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pileofboneswrites · 5 months ago

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THINGS ARE DIFFERENT.

SUMMARY — this year brought a world of horrors for you. a car accident just weeks before your first day of sophomore year leaves you with no memory of the last year of your life. six months later, things have settled for you; you've got perfect grades, you're a cheerleader and your boyfriend is the quarterback. life is great, perfect even, until a certain raven-haired boy comes crashing into your life, causing chaos and triggering some of your memories to come back.

PAIRING — sweet pea x fem!andrews!reader | reggie mantle x fem!andrews! reader

WORD COUNT — 9.6k

WARNINGS — shitty friends, mentions of a car accident, cheating (caught in the act), lying, angst, fighting, swearing, i think that's it???? (let me know if i missed anything!!!!)

A/N — the plot of riverdale is kind of muddled in this fic; hiram logde's plans are apart of it somewhat, but jason is still alive. no mention of "yn" everyone mostly refers to her as andrews, reg refers to reader as "sunshine" a few times, and fred refers to her as kiddo, also the absolute SHITSHOW i went through to post this, oh my god, tumblr formatting is FUCKED (i usually write everything in my notes app or on wattpad bc i have lost so many partially done fics to shitty service). like i get WHY, but AHHHHHHHH (that's me screaming at the top of my lungs,,, 24 hour loop edition), not proof read

MASTERLIST | RIVERDALE

YOU.

"ronnie needs our support on this," your twin brother archie explains, he's leaning against the door frame of your bedroom.

your back is to him, and you're trying to get ready to head out for school. your homework, laptop and other things sit spewed around your room. utter chaos from your midnight homework session. you straighten yourself, finally meeting his eyes.

"yeah, and? veronica is your girlfriend, not mine archie." you reply, leaning down to shove your laptop into your school bag.

"please?" he pleads, and you roll your eyes.

veronica lodge's dad is no good for riverdale, you can feel it. every move he makes seems to rattle one of archie's friends, or cause a disturbance within the town. since hiram rolled in it seems like one half of riverdale is always up in arms. first jughead when the serpents trashed the drive-in, and the northsiders because of the southsiders joining the now only school in riverdale.

"arch, i don't have the same kind of love from my friends you do. i step on their toes over this, i'm going to be an outcast." you reply, zipping up your bag.

"you can always hang with us," archie sighs, crossing his arms over his chest. "i know that betty misses you a lot, same with jughead."

"then why haven't they reached out?" you snap, sick of the conversation at hand.

archie always gets your hopes up, then plans fall through or they "unintentionally" leave you out. so, you're done. they know that you don't remember anything from the last year; the good, the bad or the petty. you're done trying to change things when with every effort you're shot down. you want normalcy. you want your friends back, but if they're not going to tell you what's going on, or make an effort, then why should you?

"just think about it, okay?" archie says, and you shake my head.

you throw my bag over your shoulder and push past him. you pause in the hallway, guilt creeping up on you, but ultimately decide not to worry about it. archie's been babying you, coddling you even since the accident. which to an extent you can understand it; you could have died. at the same time you feel like you never have a moment to yourself. archie's always lurking. you jog down the stairs, patting vegas as you slip out the front door onto the footpath.

the weather is hazy, it's damp out, fog lining the streets obscuring vision twenty feet head. you thank the powers that be for you remember a jacket. you pull your hood up as you walk towards the sidewalk, but you catch sight of your boyfriend's car parked on the street.

"morning princess," reggie calls through the open passenger window.

"morning reg," you reply pulling the door open and sliding into the passenger seat.

"did you hear about southside high closing?" he prompts after you give him a quick peck on the lips. "means all the trash is going to be clogging the halls of riverdale high,"

"yeah, arch filled me in this morning. you'd think after all the drama surrounding archie and the serpents he'd be less than excited about them transferring in." you sigh, tossing your bag into the backseat.

"he's on their side?" reggie asks, mouth twisting in disgust.

"guess so," you shrug, pulling on your seatbelt as reggie pulls away from the curb.

"but you're not?"

"i'm indifferent," you reply. "i don't care one way or the other,"

"cheryl's going to hate it," he says, and you shrug again.

the drive is relatively short, and silent. when you and reggie aren't making out, it's usually pretty quiet. you're together on the principle of "it makes sense". that's quite literally how he phrased it when he asked you out. and to an extent he's right. it makes sense for a football player to be dating a cheerleader. it makes sense. that being said, your relationship is entirely physical and for show. you're more along the lines of friends with benefits than an actual relationship. he only calls you when there's a party, or he's horny. romantic, you know. reggie grabs your backpack, and you climb out of the car.

"morning!" betty shouts, climbing out of her mom's car.

"hey," you reply, watching as she b-lines towards you.

"you friends with cooper again?" reggie whispers, leaning against the passenger side door.

"no, her friends want my support about the southside," you whisper back, plastering on a fake smile.

"good morning," mrs. cooper says as she drives past.

"good morning mrs. cooper!" you reply cheerily, she smiles and waves before turning out onto the street.

"hey, can we talk for a minute?" betty asks, stopping a few feet away.

she looks like she always does. blonde hair pulled up in a tight ponytail, makeup pretty minimal and natural, and her signature grey crown sweatshirt.

"sure," you say, and reggie leans down to plant a kiss on your lips, as you grab your backpack from him. "see you in homeroom."

he just smirks at you, as you turn away. you feel his eyes on your back until the two of you slip inside of the school. you feel slightly more at ease without reggie by your side. you follow betty to the room dedicated to the blue and gold (your school newspaper). betty drops into her seat at her desk, and you drop your bag on the table and plop down in the chair on the otherside of her desk. you sit, crossing your arms over your chest.

"whats do you want?" you ask, your question coming out ruder than you'd intended.

"i uh, i wanted to touch base." she says, averting eye conact.

"touch base? we haven't spoken since before my accident, betty. what do you really want?" you snap, becoming both annoyed and upset that she didn't actually mean it.

you could have played dumb, you could have gossiped, you could have gave her a life update. but you spend so much time being fake with your 'friends' that you can't handle any more superficial small talk that neither of you will remember. she looks taken a back by your brashness, and you feel a twinge of guilt. just a twinge.

"i—" she starts, but you cut her off as you forcfully shove your chair back, causing an awful screeching sound as it drags across the tile floor.

"look, cooper, if you need something, be straight with me and don't get my hopes up to use me for information." you grab your backpack and trudge into the hallway crashing straight into someone sending you flying back.

you grunt, bracing for the impact but instead you feel two hands on my arms steadying me. you peak your eyes open, and see a tall guy with dark hair and a leather jacket.

"oh shit, i'm sorry," you mutter slipping past him as you rush up the stairs.

you feel the hair on the back of your neck stand up, like someone's watching you. you turn your head as you head up, and see the guy who caught you staring in your direction. he looks pissed, and you wonder for a brief moment if that anger is directed at you. you feel someone poke you in the shoulder and you turn your head to look at them. you jump in shock at how close she is.

"you good?" cheryl asks, the usual distaste in her voice, one eyebrow raised in question.

"yeah, fine," you reply walking in step with her, glancing down the stairs, to see a brown and pink haired girl pulling him away.

"—and i don't know why she wants this so bad—" cheryl's voice drifts off into backgroung noise, something that tends to happen more and more frequently.

that guy looked weirdly familiar. you swear you've seen his face before but you can't seem to place it. which is also happening more, and more frequently to you. you know it's going to bug the hell out of you.

"—and i said—" cheryl continues, as you head towards english.

"andrews!" you feel two arms wrap around your middle, and you're yanked backwards and lifted up.

"ahhhhhh!" you shout, startled by the sudden movement and contact, your kneejerk reaction is to raise your elbow and throw it into the first piece of flesh you connect with.

"andr- shit!" a familiar voice yells, as you free fall to the ground, landing on your ass hard. "what the hell, dude!?"

you lift my head and see cheryl's twin brother jason leaning over, clutching his stomach in pain. you clap your hand over your mouth in a mix of embarrassment. he glances down at you, rubbing the tender area, mouthing 'what the fuck' over and over.

"shit! jason, i'm so sorry—" you say, quickly standing up, he waves you away so he can take a second.

"what has you so jumpy this morning?" cheryl asks, crossing her arms and raising both her eye brows at me.

"no clue," you reply truthfully.

"too much caffeine likely," jason says, standing up right and throwing his arms cross both mine and cheryl's shoulders to guide us to class.

"how many cups a day are you drinking?"

"two," you reply, no hesitation.

you haven't been sleeping much lately, or at all really. you weren't sure what was worse; the lack of sleep, or the fact that when you do manage to fall alseep all you seem to dream of is the four agonizing hours you were trapped in your car after the accident.

"four with extra espresso." jason chirps, and you mock elbow him and he flinches, dropping his arm from your shoulder to shield himself. "not cool dude,"

"aw, prwincess," you mutter tapping his cheek with your hand.

you duck under his arms at a weak attempt to catch you, and slide into class dropping into your usual seat beside ethel muggs. mrs. leroy has all the desks grouped in twos. she likes to assign a lot of partner assignments and classwork, so you ended up with desk pairs.

"good morning," ethel says brightly, and you smile at her.

"good morning ethel, how was your weekend?"

"it was good, how was yours?"

"it was okay," you reply and shrug as mrs. leroy, our english teacher waddles into the room.

she drops her bag beside her desk and takes off her jacket, hanging it on the back of her chair before standing at the front of the room and clearing her throat.

"alright guys, we have a bunch of new students joining us. i'm sure you heard about the students from southside high tranfering in, and we're going to be very welcoming. as such, i've decided to change up your desk partners to kick off our next project." she says, and everyone groans. "hey! who knows, maybe you'll meet your new best friend!"

you drop your head down on the desk as she continues to speak.

"i call your pairs and you'll move to the assigned set of desk pairs, every up."

everyone obeys, clearing to the back, front and sides of the room as she spends the next fifteen minutes reseating you.

"mr. blossom and ms. topaz, these desks please." jason nudges your foot as he passes.

"she's pretty," he mouths and you roll your eyes, a shit eating grin on his face.

"mr. sweet pea, and ms. andrews."

"sweet pea, what kind of name is that?" cheryl snickers, rolling her eyes.

you step forward, dropping into the closest desk to you, ducking your head to look into your backpack for my notebook and pencil. you drop them onto the desk, and look ahead to the board.

"uh, excuse me—?" you turn my head, and see the guy who caught me in the hallway.

"yeah?"

he's cute. messy—but like the intentional kind of messy—dark hair, with curls over his forehead, and dark eyes. there's a hint of ink poking out over the collar of his leather jacket, you catch sight of a snake's head.

"can i— uh— can i borrow a pencil or pen?" he asks, and you nod, turning to dig into you backpack for one.

you feel his eyes on you, watching your every move as you dig. you pull out the first pen you find and hand it over. he reaches out, grabbing hold of it, and your fingers briefly touch. a shiver immediately shoots down my spine, and you drop your hand. you get a flash of a memory, it's difficult to piece together what you're remembering. you see a flash of a half empty vodka bottle, a leather jacket, and a tattoo gun. you gather your things, and jump out of your seat rushing to the bathroom, you hastily shove your notebook away and drop your bag upon entering the bathroom. you drop to your knees in front of the first toilet you find, and empty the contents of your stomach. you wipe your mouth with the back of your hand and lean back against the stall dividers, trying to catch your breath.

it was like for a brief moment you was there. you could hear the tattoo gun buzzing, you could feel the scratch against your skin and you could taste the vodka. you stand up, and walk over to the mirror. maybe you're losing your mind. you would notice a tattoo, wouldn't you? if you didn't know to look for one, maybe you wouldn't... you lift your hoodie a little, and catch sight of one of the snake's heads poking out from under the underwire of your bra.

"holy shit," you breath, pulling your hoodie back down.

you lean down, and turn on the water slashing it onto your face. you stare hard at yourself in the mirror. how could you not see something like that? why didn't anyone tell you? you were told that you grew apart from your friends, but by the looks of things you had a whole other set that no one knew about, or at the very least didn't want you to go back to. the bell rings, signaling the end of first period, and you stand there staring at yourself in the mirror. the door opens slightly, and the brown and pick haired girl sticks her head in and sees you.

"hey, are you okay?" she asks, opening the door fully to come in.

"uh, yeah, i think so." you reply, and she nods, not pushing the topic any further, which you appreciate.

checking in on you is a small act of kindness that not even my so-called 'best friend' cheryl could give. you feel your phone vibrate in your pocket, and pull it out, turning away from the sink to lean on it. think of the devil, a text from cheryl.

you don't reply, you just sigh, and shove your phone back into your pocket. you look up and catch the girl's reflection staring at you.

"uh, sorry." she says and you shake your head, mustering a small smile.

"it's okay, i'm—," you say, sticking out your hand to her.

"actually, we've met bef—" she cuts you off, but is cut off by the bell ringing.

then there's a loud bang on the door, and it opens slightly.

"topaz! we need to talk," it's sweet pea.

she throws you a sympathetic smile and heads out to the hallway. you there for another few minutes, fully aware of the fact that you're missing chemistry before you pull your phone back out, and call your dad. i can't handle this, i'm incredibly overwhelmed. all of this is too much. i know toni? i'm a southside serpent?

"hey kiddo, what's up?" he asks, answering on the first ring, it's his coffee break. "aren't you supposed to be in class?"

"i am," you reply, your voice shaking, immediately giving away how you're feeling. "i just— dad—"

"sweetheart?" he prompts.

fred andrews, a saint walking, ever understanding. you're incredibly blessed to have him for a dad. you force yourself to take a shaky breath, you're on the verge of tears and your eyes burn.

"can i have a day? i just— i'm so overwhelmed. can i go home?" you ask, the dam breaking, tears slipping down your cheeks.

"yeah, kiddo, i'll come get you and sign you out for the day, okay?" he says, and you whisper okay. "hang tight, i'll be there soon."

"thanks dad," you say, and hang up.

you stare at your reflection, your eyes are puffy and you look like hell. your hair is a mess, but you really don't have the energy to fix it. you grab a couple paper towels from the dispenser and wipe your face. you grab your backpack and head down to the office. you drop into one of the chairs across from mrs. bell's desk to wait.

"oh, hi," she says, exiting mr. weatherbee's office holding a folder. "how can i help you dear?"

"i'm not feeling well, my dad's coming to pick me up." you reply, forcing a small smile.

"oh i'm sorry to hear that dear, i hope you feel better," she gives you a sympathetic look as she plops down at her desk.

you're used to the look; the sad eyes with a small forced smile, you'd recived it a lot since the accident. there were no fatalities thankfully, but it drastically changed your life. at least you have to assume it did, you'd lost a year's worth of memories and it only took you a severe concussion and a couple weeks of physical therapy.

"good morning, dorris," comes your dad's voice, he steps into the office and mrs. bell smiles at him.

"well hello, fred." she says, a faint smile on her lips.

everyone on this side of town loves your dad. fred andrews is the kind of guy who will drop everything if you're in a bind, whether you're a friend or not. he signs you out on the sign out clipboard and turns to you.

"ready to go?" he asks, and you nod, standing up.

he slings an arm around your shoulders, and you wrap an arm around his middle as you walk. he doesn't ask you any questions, but you're sure when you get home he's going to have some.

SWEETPEA.

"she acts like she's never met us before," fangs says, sitting down beside sweet pea on the steps leading up to the bleachers.

they need privacy to talk about what's happening, this was the closest thing sweet pea could find. especially with all the gawking, stares and judgemental looks they'd been receiving since showing up to their new school this morning.

"i know, she didn't even say "hi" or anything. it's the least she could have done given everything," sweet pea grumbles, watching as toni walks towards them.

"she doesn't remember us," toni says, coming to a stop in front of them. "she literally doesn't remember us. like at all, she introduced herself to me in the bathroom,"

"what the hell?" fangs mutters, "maybe it's an elaborate plan to keep her summer in the snakes den a secret?"

"that is the dumbest thing i have ever heard," toni says crossing her arms over her chest. "you heard how she was talking before she ghosted us, she was over it all, the cliques, school, all of it."

"she said we were her family," sweet pea mumbles, "and then she disappeared. maybe it was all a lie,"

"jesus christ, or maybe, something bad happened to her, and she actually doesn't remember us." toni replies, the annoyance in her voice prominent. "and if she didn't remember us, then how would she know to contact us?"

"i sent her over a hundred texts since she disappeared, none of them have even been opened."

"case and point," toni says, rolling her eyes. "look, sit and stew in your misery, or confront her. i don't know about you guys, but i plan on getting my friend back."

with that toni turns on her heel, and heads back towards the school. fangs sighs, and stands up, brushing the dust off his ass as he turns to stand where toni had just been.

"maybe she's right," he says, looking down at sweet pea. "we know elly, she wouldn't just up and ghost us like this unless something happened. i want our friend back, and i'm with toni on trying by any means necessary to get her back,"

fangs studies sweet pea's face, looking for any indication that he's heard anything he said. after a moment, fangs sighs again, and turns to follow toni back into the school. sweet pea sits there on the bleachers, he watches as his friends grow smaller and smaller the further they get. he groans, and throws his head back. he's frustrated. he hasn't heard a damn thing from you in months, and then he sees you at his new school and suddenly his whole world collapses. he sighs, and pulls his cellphone out of the pocket of his leather jacket. he opens up his texts, and pulls up your messages.

you never showed up, you never called, you just disappeared. well, apparently you hadn't, but for sweet pea you did. other than toni and fangs he had no other friends in common at the time. no way of getting a hold of you when his calls all suddenly hit you voicemail. now here you are, back in his life, but so far from his reach. he had hoped a million times over the last six months that he'd find out what happened, that he'd get some kind of explanation or closure. something. anything.

but when his eyes landed on you, it was like all the anger towards you, and the situation melted away. for a second, it was like you were never gone. then that daydream snapped, and you were rushing away. not an ounce of recognition in your eyes. it hurt. his phone vibrates in his hand, and it brings him back. back to the bleachers, back to the harsh reality that you might have no clue who he is, back to the anger that swirls in his head, back to how much he loves you, and how much his heart hurts because you might no remember any of it.

he looks down at the screen, leaning forward, his elbows resting on his knees as the bell rings again.

YOU.

"alright, so, what's up?" he asks, as you drop onto the couch.

vegas jumps up beside you, and drops his head into your lap. you run your fingers through his soft fur and try to figure out a way to start this conversation.

"what was i like over the summer?" you ask, looking up at him.

he's standing by the front door, leaning against the archway leading into the living room. he's got his arms crossed and he's watching you silently.

"you were like you are now," he shrugs, "you didn't spend much time home, at first you were busy with cheryl and then you got a job."

"a job?" you ask, that's new information. "where?"

"the twilight drive-in," he replies, "you made some new friends with your co-workers, or so you said. you and archie were barely home over the summer,"

there's a few moments of silence as you digest this new information.

"dad?"

"yeah kiddo?"

"where was i going? why was i in that car?"

"truthfully, i don't know. archie said the two of you had gotten in a pretty heated fight, and you'd stormed out. a few hours later i got a call from sheriff keller,"

you nod, and sigh, leaning forward. you rest your elbows on your knees, and rub your eyes.

"i had a memory come back," you say after a minute, you don't look up at him. "it was weird though, it was really intense. it was like i was inside the memory."

"do you know what triggered it?"

"no," you lie, until you figure out what's going on with you, you plan to keep sweet pea and toni out of things. "it just hit me in the middle of english, and i had to get out of the room. i went to the bathroom and i puked."

"you puked?"

"yeah, nausea hit me seconds after the memory."

"well, at least you're making progress. the doctor said it could take a while,"

you nod, finally looking up at him. he checks his watch, and comes into the livingroom.

"you take it easy okay? don't strain yourself," he kisses your forehead and heads back to the front door. "i love you,"

"love you too dad," you murmur, watching him leave.

when you can no longer hear the rumble of his truck, you decide to head up to your room. until the accident you'd kept a near meticulous set of diaries, if you can find the one you was working on, maybe it can shed some light on what's going on.

it's weird, you're you, living in your body, but up until six months ago you were a completely different person. it's like living inside a stranger. you step into your room, it's a mess. clothes litter the floor, spilling from your closet, empty take away coffee cups, empty mugs from downstairs and energy drink cans litter the top of your dresser and desk. you go to the hall closet across from your room and grab a garbage bag and head back in. might as well clean up.

a few hours later you stand in the center of your now clean room. all your clean clothes have been re-folded or hung up, all the dirty clothes are in the wash and there's not a single thing out of place. except for—you squint, dropping to your knees in front of your bed, leaning down to pull two cardboard boxes from underneath. one is marked MY NOTEBOOKS, DON'T TOUCH (THAT MEANS YOU ARCH) in all caps—obviously your diaries, but the other has no label. you take off the lid and audibly gasp at the contents. sitting on top is a leather jacket with the southside serpents logo on the back, under the jacket is a dark green journal, a white handled switchblade, your old cellphone and a set of keys.

the screen on the phone is shattered, pretty near unusable by most people's standards. no one knew where your phone was after the crash. you'd just written it off as lost... finding it here, in this box changes things. you put it on the charger, and sit cross legged on the floor. maybe it'll be able to turn it on, if not you could to take it to a repair shop. you pick up the jacket, and check all the pockets. inside the left pocket is a half crumpled note, you pull it out and flatten it. it's definitely not your writing. it has one sentence, and it crushes you.

i love you too - sweet pea

you drop your hand holding the paper into your lap. that just makes everything even worse. does he know that you lost your memories? does he know about the accident? does toni? do they think you're pretending? were you on your way to see him when you crashed?

"fuck," you whisper, pulling your knees up to your chest.

you wanted the truth, and you got it, well part of it. how do you process all of this? how do you fix this? god, you just want to scream. throw things. have a little bit of a meltdown. it won't fix anything, but it might make you feel better. you rest your forehead on the edge of your bed and sit there on the floor, the jacket half hanging out of the box.

"hey?" comes archie's voice from the hallway, i jump at the sound. "hey- are you okay?"

you kick the box under your bed and glance up to see archie. he stops at the threshold, looking intently at you. you hear more sets of feet coming up the steps.

"i—"

you want to lie, you want to tell him you're fine. say everything's a-ok. but it's not. it's really not. and then betty, jughead and veronica come up behind archie and the damn breaks. you start violently, and uncontrollably sobbing into my arms. how did you wake up a year and a half older with such resentment for your three best friends? how did your life fall apart so quickly?

"hey, sh, sh, you're okay, everything's okay," archie says dropping to his knees to envelope you in a hug.

the other drop down on the floor with you. veronica and betty rub your back soothingly. you need to apologize, but you can't stop crying. maybe that's just as well, still a meltdown, just a different kind you suppose.

"i'm sorry!" you cry, frantically wiping your eyes with the sleeve of your sweater.

you dislike crying in front of people, and you know most people don't like having someone cry in front of them. you try and steady your breathing.

"hey, you don't have to apologize," veronica says. "we've all kind of been terrible friends since your accident,"

"that's why we're here," betty adds, patting your shoulder comfortingly.

"that's why they're here," jughead says, and betty swats at him and misses. "hey! let me finish woman! i was going to say, i've been a great friend. we had lots of fun working at the drive-in together,"

"jug..." betty says softly, using that same tone people often use when they're tip-toing around things that might hurt you. she shakes her head slightly, "she doesn't—"

"hey! don't talk about me like i'm not here!" you say loudly, all three of them turn to look at you. "i'm not fragile, you don't have to choose your words carefully around me, i have amnesia not brain damage."

"you're right," veronica says, staring each of them down until they nod. "we all need to stop treating you like glass,"

you quickly stand, your back to them for a minute. you take a deep breath, and turn around.

"arch, what were we fighting about when i left?" you ask, and he looks at you for a moment before swallowing, hard.

"you felt abandoned," he says, his eyes falling to the black rug they're sitting on. "you were upset because we were going on our annual nyc trip, but i'd also promised ronnie i'd help her with something in the morning, and i wanted to push the trip back by two, three hours. and you got really upset and exploded on me—it was entirely justified on your end—there was a lot of things you wanted to do together over the summer and i either canceled or forgot. i was a shitty brother."

"no, arch, you weren't. i'm sure i was just being drama—" you start, but archie raises his hand and you stop.

"no, i was being selfish. i made you a promise, and i broke it. i'm sorry," archie says, standing up and pulling you into a tight hug. "i'm sorry, i really am."

"and we're sorry," jughead says, as archie lets you go. "we thought that giving you some space would be a good thing, but we all got a little caught up in our own shit."

"i understand that, however, i've been alone pretty much for six months." you reply, crossing your arms over your chest.

"you've had cheryl, and jason, and reggie—you seemed like you were pretty happy..." betty says, and you shrug, looking away from her.

"cheryl is nice— but all we talk about is her. jason's fun to hang with but we have nothing in common other than reggie and cheryl. and reggie.." you sigh, staring out your window over their heads. "reggie made sense."

"he made sense?" veronica asks, eyebrows furrowed in confusion.

"picking reggie made sense, and don't get me wrong i do like reggie, he's a great guy—a good listener, great at solving problems, fun to hang out with and all—but there's no connection." you sigh, you briefly contemplate telling them about the jacket, about your supposed summer with the serpents, but decide against it for now.

"are you going to break up with him?" archie asks, and you shrug in reply.

"i probably should," you sigh again, why does all of this have to be so damn hard? "did he ask about me when i disappeared this morning?"

"yeah, i told him you weren't feeling well. dad text me about you being home," archie says, and you nod.

"well, i say we grab dinner at pops tonight like old times," veronica says when the silence goes on a beat too long.

"honestly, i would love that, but i have to tie up some lose ends first. i'll meet you guys there at," you pause, walking over to your old phone, tapping the screen, relief shoots through you when it lights up, "say, 6?"

"sounds good," betty says, and they all stand up.

you unplug your phone, pocketing it as jughead, archie and veronica file out, heading back downstairs, but betty lingers.

"you okay, cooper?" you ask, teasingly.

she turns towards you sharply, hands clasped behind her back, "this morning, i— i really was trying to touch base with you. i know that the whole southside thing kind of has half the school losing it, but you told archie no, and i wasn't going to push it. he mentioned that you were upset about the group not reconnecting with you after everything, and i just wanted to see how you were— are."

"i owe you an apology for how i acted, i was frustrated with arch, not that that's an excuse, but i just kind of snapped. i'm really sorry, i shouldn't have taken that out on you betty,"

"your anger is justified, we should have been by you every step of the way—"

"you were busy, things happen. i missed you guys, sure, but this entire thing has been insane. i woke up six months ago with no memories from the last year. and to be fair, it's not like i made much of an effort with you guys."

"well, we're all okay now. and, you could never truly get rid of us,"

you let out a short laugh, throwing your arm over her shoulder, leading her out into the hallway.

"and you couldn't get rid of me if you tried," you say, and betty grins at you, her arm circling your back as you descend the stairs.

you're standing outside the mantle's house, trying to decide if now is really the best time to be doing this, but your rationality wins out and you move towards the door before you lose your nerve. you raise your hand to knock, but the door flies open and you're met face to face with mrs. mantle.

"hi dear, are you okay?" she asks, a warm smile on her face.

"yes. ma'am, i just..." you were not prepared for his mom to open the door.

that was actually the worse possible thing that could have happened. mrs. mantle has always been such a kind, and wonderful person towards you. you almost wonder if she's the reason you'd let things between you and reggie continue as long as they have.

"sorry, is reggie home?" you ask, and she nods, stepping out of the way to let you in.

"he's upstairs doing homework, are you staying for supper?"

the longer you speak to her the more you're dreading following through with this. she's such a nice lady, and you're not entirely sure how reggie's going to handle this. you really don't want to lose her.

you force yourself to shake your head, "no ma'am, i just have to talk to reggie and then i have dinner plans with my brother,"

she nods again, and you slip your shoes off, and head upstairs.

you've been here so many times that you don't even have to think about where you're going. as such, this leaves time for you to panic and try to talk yourself out of it. you're not sure why. reggie had been a crush of yours for a long time, from middle school to freshman year at least. when you woke up without your memories from the last year, you'd still felt that way about him. you'd been excited when he initially asked you out. mind you that excitement fizzled rather quickly, realizing what the arrangement meant for your relationship.

you were disappointed, sure, but you weren't blindsided by any means. reggie had always given you the kind of vibe that he wasn't interested in settling down just yet. so, when you push his partially closed door open and find him with his tongue down the throat of a different cheerleader, you're not entirely shocked. the girl notices you first, she's younger than you and reggie by at least a year, and she squeals, pulling away from him. he doesn't notice you at first, his eyebrows pulling together in confusion before he follows her eyeline. they both look like deer, and you're the headlights.

"uh, h-hey..." reggie musters, sitting down beside the girl, "i think you should probably go,"

"y-yeah, g-go...." she says, jumping up and flying out of the room.

you stare at him, unsure of how to continue. sure, he'd made this infinitely easier on you, but at the same time you still find yourself hurting a bit.

"i'm sorry," he says, dropping his head into his hands.

"despite our "arrangement", reg," you use air quotes, "i thought you respected me more than this,"

"i do!" his voice comes out loud, then softer, "i do."

the silence that follows is deafening, and feels like it stretches for hours. he doesn't look at you the whole time, his eyes trained on the ground.

"well, you've made this decision a whole lot easier for me. i'm breaking up with you, reg." you sigh, "i don't hate you; i'm not mad at you; i am a bit disappointed, but i think we were kind of doomed from the start. maybe in a couple months we can try to be friends, just friends. if you're down with that..."

he raises his head, guilt written clear across his features, but he nods, "i'm sorry, sunshine. i really, really am."

"i know reg," you say, leaning down to give his hand a squeeze. "so am i,"

you turn to leave, hesitanting in the doorway.

"reg?"

"yeah?"

you turn to look at him, "see you around,"

4:50pm. you have about an hour and ten minutes before you have to meet archie and the others. you plop down on your bed, and flip your diary open. there are only eight entries.

entry 1: may 16th

i can't do this anymore. faking everything. it's driving me fucking insane. betty, ronnie, and archie are always flaking on me. internship this. summer job that. charity this. sorry i forgot that. jug is the only one who hasn't consistently left me hanging, and we're not even all that close. that being said, out of all of them, i'm starting to change my tune on that. he's even offered to talk to his manager about possibly getting me a summer job at the twilight. which would be killer, i'm there for most of the showings anyway. at least i'll get paid for doing something i already enjoy. then at least i'll have something going on. i'm honestly not ok with them constantly rescheduling things but for whatever reason i just sit there and take it. i need to start putting myself first, and find some friends that put in just as much effort as i do. i wonder if the three of them will even notice if i stop putting in the effort.

entry 2: may 19th

guess who has a new job!!! me!!!!!!!! i'm so excited, i don't think i've been this happy about something in a long time. i start tomorrow night, and jug's already introduced me to some of his coworkers. i'll be working in concession. we're even allowed to sit outside and watch the movie when we're between customers. i'm so looking forward to having this. betty, ronnie and i were supposed to go shopping today but they both just texted to cancel. go figure.

entry 3: may 20th

first day was a success! my new coworkers are so nice, i even made quick friends with a girl named toni. she's got pink highlights in her hair which really suit her. i also overheard that she's a southside serpent. mind you she doesn't really seem like the kind of people i’ve been told are in that motorcycle gang. then again, you're not supposed to believe everything you hear.

okay!! it's later now, and toni asked me if i wanted to hang out with her and her friends at the quarry tomorrow!! that's the first time in a really long time someone’s asked me to do something with them! i, of course said yes! i’m so excited!!

just got back from the quarry, i had so much fun. more fun than i’ve had all year! toni is so much fun to be around, she has the best energy, and it's just so refreshing to be around someone who actually wants to do things and live in the moment. the last time i hung out with ronnie and betty they were both glued to their cellphones, undoubtedly texting jug and archie. i also met her two best friends sweet pea and fangs, who are also super cool. they were really nice, and welcoming. i was pretty nervous, because i’d seen the two of them at the drive-in with fp a bunch of times, so i knew they were serpents, but they were both so nice! i’m really starting to wonder if the serpents are as “bad” and as much of a problem as other northsiders insist they are.

entry 4: june 21st

oh god, it’s been a month since my last entry. i have so much to write about… i honestly don't know where to start. i’ve been hanging out with toni, sweet pea and fangs pretty consistently since that day they invited me to the quarry. i’ve stopped chasing archie and his friends to hang out, and i was right in my guess that they wouldn't notice if i stopped trying. i haven't received a single text from any of them. i mean, i have from archie, but he’s my brother so that doesn't really count in my opinion. and i guess jug too, but we're coworkers and he was the only non-flake before anyway. either way, it’s been so nice having toni, fangs and sweet pea reaching out to make plans with me and when i reach out to them they actually follow through. we all have a lot in common; we enjoy a lot of the same music and tv shows.

toni is a god with her camera, i don't think i’ve seen more beautiful photography, and she takes the BEST candids. she’s taken so many pictures of us, she’s going to get me some physical copies for my scrapbook.

fangs can get you ANYTHING. he’s such a smooth talker that people just end up giving him things. he even got us into a sold out _ show. i’m really not sure how he managed, but we got escorted by security to the barricade.

i was supposed to go with betty, archie and ronnie, but i decided to flake on them for a change. that did get me a few texts from each of them, and i didn't answer them. i just turned off my phone and enjoyed the show. it was amazing!!!!!! i had an absolute blast.

i’ve also been spending more time with sweet pea… alone… (obviously, with toni & fangs too) he’s nothing like i thought he’d be when we met. here i go again judging a book by its cover, shame on me. but he’s so sweet, it took a bit to get him to open up to me, toni says he’s just protective, which i both completely agree and understand. with friends as cool as those two, i don't blame him. he goes out of his way for everyone; holding the door for old ladies, standing in the middle of a busy street so kids can cross. he seems so scary and mean, but that's just his defence. we've been getting a really close, and every time he asks me to hangout i get butterflies.

we're hanging out tonight too, i’m going to pick him up in twenty minutes and we're going to the quarry. i’m sitting in a booth at pop’s waiting for our food. i really like him, and i enjoy spending time with him. toni said she’s never seen him so happy, and that she thinks he likes me. i really hope he does, because i like him. i might even tell him as much tonight… that might be a bit too much, actually. i don't know. oh, pop’s calling my order, i’ll update you later!

just got back from the quarry, and oh. my. god. sweet pea kissed me! i was all nervous, and i decided i was going to tell him how i felt and before i got the words out, he leaned over and just did it! i’ve had a few kisses before, some good, some not so much, but this one? it was the BEST i’ve ever had. that thing you read about in fanfics or novels about fireworks or butterflies, it's REAL. he asked me out on a date too, and i’m literally so excited. i called toni before i added this update and she squealed. she was right, he does like me. mine and sweet pea’s date is wednesday night, we're going to watch a movieat the drive-in and then in the morning we're all going camping at sweetwater river.

my phone is ringing… it’s archie? weird, he usually texts me. i’m going to answer him, i’ll be right back.

just got off the phone with arch. mom is coming down from chicago for the weekend, and we were supposed to go together to pick her up, now he’s backed out on me and i have to go alone. what could be more important than picking mom up from the airport?! especially considering we rarely see her. whatever, i guess it’ll give us time to talk.

entry 5: june 30th

just dropped mom back off at the airport. this visit was so fucked. i picked her up, we had a lovely conversation, and then she asked me where arch was and i had to lie to her. he said he was going to call her and let her know, but apparently he didn't. then, he didn’t show up for family dinner, which he was also supposed to help me cook (spoiler: he DIDN’T). when mom and dad asked where he was, i was like a dear caught in headlights. i have no fucking clue!! i called him, and BAM! voicemail. mom calls him and woah, he picks up first ring. he lies, and gets away with it. arch was gone all weekend which screwed up my itinerary. i mean, seeing mom was the highlight, obviously, but archie and i planned all this stuff and we didn't get to do any of it. not to mention, archie had promised he’s take mom to the airport because he was gone all weekend, and then he didn't show! again! i had plans with toni, and i had to apologize and cancel on her (which isn't fair to her or me (but fuck us i guess??)) anyway, i’m banking on archie cancelling our yearly trip to nyc with everything going on. i’d lay money on it now.

entry 6: july 1st

i’m so mad right now. archie saw me and sweet pea coming out of pop’s with lunch, and got in sweets face. he has NO RIGHT. especially considering how much he's left me hanging lately. i will admit, i did something i shouldn't have, but he said something he definitely shouldn't have (that i shant repeat here (just know it's vile)) and i then punched him. sweets then threw me over his shoulder and carried me to my car. i bruised the crap out of my hand, archie’s got a hard face i guess. toni and fangs tried to lighten the mood when we got back but i couldn't help myself. sweet pea and i ended up leaving early, and we just drove around for a while. when i finally did calm down, he thanked me for standing up for him. why wouldn't i?? archie has no right to treat any of my friends like that, let alone my maybe boyfriend (we haven't really labelled it yet). and archie’s one to talk about people’s “priorities” and who they “really” are, seeing as toni, sweet pea and fangs have done nothing but be great friends and have been there for me all summer and he (MY! TWIN! BROTHER!) couldn’t even see his mother while she was down from chicago. i haven't seen archie since our altercation at pop’s and i’m more than okay with that.

entry 7: august 15th

sweet pea and i got into a fight. it’s nothing major, and i know he’s just looking out for me, but somethings aren’t really any of his business. namely, things involving my family. i was telling him about mine and archie’s annual trip to nyc, and how this will be the first year that it’s just the two of us. mom and dad usually go with us, and it’s the highlight of our summer. i’ve been really looking forward to it, and that i’m hoping this will help mend the tear we’ve both been helping create in our relationship. i’m not going to entirely blame arch because i’ve definitely not helped… especially when i punched him in the face in july. he’s finally speaking to me again. it took a couple of weeks and awkwardly dodging each other but we’re at least talking again. which is progress i guess. we haven’t talked about it either. he just walked into my room last tuesday and started telling about this video he saw, and then everything was fine again. we’ve always been like that, but what archie said really isn’t ok, and what i did really isn’t ok either. i plan to bring it up on our trip. anyway, back to sweets, he’s worried i’m going to get super hyped up about this trip and then archie’s going to yank the carpet from under my feet (kind of like he’s been doing all summer, but i digress). we leave in two days, and so far everything seems to be going well. i should apologize to sweets before we leave though, cause i did kind of snap at him… adding that to the to-do list.

entry 8: august 17th

fuck archie. FUCK. HIM. sweets was right. FUCK EVERYTHING. GODDAMN NORTHSIDERS.

that was it, the last entry. you wrote that the night of your accident. that's why you were in your car. that's where you were headed. you close the diary, and smack it off your forehead. you close your eyes, and then let out a scream of frustration. you throw the book across your room, and pull your old phone from your pocket. you sift through your text threads, you'd sent more outgoing messages to betty, veronica and archie then they'd sent back to you for months before your accident. turns out they weren't just shitty friends afterwards.

you pause for a moment, your finger hovering over fp jones' contact. why would you have jughead's dad's number? up until hiram started causing a stir in town, jughead hadn't even been living with his dad so you never would've needed to contact him. you click it and a bunch of text messages load in.

things were falling into place for you. they were shitty friends before. you were going to need new ones regardless, that's how you ended up in friendship purgatory at riverdale high. cheryl just isn't your cup of tea, and you're still not sure how you feel about reggie after everything you witnessed this afternoon. one thing you do know; you owe some people an explanation. you close out of the messages, and go to your gallery. the first picture that you see is one of you, toni, sweet pea and fangs, your faces all pressed together cheek to cheek, smiling widely. you smile, and then suddenly it's like a damn breaks and a years worth of memories come flooding in. you drop the phone, and rush downstairs, grabbing your keys from the bowl by the front door.

"you guys are terrible fucking friends," you say, not really caring to control the level of your voice as you stomp towards your brother and his friends. "not you jug, you're fine, i'm talking about these three."

archie, veronica and betty share confused looks then look up at you. you tower over their table, anger coursing through you. you stare the three of them down quietly, eyes darting from one to the other, to the other.

"uh, didn't we already go over that?" veronica asks, her tone light and joking.

"not really," you say, "i got my memories back, and you guys were fucking terrible. what did i do to deserve being cancelled on, and forgotten about so easily by you three? especially you arch, you're my brother. my twin. you of everyone are supposed to have my back!"

betty and veronica's eyes drop to their laps, and archie freezes, his eyes wide.

"while i appreciate your apology from before archie, with all the facts, i don't accept. what you did was fucking shitty, and i never would have done that to you. never. as for you two, if you don't like me, or just don't like hanging out with me, or just don't want to be my friend, stop making plans with me. i'm done being treated like that, and if any of you want to make things right, actually make things right, you'll be able to find me with my real friends; toni, sweet pea and fangs. who, unlike you three, actually like spending time with me. and for the record, are really good people, and deserve to be treated with respect." you turn on your heels to leave, and then pause at the last booth, whipping back around, "also, fuck you guys."

you pray that you're right about this. you never hung out with them during school, so you weren't sure if they were going to be at the quarry tonight. the weather's still nice, so you're hoping that you're right. you turn onto the familiar dirt road, and catch sight of their bikes in the distance of your headlights. relief washes over you as you get closer, you see three figures walking towards you and you pull in beside the bikes, like you had so many times before. you turn the car off, and jump out.

"fucking hell, andrews! you scared the shit out of us!" you hear fangs yell, a bark of laughter leaving him.

"guys--" you say, walking closer to them, your heart beating hard against your ribs.

you almost wonder if it's going to beat right out of your chest, you're so nervous, but you're so happy to see them. you missed them.

"told you she knew who we were." sweet pea sneers, cutting you off. "what schools out so you can be friends with us again?"

"what? no--" you start but he cuts you off again.

"where were you? why are you back now?" he bites out, and toni smacks him.

"shut up and let her talk." toni says, nodding at you. "go,"

"i got into a car accident on august 17th. i have no idea how, or what happened, but i was trapped in that car for four hours, and spent two days in a coma. then when i woke up, i couldn't remember anything that happened over the last year. i now remember everything, and am really, really sorry for unintentionally ghosting you guys for six months." you pause to take a breath, and gage their reactions, "i know how this all sounds, but i promise i'm telling the truth,"

toni smirks, stepping forward to throw her arms around you, "i'm glad you're back, i fucking missed you."

you hug her tightly, "i missed you guys way more,"

"i bet you did," she laughs, letting you go, and stepping back.

you hug her tightly, "i missed you guys way more,"

"i bet you did," she laughs, letting you go, and stepping back.

she turns to look at fangs, and sweet pea and holds her hand out, “c’mon boys, cough it up.”

begrudgingly, they both pull five dollars out of their pockets and drop it into her hand. fangs then moves past her, and scoops you into a bone crushing hug.

“missed you,” he whispers, then lets you go.

“missed you too,” you smile, and the pair of them slowly slink back to the fire they’d been sitting around, giving you and sweet pea space.

sweet pea stares at you, dark eyes unreadable, his posture tense. it takes you back to how he was when you met for the first time. closed off, on guard, and analytical. you want to reach out for him, wrap yourself around him and never let go. you’re not sure he’s ready for that, so you shove your hands deep into the pockets of your jacket. your fingers catching the slip of paper he’d given you months ago, curling around it, you put it out and his eyes close briefly.

“i understand if you need space,” you say carefully, unfolding the small scrap. “but if you ever actually meant this, you have to know that i never would have left you hanging like that intentionally.”

he takes the note from you, his eyes leaving yours to look at it. he stays quiet for what feels like an eternity.

“i know.” he finally speaks, eyes still on the note. “deep down, i knew you wouldn't have left. not when you socked your brother for me. i was just so mad… at myself for what i said to you last, at you, for not following through on your text… then seeing you at school– it didn't make sense. instead of really thinking about it, like toni did, i just–” his eyes meet yours again, “i don't know, i let my fears take hold, i guess.”

"i--"

"JUST KISS ALREADY; YOU LOVE HER, HE LOVES YOU, THE END-"

"FANGS, SHUT UP!" toni yells, the sound of her smacking him and him asking her to stop follows.

you and sweet pea share a glance, and then both break out in giggles. when the giggles subside, you step closer to him, your hand landing on his shoulder.

"i love you, sweets, and if you need time—"

"i've had enough time, what i need now, is you." he says before pulling you against him, and kissing you.

he pulls back briefly, letting you catch your breath, "i love you too,"

339 notes · View notes

lunaandco · 6 months ago

Text

well, isn't it awkward?

pairing: pedri x ofc

summary: nuria befriends a pedri's mum at the bookstore. short after she rejects his offer of being friends with benefits, it becomes obvious that rosi is trying to set them up.

author's note: kind of funny how pedri's mum is lately having such big roles in my fics, but honestly that woman seems wonderful

masterlist // I do not take requests

Nuria had that one job every book nerd dreams about. She worked at a beautiful bookstore, full of wooden shelves and colourful special editions.

"Hello, how can I help you?"

The new client was a woman her mother's age. She was wearing a cozy looking jacket and was wandering around the store, seemingly looking for something.

"Oh, hi, yes. Do you have any cook books?"

"Yes, we have plenty!"

Nuria left the counter and led the woman to the right shelf, a mosaic of books about gastronomy and food waiting for them.

"We have traditional, avant-garde, by country..." As Nuria started explaining, the woman's eyes lit up. Before she noticed, they were having a full blown discussion about what kind of books were more practical to have in the kitchen, about the photography and elaboration, the prices...

Nuria hadn't had so much fun in a long time.

By the time the woman, Rosi, had to leave, she had a phone number scribbled in her notes and a promise to meet for coffee.

💙❤️

"I have a new friend," Nuria thought as she left the coffee shop a few hours later that day. Conversation with Rosi had been fluid and fun. The generational difference was proven not be a problem at all. "I like her a lot."

💙❤️

It took six months for Rosi to invite Nuria for dinner at her house. She was making one of the recipes in the cook book she bought the first time they met and Nuria couldn't help but be excited about meeting her husband and one of her sons.

"I'll send my oldest, Fer, to pick you up."

"There is no need, I can take the bus..."

"Nonsense. My boy will be there."

Fer is skinny and kind of handsome. Nuria could see the vague resemblance with his mother as he drove her through the streets of Barcelona. He had the same Canarian accent that made Rosi's voice so soothing.

"So... you're mami's friend, huh?"

"Yeah... I know it can be a little bit awkward, since I'm younger than you..."

"How old are you actually?"

"Twenty."

"Damn, you're a baby." He snorted. "Even my brother is older than you."

Nuria smiled at the comment. Rosi spoke quite vaguely of her younger son. The only things Nuria knew was that his name was Pedri, he was twenty two, and worked with a football team. Nuria hadn't pressed about it too much, scared that Rosi would back off their friendship if she asked too many questions.

💙❤️

The house was bigger than expected. Nuria knew Rosi had money, but she had not thought it was enough to own such a big house. Rosi welcomed her with a big smile introducing her to her husband. The man looked like a textbook father and was just as warm and friendly as his wife.

"Pedri is not here yet," explained Rosi. "Work is running late, again." She seemed a bit embarrassed that the guest had arrived earlier than her son.

"Ah, it's alright, I leave late from work almost everyday..."

The front door opened and a boy that looked like Rosi's clone appeared in the living. It didn't take a genius to figure out that he was Pedri, the youngest son. Nuria is surprised to realise he's kind of handsome, when she had thought about him previously she never thought of picturing him in an appealing way. He was just Rosi's son after all.

The assessment was mutual, because she could see the way his eyes checked her out going as far as to stop for a second on her chest.

Boys.

"What's up?" He greeted her with a quick hug.

They sit for dinner and it took very little time for Nuria to stop feeling like an intruder. The family was tightly knit and it was obvious Rosi's warmth and kindness had rubbed on on everyone.

💙❤️

By the time it was time for Nuria to go back home, the brothers had a hushed argument about who would drive her, which ended being won by Pedri, who grabbed they keys with a triumphant smirk.

Fer rolled his eyes, going back to the kitchen after muttering a quick "don't do anything stupid."

Nuria hugged Rosi goodnight one more time, and followed Pedri outside, where his car was parked. It was expensive and big, another sign of the family being ridiculously well off, but Nuria didn't comment on it.

She sat in the passenger side tightly, trying not to touch anything that could get dirty or be broken. The last thing she wanted to be was a nuisance.

"So you're friends with mami now..."

"Been for a few months. I met her at work."

"Yes, the bookstore girl, I heard the story." Nuria couldn't help but feel that she was about to get the shovel talk from her best friend's son.

"That's me..."

"Did you know I was her son?"

The question caught Nuria off guard.

"What?"

Pedri tsked.

"Did you know I was her son?" He repeated. She's definitely about to get shovel talked. Why, she wasn't sure.

"No? Should I? Why?" She stammered. How could she know that he was Rosi's son? She didn't even know what he looked like until a few hours earlier. Pedri snorted.

"Oh, my God, she wasn't lying. You really don't know."

"Know what?" she snapped crossing her arms over her chest. Nuria did not like being kept in the dark.

"Google me," he told her, as he veered the car to take the street to their right. Nuria obeyed and she was met with a sea if red and blue. Well, that explained quite a lot.

"And here I thought you played in the Sunday league," she snarked quietly. Pedri snorted.

"When was the last time you watched a football match?"

"The Euro final," she replied. Pedri opened his mouth to replicate, but she continued. "From 2012."

"Jesus fucking Christ," he breathed. "How did you manage?"

"My father died. Football doesn't make any sense without him."

"I'm sorry." Pedri said quietly.

💙❤️

"You're telling me that not only did Xavi retire, he was your coach?" Nuria knew her face must be a poem, but as Pedri caught her up on some of the important football news, she could not help being surprised.

"At least tell me that Messi is still there..."

"He's in Miami."

"What the fuck is he doing in Miami?"

Pedri laughed. They were sitting in the parked car in front of her building, neither of them wanting to say goodbye just yet.

"If Messi is gone, then who is your goalscorer?"

"Lewandowski. And a random seventeen year old from the academy."

Nuria stared at him for two seconds.

"Wasn't that guy in Dortmund?"

Pedri burst out laughing even harder.

💙❤️

Finally, Pedri walked with her to the door, saying that his mother would not forgive him if something happened to her on his watch. Nuria had snorted but allowed it, searching for her keys in the pocket of her jeans.

She opened the door and turned to say goodbye to Pedri, but found that he was way closer than she thought. His hands found her hips. It looked like they had just gotten back form a date night.

"What are you doing?" she whispered.

"Would you like to..."

The proposition was simple. Pedri was clear in the way someone who had done this before would be: he wanted them to become friends with benefits, no strings attached, no exclusivity, just fun.

Nuria considered it for a split of a second. Pedri's face was beautiful and too close to hers. His gaze was dark, his lips promising, the arms around her strong. He smelt good, like safety and deodorant.

If she allowed him to even kiss her, she would fall in love with him.

And he would break her heart.

Nuria pressed a hand to his chest, pushing him away.

"I'm sorry," she said. "I value my friendship with your mother more than whatever attraction I might feel for you."

She would not let any man get between a friendship of hers, never again.

And with that Nuria slipped through the door, leaving Pedri to watch her disappear with his lips parted, his cheeks pink and a growing feeling on his chest.

💙❤️

It seemed like Pedri never told his mother of that incident and Nuria was not going to be the one to bring it up. Rosi only laughed at the fact that Nuria hadn't been able to clock Pedri's job as a professional footballer, but was understanding once she learned the reason.

Nuria had loved football when she was a little girl, playing in the backyard with her father and in the small girl's club in her town, until he died when she was ten, little after the 2012 Eurocup. She never touched a ball after, never watched a game.

Her little jerseys and her father's were buried in a box under her bed, collecting dust. She had been extremely aware of it the night Pedri took her home, the ghost of his hands on her hips and her heart still racing.

💙❤️

It was a matter of time until Rosi invited her to watch a game. When Nuria was a little girl, her dad always promised he woukd take her to Camp Nou one day, but he was never able to do so.

Getting ready, Nuria finally pushed the angst away and opened the box beneath her bed. Papi's clothes were still there, the 2010-11 season Iniesta jersey looking up at her. Nuria put it on, it was still big on her, her father had been a tall man, but she decided to wear it still.

When she rushed out, to find Rosi waiting for her in her car, she was confident in her look. She was taking a part of her dad to Camp Nou.

💙❤️

The game was a bloodbath. It was a team fighting relegation, and Barça did not forgive. Specially Pedri. he was everywhere in midfield, dancing between the rivals, ripping through their pressure and assisting two of the six goals scored that day.

Through half the match, Nuria found herself holding Rosi's hands, trying to clear her vision from the tears.

"He's beautiful," she told her. "Pedri... he's... I've never seen something like this."

Rosi squeezed her hand, and gave her a tender kiss to her temple.

💙❤️

"Bueno, bueno, bueno," Ferran spoke loudly among the celebrations in the locker room. "When was Pedrito here going to tell us he had a girlfriend?"

"What?" Pedri said. He didn't know he had a girlfriend either. But that didn't stop his teammates fro. screeching and focusing all their attention on him.

"Hostia, Pedri, you need to tell us!"

"Is she hot?"

"Is she famous?"

"Since when?"

"What are you talking about? I don't have a girl," he insisted.

"Bullshit!" Called Ferran. "Then who is the pretty girl with your mum?"

Pedri sighed. Well, he fucking wished she was shis girlfriend, but he was not telling that to the pack of hungry hyenas in the locker room.

"That is Nuria. She's friends with my mami."

💙❤️

Pedri met them on the pitch after showering. His cheeks were pink from thee exertion and Nuria had to fold her hands together to avoid pinching them.

He hugged Rosi with a smile on his lips, and repeated the action with Nuria, adding a small kiss to her cheek.

"Did you like the game?" He asked. Nuria nodded silently.

"He would have loved you," she whispered, and by Pedri's expression, she could tell he knew she meant her father.

💙❤️

"Mami, where is the other blanket?" Asked Pedri, returning to the living room with the bowl of pop corn.

"In the washing machine," replied Rosi. "You'll have to share with Nuria."

The family plus Nuria had gotten together to watch a movie, Fer on the single sofa, Rosi and her husband on one corner of the large couch and Nuria on the other. Pddri shrugged, and slipped under the blanket Nuria had picked.

Soon it was made obvious they would have to be practically glued together to keep the blanket on tip of them.

"I thought I hald already cleane—" Rosi pinched her husband into silence.

💙❤️

"C'mon, Fer. One more!"

"No, I'm tired," Fer complained. He did not have his brother's stamina, and it got annoying when he got exhausted but Pedri was still buzzing with excitement.

They had set up a couple of knee height goals and were playing a 1v1 in the garden.

"Nuria used to play. Maybe she can sub you in," joked Rosi from the flower bushes she was tending to, teaching Nuria how to chose what flowers to pick.

Nuria looked at her panicked. She did indeed used to play, but she was always kind of bad. She was nowhere near good enough to play against Pedri and keep him entertained.

"Really?" Pedri's eyebrows rose, and he threw a pass at her. Nuria's first touch was smooth, controlling the ball with his thigh, trying to avoid the shyness of doing it in front of a literal professional.

"Are fucking with me?" Fer seemed delighted. "Thank you, girl, you just freed me from this maniac!"

Fer ran inside the house and Nuria passed the ball back to Pedri. It wasn't as precise, but he controlled it seamlessly.

"C'mon, play with me, please..."

"Alright."

💙❤️

"She's trying to set us up," announced Pedri when they got together on the car. "There is no way she's not doing this on purpose," he said referring to the driving arrangement.

Nuria agreed. Rosi always found a reason for Pedri and her to be paired up together, to have something to do in tandem. There wad no way Fer would drive Nuria back home anymore, it was solely Pedri's task now.

Nuria insisted doing the dishes? Pedri go help her. Nuria had bought a new IKEA shelf? Pedri go help her build it. Nuria returned late from the shift at the bookstore? Pedri go walk home with her, just in case.

It would be less painful if Nuria hadn't realised that, indeed, even if she had kept Pedri at an arm's length since the proposal, at some point down the line she had fallen for him.

"I'm sorry," Pedri said then. "I know this might make you uncomfortable... since I..."

"No, it's okay. I..." Nuria decided to shoot her shot. "I wouldn't mind it..."

"You wouldn't? But you rejected me because you didn't want to put your friendship in an awkward situation..."

"It would have been awkward if we had been fucking, no strings attached, and I developed a ridiculously pathetic crush on you. I would have gotten my heart broken," she explained. "But if it's and actual relationship... I think we can make it work."

"Really?" Pedri sounded excited. "You would date me?"

"Yeah."

Pedri raised his hand to cup her cheek.

"So if I kissed you... you would not be against it?"

"I would be against you not kissing me, actually?" grinned Nuria, as Pedri joined their lips.

From the window of the house, Rosi smiled.

#pedri gonzález #pedri gonzalez x reader #pedri gonzalez #pedri x reader #pedri x oc #pedri #luna's one shots

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sgiandubh · 7 months ago

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When Cait married Tony she said they would honeymoon in Italy when it, meaning OL, was over. Good way to get it paid for by OL related appearance next March. Too bad she has to put up with Sam for a couple of hours. Sam, who said many times how he hated S2 costumes and was teased much by Meril, because he didn't like the feminine look. Too much like his true nature. He will certainly bring one of his prostitutes over past 3 years, Ashley being the latest, if her unnecessary week in UK last week for for anything else. 4 trips to Scotland for her in a year. It's clear which business she's really in.

Dear Business She Is Really In Anon,

I think you should be ashamed of yourself, for writing plain libel with no other arguments than your own twisted, bitter and irrelevant world view. If you consider that Ashley Hearn is a prostitute, just because she traveled four times to Scotland since late May 2024, then you are nothing more than a sad, sad troll, who thinks thousands of other women who happen to work in the marketing and sales sectors, all over the world, are also whores, right? You know very well all her trips have been more than thoroughly documented and you also know they did have a tangible impact, as far as that company is concerned. You should also get your fucking timeline straight before you treat us to your word vomit, because even the hatred you gratuitously spread around must have, technically speaking, at least some modicum of plausibility. She did not start to work for SS one year ago, punk: she started to work for them on May 21st 2024, which is exactly six months.

When C married McGill there is no way for you to tell what she said. You weren't there, you are a damn Social Zero and you just rely on word-of-mouth and ridiculously contradictory press releases and interviews. A honeymoon takes a week-end perhaps only in your shanty town and making the ball's organizers 'pay for it' is beyond ridiculous, including as far as C herself might be concerned (what is she, a cheap profiteer?) - supposing that 'relationship' would be anything more than a mutually convenient arrangement of sorts, of course. Sorry, but not the case.

Yeah, too bad she had to put up with S, against all odds, for eleven years, now. This is what really wrecks your pea brain, right? That, and being proven wrong and embarrassingly dumb, over and over again.

For your next endeavor, I suggest you'd turn your attention to your homeland telenovelas (you misspelled Maril Davis' name like a Brazilian and that is a dead giveaway).

Talvez Escrava Isaura seja uma substituição decente e mais acessível? Há reviravoltas baratas (gaslighting, veneno, delírio) o suficiente para mantê-la ocupada por um bom tempo.

youtube

You may wonder why I still answer your tragically ridiculous comments? Well, because it is time for someone to shame you and also show the true, dull and derisory colors of your stupid monomania.

[Later edit]: in no way did I want to imply anything negative about Brazil or its culture. I could have definitely better used one of the bajillion other Globo productions, dealing with Carioca intrigue and/or football wives. If I haven't, it is just because Escrava Isaura was a huge international success even in the Nineties, and remembered as such by many. While I am sensitive to the social and political inacceptable problem of slavery, I maintain that the 1976 adaptation of Guimarães's novel is simplistic and formulaic enough, hence more appropriate for Anon. I am sorry if my poor joke was construed differently and I apologize to all the people who might be offended. If you know me, you'd also know I am probably the last person to disrespect your country and culture.

#anon #fandom #shitshow

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sillytron2000 · 5 days ago

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🎭🧪 MY BEST ATTEMPT AT STRINGING TOGETHER A JEKYLL AND HYDE TIMELINE - A STRUGGLE

so like the jekyll and hyde timeline is kinda....fucked. i'll forgive rls because i like him but this was hell to try and work out. to preface; this is written with the assumption that the story begins (meaning, utterson learning about hyde) in 1886. this just makes it easier for me to place a date and not get confused with my years. i'm losing it so if this is incoherent, i miss something or i'm wrong about something please let me know and i'll edit it to the best of my ability. wihtout further ado.... jekyll and hyde...guh.

THE FIRST TRANSFOMRATION

so we do not get a date at all for this. my best guess? early 1886. when lanyon is examining jekyll's notes, he says that they end abruptly "nearly a year ago". this is said in january 1888, which...no. assuming they end because hyde is made, then like. how does that make sense with events i'll touch on later?? it doesn't imo so, if this is what the entries are referring to, it's best to assume that this is a timeline error and i'll just pretend it says two years. so, this places the first transformation in early 1886, probably around february - march time. the entries span "many years", and i do believe that this was an experiment jekyll was working on for a decent amount of time, so this could be entirely hyde related stuff, but it could be a general experiment notebook so that makes sense. anyways. jekyll very quickly puts arrangements in order to make it look like hyde is a real person, draws up his will, and utterson hates it from the get-go and lets jekyll know. at least a good amount of time has to pass between this and the next event, because utterson goes on about how the will has "long been [his] eyesore".

HYDE TRAMPLES A KID

this event occurs at "three o'clock of a bleak winter morning" when enfield witnesses hyde trample that one little girl and he writes them a cheque in jekylls name. so, winter, that's useful. it makes sense that this doesn't take place too long before enfield tells utterson about the encounter, so maybe a couple weeks prior? i'll place it in late 1886, december if we're taking winter as being literally in the season of winter and not just...cold. shortly after this incident, jekyll opens a bank account in the name of hyde.

UTTERSON MEETS HYDE

utterson learns about hyde's ventures on a sunday walk with enfield. this is also probably in winter seeing as, when he goes to look for hyde, there's said to be "frost in the air". i feel confident placing this in december or january, thought the former feels better thanks to the carew case taking place "nearly a year later" in october 1887. he sets out at six o'clock to go find hyde, and im not totally sure if he finds him in the same night or returns to the door multiple times? whatever the case, he meets hyde.

JEKYLL DOESN'T CARE

"a fortnight later". its pretty simple, this happens two weeks after utterson meets hyde. he tells jekyll that he doesn't like the will while at dinner with him, and jekyll promptly tells him to drop it.

HYDE GETS STRONGER

two months before the carew murder, jekyll wakes up in his own bed but as edward hyde. since the carew murder 100% takes place in october, this must happen in august. for that two month period between the surprise transformation and the murder, jekyll locks in and doesn't turn into hyde. however, that night in october, he gives into temptation and turns into hyde, leading to...

THE CAREW MURDER

hyde comes out even more furious after being locked away for two months, and this manifests in the murder of sir danvers carew, a member of parliament. we know this takes place in october, which is said to be "nearly a year" after utterson and jekylls conversation. it happens late into the night (or early hours of the morning depending on how you look at it) and the police are informed at two o'clock in the morning. the next morning (which...do they mean the morning of or did they wait a day?) utterson is informed of the death of his client. by nine, they're at hyde's house raiding the place. it is literally within the day that they close the case and decide it was hyde, no more investigation needed. that afternoon, utterson visits jekyll who swears he'll never talk to hyde again (which is really just him swearing off the drink and avoiding responsibility) and then he gives that fake letter. the same evening mr guest is at uttersons place and they realise jekyll is forging the letter. interesting to note that jekyll sends utterson a dinner invite that very night. he JUST got away with murder and he's already having dinner!!!

LANYON FINDS OUT

two months go by with no incident and jekyll is sociable again untilll he suddenly shuts his doors to everyone. we get actual dates here, thank god. on january 8th, utterson and lanyon attend jekyll's house for dinner. the next day, january 9th, jekyll is on a bench in reagents park when he spontaneously transforms into hyde and books it for a hotel so that he can write to lanyon to get his drugs back. now, quick thing - the letter says "10th december". this is blatantly wrong and contradicted by the january date multiple times, so i must assume it was either an error on stevenson's part or like. hyde forgot what day it was in a state of panic? ignore that date. it is wrong. this undeniably happened on january 9th. lanyon immediately goes to jekyll's to get the stuff and then at twelve o'clock (midnight, as specific in jekyll's letter) hyde arrives. lanyon finds out and jekyll shuts himself up after this. on the 12th utterson is denied entry to the house, and then again on the 14th and the 15th. on the 16th he dines with guest, and on the 17th he visits lanyon who is veeery ill. a week afterwards (which, if exactly places it on january 24th) lanyon becomes bedridden, and within the fortnight he is dead. a fortnight after the 17th is the 30th, so lanyon dies before the end of january.

JEKYLL DIES (FINALLY)

like i said, after lanyon finds out jekyll shuts himself away. he becomes hyde once again one breakfast, and finds that hyde is now the default. if he falls asleep, he wakes up as hyde. he spends all of february trying to make more of his concoction, since he's running low. however, all the salts he comes upon do not work as the original did, and i'm pretty sure it's because the original salt was impure to begin with? anyway's, its "a wild, cold, seasonable night of march" when poole comes to utterson for help in regards to jekyll. that night, jekyll uses the last of his original batch to write his full statement of the case and gives up full control to hyde, who decides to just kill himself rather than face the gallows. utterson goes home, reads lanyon and jekyll's narratives, and hopefully takes a big fat nap because i'd be tired too if my friends had this much going on.

FINAL NOTES

this took over an hour to write. i'm tired. some stuff to add, though -- lanyon says that it'd been "more than ten years" since he had enough of jekyll, so they probably stopped being close in the early 1870's. interesting that lanyon starts dining at jekyll's again after he shapes up following the carew case. hm. anyways. jekyll is 50 at the start of the story, so would've been born around 1836 depending on his birthday if it begins in 1886. and finally, i like to imagine that this did start in the march of 1886, because if so, it gives us a pretty neat time frame of exactly two years. something something insert severance joke here ummm yeah okay im tired and this was hard. hope this was useful and not totally incorrect!!!

#jekyll and hyde #tscodjamh #dr jekyll #dr jekyll and mr hyde #mr hyde #jekyll #hyde #classical literature #this was hard #gabriel utterson #rambles #good heavens!

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fruitcoops · 4 days ago

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Hiii! I have been LOVING your fics (and there’s so many!! (SCORE!!!!)💕💕

I was wondering if we could see the conversation between Nat and Kasey after Remus leaves the PT room? Whether it’s in the room or when they go home, the hurt/comfort potential😩

Heartache and bittersweetness go hand in hand with Thursday afternoons sometimes. Cheers! Characters belong to @lumosinlove :)

TW for canon injury symptoms (Kasey) and extremely mild Vaincre spoilers

“It’s not okay.” But that’s not all, is it? That’s not the end of it. Kasey swallows, hard, hard enough to make his throat hurt like the rest of him. His left ear is still buzzing from impact. The words are tearing a hole in his chest. Just sitting there, ripping him open. Natalie is quiet beside him. Her hand in his is firm. “It’s…”

He can’t. He won’t.

“And it’s never going to be.” Kasey can hear the pain in his own voice. Seismic tremors rattling his gut until the hunger flees. Natalie squeezes his hand. He takes a sharp breath in and lets it out fast. “It’s never going to be,” he repeats. “It’s just not.”

Her fingertips knead his knuckles, then bring them to her mouth. The kiss is soft and sticky with gloss. It lingers. He’s frozen to the table. “I love you,” she says against his skin. “I’m so fucking sorry.”

“Me, too.” He blinks fast. His family is in the box, somewhere. They’ll leave early again. It’s tradition at this point. He doesn’t want to cry here, in the quiet recovery room. It’s theirs as long as they need it, according to Remus, but it’s not—he wants to be home. He wants to stand under the running shower until he comes back to his body, but quite frankly he’s not sure if he’ll be able to stand that long. Remus will knock in a few minutes. Then they’ll go. Heat slips down toward his ear. Kasey runs a harsh hand down his face and pinches the bridge of his nose, squeezing his eyes shut until they’re dry.

Natalie sighs. Thin paper crinkles under the weight of her head coming to rest beside him.

“It fucking hurts,” Kasey manages, hoarse and coarse.

“I know, baby,” she whispers. Another kiss finds his thumb. “God, I know, it’s so unfair.”

“I’m doing everything right.” It’s weak. He feels weak. “I’m in here three fucking days a week just fucking working on it and I do everything at home, you know I do.”

Natalie sniffs. It’s a quiet thing. “You do.”

“I do every fucking thing.” His vocal cords strain like he’s sick. There’s a block of ice on his ribs, pressing down without pause. “I do it all right and I’m still here. I don’t want this.”

Natalie, as always, gives him time. How many times has he stayed here, rescheduling a coffee date or calling to say he’ll be home later than expected because Remus is a fucking saint and works with him for hours on end? How many times has she seen him wince when he gets into bed? Their fridge is covered in pages of exercises stuck high with magnets from across the world. Written and printed and hand-edited by a hand of endless patience. Remus must be tired of him. Months of work and so little to show for it now.

Kasey turns his head to the side and she meets him there with her forehead pressed flush to the slope of his nose. She smells like vanilla and bay rum and the family box’s pilled carpet. “I want one more year,” he tells her. “One more.”

“Okay.”

“And if I can make it…” The thought seizes him by the heart and squeezes. “If it’s good, I’ll stay.”

She brushes the tip of her nose against his cheek. “Okay.”

Kasey swallows again. It’s not getting easier. “If it’s bad, I’m done. I can’t do this anymore.”

Her free hand cups his jaw in gentle warmth. The pad of her thumb fits just right behind the hinge, running over the small space under his ear. The buzzing dulls. Natalie kisses his forehead for one second, two. “You are doing so well,” she says, fierce and quiet. “So fucking well. I am so proud of you. And whatever you decide to do, I’m going to be right here, and I’m still going to be proud of you.”

Six years, and he’s still not sure what to do with kindness that could buckle the world. She’s still wearing his jersey, like she always does, even when he isn’t playing. The machinations of the universe work in ways he cannot understand. And in some ways, he hopes he never does. It is cruel and harsh and so painful it leaves him breathless, and yet he is allowed the privilege of Natalie Darcy. She loved him when he was a tangled mess, when half his heart laid on the floor of a New York airport. She loved him when he was on top of the world, and she loves him here.

She’s here. In the dark and quiet, while ice slowly numbs his leg and her hand warms his face. Kasey closes his eyes.

He knows by the prickling on his neck that Alex is reading him. Dark eyes would dart away the moment he looked up, but Kasey has been around this block for going on ten years. Alex is quick and clever and approximately as subtle as a train when it comes to staring. There’s a gravity to him that he can’t put away, and he has always—always—used it to flip through Kasey’s pages like a worn-out magazine.

“Hi, Alex.”

“Hello.” There’s a smile in it. Alex wants him to know he’s looking, then.

“Can I help you?”

Alex makes a humming noise. “You can just stay there looking cute. Need anything?”

“Nope.”

“Nat and I made lemonade earlier.”

“Cool.”

A significant pause follows. “Alright.”

Usually, Kasey likes these games. Alex, poking at his edges and fiddling with each lever and keyhole until he puzzles out every halfhearted defense and is let in. It worked the day they met and every single one since. It’s enriching for the both of them. It’s also very good practice for Kasey to actually let his inner monologue out and for Alex to not let his brain go chasing after assumptions.

Today is…hard. He woke up stiff from hip to ankle and immediately tweaked his knee when he turned over to get blood flowing back into his foot. He’s been so good lately, and the thigh is still angry. So angry, in fact, that he’s not sure he can do his ankle circles without feeling it flare through his calf.

Alex’s footfalls are soft on the approach. Kasey’s flare of annoyance is ridiculous, unfounded, and uncontrollable—but it’s there, and he drags a palm up and down his face a few times to try and clear it off his face. It’s not Alex’s fault. It’s nobody’s, really, even though it’s a much nicer world to live in when he can pin the blame and pain on someone or something.

Alex bypasses the edge of the couch before Kasey can even begin moving to make room, and settles on the windowsill with his chin on his folded knees. Kasey holds his gaze. His world has held many rewards for being unyielding.

“Want me to drive you to Lupin’s?”

Yes, the annoyance was silly and misplaced. Kasey exhales through his nose and lays his head on the cushioned arm; in the space of a breath, Alex’s fingertips are running through the ends of his hair. “No,” he says, miserable and petulant.

“You’re gonna be okay getting there?”

No. Alex has plans this afternoon, a movie with some old friends. Playing chauffeur is an interruption he doesn’t need. Kasey’s calf snarls at the thought of pressing the brake pedal. He sighs again, just for the effect and release. “I’ll call him. He can come here.”

The thought of imposing makes Kasey want to chew through the couch cushions despite Remus’ voice in his head telling him to call any time, it’s no trouble for me to do a house call. The cover looks terribly appetizing when he glances over at his phone.

Alex stretches to scritch above his ear. It feels good enough to make Kasey’s heart hurt. “That’s nice of him. I’ll pick up around the kitchen, what time is your appointment?”

Hardly a bat of an eyelash at his neediness. “You don’t need to do that.”

“Nah, I made lunch. Left a total mess.” He closes his eyes as Alex twists the front locks off his face. “It’s good for me to have a deadline that’s not, like, the minute I have to leave, you know? I always end up leaving a pot or something in the sink.”

“You do,” Kasey mumbles. His head is getting heavy.

“Gonna take a nap first?”

“Mmm.” It sounds nice. He can hardly feel the ache like this. An experimental wiggle of his toes sends a thin line of pain up to his hamstring and he scowls, pushing harder into Alex’s hand. “How are we feeling about at-home amputation?”

“Hmm. Generally negative.”

“D’you think Nat will be on board?”

“Definitely not. She likes this couch.”

Kasey wrinkles his nose and presses it into soft fabric, where it’s warm and scratchy and dark enough to make his vision sparkle. Alex’s sympathetic noise helps more than it should. “Appointment’s from three to four.”

Alex clucks his tongue. “Bummer, I’ll just miss it. Say hi to him for me, though.”

He’s genuine in a way Kasey cannot understand. There are no defenses up in those big brown eyes, only worry and affection in heavy pours. Alex pouts his lower lip out at him and Kasey huffs despite himself.

“Poor baby.”

“I am.” He is.

Alex leans across the short distance between them and lands a hard kiss to the top of his head. He smells like cinnamon and whiskey this close. “Mwah. Healed.”

“Thanks.”

“No problem.”

“Any interest in being the Lions’ PT? I hear a spot opened up.”

“Ooo, do I get a sexy hockey player out of it?”

Kasey snorts. “I think they’re doing their best to cancel those benefits.”

“Damn. Maybe I’m more suited to at-home care.”

It’s such a pretty day outside. He wants to go. The drive to Cap’s house is stunning this time of year, and there shouldn’t be traffic this late in the day. If he can make it around the block for coffee, he'll reconsider calling Remus.

Kasey buries his face in the cushion again with a frustrated groan. “This sucks.”

A hand returns to rub at the base of his skull. How Alex knew he had a headache building there is a mystery, but Kasey will take the wins where he can. They’re few and far between on days like this. The angle is such that he can kiss the inside of Alex’s forearm when he turns his head. The few freckles he has there are faint from months out of Florida; Kasey takes one gently between his teeth and Alex’s laugh shudders against the couch.

The phone rings three or four times before Remus picks up. “Hey, Bliz, what’s up?”

“Shit’s fucked.”

“Yeah,” comes the sympathetic answer. “Want me to come over?”

“Unless I can figure out how to sit without…sitting.”

“Oof, sorry, no ideas there. Three still works?”

“Yeah, thanks.” Kasey’s going to call the Pope next and get him canonized.

“ ‘Course, it’s no trouble at all.”

He’s glad they’re past the point of you know you can always call Layla and I’m really not allowed to use the same facilities as before. Even those reminders had felt half-hearted. He liked Layla plenty, but she hadn’t seen him through the trenches. She hadn’t held his leg with careful steadiness as it spasmed after an overtime game, or sat with him on the floor for twenty minutes just to talk through the muck. Kasey would go to her for anything but this, and Remus knows him well enough to know that.

“Alright,” he says. “See you then?”

“I’ll be there.”

He catches Alex’s eye from across the kitchen and fights a smile. “Alex says hi, by the way.”

Remus’ laugh crackles over the line. “Hi, Alex.”

He says hi, Kasey mouths. Alex pumps his fist before turning back to the sink. “Nat misses you, too.”

“Aw, she’s still in Rome, right?”

“Three more days,” Kasey sighs. “I’ve been replaced by pasta and flatbread.”

“I’ll keep you in my thoughts.”

“Are you going to electrocute me again today?”

“Only if you deserve it.”

Kasey grins down at a loose thread on his hoodie. “Kiss Cap for me before you go.”

“You know he looks forward to it.”

It’s a running bit, one of his favorite things to come out of Remus’ series of life overhauls. In a small, secret way, Kasey is grateful they haven’t lost that in the chaos of a long year. Those two are his in a way few others are. He keeps them in a pocket of their own now, stitched together like the one by his heart that holds Natalie and Alex. Safe and secure, away from prying eyes. He supposes they don’t need his protection, but he gives it anyway. Too much time spent watching their backs for anything else.

It'll be a long two hours until Remus arrives. Alex is almost done with their cast-iron pan. If Kasey looks pathetic enough, he might just be able to talk him into a latte for being so brave.

#kasey winter #alex o'hara #natalie darcy #remus lupin #sweater weather #vaincre #lumosinlove #my fic #fanfic #hurt/comfort

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howling-medic · 5 months ago

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The next generation of chaos

A/N: Here are a few headcanons about the sons of two of my favorite chaotic menaces. This quite literally kept me up. I went to bed thinking about these fools, and I woke up still thinking about them - an hour before my alarm. Yes, I am salty about that bit of it. As such, it's not edited the best, and it's far from my best writing. However, it is up because I want it out of my WIPs folder, and I need to cry with other people about how much I love these characters.

Credit to @emilybeemartin. Their artwork inspired these deranged ramblings. Please check out the original post. I am not kidding when I say that the first time I pondered this I was scrolling, stumbled on her artwork, my jaw dropped, and I ran to my laptop to jam out a few notes. I am still in awe of this art. Go give her all the love.

With all that said, here are some headcanons about Faramir Took and Elboron. Guest appearances of their fathers along with Aragorn and Eldarion:

Faramir Took would love to learn like his father and namesake alike. We know Pippin later assembled the Tale of Years, and Faramir aided in continuing the tradition as he grew up and took over as Thain. As was noted in the original post, Faramir would also be the spiciest lionhearted hobbit - just like his father. There would be no foe too big for him. He would train with the Rangers of Ithilien and the Knights of Gondor to hone his swordsmanship at every opportunity. Pippin would train with him back in The Shire. Watching his son learn to fight would remind Pippin of learning from Boromir in Eriador. One night after training, Pippin would sit Faramir down and tell him all about his namesake’s brother and how Boromir saved his life. Faramir would have heard this story many times before, but he would listen to it all again in rapt attention.

Elbooron grows up to be slightly more reserved than Faramir (the younger), but he gained a bit more mischief than his father - for which Pippin is absolutely responsible. He never causes any lasting damage or harms anyone, unlike Faramir the younger who may or may not have accidentally blown up a shed with a firework, but he plays small pranks when he gets the chance. Well, no lasting damage unless you count the premature gray hairs he puts on Faramir’s head. Faramir (the younger) loves to join in on the fun whenever he is around, and he makes everything ten times worse, in the best way. Nothing is safe in the kitchen, no fireworks can be left unsupervised. The problem is Faramir Took knows far too much about how to be sneaky to be caught by a few guards. After all, he had to learn to best his dad, who stole the palantir from Gandalf. Pippin takes great pride in how sneaky his son is, and Diamond has to remind him to be serious when son is in trouble for his latest mischief.

As the two boys grow, Elboron eagerly shares all his latest findings and pieces of knowledge with his dear friend from the time they are children - whether in person or in letters. When he is very young, he will beg Éowyn or Faramir - whoever happens to be closest - to write letters for him about the new flower he found or the new game he played. He works twice as hard to learn to his letters to be able to write Faramir on his own, so he never has to wait for his parents again.

Faramir looks forward to these exchanges more than almost anything even when it’s the most mundane of facts or theories that hold little interest for him. Elboron’s excitement is infectious. (I am simply ignoring the fact that it would take at minimum 3ish months to travel from The Shire to Ithilien, which would make it a six month process to get a response to a letter; time and distance mean nothing)

As adults, both Elboron and Faramir would be treasured advisors to the other - Elboron leaning on Faramir when unsure if a situation calls for military action and needing reassurance that it is the correct decision as well as leaning on his friend to be his more impulsive and hot headed half in general, and Faramir leaning upon Elboron to temper his more fiery nature.

The two fathers love nothing more than watching their boys play together and learn from each other when they're young.. They sit together and reminisce on their younger and wilder days. Some days one of them will get a far off look in their eyes and wonder aloud what Boromir’s children would be like. The other would sigh and say “would that he could share in these moments with us.” “He lives in us, and then in them, my friend,” the other would answer. For a long while they would both fall silent and gaze out towards the Falls of Rauros and Amon Hen. [expanded below]

Aragorn and Eldarion make a point to watch over all the children of Faramir and Pippin as they age, promising them both to keep them out of trouble and keep them safe when their fathers pass, serving as a godfather and older brother respectively. The assurances bring a degree of peace that neither knows they need, but what surprises them most is that the promise to look after their friend’s son is almost more reassuring than the promise to look after their own. Both know their own son will manage, but they fear for their friend’s son losing them, for they know they have become a confidant and comfort to them over the years.

The task is a challenge, but they mostly succeed. Faramir takes to calling Aragorn 'Strider’ even when not appropriate, just as Pippin did. Thankfully for all, where Pippin became more of a menace as he aged, just was smarter about it, Faramir seemed to learn at least a little bit from his namesake about mellowing...and got smarter about his mischief like his father did. He never did stop calling Aragorn 'Strider.' Elboron, while as quiet natured and scholarly as his father, also inherited his father's keen perception and ability to read people. With it, he inherited Faramir’s propensity for mischief and teasing (we saw Faramir in Ithilien with Frodo and Sam, he likes to mess with people; the man is a bit of a menace) that would only exponentiated by his close relationship with Pippin and Faramir. Rarely does it get Elboron in trouble, but every once in a while it lands him in a tight spot when he's a little too on the nose with his teasing or calls out the wrong noble for ill intent with no concrete proof other than vibes. Eventually, he does master both causing mischief and being politically savvy with the help of his gift. It gives Aragorn a few gray hairs, Faramir the younger loves it, Eldarion loves watching his father fall victim to a new generation of chaos and remembers fondly his days spent with Pippin and Faramir the older.

I am impossible and simply cannot let a good chance for some angst and feels to go, so here. Let me annihilate your emotions as I did my own! (aka I made myself sad, so now you all have to be sad with me)

What can never be

Faramir and Pippin sat on a bench along the edge of the Garden of the Fountain. So rare were the days they could spend like this, especially in the White City. There were times, however, they both reported back to Minas Tirith. Over the years, those trips had become precious gifts, and occasions for their families to visit, as much as they were political events.

The sun had begun to set on this day, and on this visit. Elboron and Faramir played in the grass, some game involving chasing each other and periodically freezing, of which only children could fully comprehend the intricacies. At one break in the action their fathers had asked and became rapidly baffled, but they were giggling with such glee that it warmed both Pippin’s and Faramir’s hearts too much to fret the details.

While the sun continues its descent, they reminisced on the old days, their younger and wilder days. They keep their voices hushed for fear of encouraging their children to engage in exactly the same mischief they themselves did. Pippin snickered. “Did I ever tell you of the time that Merry and I stole one of Gandalf’s fireworks? Surely I have.”

“Many times, Pippin,” Faramir assured him, “But tell me again. I was just thinking of how much I miss Mithrandir and his wisdom.”

“Well, I cannot say this was one of his wisest moments. It certainly was not Merry’s or mine, but…” and with that he plunged into the familiar tale. Faramir grinned. He wondered how many times Boromir heard exactly this story. Well, not exactly. Pippin never told the same tale more than once. They always shifted and grew in their retellings based on what effect the hobbit wanted to have. This one felt as though it might be close to the truth. It was a quiet retelling, private, meant to hold onto the memory of a dearly missed friend at a time when things were simplest for the Pippin.

Faramir wasn’t sure when Pippin fell silent, or when his own gaze had gone distant, but he blinked twice and came back to himself. He found Pippin looking much the same as he was sure he had moments before. Neither of their eyes were trained on their sons, who played on utterly unaware of their fathers’ distraction. Instead, both of them stared out at a spot that was far from visible, but they could both see it with perfect clarity. When Pippin spoke it was barely audible and his focus never came back to the moment. “What would his kids be like, do you think?”

Faramir had no need for Pippin to say of whom he spoke. It was not the first time, nor would it be the last, they had this conversation. Faramir sighed, a deep and pained sigh. “We will never know with any certainty, my friend, but he lives on in us, and then in them.”

Silence hung between them until Pippin uttered what they both were thinking. “Would that he could share in these moments with us.”

They fell silent once again. It was an easy silence. One of shared pain, which gave comfort to them both. The sun had nearly fallen past the horizon, and both sons sat in their own quiet conversation. Their fathers gazed out towards the Falls of Rauros, Amon Hen, and beyond to Parth Galen lost in memories and wondering about what could never be.

////////////Tagging @ @elevensiesexpert at their request///////////////

#my writing #my headcanons #lotr #pippin #peregrin took #faramir #faramir took #elboron #aragorn #eldarion #lord of the rings #tolkien #lotr fanfic #lotr fanfiction #lotr headcanons

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fantasticfangirl21 · 7 months ago

Note

*materializes into existence*

Hey :D

You said you wanted to write for funzies, so I had a lil idea to share.

Intruloceit in the ever-classic "one is overworking, so the other two coax them into self-care and sleep" trope.

Just a thought.

Have fun :D

Okay, bet, here we go my dude I was actually just about to ask for prompts because Im in a writing mood out of nowhere-

For context, when I write I typically write with the head cannon that Janus has an extra six arms that are invisible to the eye. And with the head cannon that Remus has six tentacles that protrude from his back that he uses to climb around and stick to walls and fun stuff like that. (I also write that Virgil has eight spider legs that also protrude from his back but he's a side character in this one so don't worry about that lol)

WITH ALL OF THIS SAID I BRING TO YOU A FANFIC I WROTE TWO HOURS AT WORK JUST NOW, LOVINGLY ENTITLED:

Always~

It was another night...

Another long night.

But in Logan's defense it has to be. What with the mess of a calendar Thomas has going for the upcoming months SOMEONE has to organize and plan ahead. Roman was pushing him constantly to make new video content, Virgil was stressed about all the events rehearsals and music editing we had to do, Patton was stressed as always for the upcoming holidays.

And don't even get him started on the dark sides... Remus was constantly vying for attention due to Thomas' head being in the mess it was in. With Patton and Virgil on the fritz they made easy targets for his pranks, dreams and ploys on a near daily basis. And Janus- well surprisingly Janus had generally done nothing recently but try to keep Remus as in line as they can... but that didn't mean he wasnt planning something Logan would have to fix later.

Logan grabs the coffee off the side of his desk, pushing his glasses back up on the bridge of his nose before rubbing his temples a bit as he sips his coffee... Its a mess. Its always a mess, always a mess Logan has to manage or clean. Everyone always comes to him and interrupts his work with the issues. Patton complaining about fitting time in for Thomas to try cooking before Thanksgiving and Xmas. Virgil complaining about how many events are on the calendar and asking some can be crossed off or avoided. Roman huffing about us not being able to make new content for two weeks.

Constantly. Getting. On. His. Nerves.

Logan doesn't notice the coffee cup shaking in his grip until some spills over the rim and onto his hand, he winces sharply and puts the mug down with a lengthy sigh before snapping paper towels into existence to clean the desk up. He leans to drop the wadded paper towel into the trashcan and startles slightly at how off his body feels at the sudden movement. He drops it into the trasnchan and shifts back to sitting over the desk, waiting on his equilibrium to balance back out again... how may long nights of planning has it been...?

Only one or two right...? But when's the last time he- made an effort to sleep? Hes joined the sides for lunch and dinner each day, and yes their commentary about the bags under his eyes is annoying, but its not particularly out of the ordinary. Logan tends to focus work more in the night hours. It's the only time the mind palace is actually quiet. Save for Remus' midnight snack runs, Janus' late night baths and Virgils occasional insomniac tendency to need warm milk or tea before bed.

Logan glances at the clock on his monitor.

The ungodly hour of 1 am glares back at him. He rubs his eyes and checks again just to be sure... before waving it off.

It doesn't matter, he was nearly done anyway. He picks his coffee back up and sips it, realizing it wasn't quite as hot as he preferred, his thoughts had taken up too much time it seems. He sighs again annoyed before standing- ignoring the mild difficulty in doing so... and walking to his door, with the intent to make a new pot of coffee.

He heads to the kitchen, again a bit startled by how weak he feels in doing so. But he will rest soon enough, he just has to finish up the hourly scheduling of each day for the next three months. Simple.

He stares blankly at the coffee maker, before taking his mug to the sink to rinse and clean out before the pot is done. With the water running its impossible to hear Janus slink slyly into the kitchen behind him.

"Late night~?"

Logan jumps- nearly dropping the ceramic mug into the sink at the sudden voice in his ear, glasses falling askew as he curses under his breath that he's now having difficulty catching.

"Last I checked coffee wasn't the best thing to help one sleep, but I am a liar so what do I know~"

Logan breathes out, setting the clean cup to the side and turning the water off before rounding to make eye contact with the snake.

"Yes well unlike some of you, I have important work to do, so if you don't mind."

Logan moves to step past Janus but is stopped by one of his annoying invisible arms barred in front of him.

"More important than you?"

Janus' voice drops its teasing lilt with the question, which startles Logan mildly.

"Pardon?"

He asks, a bit confused by the question.

"I asked if the work you were doing was more important than you."

Logans confusion must be even more apparent by the clarification because Janus takes it as a cue to continue.

"You're not taking care of yourself. That much is apparent, your appetite has been getting smaller each meal. The bags under your eyes are much larger day by day. You've been getting quieter at gatherings, which is typically an indicator that you're more irritable and don't want to snip at anyone, or that you don't want to be caught or teased for yawning. Also this coffee machine has logged fourteen hours of use in the last week, and no one else here drinks coffee but Patton, who has one cup each morning, with more sugar then coffee. So try to tell me that you're taking care of yourself, I dare you."

Janus waits, watching Logans reaction carefully, surprise gently easing into his eyes whilst his face stays generally blank. Janus can tell he's caught the wise side off guard, two invisible hands reach past Logan to pick up and dry his coffee mug, before placing it on the kitchen island behind their back. Logan seems at a loss for words, so Janus shifts the arm barring his escape away from the nerd.

"Why don't you head back to your room~ and go change for me. Ill bring you some tea in a few minutes or so."

This time Logan seems to wake from his confusion a bit.

"I can't- I have work to finish."

Logan hates how weak the excuse sounds on his tongue. He knows the sides notice when he is working harder then usual... but typically they all leave him be. The light sides do anyway...

"You're finished working for today. Back to your room." Janus' tone is soft, perhaps softer then he's ever heard it... It feels safe. Comforting for some reason. Just the cadence of his voice makes his eyelids a bit heavier... he nods numbly a little... and slowly starts his walk back to his room, caught in a bit of a daze as he moves down the hall... entering his room- He stops... in the threshold staring puzzled at the state of his room.

It looks nice... his room had been a bit too messy for his liking recently... The bed is made up, his starlight is on, its a projector that mimics the stars patters on his walls. Not only that but his desk is both tidy and his computer is off. His eyebrows pinch in confusion... he could have sworn when he went to the kitchen he left it o-

"POOPY!!"

Logan jumps once more with a rather embarrassing 'eep' noise this time as Remus jumps down from the ceiling and lands in front of him.

"Aweeeeee that was adorablleeeeee do it again!!"

Logan blushes with embarrassment and pushes past the obnoxious side to further himself into the room.

"No I will not be doing it again. You know that no one is allowed in my room with permission Remus. Get out immediately, I need to change."

Remus swings over with a sharp grin and wiggles his eyebrows as he descends the ceiling again dropping in front of Logan as he ruffles the smart sides hair.

"Well now I wanna stay even more~"

He teases with a fiendish grin, tentacles wriggling from his back excitedly at the prospect of seeing Logan change. Logan weirdly finds himself stuck on the fact that Remus ruffled his hair- and he didn't hate it... Logan rolls his eyes irritably, snapping from his stupor and shifts to his closet past the Duke, who stays annoyingly close to him the whole time.

"Do you actually need something? Or are you just here to annoy me now."

Logan grumps, grabbing his clothes from the closet and moving to his bathroom to avoid the dukes prying eyes. Remus attempts to follow into the bathroom, but Logan shuts the door in his face before he can, getting dressed in peace.

"Im here to make sure you're listening to Jannyyyy, because you like to overwork and overwhelm yourself until you can't function anymore."

Logan sighs deeply, lovely he has a babysitter.

"Mm, and who told you that."

Logan asks, knowing who but not wanting to let the duke go silent. Its always scarier when you can't here where Remus' voice is coming from. That's when he gets the element of surprise on you for a jump scare.

"Double Dick Deceit did of course~" Logan cringes as he buttons up his silk pajamas... gross. Though anomalistically accurate, snakes do in face hack two dicks... as gross as it is to know Janus is the same it is interesting that his anatomy is accurate to a- wait focus. Logan freezes slightly, listening for Remus- shit.

"SHIT ON A DICK!"

Remus emerges from the toilet and Logan finds the same annoying noise escapes him as Remus startles him once more. He exhales sharply in frustration as the duke giggles giddily at the sound from Logan. The intelligent side tosses his clothes irritably at Remus' face as he opens the door to leave the bathroom.

"Go back into the sewage where you belong Duke, I don't need a babysitter. I can follow instructions just like anyone else."

He grumbles, making his way back to his laptop, that is before Remus drops down between him and his desk, dripping in... what Logan hopes is clean toilet water.

"No can do~ I was told to stay with you until Snakey gets back!"

Logan can't help but notice how childish Remus is acting. In comparison to his onscreen behavior, or his behavior with the other sides he's being rather... Puppyish.

"Mmm-hmm... Is there a reason you're acting- different?"

Logan asks, apprehensively. Honestly not sure if he wants the answer... perhaps Remus was attempting to lull him into a false sense of security? Or trick him in some way shape or form...? Logan wasn't exactly sure what to expect as Remus' response to the question but what Logan doesn't expect, is Remus' cheeks to pinken and him to look away. Before Logan can inquire further there are two soft knocks on the open doorway, swaying his attention. He turns around to see Janus walking in, tea floating beside him and a container of sugar floating beside it.

"Am I interrupting something~?"

Janus asks playfully, Logan huffs slightly at the notation, missing the way Remus blushes further before ducking back into the bathroom to dry off.

"No. Your babysitter was simply doing his job."

Janus seems amused by the characterization of Remus as he makes his way to bed, patting beside him for Logan to take a seat as well.

"Yesss well, I couldn't exactly trust you not to go back to your work the moment I left now could I."

Logan scoffs a bit amused himself now.

"Trust is a rich word coming from you, Deceit."

Janus hums with a smirk gently shifting an invisible hand to Logans back after he sits down. Janus' smirk softens a bit fonder as Logan falters mildly at the touch, a clear immediate disconnect between his thoughts at the gentle brush of fingers up and down his back. Logans posture starts to slump just barely, before he tries to righten it again, his eyes dipping down a bit as his head tilts forward. A gloved hand catches his chin, brushing under it fondly with a gentle hum as he lifts the logical sides sleepy gaze to his.

"It is isn't it~"

Deceit purrs in response, watching silently as the light side practically crumples at the light positive attention. Though something about the ease of it begins to bother him. Well, rather, has always bothered him. Logans reaction to soft touch, and affirmation is always a drastic one. It's nearly as if he rarely gets affection.

Janus knows that Patton is a touchy person, that much is clear with the cuddles he gives Virgil and the constant hugs and kisses he gives roman. Shamelessly in front of everyone else at that... but strangely enough, since Remus and Janus have been here or perhaps earlier then that, no such soft touch is offered to Logan. Janus had first assumed that it was in private, seeing as Logan was a rather private person and likely didn't want others to see when he was receiving attention. But after some time, something compelled Janus to inquire to Virgil about it.

Virgils response was simple, "Logan doesn't like touch. He makes it clear no one is to be in his personal space or in his room so- why would he be okay with touch...?" And while Virgils response wasn't a mean one or said in a rough way Janus felt wounded by it. Because if this was the case, then Logan has likely been touch starved since entering his existence in the mind palace at all.

A purred hum in front of him snaps Janus from his thoughts... finding that Logan is nearly entirely slumped over in his grasp now. A puddle in his hands... his eyes blissfully shut and his worry lines for once uncreased. Janus chuckles softly before gently shifting Logans head back up, his eyes blink open wearily the soft open ness of them catching the deceitful side off guard. Janus blushes mildly before swallowing it back down and using his multiple arms to adjust Logan into a sitting position against the headboard of the bed. Remus peeks out of the bathroom behind where Logan is sitting now, and beckons Janus quickly. Janus carefully picks up the tea, now cooled a bit more before handing it to Logan.

"Here, sip it carefully, Ill be back in just a moment."

Janus' heart twists at the immediate drop in Logans eyes as he pulls his hand away from bushing over him. The sleepy side obediently sipping at his tea with downcast eyes. Janus heads quickly to join Remus in the restroom, he immediately is met with pleading puppy eyes though and instantly knows he can't fight them.

"Pleaseeee- can we please stay ??? Please he's too tired to remember- and we can be out by morning before he wakes up- I won't do anything sexual I promise!! I just wanna cuddle the nerddd- he looked like a lost little rat when I ruffled his hairrrr-"

Janus hisses quietly with a finger to his mouth, ordering Remus to quiet down some... before sighing softly... mmm. If they stay, there's a chance Logans lack of memory will make him more untrusting of them... If he wakes and they were not only in his room but cuddling him in his bed... he is going to think he was seduced in his sleep and never trust us again. Not that he does currently. But.. Janus' head kept going back to that look. The one in his eyes when he pulled away. A lump forms in Janus' throat and looking into Remus pleading eyes again he knew he couldn't rationalize a way out of this one. Angry at them or not... Logan needed it. He needed the positive attention... more than he knew. Remus could read Janus' expression before the snake could even utter the words of defeat. The octopus lighting up excitedly and buzzing with energy as he was about to bound back into the room. Janus' hand shot out to close line the side before laying down rules.

"No. Sexual advances. No jokes about it in the morning. No secreting slime in your sleep. And absolutely NO loud noises. Anything like that may scare him away and ensure he never trusts us again. Meaning we won't be allowed in his room, nor anywhere near him. Ever. Again."

Remus huffs a little and pouts some...

"Well all that sounds a little over the top dramatic- but as long as we get to cuddle the nerd- I don't care- ill be a good little bitch boy~"

Janus can't stop the small excited smile from spreading on his face, letting his arm down for Remus to reenter the room, surpassingly already following the quiet rule. Janus closes the door to the bathroom and eases into the room behind Remus, Remus goes to the bedroom door and closes it carefully, while Janus makes his way back to Logans side on the bed. The logical side is staring dazedly at the stars on the wall in front of him, sipping at the last bit of the tea in the cup by the time they reenter the room.

Remus moves to the opposite side of the bed and scoots under the covers, Janus shoots him a glare and he stops there, not getting too close to Logan just yet. They don't want to scare him. Surprisingly he doesn't seem to notice, Logan looks completely dazed as he finally manages to fix his eyes on Janus, Janus notices the way those dark grey eyes light ever so slightly at seeing the half snake side again. Janus blushes slightly and takes the cup from Logan as he finishes the tea... Janus shifts Logan carefully with his arms down into the bed, laying down now rather then sitting, and carefully removes the sides glasses for him.

"I hope you don't mind, but Remus and I are going to stay to ensure you rest well. Were not here to babysit, just here to ensure you don't wake up at four am and convince yourself that two hours of sleep is enough."

Janus teases with a playful smile, Logan chuckles a bit, clearly more then a little delirious now that his body is giving out on him. Janus brushes a hand through the sides hair, watching as his pretty eyes nearly immediately fall half open and crossed. Janus finds himself chuckling lightly, before shifting Logan more center on the bed, and nodding at Remus. The green side immediately wraps Logan up in his thick arms, pressing him into the warmth of his body while Janus arranges himself on Logans other side, slipping an arm under Logans neck and draping his other arms over Logans body to gently brush over it. Invisible fingers gently tracing at his neck, chest, hair, down his arms and over his face.

The sleep starved side sinks into the sheets, clearly comforted by the warmth of the two other bodies present. His own hands fumble slightly, looking to find one of Janus' succeeding eventually whilst his other hand comes to rest gently on Remus' arm around him. Only then does he seem comfortable enough to fall asleep. Remus preens at the fact that Logan touched him on purpose and Janus smiles at the joy in the sides gaze. Then, breaking the tranquil silence is a voice, muddled with sleep and fatigue... but also an overwhelming amount of desperation, rarely heard in the sides voice.

"Are you going to stay...?"

Both Remus and Janus are taken aback by that... glancing at each other before down at Logan. His eyes still closed... expression still peaceful... one could think he didn't say a word. Remus leans down first... kissing Logans hair.

"Yeah pocket protector... we're not going anywhere." Then Logan does something the other two have never seen directed towards them... rarely even towards the other sides.

He smiles...

Soft...

Genuine...

Calm...

And completely relieved.

"Goodnight..."

He murmurs afterward... actually seeming to slip off to sleep this time. Janus watches him carefully, before sighing softly... smiling before kissing the sides forehead...

"Sleep well... we will be right here. Always..."

They knew he wouldn't remember this when he awoke. But they didn't mind. If they had to keep reminding Logan they loved him they would.

Always~

#sanders sides #logan #logan sanders #dukeceit #intruloceit #intrulogical #logic #logic sanders #sanders #Thomas sanders #fanfic #fanfiction #sanders sides fanfiction #deceit #janus #janus sanders #remus #remus sanders #loceit

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fyonahmacnally · 1 year ago

Text

Watching Her

Kara stares at the blank screen in front of her. She’s been sitting at her dining room table for what feels like days. She needs to be writing her article, but it seems her brain has other plans. Instead, she’s trying to string together the words that have plagued her mind for months. Well, plaguing her for years really, if she’s being honest.

Plus, lately there’s this urgent need to explain to her raven haired goddess of a best friend how much she means to the hero. Every time Kara thinks she can speak it aloud, the words get stuck in her throat. So, she thought she’d write them instead. Apparently that’s not working either since she’s been staring at her screen for Rao knows how long. No article and no words for Lena. She’s come up short either way. Since the genius woman left for Newfoundland a few days ago, the blonde hasn’t been able to think of much else.

Just Lena. Always Lena.

Her time in the Phantom Zone was wrought with the fear of never seeing those mesmerizing bi-colored eyes or touching soft porcelain skin again. Their relationship has weathered storms most married couples haven’t faced. A sentiment that forces her thoughts down a path she’s skillfully avoided for years. Kara knows they reconciled and have swapped both apologies and forgiveness, but she’s still not sure where they stand. What they are. Friends? Yes, but there’s always been more. Unfortunately, dealing with the madness surrounding Lex and Nyxly hasn’t given them much time to sort through things. To truly talk.

There are countless things Kara wants to say. While in the Phantom Zone, she relived almost every moment of her relationship with Lena. The worst of things played out before her on most occasions, but the visions also allowed her subconscious to say things she’s always been too cowardly to say. As much as being there sucked, it also gave her insight into how much is still unsaid between them. Insight into where her true home lies. Who is her perfect partner at game night.

It’s Lena. It has always been Lena.

She shakes her head with a sigh. The cursor on her screen mocks her. This is what happens every time she tries to put words on the page. Her thoughts instantly drift to Lena and all the words she’s choked back or refused to speak. Then a smile drifts across her lips, thoughts of how close she came to kissing the raven haired goddess. Right there in the middle of the tower when she first greeted Lena. If it hadn’t been for Alex and everyone else in the room, she might have.

No, she’s sure she would have.

“Rao, stop it Kara!” She mutters to herself, slapping her forehead to punctuate her point. “You have an article to write. Even if it is a fluff piece for Andrea.”

Rolling her eyes at the thought of her boss, she straightens her spine, stretches her arms in front of her, shakes them out, and settles back in to write.

A few hours later, Kara realizes she’s been writing a stream of consciousness. Her once blank document is filled with words. It’s great that she was able to get so many words on the page, but it’s absolutely, 100% not related to the article she needs to write for her deadline. A deadline two days from now.

Nope.

Every single word is related to Lena.

Kara drops her chin to her chest, blowing out a breath of frustration before sitting back in her chair and dragging her hands down her face. “Okay, I guess I should read through this mess of thoughts. Maybe it will give me something for Lena.”

As her eyes rove over the page, drinking in the words she has written, Kara feels her body grow warm. Before her, on the laptop screen, sits the words she’s been looking for. The combination of things she’s longed to share with her best friend for the better part of six years. Sure, she’s going to have to edit some things and polish it up. However, she’s confident she finally has the words she wants to share.

Lena comes back early. Kara isn’t sure why, but her raven haired friend doesn’t seem open to talking about it. She can tell something is on Lena’s mind though. The woman’s behavior certainly derails Kara’s plan to give Lena the journal/letter she wrote.

Just another delay. Such is the life they live. The life of a hero.

They make plans to hangout together. Kara invites Lena to her loft to catch up and eat pie. Because…pie!

The blonde watches her, drinking in her profile. Strong, sharp jawline. Soft, pouty lips. Perfectly manicured brows, vibrant porcelain skin, and shiny ebony locks cascading down her back, a few strands hanging over her shoulder and resting on her collarbone. Lena is without a doubt the most beautiful person Kara has ever seen, across any and all planets she’s been on. This woman captivates her, steals her breath, and owns her heart.

She must get lost in her observation because the next thing she feels is a soft hand on her forearm breaking her from her trance.

“Kara?” Lena practically whispers, squeezing the hero’s forearm. “Darling, are you okay?”

She clears her throat, her embarrassment no doubt on display across her cheeks, spreading onto her ears. “Umm, yeah. F-Fine.”

Lena cocks her head to the side, patented eyebrow raise in place. “Want to try again? I know you didn’t catch what I said because you undoubtedly would have responded.” She releases the blonde’s forearm before shifting to face her. “Now, tell me what’s going on in that beautiful brain of yours.”

A long, shaky sigh makes its way out of Kara’s mouth. She is unquestionably not going to admit what currently has her distracted. Which means she needs to come up with something that is close to the truth, but doesn’t force her to admit her feelings. Not yet.

“I just, well, I missed you.” She reaches up to adjust glasses that aren’t there before diverting her hand to tuck a stray hair behind her ear. “There’s so much we have to catch up on and it’s a little surreal that you’re here. With me. Right now.” She trails off, the fading blush from a few minutes ago rushing back across her impervious skin.

A full, gorgeous, dimpled smile spreads across Lena’s face. It’s the smile that Kara used to see all the time during their countless lunch dates and game nights. It makes her heart stutter in her chest, a sight more beautiful than Rao’s dawn on Krypton.

“I missed you, too. We do have a lot to catch up on.” Lena winks at her before sitting her half-eaten pie on the coffee table. “Do you want me to finish what I was saying or are you ready to tell me what’s got you so distracted?”

“Y-You go ahead and finish what you were saying. We can talk about my scattered brain later.” She gives her most endearing grin, hoping it will persuade her best friend to continue.

It works. They exchange stories for the next couple of hours. Lena shares what she learned about her mother and how apparently she comes from a long line of powerful sorceresses. Kara shares the crazy things they fought and dealt with in her absence along with the plan to get rid of Lex and Nyxly for good. Another night of completely skirting her inner dialogue.

And so it goes for several weeks afterward. They spend their time working to get rid of the worst Luthor and his psychotic fifth-dimensional girlfriend. In the aftermath of William’s death, losing Lillian, and Alex and Kelly’s wedding, Lena seems to come to terms with her magical abilities and gain confidence in her new identity as the last Luthor standing.

The good Luthor.

While Alex and Kelly are on their honeymoon, Kara and Lena finally have the conversation both of them have been putting off.

The two of them are curled up on opposite ends of Kara’s couch, each holding a cup of their preferred tea. They exchange shy, knowing smiles for several seconds before Lena breaks the comfortable silence.

“You know, I used to think the biggest monsters I had to fear were Lex and Lillian.” Lena softly says, running her finger along the edge of her rapidly cooling mug. “Over the past year and especially these last few months, I’ve learned we make our own monsters. We make our own monsters, then fear them for what they show us about ourselves.”

A plethora of emotions swirl in the verdant eyes that look up and connect with concerned, but affectionate blue ones. They revel in brief silence, drinking in the intimacy and vulnerability of their shared space. Two battered souls that completely understand one another in ways no one else can.

Lena takes a deep breath, sits her now cold mug on the coffee table, and pats the cushion next to her hoping Kara will slide closer. She watches as Kara places her own mug down and shuffles across the couch, planting herself close enough that Lena’s knee sits against the side of her thigh. A delicate, pale hand rests on top of a warm tan one.

Kara turns her hand to lace their fingers together, gently squeezing Lena’s in a show of comfort. “I get that, at least I think I do. We’ve both been through so much in our lives, so much trauma.” The hero sucks in a ragged breath, all the things she’s lost flashing through her mind. “We both have wounds that will never show on our bodies. Wounds that are deeper and more hurtful than anything that bleeds. But, as painful as they are, they’ve built us into who we are.”

A soft huff and a chuckle of incredulity sound beside her causing blue eyes to shift from their hands to Lena’s half-amused, half-saddened expression. “You’re not wrong, but I wish there was a better, less painful path to get here.” She rolls her eyes at the situation. “I guess part of my point in saying this about Lex and Lillian is that loving and yearning for love can be blinding. Sometimes, I think, we don’t really see how toxic someone is until we finally breathe fresher air.”

Lena lifts her free hand to gently rub soft patterns into the skin on Kara’s hand still clasped in hers. “When I was in Newfoundland, it reminded me that who I am and where I came from are only small pieces of who I want to be. Being in the fresh air, away from the Luthor name gave me a new perspective. It helped me realize some things.”

A wistful smile spreads across her face as she pauses her ministrations on Kara’s skin. “There is a home no one can take from you, a home that will last. I think who you are, who you surround yourself with, and what you believe in is your real home. For me, that home is you, Kara.” She takes a shaky breath and makes eye contact with the blonde, hoping to convey how truly sincere she is. The raw truth in her statement.

Kara’s breath catches, her eyes glisten with tears. Lena hasn’t actually said the words she longs to hear, but it carries the same meaning. She does her best to collect her emotions and prevent the epic ramble she can sense coming. There is a journal/letter or whatever you want to call it she needs to share with Lena. So. She needs to get herself together.

Which is hard when Lena looks so stunning. The happiness and confidence that exudes from her without Lex and Lillian looming over her, it makes her more alluring than ever. Kara’s mind constantly drifts to thoughts of ebony locks and viridian eyes.

Rao, Lena has never looked so beautiful. She’s a goddess amongst mere mortals…

She shakes her head and forces herself back to reality.

“You know, I spent a lot of time thinking about things too. While you were in Newfoundland, I mean. Well, and while I was in the Phantom Zone. Lots of time to think there.” She shakes her head, the urge to ramble growing stronger and she wants to do this right. Blowing out a breath and pulling another in, she tries to calm herself before trying again. “I’ve given a lot of thought to having a home and what it really means to me. I always see the same thing, Lena. Your face, your smile. It’s always you. I, umm, I wrote something about it while you were gone.”

Releasing their connected hands proves more difficult than she anticipated, but she manages. She pulls the folded paper from her pocket where it has been since she finished it. Her hope was the right moment would present itself and she could either let Lena read it or read it to her. Now the moment is here and she’s more nervous than her Pulitzer ceremony.

Clearing her throat, she pauses before locking eyes with her best friend and lightly shrugs. “I guess I’m not sure if you want to just read it or if you want me to read it to you. I mean, I’ll do either. Just as long as you know what it says and…” A nervous chuckle escapes and she shifts herself on the couch, turning her body toward her best friend. “What would you prefer? I’m going to be nervous and jittery regardless.”

Lena tilts her head and lifts her hand to her chin feigning thought. “Well, if you are giving me the choice, I am going to choose having you read it to me.” She pats the Kryptonian on the thigh before leaning her elbow onto the backrest of the couch, propping her head in her hand. “If I can listen to your words and hear your thoughts through your voice, I am going to choose that option every time, Kara.”

They laugh and settle into place as Kara unfolds the paper. She knows this is going to change things, she just doesn’t know how much. With one last look at the woman that holds her heart, she begins to read.

--------------------------

Watching her. It’s something I catch myself doing quite frequently. It’s not that I mean to or I do it on purpose. It just happens. She’s always captivated me. Her wit. Her brilliance. Her grace. Not to mention her eyes. Her smile. Her armor piercing eyebrow raise. There are so many things about her that reel me in.

From the first moment our eyes met, the first time my eyes connected with the deep pools of sea green, I knew she was special. Someone important. And that is the moment my world shifted.

Watching her is distracting. She moves with a sense of surety and power unlike any I’ve seen. Her intelligence is a super power very few possess, she wields it with both caution and tenacity. The desire to help others is so innate to her soul, even the sinister Luthors couldn’t break her drive to do good.

From the first time she helped save the city, I knew she was a hero. A woman worthy of respect and honor, no matter the name she was born under. That was the moment I knew we could take on the world together.

Watching her is awe inspiring. She is so willing to give, to help others, to share her inventions and love of science for the betterment of society, for the greater good of the world. She strives to help others, sometimes even at the detriment of herself.

From the moment she put herself on the line for the safety of others, I knew she was worthy of more than what so many hurl at her. Worthy of love, trust, and respect, leagues beyond what the world has given her.

Watching her is life changing. Life has so many twists and turns, nothing is guaranteed or promised. But when I see her, when I watch her teach her goddaughter new things, when I watch her toss her head back in unrestrained laughter, even when I watch tears drift down her pale cheeks…watching her is life changing.

From the moment I first held her in my arms, I knew my life was forever changed. The gift of her smile is priceless, the gift of her trust is sacred, but the gift of her love is divine.

Watching her has forever changed my life, finding her is how I found my home. --------------------------

Kara finishes reading, but is hesitant to look up. She’s not sure how Lena is going to react and doesn’t want to see rejection reflected back at her. It isn’t until she hears a soft sniffle that her head bolts up and her eyes find teary, sparkling green ones.

Her eyes widen and she reaches out to wipe the tears away. “I-I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to make you cry.” The blonde grabs the box of tissues from the coffee table and hands one to Lena. “Are you okay? Do you need me to leave? I can…”

Her rambling words are halted by a soft finger pressing against her lips. She keeps her eyes on the woman the finger belongs to. The mossy pools she’s gotten lost in countless times search her oceanic ones, apparently finding what she needs.

Lena slowly removes her finger, gently lifting both hands to rest on Kara’s cheeks. She presses their foreheads together and sighs. “I guess two lost little girls finally found their home.”

Neither of them know who leaned in first. In the end, it really doesn’t matter. Not when the result is their lips pressing together and a home to call their own.

#supercorp #supergirl #lena luthor #kara danvers #supercorp fanfic #fanfic #fanfic writer #mac writes

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