#the basketball girls 'verse

[livwritesstuff]

i hit 100 followers while i was asleep (absolutely bananas imo but i’m so thrilled y’all are enjoying my steddie dads verse bc i’ve literally never had so much fun writing before) so here's a sneak peek of a wip featuring the Harrington fam

Eddie does not understand sports. 

He may be approaching fifty years old and way past his old ways of rejecting every notion that doesn’t perfectly align with his own interests, but even after all these years, the wires in his brain simply cannot wrap themselves around sports no matter how hard he tries.

And he does try because, naturally, he has three daughters, Moe, Robbie, and Hazel, all of whom play sports.

To be clear – his kids can do literally anything they want, bar none.

He’s still in goddamn awe with the whole arrangement that is the life he lives every day – kids and a house and a job he loves and all that with Steve Harrington of all people. There’s no way Eddie would start fucking all that up by projecting his own weird quirks onto his children. He refuses to be the kind of parent that prevents their kids from doing anything just because they don't get it. If the girls want to play sports, they’re gonna play sports. Nothing wrong with that.

Still, sports are one of those things he takes the back seat and lets Steve hold the reins for, especially now that thirteen-year-old Moe is pretty deep into the whole basketball thing. 

Steve understands the politics of the game, both on the court — like knowing which refs are gonna be biased towards which team and noting Moe’s play-time each game — and off. He schmoozes the coach, he’s friends with all the parents, all the things Moe, at thirteen, doesn’t even notice and Eddie, while aware of it, doesn’t understand. He still can barely follow the games themselves (and he goes to as many as he can, though he and Steve are outnumbered by one and with the prospect of the girls carting themselves around still a distant fantasy their schedule is insane so he can’t make them all). He does his best to follow his husband’s lead but Steve doesn’t always react to things the way Eddie thinks he will. He doesn’t bat an eye when a kid gets smacked in the face with a ball, nor at the impossibly loud thud when someone hits the deck (look — he gets the floor is hollow, but it is loud). He’s completely unbothered by the fit Moe throws every game whenever she’s inevitably benched for having an attitude with her opponents or her teammates or the coach or the ref or just about anybody who tries to get in her way.

As is what happened at Moe’s game yesterday.

Eddie hadn’t seen it — well, he’d seen it, but seeing something and understanding what he’s actually looking at are two totally different things. From what he gathers, Moe had missed an easy shot and gotten pissed off in her own little way about it, so she’d launched herself at whoever on the opposing team had gotten their hands on the ball after it ricocheted off the backboard. Unfortunately for Moe, the team they were playing had a reputation for being a little too aggressive for a middle school league, so when she’d hit the ground, she hit it hard. Moe had been pulled off the court by her coach (carded, maybe? Eddie still isn’t sure how that works in basketball) and scowled on the bench for the rest of the game.

Steve had tried to reason with her on the drive home (an interesting choice, in Eddie’s opinion).

“Darling,” he’d said, “I totally understand being upset about missing a layup, but I don’t know how to get it through your head that intentionally fouling someone isn’t the way to go about resolving that emotion. I love you and I support you, but I’m getting tired of watching you play for three minutes and then sit on the bench for the rest of the game.”

“Talk to the coach then,” Moe had grumbled.

“About what?” Steve exclaimed, “Moe — you do it on purpose!”

The conversation had ended not long later because Moe decided to give them both the silent treatment (a clear sign that she knew she was in the wrong even if she didn’t want to admit it) and Eddie thought that was the end of it (for that game, at least). Then, Moe threw them a curveball by spending most of that evening in the bathroom throwing up, at which point she admitted that her head had caught more of that fall during her basketball game than she’d originally let on.

Steve doesn’t mess around with head injuries (for obvious reasons), so the next morning he calls Moe out of school and brings her to their pediatrician to get checked out.

A couple hours after Robbie and Hazel boarded the school bus bound for their elementary school, Steve and Moe return home.

“So what's the verdict?” Ed asks as they enter the kitchen.

“She's concussed,” Steve announces.

“Like father, like daughter.”

“No sports, no bright lights, no reading, no school, no phone,” Steve says pointedly, and Moe only scowls harder. She’d been using the incident as a leveraging tactic in her crusade to get a phone. Not being able to play sports was a no-brainer; they’d all seen that one coming, so even as recently as this morning, she’d been claiming that she’ll “die of boredom without a phone,” while she recovers.

Even as recently as this morning, she’d been largely unsuccessful.

“Thirteen-year-old children do not need phones,” Steve had told her, “If someone wants to talk to you, they can call the house, and if it's urgent enough that it needs to be right now, you can get walkie talkies.”

“No one uses walkie talkies.”

“Your dad and I used walkie talkies all the time.”

“Uh, pretty sure it was just the one time, Steve,” Eddie pointed out.

“Yeah! And it worked out great!”

CONTINUE ON AO3

[monrageo]

Saw a lot of Spider-Steve art so I had to jump in. Most art modernised him but I want my 80s, mallrat, neon lights Spider-Man + I wrote his origin story. *POSES FOUND ON PINTEREST*

Also Steve looks great in the classic red and blue but I wanted him to have his own costume so yellow he shall be. Now onto my headcanons.

In a world where Hawkins is a megapolis a teen boy gets bitten by a radioactive spider in 83’ while visiting Hawkins Lab (Think less abandoned more Oscorp/Alchemax) and so it begins. He starts doing small good things around the city, experimenting with his powers.

But he isn’t thinking about being a superhero or anything close to that (I imagine the drawing with the sweats and goggles is his first “costume”). Then he gets with this amazing girl-Nancy Wheeler.

Life is looking up for Steve he’s got these weird powers that get him to be the basketball and swim team captain. He’s popular, he’s got this amazing girl that inspires him to be better and better.

He looses his popular crowd friends, he wants to be better. He starts thinking about the superhero thing and actually goes through with it. He isn’t shouting it from the rooftops but news is getting around that a guy in spandex is busting criminals- Spider-man/King Spider.

Steve gets cocky, thinks he’s on top of the world, untouchable. Then Will Byers goes missing-that’s a whole separate story. Nancy and John start their investigation. Steve gets jealous etc.

In the end a battle breaks out and Steve is unable to save one person-Barbara Holland. His girlfriend’s best friend. That of course destroys Nancy. She doesn’t know Steve is Spider-man, she seeks comfort in him but things are not the same.

There’s this whole thing with Jonathan, the obvious attraction, the compatibility. But also Steve’s guilt, his self hatred. He realises he was too blindsided by his cockiness. Barb’s death is on his hands. He breaks up with Nancy and solely focuses on being the best Spider-man he can be.

That of course costs him friends etc. but when you’ve been through what he has high school drama just seems pointless… and so King Steve falls from the throne.

I imagine the Nancy story line parallels the Gwen Stacy one in the original comics (without the death and clones), maybe Nancy even blames and hates Spider-man the way Gwen did… that also contributes to the Stancy break-up.

Perhaps Nancy becomes hyper focused on catching this Spider-man so he can be held accountable for Barb’s death.

Anyways now Steddie, I think Eddie would love Spider-man / King Spider he’s some guy with spider powers and bright spandex that helps people, super camp, Eddie would love him.

I think Steve starts noticing Eddie in a new light when his lunch table tirades now also include how awesome spider-man is. This unapologetic support makes the now loser Steve feel like it is all worth it-the stress, the pain, the loneliness-

Tough he of course knows Eddie isn’t talking about him, he’s talking about Spider-man, the hero. Not the former popular guy Steve Harrington.

I have many ideas regarding a Stranger things!Spider-verse and which characters could be what. Maybe Barb’s death was something Lizard-like, but upside down version. Like something from the lap infected her? I like the idea of Steve’s father being involved in the labs, perhaps as a Norman Osborn parallel, without becoming the Goblin though.

The goblin/Norman/Harry Osborn storyline could be reimagined with Tommy perhaps??? Then Venom with Eddie (so perfect) or Billy (a tragic end)??

[calicoheartz]

need need need something about Caitlin dating a famous popstar, think Sabrina carpenter

☆ espresso ; Caitlin Clark

summary : caitlin clark x pop star reader!

synopsis : you are the music scenes next hot thing , who happens to be dating worldwide famous wnba player (set a tiny bit into the future)

warnings : tiniest bit suggestive if you squint , pure fluff !

my master list ㇀♡

a/n: thank you to the lovely person who suggested this! i changed some of the lyrics in the song for it to make sense but it shouldn’t be too noticeable. Enjoy ◡̈

You were the music industry’s next hot thing. From performing at smaller venues, to headlining at Coachella; you were everywhere. Along with your wnba superstar, Caitlin Clark.

The two of you had met while you were preforming a gig at a local bar , a little right before you got your big break. Ever since then, the two of you had been inseparable. Both instantly drawn to each others passion and drive for your careers.

But with Caitlin’s demanding basketball schedule and your international shows and tours , maintaining your relationship proved to be a challenge. Only relying on calls , texts , and surprise visits whenever you can to steal a moment together amidst your busy lives.

It had been almost 3 weeks since you’ve seen your loving girlfriend. With the wnba draft and Coachella starting to kick off, the universe was simply pulling you two away from eachother.

You were sitting in your dressing room , preparing to go on stage to kick off the second weekend at the bustling festival , the biggest festival of the year for that matter. Your nerves were practically eating you alive, you knew she would be in audience. You toyed with your hair as your makeup artist finished the final touches of your look , as you fidgeted with the hem of your skirt. The skirt that perfectly hugged your curves , delicately adorned with lace and bows , your signature look.

You soon snapped back to reality, with the cheers from the audience slowly making its way into your mind. There was no doubt in your mind that this was the moment that could make or break your career. You planned on preforming your newly released song espresso , as a way to give your girlfriend a little treat on her first day back.

You made your way to the stage , sporting your signature beach waves and skimpy clothes, the intro to the song soon began and your eyes darted across the crowd. Begging to meet with the one pair of eyes you can call her own.

You hear the crowd begin to chant your name , you lock eyes with Caitlin briefly, sending a smirk your way. Prompting you to slowly begin to sway your hips as you begin to sing..

❝ now she’s thinkin’ ‘bout me every night oh, is it that sweet? I guess so ❞

you turn towards caitlin , seeing a big grin on her face , as she very well knows the melodic tune is referencing your whirlwind romance. Your hips continue to sway as the lyrics danced off the tip of your tongue , hitting every note in the process.

❝ And i got this one girl

And she won’t stop calling

when they act this way..

I know i got ‘em ! ❞

The crowd begins to scream , noticing your small wink towards caitlin , making it painfully obvious of your ode to her throughout the song

As the lyrics then again roll off your tongue like sweet honey, you continue to prance around the stage earning gasps and applause from the audience, and most importantly; a hungry gaze from your girlfriend. Her eyes practically undressed you as they wandered from your hips to your face, and vice versa. You immediately felt butterflies in your stomach, it had been so long since shes looked at you with those eyes. And as much as you wanted to jump off the stage and into her arms, you only had to finish the rest of the chorus and verse before concluding your set.

You began…

❝ I'm working late 'cause I'm a singer…Oh, she looks so cute wrapped around my finger! ❞

The music continues and you feel as if you are on cloud nine. If this doesnt fully establish your relationship with cait, then youre not sure what will. You practically feel her eyes burning into you as you resume your soft sways, slowly becoming more provocative as you reach near the end of the song. You hair slowly flows with the gentle breeze, as you shoot a glance towards your girlfriend, receiving a approving nod in return. You hear your cue, and make your way to the front to face the audience head on, you quickly hit your iconic signature pose while belting

❝ Mmm, that's that me espresso❞

And the audience erupts with claps and chants as you quickly exit the stage, locking eyes with your manager who signals you to head to the back. As you make your way down there, you feel a strong and warming embrace wrapped around your hips, with soft kisses peppering your neck. “Cait!” you squealed, unable to hide your excitement to see the brunette, she grins at your reaction, snaking her arm beneath you as she slowly begins to carry you to your dressing room.

She soon gently puts you down, as she gently begins caressing your cheek. “You did amazing” she muttered, “everytime you preform you never refuse to amaze me with the amount of talent that you have-” you cut her off with a deep and tender kiss, tasting the mango flavored lipbalm that glistened on her lips.

You giggle, simply muttering , youre my honey bee.. Come get this pollen ;)

anywaysss this is my go at pop star reader x cc !! tbh i feel like this is train wreck but you be the judge of that! tysm for reading 🎀

[pedge-page]

omg imagine PK x Plushies i love you so much girl you are amazing

Plushies x Piss Kink Crossover - Joel Miller x F!Reader

Notes: The crossover that was bound to happen and its HEREREEEEEEEE. This is more Plushies!verse setting and they discover a lil piss kink.

Warnings: PissKink, Plushies humping, yes we are peeing on the plush, premature ejaculation, assisted male masturbation, crying, jealous!Joel, and a HINT (just a bit) of sub!Joel at the end

18+ ONLY

- - - -

“What’s this one? Benny the Buffalo?” Joel asks, staring down at the brown fuzzy stuffed animal in his hands.

“No, dummy, that’s Biscuit, the Bison,” you retort, not even looking at him as you continue reading.

The two of you are lying down on your new “shared” bed, and Joel has decided its time he get to know his roommates on first name basis.

“Course. And this?” He snatches the white rabbit next. “BunBun?”

“Carrot.”

“Appropriate. How about Ghosty over here?”

“Casper.”

“How original. Aaaannnddd....?” He shoves the next one in your face to get your attention: a fat baby chick with an enormous orange bill.

“Mr Quakers,” you answer matter-of-factly.

“I bet he’s loads of fun on that little nub of yours,” he snickers. He tosses the poor chick like a free-throw basketball across the room.

He grabs the next one, buried waaaay in the back of your bed under all the rest. “Alright, Let me guess… Hammy the Hamster.”

“No that’s—“ you take one look at the one currently in his palms: a medium sized hamster with bitty hands and a large head as big as his squat body. Quickly hiding your shocked expressions, you go back to your book and say very casually, “Um…that’s… Frank.”

“Frank?”

“Mhm.”

“Just Frank.”

“Yup.”

“Frank the Hamster. How does that make sense?”

“Well I didn’t name him.”

“And who did?"

You swallow, wondering why Joel’s got so many goddamn questions about the naming conventions of your stuffed animals. “Um … Frank did…”

“Stuck up fella, naming the thing after him. Who was this “Frank” then. Your uncle? Was he as perverted as me?”

“No. Frank’s… my ex.”

Your face feels hot, avoiding his gaze and trying to look anywhere but at him. 

Joel stares at you with an unreadable expression, then back to the fisted squishy hamster plush. He contemplates for what feels like an eternity. There’s an uneasy silence hanging in the air, and your heart is beating out of your chest, wondering what he may be thinking about those word resonating in his ears.

He clenches his jaw, gritting his teeth into diamonds while looking at something so extremely soft and huggable. You hope maybe he’ll just dropkick it out the window at worst, but instead: 

“Hands and knees on the floor. We’re fucking Frankie the Hamster tonight.”

-

There was no “we”. What he really meant was YOU are fucking Frank the Hamster tonight, and he is pinning you down and forcing you to grind on it harder.

“Joel—that—feels… uncomfortable.”

He’s not rubbing his cock along your ass, or nudging your clit or kissing you. Instead, he’s caged you between the thick mass of his sold body and the hamster on the floor, your legs spread out with his knees along the inside of your calves to keep them open.

He keeps rubbing along your pelvis, palm digging into the squishy part right below your belly, pressing hard against your bladder.

“Joel,” you warn again. Your legs quiver with the rapid build, too afraid to push him off entirely. He’s steaming, that’s for sure, but why torture you above the little helpless guy?

“S’matter? You don’t like rubbing your slutty pussy over your ex’s face?”

“It’s just a stuffed animal—ow!” You cry as Joel pinches your nipple through your shirt.

“You grind on Frankie’s face before?”

“N-no. Never,” you swear. 

“Mmm. Not sure I believe you, sweet pea. Kept him all these years, didn’t ya?”

You shake your head, too afraid to face him. You really hadn’t been grinding on the hamster ever. In fact, you nearly forgetting of his existence until Joel fished him up while asking everyone’s name. 

He forces your back to arch even more drastically, putting more pressure between your naked cunt and the soft squish bellow you. You furrow your brows, fear creeping between your spread legs, unable to clench against something to brush off the mounting pressure in you.

“Joel please—I really need to go...” you didn't want to finish the sentences. He wasn't pleasuring with his hands you in the right places so much as building pressure in the wrong one.

“Go where? I’m all you need. Right. Here.” His fingers dig possessively into your side while his other hand pushes into your lower belly.

You shake your head again. Heart racing now that you no longer care about your pleasure and are more concerned with the mess of forbidden bodily fluids you’re about to rain all over your poor Frankie—

It hits you with burning desire mixed with an irksome bile. You gasp out angrily. 

This. Mother. Fucking. Asshole.

Joel smirks into your neck behind you, as if reading your mind figuring out his evil little plan. 

“S’wrong, angel? Would you rather be doing this with any of MY plushies I’ve spoiled you with?”

“I—you—“ you grit your teeth, eyes closing as a wave of panic washes deep through your core. You’re desperate not to make a mess, a fool of yourself to tame his sadistic need to own every inch of control over you.

He hears the little staggered pants from your lips. “Do it,” he commands softly but with finality, laced with a sadistic “win” for him.

A tear slips down your cheek as you moan sadly, your stomach giving up and unclenching as the walls of your bladder breaks, and hot urine spills into the stuffed animal’s face currently wedged so tightly against your entrance. 

“Shhhhhh,” he coos, finally grinding himself against your ass. He can hear the feint rushing liquid of your piss splatting into the cotton. 

He presses you further into its plush softness, suffocating every inch of your crotch so that it absorbs all the nasty warm juice squeezing out of you like a lemon. Your legs quiver violently as you can’t help but release more and more, flowing out as if by his demand and feeling the poor plush get heavy with the rush filling its cotton innards up.

"Naughty girl, am I making you piss all over your ex's face? Little Frankie doesn't deserve that does he?" He taunts, fully well intending for this to exactly happen as he wanred.

There’s so much, and another tear slips passed you, but this one because it feels so—relieving. It’s gross and nasty, embarrassing and heartbreaking all at once, and it makes you hump against him and the dampened hamster even more. 

Joel feel the quickened breaths coming out desperately from your nose as you grind down on the defiled thing all soaked up with your own piss. Your hips are frantic, smothering your cunt with the piss-logged plush desperately, as if you were trying to...

“Shit—are you…?”

You cry out in response, mouth agape with satisfied groans when you clit catches along the wet seams just right and you find yourself cumming on the sad wet thing drowned below you.

Joel clears his throat in surprise. His cock pulses on its own and floods the inside of his pants in white strings of his seed.

Did he think you would probably cry? Yes.

Did he want you to pee and destroy your ex’s little gift to you? Yes.

Did he expect you to fucking cum from it? Um.

Did he know HE would cum from it??? No. Definitely not. 

His teeth grind against one another trying not to think about how perverted he is, pulling away from you so you can’t feel his sticky spent through his trousers and on to your back. 

The squishy lump below you begins seeping the now cooled piss into the floor boards. You sigh deeply, not sure what to do now that your little punishment has turned into—something wilder.

You feel a gentle kiss along your cheek, his thumb caressing away your tears.

“That was hot,” He admits plainly.

You cover your face to hide your smile. It’s gross. It really is. Should be embarrassing. You don’t even want to think about the hamster on the floor, the memories you’ve just soddened with your own fucking piss. 

He helps you off the floor. Your thighs still shake, the uncomfortable feeling hanging there in disgust now that you’re mentally sober again.

He guides you to the shower where you both wash up quietly.

“Um—listen I didn’t… I don’t know why you would keep your ex’s stuff but…I mean I’m reasonably… it doesn’t make me feel great, so ya can’t blame me, for getting jealous—“

You shut him up but tugging against his half hard cock.

“First of all,” you say, the sudden boldness in your voice blanking his mind into submission under your touch.

“That plush, was from my first boyfriend—in high school. We dated for 2 months,” you continued, your fingers gripping his base with a gentle squeeze, feeling him swell to full mass, “and then he realized he liked boys. That was it. We laughed about it and stayed good friends. He gave me the stuffed animal as a parting gift to college for helping him through it all.”

You stop rubbing his cock and Joel opens his eyes. “That’s it?”

“That’s it.”

“So…Frank’s just… a friend…”

You kiss his collarbone. “Just a friend,” you repeat.

The water coats his back soothingly. An ache that had formed in his muscles, the strain of aggression tickling his brain from the minute he heard you had a stuffed animal named after your ex, still in your bed after years, had suddenly vanished. 

“Why—why would you say hes your ex and not just your old friend? Why'd ya let me make you do that to it?” He asks, concerned now that he’s ruined something sentimental to you over his quickness to jealousy.

“Because—“ you nip along the swell of his chest, both hands working along his hardened cock. “You wanted it.” Your thumb swipes along his tip, the precum feeling sticky despite the shower water drenching you. 

He moans, head falling into your shoulder as he thrusts his length into your palm. 

As your wrist continues to jerk him off, your lips ghost the shell of his ear with a deadly, lascivious whisper: 

“And I’m too crazy for you to say no.”

- - - -

Permanent Taglist

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[didalexiabreakupwitholgayet]

are any of the Barca girls particularly religious? I am american (but am from a very catholic region of the country) and probably half of the uswnt are professed christians, and there was that whole thing with Korbin Albert being an idiot recently. is that the same in Spain? I know there is a bit of a difference because a majority of the uswnt players are protestant and that tends to lead to a more outward profession of faith compared to catholicism but I've seen some Barca girls cross themselves before entering the pitch.

this is a bit of a complicated answer because in my personal experience, religion in spain is just different than what it seems like to be in the united states. spain has this very long history (over a thousand years of catholicism), which has influenced the architecture, culture, history, food, and traditions. but most of my friends and relatives would be described as "cultural" catholic but not really true believers, if that makes sense? like crossing yourself or wearing a cross isn't that big a deal. it's almost like superstition or tradition.

similarly, semana santa (holy week) is a big deal in spain and you celebrate with your family and go to parades and events, but again, it seems more cultural and family tradition, rather than being super religious per se. in fact, this study from a few years ago says that 1/3 of spanish consider themselves atheists/agnostics now, with the youth being less religious than older generations.

when i see some american players, they have things like bible verses in their IG bios or will share religious quotes here and there. also, i was watching some of the american final four women's basketball clips on twitter and the coach started talking about god and god's plan! that is weird to me. i cannot imagine alexia, aitana, or the majority of spanish players reciting bible verses regularly or jona giving speeches about god.

alexia will cross herself before a match, but you are not going to find her at mass every sunday or counting rosary beads in her spare time or anything like that. oshoala also did a religious bow everytime she scored a goal, but i don't think she is super conservative muslim either.

i really cannot imagine a similar situation like korbin albert with the spanish players. maybe the closest will be athenea who seems like one of the most nationalistic players and has a problematic right-wing boyfriend. spain definitely has a problem with right wing, hyper nationalism fanatics and the misogynistic macho types, but i don't really see them using religion like donald trump or other american politicians do.

i guess it's all relative though because some of my scandi friends think spanish are way more religious than they are, so go figure! anyway, i think religion is very personal, so these are just my personal experiences and thoughts.

[lilyrizzy]

Trick or Treat - girl!danny and max in the bedroom headcanons? (I'm glad you are back!)

Thank you anon! I hope these are fun

1. Girl!Daniel does not take Max's virginity, but he isn't uh, the most experienced shall we say? Lots of one night stands with strangers (all the while pining for Daniel who won't let him have her...yet) so he has lots to learn still! I think she is the first girl he eats out, and they spend many, many hours in bed together at the start with Daniel teaching Max how to be good in bed, but also what he likes too! What makes him feel good etc. and Max likes to please/be praised/do well so ofc he enjoys it all

2. Daniel has lots of sets of gorgeous, expensive underwear (she's still a show off in this verse) that Max ofc adores, but if he's being honest, nothing is sexier than her on their sofa wearing his basketball shorts & an old "33" red bull tshirt

3. Max gets off on paying for her to get her nipples pierced... is tortured by not being able to play with them for months while they heal, just gently rubs the salt solution into them each night...

4. She probably wants to do all kind of sexy, crazy role plays (think "we are virgin teenagers, don't come in me, you'll knock me up and then what will my parents say!) that Max doesn't realllyyyy understand but it happy to go along with it.

5. When Daniel is pregnant, there is nothing sexier in the world to Max... leaking tits, big belly full of his baby. He loves it!!!

[bengiyo]

23.5 Ep 4 Stray Thoughts

Last week, Ton revealed that he 'dated: Ongsa for three days. This news made her unpopular with other girls who were jealous. However, Ongsa opted to become class treasurer to be closer to Sun. While trying to collect a fee for the class, Ongsa came into conflict with a basketball player who professed jealousy about Ton. Ongsa accepted a basketball challenge, and received some coaching from Sun, leading to one of two pratfalls. Ongsa lost the match, but won respect, and a very gay compliment from Sun.

Meanwhile, Ton wanted to sneak into the school at night to investigate a green light. Aylin wanted to check it out because she thought there might be an alien. Luna brought her along to check it out. Tinh wanted to check it out, so Mawin hopped aboard to hang out with his crush. Ongsa figured out what was going on, so Alpha needed to go chastise everyone, leading to Sun driving them. Many hijinks ensued, but we got to see Mawin be brave and Ongsa and Sun hug in a closet.

Right. We left at Aylin noticing that Ongsa likes Sun with Chaoren overhearing.

Damn, she called Tinh immediately AND shaded him.

I am loving this scene. Ongsa gets reassurance that liking girls isn't weird, we learn that Tinh likes men, Chaoren likes everyone, and Aylin likes no one.

Ope, and there we go with the astrology. Not a fan.

Episode 4: The Fortuneteller of the Stars

I continue to love Euro's comedic timing. Let me fall into another aside about how he can still win.

I'm struggling with the astrology bit this episode. I don't often enjoy how people use this to sort others.

Welcome back, The Heart Knows.

Girls, y'all can turn these notification sounds off at any time.

I actually support the assignments for the day. Aylin and Ongsa don't seem suited to advertising the event and managing participants, but could probably handle the individual interactions during the readings.

Thank you, Aylin, for pointing out how often people in dramas put out way too much food.

LOL did they even practice? Or did they just dress them up?

Ongsa is in need of a verse, it seems.

Sun, you ain't forget to buckle that helmet. I see you, miss.

Okay, Aylin, go off!

Would you look at that. People really liked them. And yet...where are my fun astronomy facts??

These two are about to end up on my #they are literally always flirting tag.

Don't let me down with these roses, Ongsa.

Not a cliffhanger! She's gonna let me down.

Oh good we're dealing with this dual identity next week.

This episode was a little quiet, but I'm glad we got to see Aylin and Ongsa further friendships with people.

[brave-and-gentle]

Poetic: Reader x Jean Fluff Part 3

Welcome to my unexpected fluff mini series! If this is your first time here, please check out Part 1 and Part 2. I expected Part 4 to be the last piece in this series.

If you like this mini series, be sure to check out my original character x Jean fic on Ao3 here

Pairings: femme reader x Jean

Summary: You and Jean start warming up together (figuratively and literally, Trost is still cold as fuck), but there's something in between you two.

Warnings: alcohol use

Word count: ~4.7K (it keeps getting longer because I have no chill about Jean)

When you wake up, your stomach is twisted in a knot. Your mouth feels like someone shoved a wad of cotton inside of it. You roll over and find a tall glass of water with ice – someone must have put it there recently. Sasha? Footsteps and clanging of pots and pans echo in the kitchen. She must be making breakfast.

You grab the glass of water and recount the night as you take careful sips. Connie was just as wild as Jean said he'd be. As soon as you two walked into the apartment that Connie, Eren and Armin shared, Connie handed you both tequila shots. Reiner did not cry, but he did sulk as the TV in the living room replayed parts of the game. At one point, Annie got so fed up with Connie's bragging about the game that she punched him in the face, after which Armin took her home. Sasha squealed in delight that you came, emphasizing that it was always more fun with more girls around. She regaled you with the most interesting parts of the game, while Mikasa whispered bits of explanations to you. While you were grateful for Mikasa's interpreting, it became difficult to understand as Connie brought you some sort of tequila drink. Eren, itching for a fit, egged on Bertholt, who finally gave in and put Eren in a headlock, but that didn't seem to damper Eren's spirit as ultimately, his team had won the basketball game. Marco periodically handed glasses of water to everyone. And Jean? He stayed with you all night. You two didn't speak much, but his presence comforted you during the chaos. You're pretty sure he and Marco walked you, Sasha and Connie home. Definitely Connie too, his snores are almost as loud as Sasha bumping around in the kitchen.

Before you know it, your glass is empty and your cracked lips cry for more water. You swing your legs out of bed and ugh – dull pain pokes your legs. You throw on an old sweatshirt and take small steps to the kitchen.

You suck in a breath of air because it's not Sasha in the kitchen.

It's Jean.

“How'd you get in here?” you blurt. Jean turns his head and smirks, then returns his attention back to the frying pan.

“Good morning, sunshine. Sasha let me in and fell right back asleep,” he explains while tossing vegetables into the pan. They sizzle the second they hit the pan. Unlike Jean and Marco, you and Sasha live in a duplex with a separate entrance from your neighbors. “Omelet'll be ready in a couple minutes if you want.”

“Ugh,” you groan and take a seat at your four-person kitchen table. “I don't think I feel like eating for a while.”

“Your stomach probably hurts because you didn't eat anything last night.”

You huff in disagreement. “I didn't, but still – I feel gross.”

“Like you're going to vom?” Jean jerks his head over at you like he's ready to run for the trash can.

“No, I don't think so. Just. . . gross.”

Jean tosses the vegetables in the pan and nods. “Favorite hangover food?”

You rub your stomach, willing it to stop wrenching in a tight knot. “Ah, don't know because I haven't had a hangover before,” you confess.

“Wait, NEVER?” Jean looks over with disbelief in his widening hazel eyes.

“Historia and I didn't drink much,” you shrug. “Though we nursed Ymir back to health plenty of times.”

“Ha, sounds about right.” Jean grabs a plate of toast and sets it in front of you. “Here, maybe some toast will settle your stomach before anything more substantial.”

You take a piece and nibble on the crust. “You seem well versed in hangover recovery,” you say before taking a bigger bite.

“Had to be – Marco and I lived next to that gremlin our first year.” Jean points over to a snoring Connie on the couch.

“He's a menace to society,” you give a soft laugh. Jean flips the omelet onto a plate and sets it in front of you.

“For you, if you like. Otherwise Sasha will inhale it the second she wakes up.”

You thank him and take a careful bite. Sweet and savory swirls in your mouth – it's cheesy, sweetened with tomatoes and a hint of spice.

“Jean! This is soooo good,” you moan. The tension in your stomach eases with every bite.

“Pays off to be a mama's boy.” He flips a dish towel over his shoulder, sits down next to you and digs into the omelet he made for himself. “So how's the first hangover treating you?” He asks between mouthfuls.

“Not so bad with you here,” you admit. Before he can respond, Connie rolls over and awakens.

“Jean boy???” He yawns and rubs his eyes. “You makin' us breakfast?”

Jean replies that he made you breakfast.

“What about me??” Connie complains.

“Shhh,” you stop him. “Jean is doing the lord's work, let him rest.” You close your eyes and savor another bite. Sasha's door opens and she emerges with her comforter wrapped around her. Her mouth is wide open mid-yawn.

“Jeaaaaaan,” she yawns, “do I get sooooome?” She plops down on a chair next to you and combs her fingers through her tangled ponytail.

Jean narrows his eyes at her. “The first time I get to see your new place and you're already asking me to make you food?”

“Did you expect anything less?” You chuckle and grab another piece of toast. “You did, however, make food the minute you got in here. You did this to yourself.”

“Ugh, fine fine fine,” he groans and gets up to make omelets for Sasha and Connie. While he cooks in the kitchen, the three of you relieve the chaos of last night. Though you were far from blacking out, some memories are a little fuzzy.

“I still can't believe we went through that whole bottle of tequila,” you shake your head.

“Easy to do when you have a good group of friends,” Connie grins from the couch. Sasha throws her arm around your shoulder.

“Next time,” she tells you, “we'll keep Connie away from you. He's got a reputation for filling up people's drinks when they're only a few sips in.”

“No kidding,” Jean mutters and places two more plated omelets on the table. Connie dashes over and shovels the omelet in his mouth at a pace that almost rivals Sasha. “Yuck, you two are disgusting,” Jean glares at them.

You laugh so hard you clutch your stomach. You never imagined this amount of chaos and love at your kitchen table. Jean's face softens as he watches you laugh.

“Hey, do I have you on Insta?” He asks you.

You shake your head, unable to talk because you're still giggling. He unlocks his phone, but the background photo isn't the usual one of himself, Connie and Marco on the soccer field. It's a pale ass cheek. He clicks his phone shut and slams his hands on the table.

“CONNIE!!! What is wrong with you??”

This sends you and Sasha into another giggle fit.

“Hey man,” Connie holds his hands up and grins, “you left your phone unlocked and I was three tequila shots in. That's on you.”

“Why are you even here?” Jean jabs a fork at his friend.

“So I don't have to listen to Eren and Mikasa fuck like bunnies all night – again,” he emphasizes. Jean twitches next to you. You notice a shadow pass over his face. Or is it your imagination? He buries his face in his phone to change the background photo. “I much prefer when Annie stays over. Those two fuck like mice.”

“Ew, Connie!” You giggle. “We did not need the visual. Please spare us.”

“Here,” Jean mutters to you and hands you his phone, which has the Instagram app open. You type in your handle and request to follow. Your heart beats a little faster. You're no fool – you know that all social media is fake and filtered, but still, Jean's Instagram will give you a hint about how he sees himself, or at least, how he wants to be seen. “I gotta head out,” he says and shoves his phone in his pocket. “I'll see you degenerates later.”

“Thanks so much for breakfast, Jean!” Sasha beams and waves as Jean gathers up the leftover ingredients and heads out.

“Ditto,” you chime in. “Say hi to Marco for us.”

“Will do,” he nods and shuts the front door behind him.

You turn back to Sasha and Connie, who are munching on the last few pieces of toast. There's one left, which you and Sasha eye at the same time – but you're faster.

“Ha!” You proclaim victory and take a small bite. “That was really sweet of Jean. Is that a regular occurrence?”

“No,” Connie frowns and runs his hand over his buzz cut. “I was just thinking that it's really weird that he came over. He stopped taking care of my hangovers by the end of freshman year.”

“Probably because it was a weekly tradition,” Sasha teases. “Cleaning up your vomit isn't exactly fun the fourth time in a row. Anyways,” she turns to you. “He must really like you.”

“Wait, that's why he came over??” Connie's eyes widen. Everyone knew that you and Jean had gone to see the ice sculptures together, and that you frequently met up at the coffee shop, but only Sasha and Connie knew about the kiss. To their credit, they could actually keep a secret pretty well. Although Connie could only keep secrets because he usually forgot them.

“You are so dense sometimes,” Sasha shook her head.

“I dunno,” you pick up your place and head to the sink to wash it. “He was probably just being nice.”

“Jean is nice,” Sasha agrees, “but he doesn't come over and make breakfast for just anyone.”

“Mmmm,” you murmur, refraining from reading too much into it. It was definitely a boyfriend move. But just last night, he said you were friends. Friends. You rinse the plate and scrub off the omelet remains.

“Any developments? Anything at all?” Sasha presses. Your stomach tightens a little. You don't think you should mention the art fundraiser – it seems too personal.

“Well, we hung out together at a brewery instead of going to the basketball game. And we're going to hang out again sometime this week,” you admit and put the plate away.

“WHAT!” Sasha stands up and slams her hands on the table. Connie flinches away from her. “That is crucial information you left out!”

You hold up your hands in defense and lean your back against the kitchen counter. “It only just happened last night! I don't even know when or where we're hanging out next.”

“Don't worry, I'll make sure Jean boy gets the hint,” Connie smirks and purses his lips to make sloppy kissing noises.

“UGH!” You and Sasha groan at the same time and rush Connie to stop his slobbering.

“I'm never telling you anything again,” you mutter playfully and go back to your room to inspect Jean's Instagram. You flop on your bed and open up your phone. Your background photo is you, Historia and Ymir on graduation day, wearing the mandatory black robes despite the oppressive heat at the time. It was a stark contrast to Trost's current frigid spell.

Jean's Instagram profile picture is a shot of him kicking a goal at one of his last college games. You scroll through the rest of his photos. It's a wide range – photos of him, Marco, Connie and Sasha at various college activities, soccer games, Jean and his mom and stepdad, random poetry quotes, and of course, gym photos with Reiner, which you snort at.

Your phone buzzes and Jean's name appears at the top. You tap to open his text.

Hey, forgot to ask earlier – are you still free Wednesday nights? I know we usually meet at the coffee shop, but I thought we could do something different.

The corners of your mouth tilt up uncontrollably.

Are you suggesting we forgo our creative endeavors?? :o who are you??

Typing bubbles cross the bottom of your phone screen.

I would never! Consider this a creative field trip. I promise it'll make sense.

Your smile widens as you wonder what Jean could have planned for you two – that also has something to do with your creative dates.

Hmm. Alright. Sounds sus, but I'm trusting you.

You won't regret it. ;)

You can't help but giggle. You turn over and clutch your phone to your chest. You haven't felt this way for a while. Not since your sophomore year of college.

You had fallen hard and fast for a guy that lived just down the hall from you and Historia. You flirted back and forth for months, joking about you and Historia being the crazy, noisy roommates even though you two were usually studying in the library or watching movies together. Though you weren't one for parties, you always went when he asked if you were going, just for a chance to see him, maybe distant eye contact or a touch on the shoulder. You started dating and he made your heart sing – when he felt like gracing your with his presence. You weren't stupid. You knew he was stringing you along. You knew he was bored with you once the chase was over. But you held onto him for an entire year. An entire year of your life you now considered wasted.

The butterflies in your stomach twisted. This wouldn't be the same thing, right? Jean wasn't stringing you along, right?

~ ~ ~

Waiting for Wednesday night is agonizing. Work at the clinic is boring as per usual – check in families for their primary care appointments, make sure they had the correct insurance and scheduling them for their follow-ups. You try writing the story you've been working on every night, but your mind keeps wandering back to Jean, making any progress impossible.

As soon as you get out of work on Wednesday, you whip out your phone to text Jean.

We still on for tonight? What's the dress code?

You hop onto the train heading home and check his instant response.

Of course, your knight in shining armor wouldn't dare let you down. Dress code is anything you'd normally wear to the coffee shop – casual and cute. Shouldn't be too difficult for you.

You smirk and tuck your stray hairs behind your ear. And yet, the pit of your stomach turns a notch. He's being forward, too forward for just recently affirming that you were friends, nothing more.

You give him a thumbs up emoji and shove your phone in your pocket and watch the world whiz by as the train takes off. Just friends, you remind yourself. Jean's just flirty, that's all.

An hour later, you're almost ready to go. Sasha sits on the your bed and watches as you pick out your favorite high-waist black jeans and a blush pink sweater.

“You sure you don't want to wear this?” She asks and pulls out a tight fitting royal blue shirt. The sleeves and chest are mesh, just until it reaches your cleavage.

“Sash, it's way too cold for that!” You pull the sweater over your head.

“All I'm saying is Jean should be drooling over you,” she smirks and places the shirt back in your closet.

“Then he can drool over me in a sweater,” you roll your eyes and check your make-up in the mirror.

Knock knock

“I'll get it!” Sasha rushes to the front door before you have a chance to protest. “Hellooooo, Jean boy. She's ready for you.”

You grab your purse and rush out to meet Jean and playfully push Sasha away like a disgruntled teenager. You look up at the six-foot two man. He's also wearing a sweater – an amber brown that brings out his earthy hazel eyes.

“Hey,” you breath and grab your parka. Trost has warmed to an almost pleasant 15 degrees Fahrenheit.

“You two have fun,” Sasha waves her fingers and pushes you both out the door.

“Damn, she's looking to get rid of you. Is Nicolo coming over tonight?” Jean raises an eyebrow as you start walking.

“I don't think so. I think she's just happy to see me get out and do something – wait, where are we going, by the way?” You tense up as the wind picks up and scratches your face like a knife. Somehow, it didn't feel that much warmer than the cold spell a few weeks ago.

“Can't divulge that yet,” Jean sings and bounces in his step. You take longer strides to keep up with him. “We'll catch the train in a couple blocks.”

“Brrr,” you hum and attempt to shrink deeper in your parka like a turtle hiding in its shell. You two are silent for the next couple minutes, fast walking to the train to get out of the bitter cold. Luckily, the train pulls up as soon as you do. You find two seats together and take a moment to bask in the stale, but warm train car air.

“Sounds like living with Sasha has been good for you,” Jean circles back to your earlier comment. He takes off his knit hat, runs his hands through his hair, and gazes at you.

“Yeah, I really lucked out. Once Historia told me she was leaving I really thought that was it for me.” You play with your parka zipper, pulling it up and down.

“How so?” He tilts his head.

“I thought I'd be a recluse, friendless loser for the rest of my life,” you snort. “But really – how do you even make friends after college? That's what I was worried about. So many of mine moved away and we're already starting to lose contact.”

“Yeah, I hear you. What do you miss about them?”

“Their company more than anything. Someone to hang out with on random night. ” You bite down on the inside of your cheek. “But if I'm being honest. . . I don't know if I miss them.” Jean's eyebrows rise. “Don't get me wrong, I really miss Historia and Ymir,” you correct, not wanting him to think you're totally heartless. “But some others, I'm not sure why we were friends, now that I think about it.”

“I think I get it,” Jean nods and stretches his arm across the back of your train seat. “Friends by proximity?”

“Right,” you confirm. “And there's nothing necessarily wrong with that, but having friends with similar interests and values hits different.”

“And do you feel like you have that now?” He leans in closer to you. You can smell his cologne – fresh pine.

“I think I'm getting there. . .” you trail off, “though I suppose it might depend on what you have in store for us tonight.” The train slows to a halt. Jean perks up.

“This is our stop.” He hops off his seat and holds out a hand to you. “Milady?”

You laugh and take his hand as you stand up and walk outside with Jean. He holds on to your hand and guides you as you both fast walk to get to whatever your destination is as soon as possible. With his long strides, it's almost like he's dragging you.

He pauses at a nondescript corner that most people would walk by and not notice anything. Except for you. Jean opens a small iron gate, which creaks, and he motions you forward.

“For real?” You grin as you walk through the gate and down the concrete steps that lead into a basement entrance. “How'd you know?”

Jean shrugs. “Lucky guess.”

You glare at him – because this isn't a spot just anyone could guess at. He hops in front of you to open the door. “Alright,” he confesses, “during the after party, I overheard you telling Armin that you and Historia used to come here and that you missed it.”

You give a soft smile and enter into the warm basement. The yellow lights are dim and glow along the stone walls. To your left is a small bar, serving mostly just beer and wine. In front of you are rows of brown wooden chairs and benches. At the very front of the room is a lone microphone.

“I have missed it,” you sigh and unzip your parka. “It felt weird to come here alone.”

“Welp, now you have me,” Jean grins. He points to the bar. “Can I grab you something to drink?”

“Any kind of white wine,” you shrug.

Jean eyes widen and he clutches his hands to his chest. “White wine? In the dead of winter??” He mocks. “That's monstrous!”

“It's what I prefer, okay?” You laugh and wave. “I'll go find us some seats.” You walk to the third row, close enough to see, but not so close to feel awkward. You drape your parka on the back of a chair and sit down.

You took your first creative writing class your sophomore year of college. When your professor mentioned a poetry slam at a local venue, you were immediately intrigued – and terrified. It was an unknown, something you'd heard of but never seen. The idea of sitting alone petrified you, so it was a relief when Historia said she would go with you. That first time, the poets had mesmerized you. They bared their souls to total strangers and spoke of unrequited love, white-hot passion, heart wrenching devastation, numb depression, child-like glee, and unbridled hope.

“One white wine for one uncultured woman,” Jean interrupts your flashback and hands you a glass of chilled chardonnay. He sits beside you and holds a mug with steaming contents.

“Says the one who's never been to a poetry slam,” you throw back and take a sip of the chilled wine. Jean smirks into his mug. “And what did you get?”

“Mulled wine. Much more appropriate for this time of year. You want a sip?”

You nod and exchange drinks. The cinnamon, cloves, and orange spices take over your senses and warm your body from head to toe. You don't realize you're groaning until Jean gives you a gentle kick. “Regretting your drink choice?”

“No,” you narrow your eyes at him. “Sometimes I like having drinks out of season. It reminds me of a different time.”

“And what does chilled white wine on a winter's night remind you of?” Jean leans in closer to you. He takes a sip of your drink in the exact same place your mouth was. He doesn't break eye contact.

“It reminds me of . . .” you trail off, struggling to think with his earthy hazel eyes warming you from the inside out. “It reminds me of sitting by the river with my friends on an early summer night. We'd talk and laugh all night. Someone would bring a guitar. We'd watch the sun go down and the fireflies come out.”

“Sounds mesmerizing -”

“Alright everyone, thank you for coming to our weekly poetry slam,” a woman in dark jeans and a black turtle neck takes the floor and interrupts your conversation. You and Jean re-exchange drinks. “Our first poet has been a regular here for nearly a decade. . .”

~ ~ ~

After the poetry slam, Jean treats you to his favorite wine bar in Trost. He orders two flights without even looking at the menu.

“I'm taking it upon myself to educate you on better winter wine options,” he says and pushes the first flight toward you. “Though I have to say, you did make white wine in winter almost sound poetic.”

“I'm insulted,” you roll your eyes and swirl the first glass of red wine. “Am I doing this right by the way?” You raise your pinky finger. “Do I look pretentious enough?”

“You look pretentious and poetic,” he laughs and raises his glass. You both say “cheers” and take a sip. “Speaking of,” he sets his wine glass down. “Have you ever performed there?”

“No, I've never performed at all,” you confess.

“Really? I thought that'd be right up your alley.” He leans back in his chair and gazes at you.

“Yeah, I've thought about it,” you tug on the ends of your hair. “But I never worked up the courage to. It's so different than submitting writing to a journal. It really is an entirely different art form.”

“Do you want to?” Jean asks. You've never met anyone who holds your gaze as steady as he does. His earthy hazel eyes haven't left you since sat down.

“Um,” you chew on your bottom lip. “Maybe. I'm not sure. I feel like I haven't written anything worth sharing in months.” You take a sip. “You know, you're lucky in that respect.”

“How so?” He raises an eyebrow.

“You get to create for your job. It's worked into your schedule. Maybe if I were doing something like that, I'd have something worth sharing. I feel like every day I come home exhausted from just existing and I don't want to write.”

“I dunno,” he sighs. “The grass is greener. I get to create, but I'm creating with a bunch of middle school kids who are constantly flirting or kicking each other off their chairs. Or both,” he chuckles. “Sometimes I feel like I'm burning myself out with creating simply for the sake of creating. On the bright side,” he pauses and gestures to you, “you get to be more intentional about your writing.”

“I suppose there's that,” you concede.

“Plus,” Jean adds, “I bet you do in fact have writing worth sharing. You can always use something from the past as inspiration.”

“Hmmm,” you hum into your wine glass. The alcohol is coursing through veins. You're not sure if the heat in your face is from the wine or Jean as he leans in closer to you. “Alright, enough creative talk for now. Tell me your weirdest stories about the middle school menaces.”

Jean laughs and launches into a story about a kid who thought it would be funny to staple his tongue.

Your stomach aches with laughter as Jean tells you story after story about the kids he teaches. You finish the wine flights and hop back on the train.

It's late for you on a Wednesday night. Despite the bright lights of the train, your eyelids are heavy and your head nods until you rest on Jean's chest. You feel his gentle fingertips brush your hair behind your ear. The train jolts to a stop.

“Hey,” he whispers in your ear and squeezes your shoulder. “We're home.” You pry your eyelids open and follow Jean out the train door. The wind whips your hair around and you groan that it's freezing. Jean grabs your hand.

“C'mon, the quicker we get you home, the quicker we're warm,” he says and pulls you along.

“I can't keep up with your spider legs!” You laugh and run to keep up with his strides.

“Spider legs??” He exclaims. You can't see his facial expression since he's wrapped up in homemade scarf. “That's a new one.”

You're both giggling as you approach your duplex and fiddle to find the right key with your frozen fingers.

“Ahhh,” you sigh and burst into the heated living room. Sasha's no where to be found – either up to some shenanigans with Connie or fast asleep in bed.

“Thanks for coming out with me tonight,” Jean grins. “I hope it makes up for the uh, painting incident.” He scratches the back of his neck.

Even though it absolutely does, you want to tell him that it doesn't. You search your mind for any reason to stay in his company longer.

“I think it's a good start,” you tease. “Thanks for the surprise.”

“Ha,” he huffs, “how many more times do I have to take you out?” He takes a step closer to you. You have to crane your neck up to keep eye contact.

“Mmm, I'll let you know. It might take a few weeks. . . or months.”

“You are a demanding woman,” he laughs and shakes his head. You can smell the spice of red wine on him. He leans down a little and – you swear you see a shadow cross over his face. “So I'll see you for trivia tomorrow night?”

“Oh – uh, sure.” You fumble.

“Great.” Jean winks at you and steps out the door.

You close the door behind him and wonder what is haunting Jean Kirstein.

[mirkwoodshewolf]

Guardian angel; Matt Murdock x teen daughter reader

*Author’s note*

Okay this little idea randomly popped into my head over the weekend so I decided to post it up here and see what you all think. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, we NEED MORE DAREDAD FICS!!! Seriously this man DESERVES happiness *ted talk over*

Now the way I picture this fic is like PRE S.1 like just before the events of the first episode of the series. The early days of Matt being daredevil or in this case the Man in the Mask aka the Devil of Hell’s kitchen. 

Warnings: fluff, some angst, teen pregnancy (protection was used but remember kids wrap it before you tap it), some chaotic religious aspects shown but not acted upon, 

Taglist:

@plethora-of-things​

@waddles03​

@psychosupernatural​

@queensdivas​

@queen-paladin​

@jd-johndeacon-or-jackdaniels​

@gay-and-ready-to-cry​

@austynparksandpizza​

__________________________________________________________

I knew I couldn’t hide this forever.  It was only a matter of time before he got too suspicious or worse found out about me and Austin’s…..I took a heavy breath as I bounced my leg anxiously and rubbed my hands over my face.

I heard my phone rang and across the screen was my favorite picture of Austin playing his acoustic guitar and my name for him flashed across the screen, “The King” with three heart emojis and a king emoji.  He was asking for a Facetime which I accepted.

“Hi baby.”

“There’s my best girl.” I blushed as I ducked down.

“You know what that nickname does to me.”

“And I’ll still say it an infinite amount of times just to see you get flustered every time.”

Austin Callahan, probably one of the cutest boys at St. Maria’s Catholic School.  Captain of the swim team and the basketball team, honor student, and the nicest guy in the world who loves listening to Elvis music as well as all the oldies rock and roll? Could there be any other dream guy?

Not only that but we had been friends since we started our High school year until just last year at homecoming, he admitted to having feelings for me as he gave me a handmade rose he made from one of the napkins (I still have it to this day in my pencil cup on my desk at home).  From there our romance began to shine.

Of course being in a relationship, there was no hiding it from my dad.  Well when your dad is a lawyer like Matthew Murdock of “Nelson & Murdock” obviously you can’t hide anything from him.  Believe me I’ve tried in the past and he finds out every time.

Which is why I’ve taken up residence at my all-time bff Maddie’s place.  It’s not much (Hell’s kitchen never is) but it’s home, nevertheless.  The reason why I’m sleeping over at my friend’s house almost indefinitely is because—I’m pregnant.  Yep, 17 years old and I’m pregnant just short of a month and a half.

Past couple of weeks I’ve been getting really sick, like even just the smell of Hell’s kitchen’s smog is enough to make me puke my guts out.  I also began to realize that I hadn’t gotten my period yet.  So one day after school with Maddie at my side, we went to the local doctor’s office, told them about my symptoms and my late period and after some blood work and a pregnancy test, I came back positive.

Austin was the first person to tell and he was shocked at first but he took me by the hands, looked me in the eye and swore to me that he wasn’t gonna leave me like his daddy did him and his mama.  I was at least thankful to God above that I had the support of my friends and Austin, but the biggest hurdle was yet to come. My dad.

My dad is not just a Man of the Law, he’s also a Man of God. Not like holy religious that he beat the script of every verse of the Bible into me, or told me everyone is a sinner and everyone is going to Hell should they not repent (thank God).  But he did raise me to be a good Catholic girl ever since my mom died of cancer when I was only 2 years old.

He told me to always be aware of my surroundings, know the temptations, and don’t let anyone take advantage of you.  And just like that I gave into temptation and now I paid the price (before you say it YES we did use protection).

“How you feeling sweetheart? You ducked out of Chemistry class pretty quick.”

“I’d rather not relive that. I tried so hard to keep it in but that crap that Hilary was wearing as perfume became too much. I mean really there’s a reason why you don’t put on perfume in a classroom especially in a chemistry class. Can’t perfume catch fire or something?”

“Some can. But that scent she claimed she bought from Paris, she’d be a human candle if she got one knick of a Bunsen burner.” I laughed and said.

“Maddie gave me the homework for that class, god I still don’t get how you can understand all that stuff.”

“It’s not that hard really. I mean, we found good chemistry right?” I rolled my eyes and told him.

“That has literally got to be the worst cheesy pickup line I’ve ever heard.”

“Can’t blame me if I’m crazy positive about you.”

“Stop!” I whined as he laughed.

“I’m sorry, I’m sorry I swear I’m done now.” He said through his adorable laughter.  “So you at Maddie’s again?”

“Yep. Thankfully my dad seems to buy into the fact that we’re doing a project together for history class and I just keep falling asleep here.”

“Wait but didn’t you guys finish that project last week?”

“Yeah but my dad don’t need to know that.”

“Babe. How long are you gonna hide your pregnancy from him?”

“I was thinking….maybe by the time our kid’s out of high school?” he raised his brow at me. “Okay, okay fine! I’ll…..I’ll tell him tomorrow after school. Will—will you be there with me?”

“Anything to take the tension off. It took two to tango after all. Plus I met your dad before, I know he’ll be okay with this.”

“I just….” I trailed off looking down at the ground sadly.

“What? What is it (Y/n)?”

“What if he doesn’t?”

“Babe…..”

“No, no Austin just—just listen for a second. Sure my dad’s cool, he’s a kickass upcoming lawyer. He’s not embarrassing, he’s not overbearing when it comes to us being Catholic, but what if he doesn’t want me anymore? Teenage pregnancies are frowned upon and as soon as I start really showing the signs, those hens are gonna cluck.”

“Then let them cluck. It’s not any of their business. This is about us, about you. Our child. Yes we’re still kids and yeah we’re still in school just about to get into adulthood, this is our life. If you still want to have this baby, I’m in. But if you change your mind down the line, I’ll support that too. Because we’re in this together baby girl.”

“How did I ever get so lucky to get you as my boyfriend?”

“Believe me, if anyone’s lucky it’s me. How I ever managed to convince you to be my girlfriend is a miracle that only the good Lord knows.” I smiled and said to him.

“Goodnight king.”

“G’night pretty mama.” He couldn’t help but say in his best Elvis impression.  I smiled and kissed my hand before blowing him a kiss and he did the same for me before winking at me and we ended the facetime call.

“I swear the way you two talk to each other makes me want to puke out butterflies and rainbows.” Maddie’s voice said.  I turned and she came in with some tomato soup, saltine crackers and pickles.

Another strange thing during my pregnancy is that every now and then I’m getting these cravings for the weirdest shit.  Like just the other day, I had sliced orange slices as a side dish for my mashed potatoes and everyone knows how much I loathe oranges (even the smell of them has made me gagged for years).  And yet I needed them, or I guess the baby needed them.

“Well that is if your strange food combos don’t make me first. You know how I’ve hated even looking at pickles.”

“I know I’m sorry. But you’re the best for getting some for me.” I said as I took a sliced pickle and put it between two crackers and ate it like a sandwich.  Maddie gagged and turned away as she turned on her tv and switched it to MTV to see our favorite show Ridiculousness was on.

“Ohhh I love this one with Sage. The Jeremy category makes me die everytime!” I exclaimed.

“I know right! But you also can’t beat when Ryan Sheckler came on the show and the animal stalkers category. That cat one still makes me think it was a weeping angel.”

“Right!? I swear all cats are the weeping angels familiars. I don’t care what any whovian says prove me wrong.” I said after slurping up my soup.

“So were you like for real about not telling your dad about the baby?” I dropped my spoon back into the bowl and set the tray aside.

“I thought you said you’d work on your snooping in on other people’s phone calls?”

“I did but when it’s a call this serious about my future godchild, I should have some say in it. And Austin’s right, you gotta tell your dad.”

“I know I should but…..do you remember what happened when Katelyn first came out as bisexual. Her parents completely disowned her and now she’s living with her cousin MJ in Queens. I got no other family to go to, what if my dad isn’t cool with…..I mean yeah I’ll have Austin and you but—”

“I get it. Really I do. I’ve seen how close you and your dad are, hell I’d trade my dad for yours any day.” I playfully shoved her.

“Your dad’s sweet.”

“Yeah sweet like a fly buzzing around me every second. Constantly in my business, wanting to look through my phone, I swear he’s the definition of a helicopter parent.” I looked down as I placed my hands over my lower abdomen where the baby was slowly growing.  “Hey,” Maddie wrapped an arm around me and I looked up at her, “Your dad loves you. He’s not like those crazy parents we’ve seen that come to preach about the Lord’s will or the End of the world. He won’t give up on you, I can just feel it.”

“I hope your right Maddie. I really hope so.” I looked at the clock and saw that it was just after 10:30pm.  “I’m getting kinda sleepy, think I’ll turn in for the night.”

“Yeah I’m gonna head to bed myself. Night (n/n).”

“Night Mads.” We hugged each other and she went across the hall into her room while I snuggled into my bed in her sister’s room (she had left for college in LA so it’s been used as a guestroom) and tried to get some sleep.

Time ticked by and while I was asleep and my eyes were shut, my brain was just buzzing with so many thoughts, fear and anxiety.  I got up from the bed and opened up the window that was near the fire escape and decided I needed some fresh air.

The cold autumn night wind blew over my thin pajama bottoms.  I almost wish I had grabbed a hoodie or her sister’s old fleece blanket before scaling up onto the roof.  I sat along the edge and just stared out into the city as I listened to the sounds of the sirens that passed by, the occasional stray dog barking or people shouting at each other.

“A bit cold to be up here by yourself.” A voice said behind me. I jumped out of my skin and was surprised to see the latest vigilante that had been rumored to be running around Hell’s kitchen.

Unlike the Avengers, this man is said to be brutal against his enemies.  Unleashing his untamable wrath on the scum of Hell’s Kitchen but he never kills them (if you ask me from some of stories I hear, I’m surprised they aren’t dead).

The upper half of his face was covered with a black mask with no holes for his eyes.  Seriously how is he able to see through that material? His whole attire was black with a skin-tight black shirt showing off every bit of muscle on his upperbody, thick black pants and black combat boots.

“Coming from the guy wearing a skin-tight t-shirt.”

“You’ve got a quick wit.”

“Smart-mouth Murdock some of the kids call me at school. That’s why I’m co-Captain of the debate team.”

“Co-captain? I would assume you’d be captain.”

“Well there’s always someone clever than you, not to say he isn’t a good captain but he can be an asshole at times.” He turned to me. If I could see under the mask, I’d assume he’d be judging me for my foul language.  “Pardon my French.”

“I’ve heard worse. Mind if I sit?”

“I’d assume you’d be out there knocking out bad guys. You know kicking ass and taking names.” He let out a scoffed chuckle.

“I prefer not to take names. That’s one difference between the Avengers and me. I would prefer my name to not be publicly known. Not for my sake but for the people around me.”

“I get that.” I replied softly.  “I mean look at Captain America. He shouldn’t even bother with a mask cause everyone knows his name. And don’t get me started on Stark’s public announcement, “I am Iron-man”. No wonder why those aliens came for us if the heroes are publicly announcing to the world ‘hey we’re the big and strong Avengers and you can’t do anything about it’. And next thing you know BAM! Aliens are flying in kamikaze style and nearly blowing us all to hell.”

“A bit cynical for one so young.”

“Sorry. I get snippy and cynical when I’m anxious or stressed.”

“And why’s that?”

“I—” I trailed off.  He slowly scooted closer to me and said to me in a soft assuring manner.

“If you don’t want to tell me, that’s fine. But I’ve been told I’m a pretty good listener. Plus with the mask you won’t get any judgmental looks from me.” I picked at my nails as well as stroking my lower abdomen with my pinkie and ring fingers.

“The whole aspect of catholic guilt it—it’s eating me alive.”

“Catholic guilt?”

“You don’t want to hear this. This is just dumb teenage drama that all adults try to pin us with even when we’re going through some really hard and tough shit. It’s not always just teenage drama we have our own problems that you folks don’t seem to get and—” I went on a ramble until I felt him ground me by placed a hand on top of my shoulder.

“Hold on now, take a deep breath.” I turned to him and even through his black mask, I could almost feel the gentleness of his eyes as he had his body fully turned to me, giving me his full attention.  I slowly but sharply breathed in through my nose before exhaling shakily.

I did this a couple more times until they became deep, steady breaths.

“There we go. I could hear your heart racing erratically and you were on the verge of a panic attack.”

“You—can you really hear a person’s heartbeat? Or are you just messing with me?”

“It’s a long story but I have enhanced senses that allows me to hear better than most.”

“Wow. That is both dope and freaky at the same time.”

“I apologize if it’s invasive. I don’t mean to do it on purpose.”

“Call me crazy but I believe you.” A slight smile came at the corner of his lips.

“So shall we get back to that spill on catholic guilt?” I bowed my head.

“I was kinda hoping you’d forget about that.”

“I don’t mean to push. But I just feel like you want to talk to someone about this. Someone who isn’t a friend.”

“It’s……my dad.”

“Your dad? Wait he—he doesn’t hurt you, does he?”

“No nothing like that. He’s the best. I swear he’s like my best friend, well after Maddie but still he’s sweet, he’s caring, he’s compassionate. He raised me all by himself for so long that I—I’m afraid he won’t be with me anymore.”

“I’m sorry. I mean eventually we all have to die at some point in our lives. But I’m sure that won’t be for a long, long time for your dad. Unless he’s—”

“I’m not talking about losing him to old age or cancer. I’m talking about that he’ll never speak to me again!” I snapped.

God this pregnancy already has got me so antsy that even the slightest thing in my already stressed out mind, can make me explode. He froze in his spot and it looked like his body was tense at my sudden outburst.

“Jesus Christ,” I muttered burying my face into my hands.  “The truth is I—I found out just a week ago, that I’m…..I’m a month and a half pregnant with my boyfriend’s baby.”

If I could see under his mask, I’d bet his eyes are bulging out from underneath the satin material.

“Yeah. Pregnant at 17. Go ahead and make assumptions, call me names.”

“You’re sitting next to a guy who goes around wearing a skin-tight shirt and a mask that beats up bad guys late at night. As far as I’m concerned, I am the last person who should be judging you.” He adjusted in his spot as he asked me, “Does the father know?” I nodded.

“Yeah. He was the first person to find out after my best friend. And he’s been nothing but supportive. Even though we’re just about to graduate high school, he’s willing to help out with anything.”

“It’s just you’re afraid to tell your own father about your pregnancy.”

“Don’t get me wrong he’s a great guy. Like I said never once raised a hand to me, was fair in his punishments when I needed them. And he’s not like those so called ‘preachers of God’ that you see out in the streets proclaiming the Lord’s Will and the End of the world. But—he always told me to be careful especially around boys.”

“Were you careful?”

“Yes! Austin had the condoms and everything! But it still happens you know.”

“No I know. I remember my days in health class.” I shook my head shamefully.

“I just…..it’s always just been me and my dad. My whole life he’s always been there for me. Whenever life got tough, no matter how busy he was, he always took the time to check up on me. Even if it’s just a quick hug or a peck on the nose before calling me his ‘guardian angel’. What if—what if he hates me? Or decides I’m not his sweet guardian angel anymore but a shameful harlot of Lucifer?”

Tears stung behind my lashes and I harshly tried to wipe them away but that caused them to start falling down my face.  I curled myself inward before choking out.

“I need him now more than ever but I—I feel like he won’t be there for me this time. That when I reach my hand out for him, he’ll turn me aside and I’ll be drowning in the unknown world of parenthood. The guilt, the anxiety, forcing us to drift further and further apart from one another until I…..” I sniffled and wiped more tears as well as my nose with my sleeve. “I feel so alone.”

I felt his hand gently stroke down my hair before it moved down to my back, his gloved hand rubbing soothing circles on my back.

“He won’t abandon you. I promise.”

“You can’t promise that.”

“Yes I can.”

“How?” I choked out as I looked up to him.  I saw as his jaw tensed up before he said.

“Because…because I have a daughter.” I looked at him surprised. Of course, superheroes and vigilantes can have their own lives they don’t have to be full-time superheroes 24/7.

But who would’ve thought that the Man in the Mask aka the Devil of Hell’s Kitchen was a parent.

“You’re a……”

“She’s just around your age. And she means—the world to me. I would want her to be able to come to me for anything, to not be afraid to speak to me. But if she ever did feel the same fear you are now, then I’ve failed as a father.”

“No I—I’m sure you didn’t. It would have nothing to do with your parenting skills, it’s just…..I’ve had friends who had parents just as loving as my dad is. But when they admit to something that goes against their religious code, they disown them or try to repent their sins.”

“But you said your father isn’t like those types of people, right?” I nodded.  “I won’t lie. He will be shocked at the news, but give him time to process things and he might just surprise you for what he has to say.”

“I know I should tell him. I can’t hide at Maddie’s forever. But there’s still a lingering voice in my head telling me that when I do tell him, it’ll be the last time I ever see him. I’d give anything to shut that voice up.”

“If you’d like, I could have a word or two with that nagging voice in your head.” That brought probably the first real laugh out of me ever since finding out about my pregnancy.

“I hope those words aren’t with your fists.” He softly laughed.

“No, I mean a real talk. I’d tell it, ‘Alright you negative worm. Stop filling this poor girl’s head with scenarios that aren’t true. Go make like a tree and get out of here!’”

“It’s leaf. It’s make like a tree and leaf.”

“Right that’s it.” I shook my head as I kept laughing.

“You know, you’re not what I’d thought you’d be like.”

“Mean and scary?” I nodded. “Oh to most I’m terrifying but—I have a soft spot for those that are lost. Don’t tell anybody though. Can’t have the scum of Hell’s kitchen thinking I’m too much of a softie.”

“Your secret’s safe with me.”

“As is yours. Now you promise me you’ll tell your father in the morning?”

“Yes. First thing after school.”

“Good.” He said patting my knee.  “It’s late, you should get some sleep. You’re not just sleeping for yourself anymore now.” I rubbed my lower abdomen.  As he walked away and stood along the edge of the roof I told him.

“Thank you.” He turned to face me and gave me a soft nod before leaping off the roof and he disappeared into the night.  I scaled back down the fire escape and re-entered Maddie’s sister’s room and got back into bed.

As promised after school I stood by mine and dad’s apartment and took a deep breath in before exhaling.

“You sure you don’t need me to go in with you anymore baby? You know I don’t mind.” Austin told me.

“No sweetie, I—I need to talk to my dad about this alone.”

“Okay. If he shows leniency, give me a call later?” I nodded. He leaned forward and we kissed each other before he continued on his way home.  I took another deep breath and entered the apartment and headed for the elevator.

Once the elevator dinged on our floor, I walked down the hallway until I reached the apartment room.  Taking out my key I took another deep breath in and muttered.

“Okay, he won’t get mad. He won’t get mad. Just—tell him the truth. He’ll understand. He’s cool, he’s my dad and he loves me.” I placed the key into the lock, turned it to the left and heard the click and opened it up.

“Uh-huh, yeah. Alright yeah we can make it. Yes of course, thank you. Yes and have a good afternoon to you too, bye.” I heard my dad’s voice say as I walked through the front hallway until I got to the spacious (as spacious as a New York apartment in Hell’s kitchen can be).  “Well look whose returned. Finish your project already?”

“Dad I—I gotta tell you something.” I came right out with it.

“Okay, and what would that be?”

“Can we sit down on the couch?” he nodded before walking from the kitchen to the living room as we both sat on the couch.  

“Is everything okay? Are you okay? Did someone hurt you?” he asked as he reached his hands out to cup my face.  I took his hands and held them between us.

“I’m fine dad. Physically I am.”

“And what about emotionally?” he asked concerningly.

“Dad, I…..I lied to you. I wasn’t at Maddie’s for a project.”

“You-you—you lied to me? Then where were y—you weren’t at Austin’s were you? (Y/n) we’ve talked about this you’re not old enough to sleepover at a boy’s……”

“Dad I wasn’t at Austin’s either. I was at Maddie’s just not for a project.”

“Okay then I’m lost. (Y/n) sweetheart you’re starting to scare me. Whatever it is you can tell me, you know that right?” he asked as he scooted himself as close as he could get to me and wrapped his arm around me.

“Dad I—the reason why I was at Maddie’s was because I……I’m—” come on just say it.  I swallowed a large lump in my throat and felt my leg beginning to bounce anxiously. “Promise you won’t get mad.”

“Go on.”

“You didn’t promise.”

“That’ll depend on what news I’ll be hearing. If it’s something illegal you know I won’t be happy.”

“Not really illegal. God I don’t know why I can’t just say it! Why can’t I tell you that I’m a month and a half pregnant!? I—” my mouth stopped as I realized how I had said it.  I looked at my dad anxiously and saw how he just sat there flabbergasted.

“Y-you-you’re…..” he leaned back against the couch and just sat there limp like a ragdoll.

“Daddy? Are you—okay?”

“Just….need to process this.”

“Okay.” I muttered as I fiddled with my uniform skirt.  We sat there in silence for a few minutes before he finally spoke out.

“Is it Austin’s?”

“Yeah. I swear dad we used protection but it—” he held out his hand telling me he didn’t need to hear anything else.  Oh shit this is it. He’s gonna flip his lid, he’s pissed now. Way beyond pissed!

“And you’re sure you’re really pregnant? How did you even get an appointment and why wasn’t I notified?”

“Maddie has an aunt. Her aunt Claire performed the test and she was sworn to secrecy to not notify you.” He rubbed his hands against his face as he let out a deep sigh, his leg bouncing rapidly.  Whether in anger or anxiety I couldn’t tell.

“Baby girl, why-why wouldn’t you tell me when you first found out? Why did you go through all of this trouble to lie to me about it?” my heart ached with guilt as tears began forming in my eyes.

“I’m sorry daddy. I—I was scared. Scared that you’d disown me or kick me out with no remorse or hesitation. Everytime I wanted to tell you, my brain kept showing me all the possibilities of you never wanting me to be in your life ever again. That you’d hate me or never say you had a daughter.”

I couldn’t look at him anymore so I closed myself into the edge of the couch and sniffled as I wiped my tears away.  I felt dad’s hand gingerly stroke down my hair before coming down to lift my chin up.

I noticed how he had taken his red shades off and placed them on the table.  Very rarely does he ever take them off, even around me but when he does, it’s always because he wants to connect with me (even though he’s blind).  His unfocused gaze was staring in my general direction as he said to me.

“I’m not mad at you.”

“Y-you’re not?”

“No. I’m—taken by surprise don’t get me wrong. But it takes more than you getting pregnant at 17 for me to ever, ever, ever, think about disowning you or telling you you’re no longer my child.”

“Really?” I whispered.

“Yes.” He said giving me a nod.  “So don’t ever go thinking like that again, okay?” my lip trembled as I nodded. “Okay?”

“Yeah.” I choked out.

“Okay.” I immediately hugged him as tightly as I could as I buried my face into his shoulder.  His arms immediately wrapped around me as he chuckled softly.

“Oh daddy I’m so sorry I hid this from you!” I wept.

“I know you are angel. It’s okay now, it’s okay.”

“It’s just….I love you so much and I thought you’d—”

“Hey none of that now. There will be no more talk about the paranoid ‘what if’s’ in this apartment. There will never come a time when I tell you to get out of my life or that you aren’t my daughter anymore.” He said as he had me look up at him and he wiped away my tears.  “You’re the most important person to me angel, and nothing will ever change that.”

I buried my face into my dad’s shoulder again and hugged him once again.

“I love you daddy.”

“And I love you my little guardian angel. I love you so, so much. And nothing will ever change that.” He said giving me a reassuring squeeze before kissing my forehead as many times as he possibly could.

[soldez]

imagine im sending all the emojis under Character Specific - i love when u talk about the versions of the turtles that exist in ur mind, theyre canon to me (has never watched the show or any movie)

you are the realest one out there I'm so serious. under cut because that's a lot of questions

first of all: she/her leo, he/it raph, he/him donnie, any/all mikey but mostly he/him unless the situation calls for it

🥊 Does Raph have anger issues? If so, how does Raph deal with his anger?

i guess you could say that it does, but its issues have more to do with the guilt and fear associated with feeling or expressing anger on any level. he relies a lot on leo's constant emotional support

🧶 Does Raph knit?

no, but yoshi sews. raph's hobbies include raising butterflies and stag beetles, planting herbs and then forgetting to water them and crying when they die a week later, basketball, and lacrosse (but only with leo). he also has a hamster named daisy whom he would kill himself for without a moment's hesitation

🗣️ Is your Leo the leader? Has he always been?

...there's not really a "leader" since that's not how families work in real life, but she's generally the dubious voice of reason and the one who carries everybody's water bottles and medications and whathaveyou. she resents this position a little but doesn't have the self awareness to confront it

🔥 Is Leo accident prone? Especially in the kitchen?

no ❤️ she's not good at cooking because she is too afraid of failure to put any effort towards building skills that don't come naturally to her, so if it was her job to cook dinner she'd just dump a bunch of hot sauce and tuna and jelly and cheese and gravy in a pot and go heheheyhehheehhehehe Soup👍

🔬 Is Donnie only interested in Tech?

I'm not entirely clear on what this question means. he has other interests outside stem, but in my verse his focus is much more on computer science and mechanical engineering than any other field of science, so he kind of doesn't gaf about biology or anything organic or "squishy." if that was the question. other interests include grindcore music, transformers, my little pony (the toys), swimming, gambling, arguing on forums, sculpting, 3d animation, girls, and other things.

🤖 Does your Donnie have a robot child?

Grins really huge.

🎨 Is Mikey the artist of the family?

yes but he's best at cartoons and graffiti and abstract designs. he also makes his own music (mostly experimental hip-hop). donnie is a far better representational artist, but he doesn't consider his work "art" since he doesn't have mikey's imagination or eye for color and he pays mikey disgusting amounts of dubiously-sourced money to draw his pngtuber rantsona. mikey in turn spends this money on fancy cheese

😈 Is Mikey a little shit?

what more is there to say. Yes

🐀 Was Splinter a human or an animal before he was mutated?

human. but don't worry about it

🧑‍🍼 How does Splinter raise the boys?

Jesus. i really don't know how to get into this without copy/pasting 3 pages of backstory from my notes doc. he did his best that's all i can say

💏 Does/Did Splinter have a significant other?

he had a weird bisexual thing. which is different. i can't disclose more at this time

🎤 Is April a reporter?

april is a first-year undergrad majoring in journalism and minoring in environmental science. she interns at her college newspaper, and lately has been going to dangerous lengths to uncover her "big break" so they'll let her do more than edit the crossword

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Is April considered a sibling?

she's like. okay. april is an integral part of their family, AND. she's also really not a surrogate/adopted/found sister in a literal sense. yoshi isn't her dad, and her relationship with the turtles is quite distinct from their relationship with each other as siblings, but it's still just as important, because she's family. like, found family outside of any traditional nuclear family roles. she's their best friend and they're her home away from home

🏒 Does Casey play hockey?

casey is such a minor character in my verse right now that it's actually kind of hysterical that they'd be on this list. they used to play, yeah.

🦸 Is Casey a vigilante?

they are a serial murderer.

[lovely-oh-so-lovelyyui]

Spidergirl Yui, that's all

Okay, guys let’s do this!

My name is Yui Komori, a radioactive spider bit me whilst I interned at Sakamaki corps. The Eden project completely changed my life; I have been the only spider girl for the past two years.

I think you know the rest.

I finally finished my organic chem report, got to know my roommate at Ryoteii, got hit by a giant teddy bear drone, and had a mad scientist hang me off the top of a building ( which actually just turned out to be Reiji-san, he used to be my mentor back at Sakamaki corps. Go easy he’s got family issues), also kind of lied to a reporter that I could eat his head off like an actual spider if he didn’t stop following me, and finally cleaned up the spasms of webs in the church attic from when I first got bit.

Oh, and they started selling water bottles with me on them.

Now if you told me I could’ve done any of this? I would have laughed in your face, I mean I’m me, but I’ve learnt that is something a lot more special than most people can decipher. I mean the mask? It’s a mask believe it or not it isn’t something that enhanced me.

 I was terrified, I hated height, I smacked face front into dozens of buildings, slid off walls, my voice cracked ( I’m still a teenager watch it), my life has been in danger more times than I can count and I’ve been chaffed by this god damn suit so many times. 

I’ve also saved millions, and I’ve made good friends along the way and maybe just developed the tiniest amount of cynical humour. But I’ve learnt anyone can do this stuff, you can grow into the person who wears the mask. Take it from me. 

I’m spider girl, lighting or thunder, cyborg or lizard, maths test or french test, I will save the day. And especially when I feel alone like no one understands me, I persevere because this is my city. So why is it that the jerk from the varsity basketball team is the one person I can’t stand up to or maybe he’s just especially dense?

“Chichinashi! Yo! Don’t ignore me, ill do your nerd ass a favour and take you out tonight. M’sure you got nothing better to do huh? You must be so grateful, I accept thankyous in kisses or those takoyaki’s you made!”

“Oi!”

“OI I KNOW YOU CAN HEAR ME!”

“ sorry Ayato-kun, I have a project for early applicants but thank you very much” I tried my politest smile ducking away before he actually blew my ear off.

I actually have to re-fill my web-shooters and review university offers so it isn’t a complete lie, eh who cares. Same old same old. Although I think ayato-kun might be growing on me a bit, maybe it's his grin or those bright green eyes.

Thinking of green eyes there's a new villan lately? Anti hero? He identifies himself as something feline, basically a glorified thief in a black leather suit? What is it Black Cat? He also has those deep green eyes.

Oh well just a another day as your friendly neighborhood spider-girl

[smolwritingchick]

The Bangtan Gal Chapter 29- Personal Trainer?

Chapter Summary: BTS and Jen promote their new album Dark & Wild. Jungkook invites Jen to work out with him.

Words: 3,000+

Genre: Jennie and Jungkook fluff at the end! JenKook! 

Author's Note: Skipping the War of Hormone song (One of my all time favorite eras) during the Melon Premiere showcase was intentional. You'll see it in more detail in next chapter

-----

Back in Korea, BTS and Jen were on set to film Danger. For the music video, Jen wore shredded black jeans with a spiked leather jacket. The side of her hair was braided and the rest was out, in curls.

Playing around with the bat in her hands, she grinned at the Bangtan Bomb camera. "I got a bat! I'm bout to kick someone's ass!"

"Oh dear. Jennie's about to get angry. This is going to be funny!" J-Hope stood next to her, avoiding her playful attempts to hit him.

For the beginning scenes with J-Hope dancing, Suga playing basketball, Jimin punching the punching bag, Jungkook playing the piano, V against the mirror with scissors, Rap Monster sitting at a table and Jin walking around, it was Jennie's turn to film her opening scene.

With the piano playing in the background, the director advised her to look upset. With his vague orders, she decided to improvise.

"Action!"

Exhaling sharply, she slowly walked around with the bat on her shoulder. The cameras filmed her from every angle. Looking at her phone, she tossed it aside in frustration. Removing the bat from her shoulder, she swung it at the glass picture frames.

The frames flew off the table, shattering on the ground. Improvising, she decided to kick the table, knocking it down with a booming crash sound. After her deed was done, she dropped the bat, strolling away with the camera following her from behind.

"Good!"

She heard the director praise. A smile came across her lips as she bowed. 

"That was stress relieving. Can I do that again?"

"Stress relieving? That was scary!" J-Hope grabbed onto her, shaking her for dear life.

"Was that what that was?" Suga approached the set. "I was taking a nap and then I heard a crashing sound."

Later, while the rest of the guys were filming their individual parts, Jennie was getting her makeup done, having tear stained makeup near her eyes. 

"Haha, I look terrible. They did a great job with the makeup, it looks so real." She let the Bangtan Bomb camera take a closer look.

Walking back to the set, her surroundings resemble a bedroom. She sat down at the vanity as the cameras filmed her. Her curly hair is disheveled, as she glared at her appearance, in the mirror.

"I need more frustration, Jennie. How about you break the mirror?" The director suggested.

It was sugar glass, she would be fine.

Once they started filming again, a disgruntled Bangtan Girl slammed her hands on the table.

"Whoa! Who pissed her off!" Jimin watched on while J-Hope looked on, frightened at her expression change.

J-Hope murmured nervously, "I hope she never looks at me, like that."

Banging her fist against the mirror, Jen broke the glass. Standing up abruptly, she destroyed the vanity, tossing the chair against the wall and pulling down the vanity, onto the floor.

The next shot she was filmed was at the subway as she leaned against one of the poles. With the song blaring out in the background, she laughed sarcastically, just like in her verse.

"Okay, okay...now you're starting to piss me off..." She spoke with an annoyed expression at the camera. "You done talking? It's my turn to speak. Let me run it down for you boy, let's walk for a minute." She motioned the camera to follow her.

With a fan blowing at her, making her hair flow, she fiercely stares at the camera, starting to lip sync,

I'm in danger, huh?

I'm confusin, huh?

I'm testin' you?

In pain because of me?

I'm driving you crazy? It's the other way around

"The constant questions are dragging me down. Can't do anything with you breathin' down my neck. What the heck!" She pulled at her hair, looking exasperated. "I've had it up to here! My patience is thinning. It wouldn't be wise to keep this up. I highly recommend you Back up." She sized up the camera, shoving it away.

"She's improving, taking things more seriously." Rap Monster watched on, talking to the Bangtan Bomb camera. "I'm a proud leader, watching her grow."

"I'm a cutie but don't get it twisted. I'm not playing this he said/she said game anymore. I can't have time to myself? With my girls? With the fam? 30 missed calls. 25 messages. Enough is enough. Stop blowin' up my phone!" She tossed her phone away in frustration.

"Keep this up, what we have is gonna end." She made a slicing motion to her neck. "Keep giving me all types of warnings but I'm callin' your bluff. What are you gonna do to me?" She extended her arms out, awaiting what's the come.

--------

'Melon Premiere Showcase'

"The first full-length album contains 14 songs. Please tell us a little bit about the album." The MC asked.

"It's our first full-length album since our debut two years ago, finally." Rap Monster answered to loud cheers. "We participated in the producing so it shows more of our color and how our music has matured."

"I see, you said your music has matured. It's time to hear about these 14 mature songs. All of them are new, right?"

"Yes, the first track is called Intro:What am I to you?" J-Hope mentioned and had some funny banter with Rapmon

"Our next song is Let Me Know which was pre-released, recently," Suga spoke as part of the song played. "When we pre-released this song, it was a supermoon day. And it rained a little so the weather fit the song very well. This song is kind of different. You might think, 'BTS can do this

kind of music, too?' it's an honor we got to let you hear it early."

"Let Me Know is Suga's work, he produced it. He also directed all our vocals for the song and directed Jennie's guitar playing for the song." Jin added

"Would you say Suga is a musical genius?" The MC asked Rapmon. The crowd began to chant yes.

"Well, we're on air live so you can't lie. If we weren't live I would say that I am but I'm not." Suga answered.

"I have no idea how many ears are listening." Rapmon laughed

"I'm no genius, folks."

When requested to sing Let Me Know, the members get in position. Jen stood with the vocal line, in between Jungkook and Jimin. Standing in front of the mic and stand, the lights were faded. A bright light landed on V, while the rest of the members stood in the dark.

With her guitar in her hands, Jen slowly played the notes, maintaining a smooth sound for the song.

mamuri doen i seonyul wieseo

na hollo beotigo isseo

ijen naege malhaejwo

kkeutnatdan geol LET ME KNOW

sungandanwiro nungaen

ttukttukttuk biga goyeo (nega goyeo)

nega goyeo

summan swieodo nega boyeo

sarangeun beotkkoccheoreom

pyeotdaga swipge jineun ge matnabwa

kkumkkuneun geotcheoreom urin bulkkoccheoreom

tatdaga jaeman namge dwaetjanha

ara nega ilbangjeogeuro naerin gyeollon

ne son ne mom jeokdoboda tteugeowotdeon

neoui ongijocha sarajin seonyurwieseo

nan gyesokhaeseo jejari dodoripyo

machimpyo geueojin akbowie na hollo dolgo isseo

mamuri doen i seonyul wieseo

na hollo beotigo isseo

ijen naege malhaejwo

kkeutnatdan geol LET ME KNOW

GIRL LET ME KNOW

GIRL LET ME KNOW

imi da kkeutnan geon algo itjiman

miryeonirado namji ankeman

GIRL LET ME KNOW

GIRL LET ME KNOW

GIRL LET ME KNOW

mworado malhaejwo

(I JUST WANNA)

KNOW KNOW KNOW

(I JUST WANNA)

KNOW KNOW KNOW

miryeoni machimpyo apeseo beotigo isseo

geureoni mworado naege malhaejwo

GIRL LET ME KNOW

hamkkehan dajim eodiro

sigangwa hamkke sarajigo

ibyeorui hime muneojin domino

machi julliet & romio

neomu tteugeopge neol johahangeonji

neowa nae ongiga an sikhyeojiji

ijewa dorikyeo neowaui pilleum

oh I gotta need a ne saenggakgwa

jigeum neon naui bamui byeoreul gajyeoga

najui haereul gajyeoga

gyeolguk nameun geon hana

chan gureume eoduumman

geurae mannamdo isseumyeon

heeojimdo isseul georaneun beop

"Never ever." She harmonized with J-Hope.

geuge museun beobideun eogigo sipeo

seuseuro oemyeon

neoege choemyeon

mamuri doen i seonyul wieseo

na hollo beotigo isseo

ijen naege malhaejwo

kkeutnatdan geol LET ME KNOW

GIRL LET ME KNOW

GIRL LET ME KNOW

imi da kkeutnan geon algo itjiman

miryeonirado namji ankeman

GIRL LET ME KNOW

GIRL LET ME KNOW

GIRL LET ME KNOW

mworado malhaejwo

(I JUST WANNA)

KNOW KNOW KNOW

(I JUST WANNA)

KNOW KNOW KNOW

miryeoni machimpyo apeseo beotigo isseo

geureoni mworado naege malhaejwo

GIRL LET ME KNOW

With the light shining on her, she looked up and began to sing.

I see right through him; those fake smiles are so obvious

Never seen him like this before, I feel so helpless

He tells me he's all right but I can tell he's hurting

Girl, do you have any idea what you've done?

Why won't you tell him anything when you know it's over?

What you're doing is not right, he don't deserve this

Just tell him so the suffering can end

So, he can be happy

So, I can see that smile on his face once more

As the light fades down on her, V sang,

mamuri doen i seonyul wieseo

na hollo beotigo isseo

ijen naege malhaejwo

kkeutnatdan geol LET ME KNOW

With the light shining on her again, she strummed along on her guitar while singing the chorus.

Girl let him know

Girl let him know

Although you already know everything is over

Although you're over him

Girl let him know

Girl let him know

Girl let him know

Tell him something

He just wanna know

Know know

He just wanna know

Know know

His lingering feelings are trying to withstand the end

So please tell him something

Girl let him know!

eojjeom urin da babo meongcheongiilji molla

imi da kkeutnan sarang hanajjeum ango saljanha

mami inneun geon anya

doel su eopdan geotdo ara

geunde gakkeumssik chwihan deusi wae

chehan deusi dasi

meorissogeseo teojilgeotcheoreom ulkeok ollawa

nal tohage mandeune

sangsangsogeseo neowa ssaugowa

hwahaehago neol ihaehae

ne sonjit ne nunbit

huimihande wae sarajijin anheulkka

sarajijin anheulkka wae

sarajijin anheulkka wae

sarajijin anheulkka

GIRL LET ME KNOW GIRL LET ME KNOW

imi da kkeutnan geon algo itjiman

miryeonirado namji ankeman

GIRL LET ME KNOW

GIRL LET ME KNOW

GIRL LET ME KNOW

mworado malhaejwo

(I JUST WANNA)

KNOW KNOW KNOW

(know, I just wanna know~)

(I JUST WANNA)

KNOW KNOW KNOW (know~)

miryeoni machimpyo apeseo beotigo isseo

geureoni mworado naege malhaejwo

GIRL LET ME KNOW

(LET ME KNOW)

After playing the last chords, Jen felt accomplished for playing it successfully for their performance.

"Great job." Namjoon patted her on the back.

"Our title song, Danger, is actually connected to Boy in Luv." Jin explained. "So, in Boy in Luv, we make it clear that we'd like to be your oppa, your man, so after that, we made it happen, we start dating but it feels like we're the only ones in love. The girl doesn't seem like she's loving me back. So, we figure we better warn her that this relationship is in danger. That's why the title is danger."

"Danger! This is also where the girl is pissed at the guy!" Jen added. "Danger is an intense song. I believe it's aggressive, don't you agree?" She looked at the members, who nodded in agreement.

"We worked really, really hard on this album. So, all the songs, but all 14 have our souls melted into them." Rap Monster pointed out. "Please listen to the whole album. This is Dark & Wild, BTS."

You in danger

You in danger

You in danger

You in danger

maennal ireon shik

neoneun neo naneun na neoye gongshik

haendeuponeun jangshik

na namchini matgin hani? I'm sick

wae sukjecheoreom pyohyeondeureul mirweo

uri museun Business? anim naega shireo?

deong deong digi deong deong

jom salgaweojeora oneuldo tto jumuneul bireo

urin pyeonghaengseon

gateun goseul bojiman neom dareuji

nan neobakke eomneunde

wae neo bakke inneun geonman gateunji

kkonghamyeon neon mureo "ppicheonni?"

nal ppichige haetteon jeogina isseonni?

neon gwiyomi nan jimonmi

saenggigil niga deo saranghaneun gijeogi

neon naega eomneunde nan neoro gadeukae

michil geot gata Whoa whoa

geunde wae ireoneunde wae babol mandeureo

na ije gyeonggohae hetgallige haji ma

jangnanhae neo? dodaeche naega mweoya?

manmanhae Uh? nal gatgo noneun geoya?

neo jigeum wiheomhae wae nareul shiheomhae?

wae nareul shiheomhae? hetgallige haji ma

jangnanhae neo? dodaeche naega mweoya?

manmanhae Uh? nal gatgo noneun geoya?

neo jigeum wiheomhae wae nareul shiheomhae?

wae nareul shiheomhae? hetgallige haji ma

neo ttaeme neomu apa

neo ttaeme neomu apa

neo ttaeme neomu apa

hetgallige haji ma

neo naege neomu nappa

neo naege neomu nappa

neo naege neomu nappa

hetgallige haji ma

Letting out a low sarcastic laugh, Jen shook her head, making her way to the middle. The guys stare at her with angry expressions. Waving their angry looks away with her hand, she spoke, "Okay, okay..." She angrily turned to them. With a hard tone, she snapped, "Now you're startin' to piss me off."

"You done talking?" She raised a brow. "It's my turn to speak. Let me run it down for you, boy, let's walk for a minute." She walked to the middle while they stood behind her. Leaning from side to side, she sang,

I'm in danger, huh?

I'm confusin, huh?

I'm testin' you?

In pain because of me?

I'm driving you crazy? It's the other way around

Getting her arms held back by J-Hope and V, she leaned back.

The constant questions are dragging me down

Can't do anything with you breathin' down my neck

She escaped their hold, shoving them both away. Running her hands through her hair, she continued her verse.

What the heck!

I've had it up to here!

My patience is thinning

It wouldn't be wise to keep this up.

I highly recommend you Back up

The boys jumped back like they were pushed by her. Walking forward, Jimin stood face to face with her, crossing his arms, while she pointed at him.

I'm a cutie but don't get it twisted

I'm not playing this he said/she said game anymore

I can't have time to myself? With my girls? With the fam?

30 missed calls

25 messages

Enough is enough

Stop blowin' up my phone!

Keep this up, what we have is gonna end

Keep giving me all types of warnings but I'm callin' your bluff

What are you gonna do to me?

She shoved him back, getting into the next dance position as they successfully continued the song.

------

The next day, during the afternoon, Jen came back from the kitchen after doing the dishes, to see her phone blowing up. Picking it up, the texts were revealed to be from Jungkook as she let out a soft laugh

JK: Wanna work out with me? [3:11 pm]

JK: pleassseeee? [3:16 pm]

JK: i have smarties [3:16 pm]

JK: Jennieeeeee [3:18 pm]

Jen: WOW!! you're gonna bribe me with smarties? [3:20 pm]

JK: Is it working? [3:20 pm]

Pondering about the last text, she let out a sigh. Working out sounded like fun since she did want to start getting abs and tone up. And being with him would even be more entertaining.

Jen: ....yes [3:21 pm]

JK: so that means you'll come to the gym with me? [3:21 pm]

Jen: Fine. I'll go [3:22 pm]

JK: woo hoooo! I'll be back at the dorm in 20 minutes! Be ready! [3:22 pm]

Putting on black gym pants, a bright green sports bra and loose white tank with her Nikes, Jen chilled on her bed until it was time to go.

"Hey! You all set?" She heard a cheerful voice as she looked up to see Jungkook wearing a white loose muscle shirt and black shorts.

"Let's roll!"

When they arrived at the gym, there weren't a lot of people there, so they agreed to take advantage of using all the equipment, they could. Before working out, they take a quick selfie, throwing up peace signs.

Jen posted it on their Twitter, tweeting, 'Gym day! Road to abs here I come! Stay cool ARMYs! It's hot outside. #Jen'

ARMYs, being sharp, noticed that Jen and Jungkook were wearing similar rings and caused speculation.

'Do you guys notice that they're wearing the same rings?'

'So what if they are! They're best friends! Friends wear things like that'

'Why are they wearing the same ring!?'

'I like their rings! It's cute!'

'If they're dating, I ship them. Is that wrong? They look cute!'

'How do you know if they're just best friends? They could be dating!'

'Guy and a girl take a selfie, then they're automatically dating? I see how this goes.'

'Friends wear friendship rings!'

'Oh my God, just leave them alone!'

'But Jungkook is always so happy around her!'

'Because Jennie makes him happy! That's what friends do! Make each other happy! Dating or not, I'm happy that Jungkook is happy'

'Um, boys can be friends with girls too! She's friends with all the members, obviously. What's the problem?'

'I want evidence and proof that they're dating! Not speculation!'

'Guys, Jennie confirmed at KCON that they're best friends and they wear friendship rings!'

'Yeah! Jungkook was the one who gave her the rings in the first place!'

'There! Now stop harassing her! Leave munchkin alone!'

'She's so lucky...I wish I had a best friend like Jungkook.'

'Leave the girl alone! She told me at KCON she's not ready to date at her age, anyway!'

'We'll see when she gets older!'

'Jennie told me she's too busy for dating at the moment, at KCON! No one's dating each other'

'I wish I could be Jennie's best friend! I bet she's fun to be around. She's so kind.'

'So they're not dating??'

'Ahhh but she's dating Jimin! JenMin shippers where ya'll at!?'

'I seriously thought she was dating Jimin tho! What's going on??'

'Did I miss something???'

'Um, no! NamJen is better!'

'I honestly prefer her with Jin.'

'If it had to be any member she would date, I have my eyes set on her dating Tae! Taennie FTW!'

'Are we really shipping her with the members, right now? No one is dating!'

'Yet!'

After stretching, Jungkook went right into his workout, while Jen looked around, wondering what she should do first. Deciding to pick up a random dumbbell that she assumed she could pick up, she groaned and dropped it down.

"Too heavy...ugh, I can't do this."

"Yes, you can. I'll guide you."

She heard Jungkook say from behind. She turned around to see him picking up the weight and placing it back on the rack.

"Jungkook, the personal trainer." She let out a chuckle.

"I can be if you want."

"Huh? Oh, I was just joking. Don't worry about it." She waved his suggestion away.

"I wasn't joking." He clarified. "I don't mind being your workout buddy."

Taking in his request with consideration, she returned his smile. "Hm...'ight let's continue, shall we?"

"Let's start with the small weights and work our way up, okay?" He handed her a set of small dumbbells. "Follow me." He walked over to a vacant area, where they could work. He demonstrated with the large weights, flexing his arms, up and down with the weights.

She immediately felt the burn as she continued to mirror his movement. Meanwhile, Jungkook monitored her actions, nodding in approval as he continued.

"Jeez, just how strong are you?" She exclaimed after they finished.

"I can show you." He set the weights down. "Lay against my back while I do pushups." He kneeled on the ground and positioned himself in a pushup.

Reluctance in her voice, she shook her head, "I might be too heavy for you, Kook."

"Try me."

"If you fall down, I'll laugh." She laid against his back while he didn't feel phased. Back to back, looking up at the ceiling, she felt herself moving up and down. "The hell? H-HOW!?" She shouted as he continued easily going up and down with her weight.

Letting out a laugh, he continued his set of pushups. After he was done, she got off him, still mind-bogged.

Arching a brow, with a smirk across his face, Jungkook asked, "Impressed?"

"Are you human?" She joked.

"I think so." He let out another laugh. "Let's do some sit ups. I'll guide you."

"How many are we doing?"

"Three sets of 25." He holds down her feet while she lays on the ground.

"I'm bout to die today, Lord..."

"If you successfully do each set, I'll give you one smartie."

"Bribing me with smarties, again? Fine. I'll do it. But only one though?"

"One pack then,"

"Sounds like a plan,"

With Jungkook counting her sit ups, she sat up and down, inhaling and exhaling. She felt the burn and tightness in her stomach as she continued. Every time she sat up, she was met by Jungkook's bunny smile as he watched her.

Her efforts were rewarded after she earned a pack of smarties, just like he said. Walking up to the chin up bar, he let her stand on a chair to lift herself up as her chin was over the bar. When he removed the chair, she tried to stay in the position. Her arms were wobbly and only lasted 15 seconds when she let go.

"Ow..." She rubbed her arms.

"You'll last longer, trust me. Let's start doing lift ups." He demonstrated it, pulling himself up and down with ease. "I want you to do ten, for now."

"I'll try my best."

Gripping on the bar, she let out a soft grunt as she slowly lifted herself up.

"I got you." His warm, large hands were placed on her hips, holding her in place as she held on to the bar. He guided her up and down, three times before letting her go, so she could continue her own.

After the difficult, yet motivating workout session with Jungkook, Jen caught her breath, drenched in sweat as she laid on her back. Her chest rose up and down at a rapid rate, clearly exhausted. Jungkook, sweating, just as much as her, only panted slowly, used to working out.

"Please tell me we're done." He heard her gasp out. 

He let out a quiet laugh and got on his feet. She grabbed his warm hand to help her up. 

"Our workout is complete, Miss Bangtan. Congratulations, you survived!"

"Thank God...thank you. I know I'm going to be sore tomorrow, thanks to you."

"No pain, no gain?" He grinned sheepishly.

Making their way outside, Jen took baby steps, thanks to the soreness of her legs. "My legs feel like jelly."

"You'll get used to it. Get on my back. I'll give you a piggyback ride, to the dorm."

"You sure? I'm sweaty." She gestured to her body.

"So am I. You're tired. I don't mind." He simply replied as he kneeled. She obliged, wrapping her arms around his neck. He stood up and put his arms under her legs, to hold her.

"Am I heavy?" She questioned as he began walking in the direction of the dorm.

"Nah, you're easy to carry."

"Am I?" She raised a brow. "Well, if that's the case, maybe I should get piggyback rides, more often."

Smiling to himself, he murmured, "I don't mind."

"For real?"

"It'll cost you."

She heard the grin in his voice. "All right, Kookie. How should I repay you?"

"I'll think about it and let you know."

"Well, in the meantime..." She decided to lean forward and kiss his cheek.

As soon as he felt her soft, thick lips on the side of his face, he felt his heart flutter. Her kiss took him by surprise, flustering him as he looked ahead, feeling shy.

Attempting to get over the shock, walking on, he realized how nice her kiss felt against his cheek as a shy grin appeared on his face.

"Thank you, Kookie. You're always so good to me." He heard her mumble against him. She hugged him tighter, getting comfortable as she dozed off, against his back.

Genuinely pleased, he whispered, "Anything for you."

[richincolor]

New Releases

I got an early look at Rez Ball and am really looking forward to seeing it out in the world. I'm excited for that and several others this week.

Rez Ball by Byron Graves Heartdrum

This compelling debut novel by new talent Byron Graves tells the relatable, high-stakes story of a young athlete determined to play like the hero his Ojibwe community needs him to be. These days, Tre Brun is happiest when he is playing basketball on the Red Lake Reservation high school team—even though he can’t help but be constantly gut-punched with memories of his big brother, Jaxon, who died in an accident. When Jaxon’s former teammates on the varsity team offer to take Tre under their wing, he sees this as his shot to represent his Ojibwe rez all the way to their first state championship. This is the first step toward his dream of playing in the NBA, no matter how much the odds are stacked against him. But stepping into his brother’s shoes as a star player means that Tre can’t mess up. Not on the court, not at school, and not with his new friend, gamer Khiana, who he is definitely not falling in love with. After decades of rez teams almost making it, Tre needs to take his team to state. Because if he can live up to Jaxon’s dreams, their story isn’t over yet.  This book is published by Heartdrum, an imprint that publishes high-quality, contemporary stories about Indigenous young people in the United States and Canada.

Those Pink Mountain Nights by Jen Ferguson Heartdrum

In her remarkable second novel following her acclaimed debut, The Summer of Bitter and Sweet, which won the Governor General’s Award and received six starred reviews, Jen Ferguson writes about the hurt of a life stuck in past tense, the hum of connections that cannot be severed, and one week in a small snowy town that changes everything.

Over-achievement isn’t a bad word—for Berlin, it’s the goal. She’s securing excellent grades, planning her future, and working a part-time job at Pink Mountain Pizza, a legendary local business. Who says she needs a best friend by her side?

Dropping out of high school wasn’t smart—but it was necessary for Cameron. Since his cousin Kiki’s disappearance, it’s hard enough to find the funny side of life, especially when the whole town has forgotten Kiki. To them, she’s just another missing Native girl.

People at school label Jessie a tease, a rich girl—and honestly, she’s both. But Jessie knows she contains multitudes. Maybe her new job crafting pizzas will give her the high-energy outlet she desperately wants.

When the weekend at Pink Mountain Pizza takes unexpected turns, all three teens will have to acknowledge the various ways they’ve been hurt—and how much they need each other to hold it all together.

Ab(solutely) Normal: Short Stories That Smash Mental Health Stereotypes edited by Nora Shalaway Carpenter & Rocky Callen Candlewick Press

Channeling their own experiences, sixteen exceptional authors subvert mental health stereotypes in a powerful and uplifting collection of fiction.

A teen activist wrestles with protest-related anxiety and PTSD. A socially anxious vampire learns he has to save his town by (gulp) working with people. As part of her teshuvah, a girl writes letters to the ex-boyfriend she still loves, revealing that her struggle with angry outbursts is related to PMDD. A boy sheds uncontrollable tears but finds that in doing so he’s helping to enable another’s healing. In this inspiring, unflinching, and hope-filled mixed-genre collection, sixteen diverse and notable authors draw on their own lived experiences with mental health conditions to create stunning works of fiction that will uplift and empower you, break your heart and stitch it back together stronger than before. Through powerful prose, verse, and graphics, the characters in this anthology defy stereotypes as they remind readers that living with a mental health condition doesn’t mean that you’re defined by it. Each story is followed by a note from its author to the reader, and comprehensive back matter includes bios for the contributors as well as a collection of relevant resources.

With contributions by: Mercedes Acosta * Karen Jialu Bao * James Bird * Rocky Callen * Nora Shalaway Carpenter * Alechia Dow * Patrick Downes * Anna Drury * Nikki Grimes * Val Howlett * Jonathan Lenore Kastin * Sonia Patel * Marcella Pixley * Isabel Quintero * Ebony Stewart * Francisco X. Stork

Monstrous by Jessica Lewis Delacorte Press

Forced to spend her summer in her aunt’s strange small town, a teen girl discovers dark secrets hidden in the woods. From the author of Bad Witch Burning comes another pulse-pounding novel perfect for fans of Supernatural and Lovecraft Country.

Don’t go outside past dark. Come straight home after church. And above all—never, ever, go into Red Wood.

These are the rules Latavia’s aunt tells her as soon as she arrives in Sanctum, Alabama for the summer. Weird, but Latavia isn’t here to solve any scary small town mysteries; she’s here for six weeks and six weeks only, and then she’s off to college and won’t look back. Still, Sanctum has its perks—mainly, the cute girl who works at the local ice cream shop.

But Latavia can’t ignore how strange her aunt’s tiny town is. The residents are suspicious of her and at times hostile, and it’s clear she’s some kind of outsider. That’s proven when Latavia is dragged out of her house in the dead of night, into the forbidden Red Wood, and presented as a human sacrifice to an ancient monster.

Latavia won’t be eaten without a fight. She’ll do whatever she has to do to survive—even if that includes making a deal with the monster, endangering her crush and family, and even risk turning into a monster herself.

The Name Drop by Susan Lee Inkyard Press

New from the author of Seoulmates comes a story of mistaken identities, the summer of a lifetime, and a love to risk everything for.

When Elijah Ri arrives in New York City for an internship at his father’s massive tech company, Haneul Corporation, he expects the royal treatment that comes with being the future CEO—even if that’s the last thing he wants. But instead, he finds himself shuffled into a group of overworked, unpaid interns, all sharing a shoebox apartment for the summer.

When Jessica Lee arrives in New York City, she’s eager to make the most of her internship at Haneul Corporation, even if she’s at the bottom of the corporate ladder. But she’s shocked to be introduced as the new executive-in-training intern with a gorgeous brownstone all to herself.

It doesn’t take long for Elijah and Jessica to discover the source of the they share the same Korean name. But they decide to stay switched—so Elijah can have a relaxing summer away from his controlling dad while Jessica can make the connections she desperately needs for college recommendations.

As Elijah and Jessica work together to keep up the charade, a spark develops between them. Can they avoid discovery—and total disaster—with their feelings and futures on the line?

Goddess Crown by Shade Lapite Walker Books US

In this thrilling Afro-fantasy, the first set in the lush, opulent kingdom of Galla, a girl raised in secret must leave her sheltered rural home for the subtle dangers of the royal court, where she becomes caught up in deadly power struggles and romantic intrigue.

Kalothia has grown up in the shadows of her kingdom, hidden away in the forested East after her parents were outed as enemies of the king. Raised in a woodland idyll by a few kindly adult caretakers, Kalothia can hunt and fish and fend for herself but knows little of the outside world. When assassins attack her home on her sixteenth birthday, she must flee to the king’s court in the West–a beautiful but lethal nest of poison, plots, and danger, overseen by an entrenched patriarchy. Guided by the Goddess herself, can Kalothia navigate this most worldly of places to find her own role? What if she must choose between her country and her heart? Excitement, romance, and a charismatic heroine shine in this first book set in the unforgettable kingdom of Galla.

[zabiume]

now hang on a moment let's hear more about Ichigo meet the knb crew asgdsfaha

Now you've truly done it. This is all your fault.

1) Logic dictates that the schools Karakura High would most likely play against are Touou, Seirin, and Shuutoku since they're all in the Tokyo district.

2) It is a canon fact that Ichigo is good at sports, giving us major It Girl vibes, but he did play with the basketball club in particular on contract for an unspecified period somewhere around the time the Winter Cup ended.

3) In the FB arc, Ichigo seems utterly disinterested in the sports themselves; his true goal is to play for the club that pays him the most money. While Ichigo is an endearing and loveable protagonist in our verse, the Law of Sports Anime dictates that this would actually make him an antagonist in their verse. The idea that anyone would play basketball without loving it would definitely not sit right with the Basketball Boys, though I only see Kuroko and Kagami being willing to do something about it. Can you imagine? Seirin vs Karakura, but Kuroko keeps trying to get Ichigo to see the appeal of basketball while Ichigo is distracted by the possibility that he can see ghosts again (because he thinks Kuroko is a ghost).

Funnier still: Shuutoku vs Karakura, where Midorima, who abides by astrology for his every life decision, encounters Ichigo, who loathes it. I think Ichigo would be determined to win on principle alone though I'm not sure how he would fare against the iconic Midorima/Takao partnership. I do desperately want Takao and Orihime to meet, though, because come on. MidoTaka 🤝 IchiHime supremacy (Gotta love the Sunshine x Grumps, right?)

Funniest of all: You know how Ichigo doesn't really care about fighting someone all that much unless they have a bone to pick with his friends? You know how Aomine's type of women is. Um. Yeah. I think it would be hilarious if Aomine decided to hit on Orihime, and Ichigo, ala that iconic scene with Shinji, decides to teach him a lesson through basketball (because let's be real: that's the only place you could ever teach Aomine anything). Ichigo does a brilliant job putting Aomine in his place in the first two quarters, and he thinks maybe this will make the guy apologize, but now Aomine is interested in him instead. Also, consequently: Aomine goes into the Zone.

Ichigo: What is 'the Zone?'

Aomine: *KnB-esque monologue that completely goes over Ichigo's head*

Orihime, helpfully (from the audience): I think it's Bankai for basketball players.

I don't think Karakura High has what it takes to make it far into the league, so the chances of them meeting Akashi and Murasakibara are pretty slim. Maybe if Ichigo put some effort in and tried to shape this team up to be the Number One in Japan. Alexa play 'Number One' (TYBW Version). Too bad he only cares about inconsequential things, like the fate of the universe, and the balance between life and death, and protecting people. Boooooo. Get real. #ballislife

[purpledisastertwin900]

April O’Neil everybody

president of the Stoneheads

Was trained in ninjitsu in a day

Has worked at a department store, the Foot Shack, as an actress, pizza delivery girl, & Burgerville fry cook

Has been on TV canonically twice

Knows how to make risotto

Is well versed in filmography and video editing (The Lair Games)

Pro at video games (2nd place in The Purple Game)

Took down Cass’ Brownie Clan by hersel

Is in the same coding/computer classes as the resident tech geniuses

Can play basketball and baseball

Has a fear of cosplay wizards but does not fear spirits or ghosts

COMMANDER O’Neil 🥲🥲

Also did this at one point

[newd1rections]

ZACHARY DE LA CRUZ: ( eighteen year old senior in hs verse ) zac is a dalton legacy who never expected to find himself among the warblers. he genuinely still doesn't know what drew him to them, because with a boy who literally dyes his hair pink to pop amongst the blue and red blazers of dalton academy? how does he fit in a group where 90% of the members sway in the background and make vocalizations. he doesn't have an answer, but he loves the warblers like brothers and he's proud to be a part of them. as a senior, zac has somehow ended up on the warbler's council . . . probably due to his lack of selfishness and just wanting what's best for the team. he's just out here vibing ninety percent of the time, and he's happy to let other people take the spotlight. he's just glad to be included.

LIAM DE LUCA: ( eighteen year old senior in hs verse ) liam transferred to carmel high from mckinley high in his sophomore year after his father got a new job on the other side of town. this was probably the worst thing to happen to liam's already overly inflated ego. liam was always a musical kid, the lead in everything he did, singing, dancing, performing . . . he has big dreams for broadway. so when he switched schools, the first thing he did was audition for vocal adrenaline . . . and he got in ( of course, he'd happily add ). he's been taking on male leads in almost every performance ever since. he's got broadway on his mind, and he's determined to get there as soon as he graduates.

JENNA BRADY: ( eighteen year old senior in hs verse ) jenna's a lifelong pageant queen and still brings that energy to everything she does. she's been in pageants since she was a toddler, and she is also in the running for miss teen ohio ( in her older verses, she's a reigning miss teen ohio and is chasing actual titles a.k.a. miss ohio, miss usa, and the whole nine yards ). she's also a member of vocal adrenaline and is constantly pushing herself to the forefront. she respects her teammates and will let others shine . . . but she's always going to push for herself first. she's genuinely a sweetheart . . . until you're competing against her or get in the way of what she wants.

ESTEFANIA AGUILAR: ( eighteen year old senior in hs verse ) three sport athlete, vocal adrenaline member, all around bad ass. stef has been a part of vocal adrenaline since she was a freshman. she's one of the only members afforded the luxury of being allowed to participate in extra activities because she's never once faltered. no matter what's going on sports wise, vocal adrenaline comes first. with soccer in the fall, basketball in the winter, and track in the spring, there's no way one girl can do it all . . . hence the rumors around carmel that she's actually a robot ( clearly untrue, but she thinks it's hilarious ). stef is fiercely loyal, a team player through and through, and she's definitely vocal adrenaline's personal pitbull, ready to fight for them at any moment. she's also the queen of psychologically tormenting their competition. it's her favorite hobby.