strong. Guzma is strong. They're all strong. She's strong.

She is strong.

Name: Naomi Einar

Gender: "I-I'm a girl! She/her pronouns please!"

Age:

15 in SWSH, which is the start of her gym challenge in Galar!

Basic Info: Hop is pretty convincing, she realizes. Or maybe she's very weak willed. " Let's do the gym challenge together!" He said. He had that look in his eye. She couldn't say no. Or she could, but that would make him upset, and that's the last thing she wants.

If she's being honest with herself, she's scared. She doesn't like big crowds, the attention. They'll be so many eyes on her. So many. A-and then there's Lee and her cousin, Alexis. Hop has made her sit down and watch almost every single match Leon has had. He's an amazing trainer. A-and her mum would tell her stories about Alexis. He was a hero! He stopped an evil team and everything! She can't live up to that! She never even battled before, why would Hop-

No. It's okay. It's okay. She- she'll just quite after failing the first gym. She can handle the embarrassment. And then she'll cheer Hop on when he wins against his brother. Yep. She'll do just that. Okay. Okay.

.....

Everyday, Slumbering Weald seem to intrigue her more and more. It's almost like it's calling her. Da?

No. It- it'sprobably nothing.

[mulletpeters]

toothache of the mind

ship: peterpatter

rating: g

word count: 1938

tags: canon compliant, pre-canon, high school, 1990s, best friends, feelings realization, pining

Reggie gets braces for his sweet sixteen.

He doesn’t tell anyone―not even his best friends in the whole wide world. So when he walks into homeroom the Tuesday after his birthday, Luke nearly topples out of his chair at the sight of the metal wrapped around Reggie’s adorable little snaggletooth. Alex may or may not be hyperventilating, but Luke wouldn’t know. He’s distracted.

Reggie, for his part, is acting like Luke’s world hasn’t just been tilted on its axis in a dangerous way. “Hey, guys,” he says nonchalantly. “Sup?”

Alex recovers much quicker than Luke, though there’s still a glint of concern in his eyes. They both know how self-conscious Reggie can be, especially about his smile, so he treads carefully. “Hey, Reginald. Do anything fun for your birthday?”

They had their own party on Friday after school―Luke gave Reggie a new studded strap for his bass because the one he’d found in Bobby’s garage had started to look pretty sad―but Reggie’s parents are the type to force family time onto him any chance they get. Luke has a sneaking suspicion they only do it so they can use Reggie against each other in whatever asinine argument comes up that day, but it’s not like he can really do anything about it. None of them can, so Reggie is unfortunately left to his own devices when it comes to compulsory dysfunctional family celebrations. “Not really,” he says in lieu of giving any actual details; he’ll tell them eventually, but a crowded classroom is not ideal for dishing out his personal drama. “Got braces.” He shrugs, like his mom hasn’t made him feel like shit about his less than perfect teeth for most of his childhood. Definitely since Luke’s known him, anyway, and they’ve been friends since they were ten.

“Oh, did you?” Alex asks, and it sounds borderline sarcastic but he holds back most of his usual bite. “Let’s see ‘em, then.” He holds an arm out in a grand gesture like he’s giving Reggie the floor, and Reggie flashes the most hesitant smile Luke’s ever seen on him.

Luke swears his heart stops, but Alex is once again carrying the conversation so he does his best to tune in. “Oh, nice,” Alex says, approving of the red brackets stuck to the front of Reggie’s teeth with a slight nod.

Reggie returns the gesture, and he looks considerably more relaxed now that he knows his friends won’t shun him for something this mundane. “Thanks,” he tells Alex before turning to face Luke, and he looks a little apprehensive, like maybe Luke should get his brain to reboot so he can offer some reassuring words instead of just staring like a total weirdo.

Luke wants to say something about how red looks good on him, or how it’s cool that it’ll match his favourite flannel, or maybe he’d settle for even just a supportive thumbs up. What actually comes out of his mouth is, “How long do you have to wear them?”

Reggie gives him a funny look, head tilted and brow furrowed. “Only like, a year,” he answers anyway, and Luke wants to scream.

Thankfully, the teacher chooses that moment to draw their attention to the front of the room, and Reggie turns around in his seat so Luke can only see the back of his head. Luke sighs in relief, sinking further into his chair till his limbs are sprawled out into the aisle, accepting his defeat. It’s gonna be a long year.

-

Luke decidedly does not address the issue after that day. The issue being that weird fluttery feeling he gets in his chest every time Reggie smiles at him, or laughs, or talks, or breathes. Basically any time he sees the glint of metal in Reggie’s mouth, really.

It’s not like this is a new development, exactly; Luke has always had a bit of a soft spot for Reggie, a little bit of weakness. In the six years they’ve known each other, he can’t recall a time that Reggie just existing didn’t make his brain static out. The braces just made him recognize what’s always been true, even if he still doesn’t know how to make sense of it.

Normally he’d talk to his best friends about whatever’s on his mind, but he can’t very well articulate a dilemma he can’t comprehend to begin with. Plus, he doubts Alex would be any help, considering he’s got his own set of issues to work through, and he’d rather die than bring it up with Reggie himself. And as for Bobby, well. Bobby’s got the emotional depth of a puddle. So, naturally, he does the only logical thing there is to do: he writes.

He figures if Reggie’s smile is stuck in his head like a song, he might as well make it one. It’s what he’s good at, and it gives him a false sense of separation from the issue that grants a certain clarity he can’t get any other way. He jots down pages and pages of lyrics, curled up in his bed late one night, fingers itching for his guitar even though he knows his mom would kill him if she caught him playing at 1am again. So he just sits cross-legged on his comforter, hunched over his ratty old notebook, scrawling cliche lines about green eyes and freckles and an endearingly crooked canine.

It’s the sappiest thing he’s ever written. When he reads over it before school the next morning, he knows he’s well and truly fucked.

-

Reggie plops down into the dip in the center of the studio couch, inadvertently leaning onto Luke’s shoulder. “You working on a new song?” he asks, tilting his chin at the notebook on Luke’s lap like the question needs clarification.

Luke nods even as he scrambles to shut the book, shuffling loose papers to stuff them between the creased cover. “Uh,” he stammers, biting his lip. “Yeah, I am.”

Reggie just nods back, averting his eyes to look up at the loft when he realizes that Luke doesn’t want him to see the song. “Rad. What's it called?” He glances at Luke, offering a comforting smile that says Luke can tell him as much or as little as he wants.

And well, that's the thing. Luke hasn't given it a name yet―the song, or the bewildering cocktail of feelings that inspired it to begin with. So he looks up from his scratchy handwriting to Reggie’s lopsided grin and says the first thing his useless brain can come up with. “Crooked Teeth.”

“Oh.” Reggie’s smile slides right off his face and Luke realizes what he's done half a second too late. Reggie bites his lip self-consciously, fidgeting with the sleeves of the flannel tied around his waist as Luke scrambles to backtrack into less sensitive territory.

“It's about Bobby,” he blurts unwittingly. And technically speaking, it is a little bit about Bobby, mostly because it's a little bit about the whole band, seeing as they’re mentioned in one line of the second chorus. But Bobby’s not the point of the song, not by a long shot. Luke decides Reggie doesn't need to know that, though. Especially not when his face lights up at the revelation, conspiratorial eyebrow raised like Luke’s letting him in on some great secret.

“Oh, snap! Well, I won't tell him, but don't let him find those lyrics.” Reggie winks, and it's not like it’s an unfamiliar sight, but Luke’s heart stutters out of time all the same. He's just glad Reggie isn’t the type to ask to see a song before Luke’s ready to share it; Luke doubts he'll ever be ready to share this particular piece, but if he does show it to Reggie, it'll be his choice.

He laughs halfheartedly, more a forceful exhale than anything else, and lands a playful punch to Reggie’s bicep. “Sure, man.”

Reggie just smiles wider. It feels like a kick straight to Luke’s solar plexus.

-

“You told him it’s about Bobby?” Alex asks, but what Luke hears is, you’re an idiot. Luke looks down at his best friend―he used to consider Reggie his best friend too, but he thinks maybe Reggie is in a category all his own at this point―and frowns. “He got his braces off before we even met him.” Alex stands up, walking around his drum kit to pace the floor. “And you told Reggie it’s called Crooked Teeth before you said that? Dude, you know how insecure he is about―”

“Yeah, Al, I know,” Luke huffs, cutting him off. It’s not the title Luke would've consciously chosen, but it's weirdly fitting, in a sort of convoluted way. Like, maybe Reggie’s teeth weren’t the sole catalyst for this whole...whatever this is, but they definitely played a major part. Luke’s really gonna miss Reggie’s snaggletooth, okay? He resents Reggie’s parents for a lot of reasons, but forcing him to get braces instead of a real birthday present is pretty damn high on the list.

Alex, with all his anxiety-induced powers of perception, notices Luke’s internal struggle and momentarily stops wearing a hole in the floor. “You’re kinda wiggin’ out, man. Chill.” He holds his hands out in what’s meant to be a placating gesture, but the drumsticks in his fists sort of ruin the effect.

“You’re one to talk,” Luke mumbles, but he doesn’t mean it, and Alex knows that. He’s just confused, and stressed, and generally unsure what to do with his recent epiphany. “What should I do?” he asks louder, eyes pleading.

Alex goes back to nervously lapping the room, and Luke picks at a loose string on his guitar strap just to have something to do. “I dunno,” Alex says after what could very well be an eternity. “But I think you’d feel better if you told him.”

Luke’s eyes shoot up to meet Alex’s gaze, brow furrowing involuntarily. “You what?”

Alex walks over, planting his feet in front of Luke, clapping a hand on Luke’s shoulder that isn’t holding his guitar strap up. “You’re clearly upset about this, Lucas. Tell him.”

Luke is shaking his head before Alex has even finished his sentence. “Not happening.” He folds his arms like a petulant child, but it loses its effectiveness when his guitar gets in the way, a sad thump echoing through the room. “I wouldn’t know what to say, anyway.”

Alex cocks an eyebrow with a pointed look at the notebook sitting on top of Luke’s amp. “I think you already said it.”

Luke follows his line of sight, eyes landing on the folded corner of a piece of paper sticking out from all the others. He already knows what’s written on it―has the words memorized by now. They were written on his heart long before he put them to the page, anyway.

Bobby bursts into the studio then, Reggie in tow, and the moment is broken. They’re laughing about something Bobby said, and Reggie is as beautiful as ever as he throws his head back, and Luke thinks that maybe one day he’ll get the courage to tell him how he feels. He’ll ask Alex to work with him on the music to go with his lyrics, maybe even get Bobby to help with the melody. He’ll throw rocks at Reggie’s window and serenade him from his front lawn like they do in the movies, and his friends will back him up, and it’ll be perfect.

For now, he needs to focus on perfecting the songs they already have. They’ve got a show at the Orpheum next summer to prepare for.

[angelbabyszn]

Cruisin’ (Oscar X Reader)

Gif by @merakiaes

OMB Masterlist

G/N - Gang Name

B/F/N - Best Friend

F/C - Favorite Color

"Coming!" you shouted at the door in the kitchen as you were finishing dinner in your house. Somebody was at the door. 

The person outside in front of the door knocked again but more aggressively.

"I said I'm coming!" you shouted as you finished stirring the macaroni and cheese in the pot and putting on a top to keep warm.

The person knocked again even more aggressively which got on your last nerves. 

You slammed the spoon on the floor and then walked over to the door in anger. You grabbed the gun that was on the counter right next to the door.

You quickly opened the door with anger and pointed the gun out on the person that was behind the door. 

"WHAT?!" you shouted angrily with the gun in your hands in front of the person. Your eyes widened to see a single rose in front of your eyes.

You looked up from the rose to see the person who was in front of you to see Oscar: Your ex.

Just seeing him makes your heart full up with hate. 

You two were the perfect couple. Both leaders of both gangs. Yep, you run a gang called G/N. You and your best friend, B/F/N started it to protect women, teenage girls, and children and it was a success while going to community college.

Oscar took notice and watched your movements with your gang, making him interested.

When both of you finally got together after two years of the chase, you basically ruled Freeridge and nobody couldn't stop you with your two gangs together.

All of that ended with Oscar making his own moves for his own gang, resulting in your break up. It took you two years to get you back on your feet and be independent with your gang again.

Now in the present, you're a junior in college doing better than before with your gang and you're making history in your own hands while Oscar has been the same with the gang, not improving at all. .

"What do you want?" you said with a furious face as you still hold the gun to his heart. You can hear his heart beating normal through your gun.

"I was wondering if you want the G/N to participate in the gang drag race this Saturday." said Oscar, looking into your eyes with no fear of the gun that was on top of his heart.

"Why? What's the catch?" you asked with one of your eyebrows raised being conspicuous of the drag race.

"Oh um, the catch is being the superior gang of all Freeridge. I figured that would get you out there and ruling Freeridge with people knowing your name and won't mess with you."  said Oscar. 

You slowly put the gun down from his chest and you look back at him with a straight face.

"I'll think about it." you said and Oscar nodded and did a small smile. 

As much you hate him for what he did, you still like him and you hate what you do. The sad part is that you were about to say that you love him and you wanted to be with him forever.

But you know, it's whatever because you could've made the biggest mistake of your life if you stayed with him. Now you're even more successful and at a place where you wanted to be when you started the G/N.

You looked back at the single rose that Oscar was still holding in his right hand that was right in your face a few moments ago.

"Who's the rose for?" you asked him even know you already have an idea who's it for.

"For you. Y/N...I-"

You shut the door on his face and walked back into the kitchen like you never answered the door.

"Man, I drop my spoon to deal with his stupid a*s." you said looking at the spoon on the floor. You picked it up and put the spoon in the sink to clean later.

You heard the front door slammed and you looked up from the sink where you see B/F/N entering the house.

"Hey girl! You're going to tell me what was Spooky doing here a few moments ago?" B/F/N asked as she walked over to the island that was connected to the kitchen and took a seat.

"Asking me if I want to participate in this gang drag race this Saturday to be the most superior gang in Freeridge. I don't think we should go." you said B/F/N gave you a crazy face.

"Y/N-"

"What? Why do you want to do it?" you asked looking at her with a straight face with both hands on the edge of the counter.

"Cause, it would make G/N the unstoppable gang in Freeridge! What else?!" B/F/N with her eyes widened.

"Why do we need to do a race for a title? A title! A title doesn't make you unstoppable. They could give a gang the title with the dumbest person as their leader. It's a waste of time. We're already the most successful and only female gang in Freeridge. We made history already. We should keep this going and let it go on for generations." you said with a tone as you grab two cokes from the fridge and sliding one to B/F/N to make your point.

"Y/N, think about it. This would be good for our gang. We haven't had fun in a month because of school. Let's treat them. They have been doing amazing this past month." said B/F/N.

"Yeah, you're right. Let's do this. Where is it at?" you asked with a smile because you were happy you were doing this for your amazing gang.

"The start and end point is the beach. That's honestly a long way." said B/F/N looking at the invitation on her phone that Sad Eyes, her boyfriend sent her.

"Yeah it is. Um, B/F/N. One problem: I don't have a car!" you shouted the last part at her which made her eyes widened.

"Chill out. I know your car is in the shop. I'll ask Kiana, G/N's car girl to fix it up for you and Jhené, G/N's fashion designer to make you an outfit." said B/F/N as she was already sending messages to them.

"Why do I need a new outfit? What's wrong with my flame outfit?"

"Y/N, that's old. We need new things. We are not winning in some old outfit." said B/F/N, causing you to roll your eyes and take a sip of your soda.

"I'm so happy we're actually doing this. This is going to be amazing for our gang. I'm excited!" said B/F/N and she quickly went into her bedroom that was next to yours.

You sighed and took another sip of your soda. You started to think back at the little conversation you had earlier today.

Your eyes widened as the single rose came into your mind. It just made you remember when Oscar took you to a garden in the park. He puts a single rose in your hair after cutting the thorns off and kisses you. It was your first kiss with him and it was the most magical kiss to you.

"Y/N!"

You shake your head to get out of your trance and turn your head to the direction of your roommate's voice.

"Get in here so we can work on your hair for the drag race!" shouted B/F/N from her bedroom. You quickly put the food up for dinner and quickly go into her bedroom. 

-

"Sup Spooky." said Sad Eyes as he came up to him at the beach at night with a drink in his right hand. They did their handshake.

"Are you ready to bring this home?" asked Sad Eyes looking at Oscar seriously.

"Yeah man. We need to end this war now and this may be our only shot of doing this." said Oscar and took a sip of his drink as he looked at the Prophet$ pulling up in their car.

The leader of the Prophet$ and Latrelle came out of their drag race car. They did a glare at Sad Eyes and Oscar as they enter the beach to wait for the race the start with the other members of their gang

"We got 19th street and the Prophet$ here now. Is the best woman you've ever been with in your whole life ex's G/N coming?" asked Sad Eyes and Oscar gave him a glare which Sad Eyes ignored.

"You're a dumba*s for what you did. It took her a year plus to get back on her feet and she was more successful with her gang than us. We barely involved Oscar!" shouted Sad Eyes and Oscar got up close to Sad Eyes’s face with a furious face.

"So what?! You think you can lead this gang? Go right ahead. You just need a f*cking brain to do it." said Oscar in a deep tone voice and breathing heavily. Sad Eyes didn't even change his straight expression on his face.

"Maybe I should, then. You haven't been the same since your breakup with her. She actually changed you for the better. Made moves to keep our gang on the map of Freeridge. The most disappointing part is that you still love her and you didn't have the chance to say it because of your actions. Think about that." said Sad Eyes. 

 Oscar still stares into his eyes, mad and still breathing heavily trying to stop every body part to not beat up the man that has been there for him for so many years of his life. 

"Are we interrupting something?"

Oscar and Sad Eyes turn their heads and Oscar's eyes widened along with his jaw and his drink in his hand dropped to the ground.

He sees you wearing a matching neon F/C leather crop top and skirt with white platform shoes on along with your hair tied up in two buns with neon F/C sticks holding them with sparkly clips in front of your head.

"Y/N, I think their bromance is having a little bump on the road." said B/F/N and both of you started to giggle. Oscar and Sad Eyes just glared at you two in annoyance.

"Okay, okay, sorry baby. I miss you." said B/F/N after she calms down, goes over to her boyfriend and kisses him.

As they kiss, Oscar looks over to you and you look back at him a moment later.

"Don't talk to me." you said serious as you put your hand in front of him before Oscar could open his mouth. 

"Let's go B/F/N and win this race." you said looking at her and Sad Eyes still kissing and you turn around and start to head back to the road.

A few moments later, you didn't hear footsteps behind you. You turn back around to see B/F/N still kissing Sad Eyes.

"You can make out with him later. Let's go!" you shouted and B/F/N quickly stopped kissing Sad Eyes. B/F/N mouthed sorry and he mouthed back it's okay.

B/F/N quickly goes up to you and both of you continue back to the road where your drag race car was.

Oscar starts to stare at you as you walk back to the road. He starts to remember when you used to get his opinion on your outfits at the mall when you were together with him.

"You could've been like us just now, Spooky." said Sad Eyes and Oscar looked at him with a glare. 

"Shut the f*ck up, mano. Nobody asked for your opinion." said Oscar with a grin on his face and he punched Sad Eyes on the right arm, causing Sad Eyes to laugh.

-

A few minutes later, everybody got into their cars. Oscar looks down to see you and B/F/N in a neon F/C Lamborghini that matches your outfit, causing his jaw to drop again.

"You like this whip puta?" said Sapo, the leader of 19th street chuckled along with his friend that was in the passenger seat.

"Who are you calling puta? You're the puta who thinks you're going to win this race." said Oscar and Sapo stopped laughing and rolled up the window. 

"Yo Monse, Lil Spooky's brother doesn't win, you should date me. We will be one power couple." said Latrelle, flirting while looking at Monse with a smirk when Cesar was next to her with his arm around her.

"Flirt with her again, I'll blast on your a*s!" said Cesar aggressively. 

Ruby and Jamal laugh underneath their breaths because they couldn't take it seriously when Cesar's starts to act all tough when everybody knows he is not about that life.

"Racers!" shouted Jasmine and all the drivers gave her their attention.

"Welcome to the first Freeridge Gang drag race! Whoever comes back here first becomes the superior gang of Freeridge! Start your engines!" shouted Jasmine and everybody in the driver's seats started while she took a puff of her inhaler.

"Y/N, please drive fast. I'm serious." said B/F/N in the passenger seat and you look at her crazy.

"Don't worry, I am. Just seeing my ex's face today made me want to win this more. I'm not letting him take that away. This..is ours." you said with a serious face, making B/F/N excited.

"Finally! Motivated Y/N is here! Let's do this!" said B/F/N and both of you quickly did your handshake and you looked back straight.

Jasmine pulls out a flag out of her boobs and holds it up in the air with her right hand.

"Are you ready?! Three!"

You put your hand on the petal. Oscar took one last glance at you before getting focused.

"Two!"

You and Oscar grip your wheel harder with both of your hands.

"One!"

Both of your faces turn serious with motivation and a passion to win.

"Go!"

All the cars speed off once Jasmine pulls her flag down to the ground and all the gangs start to cheer them on as the cars start going down the street fast.

-

"Go Y/N!" shouted one of your other female friends that was holding a poster that had your gang name on it. You passed the community center fast with other people cheering about twenty minutes in when the race started.

"There's another one. We really protected girls of all ages when we started this gang. I'm so proud of us." said B/F/N with a smile and side hugs you.

"I love you B/F/N and I really want to hug you back right now but please don't hug me when I'm in the middle of a f*cking drag race!" you shouted and B/F/N quickly stopped. 

"Hey! We are almost there! We could actually win this!" said B/F/N as she looked at her map of Freeridge on her phone and saw where you were.

"That's great! We just need to go pass the park and the school and we will be back on the beach!" you said happily because you could actually win this and become superior.

"Not if I get there first!"

You look to your left to see Sapo driving next to you with an evil grin on his face. Oscar and Sad Eyes pull up driving right behind them after losing the Prophet$ behind to catch up.

"Y/N! Go!" shouted B/F/N and you quickly increased your speed. You went ahead and Sapo growled in anger and increased his speed along with Oscar right behind him.

You were driving past the park and you saw Sapo again right on top of you.

"We need to lose him." said B/F/N looking at Sapo behind and then looking at you.

"I've got this. Got a secret up my sleeve" you said and you quickly turned the corner and started to go down another road.

"Stupid puta. I'm going to win this." said Sapo and he starts to laugh as he zooms down the street to the street of Freeridge High School.

A moment later, Sapo saw another car next to him and his heart dropped when he realized it was his angry mom looking at him.

"Oh no." said Sapo and he pulled over quickly knowing he was in trouble.

"Whoa! Y/N, what do you do? I keep on seeing these posts about Sapo being stopped by-"

"Yep. That boy shouldn't be driving a car yet. He's fifteen! Fifteen B/F/N! Now, that price is as good as ours." you said with a grin. 

You zoom back on the street of the school to pass it and go down another road to start going to the beach again.

"Spoke too soon, G/N."

Turn your head to your left again to see Oscar and Sad Eyes in the signature red car everybody knows next to you.

"We met again Y/N." said Oscar and turned his head to look at you with a smirk.

"But this time, you lose." you said and you quickly pushed the pedal and you went faster.

Oscar quickly did the same thing and got back to the same speed as you. A few moments later, you and Oscar both cross the finish line as you came back to the beach as everybody cheered.

You quickly stopped the car and sat there with your head down trying to figure out what just happened.

"Did we-"

"No. It's a tie." said B/F/N looking at you with an upset face.

"Oh h*ll nah!" you shouted loudly and you quickly got out of the car. 

You stomped over to Oscar and Sad Eyes that was standing outside of the red car waiting for you and B/F/N.

"Y/N, it's official. It's a tie." said Sad Eyes and you became furious.

"It can't be a tie! That's impossible! It should be ours!" you shouted angrily at the men in front of you.

"Well that means our gang is whole again and superior. How about that, Y/N?" asked Oscar as he walked over to you and put his right arm around you. 

"Um no." you said and you quickly got his arm off of your shoulders. 

"This is unfair." you said and you cross your arms against your chest in annoyance and anger.

Oscar gives you a grin and it makes you look at him weird. He was amused by you being mad. 

"What's the grin for Spooky? It's creepy." you said looking at him crazy.

"It's still cute when you're mad." said Oscar and he chuckled underneath his breath. 

"Well-it's not! Stop laughing! I'm mad! It should've been us!" you said stuttering at the beginning and becoming serious and mad again.

"Remember on a night like this when it was 11:11 pm and I wish on something with you?" asked Oscar, moving closer to you.

"Spooky, what are you-"

"I said: I wish for us to stay forever." said Oscar, moving even closer to you. You backed up from him to keep the distance between both of you.

"And we didn't so bye." you said starting to walk away until Sad Eyes and B/F/N stopped you and turned you back around to Oscar.

"Y/N...I love you. Nobody is like you. I'm so sorry for what I did. I regret it everyday because I didn't have you by my side. You make me a better person. said Oscar, confessing as he was looking into your eyes and moving closer but you stepped back again.

"Y/N, please. Do you still have feelings for me?" asked Oscar looking into your eyes but you looked away.

You know if you look into his eyes again, you are going to fall hard into him again and you don't want that to happen.

"Y/N, please look at me. I'm sorry. Let me treat you better, reina." said Oscar. 

You hesitated what to do until you slowly looked back up at him and your heart skipped a beat as you saw Oscar's eyes dilating bigger every second passes looking at you.

"I've swear if y'all don't be kissing in the next few seconds, I'ma force some things okay?" said B/F/N which interrupts you and Oscar's moment.

"B/F/N!" you shouted looking at her with wide eyes.

"What? You was just talking about you love hi-"

"Come on B/F/N." said Sad Eyes picking up B/F/N in bridal style and going to the beach.

"You love me?" asked Oscar and you looked back up at him quickly.

"I, um, I..." you stuttered not knowing what to say.

"Don't say anything." said Oscar and he slowly pulled you closer to him by your waist. You started to hesitate again now knowing what to do now until he kisses you slowly and softly.

You felt everything again once he kissed you again. You miss this so much. You kissed him again which caught Oscar's surprise but he kissed you again back immediately with a grin.

You try to pull back after he kisses you again but he wouldn't.

"Spooky." you said after you successfully move your lips from his but he keeps on giving you small kisses on your neck.

"Oscar." you said and he immediately stopped and gave you his full attention.

"Since you ended our relationship in the first place, I think you should be the person who would have to put the effort for us to be together again." you said with a serious face.

As much as you love saying I love you and him saying it back now, he is still the whole reason that both of you both ended in the first place. 

"Oh course. As long as you're in my life, I'll do anything to be back together with you." said Oscar and he grabs both of your hands and kisses both of them at the same time.

You smiled and you gave him a grin which made him look at you in confusion.

"First things first, carry me." you said and Oscar shook his head by your silliness and he picked you up in bridal style as quickly as he could.

"How long of this 'effort' I have to do?" asked Oscar, looking at you in his arms.

"Until I call it." you said as Oscar started to walk to the beach with you in his arms.

"Fine by me, as long as I'm with you." said Oscar with a smile, causing you to blush. That made him smile even more because he still has an effect on you.

"Once we get back together, I'm taking this little outfit you're wearing. Nobody should see you in this except me." said Oscar staring at you.

"You ain't taking this. I'm keeping it and who said you were my boyfriend again?" you said looking at him side-eyed.

"Sorry reina. I don't want people to see you dressed like this. It makes me jealous." said Oscar. 

"Awe..." you said, looking at him and you gave him a kiss on the cheek which made him smile.

Eventually after a month or two, you got back together with Oscar and he was treating you right like the reina you are as you were ruling Freeridge with the G/N and the Santos as superiors.