#records feel so freakin good to hold lol

[buckys-black-dress]

teddy bear - dad!bucky barnes x fem!reader

a/n: uhhh hey guys! here’s a little bit dad!bucky since im in a soft mood today, and ive been toying with this idea in my head for a little while. i typically am not one for super fluffy stuff but here’s something with tooth-rotting fluff. LOL. -ali 

wc: 1.2k

Ever since you and Bucky welcomed your darling daughter into this world, your lives have been anything but normal.

At just six months old, Rebecca Stephanie Barnes was a force to be reckoned with.

You were incredibly grateful for the fact that any one of your friends would drop anything to come help with Becca, but more importantly, Bucky was always around. There was never a moment where you had felt insecure or unprepared with your daughter, because Bucky was at your beck and call.

He offered to make meals, he did the dishes and laundry, and cleaned the house diligently, and you didn’t even have to ask. He was perfect. 

But you felt like he was holding back.

At night, he would avoid touching your stomach when you slept, which was odd because when you were pregnant, he couldn’t keep his hands to himself. 

During the day, if you needed to grab something from the grocery store, he would run out and get it without question. When you were home alone, you had time to think.

Today, Becca had just been put down for a nap when you had mentioned to Bucky that you needed some pasta from the store for dinner tonight, but you stopped him before he could grab his keys and head out.

“Buck?” You inquired, freezing him in place.

“Yeah, honey? Need somethin’ else from the store?” He asked, puzzled while pulling on his shoe.

“Come sit with me before you leave real quick.” You said, patting the couch cushion next to you.

Bucky’s movements were slow and cautious, like he was waiting for a bomb to explode.

“You okay, doll? Somethin’ wrong?” His eyebrows were furrowed.

“I’m okay, babe. I just wanted to ask you something.” Your words were slow and calculated.

“O-okay. What’s up?” Bucky was clearly scared.

“Why don’t you let me go to the store? Or make dinner? Or clean up anything anymore?” You were genuinely puzzled at this point. “Or cuddle with me at night anymore?” The last question was the one that came out the quietest, meek like a mouse.

A pregnant pause overtook the room, blanketing it in an uncomfortable silence. 

Bucky was truly speechless. 

“I-- Doll, I never meant to make you feel like I love you less after Becca or anything like that. I just wanted to make things easier for you, and I didn’t want to touch your stomach because I didn’t know if it hurt or-” he cut himself off, his rambling coming to a pause. 

“Oh, Bucky. If you wanted to know how I felt, you could’ve just asked! This is all about us working together. I know things are different with Becca now but you don’t have to feel like you have to do everything for me. I can still make dinner and do the laundry, Buck.” You explained, holding his cheeks in between the palms of your hands.

Bucky stared at you like you had three eyes.

“Angel, you pushed out a freakin’ super baby out of you. The least I can do is run to the store or do the dishes when you need me to. I want you to be comfortable at all times, I never want you to feel like you need anything.” Bucky’s hands flailed around, your hands still on his face, but your face was stretched with a wide grin. 

And all you could do was laugh.

Bucky was really confused now. 

“Bucky, baby, my love, my sunshine, my sweetest boy. Just because I had a baby doesn’t mean I’m helpless! And we had a baby, Bucky. I couldn’t have done any of it without you, and I’m forever grateful for you. I wouldn’t be able to do anything around here with Becca if it wasn’t for you helping me. We’re a team, babe.”

“I- I know, doll, I just... I’ve never done this before, and I’m so scared. I’m afraid I’m not gonna be a good enough father, I’m scared you’re gonna feel like I don’t love you anymore, if anything I love you more now. I just don’t wanna mess this up.” Bucky explained, trying to help you understand.

“Bucky, you’re already an amazing dad. Becca is like a mini you! She perks up at your voice, she always looks for you when you’re not in the same room, she can’t even sleep if you’re not there. You soothe her, she knows you. You’re her dad.” You tell him all these things you’ve noticed over the past months. 

Bucky’s eyes were glossed over with unshed tears, trying to hold them in as he took in your words.

“Really?” Was all he could muster. 

“Yeah, Bucky. She loves you so much, when you had your first mission after she was born she wouldn’t stop crying because she knew you weren’t there, and she wouldn’t stop crying. She’d only stop when I played that recording...” You tell him. “The one of you singing to her while she’s asleep on your chest, you know the one?” You ask, carding your fingers through his locks.

“I- yeah. I know the one. I was only gone for two days, are you serious?”

“Dead serious, you gave her some powerful lungs, babe.” You chuckled.

“Is it too soon to wake her up from her nap?” He asked, looking up at you from his spot in the crook of your neck.

“Yes,” you laughed, “speaking of, I’m going to the grocery store. You’re sitting here with the monitor, mister.” You said, pointing out the device on the kitchen counter with a smile.

-

As you keyed the door to your house back open with your bags from the grocery store, you see that Bucky was nowhere to be found in the living room where you left him. 

You assumed that he would be in your room, maybe taking a quick shower, but what you found was all the more precious.

Bucky was laying with Becca on the floor, who was laying on her playing mat, staring up at her father.

“Y’know, Becs, I think you have the best momma, don’t you? Good thing you look just like her, wouldn’t want to look like a giant big man like me, huh?”

“Just saying, you might be giant, but you’re just a giant teddy bear,” you spoke up, startling your husband and causing your daughter to smile at you, “that’s why we both love to cuddle with you so much.” You say, coming to lay down next to Bucky where your daughter was squirming, looking for attention from you. 

You tickled her stomach, making her giggle and look over to you with her big, blue shiny eyes.

"I mean, hey, I’ve never been opposed to a good cuddle with my girls.” Bucky answers with a wide grin. “C’mon, we have a huge bed and more than enough space for this little one.” Bucky says, getting up and taking your little girl with you, leading you to the only place you ever want to be, surrounded by your perfect little family.

And that night, Bucky held you tighter than ever as you both fell asleep in each other’s arms. 

[maria-scribbles]

we’re just like kevin bacon!

prompt: for @bricksatanakinswindow​ ‘s halloween writing challenge! this was initially inspired by "mortal enemies accidentally showing up in matching costumes every fucking year" but once i started writing it kind of snowballed from there and i ended up with this lmao

ship: jj maybank x fem!reader

word count: 4.6k+ (i think this is the shortest thing i’ve ever written lol)

warnings n stuff: childhood enemies to lovers, swearing, mention of underage drinking, halloween shenanigans, makin' out, smut (not too explicit but i still think it's spicy enough to need an 18+ warning), jj and the reader being cute lil nerds and quoting movies back and forth, the author blatantly using some of her personal favorite movies/shows as inspiration for costumes, the author also making her opinions on ghostbusters clear (instead of the human trash can peter venkman, stan the adorable dork known as ray stantz for clear skin)

a/n: this was hella fun to write and i already have so many more halloween fic ideas bouncing around in my head (it's spoopy season, y'all!). title of this fic comes from guardians of the galaxy 😊

Of three things in life you were certain.

One, you loved Halloween more than any other holiday of the year; after all, you and your twin brother Mason were born just after one AM on October 31st so you could say a penchant for all things spooky was in your blood.

Two, Sarah Cameron was your best friend. Being neighbors your whole lives, the two of you were thick as thieves and spent almost every day together, much to the annoyance of both your brother and hers; as much as you loved Mason, sometimes you wished Sarah was your twin instead of him and you knew without question the blonde girl would trade Rafe for you in a heartbeat (with little to no guilt, in fact.). 

And three, you absolutely hated JJ Maybank. You'd been at the top of each other's shit lists ever since you were both six years old, when he made fun of you for the stutter you'd had back then and you dumped a full milkshake over his head as payback, and even as time passed and you grew out of your stutter, your disdain for the blond pogue only grew stronger. He was infuriating, plain and simple, and the mere mention of his name made steam come out of your ears. 

The boy was just good at being annoying and seemed to love pushing everyone's buttons, yours especially, and always found ways to get under your skin without fail every single time your paths crossed (which was way too often for your liking, but running in the same friend group made it hard to avoid each other). It became an unspoken thing, the great Y/L/N-Maybank feud, with both of you trying your hardest to piss the other off until one of your mutual friends or your brother broke it up and pulled you to opposite corners of the metaphorical ring to take a breather before the next round.

You'd never admit it but deep down you kind of liked it. You liked being at the center of his attention (granted, it was antagonistic in nature but it was attention all the same), his bright blue eyes following your every move whenever you were within his sights and you liked that you were in his thoughts even when you weren't around, a fact proven to you by the tiny notebook Kiara carried around in her pocket recording how many times he mentioned your name. Knowing you lived rent free in his mind brought you an embarrassingly high level of satisfaction that you'd absolutely deny feeling if anyone ever asked, just as you'd deny the fact that he lived rent free in your mind, too.

...At least for most of the year. Everyone, including JJ, knew that to you Halloween was a damn-near sacred time. He knew never to mess with you during the weeks leading up to the holiday and definitely never on the day itself, lest he want yet another milkshake dumped over his blond head. He knew that, the whole damn island knew he did and yet...somehow, some way, he managed to get your blood boiling every. single. year. And you, like a masochistic idiot, let him. 

It all started when you were twelve.

You, Mason, and your friends were finally old enough to go to the annual youth party held on the sprawling lawn of the Island Club, an event you'd been looking forward to attending every Halloween since you were eight. Of course, you were excited for the dancing and games and food but the thing you couldn't wait the most for was the costume contest, a chance to show off your skills and prove to everyone on the island that Y/N Y/L/N was the undisputed queen of Halloween.

So what if your hopes were a little too high (considering you were only twelve and going up against kids ranging from your age to fifteen), you were still gonna give it your all; you spent weeks perfecting not only your costume but your brother's as well with your mom, helping her cut fabric and sew zippers, styling wigs and painting props until everything was perfect. 

"Oh my God, Y/N!" Sarah, dressed as Cinderella, yelled from the passenger seat of her dad's SUV when they swung by to pick you up. "You look amazing!"

"So do you!" You said, slipping into the back seat in between a miserable-looking Rafe as Sarah Sanderson ("I lost a bet," he explained with a scowl) and Mason, holding your mini R2-D2 on your lap. Was it kind of cheesy, dressing up as the most iconic twins in movie history? Probably, but you really didn't care because Leia Organa was a total boss bitch and Mason was practically over the moon that he got to be his ultimate silver screen hero and swing around his very own lightsaber as Luke Skywalker.

"The Force is strong with you two." Ward joked, earning an eye roll from both of his children as he drove to the Island Club to drop you off. Rafe immediately disappeared into the crowd to meet up with Topper and Kelce and the three of you went off to find your own friends, skirting around the edge of the party toward the snack tables, also known as the most likely place for them to be.  

You spotted Kiara first, looking like an actual princess in her Tiana costume and waved, smiling when she waved back and beckoned you over as she said something to Pope, dressed as Albert Einstein, that made him start laughing hysterically.

"What's so funny?" You asked, reaching between them to grab two handfuls of pretzels and immediately dropping one into your brother's outstretched palm, careful to keep the sleeve of your white dress away from the bright orange-iced cupcakes on the table. 

The two of them exchanged a look that instantly made you realize something was Up™ but before either of them could answer, Mason asked around a mouthful of pretzels, "Where're Tweedledee and Tweedledum?"

"J, why didn't we think of that?" John B's voice came from somewhere over your shoulder and when you turned to face him, you nearly dropped both the droid cradled in the crook of your elbow and the snacks in your hand. Not because of John B and his hilarious Chewbacca costume but because of the fact that JJ Maybank, the one person you hated the most on the whole entire island, was dressed as Han freakin' Solo. 

"Yikes." Someone muttered behind you -it sounded like Sarah but you weren't really sure- and Mason nearly choked on his pretzels as he tried and failed miserably to keep himself from laughing. 

"You've gotta be kidding me." You huffed, rolling your eyes as JJ crossed his arms and glared in your direction, blaster hanging from the holster on his hip.

"Listen, Princess, I'm not too happy about this, either."

"Oh, shut up, you nerfherder."

"Who you calling-" Mason and John B cut in and pulled you both in opposite directions before either of you could turn it into a shouting match, your brother physically grabbing you around the waist and carrying you off while the latter caught the back of JJ's vest and dragged him away. Despite their best efforts to keep you apart, you ran into each other more times than you could count and spent a minute or two squabbling like cats and dogs each time until one of them intervened once again. It was childish, it was immature, and it was fun, even though you'd never, ever admit it. Ever.

You didn't win the costume contest that year in the way you'd imagined at all. Still, first place in the group category was a win in your book and it felt good, even if one of the members of your unintentional Star Wars posse was someone who tested every bit of patience you had. The four of you split the cash prize and you went home 25 bucks richer, stashing it away for next year's costume and pushing the thought of accidentally matching with your mortal enemy from your mind. 

You had no idea this thing was only just beginning.

The next year, you let Sarah and Kiara convince you to match with them and the three of you rolled up to the party as the Pink Ladies -you as Rizzo, Sarah as Sandy, Kiara as Frenchy- only to run right into the boys, your brother included, dressed as the T-Birds. John B, perfectly in character as Danny, immediately whisked Sarah off to dance while Pope, the most adorably awkward Doody you'd ever seen, went to grab some snacks with Kiara, leaving you stuck with the bane of your existence as, of course, fucking Kenickie (Mason, as Sonny, dipped sometime before then without you noticing). The two of you spent the whole evening glaring at each other and hurling insults back and forth at breakneck speed, more in character than either of you'd ever want to acknowledge and for the second year in a row, you won first place in the group costume category.

At fourteen, you went as Princess Buttercup and JJ showed up as Westley, fake sword in hand as he followed you around all night like an annoying fly, sarcastically drawling "as you wish" every time you so much as glanced in his direction. Your brother, dressed as Inigo Montoya, nearly pissed himself laughing and you wanted to snatch both of their prop swords and shove them up their asses. You came in first again in the group costume contest and begrudgingly split the prize three ways. 

At fifteen, you worked hard on a Dr. Ellie Sattler costume from Jurassic Park, he strolled in as a disheveled Dr. Alan Grant with mud splattered boots and tattered clothes, and you really regretted not taking the offer to be the Tai to Sarah's Cher and Kiara's Dionne. Once again, Mason laughed so hard his face turned red and you were tempted to grab the sword he was holding and beat him over the head with it, not just for laughing at you but also for the completely atrocious Jack Sparrow costume he wore. To your absolute horror, you and JJ won the contest in the duo category and you wanted to melt into the ground when they called you onto the makeshift stage to collect your reward. 

When you were sixteen, you and your friends "graduated" to the party held for the older teens inside the club itself. With costume rules a little more lax than they were for the younger kids, you decided to go as (an only slightly sexy) Janine Melnitz, complete with a prop telephone you answered every so often with a loud "Ghostbusters, whaddya want?!" much to the embarrassment of Mason, who was once again dressed as Luke Skywalker, this time in the fatigues he wore while training on Dagobah in The Empire Strikes Back.

You strutted into the party in your heels and pencil skirt only to nearly fall flat on your face when you caught sight of JJ in a terrible black wig and glasses, proton pack strapped to his back and 'Spengler' printed on the front of his jumpsuit. Your brother winced when you all but screeched "Again?!" right into his ear and grabbed your elbow, dragging you over to an empty table and depositing you into an open chair.

"There's no way this is a coincidence anymore! He could've picked Venkman, with all the womanizing and lowkey being a creep and thinking he's God's gift to mankind? It would've been the perfect choice! He's not nearly adorable or dorky enough to be Stantz or sassy enough to be Winston-"

"Jesus, you have a lot of feelings about Ghostbusters," Mason muttered, rolling his eyes when you shot him a withering glare.

"Shut up! Listen to me, there's no way in hell Maybank randomly decided to be, out of alllll the 'Busters, Egon fuckin' Spengler, okay? He had to have somehow known I was coming as Janine and did it just to piss me off!"

Your brother heaved a deep, heavy sigh that made you want to smack him and fixed you with a deadpan stare. "Or, have you pulled your head out of your own ass long enough to think that maybe you're just becoming...predictable?"

You really did smack him then, hard on his exposed shoulder and he yelped, scowling as he rubbed at the red mark you left behind. "Ow! What the hell, bitch?!"

"Don't you dare call me predictable, you dickhead! I pride myself on my costumes being very unique and unexpected -you know, out of the box!"

"Hate to break it to you but they're not really out of the box if Maybank shows up in a matching one every single year." He said with an infuriating, shit-eating grin, patting your shoulder before straightening the plush Yoda strapped to his back. "I'm gonna go get some food, wanna come with?"

Still miffed at his comment, you shoved his arm away and glanced down at your lap, ignoring your brother's sassy "your loss" as he headed toward the snack tables. Not even a minute passed by before his empty seat was taken and you groaned when you looked up to see who it was, your eyes meeting a pair of bright blues behind tacky, oversized glasses. 

"Hi, Janine."

"...Egon."

The two of you sat in silence after that, watching the dancing crowd under the flashing neon lights and sparkling disco ball until you saw him turn to face you out of the corner of your eye.

"Why Janine?" 

"Huh?" You turned to face him, too, one eyebrow raised in a perfect arch as he gestured toward your costume.

"Why did you dress up as Janine, Y/L/N?"

"I've always liked her sassiness and 'I like to play racquetball.'" You offered a casual shrug of your shoulders and carefully stuck a finger under your wig to scratch an annoying itch above your ear. "Why'd you pick Egon, Maybank?"

"He's my favorite." He answered simply with his own shrug, shooting you a genuine, real smile that you, for who knows what reason, found yourself returning without a second thought. "Smart, hilarious -plus, 'I like to collect spores, mold, and fungus.'"

For the first time in your life, your eyes rolled out of amusement and not annoyance at something that JJ Maybank said and, to your complete surprise, it kind of felt...right. "Really? I'd have pegged you for a Venkman stan."

"Are you kidding? He's the worst!" 

Never in your wildest dreams did you ever think you'd sit across from your hated enemy, not only having a civil -hell, downright enjoyable- conversation but actually smiling right along with him, laughing at his jokes and doing your best to ignore the sudden flutter in your stomach each time you caught sight of his slightly crooked teeth when he grinned. You didn't even notice when your brother returned with Kiara, dressed as Moana, at his side and two heaping plates of snacks in his hands until his chair scraped gratingly across the hardwood floor. 

"Kie, are you seeing this? Pigs must be flying 'cause they're actually smiling at each other." Mason said, cackling as Kiara turned to squint out the window.

"Yeah, I think I see one or two soaring around out there." She giggled and sent a mischievous wink in your direction. With your face feeling like it was on fire, you flipped them both the bird and took off, disappearing into the crowd and leaving all your traitorous, confusing thoughts about JJ behind with the boy himself; it was Rafe's last party at the Club and he owed you a dance anyway, but even as your best friend's older brother, cute as hell in his Thor costume, playfully twirled you around the floor to the Ghostbusters theme song, you felt more than your partner's blue eyes on you.

To no one's surprise, you and JJ won the duo category for the second year in a row and when you joined him onstage to collect your prize and didn't feel like you'd rather die than be up there by his side, you suddenly realized you were only certain about two things in life instead of three. 

At seventeen, you were confident you and JJ wouldn't be matching for once (after last year, though, you were kind of thinking it wouldn't be that bad of a thing). You'd gone cult classic for your costume, pulling inspiration from your mom's favorite move, 1999's The Mummy, and put together a screen-accurate Evelyn Carnahan in her iconic black dress, including a handmade Book of the Dead and matching key. You blackmailed Mason with pictures of him, drunk as a skunk and dressed in your Janine costume from the previous year, and got him to go as Jonathan, complete with a pith helmet and prop bottle of The Glenlivet.  

But, as always, JJ managed to surprise you. You literally ran right into his chest and if it wasn't for his arms instantly wrapping tight around your waist, you would've bit it hard.

"Whoa, careful there," He said, one hand keeping you close while the other moved to help you hold the book in your arms. "'The Book of the Dead? Are you sure you wanna be messing around with this thing?'"

Of course he'd make the perfect Rick O'Connell, you thought as you playfully raised one eyebrow and curled your fingers around the strap of the gun holster draped over his shoulder. "'It's just a book. No harm ever came from reading a book.'"

Mason was a little too in character as well as he dramatically rolled his eyes and wandered off, muttering "puh-lease" under his breath and shooting Sarah a conspiratorial wink that you didn't see. The blonde girl glanced between the two of you -arms still around each other and identical smiles on your faces- and grinned. The party flew by in a blur of movie quotes, laughs, and more dances than you could count and by the time you made it home, 50 bucks in the pocket of your dress and another group costume win under your belt, you were almost positive you never actually hated JJ Maybank in the first place.

Now at eighteen, you pulled out all the stops for your last party at the Island Club. You'd spent the last few months slaving over your costume, sewing custom pieces, hand-crafting your prop, and spending way too much money on body makeup and a wig but when you saw the final product in the mirror, you knew it was all worth it. You were ready to slay the competition this year and take home first place for the final time.

Mason, indifferent as always about the contest but willing to do anything to keep those pictures from seeing the light of day, didn't protest one bit when you forced him into the matching costume you'd made for him -in typical Mason fashion, he liked that he didn't have to wear a shirt and could show off his muscles- and spent a few hours perfecting his makeup.

You felt on top of the world when you walked into the party that night as Gamora, a replica of her Godslayer sword in hand and skin painted a perfect shade of green, followed by your brother as Drax, already flexing for anyone and everyone looking his way. The rest of your friends came to win as well: John B and Sarah as Flynn Rider and Rapunzel, Kiara as Eleven, Pope as T'Challa, and, of course, JJ as Peter Quill, Baby Groot perched on his shoulder and twin blasters at his hips. 

"Lookin' good, Gamora!" He called over the music, shimmying his way over to you with some dance moves that would impress Star-Lord himself.

"Flattery will get you nowhere, Quill." You replied in a sing-song voice, even as you took his outstretched hand and let him pull you into the crowd of bodies hopping up and down to some terrible EDM beat under the twirling disco ball.

"It got you out here with me, didn't it?"

You rolled your eyes and hooked the sword to your belt before stepping closer and draping your arms around his neck, twirling your painted fingers in his hair. "Just remember, 'I know who you are, Peter Quill. And I'm not some starry-eyed waif here to succumb to your pelvic sorcery.'"

You should've known you spoke too soon the second you saw the spark in JJ's eyes that all but screamed 'wanna bet?'

And that's how you found yourself in the middle of the single hottest make out session you'd ever had the pleasure of participating in an hour later: back pressed against the locked door of someone's deserted office, legs wrapped tight around his waist and his hands hooked under your ass, both your sword and his blasters abandoned on the floor at his feet, and he was either a sinfully good kisser or trying really, really hard to blow your mind.  

"I'm not gonna end up green after this, am I?" He mumbled against your mouth before trailing his lips along your jaw and you breathed a laugh, tightening your grip on his hair.

"This is professional makeup, dumbass. It's gonna take more than some kissing to smudge it."

"I'm down for some smudging if you are." 

You pulled him back for another kiss in response and gasped into his mouth when he walked across the room, one strong arm reaching out to sweep whatever was on the desk to the floor before setting you down on it.

"Confident, are we?" 

JJ smirked at your breathless question and the way you hooked your ankles around the backs of his thighs to pull him closer. "So is that a yes to the smudging?"

"Just shut up and kiss me." 

He did -very well, you might add- and you kissed him back, untangling your hands from his hair to slide them under his jacket instead; you helped him push it off his shoulders and it had barely hit the ground along with poor Baby Groot before your fingers were tugging his shirt from the waistband of his pants.  

"Someone's impatient." He teased, leaning back just far enough to let you pull it over his head and toss it somewhere behind you.

"Someone doesn't know how to stop talking." You whispered your reply low in his ear and then trailed your lips down his neck, smiling in satisfaction at the tremble in his voice when you kissed the purple mark you'd left behind earlier.

"N-never was very good at that." 

"'You should've learned.'"

"'I don't learn, it's one of my issues.'"

One of his hands gripped your wig, pulling your head back a little roughly -you'd have so been into that if it had been your real hair he pulled- and you winced at the way the bobby pins holding it it place tugged painfully at your roots. "Ow, not so hard!"

"Wait, what the fuck? I thought you were wearing a wig!" 

"I am but it's still pinned to my actual hair!"

"Sorry, but how the hell was I supposed to know that?"

The sight of JJ's face slowly turning red made the butterflies in your stomach go haywire and so you just shook your head, mumbling "don't worry about it," before pressing your lips to his once again. He was gentler this time with the pulling and you dug your nails into his bare shoulders at the thrill of his mouth against the exposed column of your throat, leaning back further and further until you laid flat on the desk.

His fingers had just unbuttoned your pants when your phone started to ring from your pocket, blaring the Star Wars theme you had set as your twin's ringtone. 

"Mason's timing is impeccable," JJ said sarcastically, chuckling as you clamped a palm over his mouth and answered the call.

"What the hell do you want?"

"Jesus, no need to be pissy!" Mason loudly replied over the applause crackling through the phone's speaker. "I just thought you'd like to know that we just won best group costume with Maybank. Again." 

The blond winked at the mention of his last name and pulled your hand away from his mouth, pinning it to the desk beside you with one of his while the other started tugging your pants down over your hips.

"Oh, that's cool, Mase-" You inhaled sharply when his lips touched the edge of your underwear, so close to where you wanted him most but at the same time so far away, and your fingers held your phone in a white-knuckled grip. "But I-I'm kind of in the middle of doing someone -something!- right now."

"Smooth," JJ said, not even trying to be quiet as he released your pinned hand to finish pulling your boots off, along with your tight leather pants that he casually tossed aside. "And I knew you weren't green under these!" 

Your laugh quickly turned into a gasp when his fingers hooked under your panties and pulled those off, too, and the touch of his tongue against the skin of your inner thigh sent white-hot lightning racing through your veins; the phone slipped from your grip, falling with a clunk onto the desk as your fingers tangled in his hair and he lifted one of your knees over his shoulder.

"Okay, I'm hanging up now! I already know you're getting laid but I don't need to hear it." Mason's loud grumble drifted up through the speaker and if you weren't so preoccupied with the boy between your thighs doing some downright wicked things to you with his mouth, you might've noticed that your brother didn't actually sound that grumpy before he ended the call and your phone's screen went dark, right as you lost control of your voice.

"Fuck me."

"Funny, I thought that's what I was doing?" You felt more than heard his response against you and a shiver ran down your spine when his bright blue eyes flicked up to met yours in the dim light of the office.

"You know what I meant, Maybank."

"Trust me, Y/L/N, I know. Question is: where do you want me?"

You tugged on his hair, grinning wolfishly at the way his eyes fluttered closed and a low moan rose from his throat. "Everywhere in this damn room, starting right here."

"I was hoping you’d say that.”

- Back at the party, Mason looked up and met Sarah's gaze, both of her eyebrows raised expectantly as she asked, "Well?"

He took his time slipping his phone back into his pocket before giving her a quick nod, grinning triumphantly when she immediately burst into gleeful giggles.  

"Yes! I just knew they had a thing for each other! Mortal enemies, my ass."

"I think that was the very first time in my sister's life that she didn't give a shit about the contest." Mason said and reached over to snag a cookie from her plate, chuckling when she pushed his hand away from the chocolate chip ones and toward the peanut butter. "We couldn't have pulled this off without you. I mean, making sure they showed up in matching costumes every year? Genius, Sarah. Absolutely genius." 

The blonde girl grabbed her own cookie with a wink. "Think they'll ever figure it out?"

Your brother just threw his head back and laughed. "I hope not! I wanna save that story for my best man speech at their wedding."

taglist: @sinkbeneathwaves @cordeliascrown @maysbanks @jjpogueprincess @jiaraendgame @alexa-playafricabytoto @sexualparkour @agirlwholovescoffee​ 

[su-univeralai]

GOOODDDD MORRNNNNIINNNGGGGG SUU 💛

I am here for your essay. Or yknow, just any dunebaby facts that you can spare.

*heavy breathing* oh no, she's come for my OCs exactly like she said she would.

lolol Ok, I've got bios on 9 out of 10 of my kids so far, but I wrote a quick blurb about them so hopefully you can't figure out who I didn't start until now lol. The older 4 (which 3/4 are legit characters in LOK, but tweaked to my liking) are grown-ass adults while the other 6 are probably between 14-21. So, our beloved Taang parents have been popping kids out from when they were 18 or 19 to 39 or 40 years old.

At some point I'll make a family tree for you, since most of the older dunebabies have their own families and that can be confusing. Some have more information than others, but more will be added on each of them as time goes on. I just haven't figured them out yet.

Also, gonna put a cut here, because it's a long post and I know not everyone wants to see my OCs lol.

Ok Onto the Dunebabies from oldest to youngest:

Gyatso (M) Airbender, 35: Named after Aang’s father figure, Gyatso is Toph and Aang’s first born and first of several airbending children. He has a knack for the art and excelled quickly with mastering it, narrowly falling short of beating Aang’s record of mastering airbending at 13. As he got older and his parents continued having children, he became like a father figure to the younger ones. That’s the best part about having tons of kids, right? At some point the older ones raise the younger ones and the parents can just have fun. Once Tiao Wu turned 13, Gyatso and his own wife, boyfriend, and kids moved away from home and resided in the Western Air Temple with some Air Acolytes.

Lin (F) Earthbender, 32: Lin is a straight arrow, always following the rules. Sometimes Toph’s jokes that her first born daughter is actually Katara’s because wasn’t as goofy as Gyatso and Tenzin. As kids, Lin and Tenzin butted heads like no other. They may have had a year or two when they got along, but that was when Lin was training to be a police officer and Tenzin was always out because he was dating Pema. They constantly bicker at family gatherings, but make a mean team when they spar against the other next gen kids. Their twin telepathy (yes, they are twins in my universe) comes into play and they are undefeatable. That is until the triplets becomes masters in their own right. While Lin is a talented earthbender and metalbender, she struggled with picking it up (perhaps because of Toph’s hardcore teaching style). She responded to a “more gentle approach” as Katara would say, and Aang helped her learn the basics until she was ready to take on Toph’s more intense lessons. Lin is definitely closer with Aang than she is with Toph, but goes to mom if something needs to be done quickly and under wraps. Lin works long hours as chief of the police force in republic city, so she doesn’t have much time for romance. When she finds a spare moment for intimacy, she frequents a bar that accepts everyone. She brought Songa with her before her little sis fell in love with (insert steambaby daughter name here).

Tenzin (M) Airbender, 32: Tbh Tenzin still marries Pema and has his four kids, like in LOK. Lol. Unlike the show, with the weight of the whole air nation not on his shoulders, Tenzin was not a serious kid. He played pai sho with the white lotus members and roughed it up with Lin. Tenzin had a difficult time mastering airbending, though. He lacked the spiritual connection that his father and brother easily had. He blamed being stuck with an earthbender in the womb for 9 months at his lack of skill with airbending. His masters airbending at 21 and is pumped to finally get his tattoos. Since Pema is an air acolyte, I'm saying that her parents were also acolytes, and she and Tenzin met as kids and got along really well. They started dating at 16. Tenzin wanted to wait to get his arrows before proposing to her, so they date for 5 long years as Pema cheered him on in the grueling training. Tenzin and Pema eventually move to the Northern Air Temple and kept Teo company.

Suyin (F) Earthbender, 26: Suyin was a troublemaker when she was a kid, always pranking her siblings. She spent way too much time with Sokka. At least that’s what Toph says. Her teenage years, that’s when things became dicey. With Lin on the streets as a cop and Su committing petty crimes, the two were bound to cross paths. After Lin brought her in for whay must have been the thousandth time and Toph had to bail her out, Toph sent her to the her old stomping ground: the Earth Rumble 6. Toph still had her ear in the stadium and stayed in touch with The Boulder, and she thought it’d do her some good to get beat up by other earthbenders. Su stayed with her grandparents and got the structure she needed and got her act together. She got pounded by her opponents the first few years, but she slowly moved her way up the food chain and eventually held her mother’s old title as champion. Once she turned 18, she left to travel the world, meeting up with Kya (can't decide if Kya will be a steambaby or a Sukka baby. Is there a cut name for Sukka babies?). Along the way she met Bataar and fell in love with him and together build zaofu and have all their kids from LOK.

Songa (F) Airbender, 21: The oldest of the triplets to be born. Songa is a calm spirit, she reminds Aang of Yangchen with her way of keeping the peace in their large family. She’s a true romantic like her father and catches the attention of a lot of men, but alas, her heart is won over by one of Katara and Zuko’s daughters, (insert steambaby name here lol). She sees the best in everyone and trusts a little too easily. Watch out though, if you get on her bad side or betray her trust one too many times, her mother’s sass and tongue come out and no one wants to be hit by her earthbending styled airbending. Songa is a talented bender and has a tendency to use her airbending like an earthbender, facing things head on. She can seemlessly switch between styles, but she'd prefer to take her opponents on directly.

Kera (F) Nonbender, 21: Kera is the heart of the triplets. She’s passionate like a firebender and meets conflict head-on like her mom. Being the first non-bender didn’t feel great coming from the lineage of the Avatar and Toph Beifond, strongest earthbender in the world and metalbender originator, but she found peace in being a non-bender when hearing all the stories of Sokka, Suki, Mai, Ty Lee, Teo, and their many other friends taking down bender and non-benders alike. Kera begged her parents to live in the Fire Nation to study under Mai and Ty Lee. Aang and Toph didn’t have any problems with her going, but Zuko and Katara did, fearing she (being a dunebaby) would cause mayhem in the palace. Only after swearing to Zuko that she wouldn’t make a mess did the Fire Lord allow her stay with them. During her time there, she mastered Mai and Ty Lee’s techniques and trained under the Yuyan archers. When she came home, she could beat the other two thirds of her triplets easily. Only when she teams up with the other two, can they take down Lin and Tenzin.

Choekyi (M) Airbender, 21: The last of the triplets to come be birthed. Choekyi is a free spirit, much like his father. He enjoys traveling and meeting new people. As a child (and an adult) he is easily excited and is a very charismatic guy, which gets him far with the ladies in his teens and early twenties. He’s never scared of trying new things, sometimes to his detriment, as he gets hurt a lot for someone light on his toes. His preferred method of transportation is air scooter. Choekyi gets along with Uncle Sokka the most, with his never ending jokes and letting him learn how to throw a boomerang even though he’s a bender. Choekyi spends some time in the swamp with the swamp benders just because he finds them to be hilarious and interesting. This is where he connects with his spirituality and returns to excel in airbending, and earns his tattoos.

Songa and Kera are idenitcal twins, so no one (beside Toph and Choekyi) can tell them apart until Songa earns her arrows. Choekyi looks similar to them, as he is their triplet, but since he came from a different egg, he turns out to be much taller than his sisters. Just imagine Toph's face when she feels three freakin' heartbeats along with hers. Idk if that's scientifically sound, but it's my universe, so I can say what I want lol.

Gyun (M) Nonbender, 18: He's a very musical guy. Gyun means music, but it can also mean germ or bacteria. So his older siblings make fun of him when he’s young. While his bending siblings practice and spar, he masters most musical instruments and even becomes a skilled singer. He’s a favorite of Uncle Iroh’s and spends time with him playing music and perfecting his tea making when he’s not training with Master Piandao and mastering different types of sword fighting styles. Gyun is a lover, not a fighter, and is recruited as the youngest member of the national opera company. He rises in fame, without having to reveal his high ranking connections to his family members. Gyun is a true renaissance man (you know if the renaissance existed back then). He looks up to all of his siblings and soaks in all the stories and advice his can get to perfect the art of storytelling and acting.

MeiLin (F) Nonbender, 17: MeiLin may be one of the youngest, but she’s definitely the sassiest of the bunch. With the personality like her mother, it’s no wonder she’s a bosslady even from a young age. She doesn’t take shit from anyone. While she’s the beauty of the dunebabies (but who really isn’t attractive in this family?) and can hold her poise better than any royal, from the tender age of three, she’s wanted to become the fiercest fighter in the world. After a lot of convincing, Toph and Aang let her train with Aunt Suki and learn how to fight like a Kyoshi Warrior. After she masters that, She begs her parents to send her to the Fire Nation to study under Mai and Ty Lee. By the time she’s 14, she’s already mastered the art of dagger throwing, chi blocking, and the Kyoshi warriors fighting style. Aang isn’t too pleased that she fights in tournaments like Toph did, but Toph watches every match she can get! MeiLin asks her to bet on her and they split the wealth at the end. Lin wants her youngest sister to join the police force when she turns 18, but MeiLin isn't sure she wants to enforce the law like Lin.

Tiao Wu (M) Earthbender, 14: The baby of the family, and loves it. Unlike MeiLin, Tiao Wu is a homebody and a huge mama’s boy, though really isn’t a mama’s boy in the Beifong Family? Like his name suggests, he’s a great dancer and for an earthbender, he sure is light on his toes. While Gyatso is called Twinkletoes Jr, Tiao Wu is known as the Fancy Dancer. Literally. That’s the stage name he chose for his bending dance competitions. When he’s not dancing or hanging out with Toph, he’s studying his cousin’s bending forms, wanting to incorporate it into his repertoire. Tiao Wu is also close to Aang, as he showed an early talent to be one with the spirits. As a six year old, he would meditate next to Aang and beat the freakin’ Avatar, master of all four elements and bridge between the physical and spiritual world, to the Spirit World. He’s also known to be the only human who is allowed to visit Wong Si Tong’s library there.

ALRIGHT Joy, here are some basic facts about my dunebabies universe. If you or anyone else wants to send me asks so I can more deeply construct their personalities, feel free!

[chikabika]

I wanna talk about Whole Cake Island too!

So, I’m reading Whole Cake Island right now. And I have THOUGHTS about Sanji and Luffy’s “”””fight””””. And it’s probably nothing anyone hasn’t said before but I’m gonna write it out anyway.

(TL;DR Sanji and Luffy fight and it hurts because they both go for the throat. Also Nami has been through this shit I am surprised she’s putting up with Sanji trying to leave in the slightest.)

So first, yeah, I’m screaming into a pillow because this shit is rough. Let’s get those personal emotions out of the way first. 

Sanji’s whole thing is that he cares and serves, right? His love language is acts of service and that’s primarily shown through feeding people. When we meet the Vinsmokes (I shall not be referring to them as his family) we see pretty quickly that they are the antithesis to everything Sanji is. 

The men are literally said to lack the ability to sympathize or empathize. Not only do we see this is the case, but Reiju says so herself:

They do not value cooking nor food. Judge tells Sanji to never cook again, Niji wastes food.

And, of course, the brothers have no qualms about hitting women. The whole chivalry/won’t hit a women thing is a huge can of worms I don’t feel like unpacking in part because I don’t feel like I could talk about it without discussing women’s power levels and roles in One Piece. And I’ve already digressed too much.

So yeah, the Vinsmokes are the opposite of Sanji and hold none of his values. In fact, they may be why he holds some of his values, because they are as far from the Vinsmoke’s values as possible.

Okay so the two chapters in particular when Luffy and Nami find and confront Sanji! 

Pretty immediately we see that 1. Sanji was not expecting them, 2. He’s distressed that they’re here, and 3. It complicates things for him.

Like, that is not a face of someone happy to see his friends who have come to save him. That is an “oh fuck” face. (And as a sidenote, yeah, it’s a whole lot harder to sacrifice yourself when you’re confronted with the people you’re leaving behind, HUH, SANJI????)

Luffy’s all happy to see him, feels like they’ve accomplished their goal, doesn’t question that Sanji would want to come back. And he’s got things to do! Like save Wano and beat up Kaido! Chop chop Sanji let’s go on adventures! Plus, I would think that Luffy would also have the expectation of his crew that they understand that no one gets to leave if they’re doing it to sacrifice themselves. He’s already shown he’s gonna come get you and Sanji knows this. Sanji’s first arc with them after Baratie was going to save Nami from Arlong and her self-sacrificial bullshit! Luffy’s modus operandi is saying “Oh, you thought you were in a lose-lose situation and the only solution was to sacrifice your happiness and well being? Fuck that! You’re my nakama, let me save you!”

Both Luffy and Nami aren’t questioning Sanji’s wanting to come with them. They’re here, it’s time to go!

And so then we see the surface level reasons why Sanji would say “No, I can’t go with you.” And we also see that he knows Judge is watching him.

I don't think Nami's buying it either. She's done this. She knows what it's like to be trapped by circumstances, to have your loved ones held hostage. And she did this shit too! She fuckin laid it down, lied to her nakama about it all being a farce in her efforts to keep them out of her dangerous situation! Maybe the words sting, but I think this face of hers is even more from her thinking about how they all know eachother so much more, and know how Luffy wouldn't leave one of them behind. So Sanji must be under some real duress right now. Like, I feel like she could extrapolate a lot from what he's saying because she knows that's not who he is. And because she's tried the same shit. And, I wonder if she’s hurting for him because she knows what it’s like.

Every chance she gets, she reiterates that there was nothing between them, that she doesn’t care about them, that she tricked them, and even uses her supposed killing of Usopp as support of her betraying them. She is desperately trying to get them off this island. Arlong is well covered, we all know what’s up.

And, the parallels are pretty clear for Sanji. He’s got family being held hostage (Zeff, and the Strawhats too), and he couldn’t leave anyway because he’s got explosion bracelets on. Plus he’s got his own self-sacrificial streak (which I could guess comes from being raised in a household where you’re told you don’t have any value and everything you do is wrong-the fact that Sanji still cried at Judge’s rejection of him right before his escape speaks to how as a child he still wanted Judge’s approval and love as a father).

So, he comes out swinging with the thing that we previously established would be the shittiest thing to say, that Luffy rejected the possibility of him saying.

And then he starts on this buckwild speech that is so fucking hammed up I almost questioned if Sanji meant for them to understand the opposite of his words, and was just putting on a show for the Vinsmokes.

Nami only says he’s going too far when Sanji starts insulting Luffy’s dream, which the whole crew believes in and supports. 

Also, as a side note, it doesn’t really make sense to me that Nami would just take on the role of “you’re going too far, you can’t believe what you’re saying!” Maybe Chopper would do that cuz he’s gullible and shit. BUT NAMI FREAKIN DID THE SAME SHIT. I would almost expect a “...” speechbubble from her and later her saying something like “He really tried his best to make that look convincing, didn’t he? He’s not very good at it.”

Nami’s savvy!

But anyway, yeah, Sanji tries to go for the throat to push thme away saying shit about Luffy not being able to become the Pirate King. My first reaction to this whole thing was: 

“WOW HE'S REALLY DOING IT, HUH? HE'S LYING THROUGH HIS TEETH TO SAY THE MOST HURTFUL SHIT HE CAN TO HIS LOVED ONES SO THEY'LL STAY AWAY SO HE CAN SACRIFICE HIMSELF TO STOP ANYONE FROM GETTING HURT”

Usopp has tried to leave too, but his situation was different. His reasons were stated clearly and he didn’t try to pretend that all the shit they’ve gone through together and the bonds they’ve formed were fake. Nami, Robin, Sanji? They try to do the “ah, I never loved you” bullshit. 

But Sanji’s is the first time that from the get-go, the audience knows before the confrontation everything that’s going on for the crewmember trying to fake betrayal. With Nami and Robin, we didn’t learn their backstories until after they tried to push people away. With Sanji not only did we get it beforehand, but when Luffy and Nami show up, we are shown the three pieces of information that Sanji thinks about and that motivate him to push his crewmates away:

His hands (his treasures) are bound and threatened.

His nakama are threatened.

Zeff is threatened.

He’s backed into a freakin corner! And he know’s Luffy’s track record on crew members trying to leave! So he goes for the throat and when that doesn’t work (or for the whole performance he’s putting on for the Vinsmokes) he attacks Luffy.

Luffy says he won’t fight Sanji, and I wonder if this is because of Water 7 and Usopp. That fight was so fucking painful, I wonder if Luffy vowed to never fight someone like that again?

Clearly he isn’t getting through to Sanji, even though, to him, Sanji should know what the deal is by now.

So he goes for the throat himself! Which is honestly just heartwrenching on Oda’s part and pretty unfair on Luffy’s part. Though, when has Luffy ever been fair lol. His whole crew agrees his selfishness levels are above emperor!

This page pretty much sums it up:

Also, throughout this entire encounter we get glimpses of Sanji thinking about the crew and meeting Luffy, which is cool to see his internal world somewhat.When Luffy first shows up. I mean. Look at the pain on his face.

This is not a “we have a difference in ideals and are fighting over it and I’m thinking about how we met because I regret that it’s come to this.” fight. It’s not even a fight. It’s Sanji desperately saying “Please leave before you die because of me!”

Actually, maybe it is kind of a fight of ideals because Sanji is fighting to say “leave me behind I’m not worth it” and Luffy’s saying “yes you are.”

For all the extremely clear things going on emotionally for people in this scene, I’m surprised Oda just left Nami’s responses at this. But, since he did, it means I get to interpret them how I please!

This could simply be read as her feeling betrayed and shit. But again, they all know the history of the crew. This could just as easily be her saying “You went too far.” or “I can’t believe you wouldn’t believe in Luffy enough to come back with us.”

I said she could probably guess at him feeling like he’s stuck, backed into a corner. And if I remember correctly she is aware that the Strawhat’s lives are threatened if Sanji doesn’t comply with Big Mom’s wishes. But she probably wouldn’t guess at the bracelets being bombs and doesn’t know (but might guess) at the Baratie being threatened too. Nami knows all about people who claim “family” as an excuse to hurt and bind you.

But basically, I would think for her, it would be a situation of her feeling like at this point Sanji should know Luffy well enough to know he won’t give up, and to trust Luffy enough to take Sanji home. So why the fuck would he try to play this game when they’ve all seen that it doesn’t work? Why say the most hurtful things he can think of? And why not just come home now?

I don’t think she’s angry at him for the betrayal he’s trying to act out, I think she’s angry at him for the betrayal he’s committing for not trusting the crew to get him out of there.

(Again, haven’t read past this part but I could absolutely see later Nami saying “do you think we acted hurt enough for them to buy it?”)

And then of course, the last four pages of the chapter where Luffy clearly calls bullshit on Sanji, saying Sanji felt the pain of his kicks more than Luffy did. And Sanji is just starting to fucking lose it. (panels from right to left)

Like, Luffy. Chill. It hurts so much! But no, he can’t just call Sanji out. He’s gotta go for the kill, present Sanji with an unacceptable situation he knows he can’t refuse. Or at least hopes he can’t refuse. Because for Luffy, Sanji leaving is an unacceptable situation.

Not only will he not eat (which, god, using that against Sanji is almost too much, fuck, Luffy), but he won’t even fucking move so get your ass back here soon before I starve, Sanji.

To use the two very deeply entrenched facts about these characters this way is sure something, huh?

Sanji will feed anyone who is hungry. He cannot stand hunger, almost.

Luffy eats all the damn time and lots and never refuses food. For him to say “i’m going on a hunger strike, I’m not eating until it’s from you” IS JUST SO MUCH.

Also side note god what cruel people to laugh at Sanji’s pain as Niji and Yonji are doing.

Sanji thought he could get away with thinking he’s expendable (just like Judge has said in every time period we’ve seen him on the page) Luffy flat out rejects that. Sanji is essential, an required part of the crew and a required part of Luffy’s dream. Just like the crew have adopted his dream as a part of all of their own ultimate goals, so Luffy is saying that they are all part of his ultimate goal. He has adopted them into him becoming the Pirate King.

And goddamn if this arc isn’t about found family. The blood of the covenant is thicker, don’t cha know.

[captainshazamerica]

If this Bruce doesn't adopt Tim I will! But I'm kinda scared for Tim I mean he's either gonna end up with Buce or the titans at some point, im afraid that something terrible is gonna happen his family and then titans/bruce takes him in? That boy loves batman and robin so much like even his family seeing the news knew how much it would upset him although I will say that for the brain that kid has he makes some pretty stupid decisions, hes driving around GOTHAM plastered in the bat-symbol that's not a good idea! the amount of lunatics that roam free in Gotham (and possibly have escaped from arkham) and hate the bat and hes driving around with the bat symbol on him KID be careful!

Some kind of Anti-fear toxin does seem more accurate cuz he's clearly taking something to not be afraid. Maybe it's something he found in Gotham and decided to try it and got addicted so he's using that lab place to try recreate it? and maybe he can't recreate it perfectly cuz in the crowbarring scene he seemed kinda anxious about his surroundings and he'd just taken that inhaler thing to overcome fear so I dunno?? Or maybe he went to arkham to see Crane for some reason and Crane has orchestrated the whole thing and told him about the drug but then wouldn't Crane have to know everyone's identity then? Dude I dunno I need more episodes even tho the low quality glitchyness is painful lol

There's probably an abundance of rooms to choose from at Wayne manor yet Jason takes Dicks old room and keeps the flying graysons posters up! I like to think that he does view dick as an older brother and just took his room to kind of have a connection to him and that he admires him hence the graysons posters being left up, yooo dick calling him his brother! I really want a nice family reunion with dick jason and bruce 💕

Babs was too mean to bruce when she went off like I get where she's coming from but yo lady his son just died dial it down like a notch yikes but also babs being like 'i wonder how long it'll take for bruce to replace jason and dick is all 'what no the last thing bruce is gonna do is rope another kid into this mess'. Cut to scene of Bruces potential robin folder 😅 but I also like that dick was trying to be considerate and compose himself for bruce but once he found out that bruce is idiot enough to pull another kid into this, that that's when he got mad and bruce so brokenly begging dick to come back and be robin 😢😢😢

I know the show is constantly trying to push bruce out/sideline him cuz it's a titans show not a bruce wayne show and I know they're going for a different portrayal of bruce which I'm not complaining about I do like this version of bruce (more than I thought actually) and this universe but I feel like they could have gave more cracks you know, I like that they showed him trying to avoid the reality of jasons death and just not stopping not even for a second and just immediately jump into another case and that breakdown verge where he's begging dick to be robin and then when he finally I guess let's the weight of jasons loss sit on him to the point where he whacks in jokers head with a crowbar just like he killed jason (he could have killed joker so many other ways like a less violent bullet to the head but oh no brucey crowbars him to death!!)

There's a lot of character stuff that i do like but that scene where he's in the cave on his knees scrubbing his sons blood out of the suit he died in, the suit that he only ever wore because of batman. 😢 I feel like they could have had him crack there and let out a gut wrenching scream and then just continue on doing what he was doing as if nothing happened and dick walking in on that should have had more of a reaction!? like he could have stopped in his tracks at the sight of his brothers blood all over his father and bruce screaming, dick could have like took a step back almost like he's gonna run but forces himself to stay there, because who wouldn't want to run from that and no matter how much horrible things you've dealt with before sometimes your brain does just take over against your will and makes you react, the rest of the scene just could have played out the way it did. Literally one ounce more emotion is all I wanted.

No one really emotionally cracked at jasons death. I get that it just happened and that people put walls up and denial can be such a prominent thing when a loved one dies but it couldn't have been that difficult to put in little mannerisms now and again to show that everyone is deeply hurt but holding it in. Honestly gar seemed more hurt to me than dick did. But I do like that dick reacted in detective mode and started trying to figure things out from jasons side so at least there's that.

This redhood is defo not an anti hero he has well and truly landslided into villian territory and I dunno how that's gonna be reconciled? they better not kill him off! and they better not just straight up keep redhood/jason as a full on villian! but if they do get through to jason and bring him back a little how the heck is that little man gonna deal with what he did to Hank?? I feel like they had a bond you know and for all Hanks talk about putting Jason down I really don't think that Hank would actually have killed him even if it came down to Hanks life vs Jasons I think Hank would rather die than kill Jason (but that's heavily biased cuz in my mind jason is my son and I freaking love hank sooo) but Hank to me puts on a hard front like 'yeah I'll get in your face I'll come at you b*tch' but internally he's like 'yeah I'll come at you to help you' 😅 like internally he defo has a lot of soft spots though that's not to say he'd be like this for someone like the joker or scarecrow or whatever guys like that he'd be like no screw you you die or go to arkham like byeee

Nevermind how jason is gonna come back from this though HOW IN THE ACTUAL SH*T is dawn gonna come back from this!!?!!

Random side note here but imagine Jasons first time in the batcave he would be so excited and trying to mess with everything and being like ohh what's that do and pressing random buttons and bruce having a hernia trying to get jason to stop before he accidentally blows the cave up 😅 also he has probably been caught several times trying to 'borrow' the batmobile, I can just picture him trying to sneak down the halls of the manor without the floor creaking and making it all the way into the cave and doing a victory dance cuz he didn't get caught and he hops on into the batmobile in his pj's and let's out a scream cuz alfred is sitting in the freakin passenger seat waiting for him and then they just hang out in the batmobile alfred had the good foresight to bring a flask of tea books and a blanket for jason

Speaking of Alfred I think it would have been more angsty and hurtful if Alfred died shortly after Jason and after a few days Jason claws his way out his grave and the first thing he sees is Alfreds headstone and that's how he finds out Alfred died : (((

This is so long girl I'm sorry I know it doesn't seem like it but I did restrain myself 😅 one more thing before I go maybe this Dick is the absolute worst mf and the reason babs feels betrayed by him and is so upset with him could be that he left her (or cheated on her) with Dawn cuz of that weird flashback thingy in the other season where dick dawn was a thing I dunno I hope not though that would be ughhh

Oh crap, you right about probably something bad will happen to Tim for Bruce or Titans to take him in, I was gonna say he could just demand to be in their lives to save Bruce/Dick like in the comics but he also has kinda shitty parents normally and these people seem cool so really it could go either direction, but like it’s Titans so it doesn’t look good lol. Also, I wonder if it’s gonna be Dick who is basically gonna adopt him this time since we already had a huge track record in just 2 seasons lmao. But I know right, true I like how his parents knew immediately how much the news would effect him 😭 I hope he goes down the making himself robin and forcing himself in Dick and Bruce’s life xD I love that route. Lmao, the kid is all book smart, very little street smart when it doesn’t have to do with outsmarting someone XD

I was also rewatching and that gas he takes def has to be some anti fear toxin cause he mentions fear so many times and flash backed to his near death fall, which he felt was probably holding him and back and thus had to prove himself and adds to whatever is influencing him. But ohhh he did seem pretty dang anxious at the carnival grounds, that’s a really interesting theory but recreating something he found hmm, I can see that.

Apparently according to a YouTube who got to see the first 5 episodes, we find out what his deal is a lot more in episode 5, so one more week hopefully

Brooo trueee, I couldn’t believe jason took dick’s room and like didn’t even change anything. Like Jason looks or at least use to look up to Dick SO much, like in his first episode in the first season, he went on quite a lot about how much he had always wanted to meet him and how much he looked up to him, which is probably also fueling his red hood rage, being hurt by your idol and brother like he did in S2 must have really just killed the boy. But yes omg, there freaking better be a dang family reunion scene like, after so much angst we deserve that 😭

And yesss, I loved seeing how mature Dick is getting and just how much he is growing as a character, the fact he was so calm and considerate with Bruce at first really shows that compared to s1 Dick, only breaking when Bruce tried to get more kids involved. That scene by Brenton was sooo well acted omg, the way he yelled that he doesn’t want to robin again, heartbreaking man. And Bruce begging like that omg

Yeah, this version of Bruce is def so different than any Bruce we have seen on screen before, like def the most emotionally constipated, and that’s saying something xD But I like how they are taking a risk, it also helps Dick’s character more and give him more of an arc, as he seems to be taking on Bruce’s normal role with Jason and red hood. Bro, you are so right omg, like the fact Bruce could have killed the joker in any way and he does it with the dang crowbar. It really shows how broken he really was and why the man shouldn’t depressing any and every damn feeling and emotion lol.

Omg, I love how you have the exact details of what you wanted to happen in that one Bruce and Dick scene 😂👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 bro if you dont already you should totally write fanfics cause that was so detailed, I love it

Yeah, I do wish someone cracked (other than Bruce lmao) a bit more, but I do think each character reacted in character though, like it is very Dick(at least this version of Dick, other versions may break down tbh) to put everything into solving the case and figuring out what was up, that’s more this version’s way of caring than just breaking down, like he rarely ever has broken down completely. I think dawn could have been a little more emotional about the death (tho she has enough coming for her lmao). Connor didn’t know Jason that well so it makes sense he would just be sad. Gar seemed pretty sad and in character about it, maybe could have had a bit more, same with Kori, tho she showed it by being almost angry and fiercely protective of everyone else, so I think that makes sense for her. It would have been interesting to see how Rachel and Rose would have reacted though (where did rose go btw?! She would so have a reaction to Jason’s death). But yeah, i wish there was more resolution and break downs for Jason, but also it may have just not felt real since they weren’t there? But I agree

You think? Idk, I think they could def still make him an anti hero towards the end, especially if it’s crane behind the whole thing. Cause if they don’t they are gonna have to go down the gosh awful overused villain gets redeemed while he dies/only to die right freaking after , and I will be so freaking livid if they do that omg. Like they better freaking not. But true, he would be broken by what he did to Hank, oh yikes. But I can see him then that leading to the anti hero path, like he would never go back to be on the titans cause he would feel too guilty, thus giving more of a reason for the anti hero life. But I know, I loved Jason and Hank’s love hate relationship 😭😭😭😭 You know Hank secretly loved the kid and probably saw himself in him.

Yikes poor dawn, you right. Like I have no idea how she is gonna be now like wow.

OMG GIRL, You are on a hc angst train today!!!! That scenario of Alfred dying right after jason and Jason climbing out to see Alfred’s?! Heartbreaking!

But I can’t believe they killed Alfred off so casually tho😭

Omg I swear if they freaking show Dick having cheated on Babs I will be so freaking pissed omg, he better have not! Im hoping they had a more high school romance thing/grew up together then got together type of thing

And omg don’t apologize I LOVED IT and reading your asks!!! I feel ya too!

[wevegottogetaway]

Whirlwind - Part II

Hey there!

It’s safe to say the latest events have taken our world upside-down and for me it’s had at least the positive result of getting me back in a writing mood. It’s been a hard couple of months but there is just something in everybody going through something somewhat traumatic that makes me want to snap out of my day to day “small-world” problems and be more proactive in life. So here is part 2 of Whirlwind, I can tell you I’ve never had to write anything as hard as this (try writing something highly technical on something you have zero knowledge about lol). Anyway, I think it came out decent so please enjoy and criticize! I would love to hear your thoughts on it!

All the health, and all the happiness xx

Part II - Bora

Echoes are bouncing within the sturdy walls of the San Diego Marine Corps Air Station’s main hangar. Blackshoes are in the middle of pre-flight logistics runs and equipment set-up before the launch of Top Gun program’s first training mission. Aircrafts are being carefully escorted outside towards the runway, the sound of their roaring turbines whelming Harry’s ears but he doesn’t let that disturb his self-reflecting musings. His body is leant on the metallic hinges of the warehouse’s entrance as his absentminded gaze doesn’t shift from the take-off runway.

He is about an hour early but the upcoming events of the day have had him on edge since he reluctantly draped the cool bedsheets off his body that morning. How could he possibly get a wink of sleep knowing he was, at last, going back amongst the clouds for the first time since the accident? For the first time without his best friend. For the first time without is partner by his side (or rather behind him) watching out for hidden threats and targets in line. Jonathan had always had his back but from this day forward Harry would have to rely on Aella to keep them both safe.

He doesn’t know what to make of that, what to make of her. There is no questioning her skills and capability, one could never join this program without those…but two highly proficient flyers don’t necessarily equal one flawless unit. Especially since they know so little of each other. Be that as it may, the fellowship that binds two pilots flying the same aircraft is indispensable to their success. In those life-of-deaths seconds, when it feels like the sky is closing in on them and the next move can make or break them, it all comes down to one thing: the entrustment between him and her.

And he wants to. Wants to take his trust out from the jetted pocket of his uniform, lay it on the palm of her hand and enclose her fingers around it to keep secure. But it doesn’t work like that, does it? Trust is not so much a choice as it is a spontaneous feeling immune to rational thinking. And for a reason he doesn’t want to mull over too much, Harry can’t help but feel wary of her in a way. He’s seen her fire; the night before last when she made a fool out of their most redoubtable opponent. Recognized the same flame that used to inhabit his best friend’s eyes and make him the warmest being Harry ever got to be around. It doesn’t sway him as much as it scares him. Fierceness is a good trait in the Navy world, but too much of it can be deceitful. Harry experienced it first-hand.

He doesn’t dwell on it too much for now though, and makes his way to the back of the warehouse where his "classmates" have started to huddle while waiting for the superiors. Most of the promotion is there, the usual inner-groups appearing clearly to Harry as his eyes takes in the scene: herdsman Rex and his sheeps on one side while the other crews enjoy one last round of banter before their sternness is summoned for the first mission of the program.  

Harry takes note of Aella’s absence just as someone calls out to him. "Styles!" It’s his callsign tumbling out of Dean Marshall’s mouth. Harry used to have another, but the only person who was allowed to make use of that one special letter, is no longer able to claim it.

Dean and his partner Emmet Iggersman - or as they are commonly addressed to on base, Dazzler and Tigger - complete the other half of Harry and Aella’s team. The four of them fly in tandem to form a section and hopefully fulfill the missions’ objectives before the others do. Harry has flown many a time with these two guys and he’s glad he’ll be able to count on them as well, should his new pairing go south.

"Hey Daz, how’s it goin’ ?" his greeting is followed by a good-natured handshake.

"S’ goin’ awesome, thanks for asking! My boy just started walking like a penguin on steroids right before I left. I swear the little champ is takin’ the helm to keep his mum on her toes while his father’s gone!" The proud smirk teasing Dazzler’s lips triggers a contagious chuckle from his peers as they all take in the sheer bliss coloring the new-dad’s face.

"That’s swell man! Send my prayers to Catherine, sounds like she might need it, yeah?"

"Will do Styles, but enough ‘bout me, how are you holding up? I can’t deal fo’ you man, what with Fox gone and this new partner thing…" There’s a painful tug at Harry’s chest at the utterance of Jonathan’s callsign, the nickname born from his tangerine-like hair though Harry always believed it was more reference to his best-friend incredibly cunning mind. He ignores it in favor of a more tempered and diplomatic answer than that of his crying heart.

"It’ll be an adjustment fo’ sure, yeah. But overall I’m just glad to be back in the game"

"As we all are Styl-" Tigger has just placed a comforting hand on Harry’s broad shoulder when he is interrupted by none other than Rex’s disdainful voice.

"Hey girls! How’s the BFFs reunion going?"

Dazzler doesn’t hesitate before stepping forward and firing back. "Just about a punch away from properly kickin’off. Why? are you offerin’?"

"Wooo I’m shaking" Rex replies with a fake tremor. Then he seems to spot something - or rather someone - coming up behind Harry and Tigger. 

It’s Aella, head kept down as to not attract any attention. She’s seen the despicable man interacting with her new crew so she tries to reach the makeshift classroom (mostly just chairs lined up in a couple rows in the middle of a hangar) as inconspicuously as possible. The déjà-vu impression is not lost on her.

"There she is!" Aella tilts her head up, knowing she’s busted. "Miss James Bond Girl in the flesh! C’mere sweetheart, come show these suckers who wears the pants in this team!" Her hatred for him levels up a notch (as if possible) but Aella doesn’t know what she hates the most about this nonsense. The fact he is ridiculing her once again or the fact he’s acting like none of the after James-Bond-Girl-debacle two nights ago ever happened. As though she didn’t put him in his place like the badass she is.

Or maybe it’s the affectionate pet-name coming out of his repugnant lips and directed to her… Anyway, she doesn’t have the time to prepare a comeback before a second round is launched, this time at her new partner.

"Better watch it Styles! Next thing you know you’ll be the one in the freakin’ kitchen…"

"Cut it out, Rex-" Harry starts defending his team but a stern and humorless voice overpowers his.

"I don’t reckon anyone asked for your moronic opinions, dumbass. So please pack your ignorant bullshit away and leave us the fuck alone" She keeps her countenance as she tells him off but Rex is not budging an inch and neither is the insolent smirk hung on his face.

"Damn Harry, quite the mouthy one you have here. Sure you can handle her?"

"For Christ’s sake, please shut the hell up and go back where you came from Rex or by God I swear I won’t hesitate to have you weep on the floor for your momma like a baby, again."

"Again?" Dazzler perks up with a smiling frown just as Rex’s smugness fades away to be replaced by unadulterated contempt.

"You’re delusional if you think I can be scared of you Lonethorne" he spats out while backing away, head up mighty high. "Stupid cunts" he adds under his breath as he turns around to rejoin his buddies.

Aella knows she’s worked herself up but she can’t help but call out to him one more time. "Oh and Rex?… How’s the hand doing?" He doesn’t give her the curtesy of a respond but Aella is satisfied with the flare of his nose and the twitch in his eye.

Meanwhile the three men still at her sides are left speechless, Dazzler and Tigger still processing the heated exchange while Harry seems lost in his own thoughts. She’d done dit it again. Let the fire out and turned Rex’s crudeness into ashes before they could scar her skin. There was no attempt of taming the beast before she went in guns blazing and that doesn’t help assuage his worries one bit. She’s too impulsive is playing in his head over and over like a broken record. Because while Harry agrees Rex is the worst kinds of knobheads, he’s always believed responding to antagonization was pointless. Better to look the other way and let the jerk waste his energy on petty words that will never reach him. And because all in all, there are dogfighters, but that endeavor is reserved in the air, not on land.

"My my, darling. You just pimped the shit out of the least pimpable man on base. I think I’m in awe." Dazzler says after regaining his senses.

"Please don’t call me darling" Aella retorts softly as she knows he doesn’t mean it in any condescending way.

"Sorry. Aella, is it?"

"Yeah, that’s me. And you are…?"

"Dazzler, so very nice to meet you" he smiles widely accepting her handshake offer. "And just a heads-up dear Aella. After you tell me all about weeping Rex, you and I are gonna be besties, I can feel it" She chuckles lightly at his enthusiasm and decides she'll not only welcome his affection but also return it. Before she can reciprocate the sentiment however, the room falls suddenly quiet and a second later the reason, or rather four reasons, come into her view: Commander Berks, Lieutenant Rogers and two other officers that have yet to be introduced.

"Morning everyone, I can tell some of you over-indulged in Induction Rave. If you could put the same amount of devotion you put at getting faced into your training, I would be eternally grateful." Berks earns himself a full house of laughters before compelling the room back to sobriety. "Time to be serious now. ACM training was not invented to entertain you and make you look pretty up there. As an era where the potential of confrontation is constantly rising, air combat excellence is now more than ever a vital technique to the protection of our country. And don’t you forget that: you are above all defenders of the nation. Not heroes, not athletes, I say again: protectors. Best be at you sharpest then." The Commander pauses after his inspiring tirade.

"Now, let’s talk about this first assignment. Just plain good old-fashioned dogfighting to give you guys a foretaste of what’s coming. Today it’s gonna be 4 units at a time against 4 of ours. Your goal is to target any one of the instructors’ units while trying not to be shot yourself. I’ll say it now, we won’t go easy on you. This exercise is meant as an assessment of your current skills, so don’t get too cocky up there, just do your ex-commanders honor. First one to reach its target or last one to be shot wins the mission. Remember, there is no points for second place in this program." He pauses and starts grinning. "Now, show me what you got."

With that Aella tries a small glance in Harry’s direction but his eyes are fixed towards the horizon with a permanent frown shrouding their luminescence. 

She sighs.

Fully equipped of her G-suit, helmet and headset, Aella is making the last adjustments on her seat at the back of the cockpit. She’s not unfamiliar with the radar intercept officer position though she’s usually the one at the commands. She’s also used to flying alone.

The panel in front of her intimidatingly takes up all her front view with a couple of screens and numerous switches and tuners. Her perspective is limited to a peripheral vision on both side of the F-14 but she wouldn’t be relying on a full panorama to spot target and threats anyway. No her job is to accurately keep tract of all flying elements within the largest range and most anticipated time possible. There’s no point in crying out for enemy presence when they’re already at your six and firing away… Along with relaying their position to Harry, Aella can also suggest tactical maneuvers based on the predictions she draws from the opponents’ moves.

Speaking of Harry, they haven’t exchanged a word since their brief introduction two days ago. Now they’re both tightly harnessed to their seat about to navigate a near-thirsty-tons engine beyond the speed of sound. Aella’s never been a religious one but as the technician gives her one last thumb up to signal their operational status, she’s praying to all the Gods the awkwardness between them on land is nothing but the result of a subliminal force destined to counterbalance their incredible chemistry once in the air.

The canopy of the cockpit locks them into silence before Harry speaks up. "All good?" The mediocre quality of microphone’s transducer makes his voice even raspier than fathomable through the headset tucked over Aella’s ears.

"Yeah all good. You?"

"Same."

She thinks their conversation is over but then she hears a hushed voice. "Let’s kick the tires and light the fires" She figures it was more so for his own benefit though, so she doesn’t comment.

All too soon they’re propelled forward, backs pinned to their seats because of the tremendous speed pressure. It can be a small-scale body trauma for some but Aella has never felt more comfortable. A tingle of the fingertips later, they are welcomed in an infinite azure dotted by a few scarce clouds, the runway long gone behind them. Both pilots enjoy a couple peaceful seconds to take in their new panorama and then it begins.

"I’ve got a six strobe. I think he’s locked on us." Aella starts reading out the incoming movements entering her radar scope.

With a switch on his radio transmitter, Harry reaches out to Dazzler and Tigger as they are flying in a parallel tandem alongside them. "Tigger, you spot it?"

"Positive. It’s Rogers, looks like he’s a single." Tigger who endorses the same role as Aella quickly reports, before she pitches back in for a few more precisions.

"Contact at 900 knots closure. He’s gaining speed."

"Daz, it’s split time." Harry announces.

"Copy that Styles."

After Dazzler’s approval, the two aircrafts are both sharply veering outwards in a defensive split, leaving a Y-shaped trail of smoke after them. The move comes through as the chaser is contrived to choose one direction to follow, but to Harry’s dismay they get the short end of the stick.

"Rogers coming left, eight o’clock high." Aella signals immediately.

The scenery below them is a mix of wild purples and pale magentas, with fields-worth of lavender adorning the dry soil so characteristic of Californian lands. Peace and nature prevail on these grounds slightly remote from the bustling life of the city but the same cannot be said twenty-thousand feet above where Harry is caught in a tedious game of zig-zag trying to escape his pursuer.

"He’s tailing us. Watch your six!" Aella’s pulse quickens every time Rogers’ unit manages to lock its position right behind them. There is no more vulnerable position for a pilot than to have an enemy flying at their six. It usually means incoming fire. It’s why Harry is relentlessly jerking the TomCat in a rapid and unpredictable manner, the constant change in direction making it near-impossible for Rogers to locate, aim and shoot them.

"No shit Sherlock, why d’you think I’m jinxing so much?" Harry is starting to see spots on his peripheral vision from the gravitational pull, and he can only hope his tailgater is experiencing the same. Beads of sweat dotting his hairline and starting to dribble along his temples but it doesn’t put a damper on his concentration. He can’t relent or he becomes an exposed target.

"Goddamn, he’s not budgin.’" Harry tries with all his might to leave his frustration out of the cockpit but the situation is not looking up.

"You got new contact ahead, 2 o’clock." Aella perks up at the discovery.

"Imma bit preoccupied with Rogers up my ass, if you haven’t noticed." 

She should have known pointing out a potential target while they were heavily pursued themselves was not what Harry wanted to hear, but she already had a plan all mapped out. That’s what Aella is her best at after-all: reading a situation and coming up with a strategy in .2 second flat, no reflexion needed, just the numbers, the physics and the sky on her side.

"I didn’t mean it as a target. You can use them as a shield if you keep Rogers high enough right before making a dive under them." She explains her vision to him, desperately wishing she could be the one in front executing it.

"He’ll just go above and back to tailgating us."

"Not if you barrel-roll right after the contact, he’ll just overshoot." His lack of response betrays his skepticism so she insists further, brushing off the way he’s second-guessing her.  

"At the least, it’ll give you leeway and buy you some time." This time her argument weights enough to tip his scale in favor of her plan.

"‘lright then." Harry reluctantly agrees, tilting his chin slightly to the side as if he couldn’t believe himself he was going through with her move.  "’s gonna be snug timing."

"Just trust my cue." Aella’s words are left hanging between them like a desperate echo thrown in an empty ravine. Does he trust her? Does she? It’s definitely not the moment to reflect on it, much less have a discussion about it, but neither of them are oblivious to the eerie silence filling up their space like a faux smile greeting a bad joke. Then the aircraft is once again yanked to a blunt left and Aella is snapped out of it.

"That’s it. Target at 1 mile abeam 40° on your right." She’s got the fellow fighter in her line of view, both on the radar and through the bulletproof glass of the F-14′s canopy. "Keep high, keep high…3, 2, 1, drop!" Harry immediately complies, the aircraft nearly skimming the underbelly of its twin above before shooting right back upwards, nose pointing at the sun. The trajectory describes a half loop leaving them upside-down for a milli-second before Harry rolls them back to normal, in the end effectively realizing a vertical U-turn. Rogers skillfully avoids a fetal collision with the third wheeler but doesn’t anticipate Harry’s sudden volte-face, which leaves him ways ahead in accordance with Aella’s prognosis.

"Fuck, we’re losin’ airspeed." Because of such a twist of direction, they are indeed relegated to a lesser speed which Harry is not too enchanted about.

"He’s losing some too." Aella reasons, before jumping to another matter. "2 incoming bogies ahead. I think it’s Berks tailing Dazzler." 

She’s barely finished her sentence that two familiar aircrafts flash passed them at such high speed, Harry has to crane his neck backwards to watch his friends in the same predicament he was mere seconds ago.

"I have to cover them." His instinct takes over.

"Fly your needles Harry, it’s too late for them." Aella objects to it straight away. Her mind is unbiased, she knows going for them would be pointless.

"Like hell I’m gonna sit tight, they need cover." Harry’s voice is categoric like he couldn’t ever fathom a world where he would leave his friends stranded for the sake of a mission.

"They already lost, Berks’ gonna turn for us now."

"You don’t know that." He replies adamantly despite her warning.

"Except I do. Daz was loosing speed, it’s over for them." Now she’s the one trying to stifle her frustration with all her might. She just wishes he would listen, but instead they’re doing yet another 180 to follow Dazzler’s trail to the rescue. She has no choice but to adapt and keep calling the positions.

"Contact ahead, four hundred, coming down. He’s gonna turn."

"Not if I nail ‘im first." If she weren’t so bitter about being ignored, she might find his determination admirable. Admittedly she can’t deny Harry is an amazing pilot, as are proof his excellent accuracy in space and timing as well as the ease with which he performs each maneuver. But alas, the git won’t take her words for it, no matter how knowledgable she is. Talk about eyes rolling…

Meanwhile, Harry is desperately trying to aim for the TomCat launched in his direction, but his opponent is using the same tricks he used against Rogers.

"Shit, ’s not stable enough to fire." Aella can’t believe he has to audacity to groan about it to her. DIdn’t she warn him?

Any shot is missed as the two aircrafts cross trajectories, nearly grazing each other

"Don’t lag, he’s gonna come around high at your five." Instead of commenting on his failed attempt, she communicates her best educated guess.

"How’dya figure?"

"Cause he was lagging too." Her retorts are getting sharper and colder as her annoyance grows the more he questions her. Her eyes take a rest from the screens on her panel to lay on the Californian landscape flowing passed them. They’ve wandered quite the distance away from the base, the relatively greener scenery of the seafront giving way to a craggy turf redder and drier by the meter.

"Fuck." Harry suddenly swears, the quality of his voice could rival the roughness of the ground Aella was just observing, and she’s effectively brought back into focus.

"Damn it, I told you!" She indulges with an expletive of her own once she spots the fast-approaching signal of Berks’ unit on her AMDR (Air and Missile Defense Radar).

"The fucker got in my blind spot, I’m doin’ my best here." Harry is quick to defend himself but the damage is done: they’re being chased down once again.

Aella thinks she’s starting to reach her disgruntlement threshold. The fact Harry isn’t much receptive to her ideas doesn’t alleviate her growing frustration at her lack of control over the damn carrier. "Well, step up before we get wiped." She spits.

"I swear to God Aella, now’s really not the time"

"If you just listened to me for- Watch out! At your six, closing fast!" She desperately wants to tell him off. Wishes she could go on a rant about how much of a dismissing jerk is being, but her duties reins her in when a loud signal starts beeping frantically on her board. Berks is locked at their six, a press of a finger away from shooting them.

"I hear that" Harry grunts as he gives a sharp jerk at the control stick in order to dodge Berks’ line of fire. He keeps jinxing the aircraft in all axis but Berks follows suit and matches all his moves.

"He’s too fast, I can’t get out of his fire range." Harry’s heartbeat skyrockets as the situation becomes more dire by the second. He doesn’t know how long he can maintain the zig-zagging going, for the sake of both his energy and the carrier’s. Abrupt moves are what’s currently keeping them safe but these are sadly the greediest in kerosene.

Then all hell breaks loose when Aella is hit by one of her craziest ideas.

"Try a complete thrust reversal of the turbofan engines."

"‘ the fuck?! Are you nuts?! It’ll send us spiraling." 

Harry’s livid. He knew it. He fucking knew she was impulsive and way too reckless on the edges. She held too much fire in her hands for him to put his trust in them like he wanted to.

"Precisely." His harsh reaction doesn’t deter her confidence. "If you’re out of control, he can’t anticipate your moves, can he?"  

"Are you even listening to yourself? That’s a stupid idea if I ever heard one."

"It’s not. You just have to switch back off the burners for a sec and you’ll get the control back."

"And what if I don’t?" She knows her calculations are foolproof but Harry won’t have any of it. He can’t think past the boldness and near-arrogance of it all.

"You will, just trust me." Once again, the words leave a bitter taste in her mouth, even more so because she knows he won’t likely follow through with it.

"That’s suicide mission Aella. I’m not doing it, that’s final." The last two words are categorical, a way for him to officially close the conversation.

"Damn it!"

The theory of it was beautiful really, but Harry thinks in practical and surefire moves he knows won’t send him six feet under before his time. Aella, on the other hand, has always relied on her infallible knowledge of astrophysics to enhance her flying experience. She’s followed the same motto ever since she stumbled across a quote that inspired her beyond grasp. It goes something like this: "aviation records don’t fall until someone is willing to mortgage the present for the future." And while she would never even entertain the idea of a reckless and immature move, her self-taught philosophy gave her access to a whole world of potential tricks most pilot couldn’t even conceptualize.

Aella is in the middle of regulating her harsh breathing when she starts noticing the spinning arrow on her altimeter. Her head swiftly tilts to the side to get a brief snapshot of the crimson soil of San Diego’s wasteland. They must be pretty far in the land if the upcoming sierra of rocky mounts is anything to go by. That’s not what is retaining Aella’s attention though. No, she’s more puzzled by the lack of space between her and the ground, the carrier grazing over pebbly elevations and lorn cactuses.

"Flathatting? That’s your idea? Christ Harry, the trees won’t save your ass." She figures if he doesn’t bother being civil then she could drop her filter too.

"Leave it Aella. Just do your job."

"I’m trying!" She fires back.

"Just trust me on this."

Blank.

"Fuck you Styles, that’s a two-way street." She’s actually fuming. He had the balls to call her out on trust when he hasn’t been returning her the same courtesy. If she had the time to worry further about it now, Aella would be questioning if coming to Top Gun and partnering with Harry was really a life-changing opportunity. So far, she’s had very few upgrades from the grim world she’s always been privy too.

"There’s a split trail 3 miles ahead on the left." She was under the impression they’d stop talking by tacit consent but the rasp of Harry’s voice through her headphones is no mirage. "I can lose him there. Can you read the positions please?"

She’s tempted to give him the silent treatment but the fervid pilot in her wouldn’t let her jeopardize a mission on such petty grounds. At least he was polite about his request this time. "He’s closing on 300 hundred, nose up. Going by 800 knots."

"Roger" Probably the closest thing to a thank you she’ll get from him.

They’re currently speeding through a gorge, tall cliffs of maroon stone fencing them on either side. Aella starts to question Harry’s move as it restrains their room for maneuver but then he makes an extremely obtuse left turn and she gets it. The intimidating mount on their left actually split into two narrow canyons. At the speed they were going, one is most likely to take the second channel whose angle isn’t as sharp as the one Harry chose. Only someone with previous knowledge of the surroundings would know how to successfully make that turn. It’s then Aella realizes Harry has more insight on the environs than he lets on, and his trick proves to be conclusive as Berks falls into the trap and enters the other passage.  

"He’s out."Aella simply confirms, before Harry veers upwards and back towards the base.

"Hunky-Dory." He utters in that same whispered manner he used before their take-off. "Now let’s bug the fuck outta here"

The moment she has her two feet on the tarmac, Aella is scurrying over to a furious-looking Harry. 

Nostrils flaring, daggers in the eyes, they’re both squaring their shoulders once nose to nose, or rather nose to collarbones. She doesn’t give him the time to even part his lips before she’s jabbing her pointer finger at his taunt chest.

"You prick! I got better things to do than to fill some empty space at the back of your stupid plane. If you don’t want my insight you can shove it where the sun doesn’t shine."

"Insight? You call that insight?!" He starts laughing jeeringly. "’s fuckin’ madness is what it was. I can’t believe I passed the mission with someone like you babbling all that nonsense!" Harry doesn’t even care to temper his disdain anymore. He’s seen enough to make up his mind about her. He doesn’t like her. Doesn’t want to find out about the person inside because he doesn’t like the pilot that she is. It reminds him to much of futile losses and irreparable hurt.

"Someone like me?" Aella’s face turns sour and if it didn’t make her look so sentimental, her eyes would be hosting a few tears. She really thought he wasn’t like those sexist jerks back home. Maybe not the warmest but at least respectful of her talent enough to appreciate her place in the Navy. Now she hates herself for entertaining the fantasy of ever having an ally flying by her side. "You’re an asshole Styles, and certainly no better than Rex." Then before he can reply she storms off, too angered not to lose her wits. 

And really, her last words don’t sit well with Harry, because he knows she’s not referring to the jerk’s flying skills.

[charmed-asylum]

𝓣𝓱𝓮 𝓟𝓪𝓻𝓽𝓷𝓮𝓻𝓼

ᴛʜᴇ ᴘᴀʀᴛɴᴇʀꜱ, ᴘᴀʀᴛ 3

Summary: Finn Cox had everything boy would ever dream of a hot cheerleader girlfriend, loved by everyone, and caption of his hockey team. So why is since Camille Dawson step into his life he starts to have second thoughts about everything

FYI: You know what sucks being sick during the holidays. Anyway, we about to get into the good stuff. Sorry not sorry but you might go through an emotional roller coaster  Lets CHAT Come get a tag or Whatnot. If you are new catch up :)

✨ The Partners: Ch. 1 / Ch. 2   ✨

𝓉𝒶𝑔𝑔𝑒𝒹:   @weapinggwillowss​ @nottherightseason​ @strangerfictions​  @thewolfswriting​ @ hauntors 

Nikkei was piss he could not be at her cheerleading practice. Something he just didn’t care for and had time to fake it. 

“ Look I’m sorry Nic. Things have been crazy with my mom” Finn said walking beside her down the hallway. She was shuggle under his arms wrap like a ribbon around a pretty Christmas present. “How do I look, Finn Cox. WE are captains not being together. Is just unheard of.  Me alone with no public PDA. You nowhere to be found. Sometimes I feel you don’t care about my needs. Just yours. You know that selfish “ Nikkei said with hatred. He remands quite just mumble yes dear. Camille was walking swiftly down the hallway carrying too many books coming in the opposite direction. “ See you in class Cam” Finn shout out to her. She smiled nodded yes and continue on her way almost tripping on her shoelace. Nikkei stop and yanked him close to a window. “Another thing. Don’t do that with her when I’m with you. Knowledge her like that. It’s belittling Finn. Better yet do not do it at all in school. People were talking and not good stuff. Stop it or else by 12 periods you be nothing” Nikkei said with her arms cross. He rolled his eyes. Said the girl who cheats on daily tripping on a friendship. “ Nikkei she nothing but a partner for a class you heard Kev. She a golden ticket so I’m playing nice. Freakin chill. You have nothing to worry about “ Finn said holding her tight. He started to kiss her lifting her against the glass window. Making sure all those worries were wrong.

He just missed the bell after a full-blown makeout session with Nikkei. “ Your late” the teacher said tapping at the desk. Finn sat in the back tried his best to pay attention but all he could think about was what Nikkei said. Camille was just a friend. Yeah, he thought about her a lot and stuff but was it more. Nah. He needs a break to talk it over with someone. Raising his hand he quickly rushes to the bathroom. 

Camille sneaked into the boy's bathroom flustered at him. “ We gotta make up a schedule Finno. I was in class. Yeah, we were watching a movie -” she stopped and looked at him. “ We should probably not be in the boy's bathroom “she said looking around. He grabbed her hand and walk into a nearby empty classroom.

“ I just wanna tell you things might come around on something I said and it’s not true” Finn said.  "Willy Wonka" Camille said standing by the bookshelf. He got closer and stood in front of her confused. “What does that mean” Finn said a bit irritated. Camille walk around him and walks towards the back of the classroom creating some space. “ Golden ticket. I’m not stupid. I was aware of what your intentions were. Nikkei probably acting like any girl would. I’m sure I add a few punches this week” Camille said moving her hair behind her ear and grinned. She looked up at him through her natural thick black lashes. “ How you know” Finn said growing close to her. She wiggles her shoulders a bit at the question. “ Isn’t that what you want to say... Is it your mom" Camille said holding onto his forearm. Finn looks down at her hand. It was like a gentle touch. She brushed her thumb against his bicep smoothing him. A touch he didn't want to let go. Still, he did not move it away. “ No. she fine. She has doctor appointments today. What should I do with Nikkei” Finn asked? Camille sighed. “She looks like a person that’s a big show me. You should take her out. Somewhere where she can get all dolled up but also a place you people go too. Alright, Cox" Camille said a bit chipper. “When did you become my bro, “ Finn said with a chuckle. Camille walk towards the door looks back towards him. “ Maybe your just my sista. Tonight take her out. I have your back with your parents” Camille said leaving. Finn nods and started to laugh. “ I already sent you a link. The private plane ride got a coupon and good to take pics “ Camille said poking her head inside before going.

Finn rushed back and made an excuse. While anyone wasn’t looking he put everything together and sent Nikkei a text to meet up after school. He waited for her by the gym entrance after practice. Nikkei walk out with her hair perfectly straight down with a middle part a white blouse with a big black bow and a short plaid skirt that went above her knees all in red pumps. Completely different from what she was wearing this morning. Then again making your friends give up their lockers to you can probably do that. He held on to a dozen on red roses. Nikkei took them and hand it to her friend. “ What the big surprise “ Nikkei asked. Finn grabs her hand and walks her to his car. “ It’s a surprise" Finn said excitedly. She said nothing just text on her phone. Finn looks over and tried to start a conversation with her. Nothing. Pulling out his phone he texts Camille for pointers.

Cam😇: Probably not txt the girl she had a problem 😛 w/ & say her makeup look hot makes me wanna kiss you lol 

Finn clears his throat. “ You know Nic you're looking hella fine those lips so juicy I can’t wait to kiss them, “Finn said trying to sound cool. Nikkei look up from her phone and beamed. “Really because I been using this makeup that cost $200 the bare minimum. Where we going “ Nikkei asks eagerly. Finn tried not to sweat. “ Somewhere special for my lady” Finn said. He pulled into a runway he and parks by a plane. “ I want to show you the world so I decided to start with this. Private half-hour ride" Finn gesturing to the plane. Nikkei smile and took her phone out. “ Oh, my gosh those salty bitches gonna be so jealous “ Nikkei said recording what was happening. Finn rushes his hands through his hair. “ Probably talk too” Finn mumbled. She was paying him no mind the whole time live streaming and took selfies. Finn hated it. He just looks out the whole time wishing he was somewhere else.

Nikkei was thrilled and delighted after the ride. Happy and not talking crazy like before. She clings to him the whole ride home calling anyone who answers and brag.

He lends against the door waiting for Camille. It was crunch time two more weeks then presentations were starting. Yo, what up for BDay 🤢🍺Kevin text. He started to text back when Camille came walking down the hallway with her hair bouncing around one side to another.“ Smile" Camille said holding up her very old camera. Finn knocks it to the side and walks in with her. “ What up with the Father Time over here” Finn asked holding the camera. He went to take a picture of Camille till she stops him waving her hand to cover her face. “ Didn’t your parents tell you gotta warn a girl before taking a picture? “ Camille said muttering through her hands. Finn giggle. "Okay" he said laughing at her. Peaking through her fingers Camille looks at him,” How was yesterday “. Finn sat back in the seat and took pictures of random things. “ It was alright” Finn said. Camille let her hands down and look at him. She said nothing just look at him. She always knew. “ I enjoy it though. How do you find out about that place” Finn asks? “ My uncle took me when I first came here and no anything else you gotta wait until after we gets work done or buy the audiobook ” Camille said. “Alright ALRIGHT. Cam I was thinking we can get a few people tonight before the game and some today during class” Finn said pulling at his notebook. “ Ready when you are” Camille said getting up.

She was writing down some notes a curl drop down in front of her forehead. “ You owe me a game” Finn said lending against the desk. She stopped and chuckled to herself. “ Yeah. Been there done that. I’m good. Thanks “ Camille said. He looked at her then around holding his hands to scream. "HEY GUESS WHAT" Finn started to shout. Camille pulled at his arms down giggling. “ Okay. Okay. But we gotta get some shots so do good” Camille said getting up to leave. “ YES DEAR” Finn shout out. She turns around and puts her pinky up at him and walks away.

His mom and dad decided to come after finding out their new buddy was coming. It was an important game very important. One of those you win it really can mean something. Nikkei's ex-team was their biggest rival. He stood tall putting on his gear when she walks in baby blue jeans Bon Jovi vintage tour t-shirt and a big brown jacket camera swinging side to side. Flash “ You can’t be here. Dawson" coach said before she got to him. She peaks over his broad shoulders to look at Finn. Looking back down bashful, "I’m sorry coach Jackson. Thought it was the girl locker. While I’m here can I take a few pictures for the yearbook” He nods and point towards the opposite direction Finn was. He wanted to laugh he could only imagine her in the boy's locker room again.

 “Alright but make it February girls get sappy for that love shit” Kevin said walking over. Throwing his jersey on his approached  Finn. “ Man you got a piece of that attention” Kevin said pointing at where he just came from. Finn looked over once more. “ What action you talking about. Get your mind right” Finn said closing his locker. Kevin wave his hands and points towards where Camille was. “ Nothing. Bro. Look your partner over there taking pics of us. Said it can be a calendar good. Imagine tons of tens shut even fives under me in their beds. Touching themselves in their bedrooms holding a fucking teddy ” Kevin said laughing. 

Finn got up and walk off. He was a bit conflicted. Yeah, she was a friend but a part of him didn’t get why she was talking to others. By the time he walked over no one but the team manager was there cleaning. “ Where the girl ” Finn asked. “ Cox. She left but hey I got a picture she said might be good for February “ he said. Finn kicked a ball and walk off. “ Say cheese buck a roo” Camille said sitting down by his locker. He sighs and walks pass towards his bag. She followed behind. “ What up with you talking to the guys" Finn asked throwing things into his bag. She took off her glass and look at him her big brown Bambi eyes sparkle against the tacky ceiling lights. “ Look at me. I had to make a reason why I am in the guy's locker room. I did get in trouble last time I bust in here. Do you want me to get in trouble? Finn” she said putting them back on. He stops throwing things in. STUPID  “ Oh. Yeah, I knew that. So a calendar” Finn said. Lending against the locker beside his.” Yeah, I actually might make a calendar now. Kinda feel bad for lying. I can probably put it together by the final game if you win today. Oh, wait my uncle said good luck “ she said pulling at the camera straps blushing. He never saw he blush like that. Of course, she gets bashful but she always looks away or coughs in her oversize sleeves. Finn smiled and starts to say something. “ Cox Dawson. You gotta go” Coach said. Camille nodded and left. Finn watches as she left. Thanks, Cam Cam 

He walked out with the rest of the team. This was it his home safe place. Something about playing made him excited thrill happy pump everything. He looks out to Nikkei with her friends. Then in the far center, Camille was sitting by his mom. Will on the other end next to his dad cheering out loud waving foam fingers. Both his dad and Will was wearing the team color paint on their face waving their beer in the air. Camille smiled was so bright that it was could be brighter than the sun. She waved at him and pointed so his mom can see him. He looked back at the ice and took a deep breath in, GAME TIME.

The sweat rushes down his face as he made the winning shot as the bell rings. Finn drops to the ground and screams out loud with excitement. The floor started to shake as everyone stomp and scream filled the whole arena. Tears flow down his cheeks mixing with the sweat and blood from a busted lip. Everyone jumped on top of him yelling. Flash He looked over to see Camille at the corner of his eye taking a picture of him with the team. His mom came over to her and talk to her for a second before walking back together where they came from. He slaps everyone hand and got lost in the win.

His parents waited for him by the parking lot. Waving signs rooting for their boy. Dad playfully patted his back and mess his hair. “Good game kid. Like how you listen to me about those shots you took and D” dad said rubbing his back. “ Yea dad” Finn responded looking around for Camille. Mom taps his side. “ Don’t worry she be coming soon. You ask her out yet “ mom said with a big smile. She liked Camille a lot. “ No. I got a girlfriend ma. Camillie just a friend “Finn said rolling his eyes. He spotted Will walking over on the phone. No Camille. “ Yo Will over here” Finn said waving him to come over. Will wave okay and finish his call. “Any plans with the team “ mom asked holding dad's hands. “ Coach invited the team for pizza so we doing that I guess" Finn said looking around for Camille. Where was she at she was fine a minute ago. 

Will wave at everyone and walk over. “ Yeah, I know. I don’t know baby alright. I talk later” Will said rattled. “ Where Camille “ mom asked worriedly. Finn looks at her then at Will waiting for an answer. “ Huh, she alright. Girl stuff. You know that time of the month. She said she was sorry. Good game Finno” Will said rubbing his hands. Finn looks over by where the high school entrance then again at Will. “ Can you tell her I call later if that’s okay with you just to check on her ” Finn asked. Will frown a bit and nodded okay. He spoke to his parents to the side even inviting them to his yacht to celebrate the win when he comes back from a business trip.

It was loud a lot of cheering. In good sport coach invited the other team. Surprisingly they show. It was probably the free food and trash talk. He tried enjoying himself but all he could do was think just what changes in those minutes. Maybe it was something he did. “ Yo to Finn Da Cox sucker. Great win bro” Kevin said raising his drink. Everyone rooting him on. “ Thanks, K “ Finn said spotting Nikkei walking in with her ex. Crushing the red cup in his hand he gave her a look. Nikkei wave goodbye and walk over to Finn and the guys. “ What up with that. Really at my celebration Nikkei “ Finn said pissed. She clings onto his jacket and pushes him to stop. “We were just chatting and smoking babe. You know everyone jealous of you and me. Mostly me” Nikkei said kissing him on the lips. He looks at her ex and walks back over to the party with Nikkei. She sat on his lap as they all celebrate. Time to be Finn all love and envy.

He rubbed his eyes and yawned, letting out a big cold breath out of air. He looks out. He was on her road just sitting on the hood of his car. What happened those moments. Nikkei was extra nice. He had to get his mind right he won so why it feels like he didn’t. He looks again at his phone. A bike road up down the road. Camille came closer to him in a pair of sweatpants covered by a huge black Santa Cruz shroom dot spider dye hoodie. Swinging over the seat she hopped off and walk to him. Her hair blew with the wind. It was silent just noise of nature but in his mind, it sounds like a track of his life went off as she got closer. “And why couldn’t you just come to my house and do this. I’m in my PJ” Camille said pointing at herself. Finn sigh. “ Sorry. I was worried about you. Will was acting strange and you. You were fine then your sick out of nowhere" Finn stated. It was dark yet he could look like a dream. “No no. I’m sorry. How was the part-tay" Camille asked amusingly ignoring his concern? He got closer to her. She walks back a little so she was still a dream imagined. “ It was good. You should have come. Nikkei was extra nice" Finn said putting his hands into his back pockets. She said nothing just look at him. A car passes by making her face clear to see. She had a few bruises busted lip and cut across the face. Finn got close and touch her. He didn't know why but it felt where his hands had to be. Protecting her comforting her. She closes her eyes and smile hold onto his hand and moves it down. “ I’m fine” she said holding his sweaty hand. He knocks it back up and tried to wipe some of the blood away. “What happened” Finn said concern. Her eyes widened and she just looks at him. “ Nothing. Finn, it’s not for me to say. I’m fine it’s just war paint. It’s late. You should probably stay sleep in a guest room. Will got clothes and stuff that should fit you” Camille said bringing her bike over to his car. Breathtaking.

She gave him some towels and a change of clothes for tomorrow. “I will never hurt you, Camille. I just wanna let you know. Never” Finn said. Camille stopped in the doorway and look back at him. “It’s not good to make promises we can’t keep. Good night Finn. You did well today. I'm proud of you“ Camille said. Finn got up shook his head no and squeezed her arm tight. “Never” he said seriously. She nods and touches his cheek and whispered in his ear good night. He lay in bed and thought about her and this time she was just a few feet away.

The smell of fresh cinnamon rolls covers the whole house. He walks into the kitchen still trying to wake up. She was putting the breakfast out for the two. Her glasses tilt down a bit as she was singing. If he never saw the state she was in yesterday he would never think she was a nasty fall. Grabbing a biscuit he sits down. “Your uncle not gotta kill me is he” Finn asked. She holds up the coffee then the orange juice. He nods at the juice then points at the coffee. She sat across from him her feet cross in the chair. “ I guess we will have to see. He is a good shooter... No, he left this morning before you woke up meeting in Canada or was it Calfoina” she said eating some pineapple slices. Finn looks around. “ So they are usually gone all the time like this for real. My parents are so different always there. But still, I feel alone. Guess I should count my blessings" Finn said. Camille pushes back then forward in her chair and nods yes. “ Don’t get any ideas, Finn. It’s a bit of isolation in a land of quiet but I enjoy it. Like the jogs I take. Skills I learn. Oh, that reminds me” Camille said getting up. Finn leaned back to see what she was doing. She walks back with something in her hands. “ What this” Finn asks while drinking coffee. She sat on the table. “ I’m taking the bus to school. So here are the keys for you to lock up” Camille said swaying a key on a Hello Kitty and moon keychain. “Let me take us in” Finn said stopping her. She looks at him then bit her bottom lip. She looks back down then up at him. “You won’t let me go only if I say yes. Then okay but you let me out a block from the school. Don’t want the right people getting the wrong idea. Right “ Camille asked a hand on her hip. “Yeah” he said letting go. She sat back down and look at him before finishing her fruit.

He stops her a block from school just like she asked. Something happened. Last night. Something that she was keeping hidden and probably Nikkei was trying to keep it that way. He wouldn’t have thought that way. Yet it what Camille kept saying and not saying. The looks though that was the keyhole. Nikkei and Kevin waited for him by his locker talking to one another. “ So bro what happened to you. Tried to call you last night” Kevin said greeting Finn. “ Nah nothing. So you heard about the finals” Finn said. They look at each other. “ It’s next Monday. So it’s like what two days after your birthday. No-fuss bro” Kevin said excitedly. “ I got so many ideas for your birthday. We discussed what I like for you to do at lunch okay “ Nikkei said then walked off. Finn looked down at the ground. He completely forgot about his birthday. He has been so busy with classes, his mom, and hockey it didn’t leave him room to be a kid.

They got their assign days, Friday. Camille text him as soon as it went up. They finished thanks to her quick thinking but all left was the actual interviews that they had to do during class. Finn asks a few of his friends and Camille asks a few from class and her group. She was set up in the empty art room. “ What up what are we doing” Finn said walking into the plastic on the floor. Camille looks up in her overalls and crop top. “ Setting up. Finn, you forgot “ Camille said wiping her hands on her overalls.

Stroking his hand through his hair he laughs. The surprise. He looks at her as he was about to say something when people start to come in. It was a genius pure genius perfect IQ smart. Wiping her face she threw a towel at Finn. “ We still gotta film each other part. Look into the bag” Camille said sitting on the stool. Finn look at her then reaches in. It was evening dress, tiara, stash, and his Boy Scout uniform. “ No, I’m not doing that. Mamma boy I’m doing that “ Finn said laughing. Camille flips off her sweat jacket. “ No, I remember you making me do mine and you doing yours it’s in the paper. You know the one we already gave last week. Come on. I go first “ Camille said holding onto her stuff. “ Where you even get this stuff. Cam God damn" Finn said. She smiled and point for him to turn around. He turns around in his stool and pops some music in his ears. After a few minutes, he turns around to see if she was done. Camille was bent pulling up her dress. He watches as she was getting ready. God Kevin was right. Her skin was smooth and tight even her birthmark was cute. Zipping up she flips her hair a bit and turns around. He tried to relax before he did anything else. Cursing at his pants as they grew tight.  Camille walks over and sets up her camera for the interview. He watches her. He wanted to smile but he knew he couldn’t. She was the partner just a friend. “Your too cute” Camille said standing beside him. “ What” Finn asked jumping off his stool. “ The uniform it’s cute. So we did the voice-overs now we just gotta have fun with it. Any ideas" Camille said playing with her tiara. “ I got a few” Finn said with a smile.

She said no one will see it till Friday. Not even him. Nikkei was having extra fun planning his birthday bash. Kevin was talking up all the chicks he was inviting. “ I don’t know where we gonna have it at. I got into trouble for the last party. I guess breaking all grandma old crap wasn’t right “ Kevin said eating his apple. Nikkei rolls her eyes and giggle. “ I mean I can see if daddy gonna be home or out with his sugar baby. What about Saturday “ Nikkei asked. Finn looks out at the grass. She was on his mind. “ Yeah do whatever. My parents are having a thing Friday though" Finn said getting up. Nikkei look at Kevin then at Finn. “ Where are you going“ Nikkei says upset. “ Bathroom" Finn answered. He looks deep into the mirror and rushes cold water onto his face. Sitting on the floor he sighs and holds tight. Breathing slowly he slaps himself a few times. Ding Getting up he quickly bumped into someone. He grabs a few of the books and hands it to the person. “ Thanks” Camille said. Finn smiled and nod. “ Yeah welcome. Gotta go” Finn said and dart to his next class. Was it strange, yes but he couldn’t help himself he didn’t know what it was or wasn’t? Or probably it was the fact this year was ending and what would that mean for their friendship.

“ So plans for your birthday. Honey “ mom said folding clothes. Finn tosses his bag on the ground and hops on the king-size bed. She sat beside him and move his head onto her lap. “ You should not be doing this ma. Let me or dad do it “ Finn said. His mom rubs his back a bit. “ I promise myself something, Finn. When it’s time for me to go. I go on my time. No matter the pain. I wanna go when I’m ready. So plans” mom said rubbing his head now. He turns around and looks at her. “ I want to spend it with you. I guess maybe dad can come too” Finn said. His mom smiles and looks at him. He knew what she wanted. “ Surprise then it is" mom said. He smiled and got up to help fold things. Dad came a bit later from work then Finn went off to his room. He swings in his chair as he finished up his homework.

There was a knock waking Finn up from a nap he wasn’t planning on having. “You up. Finn “ a voice said from the other side. Finn slowly got up and wipe his mouth. “ No. Just finished up with homework “ Finn said opening a book to a random page. Dad walks in and looks around. “ Good work out there and around the house. Just wanna make sure alright “ Dad said looking at the trophies. Finn turned his chair around and look at him. “ Thanks, sir” Finn said standing up. He nods in agreement. His dad was a different strong one with no words. That when he speaks all you heard was pride strength and a bit beer. Looking back at a picture of the two he nodded again and walk out. Dad man of few words but always carry the world on his back.

Finn made it clear to himself he wasn’t going to tell Camille about his birthday. “ You got any plans this summer” Finn asked Camille as they sat watching a group. Camille glance at him then back at the group. “ Don’t know. Probably be sent off somewhere like any time I’m not in school. For the summer last year I was feeding and building houses for third world countries. You” Camille said softly. He got a bit closer to her and rest his head on the desk. “Summer practice . Hang with the boys make out with Nikkei. I and my two brothers and my dad go camping at the end of the summer. Summer is supposed to be fun Cam Cam” Finn said nudging his shoulder to hers. She got low and closer to him. “ What I have fun. I went to every museum in this state thank you. I know fun” Camille said with a smile. Finn turns to her shock as if what she said was the biggest nasty secret he ever heard. She rolled her eyes and toss a cookie. “How you know I’m hungry. Food whisper" Finn whispers into her ear. “Maybe I’m just the Finn whisper. You have lunch before me and you are always hungry. Now hush eats your cookies before we get into trouble “ she said tickling him. After class, he waited a bit for her. “ They were good today. We should probably practice. My house after practice. I can take you home after again if you want” Finn asked walking beside her. “ No. That’s alright. I meet you at your house. But I would like it if you drop me home though please “ Camille asked. He grabs at his backpack straps and nod yes. She gently touches his shoulder “Thank you “ she said and walk off. He was worried truly worried his time with her was ending whining down. He wasn't ready for that.

“ So I was thinking probably party. Few kegs, DJ like that techno kid, and lots of chics for your party" Kevin said tossing a ball up in the air. “ We should do something different. Oh, I got it. Bubble machine and I can wear the cute bikini I got. Good idea Finn” Nikkei said to him. Finn looks out to the rest of the classmates than to Nikkei. “ I wanna keep it open to the whole class. We always have the same people the same thing “ Finn said bored. “We look into that Becky" Nikkei said looking at Kevin. Finn sat back slowly mellowing out. Watching everyone put together his birthday party without really thinking. Is this what he wanted. All this time he didn’t want to tell Camille and now he wished she was the only one that knew.

Camille was right in the kitchen cooking and helping mom like so many times before. His dad in his same spot drinking a beer while watching sports. Holding her hand laughing and talking about whatever girly thing mom never was able to talk to with Finn. “Finn come you have to try this. Camille taught me a new dish” mom said to bring over a plate. Finn took it and ate the small nugget side treat. “ Good what is it” Finn said wiping his hands on his sleeve. “ I call it the Alaska roll. She wanted something new so I gave it to her. Your dad loves them “ Camille said pointing at the plate by dad. He smiled and grabbed her hand. “ Ma we got work to do. Do you mind if I take her for a little? Promise I bring her back in one piece“ Finn said walking out with Camille before she could answer.

They sat together on the bed facing each other. She probably is the only girl he never made out or had the attention to do anyway besides his mom in his room. Her posher was tall with strength and pride. She had a sweet floral scent. “ They were good today. I know we are going to be good just” Finn said trying not to pay attention to her scent. She nods in agreement. Unaware of the battle boy beside her was fighting. “ Your right we can practice but we should do something different. What about an audience. I think I see two lucky ones in the living room” Camille said with a gentle elegant smile. “I don’t know. I do sports in front of them but school stuff not sure. Cam” Finn said. Camille got closer and pat his back. “ Finn I’m being serious now. Your amazing it’s time you show them that. Can I tell you something “ Camille asked? He looks up at her and nods. “ I’m scared too. But your family is your family they love and will support you. If you can go in front of a crowd every so night plays a sport you love. In front of your friends your foes strangers. You can do this. I believe that and I guess you” Camille said still rubbing his back. He looks into her eyes and just smiled. “ Can we see the video” Finn asked. Getting up she held his hands. “ They can you maybe" Camille said then went off to ask them.

They were laying down watching a doctor show. “ Can we go over something with you mom and sir?” Finn asked. Camille slowly walks behind him and stood holding on to her computer and sheet. Mom coughs a bit. “ Yes” mom said standing up a bit. Finn looks back at her then at his mom. Camille passed out the paper as Finn started. She decided not to show him but both his parents were more than please, even his dad almost smiled. “ It was so good. Finn” mom said with a big smile looking at the work video. “It’s great. You did great Finn” dad said taking a sip of his beer. Cam looks at Finn then at his dad. Glancing at his watch Finn made an excuse to get out of there. Camille stops before getting out. “ So you know. You're great. Have to give yourself more credit. I hope you realize that. Finn. I hate being the only one. Well besides your family and Will “ Camille said with a smile. “ Same to you“ Finn said before turning back to the road. He stops before driving off. “ I wanna just tell you.... huh. Never mind good night” Finn said. She looks at him. She always could tell. Always.

It was finally the day. The day that took them weeks to prep. He couldn’t believe it was only weeks ago she wasn’t in his life. A time he barely can remember. Without her. Next to him. He wanted to focus on thinking about the future but now he could one thing to do.

Finn paces back and forth outside. Camille wasn’t nervous which made him more nervous. Don’t worry Finn! When all the things he could do was to worry. Games people anything but this. Was it the whole speaking in front of a class thing or the fact he wanted to do good for her. Camille walks up with ripped jeans and a plastic bag. “ Here tiger for you check them out” Camille said pulling one out. Finn dropped his bag and open up the shirt. It was a white t with #TruUBeU, their title of there subject. She waved her finger for him to turn it, his name. She pulled out another box. “What that “ Finn asked. Camille put it down. “ It’s for later. Ready to blow some socks off” Camille said walking in. They were last. Finn was nervous as they set up. Camille thought it is nice maybe even different if they set things different then it usually is done. He watches as she introduces them interacting with the class. Her space. She spoke in a way that made everyone feel special like it was only you and her. It works like lyrics to a song. All working together so perfectly. People were invested. Even the teacher was at the end of the seat. Then the video all brought everything together. By the end the whole class chant and clap their hands. Finn looks at her then at class. His hand intertwined with hers. Proud wasn’t the word he felt important. She left for the next class but not before she gave him the box.

Sitting on the hood of his car he took out the box. It was school colors with a fancy bow with a little card: 𝒯𝑜 𝐹𝒾𝓃𝓃𝑜. 𝒯𝑜𝒹𝒶𝓎 𝒶 𝒹𝒶𝓎 𝓌𝑒, 𝑜𝒻 𝒸𝑜𝓊𝓇𝓈𝑒, 𝒸𝑒𝓁𝑒𝒷𝓇𝒶𝓉𝑒 𝓎𝑜𝓊𝓇 𝑔𝓇𝑒𝒶𝓉 𝓈𝓊𝒸𝒸𝑒𝓈𝓈 𝒷𝓊𝓉 𝒶𝓁𝓈𝑜 𝓈𝑜𝓂𝑒𝑜𝓃𝑒 𝓈𝓅𝑒𝒸𝒾𝒶𝓁 𝒹𝒶𝓎. 𝐻𝒶𝓅𝓅𝓎 𝐵𝒾𝓇𝓉𝒽𝒹𝒶𝓎 - 𝒞𝒶𝓂𝒾𝓁𝓁𝑒 𝒟𝒶𝓌𝓈𝑜𝓃

Inside was a jersey with Cox’s Ice Devils and a photo frame of him and his parents from the game. That night he celebrated with his parents everything was perfect. They enjoyed each other's company, gave gifts, and watch all the family videos from when he was young.

Dad and mom had a doctor's visit early Saturday which left the party that night. Everyone was hyped excited. Nikkei even text a few pictures of bikinis she was choosing to wear. By the time he arrived at the party, it had already started music bang from ear to ear. Drinks everywhere. Everyone having a good time. Everyone but him. He already got into another fight with Nikkei about her kissing some guy plus all his friends were drunk showing around the calendar. He sat down and watch everyone. Buzz buzz Grabbing his keys he left his party behind for some real fun.

“ Hey, you wanna hang today. Got somewhere fun I wanna take you” Finn asked Camille. She let her hand out the window and flow with the breeze. “ So where are we going, “ Camille asked looking out. He looks at her and smiled. “ You see” Finn said. They pulled up to a festival fair. Camille looks out at aw. “ I go every year. Well use to with my dad” Finn said opening the door for Camille. “ It’s cool. I wish I can say I have been before. Didn't you have a party or something tonight? Don’t you think they miss you” Camille asked? Looking at his phone he turns it off and tosses it into the car. “ Now I’m here with you and all these crazy rides and treats” Finn said taking Camille's hand and running inside.

They walk around to all the attractions and play games against each other. “ How long did you know" Finn said eating popcorn. Camille gave him some cotton candy for some popcorn. “ Your mom told me a few weeks ago. If you wanted to tell me I’m sure you would of“ Camille answered walking beside him. He smiled. “Can I ask you something?" Finn asked. Camille stops and looks at him. Her hair flow with the breeze. “ These weeks have been amazing. Like if I can spend every day like this I want to. Tell me there an after for us. After this. I’m hoping we can still be after this “ Finn said looking into her brown chocolate eyes. “ Yeah. You mean. We can still be friends... Wanna do the photo booth” Camille asked with a giggle going inside.

Finn sat beside her looking into her eyes. Today beginning to feel like the best day he ever had. “ No. I mean more. What if I want more. I did not want to say before but every day I feel like giving up. I felt everything was useless. But with you huh I get butterflies I feel there meaning” Finn said looking at her as he put money in. CLICK She was silent and look at the camera to smile. They started taking pictures smiling till he looks at her once again and stops. Bring his hand to hold her cheeks in each hand he reaches in and kisses her on the lips. CLICK Camille hold his face and kiss back deeper with a little tongue. It tastes like heaven felt like paradise. They drift off playing off with each other mouth with one another. “ Camille” he said muon into her mouth. CLICK She looked at him then move back coming off high that was their kiss. Breathing heavy. “ I shouldn’t you are. But" she said touching her lips looking away. Finn reaches closer and moves her hair to the side. “ Since the day she said your name. I knew. I know you feel it too. Tell me I’m wrong. AND I would never bring it up again. I’m not with her anymore. I don’t care. Cam. I think I want this with you” Finn said combing his fingers through her curls. She was speechless but her eyes answered. The doubt. “ I promise I won’t hurt you” Finn said kissing her again this time a bit more rough hungry. CLICK “ I promise Camille I won't ever leave you. You will never have to alone” Finn said with his forehead touching hers. He looks up into her eyes his hands never leaving her hair. 

They hold hands as they rode the Ferris Wheels. Like they finally gave in all the tension that has been building up for weeks. Talking about plans they were gonna do over the summer together. Weeks they spend at each other house. Finn bringing her with him to the camp trip at the end of the summer. Her inviting him to Miami for a week with her. The future. Everything and then nothing. He was happy. More than that he was at peace. Their fingers intertwined with each other as they walk around the grounds. Other holding a few plush animals he won her. He never felt this with any girl before. She was light warmth his heart been missing. Camille stop and glance at her phone. She slowly let go of his hand and called someone. She whispers to the phone then look at Finn. “ We have to go” was all she said. Finn looks at her eyes they were full of joy and were now cold and silent like the dead of winter.

They got to the hospital just in time. Finn rushes past everyone and leaving Camille behind fighting back her tears. Praying they made it just in time. Finn sat by his mom's tears rolled down his face. “ I want to go knowing my baby happy. I know that I can leave you and you will be alright. I don’t want to be in pain anymore. I love you, Finn Edwards Cox. My boy my sun and my moon. I love you” she said holding tight to his hand. Finn wouldn’t leave her side even as the minutes roll to one.

With each call text, Finn stayed away. Alone to himself. Even when it came to the funeral he asks for Camille not to come. He couldn’t he won’t. In class, he wouldn’t answer her just pretend she wasn’t there. All he wanted was to be numb to forget.

It was the championship and he was different. Not the same as he was before. Was that for the better or worse. The locker room was empty just him and his thoughts. “ Did you hear we got an A. Best in the class. It was perfect. All thanks to you. How are you?” a soft voice said by the entrance. Finn pays the voice no mind. Camille walks in and stood in front of him. Her eyes were gentle. While he was raw full of anger and an unsettling mist. She went to grab his hand but he moves away. “ What do you want!” Finn snaps at her. Camille looks around then at him startled.“ I tried calling you. I tried everything. You shut me out. I promise we can make through this Finn. I can show you. Like I did when I lost my parents” Camille said trying to look at him. He pushed her away from this time firm. Making her almost fall back onto the ground. “Don’t you get it. Why are you so…” he stops and grabs at his hair “It was nothing. We are nothing you are fucking nothing...Your nothing. NOTHING but a fucking pathetic bastard of a joke. I mean how fucked up are you your parents had to die to leave you. God sends you back because he doesn’t want you either. Your only family rather be anywhere but with you. NOTHING but a GODLESS BITCH“ Finn shout out to her.

He turns his face from her. He couldn’t see it but he felt the pain. Standing right behind him she started to laugh. “ You not worthy. Oh yeah, say the words I see on my face every day. I was the one you went to Finn. You came to me. You told me how I made ... Freakin kiss me. Your looks can fade your friends are leeches those skills you hold so highly can’t be the answer all the time. But I show you a magic trick. Something so worthy. You won't ever see it coming. I disappear vanished you can look right at me but not see a thing. My name would be of gibberish ” she said softy holding back any emotion. He turns and she was gone. The crowd cheered out for him. He stops and looks once more than went out to the lights.

[djmayday]

S.p’s Shocking Tale!

(look man, i had too, the pun was waiting for me asdfg)

Words: 4258-ish  hh-

ok, for once, i had genuine fun writing something, its not my best, but its good practice asdfghgfddfgh

also fair warning, its not horribly graphic but like,,, action scene (a single one asdfgh) that mentions some weird/bloody, idk lol, i need to practice more asdf

enjoy?

It was nice day.

S.p was soaring through the spring air, her wings spread out wide and her hair flowing in the breeze as she flew over the city. Today was a good day she thought.

In between the big jobs Timara gives her, S.p helps out her aunt’s package delivery service. Right now she’s got only two to do for today, but it was far out away from where she’s used to.

‘Uuughhhh, this is gonna take forrreverrrr,’ S.p groaned to herself, she looked back down on the label on the smaller box, hoping that maybe it magically moved where she needed to be closer. Nope, instead all she saw was the dark iridescent boxes shine in the sun, the name of the business in light pink/purple cursive and a M.p signature near it.

The label read ‘Madame Pink’s Delivery service.’  S.p couldn’t help but smile a little as she remembered who she was helping. It was short lived though as she realized she wasn’t flying over buildings anymore, just a field. She quickly stopped and did a double take. Then took out a little compasses on a string out of her pocket and got a good look at it.

“No, I’m still going north,” She mumbled, taking another glance around before shoving the compass in her pocket. She quickly took off her necklace that was tucked into her shirt, it had a rather large pearl looking piece on it. Holding it out by that pearl, it glowed purple for a moment, before creating a holograph revealing someone with their back turned.

“Uh, hi auntie,” S.p said, the figure gasped and turned around.  

It was the mysterious Madame Pink. She held her fan so it covered most of her face, except for the eyes.

“Why, my little angel!”  Madame joyfully exclaimed, “Have you already delivered those packages? That was rather fast,”

“Uh, noo,” S.p admitted, looking a little flustered, “I think I’m like, very lost,”

Madame’s eyes widened a little,“Oh my, that's quite the predicament-,”  She closed her third eye for a moment, then continued, “Pray tell, can you describe to me where you are?”

S.p looked around again, “Uhhhhh, not a place with buildings,”  S.p stopped when she heard her aunt giggle,” Hey, what’s funny?!”

“Oh do you not remember?  You’re on the path to the edge of the mountains, it’s the right way my dear,”

S.p blinked, “Oh-” then her face scrunched a little in annoyance, “Oh, the mountains? But that’s like, soooo farr aunite!!”

“Now now child,”  She said as she tapped her forehead, “I know you have ways to get there faster than anyone else I know, you’ll be fine, just be sure to protect the boxes when you do it,”

S.p’s ear drooped a little and she sighed, “Ok…”

“Excellent, now if you excuse me, I have to be on somewhere, as you do as well,”

S.p perked up, “Okie, bye auntie! Love you!” She said with a big grin while holding up a peace sign.

“Take care, my little star, ta-ta~!”  Madame said as she waved, the holograph faded, and so did the glow on the pearl, ending the call. S.p put the necklace back on, tucking the pearl back in her shirt.

‘Alright, a faster way, huh?’ S.p thought as she looked back down at the packages, they both went to the same place, but to different people, ‘Guess that means it’s time to break another record for fastest travel eva!’ She said as her hands glowed a soft yellow, which passed over to the boxes, covering them in a magical coating before fading, making the boxes look normal again. She flew down to the ground, and got into a flight-ready stance.

Focusing all of her thoughts on what she wanted to do next, she started to be filled with energy. Little flicks of lightning shot off of her as she stored more energy, her hair floofing up a little as well. Then…

BOOM!

A huge explosion of energy sent her flying up into the air as a lightning bolt. Her wings straight out, letting her glide through the air. The world rushed past her in a colorful blur of greens, yellows, and the occasional blue. S.p made a mental note to get a gopro with her pay after the trip for when she flies.

‘Or maybe just beg Molly for it…’ S.p thought to herself.

Despite her speed, she could still faintly see the plains below, and there’s no building in sight, not even a road. Just… grass. There wasn’t even any trees.

‘Who even moves out this far?’ S.p thinks.

After a long while of flying, she eventually felt her energy falter, and she begins to slow down, she had to start flapping her wings again to keep from crashing, which isn’t an easy transition.

“Yipe! This never lasts long enough!” She exclaims, she held the gifts closer to her chest, making sure she didn’t drop them. Soon enough she got back into balance, and could glide a bit more, but it wasn’t nearly as fast.

“I gotta ask T how to make that last longer,” She mutters.

Luckily for her, she could see a dirt road below. S.p looked forward and finally saw a humongous mountain that stretched and faded into the clouds. And at the bottom was two dark blobs.

“Finally freakin build...ings,”  S.p slowed down to a halt and squinted. When in focus, one blob as definitely a building, a bit creepy but it had a roof and all. The other though… well… S.p’s eyes couldn’t focus on it for some reason, and everytime she could get a clear glance at it, it was... something else, something just as menacing thing as the last.

“Welp, not that one, I ain’t that dumb,” S.p says as she flies to the other building. Which wasn’t that better than the blob, if she was being honest. The building was worn down, as if it hadn’t been used in years; Nature was reclaiming it with vines everywhere.

She lands in front of two big metal doors, both rusted to hell and back. With a nervous gulp, S.p knocks on one of the doors with a nice loud thunk. The doors partially opened when she did.  S.p stood there for a few moments wondering if she should pull a ‘person in a horror movie’ move and go in.

S.p thought for a second,  ‘Auntie would kill me if I came back full handed-’ She sighs, ’- and I can't just waste that stupid long trip,’ she thinks as she pushes the doors open and steps inside. On the inside, it looked ransacked and barren; Boxes were emptied, barrels pushed over, etc.

Making sure not to stand far away from the door, S.p calls out, "Uhh, hello?"

No answer.

"Helloooo?" S.p calls out again, walking deeper into the warehouse. Something wasn't right, it seemed a lot smaller on the inside.

She stood in what she thought was the middle of the warehouse, when she heard a crash behind her, making her jump and her wings spread out instinctively.

It was the doors.

They slammed shut.

Breathing heavily, she looked all around her, trying to find what or who shut the doors.

Nothing. This place was empty.

Was.

Cause the next thing S.p heard was a gun cock.

"Freeze!" Yelled the stranger.

S.p froze, and slowly turned around to see the person. It was a young man in a basketball tank top, with blond hair that faded to dark brown, he also had raccoon ears that were also blond. He had two different colored eyes. To S.p his left eye was red, and his right eye green. He also had bandages wrapped all around his arms down to his hands boxing style.

There was a moment of silence between the two, both of them were scared, you could see it on their faces, but neither were backing out.

“Who the heck are you??” S.p finally said, slightly cringing at how loud she was. To be fair, she couldn’t quite hear herself over her thudding heartbeat.

The boy looked confused and lowered his gun slightly, “Who the heck are you?”

“Um, I asked first?”

The man sighed and his ears went back in annoyance, “...Toby,” He raised the gun again, “Now it’s your turn,”

“M-my name’s S.p!” She exclaimed, forcing back as much stuttering as she could.

Toby put his gun down and into his holster, “The hell are you doing out here?”

“I could ask the same to you, but I’m just a delivery person!” S.p exclaimed, sounding more enthusiastic than she felt.

“Well, I’m here on a search for a friend that went missing,” Toby said, looking around as he talked,  “You didn’t happen to see to douche-y lookin’ dude around, have you?” Toby asked sarcastically.

S.p shrugged, “Just you so far,”

“Fuck you,”

“Hey! That wasn’t an insult!” S.p said, finally calming down a bit, she thought for a moment, “Hey, maybe we can help each other,”

Toby’s ears perk up and he tilts his head, “How so?”

“Well, we’re both looking for someone, and I have a feeling that they’re both in the same place,”

Toby hesitates, “I- well… Fine, it’d be better than searchin’ this hell hole alone, I guess,”

S.p grinned, “Cool cool! Let’s get movin’ then-” There was a small crash, making both of them flinch horribly. Toby got his gun back out, which was still cocked. S.p listened very carefully for what made the noise

There was nothing but silence.

Toby ears twitched and moved, also trying to find any sign of something weird.

Soon enough they heard another quiet bang.

“That way,” Toby whispered, as he walked in the direction of the noise, S.p following close behind, clutching the boxes close so they wouldn’t make a lot of noise.

The two found themselves at the back wall of that room, carefully approaching a door that was slightly open. Toby hesitated, but reached out for the door handle.

A crunch made him stop.

S.p had stepped on something, slightly panic-y she lifted up her foot to see what it was, it was just bag. The both of them sighed in relief. S.p quickly picked up the bag and put the boxes in it, ‘It’ll be quieter, and safer for the boxes!’ she thought to herself.

Toby rolled his eyes, before opening the door slightly and looked inside, “No one’s in there,” He whispered, before motioning for S.p to follow as he went in.

Both of them couldn’t help it but stand still for a moment, surveying the room.

It was a long hallway at a slight angle going down. It was looked as if someone had looted it; Bookshelves looked like they were thrown, paper, bags, and all sorts of stuff scattered on the floor, and there was a random stove flipped over and scratches all around it, yet nothing seemed missing. The chaos of the hallway went until it was too dark to see tdown the hallway.

Once they got a good look, they continued onward.

“It’s like someone was looking for something,” S.p whispered.

Toby’s ear twitched, “They still might be,” he said as he pushed a button that was on top of his gun, it turned on a flashlight that was built into it, it gave off pretty decent light.

But it revealed that there were smears of bright color on the walls, that and a ton of scratches. S.p gulped and wishfully assumed it was paint.

The farther they walked the more narrow the hallway got, and the more empty it was too, except for the constant scratches and color. It couldn’t even be called a hallway anymore.

“What… is this?” Toby said, “Why would a warehouse have this?”

“It’s a hide-away tunnel,” S.p said as she got nervous, she recognized this sorta thing from her mom, and things involving her didn’t always end well. The familiar concrete walls made her breath catch in her throat.

“How do you know?”

“I-... just do,” S.p said, doing a little fake shrug.

Not really satisfied with the answer, Toby looked back forward. S.p could feel the tension in the air, neither of them really trusted each other, but Toby seemed a lot worse.

So why not break the ice a little?

“What’s your friend like? Apart from being a douche,” S.p asks.

Toby thought for a moment, his ear twitching, “He… was very full of himself, although I’ve always thought of that as a better than when he lacked self esteem,”

“Call that ‘growth’ where I’m at,” S.p said light heartly.

Toby had a sliver of a smile on his face, that is until he stepped into a pile of something, with a unsatisfying ‘glorp!’, “Ugh! Gross!” He cursed as he quickly stepped out of it, “The fuck is this??”

S.p looked at the pile, it wasn’t shit, it was the same rainbow stuff they had seen on the walls, “It kinda looks like, puke almost…” She mumbles to herself.

He grunts before pointing ahead at more puddles/piles, “Lookat this, there’s tons of it! What sick freak pukes rainbow till their lungs go out??”

“W-whatever lives there, probably,” S.p whispered in horror. The two of them reached the end of the tunnel, it led to a large, empty room. They stood at the entrance in awe, it was massive!

Slowly, Toby put himself in a battle ready stance and walked into the room, S.p reluctantly following behind. Their steps echoed off the walls, if there even was any, the room was pitch black, except for Toby’s light, which basically only revealed more puddles of colors on the floor.

Breathing began to get harder for S.p, her heart was racing so hard that if you listened close enough, you could hear it clear as day.

They heard a slither behind them, Toby pointed his gun in that direction, but saw nothing.

“What are you doing here?” A voice called out, it sounded cold and unwelcoming, it’s voice boomed and echoed off the walls.

Another slither went behind them, they stood back to back to each other this time.Toby was aiming his gun at basically everything and S.p was scared stiff.

“Have you come to take my prey?” It called out again, in a more mocking tone. Now the slither sounded like it was rounding them.

“Show yourself!” Toby yells out. His, light caught the end of something.

A tail?

Not just any tail, a snake tail.

S,p was already shaking horribly, but even Toby started to buckle under the stress. They felt a presence loom over them in the dark.

With shaking hands, Toby followed the tail up, and soon met a menacing face, glaring down the two.

S.p couldn’t help but gasp and hide behind Toby, making the figure laugh.

“My my~ What are two children doing here?”  They asked, leaning down to get a better look at them. Their face was half human, half reptile, with scales decorating their face. Their eyes looked just wrong enough to send chills down Toby’s spine.

“You know, it’s rude to enter my home without permission,” They continued, getting closer. Now their eyes were in the light, which reflected off their pupils in dozens of colors. You could see color dripping from their mouth onto their chin.

“In fact,” Their tail shuffled, revealing that the part of the tail that was still hidden in the dark was holding two people who were tied up, “I was in the middle of something~”

Toby looked at one of the people and gasped, “Jake!” He looked back up at the creature while it laughed, “Give. Him. Back.” He growled.

“Or what? You’ll kill me?” They said as their laugh became maniacal.

Suddenly they slammed the people hard into the two, sending all four of them flying. Toby’s gun went flying too, leaving them all in the dark.

As quickly as she landed, S.p got up panting, “T-Toby?!?!” She called out breathlessly.

Slithers and echos of laughs from all around made her head spin. In a panic, she focused her energy into her right hand, and shot a lightning bolt into the dark. It lit up the room for a moment, and it was enough to see Toby’s gun.

Instinctively, she started to dash for it. Just as she grabbed it she was pulled back by her feet, making her chin collide and drag on the floor. Then she was held up in the air, the creature’s tail wrapping itself around her and letting the blood drip onto her face, she couldn’t even shoot the gun if she wanted to. They laughed as she struggled.

She couldn’t breathe.

She was panicking.

Then, animal instinct took over.

Get out. Get out. Get out. Get out. Get out. Get out. Get out. Get out.

That’s all her brain told her.

She sank her teeth as best she could into their tail. And refused to let go, even after they had basically dropped her.

Then she held onto their tail with all her might and released all that energy and electricity with a powerful scream. You could see their shadows on the walls from the light it emitted. The creature screamed in pain and convulsed, which knocked S.p off and onto the floor. Practically knocked out from the drain

The creature twitched and convulsed still, struggling to catch its breath. When they heard the footsteps of the others, they growled and skittered away.

In the corner of S.p’s eye, she could’ve sworn she had saw natural light, but at this point the world was spinning, so she couldn’t really be sure.

Toby came running up to her first yelling, “Fuckin’ hell, dude! Are you alright?!” S.p only whimpered in response, before passing out completely, “Shit!” Toby exclaimed, “Hey, Jake, other dude! Help me out here!”

Running up came two dudes; Jake, a young man who looked about Toby’s age, he always wore his signature red hat, even in dark times like this. The other without a name was a rather old fella, in a now ruined cleaning suit, he had a badge on him that said ‘Finoe’ on it, so that must be his name

Jake quickly got to work, helping Toby carry her on their shoulders, they struggled, though, carrying someone knocked out is harder than you think.

The other dude ‘Finoe’ was clearly in shock; shaking knees and wide eyes, but he spoke up in a whisper, “Do you… know her?”

Jake looked over at Toby and tilted his head, Toby sighs, “Not really,”

“Then who the heck is she?” Jake asks.

“A delivery person, and your hero,” Toby stated blankly, “In fact I saw the bag right about there,” He says as he points his flashlight-gun at the ground, showing the two boxes in perfect condition.

Finoe quickly ran over to it and scooped the boxes up carefully, “This… This is what that thing was after,”

“Well what is it?”

“It’s... A form of magic dust, that thing made order some for it,”

Jake blinked, “Oooooh, that’s the stuff that powers your gun, right B?” Toby simply nodded, then Jake continued, “But why would it need it so bad it made you order it?”

Finoe visibly shivered, “It has drug like properties when consumed, it’s why you can only order one at a time, I had to use two names,” He sighs, “I’ve never wanted anything to do with this damn powder in my life-”

“Well,” Jake interrupted, “Like I said, we use that stuff for our own things, it’s our job, we could take it off your hands!”

Finoe thought for a moment, “When we leave, I’ll give it to ya,”

And with that, they off up the tunnel, to safety.

…

…

…

S.p woke up to soft sunlight and back pain, as soon as she tried to get up, someone pushed on her forehead gently and kept her down.

“You’re hurt, stay down,” S.p quickly realized who it was, it was Toby! A wave of relief washed over her, and she calmed down a little, that is until Jake popped up right by her.

“Hey, you’re not dead!” Jake exclaimed, making S.p flinch, “Hey so ummmm, the dude over there - His names’ Finoe- he’s cools, said that he knew someone who’d come pick us up and help us, so he had to borrow your necklace thingy, sowwy,”

“Normally I’d say if someone said that, it’s a scam, but he’s proven himself, I guess,” Toby added on. S.p couldn’t help but giggle at that, Toby seems so much different when he’s not serious. S.p eyes trailed to the floor though, and saw that Toby’s leg was wrapped up too, she also noticed he had a raccoon tail that was blond with dark brown rings, dang, how’d she miss that?

She went to speak but her throat was practically killing her, she had to hold it as she spoke, and the only thing she could really get out was a simple, “Wha-?”

Jake shook his head, “Yea no, I don’t think you’ll be talkin’ for a while, you screamed SUPER loud when you were shockin’ the fuck outta that snake beast thing-”  he got super close to her face, “By the way- that was epic, how the hell did ya do that??”

“She’s just got the witch’s blessin’,” Finoe said, walking over to the group, “Anyone in that family is bound to have some strange power,” He holds out S.p’s necklace, “Here, I had to borrow it to make a call,” S.p nods and puts the necklace back on, tucking it into her shirt once again.

Then there was awkward silence between the four of them.

“So, Finoe, what exactly is this place?” Toby finally asked, breaking the silence.

“Hm? Oh! This was my lil personal research area, that place next door was what I was observin’,” Finoe said happily, “Also, there’s no need for formalities, call me Fin,”

“Wait, the area next door? That...blob?” Jake asks and tilts his head.

“Exactly! It’s an anomaly, and Ms. Timara asked me to observe, at a safe distance of course,”

“Heh, overshare much? How do you know we’re not some enemy to her?” Jake snarks, Toby hits him on the back of the head.

“Well,” Fin points at the badge that Toby was wearing, “All fetchers wear that sorta badge, and I know it’s not the most fashionable, so no one’s wearing it willingly,” Toby looked away sheepishly. Fin then pointed to S.p, “And this lovely lady is quiet well known considering she’s paired with Timara’s A-rank, Molly-”

“WHAT?!” Both the boys yelled out, it made Fin jump and S.p covered her ears at the sudden noise.

“So that’s why she could do that, holy shit!?” Jake jumps up and really gets in S.p’s face, she’s visibly uncomfortable, “That’s sick as fuck!” Toby tugs on his shirt, forcing him back a few steps.

Holding her throat again, S.p speaks up, “I’m just…..C-ra...rank” she croaks. Her ears drooped a little at the sound of her voice.

Jake had sparkles in his eyes at this point, “Um and?? You’re being trained by The T and her almost top class, like yo! That’s epic!”

“It’s definitely quite a high place to be at your rank,” Toby adds on, Jake nods furiously.

Fin playfully nods as well, “Yes ind-” He’s interrupted by the fwoom of smoke, and the overwhelming smell of lavender. The four of them turned to where the smoke is coming from. Out from the shadows of smoke came the one, the only,

Madame Pink. With her fan in hand over mouth, she gracefully glided from the smoke.

And her ghost ferret-like familiar came from the smoke as well, looking alert until it finally saw S.p. Then it rushed over and tackled her like a puppy would, licking her face in excitement. S.p giggled and pet the lil ferret, soon it decided to just wrap itself around her like a scarf, back legs on one shoulder, front on the other.

“Hi, aunt,” S.p manages to say, putting a grin on her face.

Madame looked over at S.p and gasped, looking dreadfully worried, she quickly rushed closer to S.p, kneeling to get a better look at her, “Goodness dear! I knew you weren’t in best of shape but...” She quickly shook her head and sighed, “It can be fixed,”  She gets back up and turns to Fin, “Thank you for letting me know of this Fin,”

Fin nods, “Thank ya’ kindly dear, although you must thank these boys though, they were the ones that got her out,”

Madame looked over at them with a harsh but not mean stare, “Is this true?” They both nod, Jake keeps glancing back at the ferret, which is eyeing him down. You can’t see her mouth, but you can tell that Madame is smiling,” Well then, it would be rude to not heal you all as well,” She walks towards the exits, and motions for them to follow, “Come along now~”

Like little kids, Jake, Toby, and S.p followed close behind like little ducks, talking about how cool Madame is and talking more about themselves, (Well, S.p tried to anyways…) and Fin walked at a decent pace behind them.

In a fwoof of smoke, Madame sends everyone to her home to be healed.

This was the start of a pretty weird B-team, but no one was complaining, so we’ll just have to see what adventures they get into next.

The end!

WOWZA THATS A LOTTA WORDS

AND A LOTTA LORE

WOOP I TRIED, TANKS FOR READING

uwu

[aliceellablog]

Acceptance is key when you have a chronic illness, but that doesn’t mean you should ever give up.

When you want something so freakin’ much and it’s not in your control, what do you do?

Do you accept it? Or do you keep fighting?

But what if fighting it made it worse? The harder you push the worse you get and the further away you become from your goals, your dreams and your life.

That’s what M.E. does to us and for now there’s not much we can do.

When the illness you’ve been diagnosed with has no test for it you’re left constantly wondering if you even have it. You feel so damn ill that you keep wondering if you have an illness that the doctors have never found. If you have been misdiagnosed all these years.

M.E. is a diagnosis of elimination which means that they basically test you for EVERYTHING - from blood tests to cameras up your ass, from eating sherbet and being scanned upside down, to cameras down your throat into your stomach. Name a test, I’ve had it. 

Then when all the tests come back negative, and you’re left distraught, you feel desperate to be diagnosed with just about ANYTHING!

Following that you then ended up seeing a bunch of psychiatrists who also find nothing wrong with you and say stupid shit like ‘ have you tried taking a dog for a walk?’ - no, no i have not because I’m in a fucking wheelchair you dick. (Yes that really was said to me by a doctor) - It just doesn’t make sense to me that all us healthy happy people suddenly find themselves bed-bound and people think we fake it?!? WHYYYY!!?? And hey, if M.E. is all in our heads then why cant we donate blood?! 

But I was diagnosed with M.E. at 14, and 15 years later there is STILL no test, no cure, and sure as hell no help.

A friend of mine recently received some comments on her blog saying that she was being too negative, and that really made me think.

How dare they add more to what she is already struggling so hard to cope with- how dare they comment on something they so obviously have no experience of and no knowledge about.

It made me realise that we have every right to feel how we feel and to speak out about it.

In my case it makes me want to ask the question ‘could you live with a chronic illness for over 15 years and not mention it? Not feel the need to vent? Could you be positive all the time?’ I don’t think you’d really manage to just ’try yoga babe’ or ‘drink more water’ - I’m not strong enough to do bloody yoga and I drink plenty…

I mean, imagine being healthy, and then your life suddenly being taken away from you at the age of 14, and now all these years later you are still fighting a constant battle. Every single day. And the fact I’m not exaggerating kinda sucks right!!?

Yes I used to be in a wheelchair and unable to speak / move / watch tv for several years, but that doesn’t make it any easier to cope now. In fact I personally find it even harder now, because when I do get moments of relief it makes me want to be able to live a full life even more.

There are days when I can actually feel a little bit of energy in my body and because of the nature of M.E. I have to hold back or I’ll get worse- and let’s be honest if I do have enough energy to do a little something I’m gonna end up doing it and then suffer the consequences. OOPS!!!!

Fuck sake it’s bloody ridiculous. So no, I won’t be positive every day, but I will try my best to be as often as I feel strong enough to. That’s all we can do.

I’ve even noticed that some of my friends have have stopped asking me how I am - I think that they don’t want to broach that subject with me any more and that hurts a bit. But one thing this illness definitely does is show you who your true friends are- if they ain’t there when you truly need that support then they ain’t gonna be there for the good times I can tell ya!! And the friends that do care, they are beyond amazing , so thank fuck for that, thank fuck for them.

I know I haven’t written my blog in a little while and to be honest over all I have been coping a little better recently! (Not that you’d think it reading all that! But I have been working SO DAMN HARD on acceptance and have found that to be the key to keeping my sanity.

I find that the more I fight and the more I want for my life, the worse I get.

I have to keep learning to accept that I have an illness that not many people understand, and that some people don’t even believe exists - fuck them though. 

I know what I live with and I know how I feel on a daily basis- I know that when I am smiling in a photo I was probably crying myself to sleep the night before. I know that when I film a video for youtube I have to rest for days before and afterwards and each cover takes me at least a month or two to actually record and edit.

For that reason I know I won’t make it in this industry. How frustrating is that.

I can’t do what the other singers and writers can do.

I can’t go to the networking events and for over a year- since my last relapse- I haven’t been able to do any writing sessions or be in a studio. The things I have absolutely pushed myself to be able to do (for example my new music video) have always set me back for weeks or months after…sometimes worth it, sometimes not!

Over the past 6 years since I really started writing, recording and putting out music I’ve only been able to release 3 singles. - Yes I am proud of that and only I know what a struggle it’s been but it also makes me realise just how unrealistic it is to want to be a singer… I can’t even gig!! LOL #awkward

BUT I have been managing little things recently however small, but it does seem like every time I get above water and start to book things in and feel like I CAN DO THIS, something drags me back down again.

Frustration frustration frustration. That’s what I feel 24/7.

I am trapped, trapped inside a body that won’t let me live.

I want to socialise! I want to see friends, I want to go on dates and have some sort of love life, and above all else I want to sing. I want to work my fucking ass off and release my music. I want to write songs and push myself hard.

But I can’t. So I have to deal with that- and no-one else can help me deal with that. It’s down to me.

Recently I have been trying (again!!!!!) with the lightning process - a neurolinguistic approach and have genuinely found it very helpful, but it hasn’t ‘cured’ me by any means.

I did 7 months solid of graded exercise therapy and by keeping a chart every day MAN I’M COOL I soon realised that I didn’t actually make any solid progress. Since then I have been keeping a chart with the lightning process and have seen some improvement. 

I did the LP course around 10 years ago now so I have made the decision to retake it, but was scheduled to go on it lat week and wasn’t well enough!! OH THE IRONY!!!

BUT - There IS hope, and maybe it’ll be just what I need to conquer this mother fucker. But then again maybe it won’t! Who knows!! But I won’t give up and I’ll keep trying whatever I can!

Time will tell and I am going  to go there with no expectations other than to give it my all.

I will blog again maybe a few weeks after and let y’all know whats a gwarning!! But for now, love and strength to my fellow spoonies xx remember,  acceptance is key when you have a chronic illness, but that doesn’t mean you should ever give up.

Alice xXx

[evans-heaven]

How I feel about SMTA:

This is my honest opinion on Shawn's third album which just so happens to be a fucking masterpiece. With the exception of IMB, LIJ, Nervous, WWYITM and Youth, please enjoy my review as I try very hard to be funny and not up Shawn Mendes' ass through these nine songs. Happy reading! 😘

(Also some of these opinions are long bc I got carried away lol AND it's unedited...sorry 🙈)

Like To Be You - I get chills as soon as Shawn starts singing, he sounds so soft and calm. His voice blends so well with Julia's and I feel like this collab was made for them. I can't imagine anyone else creating the similar vibe with him this song gives off. With her quiet, calm, ASMR worthy (in the good way lol) voice, and the chill instrumental in the background, I can safetly say this song is one of my favorites. Though a small part of me wishes there was more to it. I can understand why some say it underwhelms them.

Falling All In You - Such a cute song. I know there are sexual aspects but honestly I get puppy love vibes from the whole song lol, it's the perfect amount of upbeat and chill, and I can definitely tell Ed's influence on this one. Another favorite.

Particular Taste - First of all, TURN. THIS. SHIT. UP!!!! My absolute favorite, by far, no contest, bar none, I wanna fuck to this. The vibe is upbeat and lively and spicy, I love how Shawn views sex as more than just what it is. It's fun to him. He seems to like a challenge and this girl is happy to oblige. This song better be a single bc Mr Mendes went AWF. The only thing I'd change is when he mentions Kanye. Blech.

Why - Major 2000s vibes. I feel like this is something Usher would have sung. I don't have much to say on this bc it's really not a favorite. But Shawn's voice stays giving me chills, especially in those gawddamn falsettos. This kid's voice is so versatile, he can pull off anything.

Because I Had You - Ya girl can RELATE. But we won't get into that....🙈 it's not a favorite but I definitely like the story behind it. I could see myself slow dancing with someone to this even tho it's clearly not a happy song lol, but honestly can some just hold me?! Like how much is that to ask??? 😭

Queen - I won't lie, when I first heard this I wasn't a fan at all. I really didn't get the hype...lol. But someone needs to slap me like that girl slapped Shawn bc I'm a fool for not appreciating sassy, shady Shawn. Which is, on fact, one of the best Shawns. The bridge is 100% the best part. I love how it's choppy but so freakin catchy. This makes me unleash my inner terrible dancer. And not many songs can do that😂

Mutual - A fan favorite and we can't be blamed. May I just say, the level of sexy in this song is covered by many aspects. Shawn's style of singing. You can hear the smirk. The instrumental. If you didn't envision your ass doing some *ahem* dirty dancing with Mr Mendes, you a liar. Full offence. That guitar in the background is a literal nut. Shawn's rasp in the chorus is good kind, you can tell it's not bc he's straining or struggling. That's what a natural, healthy rasp sounds like. His voice has improved so much and I couldn't be more proud.

Perfectly Wrong - Everything. Everything about this is beautiful. Perfectly Beautiful, should be the name, bc that's what this song is. The violins. The piano. Shawn's pained voice. I just-

When You're Ready - where can I get me a Shawn Mendes??? This is definitely Shawn's old vibe. I get lots of Handwritten vibes. When he says he'll wait? NUT. There's nothing hotter than a guy who is willing to be patient with a girl because he wants to be with her so badly. Such a beautiful, slow ballad and I can see it being a favorite for him to perform on tour.

Overall feelings- I'm so fucking proud of Shawn Mendes.

He worked his ass off on this record and it has definitely shown in the most creative and beautiful way possible. He deserves all the love, happiness and success in the world. I can't wait to see where this musical journey continues to take him 💕

[kingjameswashere]

Dear Clay.

Damn how do I even start? Its been around 7 months being single and man is it crazy out here. Not what I imagined. I think I am growing up in the wrong generation. No one has impressed me everyone is so full of themselves, I get bored so fast I don't even try anymore I don't give anyone my energy. I don't feel like anyone is worth it. Shoutout to my friends that have been there for me after being single and oh, my therapist. I just feel like everyones way of having ''fun'' is going out drinking and clubbing. While that is cool every once in a while I can't do that every Weekend and im not about to change who I am to be "cool". The only person that is cool in my eyes is this woman I call ''Coco'' or "Clay". Oh man is she so cool. She isn't your average "girl'' and I love that. We can drink wine and vibe off records or bad bunny listening to music till the AM. Random drives anywhere just for a vibe. She's a fucken Diamond. There isn't no one like her. One of one. We would go shopping for fun and dress up in designer be matching and I would love when people would tell us " I love your outfits". She loves teas. She loves being silly, oh and taking care of Mother Nature. I love bringing her breakfast in the mornings. Shes so freakin nice and caring. She thought me to be Spontaneous, and I thank her for that. She thought me to get out of the box I was in and be more out there and enjoy life.. love life. She is so beautiful Inside/Out. She loves Snoopy. She likes to read aswell she is so classy and I love it. & to be honest that's the person I will give my all too if I ever get the opportunity to again. Im human.. shit, im not perfect. I admit my wrongs and im learning from them im trying to be a better man every day. Eating edibles with her was a vibe, so many laughs. One time I slept on the floor lol. I was going crazy and she was sleeping. She's been thur so much from what she has told me, and she DESERVES THE WORLD. I love how what other people would find as boring we would find it fun. She's unique. I loved spoiling her and I don't regret it.I would always be prepared for her cause there's always something going on either a headache or stomach ache or a cut and I would be stocked up ready for what she needed. I took care of her and I didn't mind. Being there for her was my job and loving her was my hobby. She loves the lakers as much as I did. She supported my choices whether they were good or bad, she was always there having my back. Oh and when she gets dressed up she's a fucken QUEEN. No one compares to her. She loves all types of music and I love that. I loved surprising her even the smallest things would get her happy.I would take the blame for ubereats every time haha that was just me protecting her. I appreciate her so much for everything she has done. Thank you Clay. I don't know what the future holds but I know that ill always love you clay. Thank you for the memories. I love you para Siempre. <3🙏🏽

[deeeelightfuldee]

The person you had the strongest feelings for dies, do you care? I would be devastated. Even if we are no longer talking, it would destroy me to know they aren’t on this earth anymore.

Is there something you’re happy about at the moment? not really no. well, I mean I’m happy with a conversation thats happening.

Do you want someone dead? absolutely not

Do you ever wonder what your ex is up to? if it’s kile we are referring to, yeah. I’m getting a lot better putting it out of my mind. my other exes heckin no except for the other one I loved.

Have you ever fed or taken care of a stray animal? absolutely. we have adopted some from that method ahah

What is something you tend to worry about? people I care about. Like I worry that they’re safe, mentally OK, healthy, etc.

What is something you do that is unhealthy? hold on too long.

What is something you do that is good for you? I talk well about myself usually and I look for positives

What last caused you to force a smile? something in a video i thought was funny

What was the last video game you played? Was it fun? animal crossing. my controllers are SUPER whacked so it wasn’t too fun. I miss playing my games but I can’t afford new controllers yet

What is something not many people know about you? my assaults/history probably. I’m a very private person over all so i think most things people know about me are things they can see.

What word describes your basic style? classic

Have you ever been told you were going to Hell? oh a customer once told me that because they wanted a special ordered crib that day and it was a 12 week wait. so obvs a legit reason -.-

Have you ever wanted to kill yourself? .

If yes, what convinced you not to go through with it? ..

Have you ever rejected a guy, only to have him push the issue by asking “why?” and insisting that you just need to get to know him better? yessssss

Is there something that you believe everyone should do and you can’t believe that some people don’t do it (e.g., recycle or go to the dentist regularly)? brushing teeth or CHANGING THEIR SHEETS

Regarding the last good choice (healthy choice, kind choice, selfless choice, etc.) you made, what was your real motivation behind it? I made a choice to let go of a love that was destroying me. the motivation was like okay, i’m seeing he doesn’t love me, hes not going to love me. I’m spending my time, energy, and attentions to love him and I could be missing out on someone who loves me back.

What is something that you have had to practice at to get the hang of it? If you can’t think of anything, that’s okay, what’s something you are currently practicing at and trying to master? sewing

Have you ever gone to the store to buy something, like a video game, when it came out at midnight? never for me but I’ve gone with friends who were getting them -.- ridiculous

Regarding the last novel you read, was there a romance included? If so, was it central to the plot? yesssssssssssssssssssssssss and yes

Have you ever done relaxation meditations or listened to relaxation guides or positive-thinking/healing recordings? I’ve done that for school but not on my own personally

Do you have any interests that are also often shared by children? art, animated shows/movies, games

Is there something that could be a solitary activity but you really only like to do it with other people (e.g., watching movies, playing video games, etc.)? hmm, not really. I like going to tjmaxx & target better if I’m with someone.

Are you satisfied with the interior design or decoration in your home? Or do you think it needs a total home makeover? for the most part. because its not my money that pays the rent I def don’t get weird about it. but I like most ofit

Is there something that you’d like to own but you can’t find it anywhere? If not, can you a remember a time when you wanted something? Did you ever end up finding it or did you eventually stop wanting it? yes. I really want a particular type of coat but its hard to find.

Who makes you smile the most? hm. ummm... kile made me smile today he was bein a bit crass. it reminded me of how happy he used to make me. he used to be the one BY far that made me smile. these days its fairly even across the board.

What piercings do you want/have? I’d love to have my cartilage pierced again but it always gets infected because of my blood so i’m fine with what I have

What's your favorite website? probs tumblr.

Do you own a fish tank with fish? currently no

Do you like the movie 300? neverseen it.

Do you pop your knuckles? yup all the time

Do you have Photoshop? no its expensive

Do you use tinypic or photobucket? no

What’s your favourite song from the 1980s? if I had the effort I wouldlove to genuinely figure it out but I only have a quarter-butt effort rn

How about the 1990s? ^

Have you won anything recently? nerp. 

How often do you make Excel tables? What for? pretty much never.

What was the last baby animal you saw in the wild? probably a bunny

Are you always available or online? I’m usually available

Do you have dietary restrictions? Or do you just eat what you like? gluten sensitivity and dairy sensitivity

Do you prefer gold, silver or steel jewelry? Or no jewelry at all? I always loved silver because I think it’s so attractive but it turns out gold is VERY nice with my skin tone and since I have had to replace all my fine jewelry from kile with cheap stuff i can afford, i buy pretty much all gold.

Have you been binge-watching any shows lately? If so, what? I was on a gilmore girls kick but right now im watching bobs burgers.

If you dye your hair, do you do it yourself or go to a salon? i loved when I used to get it done professionally but its literally several hundred dollars and I just don’t have that. 

If you have any, do you like your in-laws? I don’t have any. < Same.

Would it bother you, if your partner had cut contact with their parents? yes and no. It would be hypocritical if I said omg yes, you should always be in contact with your parents --- because obviously I never ever ever talk to my dad. But for a lot of people I know.. they put so much blame on their parents for things that are fairly unjustified or unrealistic expectations for their parents to not be human-like and remain perfect. It destroys me because I have spent years crying and aching for a father figure in my life that to think some people just create unnecessary division is frustrating. However, if there is serious conflict and its a matter of safety (physical/mental) then absolutely no problem with boundaries.

Have you ever wondered whether you were adopted? hahahaha yes when I look like neither of my parents nor my siblings.

What’s the best physical feeling in the entire universe? honestly, loving and being loved.

Have you ever grown a berry bush? No

Have you done something new to your hair recently? I chopped about 15 inches off. 

Do you have bad anxiety? If so, do you take any kind of medication for it? no. anxiety really has never been a problem for me, thankfully.

One thing you’ve experienced that you thought you never would have? rape

What was the last thing someone said to you that kept repeating over & over in your head? i replay conversations from my split with kile despite my desire to forget it. 

How often do you have late nights out? pretty much never lol its just not my scene. I’d kind of like one or two a month but I don’t know anyone that would go out with me and it can be unsafe as a female to do so alone.

If you could, would you work from home? Do you think that would make you more or less productive? yes. I’m oriented to pretty strict self-discipline so it wouldn’t be a problem for me.

If you had the ability to change the weather, what would you change it to right now? either a really strong thunderstorm or cooooooooold weather

Is there something that you really need to do, but can’t seem to get motivated to do it? my motivation is completely there but my health is not

Most disturbing movie you have ever seen? i never remember names of them because i legit tune it out in my head.

Has a life goal or dream ever come true for you yet? If yes, what is it? If no, do you think you’ll achieve it? I always dreamt of going to college and doing well. I accomplished that (and then some!) I got into my dream colleges. I always wanted to travel by myself and I did. I always wanted to be in love and I was.

Have you ever had food poisoning? Yup.

What are you listening to? the freakin’ funniest song ever in bobs burgers -- the derek dematopolus song 

Do you think there will be a WWIII? I would not be surprised. there is a lot of animosity in this world

Has anyone ever asked you if you were emo? lol no. i’m a super smiley, happy person so it wouldn’t be expected of me.

Has someone ever liked you that you never thought would? definitely. Michael always throws me off my guard that he likes me. 

In all honesty, can a person be too nice? people always say yes that they get taken advantage of but I think those are two separate things. I believe you can be endlessly nice even with boundaries. I wish people aired on the side of overly nice than the typical overly rude

Has one of your friend’s boyfriends ever tried to cheat on them with you? in HS Is mental abuse really as bad as physical abuse? absolutely. the effects are devastating

Do you shop at Sephora for make-up? once in a blue moon. but only online

Zelda: Twilight Princess or Ocarina of Time? i never really played either

Do you own a rosary? no,I’m not catholic

[forr-everrmorre]

Anastasia - October 14, 2017 Matinee

I just got back from Anastasia and I’m still internally screaming despite it ending like 4 hours ago. here’s my detailed explanation description. (and I mean very, VERY detailed. a lot of it is under a cut bc I get into super spoilery territory)

Zach was on as Dimitry, and Ian and Kristen were on for Zach and Molly respectively. ZACH. DIMITRY.

before anyone asks, I didn’t record an audio. I got so caught up in the moment I forgot lol whoops.

honest to god, even before the curtain went up I was crying when I heard the opening notes of the Prologue.

NICOLE IS SO ADORABLE

during Last Dance Of The Romanovs, the suitor dancing with Kristen didn't lift her properly and right after they looked at each other and he was like "whoops"

the death of the Romanovs actually scared me like they made it terrifying with the window shattering effects and the red EVERYTHING

Lily can actually be seen comforting the Dowager Empress after Last Dance Of The Romanovs

yes, I internally screamed when Ramin came on. don't judge me.

Gleb so confidently says his opening Leningrad monologue, then Dimitry just comes in and roasts the hell out of him

when Dimitry says "Hail our brave new land", he's mockingly waving his arms around while right behind him Gleb is doing the exact same thing and honestly same.

right after that, Gleb like goes up to Dimitry and he legit RUNS OFF STAGE IN FEAR OMFG

during the part where everyone is like saying something good about Leningrad then saying something snarky, Gleb’s face is like "see, great place waIT WHAT"

after singing his verse in A Rumor In St Petersburg, Vlad immediately hits Dimtry with his hat

everyone's so happy during Rumor, but at the end right before the final shhhh, Gleb just gets on the podium and everyone just does the shhhhhh in fear

before moving on, I would like to mention that I love Kristen Smith Davis, Sissy Bell and Shina Ann Morris.

Dimitry is HIDING BEHIND A COUCH WHEN ANYA COMES INTO THE THEATER IM

Vlad's also hiding and it scares Anya when he comes out

now’s a good time to mention that when a song is starting, the projection usually gets like a subtle change in hue and it’s really cool

Gleb does this like intimidating version of the chin thing (tm) that basically LIFTS one of the fake actresses, then he like lightly blows on one of them and they all run away

Anya throws/hits with a book Dimity and Vlad at least 3 times in Learn To Do It

When Vlad makes them dance, at first Dimitry takes these GIANT UNGRACEFUL STEPS AND ITS HILARIOUS

the background changed from winter to spring once it seems that Anya's finally confident in her ability

Gleb's like shouting in his office until he turns and sees who Anya is and his voice just softens in like two seconds

you can tell that even when Gleb is trying to be funny and personable, he's still a stiff military man

THE CHIN THING (TM) WAS SHORTER THAN PROMISED SMH RAMIN

there's one part during the last verse where Anya harmonizes with Gleb, but it's so subtle that you probably can't tell from a recording

when Gleb says “it’s the silence after I remember most”, not only is it dead silent, there’s also the sound of wind in the background

James Pierce quickly became one of my favorite ensemble members just from how he acts drunk before My Petersburg

Dimitry gets like a potato or something from the street rats' fire and gives it to Anya before My Petersburg

ANYA SAVES DIMITRY AT ONE POINT DURING THE FIGHT SCENE

when Zach was climbing the bench for My Petersburg while the turntable was spinning, you could tell he was having a little bit of trouble and it was adorable

(he also had trouble taking the second can of beans out of his bag during Rumor btw)

also ZACH KILLED IT IN MY PETERSBURG

THE LIGHTING DESIGN IN ONCE UPON A DECEMBER GIVES ME LIFE

they project the phantom images of the Romanovs dancing on the walls of the side of the theater. you probably can't see it from the orchestra seats tho

Dimitry lifts Anya A LOT

I knew from the recording that a lot of the actors were fantastic singers, but live, so many of them are STELLAR. Christy, Ramin, and Constantine in particular imo are so much better live.

btw Stay I Pray You gave me chills. that song really lets the ensemble shine. literally. half the song, Christy, John and Zach were just standing there not singing while the ensemble KILLED IT.

Anya and Dimitry leave the train compartment by the time Vlad starts singing We'll Go From There, so he’s basically monologuing the entire time

after Vlad says "I'll bow as if I'm still a frisky young pup" HIS BACK CRACKS

when Dimitry's doing that thing where he's half standing on a bench, half leaning on the train, the ladies on the bench just look at him as if he's crazy the entire time

the way that them jumping off the train transitions into Traveling Sequence was SO COOL

THE STAGING FOR STILL WAS SO

ITS PROBABLY ONE OF MY FAVORITE SONGS PRODUCTION WISE DESPITE HOW SIMPLE IT WAS

so like Gleb's standing off to the side from Traveling Sequence and he starts singing and it's all dark and stuff

around when he reaches "a son becomes a man at his father's knee", a soldier gives him his jacket. then around "I am nothing but a man with nothing but his orders to fulfill", another soldier gives him his train tickets. but then around "until your heart replies", another one gives him a gun.

at the end of it, there's like 4 vague shadowy soldier figures behind him, and he turns around and all of them salute before the lights fade.

Journey To The Past gave me chills. that's all I'm saying.

I never liked Paris Holds The Key that much, but the freaking choreography CERTAINLY made up for it. hands down my favorite choreo the entire show

before Dimitry's lil solo in Paris Holds The Key, it looks like he's about to ask Anya to dance, but someone else grabs her hand before he can. I’m nope

the projection and lighting design makes it look like the end of Paris takes place on the top of the Eiffel Tower and I am so down with that

again, Christy is FANTASTIC live

honestly, Dowager Empress sounds so broken during Close The Door and I am so not ok

Little Anastasia appears behind the windows during Close The Door and I am so not ok

at the end of the number, the Dowager Empress makes a picture she has of Anastasia face down on the table and I AM SO NOT OK

when the doorman of The Neva Club tells Gleb where to get food HE JUST LOOKS SO OFFENDED LIKE “TF WHO DO YOU THINK I AM”

the choreography of Land Of Yesterday is some goOD STUFF M8

theres a good 5 seconds Lily spends shooing Count Leopold away while she’s dancing

after the instrumental break, everyone except Lily is passed out and the lighting makes it look like morning, which is why she stomps her foot and says “the night’s young”

Vlad just sneaks up and is awkwardly facing outwards in the circle dance thing at the end of Land Of Yesterday

honestly The Countess and The Common Man is a blessing and it’s hilarious

right after they say “when you sent me our sign”, they show what it was (it’s like a super subtle hand gesture). they do it at least 2 more times in the show.

during the instrumental break, they’re both just dancing like crazy and the panting at the end involves them stretching, having cracked backs, and Vlad timing his pulse

the kiss after “until you’re kissed” is SO LONG and they do weird stuff during it, I’m just,,,, nope,,,,,

they kiss like 4 more times before Land Of Yesterday Reprise btw

Gleb watches their last kiss and his face just says “what the hell are you people doing”

also freaKIN LAND OF YESTERDAY REPRISE MAN. RAMIN IS SCARY GOOD AT THIS ROLE.

A Nightmare is actually so chilling like I can’t

it does the same thing with the lighting as Once Upon A December where Anya’s the only one properly lit and everyone else looks like ghosts but just everyone being crowded around Anya instead of gracefully dancing around her seriously sets the tone

ASKDJFLGKD IN A CROWD OF THOUSANDS B Y E

THE BLOCKING IS SO SIMPLE BUT EFFECTIVE

ANYA LEANS IN ON DIMITRY WHEN SHE STARTS SINGING

I SWEAR THEY GET THIS FREAKIN CLOSE TO KISSING AT THE END BEFORE DIMITRY DOES THE “YOUR HIGHNESS” THING AND I AM DEFINITELY NOT OK

Vlad’s being alone during Meant To Be makes it super powerful

also, HELLO QUARTET AT THE BALLET

THE WAY THAT EACH OF THEM STAND UP AND FACE THE CROWD WHILE SINGING MADE IT REALLY FEEL LIKE WE WERE SEEING INTO THEIR THOUGHTS

Gleb like almost pulls out his gun like 3 times I stg

Gleb is also the only person who doesn’t applaud at the end of the ballet. he’s also the only guy not wearing a tux at the ballet. (he basically wears the same outfit the entirety of Act 2 until the Finale) they really make it very clear how out of place he is in Paris.

also the ballet itself was AMAZING. Lyrica, Kyle and James were hella good

I swear I was as stressed out as Dimitry was during Everything To Win and I knew what was gonna happen

right before Once Upon A December reprise, there’s the scene where the Dowager Empress comes into Vlad, Dimitry and Anya’s dressing room and like???? it had some gold comedic timing but was also super serious????? how???????

also Dimitry watching Anya and the Dowager Empress being reunited just breaks my heart??????????

that line in The Press Conference where the guy’s like “we do exclusive interviews”, he legit pays off Vlad to start talking and they like talk off to the side until Lily gets everyone’s attention

there’s a phone on either side of the stage during that scene and the sopranos who do that harmony at “the Princess Anastasia” use them almost as microphones and I’m in love?????

GET. ROASTED. COUNT. LEOPOLD.

during Everything To Win Reprise, Gleb is very clearly closing all the doors behind Anya but like Anya never notices until she turns around

also, when she turns around, it does the song transition as perfectly as it happens in the soundtrack and it’s gr9

idk if it was just this performance, but Gleb sounded a lot more somber and conflicted during the dialogue of Still/The Neva Flows Reprise, but then when the singing starts again, he was honestly terrifying, like Anya was legit backing into a corner

this was something I noticed from the bootlegs, but I’m pretty sure no matter what angle you view it from, Young Anastasia is blocked by the archway during Still/The Neva Flows Reprise while you can very clearly see the rest of the Romanovs. idk I just always found that to be an interesting choice

at the end of Still/The Neva Flows Reprise, GLEB ALMOST PULLS THE TRIGGER ON HIMSELF AND DEAR LORD GLEB THAT GOT DARK FAST

listen,,, every time Dimitry has lifted Anya before,,,,,, she like let out a little squeal of surprise,,, except after they kiss,,,,,,,,,, she’s just staring into his eyes the entire time,,,,,,,,,,,, can y’all believe they invented love,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

the Finale was just beautiful ok

especially when the singing starts again and then the Romanovs come on stage around Anya and Dimitry

all around this show was just beautiful and amazing and I cried multiple times

also Zach totally got the loudest applause (I’m pretty sure it was louder than Christy’s tbh) and yes I live for understudy/ensemble appreciation

BONUS ROUND: STAGE DOOR AFTER

Kevin was actually the first person to leave, and a few people recognized him but he just waved and left

NICOLE IS SO SMALL AND ADORABLE

apparently Christy just restocked the candy. time to put Creepy Anya above the candy box again.

John was such a nice dude

Caroline was so bubbly and happy the entire time I love her

BUT CHRISTY FREAKIN ALTOMARE

she took the time to talk to any fan who had something to say to her

like she spent like 5 minutes talking to the people next to me since they apparently all went to the high school she graduated from

and when I talked to her, I told her about how much the soundtrack and Royal Misfits helps me get through the really rough days and and she game me a hug and I’m

not

ok

also Zach came out and everyone was like “DUDE YOU WERE AWESOME AS DIMITRY” and tbh big mood

anyways. thats it from me about Anastasia. except probably not. catch me two weeks later just randomly posting something I loved about the show because it was  r e a l l y  f r e a k i n  g o o d.

[muffinsnotebook]

Crying in a Coffee Shop (a Jin x Reader fic)

[is based on a real life story lol. crossposted on ao3]

The coffee shop was quickly filling up with people as the after-lunch rush started coming in by the droves. On any other day, you would have migrated to the small nook table tucked further in the shop, away from the chattering and bustling. Your earphones could only drown out so much noise without ruining your eardrums for good, and while you hated silence, you couldn’t really concentrate in the rush hour noise.

Today, however, you’d failed to transfer to a more secluded seat, but you were far too preoccupied to mind the noise anymore. Right then, you were neck deep into the absolutely riveting masterpiece you’d discovered in a fan fiction site. Right then, it was breaking your heart, smooshing the wreckage further into your punctured chest, as your favorite OTP sinks at some author’s well placed plot twists.

You didn’t want to believe it; the earlier chapters were filled with such heart-fluttering romances, and cute couple moments, it was difficult to believe you were reading the same piece of fan fiction. A part of you had already recognized the telltale signs of angst and tragedy three chapters ago, with that military phone call. Still, you refused to believe this author was cruel enough to make you ship your OTP even harder, only to sink it with as much ammunition.

He turns his back to her yet again, steps out her doorway, out her home, out her heart, heading off to God knows where, facing God knows what new form of danger. Both of them have long foregone promises and false assurances. It was simply a waste of time, of breath, of words. They’ve long since learned that Fate did not care what promises they wanted to keep.

He’d already lost count of the promises he’d broken, every time he came back a little less whole, a lot more scarred. A lot more battle worn.

She’d already lost count of the promises she’d broken, every time she’d neglected to take care of herself, and forget to eat, forget to bathe, forget to live. Too preoccupied with trying to breathe.

Because deep down, she already knew. The moment she saw his back turn once more, saw that same front door shut for the hundredth time, she knew. That he wouldn’t come back anymore, that he would finally, truly, wholly, break his promise. Because she’d gazed at his back as he left, a hundred times before. But never before had it been tinged with a dreadful finality.

“…No…” You whimpered quietly into your hand, your chest growing tighter as your brain quickly processed where this was going. “No, oh no, please don’t tell me…” You murmured past the lump in your throat.

He bites back a cry of pain as the man yanks his head back by the hair, the rough gag tied around his mouth digging at the chapped corners of his lips. He glares blindly, past the haze of pain and blood loss, cursing himself for his carelessness, for his one moment of weakness that brought him into this situation. Now, his mistake will only cause her to cry more, only cause her to break more. And he would never be able to make it right, to put together the pieces of her he’d broken.

His eyes clenched shut, he tries to imagine her - a time when she was happier, with eyes so bright they outshined the sun, and a smile that belied the sweetness of her kisses. He has barely remembered the way she’d say his name, when the soldier pulls the trigger, and his memories become nothing more than a mass of blood and matter splattered on a cold, dingy holding cell.

When the fateful pristine white envelope comes, two months later, the tears she sheds are already old and familiar. Still, they burned fresh tracks down her numbed cheeks; the pain so real it felt physical. It takes her a long while to realize it is physical, and that the fire burning below her stomach, and down between her legs is very real and very ominous. But by the time she reaches the hospital, it’s too late; only now, she’s lost two parts of her soul, and everything that remained of him.

Unbidden, your tears started spilling one after another. You put down the cursed phone on the table with a clatter, in favor of wiping away your tears. You hadn’t even noticed them grow hot, and yet you barely stifled the sob clenching your chest. Maybe it’s the accumulated stress from the past few weeks - calculus and accounting midterms were a bitch - but you’re surprised and more than a little bit embarrassed that your tears still haven’t stopped.

“Hey, miss, what’s wrong?” A hand rested itself gently on your shoulder, and you instantly froze, remembering at last that, no, you were not in the safety of your dorm room, but out in the middle of a coffee shop, during the peak of the lunch rush. It was a testament to just how into the story you got; inwardly, you make a mental note to mention this later in your review to the author.

Right now, however, you were far too mortified for words. It was hard to believe you of all people would break down in public, much more, over a freakin’ fanfic!

“Miss, are you okay?” The guy dragged the empty chair across from you, promptly sitting beside you. He held out a hanky with one hand, the other rubbing your back. “It’s okay, it’s gonna be fine, you’re going to be okay.”

You felt as if your face was on fire. It was bad enough that you’d unintentionally cried in public, but even worse, some random guy noticed, and deemed you in need of comforting and counseling. It didn’t help that was absolutely gorgeous - no joke; he could’ve very well been a model for some cosmetic or fashion line, and you wouldn’t be surprised one bit. His face was pale and smooth, his pink lips full and thick; and normally you didn’t care much for men with colored hair, but goddammit if his pink hair didn’t look good on him. And his dark eyes were fixed only on you, his face contorted with genuine concern and worry into the most adorable, irresistible look you’ve ever seen.

Your brain practically short-circuited. Part oif you was still caught up in the feelings that cursed fanfic left you with, another just marveling at this beautiful, handsome, gorgeous creature with his broad shoulders and tall, slim build.

When you still hadn’t moved, he moved to wipe your face for you, and that’s when you drew the line, flinching and raising your hands like a shield.

“I-I’m fine! I can do it myself,” You could only take so much humiliation, after all.

He blinked, his face faltering for a split second, before recovering. “Oh, I’m sorry, here.”

Gingerly, you accepted his proffered hanky to gently dab your face dry. You probably looked like a fire hydrant by now, with how hot your face felt. This situation had probably reached a record for the Most Awkward Moment in Coffee Shop History.

And all this time, this angel of a stranger in pink sweater still had not stopped rubbing soothing circles on your back.

Once you felt your face was sufficiently clean, you folded the hanky neatly, but hesitated to return it. “Thanks for this, uhm,” You bit your lip, forcing yourself to look at his face, as was polite. “I’d wash it first before returning it to you, but…”

I don’t know who you are…

“Oh, don’t worry about it,” He smiled; taking the hanky back and tucking it into his pocket. He paused to wet his lips (you pretend your eyes weren’t drawn to the way his pink tongue dragged along thick, pink lips, because no, you were not some perverted, hormonal teenaged girl). “Are you okay, now though?”

You nodded mutely, consciously trying to keep your lips shut. Yes, you were probably a certified human fire hydrant by now.

“Was it a guy?” It took all of you not to choke on your own spit. Now really, how were you supposed to answer that?

“Uh…” You glanced away, trying to find the right words to explain that no, you were not crying over a broken heart because of a guy… actually, you were, but definitely not in the way he was thinking…

“Oh, I’m sorry,” You looked back at him to find the most heart wrenching crestfallen look on his face. “You probably wouldn’t want to talk about such personal things with a total stranger…” Even his wry smile was perfect. God dammnit to heaven and back 24/7. Now you felt like the worst criminal on Earth, as though you’d stolen candy from a kid.

“No, no! It’s not that at all!” You blurted out, a bit too loudly, and he jumped in surprise. You looked down, twisting your fingers. “You’re just really nice and all, I’m just so flustered. A-and it’s not that it’s personal or anything, but it’s just really embarrassing so…”

“No, no,” he shook his head, smiling gently again, and all you could register was pink heaven. “I completely understand. I just thought that you looked really sad, and maybe you needed someone to talk to. But if you don’t feel comfortable with it, then I’m sorry for prying. Just know that everything will really turn out fine, and that you’re not alone.” He paused with a slight wince. “I know that sounded really cliché and maybe too commonly said to sound true, but I really do mean it.”

“No, I’m telling you, it’s really not that at all!” You insisted, exasperated. You buried your face in your hands, debating for the last time whether you wanted Mr. Cute and Concerned to know the extent of your pathetic-ness.

Then again, could you really resist that puppy dog look? No, you could not. You sighed.

“Promise me you won’t laugh.” You mumbled, peeking through your fingers. You didn’t think you could handle this without some form of a shield.

If he was confused by the strange request, he didn’t show it. “I won’t.” He said sincerely.

You drew a deep breath, imagining it as liquid courage. “…The reason I cried was because of the really, really sad story I was reading.”

He blinked once, twice, then promptly looked down at the table, to the incriminating phone still opened to the fan fiction page. “Oh.”

Yeah. Oh.

It had to be the most awkward silence of your life. Personally, you wouldn’t have been able to come up with a better reply than, “oh”.

“Ah,” You whined, burying your face into your hands. “It’s really embarrassing, but it really was a sad story, I swear, and I didn’t expect it at all! I don’t even usually get so emotional over things I read. Actually, I’m usually not so emotional in public, period!”

“Yes, you do.” He replied quietly.

You nearly got whiplash snapping your head up so quickly. “What?”

Now it was Mr. Cute and Concerned who was flushed pink. But dammnit if he didn’t look even more handsome for it! He cleared his throat, avoiding your gaze.

“Uhm, well, this is going to sound weird,” you snorted at his word choice, and the way his lips twitched told you he did it on purpose. “But, I’ve seen you around in this café before, usually busy on your phone or some novel, and well, you’re not exactly unemotional when you do.”

You didn’t even know where to start with that loaded statement. He’s been watching you. You weren’t as discreet as you thought you were. He’s been watching you, here in this coffee shop, reading all those things (and mind, not all of those had been SFW fics)…!

You blushed as he smirked at you. You spluttered, opening and closing your mouth as you struggled for words, but he only laughed, the sound endearing and infectious.

“I’m sorry, I’m sorry,” He said finally, still chuckling. At this point, you’ve managed to muster enough annoyance and displeasure with him to at least stop blushing and smiling.

“You’re right, that does sound weird on so many levels,” you said at last. He had the decency to blush again.

“Ah, this wasn’t how I planned to meet you at all,” he said, chuckling a bit, but it sounded far more forced and sheepish than before. “I’ve always seen you before, and almost always in the same spot, and almost always reading something or other.”

You blushed; you’d really thought you’d made yourself unnoticeable in your little nook. Apparently, the whole, “If I can’t see you, you can’t see me” logic was really just a myth.

“Don’t take this the wrong way, but watching you read is quite fun.” He continued, smiling reassuringly at your wary look. “Your expression always changes with what you read, sometimes I think I can almost see the story progressing just from watching you.”

You groaned, burying your face in your hands. Your dad had mentioned it once, when you’d read a novel across the table from him. You’d been reading the main characters banter and flirt when he suddenly burst out laughing, shaking his head at you.

Well.

“…This is really just awkward and embarrassing,” You said wearily, and Mr. Cute and Concerned laughed again.

“A friend of mine has told me once that my whole life is awkward. So I’d say this is par for the course.”

This time you join in his laughter. If you were honest with yourself, you weren’t any better at being a social butterfly. Finally, after much effort, he stopped laughing long enough to extend his hand.

“I’m Kim Seokjin.”

You returned his handshake, giving him your name in turn. The way he smiled then turned sheepish and coy, his cheeks even brighter than the pink of his sweater. An awkward silence settled between you then, and you scrambled for something to do or say.

“So…” Seokjin began at last. “Would you like a cookie?”

And that was how you found yourself in tears in the middle of a bustling coffee shop for the second time, this time with your cheeks and jaw aching from laughing so much, and a new contact person on your phone nicknamed, Mr. Cute and Concerned (and Pink).

Much, much later, when you meet Jeon Jungkook and the rest of Kim Seokjin’s roommates, they burst out laughing at yet another Seokjin’s Finest™ Awkward Moment entry when you told them how you met.

- Miss March Muffin. 

[irishcoffeeslushie]

Nobuta wo Produce review (excerpts) - I

Disclaimer: I didn’t write this, although I wish I had. Source.

High school.

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times; it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness; it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity; it was the season of teenage angst, it was the season of puppy love; it was the spring of maturity, it was the winter of childhood; we had everything before us, we had nothing before us…

God bless his soul, but Mr. Dickens must be turning in his grave this very minute knowing that his iconic opener from “A Tale of Two Cities” was hijacked by some slush-brained Jdorama fangirl, and then bastardized into a paean to the Universal High School Experience. Even worse, imagine his horror to find this piece to be just a pretext for a long and gushy tribute to a rather unsightly pair of Japanese teen idols — one scrawny and effeminate, the other looking perpetually lobotomized — who, by their performances in the drama that’s about to be dissected, have effectively clinched said fangirl’s undying affections (pure and, uh, otherwise). If our esteemed Victorian novelist only knew that his classic lines would later be co-opted into a rhapsody about a couple of Johnnies fer gawdssakes, he wouldn’t just be turning in his grave by now, but doing freakin’ somersaults while chewing on his elbows or something — or worse, gyrating furiously to the “Seishun Amigo” chorus. (Sacrilege!!! Is nothing sacred now? Not even Dickens???)

I know it may sound funny (and even counterintuitive), but “sacred” is exactly what I hold this drama to be. Admittedly, Nobuta wo Produce hardly looks impressive on the surface, and can be dismissed by the casual observer as just another idoru vehicle set against the disposable backdrop of high school — with the fluff, the stereotypes, the puerile laughs — only to be swallowed in a sea of other mass-produced Jdramas of the same teen-wanking formula… But no. This one is different. Because once in a while we drama fans are gifted with a viewing experience so transcendent in both style and substance, a triumphant synergy of directorial creativity, of writing deep and resonant, and of characters so heartbreakingly authentic.

Nobuta wo Produce is the Jdrama that is closest to my heart, the one that means the most to me out of all that I’ve watched (and re-watched). (And you thought it was something Kimura had starred in? Close, but no ciggy.) Although I cannot speak for all fans of this drama, I know that many, like myself, have come to love its three protagonists — Shuji, Akira, Nobuta — with a fierce allegiance, and can identify with their own feelings of disquiet and trepidation as they stand, inevitably, on the brink of adulthood. This is a deeply personal drama to watch — and that, for me, is what makes it sacred in no small way. Just as we all — whoever and wherever we are — inwardly uphold as sacrosanct the universal themes that this drama explores to rich, rewarding ends: the painful reality of growing up, the strange duality of alienation and friendship, and the “self-revelatory odyssey” of finding yourself as you make your way through life.

Robert Lloyd of the Los Angeles Times had this to say about another seminal teen drama from the other side of the world that remains, in my opinion, the best of its kind to ever be spawned by Hollywood — and also, regrettably, one of the most underrated and short-lived. The title? My So-Called Life (ABC, 1994).

“Every so often in the collaborative art called television a little miracle happens. There is a meeting of minds, a confluence of vision, a gathering of particular talents. The planets align, the cards fall into place, and something is born whose worth is instantly apparent to all involved, not as a generator of revenue — at which it might fail completely — but as an ennobling refraction of some little bit of the Truth, of what it means, or could mean, to be alive. Each department pushes the others a little bit harder; excellence from one corner prompts ambition in another. What might have begun as just the next greenlighted project or available job becomes a sort of holy mission, even if none of the participants would ever dare call it that — this being, after all, only television.”

These words also captured all that I felt about Nobuta wo Produce and had hoped to articulate in my own inadequate way. And the stars did seem to align for myself and this drama: a few minutes into the first episode I knew that something extraordinary was unfolding on my TV screen. There was no way this would turn out to be just another teen drama. Nor did it feel like an “idol drama” in spite of its cast; I saw no idols playacting for the paycheck, but three regular high school kids in a coming-of-age story that was all at once funny, heartfelt and bittersweet. NwP isn’t an outstanding high school drama, but an outstanding drama, period.

Based on the novel by Shiraiwa Gen, the screenplay by Kizara Izumi serves as the backbone of the whole drama… and oh my goodness, how can I NOT gush about THE WRITING — it both warms and pierces the heart. And it’s so… HIGH SCHOOL, y’know? It gets it, as in it really gets what high school is all about, that different planet we’ve ALL been to, where the drama and the heightened emotions and the clique wars and the desire for validation and the puppy love and the tortured ruminations matter more than they ever will by the time we’re these Big Old Boring Grownups. Nobuta wo Produce is about Becoming and Belonging, and about finding fast and true friends who will help you along the way.

Everyone loves Shuji – from his teachers right down to his peers, from his coterie of “bye-byecycle” homeboys to their simpering, magazine-flipping counterparts, from the resident toughies to the nerds and outcasts. And he lives for their acceptance, he craves their admiration, he likes to be liked by everyone… Well, maybe not everyone, because if there is one person he simply cannot stand, the bane of his high school existence, it’s this boy, the Weirdest Human Being Shuji has ever met. There simply is nobody else on earth quite like… Kusano Akira (Yamashita Tomohisa).

If Pinocchio were a special child and had magic mushrooms for breakfast every bleeping day of his life… then add a few more embellishments like the bleached hair and rolled-up shirtsleeves, the baggy pants and wallet chain, the spacey giggling and face-pulling, the repertoire of funny voices and horribly infectious expressions — bakayaro! kon-kon! Shu-uuuji-kun! sukebe! – and a partiality to quoting Nietzsche while incongruously flailing his arms like a gooney bird… voila! Kusano Akira, Resident Freak of 2-B. And the worst thing about this little creep? Is that he seems to harbor an unhealthy liking for… Shuji. (Oh NOES!!!) (Ohhhh YESSS!!!! Hehehe)

So what on earth makes this unlikely twosome team up for a common cause? Shortly after the new girl’s arrival, Shuji and Akira chance upon a particularly nasty case of girl-on-girl bullying coming from inside the ladies’ room. The victim turns out to be that odd little transferee Kotani Nobuko (Horikita Maki). Reluctant to get involved, Shuji stays outside the washroom while Akira goes inside to try and reason with the bullies. With no image to protect, Akira has nothing to lose by sticking up for someone like Nobuta — even if it means getting hosed down himself. For all his flakiness and irrational fears, Akira is no coward.

I like how the writing gives the viewer a comprehensive crash course in product development, brand marketing and image management. I have no background in this field, but still found this stuff incredibly fascinating. And there’s a certain *wink, wink, nudge, nudge* aspect to this drama, given that Shuji and Akira’s marketing strategy parallels how the entertainment industry manufactures, packages and sells celebrities, be they TV/film stars or recording artists or — yes, teen idols. (I really do wonder if Messrs. Kamenashi and Yamashita ever realized how meta the whole “Producing Nobuta” story line was. Did they ever look up from the script during one of the read-throughs and go, “Huh? But this is US!” Heh heh.)

A crucial point for Shuji comes in the Valentine’s Day episode, where he must choose between showering Nobuta with flower petals, or dousing her with cold water. The first option will spell kryptonite for his Cool Guy status, while the second will undoubtedly break Nobuta’s heart. What to do, what to do? As much as I wanted to wring Shuji’s neck for vacillating through most of the episode, you understand how much it means to him to put his popularity on the line.

This episode builds with delicious suspense — will he, or won’t he? — and concludes with a most unexpected twist. Damn, but when Bando (as a last-minute substitution, as per Nobuta’s request) pulls the cord and those petals come raining down on Nobuta, I frickin’ cried my eyes out. What’s more touching is when Nobuta realizes that Shuji, after an agonizing night of soul-searching, had in fact played, and played, and played a random eeny-meeny-miney-mo game until he finally arrived at “flower” instead of “water.” (Awwww, Shu-uuuji-kun!)

97% of the drama’s humor emanates from this singular bundle of goofy laughs. And Akira’s screwiness is surpassed only by how bloody endearing he is. You come to not only tolerate his foibles, but embrace them — because as a viewer you can look past appearances to see his good, stout and true heart. He may be off the wall (actually WAAAY off the wall, lol), but Akira is the Real Deal. He is also the perfect voice for an entire generation of aimless, unmotivated youngsters trying to make sense of, well, everything. “I dunno what youth is all about,” he bleats to Shuji on the rooftop in Episode 1. “I don’t have anything I want to do, and I don’t want to do anything.” (To which Shuji replies: “Isn’t everyone like that?” Hmm, good point, Shuji.)

If Shuji and Nobuta’s personal bugbears are dishonesty and low self-esteem, respectively, for Akira it is growing up. In Episode 6 he promptly leaves home to escape his dad’s mounting insistence that he take over the family-run company someday; and for the boy this is a most horrifying prospect, a life that will not only saddle him with a staggering load of adult responsibilities, but also take him far, far away from what he most holds dear. He tells Shuji before drifting off to sleep (having crashed the Kiritani home after a violent disagreement with his dad) “I don’t wanna go back home. I like that tofu guy and I can drink ‘mame chichi’ and be with Shuji and Nobuta everyday…” (Oh, Akira.)

Akira has the best lines when he’s at his tortured, lovesick worst. When Shuji the Cynic asks him what his immediate plans are — “What are you going to do? Confess to her, and then go to the zoo on a date, or something?” — Akira mulls it over a second, then answers: “What I want to do the most is… MARRY HER!!!….. How embarrassing!” (Then Shuji dryly comments via voice-over, “His reality goes way beyond my imagination.” LMAO!!!! Man I love those boys. *tear*) So, you don’t wish to deny him his petty fits of jealousy, like attempting to throw away Shuji’s short film – with insanely funny repercussions: “Akira DOWN!!!” (Lol!!!) Then, “My heart hurts…” (Awwww…) But he can’t keep his wrongdoing a secret from Shu-uuji-kun, so he confesses right there on the video room floor: “I’m the worst guy. The WORST.” To which Shuji quietly replies, “I’m the worst, too.” (Man I really, really love those boys. *tear*)

Salinger’s angstily f*cked-up hero Holden Caulfield fears becoming one of those adult “phonies” whom he detests so much, and instead envisions himself a catcher standing on the edge of a cliff, intercepting little kids as they come through a field of rye. In Nobuta wo Produce, Shuji, Nobuta and (most of all) Akira grapple with similar feelings as they face the terrifying inevitability of growing up. In this sense, both “Catcher” and NwP run counter to conventional Bildungsroman lines because the characters try to resist this process of maturity. It is only later that they learn to accept, and embrace it as part of life.

NwP is chock-full of these soul-stirring vignettes, and I’d like to include a few here. One unforgettable moment is a shot of Shuji and Akira on their bikes, pausing in the middle of a tree-lined road and turning to watch the adult pedestrians, these working stiffs in suits, hurry past in the other direction. Shuji: “I thought about how we’re gonna become like those boring-looking people someday.”

And this obviously pushes That Button inside Akira, sending him into Spaz Mode: “I don’t wanna be like that! Don’t wanna, don’t wanna, don’t wanna be like that!” (LOL oh Akiraaa)

[jungnoir]

college boyfriend!minhyuk;

man have ya’ll ever met a human puppy cause this!! ^^^ is it

for the boyfriend!minhyuk request~

literally everything screams boyfriend to me about minhyuk

try and tell me he wouldn’t be the sweetest thing since peach cobbler (i sound so texan when i say that)

okay, okay, okay, so minhyuk, this angel is an RA

at first his friends were kind of like??? RA? minhyuk?

it’s not that minhyuk is bad with people it’s just,,, most people think he’s bad with,,, rules,,, and the enforcement of them

minhyuk is extremely friendly all the time, but sometimes he sees students blatantly breaking some rules

usually a short scolding will at least get them to keep their shit to themselves, so he doesn’t obsess over the small things

like he’s such a sweetie pie and most people think that they can do whatever they want and walk all over him

and most people do tbh!!!! they don’t care about the curfew or how many times they lose their key or anything

most students in the building think “oh lol i ain’t gotta worry, the RA is lee minhyuk. what’s the worst he can do? pout???”

which, btw, is what minhyuk initially does

but one guy whose really been pushing it for the last month comes in wayyyyyy past curfew all smug and minhyuk is literally like “!! excuse me, i’m gonna have to write you up for that”

and the guy laughs and pats minhyuk’s shoulder all patronizingly like “hehe whatever bro i wasn’t that late, just let it slide”

and then the guy tries to walk off

and minhyuk grabs the kid by the back of his hoodie and reels him back in

the guy is about to protest but minhyuk smiles this huge smile

not like his usual… like it’s actually pretty unsettling

“i said, i’m going to have to write you up. would you like me to mention the situation from last week? i distinctly remember catching you with a bag of something… hm, idk… green? didn’t look legal to me”

the guy visibly gulps and starts shaking his head back and forth really fast

and minhyuk release the guy finally and puts on his usual charming smile and pats the guy’s back excessively hard, shooting him a wink, “try to make it on time next time, hm?”

when the guy mentions this to other residents in the building, those little instances start to reduce to almost none

because most people thought that oh!! minhyuk is my friend, if he sees me doing something i shouldn’t he won’t be a hard ass about it right?? he’s never mentioned it before”

but minhyuk def keeps a record of wrongs in his building, and he always has some sort of ammo against someone if they get too out of hand

which is lowkey scary to his friends but also highkey cool as hell

his friend, jooheon, once told minhyuk that he would make a great undercover agent or something with how great he is at keeping things concealed and minhyuk just deadpans “how do you know i’m not one?” and minhyuk is that good that jooheon is actually stunned into silence until minhyuk starts giggling like man i’m just fucking with ya

minhyuk just really does his job well, keeps a good rein on all of the more troublesome students living in his building, and is not a force to be reckoned with

all wrapped up in a cute little bow of tall and cute 🎀

and then you move in

you don’t really know too many people on campus and you’re not aware of the notoriety of your RA

all you really care about is getting some rest and unwinding

you’re so tired from the long drive from your home to your new dorm that when you set the last box outside of your dorm, you drop to the floor in a heap and curl up against the box, telling yourself you’re only going to take a quick nap

your eyes shut and suddenly it’s half an hour later and someone is shaking you awake

you’re super disoriented at first, having just had the best, restful sleep in days

and it gets ripped away from you like that?? rude

you’re about to curse out the blurry figure before you when the person comes into view

there’s this dark haired beauty kneeling between your legs, one hand on the wall beside your head and the other holding your shoulder

he’s wearing the school’s sweatshirt in a blindingly yellow color and his dark ripped skinny jeans stretch and writhe around his long, skinny legs as he crouches this way and that to examine you

his tufts of brown hair resemble bedhead but it suits him

suits him so well in fact that you’re not even aware you’ve been staring this whole time until he’s like “is the dorm hallway comfier than your new bed?”

you don’t realize that you’ve got drool on the side of your mouth or that you look absolutely freakin’ out of it while he laughs at your distant and sleepy expression

carefully, he takes the sleeve of his hoodie and wipes your mouth with it, shocking you into sitting up straight

you instinctively shove his hand back but he just looks at you super confused like??? i’m?? help you??? chill?

“who are you?” you demand, voice groggy from disuse but clear enough for him to hear

“your new RA!!” he grins, his shiny teeth glinting in the setting sunlight from the hallway’s window

your eyes shoot open and you quickly push him away, scrambling to wipe at your face and eyes in embarrassment

of course you’d fall asleep in a hallway and have to be woken up by a cute RA

no less while you’re drooling

“h-how long have i been out?”

he shrugs, shoving his hands into the kangaroo pocket at the front of his hoodie, “dunno. a resident came to get me a few minutes ago, claiming there was a girl passed out in front of her dorm door. you made quite an impression on your new roommate by the way”

internally, you’re punching yourself in the face but you manage to steel your expression into one of nonchalant understanding, as if pretending the situation wasn’t as embarrassing as it was would help you

“well, you should get inside and take a proper nap. need any help setting up?” he asks suddenly, twisting his torso this way and that with his lip between his teeth

and wow, i mean, wow, he’s really cute

probably way too cute to be humanly possible

you quickly reject his offer, hiking the box off the ground and into your hands with a smile “nah, i’ve got this… uh, thanks for not writing me up on my first day, by the way. i shouldn’t have fallen asleep, but i just-” “happens to the best of us. you seemed pretty tired so i’ll give you a break” he smiles softly, winking at you

your eyes shoot wide out of slight shock in reaction to his wink but then you melt into a fit of giggles, turning to go inside your dorm, before the cute RA calls out “I’m minhyuk, by the way!” on his way back down the hall

“(y/n)! nice meeting you!” you say, watching him wave and wave and wave, walking backwards until he eventually bumps into the wall at the end of the hallway and has to take a turn, his cheeks lighting up in a warm red before he leaves

when you get the door open to your dorm, you see your new roommate splayed on the bed upside down, her phone in hand as she types away without much thought

it’s only when you set the box down on the bed that she looks up, and her eyes widen completely

“oh my god!! what are you doing here?”

you’re like??? i’m your roommate??

but then she’s like “you fell asleep in the hallway and the RA caught you. i’m surprised you’re even still here”

“why? it was an accident?”

she rolls her eyes at you, falling back onto the mattress of her bed with a dramatic sigh, “yeah, but didn’t he write you up? or threaten you? or your family? don’t tell me he threatened your family”

“he just said that i should get some rest, is all. why would an RA threaten me over something like that”

she gives you this wide-eyed look that literally borders on crazy, “i’ve heard things. people say he’s the warden from hell”

you literally have to ask if she’s talking about the same person that you’re thinking of; the tall cutie with the sunny yellow sweatshirt similar to his disposition

but this girl is deadass convinced that minhyuk is secretly evil and that you probably weren’t really let off the hook after all

you try not to let her words get to you, but deep down you feel something so unsettling about the whole thing

not even toward minhyuk!!! you just feel like there’s more to the equation than your given variables

but you brush it off and actually introduce yourselves to each other and as you settle in for the first night, your mind is swimming with all the things you have headed for you tomorrow, though all of that takes a backseat to the mysterious RA that your roommate had warned you of

for the next few weeks, you see minhyuk in passing often

he’s always seen greeting students and asking about their lives in detail, like he’s pretty much best friends with everyone in the building

he’s just so open and friendly and excitable and it’s crazy to think your roommate is so convinced he’s a “warden from hell”

minhyuk even takes the time out to sit down and talk with you when he sees you at lunch, or asks if living there is any fun or if you have any concerns

he seems to really care about the residents and their wellbeing

in fact, had your roommate never said anything, you probably would’ve never assumed that there was anything particularly different about minhyuk

but you happen to be around one night when something goes wrong

you had trailed into the building after a few exhausting hours of studying in the library and you were fully prepared to sink into bed to rest and just forget the day

when you walk out onto your floor, you can instantly hear loud thumping music coming from somewhere and you internally groan, knowing it would probably be a long night, but you hold hope that minhyuk would diffuse whatever party was being held soon so you could actually fall asleep

however, when you round the corner to where the music is coming from (even worse, it’s coming from the hall your dorm is in), you see minhyuk being shoved against the wall by a group of guys, all looking too drunk out of their minds to realize the severity of physically threatening their RA

you throw caution to the wind and run in front of the guys, catching their surprise, which you use to your advantage

“are you guys insane? do you want to get kicked off campus because of this? possibly even expelled?”

then one of the guys is like “he was being a fucking killjoy, as usual”

“it’s his job. it’s damn near eleven at night and i don’t know about you guys, but other residents in this building have exams all next week. if he doesn’t shut it down, someone else will, and not as nicely” you defend, the tiredness from your day weighing in on you as you glare at the boys

most of them look irritated still, but when they realize you have a point, they grumble and back off, walking back into their dorm to settle down their party

when the door shuts, you look over to minhyuk

his back is leaned against the wall, his eyes shut with a heavy sigh, “thank you” he mumbles

“of course, they looked like they were gonna beat the shit out of you for doing your job!” you shove his shoulder a little, frowning at his complete lack of emotion

but minhyuk just shrugs, forcing a smile, “i’ve caught them doing shit like this a bunch of times, this is nothing new. no matter what i do, i look like the bad guy to them”

your roommate’s words resurface in your mind again, and you decide that you won’t leave tonight until minhyuk explains himself, so you take him by the wrist and start dragging him with you toward the lounge, his eyes narrowing when you lead him into the elevator

he’s about to ask what this is all about when you nudge him with your arm, “i’m gonna buy us some snacks, and then you’re gonna tell me why people call you the warden from hell”

and it’s really strange to him bc like?? you’re the first person to ever really want to hear him out about why he does what he does on his job?

like he kind of expects people to misinterpret what kind of person he is by word of mouth from the assholes who intentionally make his job harder

and if anyone sees him getting pushed around or talked down to they usually assume that it’s his fault and he’s just being a hard ass

but you buy him his favorite snacks and you sit down with him in the lounge and just allow him to let it all out, and he doesn’t realize how good it is to talk to someone and be heard

i mean his friends do it for him too, but even they sometimes think that minhyuk is just too enthusiastic about the job and can sometimes go overboard

but you understand him in a different way, and he’s thankful for that

“i’ve always been the class clown and the guy that was always super nice and did everything everybody expected of him, so when i got offered the job, i was excited. most people did what they were supposed to do, and if anyone even slightly slipped up, i let it slide. then, i guess, people got the wrong idea and assumed that they could walk all over me. so i stopped being so lenient and i stood up for myself, but as you can see, that doesn’t always go as planned”

as minhyuk tells you, you notice he doesn’t look you in the eye once, his hands fiddling with his green tea or fixing and re-fixing his fringe

“i never really found the middle ground, you know? where i could be nice, friendly, lovable minhyuk and where i could stop people from taking advantage of that. i don’t know… how do you find that balance?” he asks

“well… first of all, not everyone is going to like you. know that much is true, especially in your position. there are going to be days when no one likes you, and if you don’t like that, you should probably quit but… that’s life, minhyuk. you can’t quit life. you’re always going to find that bunch of assholes that take you for granted and push you to your limits. you just need that one person in your corner who will pick you back up when you get pushed down”

“do you have someone like that?” minhyuk tilts his head to the side, eyes wide and curious as you giggle “yeah, my best friend. do you have best friends?”

“i have six. they’re all insane” he says, but his words are betrayed by the wide smile on his face, full of fond and warmness, and you smile with him

minhyuk and you end up talking for a little longer, about his friends and how minhyuk’s doing in his classes while juggling his job

then, suddenly, something comes to mind

“ah, minhyuk? when you didn’t write me up for sleeping in the hallway… why did you do that?”

minhyuk blinks at you like it’s obvious, “because you seemed like a nice person who had a tough day. and because i thought you were really pretty, but i can’t really admit that because i’m supposed to be objective on my job”

you kinda freeze when he says this, the hand that was clutching your candy bar suddenly closing in and crushing the snack in between your fingers, but minhyuk doesn’t even look

he just… smirks

the lil shit

“we should head to bed soon, can’t very well write myself up, can i?”

he ends up walking you back up to your dorm and you’re happy to notice that the party from before has since died and cleaned out, so you can finally get some rest

as soon as he turns the corner to go to bed himself, you slink against the door to your dorm and heave a loud, wistful sigh, your mind replaying the scene of minhyuk smiling at you, cheeks bright and calling you pretty, his raspy voice letting your name roll off his tongue in an undeniably attractive way

your hands are still sticky from squishing your candy bar, and all you can think of is the rush and jolt of something you haven’t felt in a while coursing through you once more

your cheeks start to burn as you look down at your hands, contemplating if what you were feeling was actually what you were feeling

then you hear a soft whistle from the other end of the hallway, and when you look up, minhyuk is there, eyes glittering with mischief “you have two minutes before curfew”

you quickly scramble up and grab your doorknob, shooting a squeaky and hurried goodnight his way before slipping into your dorm none too gracefully, the look of playfulness on minhyuk’s face teasing you well until you finally get to bed

and well, after that, you become subject to some… suspicion

minhyuk doesn’t change how he greets you by much, at least in your eyes, but to everyone else there seems to be a hidden meaning behind it

your friends notice that minhyuk is a bit more touchy when with you, or that he might look over at you and instantly smile when he sees you

it’s small, barely noticeable things that he does and you think that he’s just being a friend, but your friends beg to differ

“did you see the way he looked at you? like the universe is in your eyes?” “he’s totally gonna ask you out” “what’s his sign again? i think you guys are compatible”

minhyuk’s lips could turn up like 0.000000004332992 degrees and they’ll be like !!!! see!!!!! obviously you two are hooking up!!!

and it’s not that you don’t like it!! it’s just that omg your friends are so embarrassing

it’s gotten to the point that if you’re with friends and you see minhyuk, you have to run in the opposite direction because you just know they’re going to find a way to push you two together and you will not have it. over your dead, embarrassed body

your friends are always like!!! ohHHH LEE MINHYUK??? THE RA??? THE CUTE ONE THAT YOU-

your friends nearly get whiplash with how hard you yank them around the corner

and minhyuk startles at the sound of his name and sees you naruto running with your friends being dragged along, watching with a tiny amused smile before he moves onto his next class, not really thinking too much of it

for a while, this works for you. as long as he caught you when you were alone, you’d be safe

but your friends are nothing compared to his friends

one just so happens to be good friends with yours :))

you’ve only seen him hang around your group a few times, and your friends referred to him as the supermodel in training, but you knew him by the name shin hoseok

you knew he was on a dance team for your school, along with a few other guys that all looked way too beautiful to all go to your school at once

hoseok was quite the looker himself but you would Not Admit that to his face

but anywho!! your friends are talking when the subject of minhyuk comes up bc hoseok knows him and they’ve been buds for a few years

well, one friend spills to him that they think minhyuk is into you, so hoseok is immediately like 

blackmail 😈

he offers to investigate for them and asks for a few subtle facts about you as well

hoseok starts out pretty timid, doing stuff like spelling out the first few letters of your name to see if minhyuk would perk up, or describing your figure to minhyuk when talking about some new girl he’s on

hoseok would be describing exactly how you look and minhyuk would perk up and his eyebrows would start to furrow and his mouth would turn into a lil pout

and then hoseok would be like “oh!!! yeah, i remember her name. she went to middle school with us” and minhyuk’s shoulders would fall and he’d let out a tiny breath and mumble that he’s listening and hoseok will be like jackpot :))

then hoseok will be sitting with minhyuk in the quad eating lunch and hoseok will point somewhere vaguely and scream “(y/n)???!!?”

and minhyuk whips around so fast it’s not even funny

then hoseok scratches his head when minhyuk glares at him and tries to play all sheepish

he, of course, relays all of this to your friends, who have also been secretly investigating you too

in the end, it’s pretty clear that you guys are cute, you guys are single, and you guys are checking each other out... so.... why aren’t y’all dating

hoseok decides to split up to find minhyuk and your friends split up to find you, both with one mission: get one (1) of you to confess before the other does

your friends go to you, 100% expecting a fight or something so they’re prepared to like restrain you and everything until they actually get to you

you’re sitting at your desk, neck deep in a psychology research paper and about three empty plastic cups drained of iced coffee to the side and without looking up you’re just like “yeh i like him, so what?”

“then why are you always running away from him when he comes around?” “i’m running away because of you guys, not him. you’re like a group of over-excited soccer moms when i get around a guy i like”

and your friends are like oh ok yeah that makes sense

but also!! they got a confession!

they then tell you that they have intel from an insider (which you end up making them spill that it’s hoseok) that minhyuk likes you back, and if you confessed to him first then they’d win the bet- i mean, y’all would finally be together :))))

they continue to ramble for what feels like an hour, listing off all the good reasons why you should do it, and maybe it’s because you’re super spent from writing your paper or maybe because you can hear minhyuk’s loud voice through the walls, but you end up jumping up and going to the front door, your friends trailing along like little ducklings

as soon as you spot minhyuk, your breath stifles in your throat, but you force yourself to exhale and inhale, exhale and inhale

bc if minhyuk didn’t make it weird, it’d be fine right?

he’s currently waving goodbye to one of the dorm residents when he sees you, and his expression lightens up immediately

he even jogs halfway to get to you, looking all the more excited to speak to you now that you weren’t running away from him again

“hey! i haven’t been able to really speak to you in a while-” “minhyuk, i like you”

minhyuk.jpg

cannot compute

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the boy is so shocked that he doesn’t even move for what feels like an eternity

your hands are sweating at your sides and you try your best to discreetly wipe them off on your jeans, hoping that he wouldn’t notice how nervous you actually were behind your steely facade

you’re about to crack a joke that this is the quietest you’ve ever seen the boy when he takes a step back, whispering a soft “...no” and disappears down the hall

you’re not really sure how long you stand there, but when your friends get their hands on you, you realize that the throbbing in your chest is no longer from a fast beating heart, but from a rather cracked one

you want to ask him why “no”, why he couldn’t consider you, why he had run off so quickly

you want to be mad at your friends for lying to you to get you to confess, and you want to slink back into your bed and hide away for a while, at least to recover from such a harsh rejection

but your friends are furious

“that asshole told us minhyuk liked you! i swear, we weren’t lying to you” one of them says to you, rubbing your back to comfort you, while another is clenching her fists, looking like she’s ready to fight

and then, she’s bolting around the corner after minhyuk

when you realize what she intends to do, you immediately break away from your friends to catch her, hoping to keep the damage of minhyuk’s rejection to a minimal

cause it’s not like minhyuk was obligated to like you in the first place right? if he didn’t feel anything for you, it wasn’t his fault

you catch sight of your friend when you turn the corner, but almost as quickly, you see minhyuk... and... hoseok?

hoseok looks absolutely furious, and minhyuk looks completely distressed to say the least

your friend freezes and backs up with you, the both of you tuning your ears in to hear exactly what was going on

“...what do you mean you said no? i literally told her friends you liked her!”

you quietly prepare yourself for what minhyuk might say next, maybe something about how he was only nice to you because he felt bad for you or something that would put you into even more of a rut-

“i do like her! but i’ve been planning my confession for like two weeks now and i nearly had everything set and then she just comes up to me and confesses and what am i supposed to say?? i panicked! i was going to take her hiking and set out a picnic at the top of a cliff and we’d watch the sunset together and i even asked my mom how i should confess but she was no help cause the last time she confessed to someone was way back in the 1800′s and-” “minhyuk-” “-i know turning her down probably wasn’t the best idea in response to her saying what i’ve wanted her to say since i fell for her but i told you i panicked! you know i start hiccuping when i panic! it’d be worse if she had seen me go into a hiccuping fit, how would i recover from that? i’d probably hiccup so much i’d accidentally swallow a fly and choke and then die and oh my god how would she even sleep after the guy she confessed to died right in front of her? i’d be a ghost haunting this school for the rest of my damned afterlife because i choked on a fly in front of the girl i-”

“you like me too?” you whisper, catching the boys’ attention

minhyuk’s face is suddenly beet red, and his eyes nearly blow out of their sockets when he sees you

he’s all fumbling legs and clumsy steps as he attempts to run over to you, looking so completely apologetic and torn up that he can’t even look you in the eye

“i do, i’m just an idiot who panicked! i’m sorry if i hurt you, i really truly didn’t mean to” he says, voice strained with worry

you were going to watch his face, check for sincerity, but you believed the little monologue he’d given a few moments before had been all the sincerity you needed

“can this panicky idiot make up for it with that picnic date he called his mom about?” you ask, a small smile growing on your face

minhyuk lets out a rough exhale of air, looking so relieved that you weren’t turned off by his mistake, so much so that he tugs you into a hug, catching you completely off guard as he squeezes around your torso, muttering a plethora of apologies, no matter how many times you tell him it’s alright

but minhyuk finally does end up taking you on that picnic date, only it’s a little more impromptu

and minhyuk didn’t get to make those dumplings you always go crazy about :((( he made extra sure to get the exact recipe for you too

but you’re fine with your chips and boba teas and you just sit out in the cool air, drinking in the sky and talking about anything and everything

he shyly reaches for your hand at some point, and you hold it back, looking over at him ignoring your gaze, biting his lip to fight the crazy smile that takes over his face

now, dating minhyuk is easy

first of all, he is The Cutest

even though he’s a bit older, he’s used to having younger friends, so he tends to be loweky like a dad

he’ll always ask if you need help with any homework, and if you want a study buddy

if you’re studying particularly hard one week, you’ll leave the door unlocked and he’ll come in, leave your favorite snacks on the desk, kiss your temple and tell you he’s rooting for you before leaving

and even though you might be too busy to really say much back, it always leaves a warm feeling in your heart to know he cares so much

he sometimes abuses his power as RA to be a good boyfriend

he’ll claim he’s just making some early morning rounds but really he’s running to your dorm and banging on it really hard bc he just knows you slept in again for your one early morning class

or he’ll let you know when that annoying guy from down the hall that always asks for your notes is lurking outside your dorm door, and try to get the guy to go away so you can get back before the guy sees

on his nights off, you two will grab lots of unhealthy food and chill in his dorm room, watching anime or playing video games

you always make him clean up his room before you come and even though he complains, he does it

bc the one time you came over and he didn’t clean you tripped on what you thought was a dead rat and nearly got a concussion

he shoves everything under the bed but you don’t need to know that

there was an attempt

since people know you and minhyuk are dating (i mean the boy practically flaunts it tbh), they sometimes try to sucker up to you so that you can get minhyuk to let them off on some things 

or they’ll try to get you to berate minhyuk if they think he seems like a tyrant that day

but you’re able to see through it all and you know when minhyuk needs to be kept in check and when he can afford to be a bit lenient

and if anyone tries to give him shit, they have to go through you

minhyuk may be a peacemaker but you certainly are not

you once threatened a basketball player within an inch of his life if he ever tried to put his hands on minhyuk bc the guy couldn’t keep his loud music down for once

it was a sight to see, this gigantic 6 foot basketball player cowering at the sight of you, minhyuk’s soft lover

he always gets 😍😍😍 whenever you get violent :D

minhyuk is KING of kisses okay

he will kiss you everywhere, in every place, at any time, with zero embarrassment

like boy will grab you by the waist while you’re eating lunch and place a big kiss on your cheek, or if you’re being particularly distracting that day he’ll lead you off to a random janitor’s closet and this is pg-13 you nasties

nvm that ok some details,,,,

minhyuk is definitely voical

as a kisser or... other :)

he’s always groaning, growling, hissing, whining

his whines are pretty delicious when you leave hickies on his neck

his lips get wet and his pants blow your hair out of your face and his fingers grip and squeeze at your hips and he bucks into you like he’s going to burst

but anywho!

minhyuk can get jealous but he doesn’t really like to

like he’ll get pouty and a lil :((( at best

sometimes, if he notices someone is being really touchy on you and you’re not cool with it he might :)) have a word :) with them :)))

if you don’t have a word :) with them first lmao

but he knows his boundaries, and he knows what is and isn’t right when it comes to dating you

he tries his very best to be the best supportive and loving bf you could ask for, and he works super hard so that he never lets you down

bc you make him proud, and you make him want to be the best he can be

bc when he looks at you, he sees a future

and he doesn’t know what kind of future or what it really entails but he knows that he wants it, whatever it is, with you