#shout out to the time i went to buy makeup and the cashier said 'oh dont worry i already put the student discount in' before i said anythin

[bad-as-me]

had another 21 year old ask me how old i am (clearly assuming we're the same age) and acted gender ambiguous again

[ilovefandoms102]

Part 11- Shape of My Heart

Pairing: Rudy Pankow x Plus Size Reader

Summary: Falling in love with someone you can never have is the worst feeling in the world...

Taglist:

@jeyramarie @drewswannabegirl @sexualparkour @teamnick @jiaraendgame @agirlwholovescoffee @outerbongs @jaxxandcomet @velyssaraptor @baby-pogue @they-write-once-in-a-blue-moon @must-be-a-weasley-92 @kaitieskidmore1 @ma10427 @ifilwtmfc @lasnaro @justcallmesams​ @judayyyw​ @lonely-kermit​ @gviosca​ @iamaunicorn4704​ @jellyfishbeansontoast​ @fernweh-fangirl​ @runway-to-my-aid​ @eb15​ @hurricane-abigail​ @tangledinsparkles​ @fandom-phaser​ @sunwardsss​ @http-cherries​ @bibliophilewednesday​ @evaporatedrosepetals​ @thetomatosaucee​ @tomatosauceagent​ @redosmo​ @ilikealotofpeople-younotsomuch​ @obx-direction-sos​ @mxltifandoms06​ @kindahavefeelingskindaheartless​

Part 10 Part 12

Note: After crying over the last chapter, I was finally able to muster up this one. Also just in case anyone was wondering, we’re pretending COVID19 is nonexistent in this story because it would just ruin everything and I’m not about it!

=============================

It’s been a month and a half since Rudy told me about his short film, our conversations became less frequent which worried me deeply...

I didn’t want to drift apart from him, and that’s exactly what I feared was happening now. I tried to indulge into my school work, but it became harder to focus when I kept checking to see if I had a text or at least a SnapChat from him. I didn’t want to bother him by blowing up his phone either, becoming an annoyance he’d soon grow tired of. I expressed my concerns to both Maddie’s on our daily FaceTime call, hoping to get some reassurance for my MIA boyfriend.

“We’ve been in a lot of meetings with Jonas and Netflix to try and get season 2 of OBX approved, I don’t even know why we have to be there because they don’t really talk to us.” Maddi B commented.

“Plus Rudy has that short film on top of everything, so I imagine all of this is taking up his time. Don’t fret though, he said in our last meeting how horrible he felt that you all couldn’t talk as much with the both of you being so busy. He talks about you to everyone and how much he misses you.” Maddie C inputed.

“Awww, he’s so sweet. Maybe I am overthinking things, when I go to work tomorrow I’m demanding a week paid vacation because I need a break. Midterms are coming up and I’ve barely had any time to study.” I sighed.

“You need to focus on school, that’s the most important thing right now. You know Rudy would say the same, you need to take that week to relax and get everything in order.” Maddie B pointed out. 

“Yeah you’re right, jesus I forgot I have to fucking close at work tonight. I’m going to start applying to different places that actually care about their employees, and will work with school schedules.” I huffed, swinging my legs off of my bed.

“We’ll let you go then babe, love you!” Maddie B called, waving in the camera.

“Love you y/n!” Maddie C said, blowing a kiss in the camera.

“I love and miss you guys, I’ll see you later.” I smiled, hanging up.

=================================

Work was awful, being a shift manager was not all it was out to be. I hated dealing with difficult people and sometimes the other employees. I had just finished have a shouting match with this lady who was down right insulting both me and the other cashier working. I was so glad to be locking up once we closed, practically sprinting to my car, I was stopped by the cashier I had worked with tonight.

“Hey y/n, I-I was wondering you know if um..” he said.

Shit, I knew where this was going...

“Maybe we could hang out some time, I think you’re really pretty and uh...yeah I think we should get together more.” he spoke.

“That’s nice and all pal, but she has a boyfriend.” was heard from behind us.

I froze in my spot, tears coming to my eyes. I whipped around to see Rudy leaning against my car, his blue eyes zeroing in on the guy. He scurried off, leaving just Rudy and I.

“Hi baby,” Rudy spoke, a smile so wide on his face.

He looked different, having grown a mustache and slight beard. His hair was longer too, but still handsome as ever. I let out a watery laugh once I was out of my trance, blinking to make sure I wasn’t hallucinating. I dropped my stuff in front of my car, throwing myself in his arms.

“Oh my god, are you real? Are you really here?” I blubbered, pulling back to hold his face. He held me tight against him, combing some stray hair from my face.

“I’m here, you’re even more beautiful than I remember.” he gushed, beaming as he laid his forehead to mine.

“I look like shit Ru, I don’t even have makeup on.” I giggled, feeling his facial hair under my fingertips.

“You don’t need it, fuck I’m so happy to see you. I’m sorry we haven’t talked much, I’ve been so busy in meetings and filming.” he sighed, shaking his head.

“You came just at the right time, I have a whole week off of work.” I said, both of us grinning wide.

“Plenty of time for you to show me around then.” he smiled.

Rudy gripped my face in his hands, crushing his lips to mine. I had craved them for so long, having been deprived of the feeling. My heart went soaring, the feel of his facial hair tickling my skin. He moaned into my mouth, his hands moving to hold my hips to bring me closer. My fingers weaved their way into his now long blonde hair, tugging at the roots slightly. 

I pulled away once I became dizzy, pulling my hands back to caress his face. He gave me little kisses all over my face, fully caging me against him so I couldn’t move away. Rudy laughed along with me, pulling back fully now.

“Guess you’ll be my chauffeur for the week babe.” he smirked, opening my door for me.

I chuckled as I got in my car, Rudy jogging to the passenger side. He held my hand for the drive to my apartment, pulling it to his lips to kiss the back of it. We jammed out to some of our favorite songs, dancing crazy. I had the windows down so we could blast my speakers, probably waking everyone in the neighborhood up. Rudy even pulled out his phone to record us rapping Ice Ice Baby by Vanilla Ice, he got embarrassed after the first chorus though because that was the only part he knew and I was still going.

“Ok show off, trying to outshine me on my own Insta story.” he scoffed teasingly.

“Not my fault you don’t know the lyrical poet Ru,” I joked, sticking my tongue out at him. 

===================================

I threw my bag on the end table as soon as we walked into the apartment, Rudy taking a walk around. He picked up pictures, looked at my bookcase, and even pulled out some of the books I had to skim through. I sat on my couch to flip through some movies for us to watch, not wanting to miss a single moment spending time with him. Rudy walked into my kitchen, opening my cabinets, and my fridge. 

“Baby, why don’t you have anything to like eat or drink?” he called from the kitchen.

“I uh...I couldn’t afford to go to the store this payday. I had to pay my rent and my car payment which is basically my whole check, and the rest is for gas to school and work.” I murmured, knowing he was going to be upset with me.

“So like...what do you eat then?” he asked, peaking his head around to look at me.

I stared at the floor, chewing on the inside of my cheek. I could feel his anger radiating off of him, the tension in the room becoming nerve wracking. I was a poor college student ok, I didn’t have the luxury of my parents buying my way through it. I was lucky some nights to even have stuff to make a fucking cheese sandwich.

“I...I don’t.” I confessed, hearing a sharp scoff come from Rudy.

“Get your shoes back on.” he demanded, snatching my keys.

“Wha-...Where are we going?” I questioned.

“This shit isn’t going to continue, not on my watch. I am seriously pissed you didn’t tell me this.” he snapped, taking me aback for a moment.

“It’s not that big of a deal, you’re being over dramatic! It makes me lose weight so what’s the fucking problem?!” I yelled, Rudy whipped his head around, his mouth hanging open.

“The fucking problem is that I’m not going to sit here and watch my girlfriend struggle when I can help. Let me help you and stop being so stubborn. If you want to lose weight for you then that’s fine, but I don’t want you to have it in your head that you need to do it for me. You’re perfect to me.” he stated, earning an eye roll from me. 

“Alright Ru, let’s get this over with.” I sighed, secretly melting at how sweet and thoughtful he is. 

===============================

Goofing off in the store was all fun in games until I saw him..

Nick.

The guy that shredded my heart, still yet to be fixed. The guy that messed me up so bad I never thought I was deserving of love until Rudy came into my life. Rudy was in the middle of talking to me when I abruptly spun around and high tailed it out of the aisle. 

“What’s wrong?” Rudy asked as soon as he caught up to me. 

“We need to leave.” I declared.

“Babe, we haven’t even made it through half the store I-” he spoke.

“Hey y/n, long time no see.” someone said, my blood turning to ice. I turned around to see Nick with some of his friends, smirking at me. 

“Um..” I stuttered.

“Who’s blondie?” Nick scoffed, pointing at Rudy. 

“I’m her boyfriend.” Rudy said, glancing between the two of you. He must have put the pieces together from the very uncomfortable expression on my face.

“Boyfriend? Really y/n? You’re so desperate you hired someone to be your boyfriend? Pathetic really...” he laughed, his friends joining. I just wanted to ground to swallow me whole, I had to turn my head so they didn’t get the satisfaction of seeing me cry.

“You’re Nick, the piece of shit who thinks he can just toy with women how he pleases.” Rudy concluded.

“Guilty, y/n and I had a good run didn’t we?” Nick commented, going to touch my shoulder.

“You lay one finger on her and I swear to god you’ll regret it.” Rudy said, his voice going an octave lower. 

“Oh please man, you seriously don’t have to keep your act up. How much is she paying you?” Nick asked, tilting his head.

“Not that it’s any of your business, but this isn’t an act.” Rudy hissed.

“Guys that look like us man don’t go for fat chicks.” Nick chuckled.

“The fuck did you just say?” Rudy bellowed, getting in Nick’s face. I had to intervene now, I couldn’t risk a fight in the middle of the store.

“Rudy please, he’s not worth it.” I said, tugging on his sleeve.

“Nice seeing you again y/n, remember what I said last time we spoke.” Nick cackled, leaving with his posse.

“What did that fucker say to you?” Rudy inquired, his chest heaving with anger.

“I’ll tell you when we get back, let’s just go to a different store.” I offered, checking out whatever we had in hand before heading to the car.

================================

Rudy spent way more than I told him he could, but I wasn’t surprised he didn’t listen to me. It took us four trips to carry in all the stuff we bought, I’m sure I’d be stocked up for a year now. I was seriously exhausted, and my mood hadn’t gotten any better since our run in with Nick. Rudy had tried to cheer me up, but I think he knew that my mood wouldn’t be saved tonight.

I planned on taking a quick shower, but I couldn’t stop my mind running through my past. My chest started to burn, my hand came over my mouth to conceal my sobs. I had hoped the water would drown out my cries, but Rudy still heard them. He shed his clothes and jumped in the shower, taking me in his arms. I leaned my head on his chest as I sobbed, his lips moving to kiss my wet hair. 

“I don’t understand! What did I ever do to deserve that!? I did everything for him! I was some sick game our whole relationship, how fucked up is that?” I laughed humorlessly.

“What did he say to you?” he inquired.

“He told me that I would never find someone to love me, that I was undeserving of love, and that I was the ugliest being on this Earth who was stupid to think I ever stood a chance with him.” I recalled.

“That’s fucked up, you should have let me beat his ass.” Rudy muttered, switching places with me so he could wash his hair.

“He’ll get his karma one day, someone will shred his heart beyond repair just like he did mine.” I whispered.

“I’ll have the best time repairing it then,” Rudy shrugged, leaning to plant a sweet kiss to my lips.

“Are you sure you want to go through that Rudy, I-I’m not...I’m not as happy go lucky as everyone thinks I am, I’m broken deep on the inside.” I said, shaking my head as I looked down to the tile.

“I wouldn’t of chased after you if I didn’t want all of you.” he spoke, tilting my chin up.

“Well I guess so but-” I started.

“It’s you and me against the world, no one will ever compare to you y/n.” he inputted. 

I kissed him hard, a moan leaving his lips. He pinned me against the wall, showing me exactly what I meant to him....

[tsukishimaenthusiast]

Heyo! Can I request an imagine of Bokuto with a shy girlfriend and how they meet? Thanks

bokuto w/ a shy girlfriend

part 2: here

you were walking through the aisles of a random convenience store, trying to find your favorite snack. when you were finally in the right section, you squatted down to search for your snack. “hey, akaashi! you gotta try these! i got them last week and they’re so good!” you turned around to see a tall, muscular man with spiked up hair standing behind you with a slightly smaller guy next to him. when did they even get behind you? the bigger guy squatted down next to you and grabbed the same snack you were looking for. “excuse me, i just want to grab one of these,” he said with a smile. honestly, when you first saw him, he was kind of intimidating, but his smile softened him up. you quickly moved your hand out of his way, trying to avoid eye contact. you watched them as they walked up to the cashier and read the back of their jackets.. “fukurodani? not too far from here… they must play on a sports team or something,” you thought to yourself.

a couple weeks have passed since you saw those two guys at the convenience store. they were both good looking, but there was something about the boy with the spiked up hair that intrigued you. you must’ve been caught in your thoughts because you soon heard your friend shout, “hey, y/n! did you hear me?” you snapped out of your trance. “what? no, sorry,” you replied. “i asked if you wanted to come to a volleyball game with me later this week. my brother has a game but i don’t want to go alone! will you come?” you had nothing better to do so you told your friend yes.

you and your friend sat in the bleachers, waiting for the two teams to come out. you zoned out for a bit but when you brought your attention to the court again, you were shocked by the volleyball team in front of you. “fukurodani!???”, you hadn’t even realized you said it aloud. “yea… they’re a really good team…. you see that guy with the two-toned hair? that’s bokuto koutaro, their ace. he’s also in the top five in the country!” you couldn’t believe your eyes or ears. there he was, the guy from the convenience store! you’d never thought you’d see him again. “that’s the guy,” you told your friend. “really!? why didn’t you said he had spiky, dyed hair, y/n!!??! we could’ve discovered who he was a lot sooner!” you shrugged. “i dont know, it didnt seem that important.” the game would be starting soon so you guys decided to put the conversation on hold.

as you were watching the game, you understood why bokuto was the ace. every hit he made was incredible! whether it was a line shot or a diagonal shot, each one was powerful and practically scored a point for fukurodani every time. not to mention that the other boy that was with bokuto that day, akaashi, was an amazing setter. during the second set, bokuto messed up one of his line shots and it went out of bounds. it didn’t do too much damage for the team, but for some reason bokuto was sulking. he made this really odd face. was he sad? angry? you couldn’t tell. honestly, it was a little comical. fukurodani’s coach called a time out and akaashi spoke to bokuto. “maybe he’s trying to cheer him up? get his head back in the game or something..”, your friend suggested.

soon enough, the game went back into play. bokuto was still on the court, but akaashi wasn’t setting the ball to him. this went on for a couple more rallies until bokuto began getting antsy. akaashi finally set the ball to him and bokuto scored another point. wow, he was still on fire even after not being able to touch the ball for a while. he truly was the ace of the team.

unfortunately, for you friend’s brother, fukurodani won. you kept telling your friend how impressed you were by bokuto’s skills on the court, though. “then why don’t you go and tell him before we leave?” you felt your face heat up. “you know i could never do that! i’m too shy…” your friend just shrugged their shoulders as you guys began to leave the bleachers. you and your friend met up with their brother and the rest of his team. they were having a quick overview of how the game went down. you noticed fukurodani coming into your field of view. “y/n!! now’s your chance! go compliment him!” before you could even argue, your friend pushed you into bokuto. he turned around and looked down at you with a smile. “hey! are you okay??” you quickly looked away to avoid eye contact. “uhh s-sorry. yea i’m fine! i-i just… i just wanted to say that you’re an amazing volleyball player,” you said with low confidence. bokuto was already smiling but you could've sworn his smile got ten times bigger. “wow!! thank you.. uhm.. thank you- what’s your name?” “y/n,” you replied. “thank you, y/n!”, he said enthusiastically. you felt a slight blush appear on your face and bokuto developed a soft look in his eyes. you guys were awkwardly smiling at each other until you heard you friend shout, “y/n, we’re leaving now!” you excused yourself and headed towards your friend but decided to look back for a quick second. bokuto was watching you exit the building and you couldn’t help but feel a bit giddy.

a few days have passed since the volleyball game. like when you first saw him, you wondered if you’d ever see bokuto again. you didn’t want to be weird and show up to his volleyball games, you didn’t even really know him that well.. you got a notification on your phone so you decided to see what it was. a friend request? from who? “bokutokoutaro_4” was the username. bokuto?? how did he even find your account? you decided to keep your questions to yourself and let him follow you. you followed him back and looked through his account. all pictures of him in his volleyball uniform and with his friends. you received a message from him about five minutes later. “hey y/n, it’s bokuto. do you think i can get your number?... just so it’s easier to text.” he was really straightforward and honest, but you kinda liked it. plus, everything was easier over text for you.. there was less confrontation. you gave him your number and received a text message a minute later. “hey it’s bokuto!” you smiled to yourself, “hi :)” you replied back. you decided to be ballsy for a minute and texted him again “i’m just curious, how did you find my account? i only told you my first name so i just think it’s kinda cool how you found me so quickly ahah.” you decided to send the text right away before you could hesitate. his response took awhile to come in. “oh god i hope you don’t find me weird.. but when you complimented me at the game, you seemed so shy and cute!! you felt butterflies in your stomach as you read the text. you guys ended up texting for the rest of the night.

a couple weeks have gone by since you and bokuto started texting. some of the conversations were sporadic. it was either because he was too busy or you were too busy. you had just gotten done taking a shower and put on your pjs when you heard your phone start to ring. you checked to see who was calling you.. it was bokuto. you started to panic. why was he calling you? you guys never spoke over the phone before. you don’t know why, but you answered the phone anyways. “hello?” “hey y/n! did i catch you at a bad time? anyways, i know it’s short notice but i just found out i don’t have practice tomorrow. want to meet up and hang out somewhere?” you froze. “sure.” wait what? you didn’t even think before your answer. “awesome! i’ll text you where to meet me later tonight,” and he hung up after that sentence. you stood there with your phone in your hand. “what did i just get myself into?”, you asked yourself, sighing.

you woke up the next morning and got ready to see bokuto. you guys were going to meet up at a cafe in the morning and walk around tokyo afterwards. you decided to keep the makeup light and wear something cute, but comfortable. on your way to the cafe, you felt your nerves build up. you prayed to the gods that you wouldn’t be too shy or awkward around him. you noticed bokuto standing outside the cafe, waving at you. you greeted each other and went inside. bokuto ordered two lattes for you guys and refused to let you pay. when you were chatting with him, you realized that you didn’t feel so nervous talking to him. there was something about him that made you feel comfortable and safe.

after the two of you finished your lattes, you roamed the streets of tokyo. you walked into random shops and tried on accessories. somehow, bokuto convinced you to take a selfie with him while you guys both wore fedoras. it was weird, but funny. you guys stayed out for a couple of hours and bokuto ended up buying some street food for you guys so you wouldn’t go home hungry. after finishing the quick meal, he insisted on taking you home. you had to take a bus in order to get your house. when bokuto sat next to you, you felt a little timid. you just spent hours with him, though, so you weren’t sure why. maybe it was the close proximity. bokuto began to speak up, “hey y/n? can i tell you something?” you nodded at him. “when you came up to me at the game, i recognized you from somewhere else…the convenience store. you picked out the same snack as me. and you were just so .. beautiful, i couldn’t help but memorize your features. so when you came up to me at the game, i knew it had to mean something cause i never thought i’d see you again...” you were completely flustered and his confession made you melt inside. he noticed you seemed a bit taken off guard. “please don’t weirded out or embarrassed, i just had to tell you!” he added quickly. “no it’s okay, bokuto. i appreciate you telling me,” you muttered. although you thought and felt the exact same things about him, you decided to just keep it to yourself.

after the bus ride, you finally arrived at your house. bokuto walked you up to your front door. “thanks for hanging out with me today, y/n! i had a lot of fun.” you smiled up at him. “no, thank you for inviting me!” bokuto paused for a moment before leaning in to hug you. he wrapped his huge arms around you and held you in his embrace. he began to slowly pull away but didn’t do so entirely. he seemed hesitant, but he spoke up, “i really want to kiss you right now… c-can i kiss you?” you felt your face heat up. he stared at you, waiting for your consent. you licked your lips lightly and nodded at him. bokuto slowly cupped your face and brought his lips to yours. you knew he was a strong guy, but he felt so gentle holding your face while kissing you. you couldn’t help but smile at the feeling. he let you go and gave you a smile before stepping away from your front door. as you were about to enter, bokuto shouted, “hey y/n! next time, i’ll take you on a proper date!” you laughed and walked inside your house. you locked the door and rested your head against it. “can’t wait,” you thought to yourself.

y’all i literally wanted to write sm more for this but i felt it was already too long so lmk if u guys want a part2 of like bokutos gf meeting the team or something bc i really wanted to write that LOL

[mourntheantagonist]

Billy Hargrove’s Exploration Of Beauty

| part 1 | part 2 | part 3 | part 4 | part 5 | part 6 |

Part 7: When Blue Met Pink

chapter one: joyce

also on ao3

Billy pulled into the parking space outside of Melvald’s with a screech of the tires. The body of the car slightly jerked forward once he finally came to a complete stop just before he would hit the yellow parking block. The right tire sat just outside the white line, a rookie looking parking job to say the least.

With his wallet in one hand, and his keys twirled around the index finder of his other, as he heard the metal pieces clank, he walked through the glass doors into the store. He heard the chime of the opening door ring through the mostly empty space.There were only a few people. An old lady who was carefully inspecting the soup aisle, and a middle aged woman with her toddler son who were walking past the ice cream. The little kid with his hand up in the air, his finger pointed to the tub of rocky road that was barely visible through fogged over glass. He noticed the exhausted eyes of the woman masked by heavy mascara and shadow. “I already said no Daniel.” she sighed. Joyce Byers was at the counter, her elbows resting by the cash register, head propped up in her hands as she stared blankly in front of her with her head tilted in a way that indicated she was thinking about something that the rest of the world just couldn’t comprehend.

He ignored the total three figures that roamed the aisles of the small little corner store, offered a wave and a smile to Mrs. Byers that went completely unnoticed, and got to the task at hand. Not there to pick up some milk or butter like Neil always had him do whenever they ran out, as if he was the one sneaking spoonfuls of butter at two in the morning. No, that was all Max, the fucking weirdo. He also wasn’t there to pick up a pack of cigarettes, though he probably would once he got to the counter, considering the phrase “pack of reds” served as his default greeting to every cashier. He was there, at Melvald’s, at three in the afternoon, like a fucking sap, because he was buying little treats for the boyfriend he had waiting for him at the big house off of 3rd avenue, a movie and hopefully more as their evening plans.

He knew what Steve liked. He hated what Steve liked. But despite his utter disgust over strawberry fruit snacks tainting delicious cheddar cheese popcorn, the smile on Steve’s face whenever he tossed a new box of Sunkist Fun Fruits at him was worth the effort of sifting through the bowl. He located the snack aisle and picked out the familiar yellow and red box, along with some Orville Redenbacher. The time on the clock overhead read only a quarter after three, and Steve wouldn’t be home from dealing with the nerd herd until at least a quarter ‘til, so with his extra time, he continued to browse.

He picked up a couple of other things. A box of Twinkies so he could make some of his favorite jokes, some Ho Hos so Steve could make some of his. The basket was slowly filled to the brim with junk food, indicative of a truly wild night ahead of him.

On his way to the refrigerated section to scope out the drinks, the glimpse of a carefully assorted rainbow of colors stopped him in his tracks. It’s a small section, no more than two and a half feet in diameter, but at almost the instant he recognized the familiarly shaped bottles on display, he went on complete pause. There was nobody anywhere around him, no sound of nearing footsteps, so he let himself stand there and ponder. Let himself imagine just reaching out and touching something on display as he kept his eyes averted, locked straightforwardly toward the cases of beer behind translucent refrigerator doors. He just stared blankly, with an inner attempt to form some reasonable excuse to be a man who was looking at makeup.

“Oh, Max asked me to pick it up for her.”

He settled on that one.

And turned his head.

He was just going to look. That was all.

There held a whole magnitude of various beauty products, from polishes, to moisturizers, to lipsticks…

That rosy pink stared right back at him like it was screaming at him to pick it up. To look. To swatch. To taste. To feel that velvety cream cover his lips. A tint similar to that of his own lips but just more… pretty. Smooth and elegant and airbrushed. “Soft matte look,” it read.

He wanted it.

He wanted to add it into the basket of goodies he’s already collected as another treat for himself. Maybe a treat for Steve if he decides he likes it.

They discussed it in the past in a very, tip-toed around the subject kind of way. Steve gently held his hand in his as he applied a light pink varnish, similar to that of the lipstick shade, onto his nails. Steady hands perfectly coated the area without any sign of streaks or rough edges. They’d reached a point where that was routine, a little thing Billy could have of himself while they were alone together. Another thing they could add onto the list. It was something Billy felt just a little bit of safety around taking with him that one time. When the night had gone so perfectly with hot cocoa by the furnace, and the added bonus that Neil wouldn’t be home to inspect his appearance, he said no to the cotton balls and acetone and the clear coat replacement and instead let color coated nails remain under the cloak of his jacket pockets. He was on cloud nine as he walked through the door of his own house with concealed hands and no questions asked. He locked the door to his room and allowed himself to stare down at his hands. Fingers splayed against his bedding looking at how the pink contrasted with the blue of his sheets, and he felt an overwhelming sense of contentment and a little dash of pride.

That same night, while his nails were going from bland to bold, Steve popped the question like it held no weight at all. Like it was just a casual sort of thing used to fill the silent gaps.

“Have you thought about wearing makeup at all?”

He didn’t even look at him when he said it, completely enthralled in the way the bristles contacted the nail, so he didn’t see Billy's eyes widen like saucers. However, he did notice as the hand in his hold began trembling.

Steve ever so slightly tightened his grip to help reduce the shaking, his eyes angled up at Billy finally, the painting temporarily discontinued. “Hey, are you okay?” he asked.

No. Yes? The thing was, with Steve’s first question, the answer was yes. He had thought about it. All the damn time. Like a woodpecker pecking away at his skull, he thought about it. Every time he saw a woman with a shimmer on her eyes, black in her waterline, a shine to her lips, a rosy tint to her cheeks… he felt unbridled envy. He wanted to feel the way they felt. Billy wanted powder to clog his pores and give his face a uniform color. Become a blank slate. He envied that soft and smooth and gentle and pretty appearance.

He found himself on more than one occasion sneaking into the master bathroom where Susan had kept all of her make up. Too scared to touch it, he would just look at it. Try to psyche himself up to reach for that little tube of Mary Kay mascara and shove it into his pocket before the rumble of the truck outside would shake the house.

Instead he would slam the drawer shut and rush back to his room and forget it even happened as he bit away at his clear coated nails. He’d fall back onto his pillow and let his eyes fall shut. He would let the darkness consume him into a dream where he didn’t have to be afraid to add volume to his already long lashes or add a tinted gloss to his lips. He’d enjoy the free feeling for as long as it would last.

So yeah. He thought about wearing makeup.

He didn’t tell Steve that though. Instead he chose to only respond to the second question. Because some things were just a little too hard to say out loud. Some things were a little too foreign.

As much as Billy wanted to bridge that gap between femininity and masculinity, he also had every desire to keep them separate. To push away all of those urges to wear lacy lingerie and silk panties. Keep his hair short, face and nails bare and unkempt. Smell of sweat and hard work like a man. “I’m fine.” he said in lieu of the complete truth. It didn’t feel or sound like a lie when he said it. But later on he figures out that it definitely was.

They had that conversation already, but it didn’t keep those thoughts from lingering. His mind was boggled with confusion about who he was and what he liked and the additional bafflement over how simple it all was to Steve.

So simple in fact that he said the most perfect thing as if it was just another instinctual flick of the tongue.

“Well I can bet you’d look real pretty with lipstick.”

It was said like he wants it. Not just for Billy’s sake, but his own, and that right there felt amazing.

That was the first night he finally let his hands sift through that drawer of Susan’s and sneak away a couple of items. Susan and Neil had yet to arrive home from their trip into the city so Billy was safe. He had painted nails that felt like a shield. When he held the tube of mascara, the nude bullet lipstick, and the only bottle of polish he could find in his own hands, he felt completely untouchable.

He locked himself in his own room and stood in front of his makeshift vanity. Tossed the stolen objects into the mess of cologne, hairspray, and cigarette ash. He just studied himself for a moment. Hunched over taking deep and shaky breaths, in and out. Every logical thought in his mind was shouting at him to go put it back. To put it somewhere other than his room. That dreadful thought that just its temporary occupancy in his room would be easily detected by Neil, even if he chucked it out of his window right then, scared him. It was all too risky to be doing in his own house, yet he still twisted open the cap of the mascara and pulled out the wand.

It was in that moment that Billy had no fucking clue what he was doing. Didn’t even know where to begin.

He just closed it right back up, slipped it underneath a stack of records, and moved on. He twisted open the lipstick only to be met with a very light shade. Lighter than his own skin color. Applied to his lips it just looked absolutely ridiculous. It didn’t give him that pop of vibrancy he envied in the women he saw. It made his lips feel more sunken in and lifeless, rather than big and beautiful.

And he already knew he hated the nail polish. He didn’t even have to apply it. It was a rust color, like a dirty orange. Billy hated the color orange, and mixing it with brown didn’t fucking improve it.

It was all a total bust. A complete waste of his energy. With his sleeve he wiped the lipstick from his lips and stowed away the rest of the contraband. He went to bed feeling extra shitty, the despair of empty darkness was the only thing included in his night.

He stopped letting himself think about makeup since that night. All it achieved was making him feel disappointed and just... bad. No other way to describe it.

But it all came flooding back when he saw the display. Not the bad feelings, the good ones, the ones he had in his dreams. The feeling of completion that couldn’t be realized with the makeup Susan guilt purchased off of a friend’s “growing small business.” There was a little hope growing in the pit of his stomach as he let himself peruse the many options at his disposal. A little bit of hope that maybe he just didn’t have the right stuff.

He just held the pink lipstick in his hand. He debated between dropping it into the basket or hanging it back up on the hook. Twiddling it in between his fingers, he let his mind race to many different places. Emotions of fear and joy clashed in his mind, like he couldn’t have one without facing the other.

But fear wasn’t dependent on joy. Because a small woman cleared her throat next to him and, surely enough, the only thing he was feeling at that moment was complete terror. Not an ounce of happiness to be seen.

It was Joyce Byers.

Well shit.

“Whatcha got there?” she asked, neck craned to the left to make out what he had tightly clasped between his fingers.

“It’s for Max.” he said, too assuredly. Like it was clearly a prepared statement, the lie obvious in the pitch of his voice.

“Really? Max doesn’t strike me as a makeup girl.” It’s not really accusatory, not necessarily. But he could hear it. That ever so slight undertone in her voice that had disbelief written all over it. Her head was cocked just like it was when he first walked into the store, and it felt like she was reading him like a goddamn open book.

Billy couldn’t seem to find the words, unsure how to defend himself in the situation he was completely unprepared for. Stood there in silence as he let the words filter through his brain, waiting for the right ones to pop up in front of him, but they never did. He never really knew how to talk to older women other than through excessive and overdone flirtation.

“What shade did you pick?”

With no other choice in his immediate thoughts, he handed the lipstick tube over. She slowly took it away from his slightly too tight of a grip. She had a slight smile when she pulled off the cap to see the rose colored tip slowly rise out as she twists the bottom of the silver tube.

“This is pretty, though I think a shade like this would complement a skin tone more like your own. Wouldn’t you agree?”

That was the invitation, right there in that subtle little nod. She made eye contact with him before she quickly turned her eyes downward at his hands. the same hands that were nervously chipping away at dried, hideous, rust colored nail polish that he painted just before he left as a little surprise for Steve. Even though he hated the color, even though his right hand looked much better than his left. Ambidexterity was not something in his wheelhouse. He immediately stuffed his one free hand into his pocket, and tossed the other one that was currently holding his basket of groceries behind his back. As if she hadn’t already seen. She’d figured him out like some elementary math problem. The lipstick and the nail polish was just a 2 + 2 = 4 kind of situation.

“I don’t - this isn’t…” He couldn’t get a full sentence out because he really had no clue as to how to deny it, and there’s also a weird feeling that he loathes where he’s not sure he even wants to. She was just Joyce Byers. His only connection to the woman had a pretty long chain. Steve’s ex’s boyfriend’s Mom. Or Max’s friend’s Mom. Nothing direct. Nothing so close that he had to truly fear. Additionally, she was being nice? She wasn’t doing the things he’d always expected people to do. She wasn’t spewing slurs or making fun. There was a genuine motherly interest in the way she asked for the color that wasn’t completely foreign, but it was something so far away in his past that it might as well have been.

His face got red from just his own natural blush. His heart was racing, beating out of his chest until he could hear the blood pumping in his ears. He felt like he’s being submerged under water until there was a small, cold hand pulling at his own.

“Come with me.” she says, her voice soft and planned. Billy just let her guide him, giving up and giving in to the little temptation to let someone else inside of the little sanctuary he built for himself. Even if all it was was just a small little glimpse into Billy’s secret world he’d only just begun exploring. He had so many things left to discover, things he wouldn’t find if he let his fear and shame dictate everything.

Joyce led him into the compact supply closet in the back of the store. They’re surrounded by shelves filled with boxes and various miscellany. He felt slightly suffocated in the small enclosure, but simultaneously a weird feeling of warmth in the way Joyce smiled at him. A soft upturn of the corners of her mouth, lips still sealed but the sincerity clear in the brightness of her eyes and the slight rise of her brows.

“What were you looking to get?” she asks. Unspecific yet specific. She left a name unattached to the end of the question on purpose to give Billy the opportunity for an out, if he wanted to deny the thing they both knew to be true.

“Lipstick? Gloss maybe? I don’t - I’m not sure I…”

After taking the full basket from his hands and setting it onto the floor, Joyce took his hands into her own again.

“It’s okay, y’know, if it’s not for Max.”

She was so straightforward. She just got right to the point without it feeling like an attack. Just strode right in with unwavering acceptance and affirmation. Letting him know that it was okay.

He looked at Joyce and saw his mom. Not the mom who abandoned him with Neil, but the mom who did things like this. The one who would cradle him after a nightmare and who told him he was destined for greatness. The one who encouraged him to be himself even when his father had other ideas.

“You know who you are. Nobody else gets to say differently.” she’d tell him when his father forced him into baseball and threw out his stuffed animals. Neil would go on to replace the keepsakes that represented softness with model cars and legos. It was just an act of toughening him up and preparing him to become a man at the ripe old age of seven. He was reminded daily of his role as a man in society with little tests just to make sure he stayed in line.

“What’s your favorite color?”

“Red.” he’d say, when he wanted to say purple.

He’d get berated when he cried when he got hurt.

“If you want to cry I’ll give you something to cry about,” Neil would say, as he stuck a hydrogen peroxide saturated cotton ball into the open wound.

Billy’s Mom never did that. Always warned him about the sting and rubbed his arm the whole way through. Preaching the opposite of everything his Dad would say. “It’s okay to cry, honey. Just let it out.”

His Mom was beautiful. He loved to sit in the bathroom and watch her as she put on her makeup. He’d seen the way her mouth dropped open when she applied mascara to her eyes, the way she smacked her lips together after she swiped on her favorite red lipstick... he wanted to be just like her.

He’d stolen from her once, and it didn’t end well. It was just a red lipstick. He was caught, almost literally, red handed. When his father had barged into his bedroom without so much as a knock, the red on his lips turned into red elsewhere. It was a mistake he learned never to repeat.

After all that, there he was, in a store where he listened to a woman tell him that all of the things he was raised to believe were far from okay, were perfectly okay. With Steve’s voice in his head echoing that of his Mom’s and Joyce’s, he let himself actually believe it this time.

“Thanks.” Billy said. It’s the closest thing he’ll get to an admission. He can’t outright say it, but in the way her smile widened before she turned around, he knew she understood.

“So,” she said, “–I have some product we can’t sell because the seals were broken. They’re still perfectly fine if you would like them.” She pulled a couple of things from the box on the lower shelf. The same lipstick he’d held out in the store along with a clear gloss, a small eyeshadow palette, some face powder and mascara. A full face worth of makeup moved from the palms of her hands into his own, accepting them with a nod of his head and the sniffle of someone trying to hold back tears.

“Are you sure?” he asked. A question with multiple meanings. All of which Joyce seems to pick up on. She pulled him into a tight hug. A warmth encompassed him all around that made him feel so overcome and just… good. Joyful and free like a painful growth was painlessly removed along with the truth’s reveal.

“Yes. I’m sure Billy. It’s okay.” An answer with multiple meanings.

They both exit the small closet, it felt like a metaphor for something. He headed up to the counter to buy his items, and Joyce began scanning his things when she got another smile on her face.

“Special occasion tonight?” she asked.

“Yeah. I got a hot date.” Not a lie.

She laughed a little before she punched the keys on the register.

“Anything else I can get for you Billy?”

Billy smiled.

“A pack of Reds.”

- : -

When Billy pulled into the driveway of Steve’s house he barged right in through the front door. He held the paper bag close to his chest and he shouted an “I have arrived!” that echoed up the stairs and all the way up to Steve’s room. Billy could hear the springs of Steve’s bed before he got up and rushed down the stairs to greet him with a little peck on the lips, immediately taking the bag from Billy’s hands to begin the formal review of his selections.

Steve set the bag onto the coffee table and began to sift through all of the things Billy bought. He tossed the cigarette pack at Billy with aggressive force before going right back into the bag.

The real surprise laid close to the bottom of the bag, hidden beneath the Twinkies and the popcorn and all the other junk food that had Steve beaming. Food was truly the easiest way to Steve’s heart.

Billy stood there tapping his foot and grabbing at his hands behind his back as he waited for Steve to see all the other things he got, to give him that little reaction he always knew would be positive, no matter the voices in his head that told him otherwise.

He seemed to have reached the bottom of the bag when he stalled. He just stared into the bottom of the brown paper bag, the table already covered in scattered candy and snacks, the only things left in the bag were the gifts from Joyce.

“Please tell me you’re going to put this on tonight.” Steve finally turned to look at him with an absolute ridiculous smile on his face. His mouth and eyes couldn’t possibly get any wider than they were right then. He seemed so fucking excited and it all radiated straight into Billy, and all he could do was walk up to him and kiss him. Billy pulled Steve’s face with both hands and practically consumed him like he was one of those Hostess desserts. Two untameable smiles pressed up against each other.

Billy reached for the tube of lipstick out of the bag and held it in between the two of them, he asked, “Are you going to help me put it on?”

Billy was wrong. Steve’s smile could get wider. Steve took Billy by the hand and sat him down on the couch, taking the bag with him as he straddled Billy’s lap.

“You know what you’re doing pretty boy?” Billy asked. He pushed Steve’s hair behind his ears as he looked up at him in awe. He relished in Steve’s excitement that was perfectly matching his own. It was all he could ever ask for.

“Yeah,” he said, “I’ve seen Nancy do it enough times.” Billy rolls his eyes at the mention of her name. Steve poked him in the face, causing Billy's face to scrunch. “Oh get over it Billy, I am.”

Billy was already shaking with anticipation and just wanted to get on with it without the mention of Steve’s former girlfriend. “Just shut up. Make me the prettier one.”

“Oh you already are, gorgeous.”

Steve twisted open the lipstick and carefully held Billy’s chin up so he was looking directly at him. With a steady hand and a soft touch, the smooth cream brushed against his lips and coated them to perfection. No overdrawn lines or transferring to his teeth, the color suited him so well, just a soft pink just slightly darker and more vibrant than the color of his own. It made his lips look bolder and fuller than they already were.

“Now look straight forward for me,” Steve said before he reached into the bag for another piece of product. “–and raise your eyebrows.” Steve twisted and pulled the wand from the metallic gold tube, the black bristles looked like spider legs. “Okay, hold still.”

“I swear to God Steve, if you poke me in the fucking eye–”

“Have some faith in me, damn!”

Fortunately for both Billy and Steve, none of the black goopy liquid found its way into Billy’s eyes. There was only a minor sting that, with time, he could easily see himself get used to. The sensation was followed by the feeling of soft bristles going in circles around his cheeks. Steve had asked him to smile for the application, but that wasn’t the reason he was doing it. The look of focus in Steve’s eyes along with the slight exposure of the tip of his tongue through his mostly sealed lips had sent Billy reeling.

Steve leaned back to get a complete view of his work. “Wow, I’m good.”

“Okay, hot shot,” Billy said with a nudge to his shoulder, “show me then.”

In a moment of surprising strength, Steve hoisted Billy up and over his shoulder by the grab of his ass. Billy’s stomach had come to rest right on the point of Steve’s shoulder, which sent him into a fit of uncontrollable laughter. His voice fluctuated and bounced with each step Steve took down the hall toward the bathroom. Billy clung to Steve’s shirt, hiking it up past the midpoint of his as he did so.

“Oh my god! Put me down!” he laughed.

Billy’s legs flailed, with the result of a knocked over a lamp and a bruised ankle from the abrupt contact with the doorframe.

“Ow!”

“Sorry!”

Steve sat Billy on the edge of the sink, his face still faced away from the mirror. They were still coming down from their laughter when Billy, seemingly having forgotten about the makeover that he had just been given not even a full minute ago, leant down in an attempt to lay one right onto Steve.

“Hey, don’t ruin it before you even see it!” Steve pushed him back away from him and then helped him down from the sink and with a comforting grip of Billy’s biceps, he turned him around. “See? it looks so good on you!” Steve stood behind Billy with his hands trailing down to his waist, head over his shoulder, looking at him like he was his brilliant creation. Steve Harrington’s masterpiece, his most prized possession. “Wait right here, I got you something.”

Left alone in the bathroom, Billy was able to just let himself stare. Let himself lean in close to the mirror, his nose nearly touched the glass as he studied the tint to his lips, the definition to his lashes, the slight pink to his cheeks... It was the first time he ever looked at himself, like really looked at himself, and saw someone pretty. He truly believed it this time.

Steve came back with a bag of his own. It was a small bag with a French name on the side of it Black, and elegant, and Billy already had an idea of what’s inside. The day just kept on getting better. Billy tore the tissue out of the bag, and pulled the pieces of fabric out. It was a dust rose garter belt with stockings, panties, and a bralette, a perfect match for his lips. The lace was so sheer and the baroque floral patterns were so elegant he wanted nothing more than to just put it on right there. Strip himself down to the bare essentials and allow the openwork to protect him.

“You think you wanna give me a fashion show?” Steve asked, pulling the sleeves of Billy’s jacket down over his shoulders. Billy smiled and pushed Steve gently out the bathroom door and shut it right in his face.

He wasted no time putting it on. The way the fabric sat on his hips and his chest felt almost like it was tailored specifically to him. Enough room in the crotch area while also perfectly hugging his hips. The stockings squeezing his thighs just the perfect amount. There was no uncomfortable overhang in the bralette. He had never felt more comfortable wearing anything before. The pink on tan skin, the emphasis on every curve of his. He felt so soft and pretty and almost totally complete. He was just missing one thing.

Billy strutted out of the bathroom with a genuine conviction he’d never had before. There was no fear this time, no tears. Just pure elation at the prospect of Steve seeing him like this. Loving the way he looks in lingerie and makeup. Loving him for who he is and thinking he’s still hot. Still sexy and attractive.

“Holy shit you look fucking amazing baby.” Steve slowly walked toward him. He took in the whole view, committing the entire sight to memory because it was absolutely glorious. “I hope you aren’t mad,” he began, his hands finding Billy’s hips. “but I had my Mom pick it up while she was in Paris. I found out they make men’s lingerie there and I wanted you to have something special. She doesn’t know who it was for, but she knows I’m dating a guy now.”

They had never really discussed the topic of coming out. It felt like something that didn’t need to be said. Telling people was something so far off the radar of possibility that Billy felt a creeping sensation of absolute dread before he was finally able to open up his mouth to speak.

“And she was okay with it?”

Steve smiled and bowed his head just slightly. “Surprisingly, yeah. She was the one who wanted to pick something up for you. So I jumped on the chance.”

“Does your Dad know?” Steve laughed and shook his head.

“God I hope not. His brain would probably explode.” Billy pulled Steve in by the hold of his cheeks, and let their foreheads touch while they stared deep into each other’s eyes. Steve’s hands traced up and down the curves of Billy’s body, fingers dragged against the lace and their smiles were uncontrollable. “I’m sorry, I should have asked you first.”

“Hey,” Billy’s voice was soft, “I’m happy for you.” Steve's sigh of relief was hot against Billy’s mouth. “And thank you, for this.” he said before the distance between them was finally closed and lips were pressed to lips, pink color smeared all over each other’s faces.

The only thing better than wearing that lipstick was having Steve ruin it.

next part

[hes-writer]

A Cheat IV

How about when y/n is engaged with her boyfriend and how happy she is with her life but harry is still miserable. He misses her so much that he begs her to take him back, like literally begging. He tells her that he’ll do anything bc it hurts him to see her getting married with someone else. But y/n isn’t having any of it so she tells him “you already took my heart for granted and left me broken. But now i finally found my happiness again, you’re going to take that away from me too?”

Summary: Harry cheats, Y/N is happy

Warnings: angst

Word count: 3.6k

“That’s what I hoped and gee thanks, have fun with yours too if you ever get over me,”  Harry smirk at her menacingly.

She rolls her eyes, burning from the tears she held back. She remains strong.

“Don’t worry, I will.”

Y/N couldn’t believe how well things have been going for her. In the past eight months after her and Harry’s horrid conclusion to their relationship, Y/N had finally graduated from university after four grueling years of late nights and caffeine coursing through her system. She had gotten a puppy—something that she’d always wanted, but never took the initiative to get one. After tossing her cap in the air during the ceremony with Alan beside her, she was offered a job at a well-known law firm only a few weeks after. Everything is going great.

Not a few days ago, Alan had proposed to her and the engagement ring on her pinky finger was proof of a powering relationship, glimmering against the light of her wooden work desk serving as a backdrop. She smiles to herself, thinking how things finally turned around for her. One of her coworkers passes by, noticing the jewelry adorning her finger and stops to eye her suspiciously, a smile stretching over her face before squealing as Y/N nods shyly. She congratulates Y/N before walking away to her own table.

Y/N’s phone ‘dings’.

Alan

“hey babe, im cooking dinner tonight

what do u want? :))))”

She sighs with satisfaction, having someone supporting her through everything made her feel wanted. Alan is the perfect match for her. Regardless of dating for only six months (they've known each other since high school), he’s been a sturdy shoulder to lean on during the past two where she altered between crying over Harry or being a strong, independent woman that has had enough of being treated like shit. When he asked her out, granted a bit timidly since he wasn’t exactly sure if she was ready to move on, she hesitated but she trusts Alan. She also told herself that not all men are like Harry.

-----

Irene and Harry’s relationship didn’t last long after Y/N caught them in the bathroom. Actually, it ended not too long after. Since Harry’s attention was focused solely on her, Irene took advantage of that and asked him to purchase her a bunch of things that she ‘probably didn’t need’, Harry thinks. I mean, did she honestly need four of the same bags in different colours? Or having Harry book five-star restaurants around the city to celebrate Irene's friend's brother-in-laws birthday? Ridiculous. The price didn’t bother him as he had enough money to buy an island, but hearing her talk his ear off about a new Versace handbag or the recent fall line of Jimmy Choo heels that she just had to get her hands on; he’s had enough. Before officially officially splitting from Y/N, Irene had asked him to buy her stuff, sure, but it used to be minute things like a new perfume or some brand-name makeup. But now, it’s as if she thought her name was titled to Harry’s earnings, threatening to break up with him if he didn’t comply.

At first, he gave in to everything, mistaking the fear of Irene leaving him as something he was deathly afraid of. But now, realizing that the feelings he held for were nothing but sexual infatuation, something exciting and thrilling in his life. Now that he had nothing to hide, his life was giving an off vibe–yearning for Y/N’s presence. Yes, Harry missed Y/N.

He first felt a twinge in his heart in that bathroom, slowly but surely, it kept coming back stronger and more frequently. It happened especially before bed, when Y/N would usually speak to him about her day or ask him about his, or even caress him with gentle touches to calm him before sleeping, he misses her gestures that he only thought of as pestering and nagging during the last few months, but really it was nothing more than actions of love and concern. Irene never gave him a second glance, she cuddled into his chest, manicured razor sharp nails scratching his chest as if to be done as a calming notion, but Harry feels it as a burning sensation that urged him to shift uncomfortably from the woman beside him.

Irene was different from Y/N, stating the obvious. Y/N cleaned the house routinely, cooked the most flavourful dishes, and stocked the kitchen and bathroom with supplies efficiently. Harry believes in splitting the workload and chores between people who lived in the house –which was both of them– but Y/N took special charge in the household activities, saying that Harry needs his rest after being busy the whole day. He feels like a jerk sometimes knowing that she was stressed too, yet she continues to work harder than anyone he’d ever met. Besides that, his comparison was that Irene was rather unforgiving with chores. She’d requested many times that Harry hire someone else to do the work for them, she didn’t even live with him! Saying that her nails were too expensive or that her hands were too precious to handle the pressure of cleaning anything in the house. And when Harry did hire someone, she looked down on the helper as if she had the right to do so. Harry powered through her attitude for the good—recently mediocre— sex and the company.

As things got worse, he didn’t know how much more of Irene he can handle. When he received the news that she was cheating on him with her boss, he snapped. He spoke to that guy in person about giving Irene a promotion and this was how they repaid him. Frankly, it didn’t hurt as much as he’d thought; it didn't hurt as much as his break up with Y/N. He was relieved that she wasn’t going to be around anymore. But all things have an equal and opposite reaction because now, Harry felt extra lonely.

The slight twinge in his heart built into something grander when he was left alone with his own thoughts. Replaying his memories with Y/N trying to see where it went wrong. And at that moment, Harry realizes that it was all his fault. He was the reason why they drifted, he was the reason why she packed her things and left their house with nothing but a few stacks of bills in her hands to last for a few months because he’d essentially kicked her out of his life. What was he thinking?

-----

Y/N was on her lunch break for the day, deciding to grab food at the cafe a few blocks from the firm. She was hastily carrying herself through crowds of people with somewhere to go. Once she arrived, she stands behind a lengthy line of customers waiting to state their order to the cashier. Although Y/N rarely strays from getting her regular items, she scans the menu briefly anyway.

Her turn comes, ordering and paying for her food, she was asked to wait on the left side. The main entrance bell chimes, indicating that someone new had either left or entered the café.

Harry walks in with his grandpa hat covering much of his hair and he hopes that it's doing a good job at disguising his face. His hands held tight in his pockets as his lanky legs move him to the line-up. He did not need to look at the menu since he always gets his coffee black. Instead, his eyes scan the area, looking for watchful eyes from people who have recognized him or casually inspecting his surroundings for the sake of it. His eyes land on a familiar head of hair that he has to blink thrice to make sure of what he was really seeing.

There stood Y/N clad in her matching pantsuit, hair in a ponytail and a bag clutched on her elbow. She looks sideways and he was blessed with a side profile of her face. Oh, how he misses her. He decides to take a detour from his usual escapades and makes a beeline towards her.

"Hey"

Y/N turns around, face visibly displaying a mixture of disappointment, confusion, and anger upon seeing Harry.

"Hi," she says curtly, before turning around as her name was called. She grabs her latte and croissant, turning around swiftly before lightly knocking shoulders with Harry's broad ones, make an escape route to the exit. Even though she still had an hour or so left on her break, she doesn't think that she could handle spending any more time with Harry in the vicinity. So she exits and makes it out on the street that has cleared some during her fifteen minutes indoors.

"Y/N! Y/N, wait. Please," Harry shouts from behind her, weaving his way around people blocking his way to Y/N.

"What do you want, Harry?" You.

"I saw you and wanted to say hi," he explains, eyes finding hers trying to find any kind of emotion that meant she was somehow glad to see him. H finds none.

"Well, you said hi. See you around," Y/N briskly tries to walk away once again but is stopped when he grabs her wrist. A chill makes its way up her spine, heart beating untimely. She gulps.

"Please, Y/N. Let's talk,"

She pretends to look at her watch, rolling her eyes before saying, "Fine. You've got ten minutes,"

The pair walk side-by-side towards a nearby park. The silence between them was uncomfortable for both. Sitting on a bench, Harry shifts his body facing her, clearing his throat.

"I want to apologize for-for what I did before," Y/N can tell that he's nervous by the way his body language breaks down in from of her.

"You mean when you cheated on me and I caught you fucking her brains out in the bathroom? Or was it when you knew that your feelings changed for me but you led me on anyway?" Y/N raises her brows accusingly.

He gulps in response.

"Y-yeah for that. Look, I thought about it and it turns out that I still love you, Y/N. I still have feelings for you,"

She takes a bite of her croissant, shifting her gaze somewhere else and further emphasizing how uncomfortable she was feeling right now.

"And if you'd let me, I want to give it another try. I promise I won't ever do it again. You deserve the world and I'm willing to give it to you. I'll do anything that it takes to have you forgive me," he pleads seriously. If he had to jump off of a bridge for another chance at Y/N's love, he would do it. He will do anything to have Y/N forgive him. Anything.

He was blind without her, lost without any guidance and navigating the world alone. He needed Y/N to tell him that it was gonna be okay when times go rough; he needed Y/N to love him like she did before, the way he does for her right at this very moment. He wants to relive the past where he didn't take her for granted--when they were happy. And if he can't, he might as well give it another shot, to experience the happiness she brought him once again by trying the circumstances. He was ready for it if she was.

"I'm engaged, Harry."

His eyes were like laser beams boring through her face; eyebrows furrowing, lips pursing open and closed and his chest felt crushed from the force of her words. She didn't say in a tone to spite him or make him jealous, it was soft and gentle–merely stating a fact that he obviously missed out on because What?

"Engaged? Y/N, what are you talking about," He spits out nervously, not wanting to accept the truth but wanting to learn more about her status. It’d only been eight months, surely she couldn’t have moved on that fast. You’re one to talk, Harry. He snickers to himself.

"Alan and I—we're getting married," She takes a sip of her beverage, ring glinting against Harry's green eyes and he swears that he just saw his life flash before his eyes.

There it is. The ring that bonded Alan and Y/N together, glistening in the sunlight, taunting him. It rested so gently on her pinky as if it was meant to be there. When Harry imagined this moment, she wore a ring that he had given her because he was the one who got down on a knee, declaring his undying love for her, praising her for her beauty and grace, and asking her the question he'd pictured himself repeat about a hundred times under his breath trying to find the best way to ask her to be his wife.

"Y-you're getting married? Tell me you're lying," He sounds angry, demanding, and in disbelief of what's unfolding right in from of his eyes and ears. "Tell me that you're pulling my leg, love," he says his second statement with great vulnerability, voice cracking in the middle of it to which Y/N retracts her neck, appalled.

"No, I'm not kidding. Why would I do that?" Y/N was confused about why Harry was reacting the way he is right now. Shouldn't he be happy for her? After all, he did break it off between the two of them so he had no right to feel hurt or pained. He had Irene.

"Because I wanted it to be me!" He all but yells at her face. Neck vein straining from the blood rushing to his brain, making him dizzy with the knowledge he just received. Palms sweating profusely forcing him to wipe it on his jeans before he takes hold of her empty hand, taking it in his own which she surprisingly lets him.

"I wanted it to be me. I want you to be mine and now I can't because he—he's the one you're going to marry," A lone tear falls down his eyes, nose starting to get runny from the emotions that overwhelm him. She tries to pull her hand back to herself, but he doesn't let her.

"Why are you crying? You wanted this, you wouldn’t have cheated on me if you didn't want me out of your life," She tries to reason and justifies with his previous actions. Everything was making sense until he spits out the bullshit of still loving her. And even so, why did he wait so long to find her and tell her?

"It was a mistake! I was stupid and a huge asshole, I didn't think of the consequences." He grasps tightly to her hand, fearing that this may be the absolute last time he'll be able to touch her like this. "I took advantage of you, of your love and I shouldn't have because you're the most amazing person in this world. You gave me chance after chance and I didn't deserve any of it b-but I just wished you'd give me another one,"

Harry brings her hand up to his lips, kissing it multiple times while looking in her eyes sincerely.

"I'm glad you know that you already took my heart for granted and left me broken. But now, I finally found my happiness again, you want to take that away from me too? Just so you'd feel satisfied with yourself for getting the girl again?" She pulls away.

"Thanks, I'm flattered but even if I was single, I wouldn't dare give you another chance regardless if you are Harry Styles. I don't care if you can give me the world or anything I want because all I needed was for you to love, trust, and be honest with me." She takes hold of her bag strap blindly, holding her coffee cup in hand and standing up. "You didn't give me any of those,"

Harry stands as well, not prepared to lose her once more. "But I can now! I'll love you so much and I will give every ounce of it out of my body. If that's what you want, I'll do it. Just please,"

"Can't you see, H? I'm happy with Alan now. I've moved on, forgotten about you. For god's sake, I'm getting married!"

Each word she darted out of her mouth was like a gunshot to Harry. Wounds getting deeper and his body feeling heavier than usual, the emotional toll it was giving him was too much for him to handle

"Please. Do the same for yourself. I may not love you the way I did before, but I still care about you," Y/N states gently to Harry. If anything she sees him as a friend, still cares for his well-being. From the short distance, she sees a few girls whispering to each other and pointing at him, obviously recognizing his stance and demeanor.

"But I love you, Y/N! Isn't that enough?"

She only smiles at him before shaking her head, "Sometimes love isn’t enough. Sometimes you have to act on it, and sometimes cheating isn’t a great way to prove that.”

“I hope she was worth it.”

And before he could fire back at a chance to defend himself, the group of girls approaches him suddenly, catching him off guard.

He could hear them requesting to sign their phone cases, could hear the shutter of their phone cameras capturing his dumbfounded face, could hear them chattering about his work and he could hear them praise him for all the things he wasn't. Even with the roar of his crowd performances echoing how much they loved him, nothing beats Y/N's soft voice voicing out an, "I love you, Harry" He feels one girl shake his arm, usually he'd politely ask them to not touch him but at the moment he felt numb.

Because a few meters away, he witnesses Alan and Y/N walking towards each other with the brightest smile on their faces. Greeting each other with a hug, everything about them screamed being in love. Like Harry was, except the girl he adored was loving another man. What hurts the most–when they kissed each others' lips tenderly and his mind plays tricks on him, envisioning that he was the guy that Y/N was with except it flicks back to reality much too soon than he’d like it to be.

His imagination is proof of what could've been him and Y/N spending the rest of their lives together but of course, he’d mess that future up. He stands there wishing he could turn back time, praying to whoever it is up there that could help him find love again. Because his heart continuously breaks seeing her be happy with somebody else.

——- If you like it, shoot me a message If you don’t, pretend you do requests are open!

[kapparel]

BTS Reaction; You Buying Them an Expensive Gift for Their Birthday

A/N → Hello, this is my first reaction I’ve ever done! I hope you all enjoy and please send me feedback as my writing isn’t that good! ♡

Also, requests for reactions are open! (I DO NOT do smut!) 

Gifs are not mine, credits to the rightful owners!

→ KIM SEOKJIN

You smile proudly at the wrapped gift you had bought your boyfriend, Jin, for his birthday. A black and pink Saint Laurent jacket that he had been eyeing for quite some time. You suddenly hear the front door open and automatically know it’s him. Walking out of your room, you see him setting his stuff down on the counter and decide to scare him, just for fun.

“HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!” You shout. He cutely jumps and as he turns around, his left and is held closely to his heart.

“Babe! Why would you scare me like that?” He says, as he goes in for a hug.

“Sorry, I thought it would be funny,” retreating your arms from your back, you hand him his gift. “Open it.”

He takes he gift from you, and once he sees what the actual item is, he hands it back straight in your arms.

“What’s wrong? You don’t like it?”

“Y/N, of course I do, but why would you spend so much money for me?! I can’t take this okay, you need to-“

“It’s okay. You always buy me gifts when it’s not even my birthday! Today is special and I know you wanted this for a long time. So please, take it, babe,” you said, as you shove it back in his arms.

Thank you, Y/N, I love you, but next time, no expensive gifts, okay?” He says, as he leans in for a kiss.

Smirking, you say, “I make no promises.”

→ MIN YOONGI

Walking into the dorms with your present, you grin widely. Every time you and Yoongi would go to the mall, he’d eye these pair of headphones, but never bought it for some reason. So today, since it’s his birthday, you decided, why the heck not buy it for the boy. Yes it was a splurge, but you really do love and appreciate him very much.

Once you reach the dorms, you head straight to Yoongi’s studio. You see him bopping his head from some beat, which causes you to giggle as his cute actions. Walking towards him, you drop the bag which scares Yoongi for a second. “Hello, birthday boy.”

“Hey, beautiful. What’s this?” He asks, as he grabbed the bag and looks inside

“Oh…nothing, just a little something for my baby boo,” that nickname always made Yoongi cringe, but you loved it.

“Y/N! W-what, I-I’m speechless,” he says, “why did you get this for me? Do you know how expensive this is?” He says, looking up at you with sad eyes.

“Yoongi, it’s fine! I know you’ve been eyeing these for so long, and it’s your birthday! I don’t care about how expensive it is — if you love it, that’s all I care about.” With that, he pulls you onto his lap and kisses you passionately.

“I love you, Y/N, thank you.”

→ JUNG HOSEOK

Thanking the cashier, you couldn’t stop smiling. Today is Hoseok’s birthday, so you decided to buy him a little something — a pair of dance sneakers. You had to admit for yourself, they were really beautiful. Opening the door to your apartment, you see Hoseok sitting down scrolling through his phone, until he sees you.

“Y/N! Where have you been?”

“Just out, I got you a-“ you look down at the store bag, “aw man, I don’t even have a birthday bag for your gift! This is so shitty,” you say, pouting.

“Y/N, it’s okay! You didn’t have to get me something anyway! You presence and love is all I need.”

You slightly blush at his sweet words. Nonetheless, you hand him his gift. He slowly takes it, and once he sees the sneaker box out and opens it, he smiles. “Do you like it?” You ask.

“I LOVE IT! HOW DID YOU KNOW?! B-but the price, Y/N, why?”

“Oh, it’s nothing! It’s your birthday, okay? You deserve to be spoiled,” you say, as you tip toe up to him to place a gentle kiss against his cheek.

“Aw, thank you Y/N, I love you so much.”

→ KIM NAMJOON

Looking over at Namjoon’s desk, you clap your hands out of pure excitement. He’s obsessed with Ryan Bear, so you decided to decorate his room in that theme — from teddy bears, a laptop cover, a bed set, and more! It was out of your price range but you couldn’t care less. He makes you happy and you want to show him that he is your everything.

“Oh my god, Y/N!” That voice scares you for a second. You turn around to see Namjoon with a wide smile planted on his face.

You walk up to him and give him a giant hug. “Happy Birthday, Jonnie! Do you like all this?” You ask, hoping he says yes.

“Of course I do! It’s like a dream come true. But, how much did you spend on all this? I need an exact amount so I can pay you back and-“

“Oh, hush it! That doesn’t matter, okay? I love you and it’s your birthday! Now come on, let me give you a tour!!” As you grab his hand to pull him towards his desk, his pulls you back in arms and holds you tightly.

“Aish, thank you, Y/N, I appreciate this and I love you.”

→ PARK JIMIN

You know how much Jimin loves his rings. Since today is his birthday, you decided to get him a slive Cartier ring. You never spend so much money on a person, but Jimin really was the love of your life and you just wanted to buy him something nice.

“Jiminnee!” You sang throughout the house, as you looked for Jimin. He was cooking dinner for the both you and him. You guys were out all day for his birthday, so having a cute little dinner was the perfect way to end off this special day. When he hears his nickname that you gave him, he turns around and smiles at you. “I have a present for you!”

“Babe, you really didn’t have to. Today was honestly perfect enough and I wouldn’t have it any other way.” He says as he walks up to you, holding your hands in his.

“I know, but still,” you take the box from behind your back and hand it to him, “open the box, babe.”

Jimin opens the box, as you can see tears in his eyes, which makes you about cry. “Y/N, this…is beautiful, thank you! How much did you spend? Please don’t spend so much on me, okay? I’m supposed to be the one spoiling you!” He grabs your face and kisses you.

“Okay, Jiminie. I’m glad you like it!”

“I’m gonna wear this everyday from now on. I love you so much and again, thank you.”

→ KIM TAEHYUNG

You and Taehyung were going out for his birthday. You made reservations for dinner and then after that, you both would just walk around Seoul to end off the night. You were currently doing your makeup on the floor, looking in your mirror when Taehyung came bursting through the door.

“Y/NNN, I have absolutely nothing to wear,” he says, as he flops face down on your bed. Your head instantly turns to your closet as your remember the Gucci dress shirt you bought for him the other day. You were gonna wait until you got home, but since he had nothing to wear and loved Gucci, you thought you would just give it to him now.

“Wait here!” You say quiet loudly. Getting up from you position, you skip to your closet and grab the box. Waking over to the boy, you yell “surprise!” and hand it to him. He turns around and his eyes went wide — his cute boxy smile appeared upon his face.

“Y/N! YOU GOT ME GUCCI?! Why? I-I know how expensive this shirt is and I don’t like how you’re spending so much on me when that should be my job,” he pouts.

“Aw, that’s okay! I mean, it is your birthday and you totally deserve it! And hey, now you have something to wear,” you smirk. He puts the box aside and gets up to kiss you against your lips.

“I really am lucky to have you Y/N, thank you for all that you do for me.”

→ JEON JUNGKOOK

“BABE!” You hear Jungkook yell. You ran from your room and into the kitchen.

“What? What’s wrong?” He turns around and hold up the two Charlie Puth tickets you bought for both you and him. You stayed up all night waiting to get front row seats, but it was totally worth it since it is for his 20th birthday. “Oh, yeah, I bought those tickets for your birthday!”

“Y/N! You bought two tickets! One is like $400! Why would you spend so much money on me?” He asks, while looking down at the two tickets. You walk over to him, take the tickets out his hands and place it on the counter.

“Okay first, it’s your birthday so of course I’m gonna spend how much I want on you. And second, I know how much you love Charlie Puth’s music so I thought this concert would be an awesome experience for you,” you say and kiss his little nose.

Jungkook leaves little kisses all over your face which causes you burst of giggling.

“God, what did I do to deserve you. Thank you, Y/N, I love you so damn much and I can’t wait to go to this concert with you.”

I hope you all enjoyed! I know this was super long, but I’ll make it shorter next time! Please, let me know what you thought of this! ♡

[honeybearloco]

“...Company Tonight.”

Requested by an anon. OML my headass got blinded by Minsik’s grill instead of the flashing light. Ion even know wtf is wrong with me.

Lee Gwang Min, your older brother, your best friend, your partner in crime, your role model, your everything. You looked up to your brother for everything. You went to him for advice. You parents always saw your friendship with your brother as trouble, always! 

You only cared and listened to what he had to say. He’d give you his honest opinion on everything and you accepted that. And that’s one reason you loved him. He could never tell a lie, he was always so honest, even if it was hurtful he’d not give a fuck and tell you anyways. 

The older you got, the more protective Gwang Min got. That’s his job as an older brother. To be protective. And when I tell you he was, he really was. Sometimes it would be like he was your hired body guard. His main enemy:

Boys.

You were a very beautiful girl. Meaning guys were everywhere. Most of your friends were guys. You tended to attract male friends. Or in other words, male company. Gwang Min hated all of them. He didn’t even like that Lab Partner who was any thing but cute. He wasn’t the best looking and didn’t even have a good attitude. You hated him too.

But today was going to be different. You begged and begged him to let you meet his crew. The infamous Yelows Mob. He never wanted you to meet them. You were a GROOVYROOM fangirl. You thought Park Gyu Jung was the hottest thing on planet earth. (A/N: 🙄🙄🙄 don’t @ me. Park Gyu Jung is so fine.) 

He just didn’t want his friends hitting on his little sister. I mean, come on. Would you? After about 100 or so attempts to get your brother to let you meet his crew, you decided to try one another way. A way where he can’t say no. 

You were hanging out like you did on most Saturdays. You thought the time was right. “Oppa, can we-”

“You’re not meeting the crew. I’m not going to say it again.” He interrupted you. 

You began to think of something, something tragic. Something you like dying. Tears were forming. He looked at you to see you about to cry. He hated when you cried. Always! Since you were a baby he’s hated when you cried. It was how you got your way as a child. He hated it! He and both of your parents had to do whatever to make you stop crying. You were a spoiled child. You put your head in your hands and sobbed. 

“Don’t be a crybaby, Y/N. I didn’t mean I-”

You sobbed louder to make him feel guilty. 

“UGH! Fine you can meet my crew.” He said. 

You picked your head up and wiped away the tears that fell. “Really, Oppa?” “Yes, if you don’t cry again. Now stop crying or else.”

“Thanks Oppa!” You smiled and hugged him tightly. “Yeah, yeah whatever.” He added, hugging you back.

Today was the day. You had to look your ultimate best. You were just meeting anyone. They were your older brother’s friends yes, but they were famous as well. Not that famous but famous in a way. You had to look like you cared but at the same time you didn’t. It made sense in a way. 

You took about two hours to get ready. Shower, lotions, skin care, getting dressed, makeup. The whole process. Usually it takes less time than that but Gwang Min kept bugging you to hurry up. And you kept telling him it would only slow you down and it did. 

You walked out of the bathroom, in white shorts that fit every curve, a black Harajuku Aesthetics Thrasher Sweater that can put slightly. You could see part of your stomach. And a pair of white converse. To top it all off, you put on a black Antisocial Social Club dad hat. 

He didn’t want to waste anymore time He grabbed your wrist and rushed the other way. After about a 15 minute drive you finally made it to their hangout. You couldn’t hide the smile on your face.

“Wipe the smile off your face and get out of the car.” He said snapping you out of your thoughts. 

You climbed out of the car and shut the door. You took a deep breath and followed Gwang Min like a lost puppy. You didn’t know this place. Finally he opened a door to a room full of men, you assumed it was the crew. You couldn’t really see.  

“YO! It’s Gwang Min! Who’s that behind you?” Sung Min greeted loudly.

“Yeah, she’s kinda cute.” Gyu Jung’s voice sounded.

Your eyes widened slightly as you were screaming inside. “Guys! This is my little sister, Y/N.” 

He stepped the left slightly to make you visible to his crew. You bowed. “Hello.” You said barely audible. 

Min Sik turned around to see the little sister of a good friend of his. But instead he saw something different. He didn’t see a cute girl. Or a hot chick. He saw a beautiful woman, just one having to be related to a good friend of his.

After awhile Gwang Min left you to talk to his friends leaving you, standing in the corner like a loner. Min Sik thought this was the perfect time to introduce himself personally. 

He approached you with a smile. “Hi, I’m Sik K, but you can call me Min Sik.” He greeted.

You were caught in his smile. It was calming. You felt calm and safe talking to him. Min Sik was dear friend of Gwang Min. They were like brothers, you and Min Sik just so happened to never meet. 

“Hello?” 

“Oh, sorry. I j-just, I d-didn’t mean t-to.” You stuttered as your cheeks got redder and hotter. He couldn’t help but smile. He could tell you were embarrassed. “You know, you’re cute when you’re embarrassed.” He admitted. You smiled. 

The both of you got into a deep conversation. You lost track of time. You had a nice time talking to him. Now he was telling the dumbest of pick up lines.

“I know milk does the body good, but baby, tell me how much have you been drinking?” He said.

You chuckled a bit and hit his chest playfully. “Oppa! You’re so cringey! Stop it!”

Gwang Min turned around to see the two of you. He could see how close Min Sik and you really were. You both were about a foot away from each other.

“Min Sik is really going for your sister huh, Gwang Min?” Jae Hoon joked.

“Shut up! He’s just trying to loosen her up a bit. He’s not trying to get with her.”

There was a moment of silence between the two of you after you placed your hand on his chest. You removed it and looked away blushing. He fixed his hat and looked the opposite way.

Gwang Min began to drink, you knew there would be no way he could drive you home. You didn’t want to make him for his safety and yours. The only other person who didn’t drink was Min Sik. You asked him for a ride home and he accepted. 

You looked out the window. “Do you want something to eat? You didn’t drink or eat anything at the hangout. I can buy you something if you want.” He offered. “No, it’s okay. I’m fine.” “Aww come on. Let me get you something for keeping me company tonight.” “Fine, okay.”

He stops at a fast food restaurant. You got out of the car and ordered for yourself and then he ordered. When you pulled out your wallet, he held your hand. “Princess, I got it.” Your eyes widened at the pet name. 

“Aw, the two of you make a cute couple.” The cashier added. 

“Oh, we’re not-”

“Thank you so much. I tried to tell her to hold my hand, but she was embarrassed.” He interrupted you. You hit his chest hard. “Min Sik!” “Yes my love?”

“You’re so unbelievable.” You complained, rolling your eyes before walking to a booth.

You sat in the booth closest to the entrance door. After a while Min Sik came to the table with both of your orders. He handed you yours with a smile. “Eat up. I don’t want you to starve.”

During dinner, as you could say, you would look up and see Min Sik looking at you with a smile. After dinner you got back in the car and he drove you home. Finally you reached your apartment. He walked you to the door. “Thanks for dinner, lover boy.” You giggled. You opened the door. “Wait!” He shouted. You turned around to see you were only a few inches away. You didn’t back away, you didn’t move forward. You were frozen. You were staring at his lips and how close they were to yours. 

“Can I?” He questioned. You only nodded to show approval. He leaned in slowly as did you. Only to be interrupted by the sound of yelling. 

“MIN SIK! WHAT ARE YOU DOING TO MY SISTER?!” 

“Gwang Min?” You whisper under your breath looking over Min Sik’s shoulder. You could see him drunkenly storming towards you. “I’ll see you later, bye Min Sik.” You said in a rush, before pecking his cheek and rushing in the apartment. 

Gwang Min jacked Min Sik by her shirt. “Yah! S-stay away, from my baby sister! Y-you, you, bastard. You, don’t deserve her.” Gwang Min said drunkenly barely being able to hold himself up. “Gwang Min, you’re drunk, get in there.”

“D-don’t think I’m not with you. I...will end you.”

“Oppa, come inside before you embarrass yourself or hurt your friendship.” You chimed in, wrapping Gwang Min’s right arm around your shoulders. Min Sik had his left arm wrapped around his shoulder. The both of you helped him inside the apartment. You put him in his bed. You both walked out of the room and sighed in relief. 

“Can I get that kiss now?” Min Sik asked.

You giggled silently. He leaned in and pulled you in close, and softly placed his lips on yours in a sweet, soft kiss. 

I hope this was somewhat what you expected. I hope you enjoyed. I almost lost this, luckily I didn’t. Sorry for any mistakes. Thanks for reading. Have an amazing day/night. Support EXID’s comeback lovelies.<3

[rainbowxswirl-blog]

You're Not My Type (Chapter 2)

The very next morning, my phone started ringing. I groaned from up under the covers. 'is it so hard to let me sleep in for once??' i thought to myself. I reached out and grabbed my phone from the bedside table. "Hello??" "Noona?" Came a hesitant voice. it took me a minute to recognize the voice. "Jimin?" I asked sleepily. he chuckled nervously. "I'm sorry it is kinda early isn't it?" he asked. I rolled over and rubbed the sleepiness out my eyes. "What's up?" a heartbeat of silence. "Do you wanna go out today?" He asked. I immediately sat up. "You do realize what you just asked right?" he laughed. "Of course Noona." he said. "I'll buy you coffee~" he said in a sing song voice. My eye twitched. I can't turn down free coffee, but why would he come to me? There had to be a reason. I sighed. I was curious. I wanted to go hear him out. "Give me 30 minutes" I replied. "See you soon Noona." He said happily. I hung up and groaned. There was no way I could let Jay know about this. "I'm dead if I do." I said out loud to myself. "Dead if you do what?" Came Myra's voice. I looked up and she was coming out of the bathroom drying her hair off. I sighed. "Nothing. I'm going out for the day okay?" I told her as I got up, grabbed my clothes and headed towards the bathroom. After my daily routine, I came out dressed in leggings, a light blue hi-lo t-shirt and a white sleeveless cardigan. I walked into the kitchen and grabbed a piece of toast along with my purse on the way out the door. Jay looked up from the book she was reading at the breakfast bar alongside her coffee. "Kelah." She called. I stopped in my tracks. So much for making a smooth getaway. I turned around and looked at her giving her a smile. "Yeah Jay?" "Where are you going so early?" She asked as she took a sip of her coffee. "Just out for a stroll." I replied. We usually did that, but typically it was late at night since she and i were night owls. She raised an eyebrow at me in question. "At 8:00 in the morning?" I huffed 'blame your boyfriend number two' i thought agitated. "I'll be back at some point and time today." I told her as i made my way out the door. As soon as i made my way down the street i called Jimin. "Noona~" he answered. "I just left the house." I let him know. "You owe me a muffin with my coffee." He laughed. "I'll text you the café i want you to meet me at. I'm on the way there now." He told me. "Okay." I told him and hung up. Once i got the text, i put it in the GPS and made my way there. I walked through the door and looked around for a mochi faced Jimin and fond him sitting by the window staring out into the streets. I walked up to him and sat in the seat across from him which seemed to snap him out of it. "I got you a caramel machiatto with a chocolate chip muffin. I hope that's fine." He told me with a smile. I couldn't help but smile back at him. "Perfect." I took the drink and took a sip. I hummed happily as i felt the caffeine hitting my system. "So what was the reason for calling me out so early?" I asked as i tore off a piece of muffin and popped it into my mouth. He sighed as he looked down at his dink then up at me his demeanor suddenly serious it almost scared me. "Noona...i like you." I choked on the muffin as i struggled to catch my breath. "Jimin...be serious here." i told him sternly. He placed his chin in the palm of his hand. "But i am serious." I counted the breaths that went by. 1...2....3...4... He then broke out into a smile and begin laughing. "You should see your face right now!!!" He teased. I suddenly want to dump my hot drink on him. My eyes narrowed into a glare. "Damn you Park Jimin!!!" I huffed "do you know how dead i would've been had you been serious?" He blinked at me. "What if i was?" He asked curiously. "We wouldn't be seeing much of each other for long because i would be dead after today...like seriously." I explained. "And just for that prank you're buying me snacks. Now what's the REAL reason you called me out here??" He sighed. "Noona..ah..Jay," he started. "I want to get closer to her-" "Kookie's in your way huh?" I interrupted with a smirk. I seen a faint blush come up on his cheeks but other then that he hasn't said anything. "So what exactly does this have to do with me?" I asked. "I want to know what she likes so we can go shopping for her today." He stated. I raised an eyebrow at him. "You are aware she can't be bought with gifts right?" "I know but it's to show her I'm thinking about her and that i care about her. It just seems like lately she's been focusing on Kookie. I want her to look at me." He vented. I tapped my finger on the table in thought. He seemed genuine about his feelings for her. I sighed "okay fine." I agreed. 'I have a feeling I'm going to regret this.' ~~~~~ Dania came back from her run panting but feeling accomplished. She took out her phone and decided to check the snow app. What she seen made her jaw drop. "Oh my-...JAYYY!!!" She shouted as she ran in the house. "What?!" Came her reply from the bedroom. Dania stopped at the open doorway trying to gasp for air. Jay, who was in the mirror doing her makeup for the day, looked at her confused. "What the hell is wrong with you?" She asked. "Have you...checked...Snow...lately?" Dania panted. Jay turned back to the mirror and continued applying her makeup. "No what reason do I have to?" Dania walked up to her, tapped on Jimin's story and shoved it in Jay's face. It showed her friend Kelah looking at the camera and putting her hand up to the lense. "Chim stop!" Came her voice along with his laugh. The next slide showed them at a store this time Jimin was in the video and Kelah was behind him and they were playing with the filters and laughing. "You're suppose to be shopping!" She scolded playfully. The next one was just a picture of them together. Jimin was winking at the camera while Kelah was just holding up a peace sign with the biggest smile on her face. That was where his story ended. Dania lowered her phone to gauge her friend's reaction. It went completely blank so she couldn't tell what she was feeling. "Jay?" She called out. She knows she's been paying a bit more attention to Jungkook lately but she didn't think one of her closest friends would...it had to be a lie right? "JAYYYY" came Myra's voice as her footsteps came closer to her room until she finally appeared in her doorway. "Have you seen..." her voice trailed off when she noticed the tension in the air. "I guess so." "That can't be true right?" Jay finally spoke up. "Kelah isn't like that. She would never-" Janet, being the cheerful person she was, piped in "yeah she totally isn't like that we all know this!!" She exclaimed. "Let's call her just to put you at ease." She picked up her phone and dialed the number. "Janet! What's up girly?" Came Kelah's voice. Janet put it on speaker phone before continuing. "Hey girly just wondering where you was was at?" She asked. "Out with Jimin." Kelah answered bluntly then she laughed. "Oh jesus no." "What?" Janet asked confused. "Nothing talking to Jimin." Kelah answered. "Something wrong?" "Ohhh just wondering why you were out with Jimin." Janet lied. "Are you around Jay?" Kelah asked. "No." Hyuna answered quickly. "Jimin just asked me out okay? now i gotta go. I'll see you guys later byee!" She said happily and hung up. The whole entire room fell silent. Socked at what just happened. "I'm sure there's still a reasoning behind it. She's not that type of person." Myra softly commented. Jay picked up her purse and stormed out. ~~~~~ "Now why would you talk about being dead if we went out but you just made it seem like we was going out?" Jimin asked as he picked up a bracelet to show to me. Diamonds all around. Very out there. I shook my head in disapproval "she's not an expensive girl Jimin." Then i thought about what i just said "okay lemme rephrase that she's has expensive tastes but she doesn't like flashy." "And i went with it because you started this by posting on Snow." I said as i narrowed my eyes at him. "Jay and the others probably seen and now they think we're probably out on a date idiot!" I swatted him on the arm as i walked down the aisle. Something stood out to me. It was just her style. I waved him down to get his attention and showed him what i found. His face lit up as he seemed to like my little discovery as well. He pointed to the bracelet and looked up to the cashier behind the counter. "Can i have this wrapped please?" She nodded and took the bracelet out of its case to go have it nicely packaged. Jimin turned to look at me. "Thanks for coming out with me today. I don't know how to repay you." "Buy me pepero and make sure i don't die." I said without thinking and he laughed. "I'll do my best to make sure you're not severely hurt." He replied. "That didn't sound like what i wanted to hear." I raised an eyebrow at him. "It's what i can offer for now." He argued. "Got damn it fine." I relented. I walked out of the store once he got the gift. "Let's finish shopping for your soon to be girlfriend." He ran after me shouting "she's not my girlfriend!!" "After me putting my life on the line she better damn well be by the end of this day!!" I shouted back. Hopefully i was right. ~~~~ *Later that evening* As we were walking up the street i was telling him some things about Jay. "Okay so you can't be all shy around her you should know this by now and that's probably why Kookie has a one up on you." I explained. His lips poked out at the mention of the situation. "Hey I'm just saying." I told him as i noticed his pout. "He has that confident demeanor going on. Jay is a social person she gravitates towards people who are social." "How does being confident make Jay gravitate towards Jungkook?" Jimin asked. "It makes him seem social." I answered. "That charisma you always show on stage?? Channel some of that." I poked him in his chest to emphasize my point. He smirked a devious smirk at me as we walked up the driveway. "Yeah like that! Just not at me." I laughed. I unlocked the door to see Jay in the living room flirting with Jungkook pretty hard. The rest of Bangtan seemed to have came over as well. And all eyes seemed to be on Jimin and I. I smiled. "Hey girls! Hey guys!" I said happily. No one seemed to want to reply. "Umm...okay?" "Kelah..it's not true right?" Myra said stepping forward. I tilted my head to the side "excuse me?" "Wow i didn't take you stealing type." Namjoon said with a smirk. My eye twitched. "Stay the fuck out of this." I bit back. "Kelah you told me you was out with Jimin." Janet said. "Okay 1. Yeah i was. Am i not allowed? 2. Did you guys call the rest of the members over?" I questioned looking around the room. For some reason my eyes landed on Hoseok and he looked upset? Hurt? Disappointed? "I'm failing to see what wrong i did here." I stated. That seemed to make Jay stop. "Oh you don't think you did wrong?" She got up and walked towards me. 'Probably not the brightest thing to say.' "You know how i feel about him Kelah why would you go out with him?" Jay said raising her voice. "Jay wait a minute-" i tried to say but i was cut off. "Here i was thinking you was one of my closest friends and you go and do this to me?" She continued. I felt that aching sensation behind my eyes. "Okay but-" "It's not what you think." Jimin tried to defend. Her wrath was turned on him. "And you!" She glared "i thought.." she stopped herself mid sentence and huffed "you're suppose to be with me!" "Jay I-" Jimin tried to say but her glare turned back to me. "I thought we had a better relationship than this. " she said. I've had enough. "SHUT THE FUCK UP AND LISTEN TO US GOT DAMN IT!!!" I yelled. "You!!" I pointed to Namjoon "don't know jack shit so stay the fuck out of my got damn business." I looked over to Janet who visibly gulped. "You can't lie for shit. I knew you was with Jay even though you said you weren't so i just left it at Jimin asked me out because i knew you guys looked at his story on Snow and probably assumed we was out on a date." I looked at Jay finally. "So yes he asked me out but it wasn't for the reason you're thinking and I'm actually hurt you would think that way of me. You know I'm not like that!!" I exclaimed "If it's not the reason I'm thinking then-" she was cut off by a box being shoved in her face followed by two bags and a stuffed Ryan bear. Needless to say she was stunned quiet. She looked down at the stuff then looked up at us. I raised an eyebrow at her. "I invited her out because i wanted to get to know more about you. I wanted to learn about you so i could get closer to you." Jimin explained. "Why didn't you just come to me?" Jay asked. Jimin just looked behind her to Jungkook who raised a challenging eyebrow at him. Jay caught on and looked behind her to Kookie and sighed. "I thought asking one of your closer friends would be a better option." He said simply. "She helped me pick out all your gifts." She set the bear down and opened the bags in one was a cute notebook with a handwritten note on the first page. She smiled at the thoughtfulness. She opened the second bag and seen plenty of cute stationary paper and pens. Then she opened the box and gasped. Inside was a white gold bracelet with a plate and her name engraved on it with two small diamonds on the sides of her name. Simple but cute. "Ohh it's beautiful." She said in awe. It was my turn to sigh and i pushed past her and Jimin. I was suddenly drained and i just wanted to be away from the noise. "I'm going to my room for the night." I announced as i quickly poured me a glass of wine and walked to my bedroom and slammed the door. Jimin looked over at Jay. "Looks like you got some apologizing to do." TO BE CONTINUED....

[borkasaurusrex]

(D·N·C) SEASON 1 | EPISODE 2 | "S&S"

With a high-pitched Doo-Doo! a pair of double doors swung open, and a tall, brunette teen strolled into the establishment, taking in all the atmosphere... and mediocrity.

Well, mostly that second one.

The shop was mainly white and gray, royal blues accenting the corners and farthest wall away from the entrance. Shelves, of both the wall-mounted and in-the-middle-of-everything sorts were scattered about, said shelves chock full of containers colored green, blue, and other similar schemes. Judging by the signs above each cabinet (Xbox Classics, PS3 New Arrivals, PC Exclusives, etc), they were video games.

Axel took a little stroll through the section labeled 'PC Exclusives', eyes grazing the colorful selections and dramatic (often lewd) promotional art  next to the bigger displays. He looked up and down, left and right, sideways and longways... but he never reached out to any of the boxes, didn't even lean in for a closer look. He didn't do anything... but sigh.

"Can I help you, sir?"

Axel whipped his head around, towards an older man that, if he didn't know any better, would've thought was Adam Savage. Said man was tall, slim, blonde hair cut and glasses propped in almost a perfect replica of the Mythbusters (arguable) frontman. Judging by his pale blue uniform, nametag, and fake grin, he probably worked at the store.

Axel smiled weakly back, stammering, "Uh... nah, I'm okay. Just... just browsing."

"'Just browsing', huh?" the employee repeated. "Well, what kind of stuff are you browsing for? Anything specific?"

"Not really," Axel said. "It's just... with school started up and all... and homework being... well... homework, I'm trying to find something to..."

"Tide you over?" The man suggested. "Distract yourself from the monotony and boredom that is the American school system?"

"... Yeah. Pretty much."

"Well, we've got you covered!" The fellow craned his head over the aisle, eyes scanning the selections all squinty like... until, with a low "Aha!" he said, "Black Ops 3's coming out in a few months, maybe you want to pre-order that?"

"A few months?" Axel echoed. "I was kind of hoping for something..."

"Now?" The employee finished. Axel nodded.

"In that case, we have Evolve, the Witcher, Battlefield: Hardline..." the man continued, looking down at Axel. "... Still nothing?"

"Maybe something a little less popular? Something... indie?" He went on, "Y'know, like Undertale, Life is Strange, Pillars of Eternity, Swords & Sorcerers... that kind of - "

"Wait... what was that last one?"

"What? Swords & Sorcerers?" the guy repeated. "Surely you've heard of it."

"I... I don't think so," Axel said.

"Well, it's a MMORPG, see? Like... Guild Wars, or Everquest. You know Everquest?"

"I didn't understand anything you just said in the last five seconds."

"Well... uh... how can I explain this?" The man turned up his brows, obviously thinking. "Think of... uh... oh! World Of Warcraft! You've gotta know what that is at least, right?"

"Isn't that, like, a movie?"

"Okay, well, before it was a movie, it was a video game! A wonderful, powerful, incredible video game that had more fetch quests than I have friends.

"But... Swords & Sorcerers, S & S, it's like WOW... but, like... a Banjo Kazoolian times better! Everything better, from the art design, the aesthetic, the ASS-stetics... yknow, it has it all: swords... sorcerers... uh... servers, anything you could want. And it's free, too!"

Axel's eyes widened at that. "It's free?"

"Pretty much! Or... well, until you hit level 10, in which case it's just a... well, small fee..."

"... How long does it take to reach that?"

"Five minutes."

Upon seeing Axel's face, the man quickly stammered, "But it's not even that much money, if you think about it. $39.00... why, I... uh... spend more than that on condoms every day!

"That... that was a lie... but it's not the point!" He continued, "For such an exciting and enticing adventure... what's wrong with giving the company a little "tip" once and a while, huh? Like, so what if it costs almost half a Benjamin to unlock the 2nd area, or twice that for the next? So what if it you gotta fork over a little dough to sprint, or to get something better than the starting pants? It's all worth it, really, in the end. It... this game - nay, experience - is  a phenomenon, a fucking legacy-in-the-making. It's amazing, a truly original miracle of modern art!"

Axel looked up at him oddly, the edges of his lips in a pretty clear frown. "I... I can't tell if you're being sarcastic or not."

"No sarcasm, all truth!" The bespectacled employee said. "I assure you: this game will be the single most fantastical, addicting experience in your entire (possibly disappointingly short) life, or my name isn't Marvey!"

Axel's eyes traced down to the man's nametag. It said 'John'.

"Come on, kid. Whadd'ya say, huh?"

"..."

"...!"

"... Fine. I'll try it out."

"Excellent! I'll ring you up, over there." He pointed to the front of the shop, near the suspiciously cluttered cashier counter. "Do you want to purchase the eight DLC that come with the game too? Only $89.99!"

"Eight DLC? Really?"

"Well, nine technically, but since you missed out on the exclusive pre-order DLC when the game was announced, you're going to have to settle with that... or, uh... you could hypothetically buy it, but it'll be a bit pricey. $30.00."

"$30.00? On top of the other, what, sixty?" Axel asked.

"Ninety, actually," the man said, "Don't think I'll give you a discount, now.

"But... look, you can just buy the base game, I guess, but..." he sighed, shrugging his shoulders slightly. "You'll be missing out... on the whole experience."

Axel paused, mulling thoughts over in his head while the employee just stood there, rapping his fingernails on the counter impatiently.

"Well, what's it gonna be, kid?" He asked.

Axel turned to him, shifting his jaws as if tasting his words first.

Finally, he said, "... Fine. I'll take it."

"Awesome sauce! Here, let me package it all for you..." The man pulled several discs from under the counter, wrapping them together, grinning all the while. "A ha ha... and they say capitalism doesn't work! Heh, idiots!"

~-~

Axel rolled the game case between his hands, feeling the course plastic against his skin. He stopped playing with the box and instead held it up, getting a good look at its front. The cover art was minimalistic, the silhouettes of a heavily armored man, a robbed guy with a beard, and a woman with a bow, a boobplate, and not much else stood in heroic poses, under an almost cheesy medieval font reading "SWORDS AND SORCERERS".

Axel's eyes grazed around idly, connecting with the stack of papers (homework, most likely) on the desk below him, next to a surprisingly clean all-in-one PC.

His eyes went to the homework... then the computer. And back to the homework again.

I should do my homework first... He thought, placing the plastic case on the desk lightly. Then maybe I could... uh... play for an hour... or two...

He reached out to a mechanical pencil, at the edge of the desk... but stopped.

He looked back to the computer, and the game besides it.

His eyes furrowed, looking down at the box desperately.

"..."

"... Maybe just one quick game..."

~-~

Ding-Dong!  

Mr. ElRite slipped right off the edge of his loveseat, smashing his face hard into the carpet below - and his finger, on the remote, shutting off the fleshy tones and moans from the TV above.

"... Uh... coming!" He shouted, pulling himself - and his pants - up to his knees at a rapid pace. He jumped to his feet, making his way quickly across his rather plain living room. It was... nice. Warm colors, pale reds and browns, made up most of the area with the occasional family portrait or window interrupting the flow of the wall. It was nice. Very plain... but nice.

Mr. ElRite stopped in front of the front door. No decorations at all, not even a different paint job. Just a clothes hanger, and an empty one at that. He leaned up against said hanger, slicked a few strands of hair behind his ear, and pulled the doorknob open.

The light from outside, not even that strong (due to the cloudy sky above) was like staring directly in the sun for the older man, and he squinted his eyes in as if staring into Ra's gaping man-beak itself.

Standing on his doorstep was a teenage girl. She was wearing a burgundy hoodie, her long red hair tucked neatly under a beanie. Her skin was pale, her eyes a particularly bright enough shade of amber they almost looked yellow. Mr. ElRite had to look twice to make sure they weren't.

But yet... he recognized her. She was...

"- Oh! You're, uh, one of Axel's pals, right?" He asked. "Uh... Anna, right? Or Ana?"

She huffed out a sigh. "... Evanna."

"Oh, right! You're Seelig's daughter! Well, uh, I was close at least! Ha ha... ha..." He coughed, clearing his throat. "So... uh... what can I do for ya, Evanna?"

"Is Axel home? He hasn't been to school in... well, ages."

"Oh yeah, he is! He's... he's in the study right now, actually."

"..."

"... Can I see him?"

"Oh, of course! Come... uh, come right in!" Mr. ElRite took a step to the side, leaving the clearing open. "Do you want anything? Refreshments, perhaps?"

"Some tea would be great," Evanna said, closing the door behind her.

"Uh... is Diet Coke okay?"

Evanna pulled her hoodie off, revealing a band t-shirt with more pentagrams and guys with makeup on than Mr. ElRite's usually comfortable with. She brushed back some spare hairs, giving him a surprisingly condescending look for someone 15. "Hrmph... I guess..."

"Alrighty... I'll... uh... get that for you." He walked away, turning around a corner and shouting, "Oh, the study's at the end of the hall... to the left! Just make yourself comfy, okay?"

She didn't respond. After a low slam! from the corner Mr. ElRite turned around was any indicator, she was now probably alone.

Without wasting another moment, Evanna walked down the hall at a slow pace, using her spare hand to feel the grooves and bumps of the nearby wall.

"Jesus Christ..." She whispered, squinting her eyes. "Is it always this sodding dark?"

She made her way down, the hallway becoming even somehow darker as she went on. She took a couple of steps forward tentatively, about to pick up her pace until she banged her shoulder hard. She slipped a "Shit!" out under her breath, rubbing the shoulder gently. She turned her head towards the object she hit, her eyes adjusted to the dark enough by now to recognize the silhouette of a door. She grabbed the edge and swung it open, taking a step inside.

The room was incredibly shadowed, so dark it was near impossible to make anything out at all. There was a faint silhouette of a desk, a bookshelf. Maybe two. This wasn't just regular darkness.

It was advanced darkness.

Evanna's traced the surface of the wall, trying to find a switch, a button, anything. She fidgeted a bit farther, feeling a slight changed texture until she hit her knee, a sharp pain rocketing down her calf like a waterfall. She cursed again, loud.

"... Where is that bloody...?" She muttered, stopping when she felt some kind of switch under her fingertips. She flicked it up.

Bright yellow light exploded into the room, flooding the entirety and even outside into the hall. Evanna squinted her eyes hard at the sudden rays from above, gritting her teeth from surprise.

She wasn't the only one in the room who was surprised.

"JUMPIN'-FUCKING-JAHOSAFATS, I'M BLIND! I'M BLIIIIIND!" With a loud Crash! the office chair in front of the desk smashed onto the floor, its sitter spilling onto the carpet like an overly moist Greek yogurt.

He covered his eyes with both hands, curling into a ball on the floor whole muttering over and over under his breath, "I'm blind... blind... bliiind..."

"... Axel? Are you... uh... okay? Evanna reached a hand down, towards her whimpering friend. Upon touching his arm he let out a literal hiss, clamoring forward onto the fallen over chair and curling up inside, like a wounded animal into their cage.

To say Evanna was weirded out would be an understatement.

"... Uh... Axel?" She stepped forward carefully, making sure to not get too close. "You...uh... okay, mate?"

"It's... so bright..."

"Compared to before? Uh yeah, it is..." Evanna craned her head, seeing the bright colors and scantily clad women from on the nearby computer screen. "What... uh... have you been doing?"

"... What?"

"What. Are. You. Doing?" She repeated.

"Oh. Uh... S & S. Y'know, Swords and Sorcerers?"

"... I've heard of it."

"Oh, Evanna, it's... it's so incredible, like oh my God, it's amazing..." Axel said, a blissful grin creeping up his lips. "The gameplay, the open world, the aesthetic, all of it. It's... it's the greatest game ever conceived by mortal men. Nay, after this, the men and women of Froststorm Games aren't just mortal... they're gods. Immortal."

"That sounds nice..." Evanna's bespectacled eyes glanced around the room, noticing empty wrappers and bottles littering the floor under the desk ahead. "Uh.. hey Axel?"

"Hmm?"

"How long have you been playing? S & S, I mean."

"Oh... uh, a couple hours I think?" He snatched his phone off the carpet, double checking the time. "Yeah, like... Maybe a few hours, I think. It can't be anymore than that."

"Why?" Evanna asked.

"I would know. I started playing at 2:30 today and now it's 4:47. And it's Sunday, anyway. I wouldn't miss school."

Evanna raised her eyebrows, like she was confused. "... But Axel, you did miss school."

"What? No I didn't."

"Yes, you did. I haven't seen you in at least a week, so I'm having trouble believing that you just conveniently forgot the ti - "

"A... a week? Axel echoed, grin quickly turning to a frown. "But... that's not possible. It's... it's still Sunday."

"Yeah, it's Sunday. A week later."

Axel's eyes were stuck on his phone screen, staring at the time as if in shock. He didn't say anything for a good moment.

Then, he whispered: "Crap."

"You should stop playing that game," Evanna said, "Maybe then you'd have a better grasp on reality."

"I... I do have a grasp on reality."

"You missed an entire week and didn't even notice it," She said, "I think you might be lying to yourself, mate."

"I am not!" Axel cried, slumping his weight upward to sit up. "You've taken a week off from school once, didn't you? Huh? What makes you any different?"

"I had pneumonia!"

"Pshuh..." Axel scoffed, crossing his arms. "Excuses, excuses..."

"Look Axel, you need help. And, if you're not gonna listen to me... then I'm not gonna waste any more of my time with you." Evanna turned back around the way she came, disappearing out of the doorway before Axel could even realize she just walked out on him.

"Alright, fine!" He shouted at the wall. "I... I don't need your help anyway! Unless you can somehow solve a Level 25 Apothecary Puzzle and get the loot before it despawns which... which I'm sure you can't! Suck on those lima beans and roast 'em!"

He looked down at his hands, them lightly shaking. In a tone barely louder than a whisper, he said, "I'm okay. Axel, you're okay. You don't have an addiction, it's just an...an obsession. That's all. An obsession, alright? You can quit, you can quit anytime you want. Anytime you need."

"..."

"... After one more puzzle."

-~-

" - so brace yourself, kiddos: pop quiz incoming."

Loud and long groans erupted everywhere, to which Mr. Davidson held up his hands defensively. "Hey hey... I know it blows, I do. But this is is state required, so... y'know, pretty dang important."

"Besides, it'll be easy..." He continued, taking a stack of freshly printed papers off his desk. "... if you've done the studying, that is."

Davidson's classroom was big. Bigger than your usual Midwestern high school classroom, anyway, who's thirty or so desks barely filled up half the room. Mr. Davidson gave a couple of sheets to the front of each row, the students  (begrudgingly) passing them to the student behind them, and the student behind them, and so on.

With sheets passing by him left and right, Axel ElRite wasn't paying much attention. Mainly because he was asleep.

From out of nowhere a sheet smacked against his face, the boy's bloodshot eyes shooting open, wide with surprise at first until he looked around.

Davidson classroom. Paper on desk.

'Lang. Arts 4B' the sheet read. 'Lesson 3 Pop Quiz'.

Wait.

Pop Quiz? Oh, crap in a hat.

Axel sighed, picking up a mechanical pencil and squeezing the rubber bit between his fingers.

It's okay, it's just a quiz, Axel thought to himself, loosening his grip. You've got this, man, you got thi -

... Wait, we're studying Austrian history? I thought it was Australian!

Ugh...  it's gonna be a long day...

-~-

"So... uh... how bad did you bomb it?" Weston asked.

Axel's mouth shifted into a hard frown. "Like... on a scale?"

"Yeah, a scale. On a scale of Family Feud hosts, ten being Steve Harvey - obviously - and zero being... uh, let's say Richie... how'd ya do?"

"... Louie Anderson."

"Oh. Shit."

Evanna peered from across the table, clearly confused. "Family Feud? What's that?"

Weston slammed his milk carton on the table, twisting his face into a look of disgust. "You don't know about the majesty, the awe, the sheer brilliance that is the 1976-to-present iconic staple of American history? Ugh, try reading a book sometime!"

"... Isn't it a sodding TV show?"

"Bah, whatever!"

The three students were sitting smack-dab at the end of the farthest (or closest, it depends) table in the Calcheri Valley High cafeteria. One that was the most empty of all six tables, and the most dirty. The two probably went hand in hand.

The cafeteria was like a photograph of high school mediocrity, beige tabletops and floors complimenting the faded reds and blues of the room's accents. Promotional posters of upcoming events and even corporate sponsors (if the large Dwayne Johnson 'Got Milk?' ad next to the garbage cans were anything to go on) were plastered on almost every wall, the entire room alive with the clunking of chairs, the laughter of children, and the faint despair from the nearby kitchens. How beautifully American.

Weston kicked up his sneakers on an empty chair which, well, wasn't hard. There were a lot around. He plunged his fork into a piece of broccoli on his tray, not eating it but just kinda squirming it around, like some sort of veg puppet. "Well, uh, anyway. How's uh... crap, what's that game called? Saints and... uh... no, Swigs and... oh fuck, dude, I don't know. What's that game you like called?"

"... Swords and Sorcerers?"

"Yeah, that's it! Swords & Sorcerers! You're uh... you really like that shit, huh?" Weston asked, digging the blades of his fork deeper into his branched victim.

"Well... I did," Axel said.

"You did?" Evanna asked, leaning up from her seat. "What happened? I thought you were  addicted or something."

"I wasn't addicted, Evanna. I just - "

"Yes, focusing your attention and entire life focus on a single game for 168 weeks - plus! - isn't addiction. Of course not, how foolish of me."

"Yeah, Eve," Weston said, "Don't be stupid,"

She sighed, fingers tight around the nose of her glasses like a facepalm. Weston snickered.

"Look, it doesn't matter anyway," Axel said, "I'm away from it now, like completely."

Evanna chuckled, to which Axel added, "I'm telling the truth! I can't... I can't even use it anymore anyway, so like... hey. That's that, right?"

"What happened?" Weston asked. "You banned or somethin'?"

"Oh God I hope not... look it's... it's not that bad," Axel said, "I wasn't very careful, didn't lock my account good enough and I got hacked, it's no - "

"You got hacked? Seriously?" Evanna asked.

"Seriously. They must of figured out my info or something, I don't know, but now I'm locked out for good," Axel said, "It's... well, it sucks, really."

"What are you gonna do 'bout it?" Weston asked. "Track down the hacker, find their city, job, all of it, and blow them the fuck up?"

"What? No, I wouldn't do that," Axel answered, frowning. "I mean, who would?"

Evanna's eyes immediately went to Weston, who just cleared his throat in reply.

"So what are you really going to do about it, hmm?"

"Well, since I can't get my account back, not easily anyway, I thought I might as well tell a couple of my friends in-game about what happened," Axel explained, "I was the leader a pretty big guild in S&S - they're like, uh, special teams - and if the hacker uses that for their own gain, it can get... uh, messy. So I wanted to clear my name, before they ruin it."

"Cool, Ax. Cool." Weston took a nibble of his destroyed broccoli, asking, "So... how ya goin' to tell them the biz? Facebook? Instagram? Dare I say... MySpace?"

"I have some phone numbers, actually, of some of the other higher-ups in our guild," Axel answered. "I wasn't very close to some of them but there was one, the guy directly below me actually, that I've already called and asked to meet me... like, in person. We're meeting today around... 1:00, I think? I dunno, it's a short day anyway today so I thought - "

"Wait... 1:00? That's in eight minutes," Evanna said.

"Crap in a hat!" Axel cried, clenching his fists. "But I... even if I leave like right now, it'll take me like thirty minutes to get there! So, well, unless the bus is running today, but even then that's like twelve minutes to get there, and considering I don't even have any freaking money I - "

"Dude, here. I'll drive ya," Weston said, "No problemo."

"Really?! But... you don't have your licence yet."

"The cops don't know that."

"Well, I..."

"C'mon dude, it's me! Y'know, Weston, your best buddy? The greatest friend in the whole-freakin'-world? No offense, of course."

"Some taken," Evanna said.

"Well?" Weston leaned close to Axel's face, waiting with (literal) bated breath.

"... Okay. Fine."

"Whooo! A'ight, let's go boy! No time to waste!" Weston practically scooped Axel out of the seat, the far smaller man carrying his friend bridal style across the crowded lunch hall, wailing "WHOOOOOOO!!" at the top of his lungs.

Evanna sighed, taking a sip from a straw. "You'd think I'd have better friends by now. You'd think. You'd think..."

-~-

"He's late. He's not gonna show."

"Give him a second, jeez," Axel said "He's just a couple of minutes late, that's all... give the man a little time."

"Alright, fine..." Weston grumbled.

"..."

"... He's not gonna show."

"Oh, brother."

The two sat in silence, the faint wind brushing through the area was hitting Weston the worst, him constantly smoothing out any knocked-out-of-place hairs on what parts of his cornrows his beanie didn't cover. The two boys were sat (somewhat) comfortably on a wide metal bench, a couple of passersby and a winding array of aging, crusting antique stores their background. There was also a tree, small but sturdy to their right. It was the only flora for what seemed like miles. Hell, probably more.

Weston shifted himself to Axel's side, propping his elbow up and saying, "Look, Ax. If this kid doesn't show up in, like, three seconds, I'm gonna shit."

"Please don't actually do that."

"It's a figure of speech, y'know? Like... eating your hat. Or fucking a truck. Or fucking the milkman."

"I've never heard of any of those things."

"You will." Weston looked deep into Axel's eyes, adding, "Trust me. You will."

"But seriously," Weston said, "If this turns out to be a scam or somethin', I swear I'll fu - "

"Wait! There he is!" Axel pointed forward where, walking off the nearby crosswalk was a tall figure, obscured by a long coat and hat. "There, with the velvet coat and everything!"

"Uh, Ax... I think that's a drug dealer."

"No, it's the guy. The same coat, the same hat... everything's the same as he said it was going to be."

"Alright, fine... but if you get a dimebag we're going halfsies on it, a'ight?" As the coated man approached Weston put his hand on Axel's shoulder, adding, "I'll... uh... let you guys catch up. Later."

Weston jumped off the bench, walking off and disappearing into the oncoming crowds. Axel stood as the man approached, saying in almost a whisper, "PolkaDot1108?"

The man nodded. "LongJacket02?" He asked, putting a weird emphasis on 2, as if shaken.

"Yep, that's me. Is there something wrong?"

"It's just... I didn't expect the leader of the greatest clan in S&S to be... one of my students."

He took off his hat with one slow swoop, letting his long curly hair spill out into the world, along with his face.

It can't be, Axel thought, mind racing, There's no way that my raid partner could be...

It was Mr. Davidson.

The coated man, Mr. Davidson, let out a small sigh.

"Hey, Let's get a coffee or something..." his English teacher said. "You're going to want to be sitting down for this."

-~-

The only coffee shop for miles was a quiet little place called Smol Bean, owned by a couple of young'uns who somehow named their cafe after a meme and surprisingly no one's said anything about it. It was, as the title suggested pretty small, barely big enough to fit half a dozen tables into the shop. And, as the title also suggested, it had beans, or at least the smell of two day old coffee ones. The entire place was lit a little dim and, with practically everything being some shade of brown, black, or just straight up wood, it looked almost like a bar at times (if you squinted just the right way). As its owners were clear internet dwellers, pop culture posters and cutouts lines the corners and halls of the place, enough taped-down memes and movie posters the walls looked like a IRL version of a Tumblr dashboard.

Next to a particularly moist cardboard cutout of Danny DeVito was a single table, where Mr. Davidson and Axel sat across, sipping their various drinks. Axel had an espresso, two shots. Mr. Davidson had a drink that was so long Axel couldn't remember it to save his life.

Axel took a sip, almost cautiously, despite the drink already starting to get cold in his palms. "So... how's the guild going? Y'know, what's the status?"

"It's grim," Davidson replied, taking his own sip. "We've been losing raids left and right, the community mine's gone dry... hell, we've been losing our general resources pretty fast too. I had Pix track the goods back from who sold them and, well... he said it was you."

"I haven't played S&S in, like, a week. I... well, I got hacked," Axel said.

"You got hacked?" Davidson echoed. "Well... um... that definitely makes more sense now."

"What?" Axel asked. "Did... did something bad happen?"

"Well, not quite 'ruin your guild' bad so much as 'ruin your rep' bad but... you were flirting with Jogo, hard. Y'know, that annoying rogue who types way too quickly? You were flirting with her, talking dirty... you even sent her nudes, if you can believe it."

"Nudes? Of me?! How'd they get those?"

"I don't know but... damn. And now, looking back... crap, no wonder she was so freaked out," Davidson said. "If I saw an unfiltered of that under the bridge, I'd probably quit the guild too."

"Ha ha. Funny."

"But seriously, though. They, the fake you, has sold almost all our keeps, all of mounts... hell, he even sold Mr. Jibbles."

Axel looked at him, eyes wide in fear. "No, don't tell me... Mrs. Jibbles too?"

Davidson closed his eyes... and nodded. Axel groaned weakly, like a croak.

"So... do you know who hacked you?" Davidson asked, changing the subject. "Or an idea at least?"

"The only thing I have to go on is the account they linked with mine when they hacked me, but even then... it's completely blank, no name or nothing. Just a purple sugar skull as the icon. I know, it's weird."

"Huh. Well... if you really think about it..." Davidson said, leaning back in his chair, "... Maybe... maybe it's for the best."

"What? Not knowing who the hacker is?"

"No, being hacked in the first place. S&S, it's... it's ruining your life, Axel," Davidson said, "It's consuming all your time, your focus. School too. Hell, you were never very good in my class - nay, you were just straight up bad - "

"Thanks."

"- but even I can tell you that your life is going down a deep, deep Coachella porta potty, and no amount of chorizo mounts are going to get you out of this one, my friend," Davidson continued, "You've got this chance to let this game pass you by, to finally let you free of its addictive, addictive clutches. ElRite... this game was like a disease and your (probably) Mexican hacker your cure. Maybe... maybe it's for the best, you know?"

Axel didn't respond at first. He pondered, staring down at his drink in long thought. He did, however, look up at the English teacher across from him, and said, "... You know what? You're right. You're right, Mr. Davidson!"

"See? I didn't spend all my college funding for Yale on just potato latkes."

"... Potato latkes?"

"Axel, you have a chance to improve your life back to, no, better than what you had before," Davidson said, "Don't waste it."

"Don't worry, Mr. Davidson," Axel said, smiling wide. "I won't!"

-~-

Mr. Davidson's eyes traced the laptop screen in front of him, the bright golds and blues of S&S taking up most of his strangely erotic Yanni desktop. His little avatar, dressed in a long flowing white robe, walked around the cityscape, going from NPC to NPC to gather quests to gather things to gather experience.

I know, compelling stuff.

On the chat window to his bottom right the text was highlighted purple, reading 'GUILD CHAT' in bold letters while various members of the clan talked over a general box. In big white letters, a message popped up, saying:

 NOTICE: LONGJACKET02 HAS LOGGED IN

Davidson rolled his eyes, fingers about to pound a warning to the rest of the guild on his keyboard before another message popped up, reading large:

LONGJACKET02: HAHAHAA

LONGJACKET02: THAT FUCKTRUCK THOUGHT THEY COULD KEEP MY ACCOUNT FOREVER THEY DIDD THEY DID

LONGJACKET02: LITTLE DID THEY KNOW I HAD A SECRET WEAPON A PLAN B A TRUMPPP CARD

LONGJACKET02: PASSWORD RESET BIOTCHHHH

LONGJACKET02: HAHAHAHAHHA

LONGJACKET02: I LIVED BITCH

Davidson couldn't help it, he let out a long, deep sigh.

"Something the matter, Richard?" a teacher from behind him asked, strumming his hand idly on the table nearby.

Davidson didn't respond. He bend over in his chair, pulled open a drawer, and took out a bundle of papers. Nothing on it could be read coherently, except for a name printed in the corner: Axel ElRite. He crumbled the papers together, shoving them into the nearby trash bin.

"Whadd're ya... what are you doing with all those papers?" the teacher asked.

The English teacher couldn't help it. He sighed again.

"One of my student's school career is going down the fucking garbage. I'm just... giving him a head start."