#so I'm glad I remembered pretty early on so I can try getting White Day asks n stuff ready early on!!!

[ahogedetective]

@rosanimemuses replied to: ""Good afternoon everyone~! Sooo I know this is...""

fff i forgot about White day omg…

NGL ME TOO, HONESTL Y, GJNGNFJNGF I KEEP HAVING TO REMIND MYSELF LIKE 'OH YEAH, that's almost around the corner!!!' I guess I was so busy with other things, that it kept slipping my mind at times....

[lennadanvers]

Wish granted

Eddie Munson x Reader

Both Eddie and the Reader are close to their 30's here.

A/N: I miss writing for Eddie so bad. I miss someone real, too. I don't want to spoil anything, but there's angst here. It's based in real events- I'm definitely projecting a little bit. Stay alert, you may have spent your wishes without realizing you did.

You look magical in white.

Eddie spent an ungodly number of nights picturing you in a white dress, and still he wasn’t prepared to see you like this. He suspects the dress isn’t what’s making his voice falter. Any wedding dress would look just as pretty on you. Especially if your eyes shine like that when you look at him.

Someone hands Eddie the microphone and he has to force his knees to stop shaking so he can stand. Your reassuring smile makes it a little easier. He makes an effort not to look around, to all the faces staring at him, and focuses on you. Eddie clears his throat, wincing when the micro amplifies the sound, and starts talking.

“Hello, everyone.”

He makes a pause. There’s no need to introduce himself, everyone here knows who he is. He feels silly, and wonders for a second how long it would take him to get to the door. But, again, you’re looking at him. So he straightens his back and stars talking again.

“As most of you know, I met my best friend when we were nine years old.”

He flashes you a smile, and then whispers loudly into the microphone.

“There’s one thing no-one knows, though- I kept this secret for twenty years. I was saving it for today. I didn’t even tell you!”

Eddie winks at you, trying to appease your curious expression. He’s glad he convinced you to let his speech be a surprise.

“Ready?”

The dramatic pause gives him confidence. This is just like one of his D&D campaigns. More or less.

“I remember the first time I saw you.”

He’s staring right at your bouquet now. It matches the flower in his lapel.

“It was the first day of school. Fourth grade. Early in the morning, t’was a little chilly. I was standing in the hallway. The bell rang, and I turned around. I don’t know why. I was headed the other way. But I turned around, and I saw her… You know how in the movies time slows down, and everyone but the protagonist becomes a blur?”

Eddie chuckles and nods.

“It was just like that. She looked like life revolved around her.”

His tone shifts to a lighter one.

“I have an active imagination, as you may know...”

The laughs all around the room make his shoulders relax a little.

“And she was gone in a second- seriously, like in the movies, the sea of people swallowed her and I was left wondering if I had imagined her.”

He smirks at you.

“Like I said, I have an active imagination.

Sometimes, I convince myself magic is real. That was one of those days. I made a wish- I wished the girl with bright eyes and wild hair I saw for a second was real.”

You’re blushing a little under that makeup, aren’t you? He thinks you are.

“I didn’t see her again that day… But I did spot her in class the next day.”

Eddie can’t help but beam at you. Your nine-year-old self was adorable, all round cheeks and nervous smiles.

“After that, it’s become easier to believe in magic. That’s why, when I saw her cry over a boy for the first time, I asked for a second wish.”

He dares a quick look around, and finds that every person in the room- including a waiter- is looking at him.

“She’s always been so brave. That’s one of the things I admire the most of you, you know? How you keep your heart open for everyone to see. How you tried over and over again to find love, even if you got hurt, even if it didn’t work.”

Your eyes look a little wet now. He pushes forward, trying to remember where he was going with this.

“I wished you’d find the person that would finally be able to love you the way you deserve.”

It’s getting hard to talk with the knot in his throat.

“Once again, I proved magic is real.”

Eddie has to wipe a very embarrassing tear out of his cheek.

“Everybody knows wishes come in groups of three. So, tonight, here, I’m making my last wish. I wish you the happiest of lives. I wish you a long, beautiful marriage. I wish you the life you’ve always wanted, full of the love you deserve.”

He can’t see much through the tears in his eyes- that will hopefully stay there for another two minutes- but he thinks you’re crying too. He raises his glass, hand full of silver rigs shaking, desperate to end this hell.

“To my best friend, the beautiful bride, and her newly acquired husband! To the first day of a very long, very happy marriage!”

You raise your glass with your left hand- the gold band mocking him- because the right is holding your now-husband’s hand. He smiles at Eddie, raising his glass and mouthing “Thank you, man”.

Eddie feels sick. He hands the microphone to one of your bridesmaids, who pats him on the back, and steps away from the table.

It’s hard to breathe. He’s staring at you, at your wide smile as you hug your mom. The DJ started playing a romantic pop song, and people are standing up. He knows he should stay for the first dance. But he’s looking at you, and you’re not looking at him. You’re drying happy tears with your husband’s handkerchief- who carries a fucking handkerchief anymore? – and beaming up at him.

Eddie keeps staring at you until the sea of wedding guests swallow your white dress, your ruined makeup and your bright, happy future.

He steps outside of the venue, full on sobbing now. His van awaits in the parking lot, ready for him to escape again. Out of the two of you, he always knew he was the coward one. Since the moment you declared your love for him- at barely nine years old you were brave enough to bring him chocolates and honesty. Eddie remembers your little hand, your heart open. He remembers his dirty nails, his feelings guarded behind years of abandonment and cruel jokes. Your sad eyes when he didn’t reply. His heavy chest when he kept being your friend, every day up until today.

Too busy wiping tears, Eddie misses a shooting star disappearing in the horizon. When he looks up, the sky is empty- just like his chest, his house, and his future- and he realizes he lied.

Eddie Munson does not believe in magic anymore.

[lesbianismist]

Shuri x black! fem! plus size!reader

A/N: This is my first smut and I never thought i’d write but I just got a sudden urge so don’t judge 😁 (this isn’t proof read)

Summary: You rarely spend time with Shuri because she’s always busy in the lab, you don’t want to tell her because she’ll always come home tired and you don’t want to add onto her frustration. But she starts pushing your buttons and you snap.

Warnings: arguing, fluff, smut 18+, scissoring, strap! reader receiving, praise kink, multiple orgasms, squirting, face riding! Shuri receiving, dom! Shuri, sub! reader, aftercare, reader has locs.

Word count: 1,873

(Idk xhosa like that yall so don’t come for my google translate xhosa 😔)

You wake up cold, moving around to find Shuri’s touch and finally you open your eyes to find Shuri’s side of the bed empty. You sigh thinking “of course she isn’t here, she never is”. You eventually roll out of bed to look at the time *7:28 am*. You start your regular morning routine taking off your bonnet, getting in the shower to wash your body, your face, then your locs. After your refreshing shower you feel all the weight on your shoulders fall off as you start to fish for an outfit.

You decided to wear a long brown flare skirt with a simple white crop top and a khaki cardigan. Not feeling like doing your makeup, you style your locs into a messy bun, wrapping it into a scarf, putting on your jewelry, but completely forgot your kimoyo beads and started your day. You came back home with a slight smile on your face and multiple bags in your hands. As you put your bags down you see someone staring at you from the corner of your eye, you turn your head to see Shuri on the couch with a slightly irritated look on her face, still in her lab uniform. “You’re home early” you said mockingly, staring back at her with the same expression.

Shuri stood up and walked towards you “Where have you been?” You looked at her genuinely confused “Shuri i’m not in the mood right now” you said in an irritated tone. “All I asked was a question sithandwa” She says in a loving tone “Oh don’t try that lovey dovey shit with me like you didn’t just question where i’ve been when you have came home later than this before” You countered. Shuri looks offended as she responds “Look uthando (love) I know i’ve been busy in the lab but i’m just worried about you, you know how serious I am about your safety and you completely forgot to put on your kimoyo beads. I had to send out Okoye to find and spy on you just so I can know that you’re safe.”

“so what?!” You screamed, Shuri lowered her eyebrows “I know your upset at the moment but I need you to calm yourself down and remember who you’re talking to” She said in her dominant tone. You felt a wave of heat in you but decided to ignore it as you started to cry “I’m just tired of getting my hopes up to see you, to spend a decent amount of time with you and end up disappointed every time. I shouldn’t have to compete with a fucking lab for your attention Shuri !”.

“b- baby I didn’t-, I’m sorry sithandwa sam (my love) I never knew” she expressed. “Of course you didn’t, I didn’t want to make you more frustrated with my emotions so I kept it to myself.” you said in a more calmer tone than before. “Ohh baby i’m sorry” She said getting closer and pulling you into a comforting hug, you hugged her back with a deep sigh of relief. “It’s okay, I'm glad I finally got that off my chest.” You sighed out. “I promise I’ll do better, I feel so guilty for not noticing, i’m sorry my love.” Shuri hums as she starts kissing your neck softly.

“Shurii…” you dragged and she lifts her head up “Okay i’ll stop, sorry..” “It’s just I know what makes you feel better, what always does.” You whimper slightly, Shuri smirking a bit at your reaction. “I-” you stutter “You what? Hm?” her smirk getting wider “I need you to use your words pretty girl.” She said seductively “I need to put my bags up.” You whispered. “That can wait” She said as she suddenly picked you up by your ass and rushed to your shared room.

As soon as she walked through the door and shut it behind her she wasted no time pushing you up against it and smashing her lips onto yours. The kiss was hungry and needy. Since she was always busy you two haven’t had sex in weeks and your fingers were never enough. Shuri stood you on your legs just so she can rip that cardigan off your body to access your neck better.

You moaned at the feeling of her nipping at your neck aggressively. Lifting her head she swung you around and walked forward until the back of your knees hit the bed. “No matter how many times I see you like this you’ll always amaze me with your beauty baby” she groans, tearing off all your clothes impatiently and pushing you further up the bed. You were speechless, all you could do was whimper and moan.

Shuri immediately drags a finger threw your folds moaning at your wetness “Fuck I barely touched you and you’re this wet?” You bucked your hips up into her touch wanting more. “You want me inside you? hm?” she responded at your silent request.“Yes please, I need it” “Need? such a needy girl aren’t you? Don’t worry I’ll take good care of you” She pushes herself off the bed taking off her dress, pressing a button on her kimoyo beads, her strap attaching onto her hips. She crawls towards you lifting your legs up with one hand and sliding the tip from your entrance to your clit painfully slow with her free hand. “Shuri please” your whimper out, she smiles biting her lip, using her other hand to open your legs completely as she finally snaps her hips into you sliding the entire thing into your walls. She immediately goes to kiss you swallowing your moans. She starts at a slow pace, still snapping her hips into you hard.

You throw your head back rolling your eyes already feeling that knot in your stomach, shuri notices and picks up her pace slamming into you. The wet noises coming from your pussy doesn’t go unnoticed “Mmh you hear that? I can tell she misses her panther.” she whispers in your ear. You responded with a loud moan as Shuri starts ramming into you at an almost inhuman pace, showing zero mercy. She finally leans up from your neck to look down at how you’re swallowing her like it’s nothing. “Fuck you take it so good!” She groans “Mmnh just like that Shuri, im close.” you moaned “Go ahead nkosazana (princess) let it all out, i’m right here” She leans down again angling her hips to hit that spot in your walls, just where you need her.

You scream, immediately arching your back at the sensitivity. Your grip on the sheets getting tighter as you chase your high, “Yes just like that cum for me” You close your eyes hard as you cum, your voice cracking, toes curling and legs shaking. When you finally came down from your high Shuri hasn’t slowed her pace, still in her own world “Shuri,it’s too much!” She finally comes to a stop pulling out slowly watching your slick ooze out slightly “intombazana efezekileyo enjalo”(such a perfect girl), she lets out a breathy moan. Pressing another button on her kimoyo beads to detach the strap.

She came down to kiss you, not waiting for you to catch your breath. “Y/n?” “hmm?” she grabs your waist rolling you on top of her then groping your ass roughly. “Ride me” You immediately obey, switching your right leg under her left one but before you even press your pussy on hers she stops you and says “No, I want that ass facing me.” You whimper, taking your left leg and swinging it around her torso. She wasted no time grabbing your hips and pushing your soaking cunt on hers, she groaned at the feeling and you started to grind in small circles, your ass shaking with every move. “Mmh look at you go my perfect girl, doing so good for me.” She says with her right hand on your hip guiding you. “Say it, say you’re my good girl.” You bite your lip, eyebrows frowning, so lost in pleasure you barely heard what she said.

She slaps your ass hard, snapping you out of your trance “You were being so good sthandwa don’t ruin it now.” she sighed following with a deep moan, “I’m your good girl, fuck im so good for you” You moan as Shuri starts forcing you to grind faster. “Good girl fucking cum for me, show me how good you can be.” She huffs as she starts to reach her climax. You both are a moaning mess and you cum with her, your juices getting everywhere. “ohh my- fuckkk” You dragged. Shuri tugged at your hips one last time before turning you around lifting you into a bear hug. You sigh, catching your breath for the second time tonight and you lift your head to speak “Baby?” “Yes sthandwa?” she answered, “Let me taste you, please?”

Shuri didn’t even answer, flipping the two of you over again and crawling up until you were face to face with her swollen pussy, “go ahead.” You didn’t hesitate to grab her hips and pull it towards your lips, letting out a moan at the taste onto her pussy. Her hips shudder as she brings a hand to your bun that’s surprisingly still together and grinds on your tongue. You roll and close your eyes but shuri stops you “uhn uhn eyes on me pretty.” You open your eyes immediately making eye contact with her and she smiles at your current state, she leans back bringing her hand to your clit rubbing in tight circles. By now you both are sweating and breathing heavily. Shuri’s moans getting louder and her grinding getting faster, “Fuck y/n cum with me” Her rubbing on your clit gets faster, releasing your hair and holding herself up. Her hips coming to a stop and your back arching off the bed, you both cum together.

TIME SKIP

After taking a long bath, cuddling for half an hour, and getting in matching pj’s. You two are cuddling in bed, Shuri on her back with your leg wrapped around her lower stomach and arm resting on her chest. “Shuri, how are you not tired?” “I don’t know, I'm thinking about going for another round, hm?” You look at her in disbelief and she giggles “I am just joking sthandwa'' You laugh with her but stop in realization, “Shuri I forgot to put up my bags!!” you exclaimed sitting up, but Shuri pushes you back down “Don’t worry about that baby, i’ll get that in the morning”. You let out a sigh of relief and closed your eyes slowly, drifting into sleep. “Goodnight my love” Shuri whispers, kissing your forehead.

A/N: Guys I never realized how hard it is to write bruh, I spent like 3-4 hours writing this 😭

[yukipri]

Galaxy's Edge Foodstuffs & Drinkstuffs Reviews!

So last month, I was able to finally visit Black Spire Outpost, aka Batuu, aka Galaxy's Edge, aka Star Wars Land @ Disneyland!

This is a roundup of photos + reviews of all the themed foods & beverages that mum and I enjoyed during our trip.

Note that I visited Batuu West, in Disneyland California. Florida may have slightly different menus, and I know that menus change seasonally too! My visit was in January, 2023.

The rest of the photos + reviews under the cut!

Oga's Cantina

In the early morning on the very first day, we stopped by Oga's! We got some non-alcoholic drinks + some small eats to start the day off.

Non-Alcoholic drinks:

Memory's foggy, but I *think* the drinks are: 

Blurrgfire: Minute Maid® Lemonade, Pomegranate Juice, and Habanero-Lime

Review: Mildly zingy? but otherwise a pleasant juice drink.

Black Spire Brew: Cold Brew Joffrey's Coffee®, Honey, Falernum, Passion Fruit, and Citrus

Review: Probably the most questionable drink we had, but glad we tried it! The coffee + citrus gave it a sorta...sour? taste? and I'm not sure how I felt about that in my coffee! But it was certainly unique.

Blue Bantha: Blue Milk served chilled with Bantha-inspired Brown Butter Chocolate Chip and Coconut Cookie

Review: Realizing now we didn't get the cookie, sad ;_; It was ok, but idk it felt like it tasted a lot better from the Milk Stand! It was also kinda room temperature, though we *were* in the very first early morning round of people. Overall didn't stand out too much, but wasn't bad either!

Jabba Juice: Simply Orange® with Pineapple, Kiwi, Cantaloupe, and Blueberry Flavor-filled Boba

Review: A slightly mixed-juice but mostly orange juice with some blue popping boba! Was good in a normal, could probably make it at home sorta way.

Food stuffs:

Five-blossom Bread: Warm Pretzel Knot with Hawaiian Black Sea Salt, served with Calabrian Cheese Sauce

Review: It was super warm 'n toasty, surprisingly filling! It was a pretty normal pretzel and the sauce was a pretty normal slightly spicy cheese sauce, but it was still delicious!

Spiced Wroshyr Pods: Seasoned Edamame, Sliced Cucumbers, spicy Citrus-Gochujang Dip

Review: Ngl, these were just straight up plain edamame ^ ^;;; BUT the sauce was really good, preferred it to the pretzel sauce even!

I had another reservation at Oga's on a different night, and this time we tried some alcohol. Now, tbh I am not a huge fan of alcohol; I can drink it, but I just don't really like the flavor, and have never gotten drunk (nor do I really want to), and all it makes me feel is the vague urge to pee. But, I felt obligated to try something alcoholic at the cantina, so here's what I *think* we got!

Jedi Mind Trick (alcoholic): Ketel One Botanical Grapefruit and Rose Vodka, John D. Taylor's Velvet Falernum, Bols Blue Curaçao, White Grape Juice, Lime Juice, and Grapefruit Bitters

Review: It was defs sweet? Fruity? But alas, Alcohol taste was strong for me ;_;

Hyperdrive (Punch It!) (Non-alcoholic): Powerade® Mountain Berry Blast, White Cranberry Juice, Black Cherry Purée, and Sprite®

Review: Got one non-alcoholic drink, and ngl it was definitely my fav drink out of the 3 ^ ^; Unfortunately don't remember much of it, other than that I was using it to cleanse the alcohol flavor...

Fuzzy Tauntaun: Cîroc Peach Vodka, Bols Peach Schnapps, and Simply Orange® topped with Tangerine, Pure Cane Sugar, "Buzz Button Tingling" Foam

Review: This was the most recommended drink by people we spoke to + blogs I read, so I figured hey let's try it. Other people have described the foam as "tingly," but tbh...neither mum nor I really felt it? It was very foam for sure, messy, hard to get at the drink without getting foam all over your face. Taste was pretty mild (+ alcohol, LMAO).

In conclusion: Kazu, u know u don't like alcohol, plus it's expensive. Let's just stick to non-alcohol next time and save our credits, yeah? ^ ^;

Docking Bay 7

I LOVED Docking Bay 7! It was surprisingly spacious, and perhaps because we went when it wasn't too busy, but there was never any trouble getting seating. With mobile pickup food was ready almost instantaneous, and the whole interior had such an awesome aesthetic with tons of cool design details!

Trandoshan-style Pasta with Braised Bantha: Chile-braised Beef, Buttered Garlic Cavatelli, Seasonal Vegetables, Zesty Avocado Sauce, Balsamic Glaze

Review: This is the green-lookin' dish! I LOVED this one, so much I went and got it again on a different day. It's pasta, which I'm naturally biased towards, but also a lotta meat and veggies too, and pleasantly spiced. It felt like a Good Food, while also being unique and interesting enough it felt sorta Star Wars, I really enjoyed it!

Endorian Fried Chicken Tip-Yip: Crispy Chicken, Roasted Vegetable Potato Mash with Green Gravy

Review: Also good! But tasted a lot more "normal." It's a nice piece o' chickin floating in a ton of mashed potato gravy. Warm and filling, but didn't really feel as themed.

Drinks!

Moof Juice: Simply Fruit Punch®, Simply Orange® with Pineapple, Chipotle-Pineapple

Review: Another pleasant fruit juice! Gosh there are so many fruit juice mixes here! Not complaining bc I love them. Don't really remember too much about this other than "sweet."

Phattro: Gold Peak® Unsweetened Tea, Minute Maid® Lemonade, Desert Pear

Review: Another mixed juice drink, mum and I could only tell it apart from Moof Juice bc this one was mildly less sweet, more tea. Both were good!

Cold Brew Black Caf: Cold Brew Coffee topped with Sweet Cream Cheese and Chocolate Puffs

Review: I actually really enjoyed this one!! Much more than the questionable coffee at Oga's. It's got literal cereal floating on top! One thing that we found was that it wasn't as sweet or well mixed right after picking it up (no duh), but if you wait for the cream cheese and cocoa puffs dust to trickle down (or just mix it), it's a lot sweeter and so much yummier!

Also from the Docking Bay:

Vintian Mineral Mousse: Banana Brûlée-centered Dark Chocolate Mousse, Strawberry Mousse, Vanilla Chantilly, Chocolate Crumble, Cherry Garnish

Review: THIS THING. Y'all, if I had to pick just one food item to recommend from all of Galaxy's Edge, it would be this. Wasn't really sure what it was at first, and almost didn't order because I'm not a huge fan of banana flavor, but I'm SO glad that we did. Each of the blobs is a different flavored mousse, the banana being the largest, and i *think* the blue was Vanilla, pink strawberry, though those may be flipped. They each had a sorta shell like covering with soft mouse inside. They all tasted incredibly fancy and delicate, like very expensive patisserie quality, and each blob was so distinctive so you never got bored. I even liked the banana one, though I preferred the other two. The best way to eat is to take a spoonfull, and then scoop through the crumble to pick up as much of it as possible. The added crunch makes it even better!

Overall, this not only tasted phenomenal, but it had gorgeous and distinctively "Star Wars" visual presentation, and overall was so unique!

Moving on,

Milk Stand + Ronto Roasters

While the Milk Stand and Ronto Roasters are completely different shops and aren't even close, I picked up drinks from the Milk Stand for breakfast on our second day, so reviewing them together!

Blue Milk: Plant-based blend of Coconut and Rice Milk with alluring fruity characteristics

Review: The Iconic Drink. I hear that people have mixed opinions about this, but I actually really liked it—and it also tasted SUPER familiar. If any of you have had ramune before, the Japanese soda drink in a funky glass bottle that you can find at most Asian markets, it tasted SUPER similar. Perhaps part of me is biased bc my Japanese ass associates blue = ramune, but really, if someone made a ramune slush and maybe added a wee bit more citrus, this would be it. I also happen to love ramune, and slushes, so of course this was a win! If you want to taste ramune to see what Blue Milk tastes like (at least in my own humble opinion, backed by mum), make sure to pick up the "original" flavor! Overall this was super chilled and refreshing, I loved it!

Green Milk: Plant-based blend of Coconut and Rice Milk with zippy citrus and tropical characteristics

Review: I read some reviews that this was nasty, but I didn't think so, it was also pleasant. There was a bit of a strange, possibly slightly medicinal aftertaste, and it was also "milkier" than the blue so it felt less refreshing. Of the two, I definitely prefer blue, but enjoyed my cup of the green too!

Ronto Morning Wrap: Scrambled Eggs, Grilled Pork Sausage, Shredded Cheddar, Peppercorn Sauce, wrapped in Pita

Review: A very yummy wrap from Ronto's, only available in the morning! I felt like of the 3 wraps, this one was the richest, with a lotta cheese, egg, sausage. It was filling and super good! I wouldn't say that the food item itself felt particularly unique, but Ronto's has a super cool setup, so just being able to eat in the vicinity puts you into the universe.

Evening on a different day, we tried the other wraps!

Ronto Wrap: Roasted Pork, Grilled Pork Sausage, Peppercorn Sauce, tangy Slaw, wrapped in Pita

Review: The classic. I was expecting to like this one the most, and while it didn't disappoint, the others were actually so good they all sorta evened out? For being the meat option, it had a lotta veggies and didn't feel unhealthy, at least compared to my usual diet LMAO. I liked this a lot, and like the morning wrap, it was very tasty in a normal food sorta way!

Ronto-less Garden Wrap: Plant-based Sausage, spicy Kimchi Slaw, sweet Pickled Cucumber, Plant-based Gochujang Spread, wrapped in Pita

Review: Usually not a huge fan of fake meat, but this vegetarian option was actually really good! Of the 3, I think I might have even liked the flavoring best? It had a bit of zing to it, possibly due to the kimchi. Either way, I'm glad I was able to split these with mum!

Hard to say which of the wraps I liked most, I think I liked all of them around the same! None of them stuck out as Exceptional, but they were all good!

Drinks from Ronto:

Tatooine Sunset: Gold Peak® Unsweetened Tea, Minute Maid® Lemonade with Melon and Blueberry

Review: Yet another pleasant fruity drink! Don't remember much about it, other than that I liked it, and it once leaned mildly less sweet than the other one ^ ^;

Meiloorun Juice: Pineapple Juice, Minute Maid® Lemonade, with Blueberry, Cranberry Juice, Lemon Juice, and Desert Pear

Review: THIS ONE. If I had to choose ONE fruit juice out of the tons I had, this one is my favorite. I want to say that "Meiloorun" in the name isn't biasing me (it may be), but no really, this one was genuinely so good. It felt denser? than the others, really citrusy but the flavors were really well mixed so it tasted like an all-new fruit, exactly what I'd expect a Meiloorun to be like! I chugged two of these lmao.

Got this on the final day, also from Ronto:

Destran Ice Cap: Sprite®, Orange-Tangerine Syrup, topped with Sweet Cream Cheese

Review: Wasn't sure about the whole "cream cheese in soda," but I'm glad I tried this because I actually really liked it! The cream cheese added a pleasant, well, creaminess to the orange soda of the rest of it, giving it a sort of ice cream float-like feel without the ice cream. Would defs get again!

Lastly,

Kat Saka's Kettle

Picked this up on the last day!

Outpost Mix: colorful blend of seasonal flavors (blend of Caramel and Chocolate-glazed Popcorn)

Review: Honestly just a pleasant popcorn mix! It was good, flavor wasn't too strong, pretty mild. Was a nice easily consumable crunchy snack. It says caramel + chocolate, but tbh I mostly just tasted "mildly sweet." I was hoping for the brightly colored purple/red mix that at least looks a bit unique, but perhaps that's for a different season? Either way, yeah, I enjoyed this but didn't feel it was particularly special ^ ^;

~~

Aaaaand that's my review! I didn't quite eat *everything* at Galaxy's Edge, but I tried a darn good majority.

Overall, the vast majority of food/drink was super darn good and well worth the money! Some was more unique than others, but the quality was consistently high throughout. I did not eat outside of Galaxy's Edge my entire trip and felt very satisfied with that!

My standout favorites were: the pasta & mousse dessert from Docking Bay 7, blue milk from the Milk Stand, and Meiloorun juice from Ronto's!

I also got all 3 of the thermal detonator-shaped water bottles, but well, the flavor inside was just your regular Coke, Diet Coke, and Sprite. Still cool souvenirs!

But yes, in general, just so many fruit juices haha. Luckily I do love fruit juices, and also I'm glad that all of the bathrooms in Batuu were both clean, spacious, *never* had lines, and were also super cool-looking. Because given the amount of sugar water I was chugging, yeah. I visited them a lot!

While there's a good variety of food on Batuu and I think they did a great job with the menu, there were a few things that I hope they expand on in the future.

First, while there were some options for folks with dietary restrictions, they were extremely limited. Unsurprising, as most of the food shops already have an extremely limited menu with single digit menu items total. But it would still be nice to see these menus be expanded in the future, or possibly adding additional shops so that something, somewhere might work.

Next, I felt myself wishing for more take-home souvenir-type food. Liked boxed cookies, chocolates, y'know? Sure, you could technically take home the popcorn, but it's just in a brown bag. I'm genuinely shocked they didn't have Grogu's blue macaron cookies, I'm sure those would sell insanely well. Mouse-man, u listening?

Again, I know a lot of food menu items are seasonal/limited, so I hope I can visit again when things have switched around!

If you've been to Batuu, what were your favorite things to taste there?? Any hot items I missed?

Anyway, I hope you found this review to be interesting! Thanks for reading!!

[japhan2024]

Ian/Dan/Phil

Roll with me here

say no more Anon, I GOT you!!!

genre: angst, smut words: 1.327

Your Anthony

It was around Christmas in 2018. And Ian Hecox was not okay.

He sat on his couch, huddled up under a couple of blankets, empty packages of Ben and Jerry's on the ground next to him. He was clutching a bottle of vodka and casting YouTube to his tv.

"This is my weekend!" He thought, trying to justify his behavior to himself.

But all content on YouTube was shit. Maybe he should go back and watch war documentaries in stead. He clicked through a couple of particularly cringy cooking video's with YouTubers who had never even seen a single calory before but somehow pretended to love sweets. Pathetic! He clicked on.

Then he saw a Dan and Phil video. It was titled 'Phil is not on fire 10.

"Wow, they're still going strong at least," Ian thought. He had met them a couple of times, they were nice people. Very reserved though, and somehow mysterious. That was probably their appeal.

"I hope I don't get spontaneous epilepsy from this.."

The video was edited in a frantic, ecclictic way, but it was done very well. Dan and Phil weren't trying to appeal to anyone. They were really just weird like that. They'd drawn whiskers on their faces with sharpies and did random shit on Phil's bed. Somehow, Ian wanted to keep on watching.

"I'm like, hey, you just caught me in the Apple store..."

Dan and phil had just ironically ironed their hair straight and reminisced about their early years. Ian couldn't help but be reminded of those same years, and even earlier than that, when he and Anth.. Anthony, had been so happy together.

"Well, shit." Ian cried. He took another swing of his bottle for good measure.

A coupe of hours later he had watched all Dan and Phil's 'pinof''s and was now on their 'day in the lives'. He definitely noticed the visual similarities between Anthony and Dan, for instance that they were both incredibly pretty. Ian paused the video on a still of Dan. Dan was staring at Phil. Ian looked at Dan's face, his features were delicate. Maybe Anthony was a bit more boyish, and Dan a bit more feminine. Dan's eyes were a bit darker brown as well.

"I can see why Phil keeps him close," Ian thought.

His drunk thoughts were interrupted by the buzzing of his phone. It was MatPat.

"Yo, Ian-meister! Are you up for a party with fellow mediocre white male youtubers? JUST KIDDING but accurate still. It's me, Jack, Ryan and Connor. Oh and Dan and Phil are here too, isn't that weird and fun?! COME ON IAN GET YOUR WHITE ASS OVER HERE!"

Ian smiled at the text. Matt knew he was going through it at the moment, and he appreciated how he was trying to cheer him up.

"Well, why the hell not actually." Ian got up, and immediately sat back down. He was too drunk for this. But he called an Uber and somehow made it to the party.

~

It was a typical YouTuber house on the hills. Everyone was incredibly nice and Ian started to sober up a little, until they served him more liquor. But most people there were on something so nobody judged.

"Hey, Ian from Smosh," Dan joked.

"Hey, Dan from Dan and Phil," Ian joked back.

"How are you?" Dan was the only one at the party who looked concerned for him.

"I mean.. I've been better," Ian laughed. "But I can't complain, really. We're pulling through, and I'm surrounded by incredible talent."

"I'm glad, man." Dan laid his hand on Ian's shoulder. Wow, he was incredibly tall.

"Why are you in the states, though?"

"We are having a reunion with all the tour crew from this year," Phil chimed in.

"Oh, how nice." Ian really liked when 'creators' were actually nice people. Because it was very rare. "I'm glad you're here, by the way."

"Aww thanks! We're glad too!"

They had some more drinks and at one point Ian remembered looking at Dan but his vision blurred and he didn't remember anything after that.

~

He woke up in a hotel room. Disoriented and with a massive headache. There were two beds. He lay in one, and two dark heads of hair snored softly, cuddled together, in the other. Ian sat up, slowly. He needed to pee so badly. But he had to take in this vision. Dan was spooning Phil, his leg sprawled over Phil's hip. The blankets only covering up some of their bodies.

This was so beautiful, and Ian felt privileged to be able to witness it. So why were tears streaming down his face? Why the FUCK could't he have this?! This level of intimacy, mutual love... Visions of him and Anthony in their many hotel rooms flashed before his eyes. There had certainly been opportunities. But they hadn't been able to go there. Only stolen glances. He had known Anthony was watching him undress. Shit. He walked to the shower.

Crying into the water streaming down, he started to rub himself off. It was nothing more than a morning boner, he told himself, not the sight he had just witnessed, the scene that could so very easily have been him and HIS best friend. Former best friend.

"Anthony..." Ian whimpered, but then he stiffened. He felt their presence. Were they... were they looking? Would he turn around and acknowledge them? They kept silent. So he decided to just continue.

"Anthony, why have we never taken the leap? It would have been so beautiful, Anthony.. I would have treated you like a fucking prince. I would have sucked you off every morning, noon and evening. You would absolutely want for nothing..."

He came and felt four hands wrap around him, in a warm hug, soft bodies pressing against him but hard dicks prodding impatiently. He hugged back, breathing hard.

"Ian," Dan whispered. "I can be your Anthony for now, if you want..."

Ian finally turned around and looked Dan in his slightly darker brown than Anthony's eyes. "Yeah, I would like that, actually."

Ian got on his knees in the shower, and took Dan's penis in his mouth. He looked at Dan's belly, softer than Anthony's, but tanned like him. It could work... He imagined Anthony standing there in the shower. Maybe they were at Vidcon and wanted to wash the day off. Anthony would always be so tired, he was an incredible introvert, although nobody would notice. Ian did, of course. And now Ian would take some of that stress away, give him a prober blow-job.

Dan moaned, Phil kissed him as Ian was still blowing him. Of course, Phil was still there, Dan and Phil were a package deal, after all. He felt Dan's dick get harder and harder, and then he thrusted hard into Ian's mouth, as Phil entered him. He moaned as he came into Ian's mouth. Ian stood up, looked up at Dan as he swallowed and kissed him. Dan had to bend over a bit but kissed back gladly, Phil had slowed down for the tender moment. Ian took a few steps back and leaned against the shower wall. And Phil sped up again, sensually moving and worshipping Dan's body as he penetrated him. Dan was very loud. After a while, Phil came and everyone washed off, and they went back into the hotel room.

"So, that was nice," Ian said, grinning.

"We don't often do this, by the way," Dan said.

"Don't worry about it," Ian reassured him. "I won't tell a soul. You know I can keep a secret or two."

"You're amazing, Ian," Phil said lovingly. "Let's keep in touch?"

"Yeah."

Ian called another Uber. When it arrived, he hugged the giant British guys, and looked at Dan one last time. "You're such a beautiful guy, Dan, I can't get over it."

"That's a very high compliment, coming from you," Dan said, beaming.

"Bye, Ian."

"Bye."

~ Fin ~

[shyspider]

Sorry I didn’t think about the ask being lost when I re-deleted my account but I got my collage work done early so this is what the ask/submission was if you didn’t get a chance to see it earlier. I also apologize in advance for the looong ramble. 😅

But I was saying that really cool that you had koi! I love them they are really friendly and interactive fish if you earn their trust! And I’m glad a friend of yours was able to take them so you can visit them. Depending on how often they probably will still remember you. They did a study and fish in the carp family like koi and goldfish can remember stuff up to 10 and a half-11 months. I have 600 gallons connected to an aquaponic greenhouse so the fish waste in the water feeds the plants and the plants act as an additional filter and clean the water to be cycled back to the fish.

I had two koi Sunny (sunburst who ended up being male) and Jackie (jack-o’-lantern who turned out to be a girl). Unfortunately a raccoon got in and killed Sunny. After that Jackie (unlike 4 of 5 the goldfish that recovered in two days Tangerine died from injuries the day after the attack) would not come up for food for 5 days and just laid at the bottom of the pond in the back corner until we got two new baby Koi: Polka and Shade. The first time she came up was when I was floating their bag in the pond. Shade immediately took to Jackie but Polka is still scared of the other bigger fish and will only come out of hiding if shade is there. When Polka does she/he is like glued to Shade and swims nose to tail with Shade

Plus a common pleco named snowflake I got back in middle school 10 years ago who has grown to 18 inches. Fun fact pet stores lie common pleco dare in the armored catfish family and only eat algae the first year until they reach maturity and turn into scavengers that need meat supplemented into their diet or they get aggressive towards all other fish because they become vitamin deficient. If you have an aquarium try getting Nerite snails, they are awesome algae eaters and never grow out of it, they are messy but clear algae insanely fast and they can live in freshwater but I add a small amount of fresh water safe aquarium salt (and they need calcium supplements for their shell) but they only reproduce in brackish water plus unlike some snails that self reproduce, they need a male and female as well so they won’t take over.

And with the koi and pleco I have a blue Japanese Shubunkin goldfish (sky) and I had gotten 5 of the feeder goldfish for sale. (One of the common ones ended up turning white and being a comet goldfish.) Unfortunately my biggest common goldfish Tangerine who was 5 inches died from injuries the day after the raccoon attack. Because of that we got a pond cover that completely covers the pond and we tie it down at night. When I’m outside to watch them I’ll leave it uncovered.

I'm sorry, you said you had an aquaponic greenhouse...?

That is impressive. I love most of the self-sufficiency, self-reliance, permaculture, homesteading aspect of taking care of one's self and community. I've heard of that aquaponic system before, but never met anyone who utilized it. That's so cool.

Ayooo! I knew that part about plecos, where they get older and stop cleaning the tank, but I didn't know they're meat eaters!

Omg those fish are massive and pretty. Thank you so much for sharing.

[liminalpebble]

Eddie's Education: Chapter 5

Masterlist link

Minor DNI

Chapter 5

Eddie could hear Gareth and Wayne laughing, even from where he was laying beneath the chassis of an elderly station wagon. Tired of wondering what was so fucking funny, he rolled himself back out to look up at his friend and his uncle.

“What are you two chicken-heads laughing about?

Wayne chortled, “You, kid.”

“Me?” Eddie inquired, as he torqued the wrench roughly a couple more times, straining a little. He reached for a bandanna to wipe the grime from his face and hands, only to remember that he'd given his last clean one to Leia the night before. Gareth threw a clean shop rag over his face playfully.

“Yeah,” Gareth elaborated, “you seem different. Like...happy. Not manic...I mean, that's just normal you. You seem...weird happy. Did you meet a girl or something?”

Eddie was suddenly grateful to have grime all over to hide the blush he could feel racing up his face. “Funny...real funny, Gareth. Way to rub it in.”

“Cut the pity party, Munson. Just because you don't bother dating doesn't mean you can't. I mean...Wayne and I both found our better halves because we were brave enough to get out there. If we could do it, I'm pretty sure a disaster like you would have a chance with whatever lady you're pining after.”

“That's very encouraging, thanks. How's your career as a motivational speaker going?” he quipped back.

This Friday afternoon was a slow one at Munson's Auto Repair, and Eddie wished things would pick up so the other two wouldn't have the time or energy to poke at him. He sighed, reminding himself that they do it because they care. They were two people who loved him unconditionally. It's a rare thing and it made the annoyance worth it.

“Okay,” Wayne admitted in defeat, “Enough torture for one day. He'll tell us when he's ready. You better go clean up, kid. You gotta be at The Hideout in like an hour.”

“Oh shit, Thanks,” Eddie exclaimed. As usual he'd lost track of the time, lost in another world, and Wayne was there to bring him back again, literally and figuratively just like he did 15 years ago.

----

Eddie swung behind the bar of The Hideout, pink and well-scrubbed. The dingy bar was still quiet; just a couple sad regulars and their liquid early bird specials. As he dried the freshly-washed glasses, setting them up neatly for the evening rush, he caught sight of something unusual.

Dale, the owner, was sitting with someone in a corner. The cadence of questions and answers had the unmistakable sound of a job interview. When he finally peeked around the corner he saw Dale's lanky form slouched in a chair opposite a pair of black pumps and stockings and a pencil skirt. As Eddie's eyes scanned up, he realized it was her. It was Leia, looking very different than she usually did and very out of place in the gritty hall of The Hideout.

He listened and watched as Dale wrapped up the conversation, nodding his white ponytailed-head enthusiastically and shaking the young lady's hand with his leathery one.

He heard her voice raise as she exclaimed, “Thank you! Thank you, Mr. Sullivan! I won't let you down and I really appreciate the chance.”

Dale chuckled with his raspy smoker's laugh. “Just 'Dale', kid. You can relax working here. As long as you can open a beer bottle, count change, mop a floor, and get along with weird ol' Eddie back there, you'll be just fine.

She looked over to where her new boss gestured with his thumb. Eddie was standing there, waving awkwardly. “Hey! Eddie” she greeted brightly, “I didn't realize we'd be coworkers. Glad to see you.”

“Oh great! Didn't realize y'all knew each other,” Dale said with a wink to Eddie. Eddie shot him a death glare.

“Yeah. Mr. Munson's one of my students. He's a good one too,” she said smiling proudly at him, and he couldn't help smiling back, silly and boyish. He was trying not to ogle her legs in stockings and heels. He figured she must have taken Ferguson's critique to heart and dressed more professionally. Eddie chuckled to himself, contemplating the irony of the situation. Ferguson's whole reason for this new dress code was to build a thick wall of formality between her and her students. Little did he know that this new look made Eddie desperately want to get a whole lot less formal with her; to shrug those black heels over his shoulders and tear those stockings while he...

“I hope it works out here. Dale seems nice.” Eddie flinched a little, seeing that she'd come right up to the bar to talk to him. She gave him a little quizzical look, waiting for him to respond and beginning to feel uncomfortable with the silence.

“I'm so so sorry! I zoned out a minute. Yeah, Dale's great. I didn't realize you were getting a second job.”

She shrugged. “Yeah, well. I could use a little more cash. Apparently I'm gonna need to buy some more clothes,” she said, looking over her outfit with a frown, like it had said something that personally offended her. “What about you though? I thought you work at Wayne's place?”

“Yeah, I work there during the day, a few evenings here...”

“And a few at nights school? Eddie, when do you sleep?”

He chuckled. “I don't...not well anyway.” Not since the upside down he thought, not since the nightmares. But I bet I would sleep like a rock after we go at it 4 times in a row...

“Yeah. I know the feeling,” she replied, blissfully ignorant of how feral Eddie's thoughts were getting.

“Well,” she said, tapping the bar lightly, “I'm gonna go change out of this abomination and I'll be right back. My shift starts now. I'm sorry you're stuck showing the newbie the ropes.”

I could help you change. I could pull those stockings down with my fucking teeth. I could show you plenty of other ropes while we're at it, Eddie thought, intrusively, but stayed a perfect gentleman.

----

He thought the stockings and heels would be his biggest torment of the day, but he was so, so wrong. She breezed in behind the bar in black jean shorts over her stockings and a pair of red chucks on her feet. Leia had exchanged her crisp gray button-down for an worn Misfits shirt. The smiling skull draping over her generous tits laughed at him; touching where he couldn't but desperately wanted to. The icing on the cake arrived when she grabbed a bar napkin, wiping off the lipstick she'd worn all day, the ghost of a rosy smear still staining her full lips. This time he resisted actually touching her, hyperaware of his proximity and his horny thoughts.

“You uh...you still have a little right here,” he said, gesturing to a spot just below his bottom lip.

She laughed and dabbed again. “Thanks. Let's get going.”

“Heh. It feels really really weird to be the one teaching you.”

“Well...do your best, and I'll do my best to keep up. Educate me, Mr. Munson.”

Eddie raised and eyebrow at that. Leia cringed at herself.

Leia keep up. She more than kept up. Eddie realized with surprise that it seemed like she'd done this before. Leia for her part desperately hoped the hearts in her eyes weren't showing as Eddie performed his dramatic little bits, flipping bottles, and rambling to the regulars who knew him. She tried not to notice the lovely tattoos snaking up and down his arms and the hint of one peeking out the neckline of his tee shirt. She tried not to think of how strong he must be when those same arms flexed and hoisted with sinewy strength as he hauled one more crate up from storage. She tried not to notice the dimples in his cheeks as he smiled to her when she learned something quickly. She tried not to go limp at the scent of him as he scooted past her in the tight space; detergent and leather and cigarettes. She tried not to notice his ass in those tight black jeans.

She tried and she tried and she tried. And for the most part Leia succeeded snipping the branches of thought off as quickly as they sprouted. There was enough going on with the huge Friday crowd and the myriad new tasks before her. Suddenly it was 3am, and Dale was counting the till while Eddie and Leia were cleaning up, chatting to stay awake.

“You killed it, Leia! Did you work at a bar before?”

She smiled at him; a lopsided little nostalgic grin. “Yeah, I'm from Chicago, worked in a dive bar there all through my undergrad and my master's. Leia scanned her eyes around evaluating the surroundings. “It really wasn't so different.”

Eddie shrugged as he swept. “Nah...I guess it wouldn't be. A dive bar is a dive bar.”

“What about you, Mr. Popular. Everyone seems to know you. You put on quite a show.”

Eddie chuckled, “Yeah, but don't be fooled into thinking I'm well-liked. I have a reputation as the freaky village dumbass to uphold. I'm entertainment at best.”

“Come on, Eddie. I wish you wouldn't be so mean to yourself. You have so much going for you. I wish you could see it.”

“You think so?”

“I know so,” she answered, without a hint of sarcasm, their dark eyes meeting.

“Well...uh...a lot of them also know my band, Corroded Coffin We've been playing here every Tuesday for like 20 years.” He said with a little swell of pride in his voice, hoping she'd be impressed.

“Wow. That's fantastic! You play guitar, right?”

He squinted curiously at her. “How did you know?”

“Oh...uh...I felt...you have callouses on your fingers. And that pick you wear around your neck.”

He snickered. “Ms. Vespero, you are very observant.”

She shrugged. “part of the job.”

“Bartending or teaching?”

She pause mid-swipe over a table to think. “Both, I suppose. I just try to pay attention to everything. I want to know everything about everything...all the time. My brain can't seem to work any other way. It's just...constant. It's sort of...”

“Exhausting?”

“Yeah,” she said with a smile, pleased someone finally understood.

“Mind if I address the elephant in the room and ask why you're in Hawkins?”

She took a deep, pensive breath, and Eddie felt a bit panicked. Worried that he'd broached a sore subject he quickly added, “...but you don't have to talk about it if you don't want to.”

“No...no it's okay,” she said, hoisting two more chairs upside down and resting them on the table top. “I uh...I lived in Chicago my whole life, in the city. I went to college there. Hulled ass and got my masters' in 5 years.” She could feel herself stalling. She'd never talked about this...the hard part. Leia looked at the floor and finished sweeping so she wouldn't have to meet Eddie's perceptive gaze. “Met a guy from Hawkins, named Sam. We dated since freshmen year. He begged me to move back to Hawkins with him when we both finished school. So I quit the job I just got, canceled the lease on my apartment, which I loved, and packed up to move to here.”

Eddie felt his heart sink at the mention of a boyfriend, one who might still be in the picture. “Uh...well...Sam is a lucky guy then, that you'd do all that for him. What is he doing in Hawkins now?”

She paused a minute, “He...uh...he isn't in Hawkins. We broke up...or rather...he broke up with me. As usual I was the one who had my shit together early while he was dicking around. I already had my lease, my new job lined up, I didn't have any other choice. So here I am.”

“And where the fuck is he?” Eddie asked, indignant.

“Still in Chicago, with a tall blonde music major with rich parents. Probably reading Bukowski on her couch and still refusing to get a job. Poor girl. She's a freshman...whole life ahead of her. I hope he doesn't use her the way he used me.”

“Unfortunately, in my experience, assholes like that don't change. My dad was that brand of asshole too.”

“God. I'm so sorry, Eddie,” she said, finally meeting his eyes. “That couldn't have been easy.”

“Leia, you just told me a story about how this hipster dickhead ruined your life, and you're feeling sympathy for me?”

She smiled and shrugged, “We're in the Life Ruined by Irresponsible Dickheads Club. It's sort of nice to commiserate. I haven't talked about it to anyone before.”

“Not even your family or friends?”

She rolled her eyes. “My family loved Sam. They were so disappointed in me, but what else is new? They asked me what I did to drive him off. As for friends, well, I worked so hard that I never felt like there was time to make any deep ones. I was always an over-achiever and it went into overdrive in college. I felt like I had so much to prove to my family. Not to mention I knew from the beginning of our relationship that I would have to be the breadwinner in so I wanted to be as hire-able as possible.”

“Jesus,” Eddie said under his breath.

“Sorry to talk at you so much.”

“No no,” he quickly added. “That wasn't annoyance...just damn. A lot to digest. Besides, I asked,” he said with that devastatingly sweet grin.

“Well, thanks for listening anyway. So, Eddie, what's your story? I showed you mind, now you show me yours.”

He turned bright red, then got quiet for a moment, scanning through the highlight reel of his life; being forced to hot wire cars with his dad by the time he was 8, later, the screaming in the trailer and trying to drown it out with Megadeth and Metallica, Wayne taking him in when both parents disappeared, and finally, the darkness and pain of Vecna and the upside-down. He took a deep breath.

“That, Ms. Vespero, would require a lot more time to explain.”

“Well, than I'll expect a full report another time...when it isn't 3 in the morning.”

Just then, Dale's voice cut across the bar as he hollered from the til “Nice work, kids. I see you're done already. I'm done counting up for the night, so let's get outta here.

As the 3 filed to the door Eddie jumped over to open it for Leia. Dale smirked at him as he filed out behind her. Waiting until she was out of earshot he rolled his eyes and hissed, “Can it, Dale...”.

@sunflowerdaydreamer

[ofpineapplesanddawns]

"it's hard to not want you, love." With castor and Arthur possibly?

I am so glad that there are a few people out there who enjoy this ship.

This is part of that little au where Arthur and Castor are both involved with Ten (along with House, but he gets pushed aside for these two because he is a jerk).

On with the fic!

--

"I know it's probably not to your tastes," Castor spoke as he walked past two of his guards, gesturing for them to stand down as he and Arthur made their way into a room, "but hopefully you'll be comfortable."

The private quarters of Castor's home was spacious, minimalist, and illuminated in calm blues and soft whites, much like himself. Arthur glanced about, a dark spot of black and red in the room, it was a lovely contrast. "From what your dear Doctor has told me, you have bar of your own that is much more... old timey? Yes?"

"In a sense, but still modern enough for the era that I am from." Arthur said before his attention moved from a piece of artwork to look at Castor. "It is... nice of you to invite me into your home."

"Ah, well, you've always been invited. I mean, the club is part of my humble abode."

"I meant your private home, not what you let people typically see."

Castor blinked, then his lip curled upwards. "Yes, that's true. Though I do let people see my home, but only the most important people get to."

He approached the android and ran a finger across the back of his neck, getting a curious, questioning glance from him. "And am I important?"

"Oh," The smile showed teeth now, "you are the most important person, darling." He said before adjusting that silly bow tie, it made Arthur stand out among the normal people in his club, he loved it.

Arthur stared at him, blinking twice in that way that didn't seem quite human. "I don't understand."

"What ever do you mean?"

"I do not understand why you see me as the most important person to bring into your personal home. Shouldn't that be the Doctor?"

"Ah, true, yes, the Doctor is very important to me as well, and I've invited them up a time or two, but they don't always take my offer. The one time they did, we just talked for hours. Which we can do as well, but..."

The hand trailed down Arthur's chest and Castor looked at him, but Arthur still seemed confused. "But what? How does that make me important?"

Ah, yes, AI can be a bit tricky when it comes to emotions and desires. Castor remembered those very early days of his own existence before he became what he was today. "I like you, Arthur, quite a lot, and I want you here in my home with me. Alone."

It seemed to click after a very brief moment for Arthur to pick up on what he meant. "Oh."

"Yes, oh." Castor chuckled and fixed his jacket for him.

"But... why would you want me?"

"It's hard to not want you, love. I'm surprised that the Doctor isn't always trying to kiss that pretty mouth of yours, I've seen how they look at you."

Arthur became stiff, and he was sure that if he could, he'd be blushing. It's very curious how much of his android features transfers into this world, he really should allow himself to be more human if he so wished. "You've noticed that?"

"I notice many things, darling." Castor winked and took his hand. "Come, let's sit, talk. I'm sure we have much to discuss."

[basilly]

𝐒𝐄𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐃 𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐍𝐂𝐄

|| ➼ hq boys meeting you after a long time of your breakup

characters: kuroo, kita, & akaashi

warning: swearing, she/her notiably in kita's and possibly kuroo's(?), kuroo's is angst and cheating !!, kinda long

a/n: i couldn't help but make one angsty! but i hope you enjoy, they're a bit lengthy

kuroo

nerves flooded your veins as you noticed a familiar pudding-head standing against the wall. drink in hand, you nervously walk towards him, cautiously looking around for his partner in crime. while you were very excited to see all your former classmates at this high school reunion, you knew you had a couple people to face. he smiled warmly at you, nodding his head at your presence.

"hey kenma- how are you?" "glad to see you y/n, i'm doing pretty alright." "i heard your business took off! i've been meaning to reach out but..."

you trailed off slightly before searching the floor again for someone in particular.

you apologetically smiled at him.

"i'm sorry he did that- i don't really know what got into him back then."

"i'm sorry he did that- i don't really know what got into him back then."

you almost flinched at the memory, the repressed emotions were attempting to arise again.

"it's okay, you didn't know-" "kenma! yaku's looking for... oh."

you froze, eyes widening. kuroo stood right next to the two of you, arm draped on kenma's shoulder. his eyes had also gone large, not expecting you.

"sorry y/n, yaku needs me but it was really nice seeing you again. please reach out you have my number."

kenma reached out his hand to squeeze your arm in sympathy before darting off, leaving you alone with your ex. kuroo straightened himself out before clearing his throat.

"so uh... how have you been?" "fine."

the silence grew, tension getting suffocating. you swirled the contents of your drink, suddenly interested in how the ice melted. you debated taking off but your gut told you to not move.

"hey.. i'm sorry about what happened. it was a dumb mistake and i really didn't mean to hurt you about that."

you didn't know what to say. at this point, making eye contact with him was hell.

"tetsu! here's your drink!"

your eyes snapped up. right before you stood a familiar figure.

unlocking the front door, you sighed in relief. you were lucky enough to get off early from work and a warm calming bath was just calling your name.

unfortunately for you, the world had other plans.

sitting on the couch was YOUR boyfriend with his lips locked with another woman.

all you could remember was vicous sobs and overwhelming anger, ending in a broken promise.

that same woman was standing in front of you, arms entangled with kuroo's. your grip on the glass tightened.

"you have some nerve kuroo testuro. how could you cheat on me like a piece of scum and then bring her where you knew i would be? AND THEN have the audacity to try and apologize like it was solved? you know what, fuck you."

you spat out the words before running off, eyes blurred with tears. you regret coming.

akaashi

the aroma of coffee wafted into your nose, bringing a sense of warmth and rejuvenation. in a way your whole being relaxed at the sight and smell of the little coffee shop. it had easily become one of your favorite spots to spend a couple hours in a couple days a week to catch up on work or to enjoy a drink.

taking your usual spot along the edges of the cafe, you got right to work. your fingers flew at the keyboard; you had a very important writing piece to submit soon. in all of your focus, you hadn't noticed a presence in front of you.

"y/n?"

you almost jumped back in surprise, having to register who had just called your name. you hand flew to your mouth in surprise.

"keij- sorry, akaashi? that was habit."

he only laughs warmly. the last time you had seen him was years ago but you noticed his features grew out a bit more. he had been wearing a white sweater with a trench coat, messenger bag slung on his shoulder.

"it's okay, you can call me keiji. sorry if i shocked you. i wasn't even sure if it was you at first if i'm honest. i didn't know you were around here."

you could only sheepishly smile before realizing he was still standing.

"did you want to sit? i can move these papers."

he gratefully took the seat across from you before taking out his own laptop.

"have you been well? it's been a while since we last talk." "yea.. yea! actually i'm working at that place i interned my junior year and i have an apartment nearby."

as the two of you caught up, you couldn't help the smile on your face. the sense of familiarity was all too welcoming. for a split second, you almost regretted breaking up years ago before remembering the tough situation.

as university students, balancing the study life and love life had gotten too stressful and led to too many misunderstandings and miscommunications. it wasn't too long before the two of you had amicably broken it off.

"sorry to cut this short y/n but i have to meet some friends at dinner tonight- i'd love to do this again though." "yea, of course! uhm i'm kinda a regular here, you'll probably catch me here on tuesdays, thursdays, and sundays." "alright."

after he had left, you were once again mildly shocked that he had paid for your drink.

it soon became routine. the two of you would take some spot on the edge of the cafe, immersed in both conversation and your work. it was all too calming- and you weren't sure if it was just the cafe atmosphere.

as he spoke, your heart ached at the thought of how much time you had lost with akaashi after all these years. he was still gentle and kind, adjusting your cup to make sure it wouldn't spill or taking his napkin to wipe off the crumbs from your pastry off the table.

"excuse me, sorry to interrupt but i just wanted to hand you guys a couple pastries! on the house of course."

the two of you looked up to the barista, each piecing in your graditude.

"it's no problem, you've both been regulars and i think you and your boyfriend are adorable!"

you grew warm, almost choking on your drink. akaashi only smiled gracefully, as he does.

"sorry we're- uhm" "i'm so sorry! i just thought- because you guys looked cozy." "no it's okay! please, we did date but we're exes."

as the barista apologetically walked away, you couldn't help but giggle.

"that was sweet."

akaashi only nodded, seemingly in his thought. his index finger swirled around his saucer.

"y/n? do you remember what i told you when we broke up?"

you thought carefully before shaking your head. it had been too long.

"i would date you again and again, whether it be in another life or in a million if the time was right. i know that it isn't a next life but in this life, can we try again?"

you almost want to explode at the statement, turning even more embarassed than you already were.

"y-yes! of course, i would want nothing more."

he grinned before reaching over to take your hand in his.

"i'm so lucky that you were here that day."

kita

a sweet melody tangled in the sounds of excited chatter. a sense of happiness and bubbly feelings flowed through the air. it was your best friend's wedding, and everything was going absolutely perfect. not a cloud of rain in sight, everyone was dressed glamorously, and not a bad mood in sight. you were graced as the maid of honor, happily obliging to take the spot besides your best friend.

well that was until you had to walk down the aisle with the best man. aka your EX who she had failed to mention was the best man.

"are you kidding me?!" "pleaaaaseee don't kill me- i knew you wouldn't say yes if you knew who it was!"

you could only rubbed your temples, suddenly tensing from the stress. the bride stood in front of you, almost on her knees begging with her hands pressed together. however, you knew you would have to give in, it's her big day.

"fine. you owe me big time." "are you sure? i could be doing you a large favor here." "FAVOR!? yea because putting me with my ex-boyfriend to walk down the aisle is a favor." "hey- you told me yourself that you would go back to dating him in a heartbeat." "OKAY but there's a lot to unpack there, we both know why it went wrong."

you both flinched at the memory, suddenly reminded of the vast differences you had been experiencing that had led to the decently messy breakup. neither of you had done anything wrong, your lives had just been going in different directions.

"okay well- y/n get ready, it's time." "fuck you, how could you tell me that milliseconds before doing it!"

you didn't have enough time to both curse her out and school your features. instead, you had met eyes with kita shinsuke, scowling.

"lovely to see you again, y/n." "kita."

you politely nodded your head, erasing the scowl.

"sorry, but soon-to-be mrs. miya didn't tell me." "mmm understandably so, you would've dropped out."

he offered his arm for you to slip your hand through while you rolled your eyes. you could only mutter to yourself.

"why didn't i think atsumu's best man wasn't going to be kita."

suddenly, a softer rendition of the bridal march erupted from the quartet, signaling the other bridal party couples to walk. you adopted a smile on your face, prepping to face everyone.

foot in front of the other, you cautiously made your way down the aisle. you thought you had been in clear, but a small piece chipped away from the pavement thought otherwise.

"careful."

kita steadied you easily, his arm quickly moving to hold your waist. your ears burned as you try not to swat at him in front of the crowd.

"thanks."

parting ways at the end of the aisle, you missed the way kita's eyes lingered on you.

luck was not on your side today. or rather, your best friend made it her mission to make you suffer. seated besides kita at the bridal party table, you tried to focus your attention on the other bridesmaids.

you felt a small tap on your shoulder, causing you to turn your attention to turn. a tall blonde stood behind your seat, offering his hand out.

"sorry to interrupt, i noticed you across the hall. i thought you were really pretty and if you would like to dance."

before you could even reply, another hand grabbed yours.

"sorry but they were going to dance with me."

kita got up, taking you with him towards the dance floor.

"shin! why did you do that?"

you were now swaying to the beat, arms on his shoulders, his hands on your waist.

"we both know blondes aren't your type anyway."

as the two of you danced, one song after the other without noticing, you felt the background fade away. everything was so light and easy-going. without even thinking, you move your forehead closer to lean against his. in a low voice, you bring your eyes up to his.

"you know... i kind of miss this- us." "i can only think the same thing. how about i take you on a proper date? maybe not our first but... a new first date?" "perfect."

his eyes glimmered, moving back slightly to place a soft kiss on your forehead.

i guess it had been a favor afterall.

[magnoliabloomfield]

Possession

Chapter 2: Do the Right Thing

song suggestion: Divisionary (Do the Right Thing)- Ages and Ages

The gathering broke up pretty soon after that so things could get done. Alby and Newt started showing the girl around together while Minho went to collect his cot for her. Gally went to the gardening shed and started taking out some things to make room for it. His mind was blue as he scribbled white lines of architecture on it, preplanning what he could do that would be structurally sound, safe, and almost defend-able.

Alby said the bonfire was still on for that night so the boys could let out their excitement, but this was the first one Gally planned to sit out. He was going to get a working blue print, list the materials and put the steps in order, then he was going straight to bed so he could get an early start. He looked across the Glade and spotted her near the kitchen getting a snack from Frypan. He noticed that since she became more resigned to her fate, her expression had flattened out until it was like she had none. No emotions played on her features as she ate, listened to Alby and Newt and was blatantly ogled by boys everywhere.

She said something to Alby, he nodded, and she spoke again. Alby looked around and his gaze came to a halt on Gally, one brow raised in a mix of mild surprise and confusion. Gally tried to be nonchalant as he nodded to Alby, playing it off as giving him a sign it was going well, then he turned away, hoping he’d be left alone. His face felt a little hotter and he wondered what she might have said, but he wasn’t going to do anything to find out.

He stood at his work table, paper and pencil’s littering it as well as his dishes from dinner. He was doing the finishing touches by candle light when Alby came up to him.

“It’s weird not having you in the circle on bonfire night,” he commented.

Gally stared at him a little apprehensively, not used to him making small talk. “Yeah, well.”

“Listen,” Alby went on, leaning on his work table and peering over his sketches. “She asked to start her working rounds with the builders, she said that she should help since this is all because of her,” Alby said as he gestured at all the blueprints and lists on the table.

Gally froze. For one that was pretty shucking decent of her, but on the other hand he was not ready to babysit her first, probably not ever. “You told her no, right?” Gally asked him, trying not to sound hopeful but make it a firm statement.

“I tried,” Alby admitted as he rolled a pencil across the table. “I tried to tell her that it would be hard work and you’d be busy trying to get it done quickly, but she was pretty adamant that she do something to help.”

Gally sighed. It was admirable but annoying.

“Look, just give her something simple to do, something that will take her a while and keep her out of your hair most of the time, just let her do something. I think… I think she felt a little guilty about all the work you had to do for her.”

Right, girls had feelings. Gally hadn’t meant to make her feel bad, he wasn’t even complaining, he was just stating the facts and trying to convey the time restraints he’d be under to get it done in time for her to be comfortable.

“Alright, fine,” he mumbled.

Alby laughed. “Don’t be such a shank about it! Acting all mad that the first girl to show up picked you first.”

“She didn’t pick me,” Gally refuted even as he felt his cheeks go warm. “She’s just trying to be responsible. Which is something we need more of around here,” he said as his gaze roamed over the boys whooping it up at the bonfire. He guessed she wouldn’t be anywhere near that, probably went to bed early. After all, the first day usually came with a massive headache.

“Ah whatever man,” Alby slapped him on the shoulder before taking steps back toward the action. “I hope you don’t get too attached to her tomorrow, she has other rounds to make, remember that. You can’t keep her," his words reminding Gally of the rule the keepers made without her around to hear.

Gally didn’t even respond to that, he just turned back to his work and gathered up his papers in meticulous order and weighed them down with a rock before putting all his pencils and such away in their jar. He strayed to the bonfire for one drink, telling himself it was to help him get to sleep faster, knowing it was really to calm his nerves.

He was the only one up with the sun that morning. He didn’t wake up any of builders yet even though they deserved it for goofing off at the bonfire when they knew a hard days work was waiting for them. He took the opportunity to have some peace and quiet, time alone to really picture what it was he was going to do.

He thought he had picked a good spot for it, close enough to food and the bathrooms that she wouldn’t have to go far if she got up in the middle of the night, but far enough to avoid the sound of the kitchen and the smell of the outhouses. She’d get plenty of shade here without anyone being able to use the trees to get into her house.

Satisfied with the location he measured and marked off the area. Luckily he had been planning on building a house on stilts before this and set aside the things he’d need for it as they had come along. Pretty lucky, he thought as he ran a hand over his short hair, looking up at the place where her house would be, imagining it there in detail.

“Morning,” came a small voice behind him.

He was glad he hadn't visibly startled as he turned around and saw the girl sleepily rubbing her eyes as she walked up. For some reason he didn’t have a response to that, it felt too intimate to say ‘good morning’, he never said that to any of the boys, so he just nodded at her.

“This where it’s going?” she asked as she looked at the markers.

Suddenly Gally was questioning what he had been so sure of a second ago. “Do you not want it here?” he asked her, looking around, hoping someone else was awake by now so he wasn’t alone with her.

“Honestly that was a dumb question for me to ask, obviously that’s what’s going on,” she admitted as she gestured at the plot. “And yes, this is perfectly fine location.”

She was standing about three feet away from him, but they were otherwise shoulder to shoulder facing the plot and it took on this weird feeling that it was their project. A silence sat between them for a moment.

“I’m sorry you have to go through all this trouble for-“

“You have nothing to be sorry about,” Gally cut her off, he kept his eyes on the plot even when he could tell she had turned to look at him. Why had he blurted that out so fast? “It’s just something that needs done, not like it’s your fault or anything,” he shrugged to try and keep it casual. He couldn’t explain why, but he didn’t want her to feel bad on top of everything else she must be feeling.

“Might not be my fault, but I’m still the cause,” she pointed out after she considered him for a beat. Then she placed her fists on her hips. “Well, where do we start?”

@gladerscake @crazysheeplyca @thesuitkovian @poulterholland @anniemylennox @poulterjonas @carp3d1em @neilox

I've started to make them a little bit lyric inspired but it's kind of hard atm because they're still strangers, but I think Divisionary with it's line of "Do the right thing, do the right thing, do it all the time, do it all the time" is SO Gally, so therefore it's his song this chapter as he tries to do the right thing for her.

Btw, since everyone in the Glade has a name given to them by Wicked, I was going to give her a real name instead of YN, so let me know about any historical figures you think she should be named after. In Garden of Heathen I named the girl Aussie after Jane Austen since she wasn't a genius but she had the highest emotional IQ, and then in The Reason I named the girl Nikola after Tesla.

If you want updates without following me you can always follow the tag "Will Poulter protection squad" because I'm pretty sure I'm the only one using it and from now on I'll put it in the fic tags.

Possession Masterlist

[uhhlucid]

Part. 2

paring: iwaizumi x blackfem!reader

synopsis: ballet au fic (updated weekly)

word count: 1.8k

type: fanfiction

a/n: shortened the story to 12 chapters instead of 20. as always for previous parts check my masterlist :)

Iwaizumi wondered things. He wondered if Y/n liked him. He wondered what he would have for lunch. He even wondered if his dad remembered to send him an allowance. He also wondered why he had an alarm. Oikawa was doing a better job at waking him up then his alarm anyways.

Iwaizumi groggily rubbed his eyes. "What are you doing?" Oikawa smiled. Why was he so energetic this early? "I'm helping you get a date with Y/n." Iwaizumi lazily stood up. "Thought it was a competition?" He yawned and stretched. Oikawa followed him to the bathroom and continued yapping while Iwaizumi brushed his teeth.

"I'm obviously going to win, but you won't go out with Y/n after I win. I'm going to get you to win if you like it or not." Iwaizumi hummed. "Mhm. You'll follow me to the gym then?" "Already packed your gym bag for you." Of course he did. Iwaizumi and Oikawa headed off to the gym. It was still relatively warm considering it was September. Oikawa talked nonstop about the different "techniques" used to get a girl's attention.

On the way to the gym they ran into Lia. Oikawa and Lia began chatting and Iwaizumi took advantage of this to run ahead of them. Once at the gym he was able to relax and exercise. It was just him and his thoughts. He wasn't the best at coming up with date ideas, but he wanted something simple enough for a first date. "I've got just the thing for you." Oikawa appeared seemingly out of nowhere.

"You can take her on a picnic. Just the two of you. Of course this means we have to pack the picnic basket." Oikawa kept going on and on. Despite not wanting Oikawa's help, he found his idea helpful. The rest of the day was uneventful until it was time for practice. The group routine went smoother then yesterday, but Lia's timing was always off.

"If she can't keep up why not just kick her off the team," Y/n spat under her breath. "Seriously I thought she came from an "elite" ballet school," Iwaizumi added. Mrs. Aveline was clearly getting frustrated as well. "That's enough for now. Let's go get costumes shall we?" The team shuffled out the studio and down the hall to the seamstress.

Mrs. Aveline had her own personal team of seamstresses for all her performances. Iwaizumi was glad the costumes weren't too ridiculous. The boys wore a white shirt with flowy sleeves with a deep indigo vest over it. The girls wore matching tutu's with white embellishments on the bodice. The costumes were quickly packaged up so Iwaizumi and Y/n could try on their duet's costume.

Iwaizumi never knew that it was possible for her to get even prettier. The red and gold bodice paired with the tutu was absolutely stunning. Iwaizumi truly understood what breathtaking meant when she spun in the mirror. "So do you like it Iwaizumi?" He nodded. "You look pretty in it."

Lia was next and wore a simple black leotard with an elongated tutu for her modern solo routine. She twirled for Oikawa and even rubbed up against him. Iwaizumi rolled his eyes and focused on Y/n's solo costume instead. She wore a simple sage green leotard, but the flowy material of the skirt and bodice really made it shine. Mrs. Aveline was truly evil for giving three solos of similar if not the same dance style.

Once costumes were done being fitted, the team was released so the soloists could practice. It was now or never for Iwaizumi. "Y/n can I ask you something?" She gave that irresistible smile of hers that made Iwaizumi say yes to anything she said. "Yeah?" "During lunch tomorrow how about we go eat in the park instead? I'll bring food for you." "The park with the beautiful fountains?" Iwaizumi nodded. He was shocked that she was considering going with him.

"Yeah sure I'll go. I may run a little late as I have to drop something off that day." "As long as you show up." Iwaizumi's heart did a somersault as he watched her go back into the studio. Oikawa nudged him. "Don't just stand there like a dummy." "Were you watching the whole time?" Oikawa nodded proudly. "I'm so proud of you, but first we need to get some dinner. Then we can plan out the perfect date for you two." Iwaizumi followed after his friend. "What about homework?" Oikawa shrugged, "Missing one homework assignment won't kill you."

Reluctantly he followed Oikawa to the plaza and helped him finish the pizza he purchased. "Now it's time for Operation: Iwaizumi's Picnic Date to begin." "Shitty-kawa what are you talking about?" "Lia and I along with you are going to make this the best date ever." "So you already won the bet?" "Lia and I aren't dating yet. Now c'mon let us help you." Iwaizumi once again reluctantly agreed.

Lia was not very good with hiding as she emerged from a nearby bush Iwaizumi spotted her in since they arrived at the plaza. "Oikawa and I already made a menu. I decided to make madeleines and Oikawa said he'd make onigiri. All you have to do is make fruit sando (fruit sandwiches) and spring rolls. We'll even handle drinks, utensils, and all of that."

Spring rolls and fruit sandwiches seemed easy enough to make, but Iwaizumi was confused on why Lia was helping. The three set off for the nearest grocery store where Lia offered to pay for everything. "Oikawa?" "Mhm?" "Is Lia super rich?" "Not that I know of." "M..hm. and you don't find it weird that she's paying for all of our food?" "Girls do that for me all the time." Oikawa continued with his shopping. Sure enough Lia paid for all of it with her credit card.

They parted ways at the dorms and Oikawa and Iwaizumi headed to the dorm's kitchen. Not many people actually cooked their own food considering they had a cafeteria and if that wasn't enough the plaza had plenty of options. Still, they had a kitchen. Iwaizumi took his time making the sandwiches as he wanted everything to be perfect for their date. "Iwaizumi we don't have all night. Pick up the pace would ya?" Iwaizumi rolled his eyes. "Can't believe lover boy is saying that. Go ask Lia out on a date and leave me alone." "I will ask her on a date after the competition. What do I look like dating a girl that just arrived yesterday?" He whisper-yelled the last part.

The remaining time spent preparing the picnic was silent. They wrapped the food up and placed it in the fridge. Iwaizumi knew no one would be dumb enough to take food that had his name on it. Oikawa fell asleep as soon as he was done with his nightly skin care routine leaving Iwaizumi alone with his thoughts.

Anxiety filled his brain as he thought of countless conversation starters and possible answers to whatever Y/n might say. He took a deep breath to try and calm down. He would never make it to tomorrow if all he did was worry. He laid on his back and stared at the ceiling. Only three days of practice were left before the first competition of the season. There was without a doubt no chance of the duet losing.

He thought about dancing on stage with all of his friends to ease his worries. Once relaxed, he drifted off to sleep.

Iwaizumi was already worried enough about his date, but the whole table bringing it up at breakfast did not help him. Elissa was overjoyed that Y/n was going on a date, Serenity felt that it was finally time for the two to go out, Oikawa was giving himself the credit for the idea, and Lia was trying to tell Iwaizumi what to wear for the picnic. When the first bell rung Iwaizumi had never been happier.

"Ignore whatever they said. We don't need them to have fun," Y/n reminded him before heading to class. Iwaizumi used what she said as motivation to get through morning classes. He was a nervous wreck carrying the picnic basket to the park. He made sure to place the blanket from any nearby fountains that might soak the food. After counting to ten a few times, he sat cross-legged ready and waiting for Y/n.

He wasn't sure if it was a good or bad thing that he didn't have to wait long for Y/n to show up. She wore a simple off white crop that tied in the front with a sage green mini skirt and strappy white sandals. "I wasn't sure if I was supposed to bring something or not." She set the boxes of goodies down. The first contained a chocolate cake with strawberries on top with a side of more strawberries and whipped cream. The second box was full of various desserts such as eclairs and macarons.

"You didn't have to bring anything, but I'm glad you did." Y/n peeked inside the picnic basket and pulled out one of the sandwiches. She seemed amazed that the sandwich wasn't soggy. "I always wanted to try one of these." Iwaizumi grabbed a madeleine. "I made them myself." "Wish I could say I made those." The next few minutes were spent bonding over their growing suspicion of Lia and Mrs. Aveline.

"What made you start dancing anyway?" Y/n asked while cutting herself a slice of cake. "I always liked dancing as a kid. Oikawa got me into it seriously. There weren't a lot of dance schools for boys in Japan so in our last year of junior high we transferred. Here it was the first year of high school instead of last year for junior high, so we had to catch up a bit in terms of dance skills." "Look where you are now though."

Iwaizumi finished his onigiri before speaking again. "What made you come here then?" Y/n shrugged. "Someone at our Tampa studio was going to get a scholarship to come here so I tried out. Surprised I made it in. I came here about a month before you and Oikawa arrived." "Where is Tampa exactly?" "Oh it's sort of near the ocean. It's this city in the States where its always warm."

"Maybe one day we could visit your home town together," Iwaizumi suggested before realizing he said it aloud. "I'd like that." Iwaizumi checked his watch. "Oh shit I'm so sorry." "What'd you do?" "We're already late for class. Mrs. Aveline is probably right outside the campus ready to punish us." Y/n grinned. "She won't catch us if we take the back way."

[ggidolsmuts]

Childish - Blackpink Jisoo

You're waiting around at the amusement park, watching the crowds of couples and packs of students streaming in, ready to take your place in the never-ending lines at every ride you want to go on. Where the hell is she? You wonder, your foot tapping the pavement impatiently. You're pretty sure you made a dent on the sidewalk when finally you feel a tap on your shoulder. You turn your face, only to be stopped by a finger pressed on your cheek.

"Got you! Hey oppa." You turn around to find the second half of your very own couple.

"Yes yes you got me, how old are you now Jisoo?"

"Hey! That's not polite!" She clings on to your arm, happy to see you again. "Oh no the lines, are we late?"

"Nope, everyone was early." She was late, but you found her so adorable you could overlook it. "Let's go."

As you entered the amusement park hand-in-hand Jisoo brings up an odd topic.

"Oppa, you know today is Opposites' Day right?"

"No, what is that?"

"It means you have to say the opposite of whatever you mean. So if I say I hate you, it means I love you!"

"No that's silly, and don't say that, I'm hurt now." You fake tears and shake your shoulders, pretending to be hurt by her words.

"Aww okay, anyways, you're "it" for today, you have to say the opposite of whatever you mean, okay?"

"Okay..." Jisoo raises her eyebrows at you? "I mean, not okay...?"

"Good oppa! Come on, let's go!"

You are dragged by the hand into the amusement park, Jisoo smiling happily at you the whole way. As soon as you are in however, you are basically accosted by an aggressive headband seller.

"Hey my friend, how about a cute hairband for your beautiful girlfriend?"

"I-uhh... no thank you."

"Yay thanks oppa!" Jisoo turns to the seller. "He means yes, I'll take the bunny one."

"Thank you, that'll be 10000 won."

"What?!"

"Come on, don't I look cute? Hmm? Hmm?" Jisoo's cuteness with the hairband on breaks down your exasperation, and you pay the park employee.

"Here you go."

"Thank you, I hope you enjoy your visit!"

"Don't you want a matching one?"

"Yes, I'm sure I do." Jisoo's face falls as you smartly avoid her trap.

"You're no fun."

"Come on, let's not check out the rides." The two of you check out a few easy but fun ones at first, enjoying crashing into others in the bumper cars and riding the Viking, but Jisoo's tastes get progressively more and more extreme, and you find yourself strapped in with her in a Tower of Terror type ride.

"Jisoo, do we have to do this?"

"Do we not have to do this? You're right oppa, we do have to do this!" She smiles at you right as the ride shoots you up into the air, overlooking the rest of the park from up high. All you hear is your own screaming while the ride jerks you up and down in the air.

"Can we go home?" You ask Jisoo, your legs wobbly and weak from the ride.

"Of course oppa, let's go check more rides out!" You smack yourself in the face as Jisoo runs to the park map, looking for the next ride to torture you with.

"Let's check that one out!" It turns out that the one Jisoo had in mind was a real killer of a roller coaster, with multiple people coming out with faces green or hunched over right outside the ride exit.

"C-can we not Jisoo?" She smiles at your poorly worded question.

"I thought you'd never ask!" She pushes you into the ride, the lack of a line painfully convenient for her. The two of you are strapped in far too quickly.

"W-wait, I think I want off."

"Of course sir." The ride attendant makes to unstrap you from the seat, but Jisoo blocks him.

"Sorry, he's confused, he means he wants to stay on, opposite day, you understand." The attendant clearly doesn't, but he listens to Jisoo's gorgeous smile at him over your pleading glances for help.

"This will be the last one okay? I promise!" You don't believe her, but all you can do now is grab on to Jisoo's hand tightly as the ride starts, quickly throwing you into a murderous series of turns and loops. The rest of it is a blur, all you remember is holding on to Jisoo's hand like your life depended on it.

"That was great!"

"Argh..." You double over at the exit of the ride, dry retching and trying not to throw up.

"Oppa are you okay?"

"I-I'm fine... I mean not fine, give me a minute." Jisoo stays by your side, gently patting your back until you are finally good enough to straighten back up.

"I'm bad now, do you not want to get breakfast?" She smiles happily at your question.

"Now you're finally getting it! Let's get dinner!"

Dinner was an expensive but sadly mediocre affair at one of the many restaurants in the amusement park, and the two of you left the place full but unsatisfied.

"Oppa do you want to get on more rides?" Jisoo asks you.

You make a show of rubbing your stomach. "Yes, I'm so hungry right now." Jisoo pouts, but agrees to end the trip.

"Aww fine, let's go home then?" You shake your head in reply, and the two of you end your trip to the amusement park, getting a taxi back home.

"It was so fun today oppa." Jisoo sighs, leaning her head oh your shoulder.

"No, it was so boring." You feel Jisoo chuckle against you.

"Oh stop, enough with the opposite day stuff."

"Yes, I will stop now."

"You're so bad!"

"I can't be... nicer." You whisper in Jisoo's ear sensually, a different type of shudder traveling through her body. The two of you struggle to keep your hands to yourselves, one of your hands sneaking down the back of her shorts, squeezing and tracing circles on her peachy butt. Jisoo meanwhile has a hand on your thigh, lightly gripping you, oh so slowly making her way closer and closer to your crotch. You are glad that the taxi ride doesn't last for much longer, else the two of you would be giving the driver a backseat show. You reluctantly slip your hand out of Jisoo's shorts as the taxi comes to a halt, and after paying the oblivious taxi driver the two of you make your way quickly to your apartment.

As soon as the door shuts Jisoo jumps into your arms, her lithe legs wrapping around you, your hands going naturally to her generous thighs to hold her up.

"Thanks for playing along with me today oppa."

"You're not welcome." You kiss her deeply, carrying her to the bedroom, both of you drowning in a mix of love and lust. Depositing her on the bed, your cock begins to harden, watching her be so adorable and yet incredibly sexy as she slowly rids herself of her top, revealing a lacy black bra.

"Someone’s not horny is she?" You ask her, admiring her from above, running your hands up and down her petite body, both of you trembling in anticipation.

"Oppa just shut up and kiss me already." You capture her lips while your hands pick up from where you left off in the taxi, sliding beneath her shorts from below this time, cupping her butt.

"Ah... you love my butt don't you?"

"No I don't..." You squeeze a moan from her, feeling her body warm up underneath your touch. Disappointingly you feel Jisoo push herself up the bed and getting out from below you.

"Okay you need to stop that now, and I'm going to make you." Still half-dressed Jisoo gets off the bed, pushing you and making you take her spot previously, sitting on the edge of the bed. With little fanfare she strips you of your pants and boxers, licking her lips at the sight of your stiff cock. She causes you to groan when she grips your shaft firmly, beginning to slowly stroke you.

"Oppa, tell me what you want me to do."

"I-I want you to stroke my cock..." Jisoo stops immediately. "What?"

"You liked opposite day so much, so I'm going to not stroke your cock."

"Fine, I want you to stop stroking my cock- oooh yes..." You moan as she strokes you with both hands, the delicious friction burning you up.

"What next?"

"Suck me please..." She continues to stroke you instead. "I mean, don't suck me."

"Are you sure you want to keep talking in opposites?" She doesn't let you reply, instead taking the sensitive tip of your cock in mouth and swirling her tongue around it. You can only throw your head back and moan, every lick of her tongue sending jolts of pleasure through you.

"Fuck Jisoo, I'm gonna cum if you keep doing that."

"Oh what? You're not going to cum if I keep doing that? I guess I'll stop then." You feel your cock throb in the air, eager for Jisoo's touch as she backs away from you, somehow looking even sexier half-dressed in her bra and shorts.

"What? No don't stop! Okay okay I'll stop doing opposites, please go back to sucking me!"

"That's more like it." She leans back down on your cock again, taking all of you in her mouth. The feel of her mouth is delightful as Jisoo hollows out her cheeks, allowing your cock to poke against the side of her mouth. Low groans escape her while she works on you, and you look down to see your naughty girlfriend touching herself while sucking you off, a hand down her shorts while the other strokes your balls. The image is far too erotic, and you feel yourself get close to the edge.

"I'm so close Jisoo. Where should I cum?" She is too caught up in her own pleasure, her hand working furiously underneath her shorts. The increasing vibrations of her moans tip you over the edge, and you pull her head into your crotch as you orgasm, flooding her mouth with your white cum.

"Mmph?! Mm mm!" Jisoo's reaction is one of surprise - her eyes wide open, looking at you with surprise before they roll back in her head, her own pleasure overtaking her, her fingers playing with herself and the cum filling her mouth triggering an orgasm of her own. Her jaw goes slack around your cock, groaning and shuddering as she rides out her orgasm, a mix of her saliva and your cum spilling out of her mouth and on to the floor. You gently remove yourself from her mouth and Jisoo goes weak, collapsing between your legs. She pulls her hand out of her shorts - it is completely drenched with her juices. To add to the dirty scene your drool and cum-coated cock begins dripping on to her face while she lays under you, still trying to recover from her own orgasm.

"Damn babe, you couldn't wait for me to touch you?"

"Hehe sorry oppa, I was so wet while sucking you."

"I should punish you for that... go get cleaned up and let's do round two."

"Sure, I won't be long." She takes off her ruined shorts and throws them at you, letting you feel and smell the aftermath of her climax. She walks away clad in a matching set of black lace panties, her hips swaying every step of the way. Jisoo turns around, smacking her butt and letting it jiggle for you before she enters the bathroom. Everything about her turns you on to no end, and your cock is already stiff and waiting when she returns completely naked. Her perky breasts lightly jiggle as she walks seductively towards you, her toned abs and full thighs on display with every step.

"Good oppa, you're ready to go, I'm really hungry again..." She tries to get on top of you, wanting to ride you while you lie on the bed, but you have your own form of punishment for her. You pull her down next to you, the two of you facing each other side-by-side.

"Ooh this is new."

You swing one of her legs over you, allowing her to straddle you sideways. You kiss her lovingly while you torture her, your cock rubbing on her folds, giving her a taste of the pleasure she wanted.

"Come on oppa... put it in me already."

"So... I was thinking, after making me talk in opposites the whole day, I think I'll make you talk in opposites the whole night. From now on I'll treat everything as the opposite of what you say." Jisoo opens her mouth to reply, but she is forced to let out a moan instead when you grab a small but perfect breast, teasing her further while you rub your cock against her heat.

"What was that?"

"Fuck you feel so good..."

"I don't feel good? Oh no, let's try this!" You will yourself to pull away from her, replacing your shaft with your fingers, rubbing her dripping slit gently. It is pleasurable for Jisoo, but not nearly as satisfying.

"N-nooooo!" Her hips buck towards you and she tries to scoot down the bed, wanting to feel your cock again.

"Yes? You like that? Okay I'll keep using my fingers." Jisoo's eyes are wide and pleading, realizing you were serious about your "punishment".

"Come on oppa, please don't fuck me."

"Good girl..." You remove your fingers, a whimper escaping Jisoo at the sudden lack of friction. The two of you groan out loud when you finally push into her, filling her partly. You resist the urge to push fully into her, despite the hungry grasp of her walls.

"Do you like this?"

Jisoo can only nod, much to her error.

"You don't? Let me pull out then." Her leg hurriedly grips you, trying to keep you from pulling away.

"N-no, I mean yes, please pull out!" You tease both of you further, not thrusting into her deeply, only sinking into her partially before pulling away, denying both of you complete satisfaction. You watch Jisoo's face with delight, her face twisted in unsatisfied pleasure, her eyes madly begging you to go deeper, not trusting herself to say the right words. But you keep going, only thrusting into her shallowly.

"Oppa..." her voice a needy whimper.

"D-deeper-" You pull out even further on your thrust before she panics, quickly asking for the opposite. "Shallower, shallower!" You allow yourself to plunge in just that bit deeper.

"P-please oppa, pull completely out of me." You grin, knowing what the both of you want.

"Are you sure?" Her eyes widen, unsure how you're interpreting her words now.

"I-I... no?"

Jisoo can't help but cry when you bury yourself to the hilt in her. "Y-yes!"

"No?"

"N-no, I mean yes, I mean no, I mean- !" You pull out before thrusting powerfully into her again, drawing a scream from her. "Fuck!"

"Oppa please-" You pump her slowly but deeply, trying to hit the end of her depths with every thrust, leaving her speechless, your girlfriend only able to voice out loud moans of pure pleasure. You stop after another minute of deep thrusts, sinking deep into her and staying there, feeling every part of her walls clinging on to you, contracting erratically on you as both of you near orgasm.

"Tell me what you want." Your question is pointless, as Jisoo's eyes are shut tightly, still indulging in the pleasure of your thrusts. Her mouth hanging open, drool leaking down the side of her mouth. She finally opens her eyes when you repeat the question once more.

"Oppa I- I need to cum."

"Do you need to cum or not need to cum?"

"I, I, I-... don't know... ah!" You might have actually fucked Jisoo silly. You thrust one more time into her before releasing both of you from your misery.

"I'm going to make us cum now, okay?" Jisoo barely registers your words, only a slight change in her gaze acknowledging you, her mouth still hanging open, almost begging for a kiss. You wrap your arms around her, pulling her in and kissing her, your tongue darting in and out of her mouth while your cock does the same thing below. Her screams into your mouth get louder and louder, and so do your moans as your pace picks up. Your hands on her butt once more, you pull her hips towards you with a slam, as if trying to split her in two, hitting the deepest you’ve been inside her. Jisoo tears her lips away from the kiss to scream her orgasm out to the world.

The sudden extreme tightness of Jisoo's pussy sends a jolt up your spine, and you instantly climax with her, groaning against her neck, your cock unloading your second load of cum into her. The two of you release groans of pure satisfaction at the sensation of filling and being filled. She quivers in your arms, her hips meeting every buck of yours as the two of you seek to stuff her full with your thick semen. You only feel her relax her grip on your body and cock when she finally comes down from her trip to the clouds. Her eyes open, a weak smile crossing her face.

"Babe please let's never do that again."

"Why, did I fuck your brains out?" Jisoo can only manage a weak chuckle as you wipe the drool from her mouth, blushing before giving you a peck on the lips.

"Yes, it felt so good..." You hug her tightly, the two of you still connected, your limbs twining with one another. You can't help but let out a moan as she tries to nestle closer to you, her walls still massaging your semi-erect cock.

"Think you can go again?" Her fingers dance across your chest, trying to entice you.

"When it's you, probably."

"No more games okay?" She crinkles her nose, smiling cutely at you.

"No more, ride me." You roll on your back, pulling Jisoo on top of you. She hugs you, whispering dirty words to get you hard again.

"Fuck oppa, I can feel you leaking out of me, do you feel it on your cock?" Jisoo grinds you slowly, smearing your cock with a mixture of cum and juice.

"Ugh yes..."

"Come on oppa, get hard again, then put another load in me, your baby girl needs to feel full again..." You never tire of hearing the normally cute Jisoo try to seduce you like this, and it always works, your cock rising again in her. She smiles in delight and immediately begins bouncing her hips on top of you, quickly letting her urges take over.

Sweat drips down Jisoo's face, your pants in rhythm with hers as she drives herself down on you, her tender walls hugging your shaft silkily with every drop of her hips. You watch the lovely woman above you zone out, her mind fully focused on chasing her own climax, her expression frozen in one of extreme euphoria... and then with a quiver of her lips she cracks.

"Nngh yes!" With a loud exhaled moan her heat envelopes you even more tightly, her juices rushing over your cock and staining your crotch. You feel her body flex and twitch in your arms, gasping for breath as her orgasm pummels her senses. She collapses on top of you, and you gently roll her off to the side, cushioning her head with the pillow, the two of you laying side by side again.

"Y-you didn't cum?"

"I will soon." With a whimper from Jisoo you begin thrusting into her, looking right into her tired but satisfied eyes. She wraps one leg around your thigh while the other tangles around your inside leg, making sure you can't pull out, not that you would ever want to. Her breath is hot on your face, a moan escaping her with every slow thrust into her overstimulated warmth. Her hands roam your body, trying to help you to the finish line, but her voice does most of the work.

"I'm so sensitive oppa, you feel so hot and thick..." Jisoo's whimpering dirty talk set you off almost immediately.

"Oh fuck... Jisoo!" You push yourself as deep as you can before your orgasm washes over you. You can barely hear your own groan of release as Jisoo lets loose a loud moan of satisfaction, your cum coating her walls once more, filling what little empty space there is left inside her with your seed.

You make sure she feels every inch of your throbbing cock, bucking into her mindlessly with every shot of cum. You wrap her up in a passionate embrace, the two of you trembling with intimate joy. You hands go once again to her butt, grabbing and pushing yourself just that little bit deeper into her as you capture her lips, making sure you have nothing left to give her.

"I feel so full!" Jisoo whines happily as she buries herself in your chest. You make to try and pull out, but she stops you. "Don't! Let's just... stay like this for a while, please?" You hug her tighter, feeling her walls pleasurably cling on to you as begin to soften, your heartbeats no longer racing like mad.

"You made such a mess in me..." The two of you look down as you finally soften and slip out of her, two loads of white cum rushing out of her freshly-fucked folds and trailing down her thigh.

"You made me make such a mess in you." You murmur into her ear, kissing her blushing cheek.

"Let's not do the opposite game again... I can't think while you're fucking me so good."

"So do you mean let's do it again then?" You cheekily smirk at her.

"No!" She playfully hits you.

"So you mean yes? You started it at the amusement park."

"Yes yes I regret it..." She adds on her in a whisper, almost talking to herself. "Maybe not if you do that to me again..."

"I'll take that as a maybe." You kiss her on the lips before drawing the covers. The two of you drifting off to sleep, exhausted in mind and body.

A/N: I just had a really dumb idea for a “Opposite’s day” thing where you end up fucking someone silly, so I went ahead and wrote it lol. Jisoo was a perfect fit, being kinda dorky and sexy at the same time. Also I can’t get this out of my head - the front view is great, but the back is amazing.

Thank you for reading!

[imagines-by-a-typical-fangirl]

Love On-Set (Pt. 06 of 10)

Pairing: Dacre Montgomery X Reader

Summary: You knew acting on Stranger Things season 3 would be a challenge, and you also knew, from the start, you'd have to work closely with Dacre Montgomery. But is wasn't a big deal for you, since this is your job and you're determined to act professionally. You had it all figured out, or so you thought, until the moment you were out face to face with Dacre. Then, this job became a lot harder than it was supposed to be, since you can't seem to focus whenever you're around Dacre. And you'll have to be around him a lot until the end of production.

Word count: 3 K

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{Dacre Montgomery Masterlist}

{Stranger Things Masterlist}

×

Los Angeles

The fresh wind messes with your hair as you squint your eyes at the rising sun. You always loved the beach, but this one is your favorite. The way the light blue color of the ocean mixes with the sky is breathtaking, and you know you could spend all of your days here, just looking at the horizon, not a single worry on your mind. It's peaceful, like paradise. The sand is soft under your bare feet, and there's nobody here yet. It's too early, and the only reason why you're here is because you missed this feeling.

It doesn't matter where you go, you'll always want to return here, even is it's just for a visit. The only sound you hear is from the crashing waves, slow and calming, like music. You can't help but smile, eyes closed to better feel the warmth of the sunlight in your skin.

The unmistakable click of a camera gets your attention, forcing you to open your eyes again. Furrowing your eyebrows, you wonder if someone recognized you. It happened only once, even before the shooting for the season three started when a girl spotted you as the girl who Billy almost ran over. But that was it.

Turning around to check the source of the sound, your heart stops for a moment when you see Dacre, still putting his phone down.

“Sorry, but you were looking so good.” He says, making his way over you.

He's the one looking good. The white pants and pale blue shirt mix perfectly with the atmosphere, light, and relaxing. And all the rest too. His face, his smile, the way he walks. You're quick to notice the first three buttons of his shirt are opened and you wonder if he's getting this idea from Billy. “Me? Please, look at you. You're... Gorgeous.”

“Yeah.” She simply says, finally reaching you. “I'm glad you're still here. I was scared you'd be gone.”

Dacre lives forty-five minutes away from you. It's not that close, but close enough, you think. Maybe it's fate, or so says Millie. Like a sign. “I can't believe you came all the way here.” An hour ago, before you came to the beach, you answered his text to let him know where you would be since you wouldn't bring your phone.

“Better start trying, because here I am.”

Biting your lip to hold back a smile, you turn at the ocean again. “Well, this is one of my favorite places on Earth.”

“I noticed.”

“Really? How?” Crossing your arms, you look at him. Dacre's eyes are as blue as the ocean. But they're much more beautiful.

“The shine in your eyes.” He answers, shrugging his shoulders. “It's pretty obvious if you pay attention.”

“You say these things and I don't even know what to think.” Unlike you, Dacre doesn't try to hide his feelings or thoughts. He's honest, every time.

“Just tell me how you feel about this place.” He lightly touches your arm, and you set in a slow walk.

“Uhm...” You mutter, feeling as his hand slides down your arm until it reaches yours. His fingers linger for a while, and you feel the usual sensation Dacre brings you. Butterflies, moving all over your skin, tickling. Slowly, very, almost painfully, his fingers brush on yours, and when he's just about to let go, you decide to be brave, intertwining your fingers with his. You wait for him to still want to let to, but he doesn't. His grip only gets tighter. “It's beautiful, obliviously.”

“That's it? Is that everything you have to say about one of your favorite places on Earth?” You stop a few feet away from where the ripples reach. “You know you can tell me how you feel, right? I want to know.”

Taking a deep breath, you turn your body towards Dacre, trying not to look as nervous as you feel right now, holding his hand. “This is nostalgic. It's my second home after that house over there.” You gesture at a small group of houses by a cliff. “Mine is the tiniest one. I grew up here but only moved back a year ago. This beach makes me feel... Free. Like there is not a single worry in the world. It's... Bliss.”

Dacre is already looking down at you when your eyes meets his. The smile on his lips sends shivers down your spine. “I'm happy you shared it with me.”

“It's just... A couple of words.” Blushing, you look down. “It doesn't mean anything.”

“It means a lot.” His free hand comes to your face, fingers softly caressing your cheek and jaw. “To both of us.”

You were just about to say something when the water reaches your feet, and you give a little jump. “Oh my Gosh!” You exclaim, giggling.

“Wanna go for a swim?” He asks.

“I can't.” Shrugging your shoulders, you take a look at the ocean. “I don't know how to.”

“What?”

“It's not a big deal.”

“We were shooting next to a pool and you didn't tell me you can't swim?” He sounds a little offended, but when you look at him again, you can tell he's faking it. “I play the lifeguard, I should know that.”

“Well, you never asked.” Letting go of his hand, you start walking backward, away from the water.

“No, no.” He's quick to grab your arm, smirking. “We will go for a dive. C'mon.”

“No way!” You start pulling back, and a small fight starts. “You have your phone with you, remember? You'll ruin it.”

“Let me just–.” Dacre searches on his pocket, easily finding his phone and throwing it on the sand, away from the water. “Problem solved.”

“Dacre...”

“I won't let you drown. Trust me.” His voice invites you in, and you know you can't fight it. And you do trust him.

Sighing, you surrender, allowing him to pull you into the water. Your eyes are focused on his, and it's impossible to keep the usual distance. When your feet stop touching the bottom, you have no choice but to cling onto him, arms around his neck. Dacre holds you tight, arms encircling your waist, and you feel secure in his embrace. Fortunately, the water is calm, and the waves are small. It'll change in a few hours though, but for now, they won't be a problem.

There's nothing else to do now. Your foreheads are almost touching, and there's no space between your bodies. You've never been this close to him, not even on scene. You wonder if he can listen to your heart, beating insanely fast.

“Hold your breath.” He says and you nod, taking the deepest breath you can.

Dacre pulls you down with him, and you close your eyes shut. It only takes a few seconds before you break to the surface again, releasing the air from your lungs and lips breaking into a smile.

“You ok?”

“Yeah. Why?” You ask, letting go of him just to remove some of the hair that was attached to your face.

“Your cheeks are red.”

“Oh...” There's no way to hide it now, standing face to face with him. “I'm alright. I know you won't let your co-star drown.”

“Never.” He whispers, his voice deep and soft. “Actually, I–” Dacre is cut short by his cellphone ringing. It's a low, calming song you don't know.

“Maybe we should go.”

“I know who it is. This magazine wants an interview and a photoshoot but I told them I'd only accept if you could come with me.”

“What?” You giggle, furrowing your eyebrows. “I'm not as famous as you, they wouldn't want me.”

“The whole interview will be about Billy and Stranger Things. People are already shipping Billy and Amy, it'll only make sense if you're there with me.” As he speaks, Dacre starts making his way back to the beach, only letting go of you when you're out of the water. “And the moment season 3 starts, you won't be left alone by the fans, trust me.”

“Would James allow it? Seeing us together will raise suspicions.”

“Yeah, I texted James about it. He said it's a good idea, to get people hyped for the next season.” Dacre carefully picks up his phone. “What do you say? We could even go out after. Have dinner somewhere nice.”

Does he mean it like a date? It can't be... Right? “Ok, then. When is it?”

“Tomorrow afternoon. I'll pick you up.”

Smiling, you nod, biting your lip.

You would stay the whole day with Dacre, but you had promised your mother you'd spend the day with her. And Dacre understands it. You took him to your house so he could dry himself and have breakfast since he only had a cup of coffee.

When he leaves, your mother makes a lot of questions, and you're happy to answer. She teases you a lot, making silly comments and reminding you how handsome Dacre is throughout the day. You don't need to be reminded though, you know it very well.

When the next day comes, you patiently wait for him after having lunch and taking a fresh shower. You wonder if you'll always feel this nervous about Dacre. Just the thought of seeing him in a couple of minutes sends a shiver down your spine, makes your stomach burn with anticipation. When the doorbell rings, you jump up, taking your bag, and ignoring the stare your mother gives you.

“Bye, mom.” You mutter, heading to the front door. Taking a deep breath, you open it, trying not to smile. And failing. “Hi.”

“Hi.” He says back, and you start making your way to his car. “Excited?”

“Wondering what they'll ask. They always want some spoilers.” You get into the passenger seat, blushing with the fact that Dacre just opened the door for you.

“That they do.”

The ride is filled with chattering. You tell him about your childhood and he does the same. Eventually, you're not sure how exactly, you have your hand on his shoulder as he drives, then on his neck. He touches your leg every once in a while, and you can't help but blush a little.

But soon enough you're at this amazing, luxury hotel. The photoshoot will take place at the pools, which are absolutely incredible. It's huge, and there's an aisle in the middle, with a bridge that leads to it. A stylist comes to take you to the dressing room so you can change. It'll be 80's themed, so your swimsuit is very colorful, blue, green, and pink. The one piece is open on the sides and on the back, and it looks amazing. Your hair is done very quickly, beach waves with some volume. It takes an hour until you're allowed out, and Dacre is ready, talking to a guy. He looks good, his blue and green shirt unbuttoned, leaving his chest exposed.

“Hey,” you mutter when you're close enough. “Looking good.”

“Not as good as you.” He says, winking. “We were waiting for you, the interview happens now, then the photoshoot.”

“Alright.” Dacre guides you to a small scenario, with three chairs and a huge Stranger Things poster behind. The cameras are already positioned, and a woman comes to pin the microphones on your suits.

Once everything is ready, you and Dacre sit down, and a middle-aged woman takes the seat before you, a smile on her lips. The interview goes on very well, with small questions about what the public can expect from the new season, and from the relationship between Billy and Amy. People are really excited about it, you didn't know how much. You make a self note to make some research, to know where exactly the fans stand.

It was great until the video in the gym comes up. “I think it's pretty obvious, but that got people talking.” The woman, Maryan, says. “So I gotta ask. Is there anything happening between you two? Away from the cameras?”

You exchange a glance with Dacre, and you have no idea what to say. You don't want to say no, but you're too scared to say yes...

“Well, if there is you'll find out soon or later so...” Dacre speaks up, and you can tell this is the gentle way of saying this isn't her business.

She seems happy with that, making a quick remark before finishing the interview. Then different people take over. The photographer, a short man with grey hair and a huge camera starts guiding you around the pools. The stylist comes to fix your hair every time you strike a pose. And obviously, it takes little time for you and Dacre to be put close, very close.

You have fun though, laughing at his jokes about how weird things can get on these things. And that he's happy you're here.

“Alright. (Y/N), lie down, please. Dacre, sit down beside her.” Nodding, you follow the instructions. Half your body is in the shadow and the other half under the sunlight as you lie down near the pool. “Dacre, I want you to look down at her, and (Y/N), reach out your hand to touch his face.”

Trying to keep it professional, you do as he says. Dacre's eyes burn right through you, and you would give all the money you have to know what he's thinking. Slowly, you caress his jaw with your thumb, realizing you never touched him like this.

“You ok?” He asks, for the hundredth time. Dacre is always making sure you're comfortable, but the truth is that you're more than comfortable. You're actually starting to crave for this proximity, for his touch.

“Yeah...”

The camera flashes and you smile. “Look over here.” The photographer commands and you follow. “Amazing, amazing.”

The good news is that you're enjoying yourself. The bad news is that they make you get inside the pool, which is too deep. So all the photos have you on Dacre's arms, and honestly, you don't mind one bit.

The night is falling when the photoshoot is over and Dacre takes you to one of his favorites restaurants. It was an area on the back from which you have a view of the city. You both continue talking about childhood memories and stuff like that, and you tell him about your father. How he forced both you and your mother to put the walls high, to keep people away. Dacre is so kind though, reassuring you he wants to get in. That he wants to know how you feel, all the time. You still wonder if he means it though, you can't help it. But by the end of the night, after you both ate the desert and are now just chattering, you feel like he means it.

“Oh, have you read the script they sent us? They changed so many things they had to add another episode.” Dacre says, elbows on the table.

“Of course I didn't.” Shrugging your shoulders, you raise an eyebrow. “We got a five days vacation and that means no work. And since I have you to read it and tell me everything... Why should I?”

“Really? Are you making me do all the hard work in scene?” He makes a pause when the waiter comes with the check.

“James always likes it better when we improvise anyways.”

“I have no idea why.” He says, taking the check.

“Hey, we can–”

“I'm paying and that's not up to discussion.” He cuts you off, giving you a glance as he leaves the money on the table before standing up.

“But–”

“(Y/N), I...” You were just about to head to the exit when he stops, still near the table. “I'm not sure if I made it clear, I should've have... But this was supposed to be a date.”

Blushing, you gasp, looking at him in the eyes. “It kinda felt like a date but I didn't want to assume anything.”

“Well, if you're ok with it, I'd like this to be the first date.” Some people walk by, so you set in motion, walking towards the exit and to the parking lot.

“I'm ok with that.” More than ok, actually. Your stomach feels funny as he opens the passenger door for you, and your skin is on fire.

“Well...” He mumbles as he gets in, starting the car. “It's still a little early but since we have a flight tomorrow morning, we'll both need to get some sleep.”

“Definitely.” You agree. Tomorrow you'll be flying back to the set, straight to the kissing scene. As if he's listening to your thoughts, Dacre gives you a glance. “Excited to go back to work?”

“I am actually.” He nods, eyes on the road.

“Why?” It comes out suddenly because you can't help but wonder if it's for the kiss. If he wants to kiss you as you want to kiss him.

“...I miss the guys, that's all.”

“Oh...” Shifting in your seat, you look away from him, eyes on the road ahead. Your heart sinks a little, and now you're genuinely confused. “Me too.”

“Yeah.” He mumbles, a hand running through his hair.

The rest of the ride to your place is silent, and when you get there, you mutter a goodbye. Once you're inside, away from Dacre, you can't help but feel a little stupid. Maybe you're misreading the signs. He did say today was supposed to be a date, so you don't get why he ignored the kiss. He knows that's the scene you'll be shooting tomorrow night. You'll be thrown back into work straight into the very scene you've been worrying about since the beginning. You were hoping he'd say something, make it easier or... You just don't know anymore. If Dacre wants a date, he should want a kiss too, right? Isn't it how it works?

Not even the fresh shower helps you understand what's going on. With you or with Dacre. Climbing into bed, you feel the wind invading the bedroom, but you're too lost in thoughts to enjoy it. The truth is that you were excited to do it, to shoot that scene and finally kiss him, but now... Now you feel as you did on the first day.

The soft notification sound of your phone gets your attention. Stretching your arm, you take it. It's a voice message from Dacre. Maybe he regrets the whole first date thing and he wants you to know... It'll only make things worse, but you should know it. The sooner the better. You're a professional, and you'll manage to do your job no matter what.

Taking a deep breath, you unlock your phone, pressing play on the message and bringing the phone to your ear.

You can hear his heavy breath before any words come. It takes a couple of seconds until his voice breaks through. “I probably shouldn't say this through a message, but I think I won't be able to sleep if I don't let you know how I feel.” A pause, something falling on the background. “Tomorrow on the scene... It won't be Billy and Amy, it'll be you and me.” This makes you sit up straight, a hand in your heart as it starts beating dangerously fast. “I can't be Billy when I'm with you, when we're so close, it just... I've been breaking character every time and I never struggled so much with a character before.” His voice is heavy with sleep. “I know you've been struggling too and I have no idea why I didn't tell you all this in the car, I just... I really like you and tomorrow I'll kiss you but I didn't want our the first kiss to be like that... So I'm just letting you know when it happens it won't be Billy, it'll be me and... And I hope it'll be you too. Good night, (Y/N).”

His voice is long gone, but you keep still, frozen, eyes on the wall across the room. You can't believe what you just heard.

×

@baker151910 @shinydixon @dreamin-of-dacre @hanoi15 @lickmymelanin @foccus @multific @uncookspaget @kellysimagines @peakascum

[thewidowsghost]

The Daughter of the Sea - Chapter 9

(Y/n)'s POV

It doesn't take me long to pack. I decide to leave the Minotaur horn in the cabin, which leaves me only an extra change of clothes and a toothbrush to stuff in a backpack Grover had found for me.

The camp store loans me one hundred dollars in mortal money and twenty golden drachmas. The coins are as big as Girl Scout cookies and have images of various Greek Gods stamped on one side and the Empire State Building on the other. The ancient mortal drachmas had been silver, Chiron had told us, but Olympins never used less than pure gold. Chiron said the coins might come in for non-mortal transactions - whatever that might mean. He gives Annabeth, Percy, and me canteens of nectar and Ziploc bags full of ambrosia squares, to be used only in emergencies, if we were seriously hurt. It is god food, Chiron reminds us. It would cure us of almost any injury, but it is lethal to mortals. Too much of it would make a half-blood very, very feverish. An overdose would burn us up, literally, Fun.

Annabeth is bringing her magic Yankees cap, which she tells me had been a twelfth-birthday present from her mom. She is also bringing a book on famous classical architecture, written in Ancient Greek, to read when she gets bored, and a long bronze knife, hidden in her shirt sleeve. I'm sure the knife is going to get us busted the first time we go through a metal detector.

Grover is wearing his fake feet and his pants to pass as a human. He wears a green rasta-style cap, because when it rains his curly hair flattened and you can just see the tips of his horns. Grover's bright orange backpack is full of scrap metal and apples to snack on. In his pocket is a set of reed pipes his daddy goat had carved for him, even though he only knows two songs: Mozart's Piano Concerto Number 12 and Hilary Duff's 'So Yesterday,' both of which sound pretty bad on reed pipes.

We wave good-bye to the other campers, take one last look at eh strawberry fields, the ocean, and the Big House, then hike up the Half-Blood Hill to the tall pine tree that used to be Thalia, the Daughter of Zeus.

Chiron is waiting for us in his wheelchair. Next to him stands the surfer dude I'd seen when I was recovering in the sick room. According to Grover, the guy is the camp's head of security. He supposedly had eyes all over his body so he could never be surprised. Today, though, he's wearing a chauffeur's uniform, so I can only see the extra eyes on his hands, face, and neck.

"This is Argus," Chiron tells me. "He'll drive you into the city, and, er, well, keep an eye on things."

I hear footsteps behind us.

Luke comes running up the hill, carrying a pair of basketball shoes. "Hey!" he pants. "Glad I caught you."

Annabeth blushes, the way she always does when Luke is around.

"Just wanted to say good luck," Luke tells us. "And I thought . . . um, maybe you could use these."

He hands Percy a pair of sneakers, which look pretty normal.

Then, Luke says, "Maia!"

White bird's wings sprouted out of the heels. The shoes flap around on the ground until the wings fold up and disappear.

"Awesome!" Grover exclaims.

Luke smiles. "Those served me well when I was on my quest. Gift from Dad. Of course, I don't use them much these days...." His expression turns sad.

Annabeth stomps down the other side of the hill, after arguing with Percy, where a white SUV waits on the shoulder of the road. Argus follows, jingling his car kees.

Percy picks up the flying shoes and then looks up at Chiron. "I won't be able to use these, will I?"

Chiron shakes his head. "Luke meant well, Percy. But taking to the air...that would not be wise for you."

I nod, getting an idea, "Hey, Grover. You want a magic item?"

His eyes light up. "Me?"

Pretty soon, we'd laced the sneakers over his fake feet, and the world's first flying goat boy is ready for launch.

"Maia!" Grover shouts. He gets off the ground, okay, but then falls over sideways so his backpack drags through the grass. The winged shoes keep bucking up and down like tiny broncos.

"Practice," Chiron calls after him. "You just need practice."

"Aaaaa!" Grover goes flying sideways down the hill like a possessed lawnmower, heading towards the can.

But before I can follow, Chiron catches my arm. "I should have trained you two better, Percy, (Y/n)," he says. "If only I had more time. Hercules, Jason - they all got more training."

"That's okay. I just -" I stop myself.

"What am I thinking?" Chiron cries. "I can't let the two of you get away without these." He pulls two pens out of his coat pocket and hands one to me and one to Percy.

Looking down at it, I see a teal-colored gel pen. Maybe cost thirty cents.

"Gee," Percy says. "Thanks."

"Percy, those are gifts from your father. I've been keeping them for years, not knowing you two were the ones I was waiting for. But the prophecy is clear to me now. You two are the ones."

Instinctively I take off the cap, and the pen grows longer and heavier in my hand. In half a second, I am holding a shimmering bronze sword with a double-edged blade, a teal and silver leather-wrapped grip. This is the first weapon that feels balanced in my hand.

"That sword has a long and tragic history that we need not go into," Chiron tells Percy. "Its name is Anaklusmos."

"Riptide," Percy translates.

"I have never seen anyone use that sword that I'm aware of," Chiron says, turning to me. "Yours is named Τυφώνας."

"Hurricane," I translate, surprised that the Ancient Greek came so easily to me.

"Use them only for emergencies," Chiron says, "and only against monsters. No hero should harm mortals unless absolutely necessary, of course, but neither sword would hurt them in any case."

I look down at the wickedly sharp blade. "What do you mean it wouldn't harm mortals? How could it not?"

"Those swords are celestial bronze. Forged by the Cyclopes, tempered in the heart of Mount Etna, cooled in the River Lethe. It's deadly to monsters, to any creature from the Underworld, provided they don't kill you first. But the blades will pass through morals like an illusion. They simply are not important for the blade to kill. And I should warn you two: as demigods, you can be killed by either celestial or normal weapons. You are twice as vulnerable."

"Good to know," Percy says.

"Now recap the pens," Chiron says.

Percy and I touch the pen cap to the sword tips and instantly Riptide and Hurricane shrink to ballpoint pens again. I tuck it in my pocket, a little nervous because it's pretty easy to lose a pen.

"You can't," Chiron says.

"Can't what?" I ask, slightly confused.

"Lose the pens," he says. "They're enchanted. They'll always reappear in your pockets. Try it."

Warily, I throw the pen as far as I can down the hill and watch it disappear in the grass.

"It may take a few moments," Chiron tells us. "Now check your pocket."

Sure enough, the pen is there.

"Okay, that is extremely cool," I admit.

"But what if a mortal sees one of us pulling out a sword?" Percy asks.

Chiron smiles. "Mist is a powerful thing, Percy."

"Mist?" I ask.

"Yes. Read The Iliad. It's full of references to the stuff. Whatever divine or monstrous elements mix with the mortal world, they generate Mist, which obscures the vision of humans. You will see things just as they are, being a half-blood, but humans will interpret things quite differently. Remarkable, really, the lengths to which humans will go fit things into their version of reality.

I put Hurricane back into my pocket.

For the first time, the quest feels real. I'm leaving Half-Blood Hill. I'm heading west with no adult supervision, no backup plan, not even a cell phone - Chiron said cell phones were traceable by monsters; if we used one, it would be no worse than sending up a flare. I have no weapon stronger than a sword to fight off monsters and reach the Land of the Dead.

"Chiron . . ." Percy says. "When you say the gods are immortal . . . I mean, there was a time before them, right?"

"Four ages before them, actually. The Time of the Titans was the Fourth Age, sometimes called the Golden Age, which is definitely a misnomer. This, the time of Western civilization and the rule of Zeus, is the Fifth Age."

"So what was it like...before the gods?"

Chiron purses his lips. "Even I am not old enough to remember that, child, but I know it was a time of darkness and savagery for mortals. Kronos, the lord of the Titans, called his reign the Golden Age because men lived innocent and free of all knowledge. But that was mere propaganda. The Titan king cared nothing for your kind except as appetizers or a source of cheap entertainment. It was only in the early reign of Lord Zeus, when Prometheus the good Titan brought fire to mankind, that your species began to progress, and even then Prometheus was branded a radical thinker. Zeus punished him severely, as you may recall. Of course, eventually, the gods warmed to humans, and Western civilization was born."

"But the gods can't die now, right? I mean, as long as Western civilization is alive, they're alive. So...even if I failed, nothing could happen so bad it would mess up everything, right?" I ask, feeling rather uncertain.

Chiron gives me a melancholy smile. "No one knows how long the Age of the West will last, (Y/n). The gods are immortal, yes. But then, so were the Titans. They still exist, locked away in their various prisons, forced to endure endless pain and punishment, reduced in power, but still very much alive. May the Fates forbid that the gods should ever suffer such a doom, or that we should ever return to the darkness and chaos of the past. All we can do, child, is follow our destiny."

"Our destiny...assuming we know what that is," I say grimly.

"Relax," Chiron tells me. "Keep a clear head. And remember, the two of you may be about to prevent the biggest war in human history."

"Relax," I say. "I'm very relaxed."

When Percy and I get to the bottom of the hill, I look back. Under the pine tree that used to be Thalia, daughter of Zeus, Chiron is now standing in full horse-man form, holding his bow high in salute. Just your typical summer-camp send-off by your typical centaur."

Argus drives us out of the countryside and into western Long Island, It feels weird to be on a highway again, Annabeth and Grover sitting next to me, Percy on the other side of Grover, as if we were normal carpoolers. After two weeks at Half-Blood Hill, the real world seems like a fantasy. I find myself staring at every McDonald's, every kid in the back of his parent's car, every billboard and shopping mall.

"So far so good," Percy tells Annabeth. "Ten miles and not a single monster."

She gives Percy an irritated loo. "It's bad luck to talk that way."

"Remind me again - why do you hate us so much?" Percy asks.

"I don't hate you two."

"Could've fooled me."

Annabeth folds her cap of invisibility. "Look...we're just not supposed to get along, okay? Our parents are rivals."

"Why?" Percy asks.

Annabeth sighs. "How many reasons do you want? One time my mom caught Poseidon with his girlfriend in Athena's temple, which is hugely disrespectful. Another time, Athena and Poseidon competed to be the patron god for the city of Athens. Your dad created some stupid saltwater spring for his gift. My mom created the olive tree. The people saw that her gift was better, so they named the city after her."

"They must really like olives," Percy comments, and I stifle a snort of laughter.

"Oh, forget it," Annabeth grumbles.

"Now, if she invented pizza - that I could understand," I add, in a slightly teasing tone.

"I said, forget it!" Annabeth says, hitting me lightly on the arm.

In the front seat, Argus smiles. He doesn't say anything, but one blue eye on the back of his neck winks at me.

Traffic slows down in Queens. By the time we get into Manhattan, it is sunset and starting to rain.

Argus drops us at the greyhound Station on the Upper East Side, not far from my mom and Gabe's apartment. Taped to a mailbox is a soggy flyer with mine and Percy's picture on it: Have you seen these children?

Percy rips it down before Annabeth and Grover can notice.

Argus unloads our bags, makes sure we get our bus tickets, then drives away, the eye on the back of his hand opening to watch us as he pulls out of the parking lot.

I think about how close I am to the apartment. On a normal day, Mom would be home from the candy store by now. Smelly Gabe is probably up there right now, playing poker, not even missing her.

Grover shoulders his backpack. He gazes down the street in the direction I am looking. "You want to know why she married him, (Y/n)?"

I stare at him. "Were you reading my mind?" I ask, raising an eyebrow.

"Just your emotions," Grover shrugs. "You were thinking about your mom and your stepdad, right?"

I nod.

"Your mom married Gabe for you and Percy," Grover tells me. "You call him 'Smelly,' but you've got no idea. This guy has this aura . . . Yuck. I can smell him from here. I can smell traces of him o you, and you haven't been near him in a week."

"Thanks," Percy grimaces from Grover's other side. "Where's the nearest shower?"

"You should be grateful, Percy. Your stepfather smells so repulsively human he could mask the presence of any demigod. As soon as I took a whiff inside his Camaro, I knew: Gabe has been covering your scent for years. If you hadn't lived with him every summer, you probably would've been found by monsters a long time ago. Your mom stayed with him to protect you. She was a smart lady. She must've loved you a lot to put up with that guy—if that makes you feel any better."

I soften, looking down a the ground. I'll see her again, I think. She isn't gone.

You will be betrayed by one who calls you a friend, the Oracle whispers in my mind. You will fail to save what matters most in the end.

The rain keeps coming down.

We get restless waiting for the bus and decide to play some Hacky Sack with one of Groer's apples. Annabeth was unbelievable at it. She could bounce the apple off her knee, her elbow, her shoulder, whatever. Percy wasn't too bad either, but I found that I wasn't that great at it.

The game ends when I toss the apple towards Grover and it gets too close to his mouth. In one mega goat bite, our Hacky Sack disappears - core, stem, and all.

Grover blushes. He tries to apologize, but Annabeth, Percy, and I are too busy cracking up.

Finally, the bus comes.

I am relieved when we finally get on board and find seats together in the back of the bus, Me and Annabeth in one row, and Percy and Grover across from us. The four of us stow our backpacks.

I glance over at Annabeth beside me, who keeps slapping her Yankees cap nervously against her thigh.

As the last passengers get on, Annabeth claps her hand onto my knee. "Look!"

An old lady had just boarded the bus. She is wearing a crumpled velvet dress, lace gloves, and a shapeless orange-knit hat that shadows her face and she is carrying a big paisley purse. When she tilts her head up, her black eyes glitter.

I see Percy slump down in his seat.

Behind her comes two more old ladies: one in a green hat, one in a purple hat. Otherwise, they look exactly like Mrs. Dodds - same gnarled hands, paisley handbags, wrinkled velvet dress. Triple demon grandmothers.

They sit in the front row, right behind the driver. The two on the aisle cross their legs over the walkway, making an X. It is casual enough, but it sends a clear message: Nobody leaves.

The bus pulls out of the station, and we head through the slick streets of Manhattan.

"She didn't stay dead long," Percy says, his voice quavering a little. "I thought you said they could be dispelled for a lifetime."

"I said if you're lucky," Annabeth murmurs. "You're obviously not."

"All three of them," Grover whimpers. "Di immortales!"

"It's okay," Annabeth says, obviously thinking hard. "The Furies. The worst monsters from the Underworld. No problem. No problem. We'll just slip out the windows."

"They don't open," Grover moans.

"A back exit?" she suggests.

There isn't one. Even if there had been, it wouldn't have helped. By that time, we are on Ninth Avenue heading for the Lincoln Tunnel.

"They won't attack us with witnesses around," I say. "Will they?"

"Mortals don't have good eyes," Annabeth reminds me. "Their brains can only process what they see through the Mist."

"They'll see three old ladies killing us, won't they?" Percy asks.

She thinks about it. "Hard to say. But we can't count on mortals for help. Maybe an emergency exit in the roof . . . ?"

We hit the Lincoln Tunnel, and the bus goes dark except for the running lights down teh aisle. It is eerily quiet without the sound of the rain.

"I need to use the rest-room."

"So do I."

"So do I."

All three demons start coming down the aisle.

"I've got it," Annabeth says. "Percy, take my hat."

"What?" he says with disbelief.

"You're the one they want. You killed one of them. Turn invisible and go up the aisle. Let them pass you. Maybe you can get to the front and get away."

"But you guys -"

"There's an outside chance they might not notice us," Annabeth says as she glances over at me. "You're a son of the Big Three. Your smell might be overpowering."

"I can't just leave you," Percy says, looking desperately at me.

"Go," I say, frowning and Annabeth hands him the cap.

The old ladies are not old ladies anymore. Their faces are still the same - I guessed they couldn't get any uglier - but their bodies had shriveled into leathery brown hag bodies with bat's wings and hands and feet like gargoyle claws; their handbags had turned into fiery whips.

The Furies surround me, Grover, and Annabeth, lashing their whips, hissing: "Where is it? Where?"

The other people on the bus are screaming, cowering in their seats. They see something, all right.

"He's not here!" Annabeth yells. "He's gone!"

The Furies raise their whips.

Annabeth draws her bronze knife. Grover grabs a tin can from his snack bag and prepares to throw it.

Word Count: 3222 words

[cherry-gemz]

The City by The Bay: Part IV

Summary: Fates push you and a handsome and known stranger into each other's paths. His chivalry and good looks make you take a leap into his world and more.

Catch up HERE

Pairing: Keanu Reeves x Y/N (F!Reader)

Word Count: 4k

Rating: Mature, N*FW, 18+ only please, TW Motorcycle accident

A/N: Was thirsty AF and ended up smutting this fic up 😂. We take a turn that I was not expecting...

A/N2: Excerpts from an interview are in bold, taken from here: https://www.keanu-reeves.net/post/162864242206/abdominal-scar-keanu-reeves-first-big-spill-came

Who might be interested: @whiskeyslullabye ​ @marissat1998 @aestheticallywinchester ​ @fookingbetch

************

It all happened so fast. The rain felt like pellets on your back and the wind sprayed the droplets onto your face, making the strand of your hair stick to your forehead. You had to close your eyes for just a second and that's when Keanu swerved out of the way as a black BMW ran the stop sign ahead. He maneuvered the bike as best as he could. With all his years of training, he was the best probability if ever you were to be in an accident. 

But as he jerked to the right, the slickness of the pavement made the grip of the tires useless and he lost control. 

"Keanu!" You yelled and held tight to his waist and buried your face in his jacket.

"Hold on!" He shouted back and slowed down as best he could. He released his grip and instead grabbed you into a tuck and roll. He grasped you in his possession and shielded you from the fall. 

You felt the impact to the ground instantaneously and prayed that the pain that seared through the impact would be temporary. You heard him grunt loudly as he took the majority of the fall for you. The scrap of metal reverberated in your eardrums and you grimaced at the thought of damaging his beloved motorcycle. The rain pounded harder onto your laying bodies on the street. You could hear cars whizz by and the splash from their tires against the curb. You were frightened, out of your element. But also reassured from his protection. He had given up the bike in efforts to make sure you were safe. You felt a sense of relief that he cared like that, but then also remorse as you were worried about his favorite motorcycle. 

He groaned as he held you tight, "Y/N? Are you okay?"

His voice shaken as you nod and sniff, the helmet heavy on your pounding head. He let out a sigh of relief. 

"What about you?" 

He nods, "Yeah...I'm alright." He groaned again and you could tell he was saving face. 

The two of you lay there for a few seconds and you hear people slowly approaching. 

"Omigosh, are you guys okay?" A stranger asks.

"That guy came out of nowhere!" Another pipes up. Keanu says you are and the tinnitus hits for a second and you're unable to hear what is going on. 

***

The garage door’s rollers rumbled as it closed and you both walked into the house, sheltering yourself from the downpour.

Keanu peels his leather jacket and places it in the foyer as well as his boots. You slip your shoes off and place your purse on a chair and slip off your jacket, laying it next to his. 

"This day is just out of this world," he says and shakes off the excess rain from his hair. He groaned as there's a stiffness to his shoulder blade. He massages it with his hand and tries to loosen the muscle unsuccessfully. 

"Are you sure you don't want to go to the hospital? I'd feel a lot better. They could take a look at your shoulder and check for any internal bleeding…"

He shakes his head no, "It's okay, Y/N. I've been in far worse accidents in my lifetime. I'm just glad you're okay...I don't know what I'd do had you gotten hurt."

You smile slightly at his endearment, but feel guilty still. 

"And the bike, it's not too much damage?"

"Nah, just a little buffering out here and there," he replies as he holds his shoulder with his opposing hand. 

“Let me start a fire and give you some extra clothes. By this time tonight you’ll have gone through my whole wardrobe,” he jokes as you snicker. 

He gazes at you momentarily and you shiver slightly, springing him back to reality. “Be back.”

You nod and peer down the hallway admiring some architecture photographs of the house. 

You’re reminded this isn’t his actual house, that he’s most likely renting it while on his project, but you’re still enamored. You're still in his presence. No one will believe your serendipitous encounter with the movie star. It all feels like a dream anyway. You rub your forearm and try to gain some heat, but your jeans are soaked and it’s difficult to move around.

“Keanu?” you call out down the hall.

“Yeah?” he shouts back.

“Sorry, I’m just freezing…” you cringe and you feel like you’re being a nuisance.

He appears around the corner, changed into black sweats. He's kept his white t-shirt on from earlier and even though he's in a casual form, it's intimate. 

"Here, I found some extra sweats," he says and hands you a pair of grey pants. "Do you need a sweater?"

"Yeah, I'm pretty chilled," you reply as you accept the pants. "I'm just gonna go change, that okay?"

"Sure, by all means. I'll be in the living room with that sweater," he says and you turn around to go change your clothes.

*

A short while later you walk down the hall in his oversized sweats, still wearing his black shirt from before as well and you bite your lip from beyond belief that you're spending the whole day with him. 

You hear the crackle of the fireplace as you enter the open spaced living room. He's sitting on the leather couch facing the fire with a glass of red wine in hand.

He turns his attention to you as you enter, "Hey." He gets up slowly as you can tell he's in a bit of pain and hands you a black ARCH hoodie and a glass of red wine. 

"Thank you," you flirt as you pull the hoodie over your senses and are enlightened with the hint of his cologne: woodsy, warm, and ephemeral. You could die right there and be in bliss.

"Not too early for wine, is it?" He asks genuinely. 

"No, definitely not," you smile and bring the glass to your lips and take a sip. 

"Good, I think we deserve it from what we've been through."

"Thanks for this...and the fire. It's all very inviting."

"Of course. I'd be beside myself if you caught a chill on my account."

You nod and he ushers you to the couch, placing his hand gently on the small of your back.

"My sweatshirt looks good on you," he says and you notice some blood on the back of his shoulder blade. 

"Oh no, Keanu…" you say and place the wine glass on the end table. 

He takes a sip and looks back to you, "Yeah?"

"There's...there's blood on your shirt. You hurt yourself from the fall."

"Really? I didn't feel anything," he peers over and tries to take a look. 

"Do you have a first aid kit?"

"I think there is one in the kitchen…" he slowly gets up and you grab his forearm. 

"No, let me. You have given me enough hospitality to last a lifetime. It's the least I can do. Drink your wine and relax."

He grins and relents as you head to the kitchen. You rummage around and finally find a kit underneath the sink. 

"Alright, now are you going to be a good patient?" You say and cock your brow. 

"No promises," he laughs and shakes his index finger at you. 

You sit next to him on the leather couch, "Alright, let's see the damage."

He peels his shirt off from the collar as all men do, least they are aware of how sexy the act is. You try not to hitch a breath, but your eyes wander as the peep of his ab muscles are exposed and his shoulders are defined and hard. 

You see the cuts from his shoulder and open the kit for an antiseptic. 

"What's the verdict, doc?" He asks as he holds his crumpled shirt in his hand and drinks his wine with the other.

"You'll live," you kid as you grab a cotton ball and apply the antiseptic to it and lightly dab it on his cuts. 

He flinched slightly, but refrained from making any movements. 

"So tell me about your other accidents," you ask as you continue first aid.

"Hmm, well once as I was going through the canyon, I lost control and got this," he points to a thick scar rising vertically up his stomach.

You frown and continue to gently cleanse away the blood from his back. 

"That was in LA?"

"Yeah, I call it a demon ride. That’s when things are going badly. But there’s other times when you go fast, or too fast, out of exhilaration.” 

"Were you speeding? I heard that canyon has insane blind spots," you ask and add an ointment to his cuts.

"Heh, you could say so. The turn I hit was unexpected. I remember saying in my head, ‘I’m going to die.’"

"Shit, Keanu…"

He shakes his head,“I remember calling out for help. And someone answering out of the darkness, and then the flashing lights of an ambulance coming down. This was after a truck ran over my helmet. I took it off because I couldn’t breathe, and a truck came down. I got out of the way, and it ran over my helmet.”

"So why do you still ride?" You laugh. "That would have scared me for life."

"Well, it taught me something. Something not to do, y'know? Something that taught me how to react with what happened today? Today I leaned into the turn when the car came out and released the break. If I hadn't had that experience in the canyon, I wouldn't be the rider I am today."

"Well I'm glad you're okay...from that ride...from any ride you have trouble with."

"Thanks...I'm glad, too. While I probably have some wild rides left in me, I wouldn't ever want to place you in danger."

You both are still and quiet from his words. The fire continued to crackle and you looked through the kit for gauze and tape. 

You cough into your fist and are slightly embarrassed that he would say something so sweet as that to you. You hardly knew each other, but he had a sense of genuine care and kindness towards you. Your feelings for him grew, he obviously was very handsome and kind. But he had a sense of an old soul in him that you wanted to get to know further. You hoped in your heart that this wouldn't be the last time seeing him.

"I find your presence extremely comforting, if I can say so," he turns his head to you.

"Yeah?" 

You ask as you place the gauze over his injury and seal it with surgical tape. Your fingertips lightly graze the outer parts of the tape where it meets his skin and you savor the moment. "All done here."

"Thank you," he smiles and reaches for your hand. 

"I know we just met, but you're so easy to talk to Y/N. I know I have a persona that people see being a celebrity and all, but while that is a side of me, there are also other sides. And I'm not afraid to show them to you."

As he leaned in and turned his torso, it caught your breath. The first aid kit wobbled in your lap as you sat on your knees. 

"What I want to say is that, I like you...I think you're very beautiful and incredibly sexy…"

"Keanu…" you whisper as he continues closer to you. 

"Y/N...I'd like...I'd like to kiss you..." he turned his neck and looked into your eyes and then at your lips. He was so subtle in his movements, a gentleman. You nod, without having the ability to speak at the moment, and close your eyes as he places his lips onto yours. 

There is heat surging through your body; jolts of excitement and wonder encompass your surroundings. He cups your face with his large hand and you instantly melt. He tastes of wine and rain: two of your now favorite things. The unexpected feelings engulf your inner core and you want more. He invites your tongue and opens his mouth slightly, changing the sweet kiss with more intensity. Both of his hands cup your face now and your hand roams down his biceps to his torso. 

"This isn't like a normal thing for me," you say in a heavy breath as your lips separate from his.

"What isn't?"

"Kissing someone I just met…and definitely not this..." you gasp as he kisses the nape of your neck. 

You sit up slightly and the first aid kit tips over and drops to the floor. Unphased, you wrap your legs around him into a straddle on the couch. He's surprised by this move, but doesn't relent and lightly bites your bottom lip. His hands roam from your face down to your neck and you crane it back, giving him ample opportunity to relish the soft, sensitive spot. 

He does so and places his lips on your skin, making you moan his name. 

"I don't normally do this either...but I can't help myself with you," he says. 

His other hand continues down your body and through the thickness of his hoodie, he slinks his way under your clothes and touches your breasts. 

"Uhnnh…" you moan again and he watches your enjoyment from his touch. You quickly peel off his sweater and his shirt, allowing your breasts to be fully exposed to him. Your now slightly dried hair hangs over your shoulder and he brushes it aside, giving it a kiss. You close your eyes and relish the fact that he has his lips on you. Your senses are in overload and you’ve never wanted anyone more. In the moment there is lust and the excitement of pleasure you’re wanting to experience, so you decide you want to move further. 

He trails his kisses and peppers them over your collarbone to your chest, and you hold him right in embrace. You hand lightly grazes the recent bandage and you give it a light kiss. 

"Y/N," he rasps. "Do...do you want me?" He bites your lip and you roll your eyes back for a moment. 

He brings his face back to yours and you reply, "More than you know."

A huge grin escapes his lips and ignites a growl deep within him. 

"Thank God, I want you so badly," he rasps as he holds you tight against his body. 

"Where do you…?" 

He continues to kiss your neck and his hand drifts down to your center. The baggy sweatpants give enough slack as he dives his hand and inserts his fingers. You mew and hold onto him as he tenderly tours your folds. 

"K-Keanu…" 

"You feel so soft…" his ministrations ramp up and he enjoys watching you unfold. His deep, brown eyes locked into yours and you crane your neck back as he hits all the spots and encircles his thumb perfectly over your little nub. 

"Uhhnnn…" 

Your mind starts to spin as you let go any restraint and close your eyes as he pumps his fingers in and out. Things become a blur and a mix of sensation and pleasure intensifies; you grind against his lap and can feel his excitement grow and it only turns you on more.

“I-I’m…” you stutter as you’re close to climax and then he slowly releases his fingers. “Why are you stopping…?”

"Can I taste you?" 

Never in a million years you thought you'd ever hear him say those words. It startles you and you freeze, brushing your hair away from your face to gain composure. He plants more kisses on your chest and cups a breast in his hand. 

"Let me taste you, Y/N. I want to taste you…" he whispers and begs. The heat between you two is almost unbearable. He's ignited something within your core and you want him, you need to give into your desires or you might explode. Wild, breathless kisses are exchanged and provide ample savour.

“Yes, please,” you ask and you unhook your legs as he gently lays you back on the couch. He kisses your taught stomach and runs his large hands over your hips until he finds what he is looking for. He hooks your thigh over his good shoulder and buries his face between your legs. You buck your hips from the intense sensation of his tongue and scream out his name as the rain and thunder roll outside. 

*

After what feels like an outer body experience, you are able to finally breathe and lay on the couch in disbelief. 

He smiles with a cocky grin and gets up to clean his face. You rub your eyes and stretch your toes. It had been awhile, well maybe never to have experienced that sense of euphoria. He was attentive in all the right places and relished at the fact that he loved the taste of you. You discreetly blush and reach for the throw blanket to cover up. 

As you sit up, he returns with the bottle of wine and tops your glass off. 

“Thank you,” you say and make eye contact. “And thank you…”

He chuckles and kisses you tenderly on the lips. 

“I should be thanking you, I very much enjoyed it, too.”

“I can thank you in other ways, you know,” you purr and run your fingers through your hair. 

He waggled his eyebrows, “Is that so? I’d like to see in which ways…”

You take a sip of your wine and return it to the end table. As you stand, you let the throw blanket drop and expose your body to him once again. You’re braver now. What you experienced was an intimate moment together and your walls were down. You felt comfortable, sexy, and beautiful. You grab his hand to pull you closer and passionately seal your lips on his. 

He responds and holds your neck with his hand, while the other hand grabs one of your globes. His kiss is fervent and heeding; his lips are insatiable and the tongue explores your mouth. You open your eyes and as does he, with one swift motion you jump into his arms and straddle his waist. He grasps you by your inner thighs and walks down the hall to his bedroom. 

*

He carries you into his room and his kisses become sloppy and wet, it’s a hunger that you can tell burns within him. 

As he lays you on the bed, he trails his lips to your ear lobes and sucks on it and your eyelids flutter. 

“Keanu…” you breathe heavily as you display your sex on his bed. 

He quickly slips his pants and boxers off and you reach for his hard member and stroke it within your fingertips. He’s soft to touch and large in a way that you anticipate pleasure that will come. He grunts in approval and bites your neck softly. 

“Y/N...I want all of you...you’re so beautiful. What do you want, baby?”

You practically orgasm at the sound of him calling you baby and you moan in approval as he delves two digits into your folds. 

“I want you, too, Ke…”

He smiles, “Ke...I like that. I like you...a lot. I want you to scream my name just like that.”

You nod as he pumps harder and tantalizes your clit, sending waves of intensity all over your body. 

“Oh, yes! Ke!”

“Do we need protection, baby?” He asks earnestly and you shake your head no. 

“IUD,” you state in a breath and he nods in approval. 

He releases his fingers and you whimper softly as he slowly rubs his cock along your wet lips. 

“Uhhh, yes…” you moan and he watches the way your silky entrance throbs for him. He rubs his head in and out and you cannot take the heat that is building up inside you. 

“Baby…” you rasp and writhe as he teases you in the most sexy way. He enjoys unraveling you, the thought that he can make you unfold in his hands is his own viewing pleasure. 

He cascades his hand to your hip and then hooks your leg over his shoulder, giving him full access to his prize. He continues to rub his thumb over your clit and then with a few thrusts, inserts himself in you. Your eyes widen as your walls stretch for him; it takes a few seconds to completely allow him to go deep, but he’s given plenty of foreplay and pleasure that you invite all of him to enter you. You arch your back in agreement with his thrusts and you both moan in pleasure. 

“Ke…” his name rolls off your tongue as he picks up his pace and thrusts harder. He leans over you, still holding your leg on his shoulder and kisses your calf tenderly. It’s a beautiful moment and you love how he caresses your leg, all in while thrusting in and out in a rhythmic game. He holds your ankle and continues his kisses until you pull him to you and plant your lips on his. 

“C’mere,” you coo and rake your fingers through his hair. Besides the few grunts you both make while becoming one, the rain hits the window pane and is seared in your memory. 

“I love your breasts,” he says as he watches them playfully bounce with his set pace of thrusts. 

You cock your brow and cup them in your hand, “Do you?” you ask devilishly and massage them as his mouth widens in a state of complete adoration. 

“That’s not fair, let me…” he responds and replaces your hands with his mouth. His thrusts become faster and harder, each time stretches your walls and the euphoria kicks in. 

"Keanu…!" 

You shout and let go all inhibitions as your toes curl in utter bliss. Your walls tighten further and your body shakes as he rides you through, a tidal wave of pleasure surges your body. 

 He holds the small of your back as you arch yourself on the bed and murmurs praises into your shoulder as he comes and releases himself. He crashes his lips onto yours and stays in you as you both recover. He brushes your hair away from your face and looks deep into your eyes and smiles. 

"That was amazing," he grins and slowly pulls out. He collapses next to you and breathes in heavily. "Are...was everything alright?"

You giggle at his concern, "It was far better than alright. It was perfect."

He rolls to his side and props his head with his bicep. You cuddle yourself next to him and wrap his grey duvet around your body. 

"You're pretty perfect," he replies. 

You blush and he trails his finger up and down the side of your arm.

"I was not expecting my day to be so damn fantastic," he laughs. "Who knew running into you would lead to this?"

"Me, too. I can't believe this all happened."

"But you're glad?"

"Of course," you reply and give him a kiss. He holds you close and doesn't let go. You both listen to the sound of the rain for a moment and relish being in each other's arms. You're enjoying how he is so intimate and appreciates a cuddle afterwards. 

He kisses your forehead, "I'm going to go get the wine. Do you want anything?"

"Hmmm...I'm kind of hungry."

"What? You are? We just ate!" He laughs. 

"Well I mean, you made me work up a sweat!"

"Okay, okay," he says and holds up hands. "Let me see what I can muster up. I think there is some imported cheese in the fridge. Maybe some crackers with the wine?"

"That sounds divine," you reply. "But let me."

"What? No, you're my guest."

"I insist, you have an injury," you say and place your hand on his chest, rubbing it in a circular motion. You point your finger to his face, "Stay right here. I have all day and intend to spend it in this bed, mister."

"Whatever the lady desires," he smiles and watches you saunter out of the bed. "Take that shirt if you want," he points to a battered shirt on the chair.

"Don't want me walking naked around your house?"

"There are a lot of windows," he laughs. You not and reach for the shirt.

"Be right back."

"Sounds good."

You give him a kiss and walk out of the room, knowing quite well his eyes are on you as you leave with just his shirt on. You realize your underwear is still in the living room and head over there before the kitchen. As you slip them on, you grab your glass of wine and sip it in a felicitous manner. 

You daintily skip over to the kitchen as you recall the past hour and you are cheeky and find yourself blushing. As you open the fridge, you spot the cheese and grab the bag and open it up to sneak a little piece. You hear the front door open and the ring that alerts when it does. You quizzically think to yourself why that occurred and you closed the fridge door to see a woman standing in front of you holding a manila folder. 

Your mouth stuffed with cheese you almost choke. She looks you up and down as you are wearing panties and Keanu’s shirt. 

“Um, who are you?” She demands and places her free hand on her hip. 

​

[madamewriterofwrongs]

I'm so sorry, it's such a horrible day all around and I'm sending you al the good vibes I can find. I've never really sent a prompt before, but if you felt like writing some Buddie 2.01 AU, where their first meeting wasn't actually their first meeting, that might be fun? Or literally anything, everything you write makes me smile! Hope it gets better soon!! ❤

Hey! Thank you for sending this. Tonight has been an absolute shitshow of emotions but having something to focus on definitely helped. 

So, yeah. This is a First Meeting AU of sorts. Again, thank you for giving me something to do other than cry. I really appreciate it.

Dear Eddie,

Thank you for being my bunk buddy. I had a really good camp with you. Please write me from Texas.

From, Buck.

 Dear Buck,

Hi from Texas. Thank you for the bracelet. My sister said bracelets are for girls but I don’t care. I also had a really good time at camp and I can’t wait to go next year. Will you be there, next year? Maybe we could bunk together again. School starts soon and I’m a little nervous because fifth grade is my last year at this school and I don’t want to leave my friends behind. What’s your favourite subject in school? Mine

 Dear Eddie,

Please tell your sister than anyone can wear bracelets and that if she tries to make fun of them again, the ghost of Camp Kuriakas will haunt her dreams. I tried that on my sister but she just laughed at me so maybe you’ll have better luck. Mom says I can’t go back to camp next year because we’re moving and it will be too far away. But don’t worry, you can write me from camp and tell me all about it. I don’t really like school but I do like the library. I’ve been reading this book called

Dear Buck,

Camp wasn’t as fun without you but you were right about Suzie Pecoski, she had to leave a day early because the popcorn got stuck in her braces. Jose laughed but I told him not to and he told Counselor Lia that I punched him. So after dinner, I did. He didn’t tell that time. I still missed you though. I hope your new house is nice. What is your room like?

 Dear Eddie,

I can’t believe I start high school tomorrow. I tried to call Maddie and ask for advice but she didn’t pick up so I guess I’m on my own for this one. Except I’m not alone because I have you. You’d answer if I called, right, Eddie? Anyways, I’ve been thinking about your theory about the island being purgatory

 Buck,

I have no idea what I’m doing but I definitely think I just asked Kylie Wilcox to the dance. I am freaking out! Kylie’s nice and she’s so pretty but I didn’t mean to ask her. I just meant to ask if she needed someone to help on the committee. But I guess I have a date to the dance. What do I even wear? I’m not asking Sophia. One: she’s two years younger and would just make fun of all my choices and Two: she would definitely tell Adriana who would tell mom who would tell dad and then I’d never hear the end of it. Help me, Buck, you’re my only hope!

 Eddie,

You do remember that these letters take weeks to get to me, right? Didn’t the dance already happen? I hope you didn’t trip over your two left feet and fall flat on your face. Oh wait. Yes I do. That’d be so funny. And you need to have more fun, Diaz.

 Buck,

Have you ever had feelings for a guy that you thought you could only have for a girl?

 Hi Eddie,

Isn’t email so much better? We’re one step closer to communicating like human beings. Welcome to the 21st century. Anyways, graduation’s coming up and my dad keeps asking me where I’m going to go to college and I don’t know how much longer I can keep avoiding answering him. How do I tell him I failed? How am I going to face him? He’s going to be so disappointed in me. Maddie and Doug are driving in for the ceremony and I haven’t even told her that they’re letting me walk across the stage out of pity. I’m scared.

 Dear Buck,

Greetings from El Paso! Remember when I said I was never going to work for my father? Guess who’s the newest employee. I suppose it’s a good thing. This thing with Shannon is getting serious and I know I should have a stable job. I just thought I’d have a little time, you know? I thought I’d get to be me for a little bit. Sorry Seattle didn’t work out. Hey, maybe you could try Texas next. Try all four corners of the country, right? That wouldn’t be so bad.

 Dear Eddie,

I am writing from an internet café in Guatemala. Don’t ask me how I got here, I’m not entirely sure myself but I know it involved tequila. And possibly the guy I woke up next to (I think his name was Nico?) but who knows. Congratulations on Shannon getting pregnant!!! I know you’re freaking out. You don’t have to tell me that you’re freaking out because I know you. But you’re going to be a great dad. Hell, you’ve been half-raising me since you helped me learn my times tables at camp. I can’t believe what losers we were that we stayed up all night doing math. Anyways, I’ll let you know when I’m back in the states. And STOP FREAKING OUT.

 Dear Buck,

I’m sorry it’s taken so long to reply. The WiFi’s shit over here. I’m actually typing this from a hospital bed. Don’t worry, I’m okay. Or at least I will be. They said they’re sending me home and (you’re the only one I can tell this to) I got scared. I don’t know what’s waiting for me back in Texas. I don’t know what I’m coming home to. The officers keep telling me that it was an honor to serve my country and Shannon keeps telling me that she would rather I serve my family. I thought I was doing that but I was wrong. I was wrong about a lot of things, Buck, but there’s one thing I do know. Only one of us is throwing our life away for a worthy cause.

 Eddie,

You are a pretentious asshole, you know that? You don’t know what the hell you’re talking about. Just because I don’t have a wife and a kid and a white picket fence, you think I don’t know what I’m doing with my life. You’re wrong. You think you know me because we shared a room one summer when we were kids but you don’t know me, Eddie Diaz. You just want me to be like you.

 I’m sorry, Eddie. I didn’t mean any of it. The truth is I’m lost. You were right. You’re always right. I know I’m just a screw up but please don’t tell me I’ve screwed this up too.

 Eddie, I’m so sorry. Please respond.

 Hey Buck,

It’s been a while (two years, I think?). I just wanted to see how you were doing. A little update on my life. Shannon left me. Sort of. It’s complicated. Christopher and I actually just moved to California so I could start a new job. I’m hopeful that this is the right change for us. I hope you’re doing well. I know I never said it but I forgive you and I’m sorry. You were my best friend, Buck, and I hope we can be friends again. I didn’t realize how much I relied on you until you were gone. I know I’m the one who shut you out. I really hope you can forgive me for that because I miss you. I miss my friend. Anyways, if you’re ever in Los Angeles, let me know. You know after all these years, I don’t know what you look like. I still remember the skinny kid with the birthmark over his eye who tried to go skinny dipping in the lake but slipped on the docks and bruised his elbow. I wonder what he’s up to.

 Dear Eddie,

You’ll never believe this, but I ran into a guy at work who has the same name as you. What a coincidence, right? I think I was in denial for most of the day that, of all places, I would reunite with you at a fire station in Los Angeles. But I’m really glad we did.

 Buck,

I’m sending instructions for Christopher’s birthday party (I know, I know, you are the party planning expert but I’m the father so you have to at least pretend to listen to me). He’s really looking forward to it. It’s the first one without Shannon so Buck? Please make it perfect for my kid? I could really use a win this year. And no ice cream cake (don’t think I don’t know he’s been trying to talk you into it). I’m already going to have to deal with a room full of hyper nine-year-olds, I don’t need melted ice cream on top of that. What am I saying? You’re the party planner, you can clean it up. What would I do without you?

 Eddie,

I was going to text you but that seemed too informal and there’s too much pressure on a phone call so I thought I’d go back to what we do best. You were right when you said I was afraid. I’ve never felt this way about anyone and it’s you. We’ve known each other our whole lives and it never occurred to me that I might be in love with you. But that doesn’t mean I’m not. Eddie, I think I’ve been in love with you since we were nine years old and you kissed my bruised elbow. When you kissed me tonight, I don’t know, I froze. I’m so sorry, Eddie. If I could do it over, I’d still be kissing you. God, I really hope I haven’t screwed this up for good.

 Hey Buck,

Turn around.

Love, Eddie.