#the video was over 4 minutes long and I’m pretty sure that’s all it said

[sophisticatedswifts]

I saw a tiktok swiftie say Taylor having curly hair at the chiefs game was an intentional ploy to convince people that her “pr relationship” was real because it “added a level of authenticity to her relationship with Travis”

[m4tthewmurd0ck]

Tom Blyth x Actress!Reader

TBOSAS Vogue Interviews — Rachel + Tom

(next part will be you and Josh’s interview)

no descriptors other than reader being shorter than tom but i use she / her. click [HERE] for the table of contents for all things tom x actress!reader

for the interviews, rachel and tom are still paired up since they’re the leads, and you’re with josh. sorry hunter hshxhsdi. also in this tbosas has been out for a month so the cast is allowed to talk specific scenes and give “spoilers”

The first bit of the video shows short clips of some answers, but no context as to what the questions are.

“Oh that’s an easy one, my girlfriend,” Tom can’t help but smile.

Rachel playfully slaps him with the card. “I was going to say her!”

~

“Pepper jack,” Rachel shrugs.

“Maybe… maybe a sharp cheddar?” Tom laughs.

~

Tom sighs, “that was quite a hard scene to film. After each take I’d ask if she was alright at least a couple of times.”

“Honestly the games as a whole, because I missed a lot of the stunt training.”

~

THE INTERVIEW —

“Hi Vogue, I’m Rachel Zegler.”

“And I’m Tom Blyth. Today we’re here to ask each other some questions, rapid fire.”

Rachel shuffles the interview cards around. “Okay first question, what would you say was the most difficult scene to film and why? Ooh I have my answer already.”

“You go first, I’m still thinking,” Tom laughs.

“Well for me, the most difficult scenes physically were honestly… the games as a whole. I missed a lot of the stunt training so to have one of my first scenes be me running like crazy screaming for Jessup, it was pretty intense.”

Tom blushes a little. “Sort of piggy backing off of Rachel’s answer, the hardest physically I’d definitely say my scene with Josh when we’re running out of the arena. The first few takes were stopped fairly quickly because either he or I would trip. But the most difficult emotionally, the scene in the cabin with Coriolanus and Nova May.”

“Aww,” Rachel puts her hand over her heart. “That’s was so cool to watch you both but yeah I can for sure see why it would be difficult. Did you guys rehearse it a lot?”

Tom shakes his head. “Not at all actually. We ran through the lines a few times but as far as acting out the whole scene, not until we were on set and they wanted a run through. And thankfully after the third take they were satisfied. That was quite a hard scene to film. After each take I’d ask if she was alright at least a couple of times.”

Off camera, someone asks “how long have you guys been together?”

“Pretty much since we met,” Tom tries, and fails to hide his smile. “So she and Josh were actually cast on the same day in June of 2022. At that point Rachel and I had already been cast, and the 4 of us, it just so happened that we were all in London for one thing or another and we all went out to dinner that night. Knew I fancied her right away, and I wanna say it wasn’t even a couple of weeks later that I asked her to be my girlfriend. Sorry I know I went off topic. To answer your actual question, almost a year and a half.”

Tom and Rachel chat for a couple of minutes as cameras are moved around to capture different angles.

“Next question, something a lot more lighthearted. If you were a cheese, what—”

“Pepper jack,” Rachel shrugs, not elaborating.

Tom bursts out laughing. “You had that answer ready awfully quick.”

“What can I say, I’m a cheese girly.”

“I guess that’s my go. Pepper jack is a good answer by the way. I’ll go cheddar. Maybe… maybe a sharp cheddar?”

Rachel taps her chin as if considering what Tom just said. “Yeah, I could see sharp cheddar. Okay guys sorry they’re motioning behind cameras that we have to speed it up. This is rapid fire and we’ve only answered two questions, sorry!”

“Sorry guys! Okay okay next question. Who is your favorite person to run lines with? Oh that’s an easy one, my girlfriend.”

“I was gonna say her!” Rachel faces the camera. “You guys, she’s seriously the best person for that. She memorizes lines sooo fast. By the end she won’t need a script to help you and she’ll be able to still correct you if you mess up!”

“What — oh wait I’ve already asked that question,” Tom flips through the cards, “okay here we go. If you could play any other character in the film, who would you play?”

Rachel claps and points at Tom. “We were just talking about this! I’d either want to play your character because I think it would be so fun to kind of switch to the villain. Or Nova May because hello she’s a badass.”

“Do you know what, and I swear I’m not making this up, my answers are the same as yours. either Nova May because I feel like she’s the opposite of Coriolanus in a way. Or Lucy Gray because I love that even after the games, she’s stayed true to who she is and she doesn’t let Coriolanus corrupt her.”

Rachel and Tom chat again as cameras and lights are moved around. They each do 2 questions.

“Okay we’ve each got one more question. Ooh this one’s fun! You’re stuck on a deserted island for a month and can have five things with you, what do you bring? And it says people don’t count,” Rachel thinks for a moment, “you go first because I need to give this some real thought.”

“No people, okay let’s see… my phone, one of those solar power generators so I could plug things in, phone charger, a book, and mini fridge. I’m sure I could cook some things up and be able to save them for later.”

Rachel nods in approval. “I am going to copy your first three things because I think I’d go crazy not being able to at least write out my thoughts in my notes app or something, or record what’s happening on my camera. But for my last two things, a guitar now that I can play, and… oh crap this is harder than I thought. And… a surfboard! If you’re stuck on an island that’s the perfect time to pick up a new hobby.”

“I think we’re finally getting the hang of this, of course right at the end. Oh I have the last question that’s right. Let’s see… what three characters from other shows or films do you think would do well in the Hunger Games?”

“I love that question!” Rachel nearly falls out of her chair. “Definitely someone from Game of Thrones — ooh or House of the Dragon! You know what, Juliette would do really good. A bow and arrow can take you really far in the games and that’s her go-to weapon.”

Tom smiles and blushes once again at the mention of his girlfriend, or at least the character she plays.

Rachel thinks about her last two answers. “Joel Miller from The Last of Us, and Spencer Reid from Criminal Minds.”

“Why Spencer?”

“He’s a literal genius. I bet he’d be able to rig a bunch of traps that no one would suspect and he’d be able to eliminate most of the other tributes without any physical contact.”

“Ahh I didn’t think of that. Hmm also from House of the Dragon, Aemond Targaryen. He’s quite ruthless isn’t he, he’d have no problem getting rid of the other tributes. And also Clint Barton, like you said because a bow and arrow is a really good weapon to have. Also… Uhtred Ragnarsson from The Last Kingdom.”

Someone behind the camera says it’s time to wrap it up.

Tom smiles at the camera, “thank you so much for having us.”

“We hope you enjoyed watching, bye!”

TOM BLYTH x ACTRESS!READER TAGLIST —

@callsignwidow | @spencerstits | @coconut-dreamz | @daenerysqueenofhearts

[a-reader-and-a-writer]

Sweeter Than Revenge Part 4

Fandom: Twisters, Tyler Owens, f!reader, Scott's Sister!reader Summary: The next morning, you get to learn a little more about Tyler's past and what makes him the way he is. But after he introduces you to his crew, you find out some things that have you second-guessing your connection with him... Word Count: 3847 TW: Fluff, Flirting, Doubt, Developing Feelings, Unrequited Feelings (or are they...), Description of Reader's Clothes Notes: A massive thank you to @blue-aconite and @green-socks for reading this over for me and for all the constant support! And to @mayhem24-7forever for always answering my late-night panicked messages

Divider created by me (please ask/credit before using)

Series Masterlist

The next morning, Tyler knocked on your door at exactly 7:30. You were actually pretty sure you heard him walk up a few minutes before, but you hadn’t peeked out because you wanted to see how long he would stand there before announcing himself. However, the second he knocked, you swung open the door with your bag slung over your shoulder and your sunglasses snuggly settled on your face. Tyler’s hand was still raised, leaning forward to knock again, and he was taken off guard. You bit your lip to hide your smile as he quickly caught himself and straightened up. 

He was wearing what appeared to be the same boots and jeans from the night before (you had noticed a small oil stain on his right thigh when he was driving), but he had exchanged his flannel shirt for a dark maroon long-sleeved denim button-down, his sunglasses tucked into the collar. And of course, his off-white cowboy hat was proudly perched on top of his head.

You, on the other hand, had opted for an outfit rather different from the one you wore the previous night. Gone was the plunging, sheer top and itty-bitty cut-offs. Instead, you chose a comfortably fitting faded band shirt and mid-thigh cargo shorts. You had spent way too long considering your attire for the day and what Tyler may think of each option, but you finally settled on something less impressive but more yourself. It still made you feel attractive, yet comfortable.

And based on the way his eyes roamed across your body, Tyler approved of this decision. “Good morning, sweetheart. You look as beautiful as ever.”

“Thank you,” you said, stepping out into the hall and using the fact you had to lock the door as a reason to hide your face for a moment. “I wasn’t sure what one was supposed to wear to go tornado wranglin’ but this seemed like a safe choice.”

“Unlike your brother’s team, we don’t do uniforms or dress codes so whatever you wanted to wear would have been fine. In fact, just for the hell of it, Boone and I have gone on a few chases wearing nothing at all. But you won’t see those videos on our YouTube channel.” He winked at you before sliding your backpack off your shoulder and placing it on his own. Then he added, “Don’t get me wrong, I loved what you were wearing last night too, but this just…it feels more you.”

The butterflies that had laid dormant since last night once again sprang to life in your stomach. “Seems you’ve got me figured out pretty quickly there, Mr. Owens. Anything else you’ve noticed about me?”

“Let’s see…” Placing his arm over your shoulder, he began to steer you towards the stairs as he thought. “You have a sarcastic, confident shell you hide behind so people don’t see how vulnerable you feel. You know how to use your looks to your advantage in certain situations, but otherwise seem to forget how breathtaking you are. And—” you had started to turn at his last comment, but he placed his finger under your chin and tilted your head towards him “—you like to hide your face when someone compliments you, though I’m not sure yet if it’s because you don’t want them to see how their words affect you or if you don’t think you deserve the praise. Maybe a bit of both.”

You shifted under the weight of his sage-green gaze. “You make me sound like I’m heading into a battle with my armor, my weapon, and my shield.” 

“Maybe you are. Is that how it feels to you?”

In fact, it sometimes was, though you weren’t going to admit that. You rolled your eyes instead, trying to hide how rattled you were by his spot-on assessment. “Geez, and here I thought you were a tornado wrangler, not a therapist.” Shifting the topic off of yourself, you asked, “When did you learn to read people so well?”

Now it was Tyler’s turn to become uncomfortable. His eyes flickered away for the first time and he muttered, “...I’d rather not say.”

If he had seemed hurt or sad or uneasy as the two of you made your way down to the first floor, you would have dropped it immediately. However, the way he avoided eye contact now after just staring at you so intently, plus the slight redness spreading up his neck and face, told you he was hiding it for a very different reason. And after all the times you had been embarrassed in front of him, you weren’t going to let this opportunity go. 

You slipped from under his arm and turned to face him as you reached the top of the stairs. “Well, now you have to tell me! You can’t just tease me with something like that and expect me to drop it! Besides, all we’ve done since we met is talk about me and my messed up life. Let me learn something about you for once.”

He sighed, chewing on the inside of his lip, then said, “Okay, you asked.” As the two of you began walking down to the ground floor, he said, “Back before I got into storm chasing, I used to compete in the rodeo circuit.”

“Really?” you asked. “I didn’t know that. Have you ever mentioned that on your channel?”

“Nah. It was another life. But, one of the things you learn when you’re left staring down a 2,000-pound bull is how to be observant. You gotta notice every little shift or twitch he makes to predict what he’s gonna do and how to stay outta his way. And after a while, it just becomes a habit you do with everyone you meet.”

You raised one eyebrow. “Oh, so you noticed all those things about me because you were examining me like a bull about to charge you?”

“Pretty much, yeah,” he chuckled. “Which is why I didn’t want to tell you. Most girls don’t tend to like it when you compare them to a cow.” 

“Well, I’m not most girls,” you said as you reached the bottom of the stairs and faced him once more.

He smiled, his eyes sparkling in the morning light. “I’ve noticed. You’re definitely keeping me on my toes.”

“Oh?” you asked, taking a step closer to him. “Afraid you won’t get out of my way in time?”

He leaned over until the brim of his hat just grazed the top of your head. “I haven’t decided if I want to yet.”

Staring into his eyes, you felt that same zap of electricity from the night before zooming through your body. You watched his tongue peek out, slowly wet his lips, and, without meaning to, you leaned in closer until—

Slam!

Jumping at the loud noise to your left, you and Tyler both turned to see Scott glaring at the two of you as the Storm PAR team swarmed around their vehicles, loading up their gear. Scott had just slammed the sliding door on the van marked “Wizard” and, after spitting his gum on the ground and popping in a new piece, eyes trained on you the entire time, he climbed into the front seat of Scarecrow and started the engine. You saw Javi approaching Lion and he lifted his hand, giving you a small, apologetic smile that you returned. Then he climbed into the truck and the Storm PAR team pulled out of the lot. 

Whatever spell you and Tyler had been under now broken, you resumed walking towards the cluster of Wranglers’ vehicles. There was an awkward tension in the air you had never felt around him before and, in an attempt to break it, you asked, “So, is that how you read tornados so well? You approach them the same way you approached a bull?”

He shrugged, seemingly as happy to get back to the earlier conversation as you were. “More or less. There’s more science that goes into it but you just have to make careful observations and then, ultimately, go with your gut. Even if that means ignoring what all the data is telling you.”

“And that works?”

“Most of the time.”

“And when it doesn’t?”

He grinned as he approached the side of an old, beat-up camper van. “Then you better hope you have a great team watching your back.” With that, he banged twice on the side of the van.

The doors flew open and four people jumped out. You recognized them all from their YouTube videos as the other members of Tyler’s crew, but you couldn’t remember any of their names except for Boone. He was the other man you had seen with Tyler in the diner parking lot when you first arrived and he always manned the handheld camera in the videos, making commentary and jokes as Tyler drove them into a storm.

Tyler quickly introduced you to everyone. He had already filled them in on who you were and that you would be riding with them for the next week or so. You had been slightly worried about how they would feel about you tagging along given how Scott had responded to the idea of you going on a chase. However, they swarmed around you excitedly and immediately began to chat about how much you were going to love your first storm as if you had known them for ages.

It was such a stark difference from your brother’s reaction. Where he was instantly dismissive and challenged your bravery, each and every one of the Wranglers welcomed you with open arms, giving you heads-ups about what it would be like out there and assuring you it was fine to react in different ways. They even shared their various first storm chases and how they had responded (it was comforting to know that even Boone, who seemed as reckless and wild—if not more so—as Tyler, had torn a vocal chord “screaming like a little girl” the first time Tyler had planted the truck in the middle of a storm).

Your head was on a constant swivel as each of your four new friends talked over one another, and as you moved to turn from Dexter explaining the different tracking equipment the crew used to monitor storms to Dani explaining the upgrades that had been made to Tyler’s truck, you caught sight of Tyler. He was several feet away from the mob surrounding you, leaning his shoulder against the van with his arms folded across his chest, amusement gleaming in his eyes as he watched the chaos around you. Seeing the slight panic in your eyes, he chuckled softly to himself before pushing off the side of the van and clapping his hands to get everyone’s attention.

“All right guys, give her room to breathe. She’ll be here for at least a week so no need to tell her your whole life stories in the first five minutes. She’s still getting used to things around here and we don’t wanna scare her off.” As they all apologized and backed away, you tried to assure them you were fine but Tyler came over and placed his hands on your shoulders. “It’s alright, sweetheart, we’re just all a little excited to have some fresh blood around here. Now, Dexter, is there any breakfast left? I’m starved and I doubt she’s eaten either.”

You tried to insist you were fine, but the words died in your throat as Dexter opened the door to the camper van and the sticky sweet smell of freshly syruped pancakes hit your nose, eliciting a loud growl from your stomach. Tyler must have heard it because he chuckled and began directing you towards the van, walking behind you as he steered you by your shoulders. 

As you ate, it was decided that today you would ride in the camper van with Dani and Dexter so you could get close to the storms, yet not have to immediately dive into one. At first, you wanted to object, thinking they meant that figuratively. But then you remembered the videos you had seen of Tyler and Boone driving straight into the center of a tornado, and, realizing they meant that literally, you agreed it was probably for the best. Part of you wanted to impress Tyler and jump into his truck anyway, but Scott’s comment that you would get too scared and force his team to end the chase early echoed in your mind. 

You were still a little disappointed Tyler’s “embarrassing secret” he had tried to keep hidden this morning was not embarrassing at all. Instead, you had just prodded him into sharing something that made him seem infinitely cooler than he already had. And, once again, you were reminded of the fact that since you two had met, you had spent the majority of the time either complaining about how much of a jerk your brother was, how shitty of a person you used to be, or crying into his shoulder. Meanwhile, here he was, this daredevil tornado wrangler who learned how to read people by staring down deadly bulls for a living and looked like most women’s cowboy wet dream come to life. 

You wanted to prove to him that you were more than what he had seen so far—that you were worthy of all the time and attention he was giving you. If you told Tyler you wanted to ride with him, you had no doubt he would let you. But what if Scott was right and you freaked out as soon as you neared a tornado? What if you had a panic attack or somehow caused the Wranglers to turn back instead of diving into the storm? They made their money—money they used to help others—from their videos. A video they would not be able to post if they couldn’t record a storm because you were having a complete meltdown. 

So, at least for today, you climbed into the back of the camper van as everyone got ready to chase their first storm of the day.

Dani and Dexter were an interesting pair. Dani was brash and loud, riding with her boots propped up on the dashboard as she slouched in her seat, all the while telling you jokes and poking fun at the other Wranglers. Dexter was more reserved at first, but the longer Dani talked, the more comfortable he seemed and he began joining in. You could tell by how they interacted, often speaking over the other or laughing at a joke before it got to the punchline, that they spent a lot of time together and had a close bond. It was really nice to see. You thought about how stiff and professional the members of Storm PAR seemed and you found yet another reason to be thankful Scott had turned you away. There was no way you would be having this much fun with his team.

As time went on and the clouds above you began to darken, Dexter began to explain how storms were formed, what kinds of conditions were necessary for them, the destruction they could cause, and how much scientists still didn’t know about them. Dani rested her head in her hand, looking half-asleep as she struggled to listen to information you were sure she had heard a million times before, but you were captivated.

Just as Dexter began telling you how the radar in the center console worked, the radio crackled to life and Tyler’s voice, distorted slightly through the ancient speaker, came through. “You okay back there, sweetheart?” Dani picked up the receiver and passed it back to you. “Dani and Dexter aren’t just bickering the whole time, are they?”

You laughed as both Dani and Dexter objected to that statement. “No, they’re great. Dexter’s been teaching me all about the science behind the storms. It’s been much more interesting than those dry reports Scotty left behind.” You saw Dexter beaming in the rearview mirror and you smiled back at him.

“Well, just don’t let him get started on funnel formation or you might change your mind.” Dexter shot a stern glance at the radio as Dani looked out the window, swallowing a laugh. Then, lowering his voice slightly so it felt like he was speaking to you and you alone, Tyler said, “I can’t wait to get you up here with me so I can show you the storm through my eyes.”

Clutching the radio closer to your face, you smiled softly. “That sounds amazing. I can’t wait. And Tyler, I—” You wanted to thank him again for everything he was doing for you. For welcoming you into his life without a second thought and introducing you to these other people who were already starting to feel more like family than your own flesh-in-blood. But, more than that, you wanted to thank him for the way he always made you feel as if he was actually excited you were there—that you were wanted. But just as you were trying to find the words to express those feelings, you remembered the rest of the team could hear you and you quickly cleared your throat. “Um, just be safe up there. You can’t show me anything tomorrow if you do something stupid today.”

“You heard the lady, Boone. Guess we’re taking it easy today.” You heard Boone muttering his objection and you could almost see his pout through the radio. “Cell should be coming up on our left. Y’all enjoy the show.”

The radio clicked off, but you continued staring at the receiver, cupping it close to your chest as you thought about all the things you wished you had been able to say to him.

Glancing back at you, Dani and Dexter exchanged a look before chuckling to themselves. Looking up, you asked, “What?”

“Oh, nothing,” Dani said, examining her nails. “Just seems that someone’s already fallen under the spell of the ol’ Owens charm.”

You raised an eyebrow. “‘The ol’ Owens charm’?”

“You know exactly what I mean. Believe it or not, he doesn’t do it on purpose, it’s just who he is and he can’t turn it off if he tried—not that he even realizes he’s doing it. He’s just naturally one smooth SOB that anyone could find hard to resist.”

A vice suddenly tightened around your heart making it hard to breathe. Was…was that all this was? Did Tyler treat everyone he met with the same kind of attention and kindness? Were you reading into his actions more than you should? 

Trying to maintain a blank expression, you shook your head. “Well, it’s not like that. He’s just letting me hang out with you guys to piss off my brother.”

“That’s what he said…but I’ve seen that look before,” Dani said smugly. 

“Dani…” Dexter muttered, giving her a pointed glance.

“What look?” you asked.

“The one you had when Tyler was talking to you. Like you were soaring on cloud nine and he was the only other person up there with you. Happens all the time.”

“Dani,” Dexter said a little louder.

But she either didn’t hear him or ignored him as she continued, “It doesn’t help that he’s so damn noble on top of everything. You should see the things he does when we stop by a town that has just been hit. He’s almost been crushed in more destroyed houses than I can count trying to go back for a kid’s teddy bear or a family’s photo album. The guy just can’t say no to someone in need.”

“Dani!”

“What?” She glanced at her friend then back to you and her smile faded. She must have noticed the way you had folded in on yourself, your arms wrapped tightly around your middle as you tried to process everything she had said. 

Stuttering slightly, Dani tried to backtrack. “Hey, listen, I didn’t mean…” She sighed and ran her hand through her dark hair. “I might be wrong. Tyler’s never invited someone to join the team outta nowhere like this. And he’s seemed different since he came back from your date yesterday.”

“It wasn’t a dat—” you mumbled, but she cut you off.

“Whatever it was. He’s had even more swagger in his step than usual and, this morning, he checked his watch like a million times to make sure he wasn’t late meeting you at your room. And Tyler never gets wound up like that for anyone. Right, Dexter?” The man nodded, and Dani smiled as if to say “see? I told you”. But then her smile dimmed slightly. “Just…just be careful. You seem like a really nice girl and none of us want to see you get hurt. So maybe know where you stand with him before you let yourself fall too hard.”

“Thanks,” you said, letting your arms unfold slightly. You were still questioning every interaction you had had with Tyler, but knowing you might have had some effect on him did make you feel a little better.

���Plus, you’ve been a lot of fun to have around and I’d hate for you to leave because Tyler can’t see what a catch he has in front of him.” Dani winked at you, and you gave her a small smile. 

You lean forward and hand her the radio. In an attempt to break some of the tension that has now filled the camper van, you asked Dexter to resume what he was saying when Tyler called. But as he happily returns to explaining the radar monitor, the excitement you had previously had listening to his lessons had evaporated. Instead, all you could think about was Tyler.

You thought about the way he held you close to his chest last night, his arms wrapped around you as you cried. You thought about the way he defended you to Scott, how he said you had found someone willing to give you their “attention and love”. You thought about that spark of electricity flowing between you as he pressed his lips to the back of your hand, and how that same spark seemed to gleam in his eyes before he left. You thought about this morning as you had leaned in to kiss Tyler, and how for just a brief moment before Scott’s slamming truck door ruined the moment, you swore you saw Tyler begin to lean in too.

Were you just seeing what your smitten heart wanted to see? 

The more you thought about it, the more you realized Dani was right. You needed to know for sure how Tyler felt before your feelings for him grew any stronger. If he was just being nice and that was all, that was fine. You were supposed to be here to get revenge on Scott, not to fall in love. So if that was the case, you would stuff down these developing feelings and try your best to forget them. But if Tyler really did feel this same magnetic pull that you did, well…that would be great to know too.

Part 5 coming 9/9!

Tag list: @green-socks, @mayhem24-7forever, @blue-aconite, @hederasgarden, @writercole,

@ryebecca, @heart-0n-fire, @nerdysuperchick, @ohtobeleah, @slightly-psycho-multifan,

@sunlightmurdock, @xoxabs88xox, @superchatnoir07, @love2write2626, @smoothdogsgirl,

@rebecca0may, @hereiamhereigo, @nerdalicios, @28cnn, @obsessed-fan-alert,

@ddarling-ddearest-ddead, @sehnsuchts-trunken, @taorislover94, @sweetdayme4427, @marisha-3,

@hopeurokays, @lonelysoul50, @bobfloydssunnies, @rebra1863, @mirrorball-6,

@phoenixhalliwell, @mysticalfuncollectorus, @hellkaisersangel, @stoneyggirl2

@how-what-why-huh, @axolotllover225, @holybatflapexpert, @princesssterek, @autumnleaves1991-blog

@cevansbaby-dove, @mrsyixingunicorn10, @fandomprincess1994, @wpdarlingpan, @maverick-wingman

@unknowntoyou2205, @child-of-of-the-sunshine, @dream03, @djs8891, @puttyly

@loserbaby66, @mylovelykelsifer, @onlyangel-444, @omgbrianab, @allonzigiga

@lonelyghosts-stuff, @lindsayjoy444, @clairewritesandrambles, @lukeevangelista

[solarmorrigan]

Hands Where I Can See Them, Part 6

Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5

The days pass like cold mud – slow, uncomfortable, and relentless.

But they do pass.

Eddie had said he could give Steve the time he needed, and he’d meant it; he would wait out the two weeks and be there on the other side to talk to him. To hope for a second chance.

They see each other here and there, mostly in passing: Steve comes to pick a few of the kids up from a gaming session; Eddie stops in at Family Video with Jeff, Gareth, and Oliver to grab a movie (where Jeff and Steve exchange a surprisingly friendly greeting); they occupy separate sides of the room at a group dinner.

Each time, Eddie is sure to at least acknowledge and wave at Steve, in spite of any protective hovering and scowling Robin might be doing if she happens to be present. Steve gives cautious nods in return at first, but as they near the deadline, he’s returning Eddie’s distant greetings with a hesitant smile and that ridiculous little finger-wiggle wave that Eddie had been reluctantly charmed by in the beginning.

And in the meantime, Eddie plots.

He is not, by nature, an optimist (strangely, between the two of them, that’s Steve’s area), but in this instance, he plans for the best: the idea that Steve will say yes and let Eddie take him on a proper date. And as improvisational as Eddie likes to be, he’s also a veteran dungeon master and plotter of all sorts of campaigns; if you want long-term plans to go off without a hitch, it pays to be prepared.

So, he plots.

He brainstorms and makes lists of all of Steve’s favorite things and schemes out elaborate romantic gestures and draws on all the knowledge he’s retained from the romcoms he’d whined about having to watch with Steve but had always given in over when Steve gave him that puppy-eyed look that Eddie has no defense against.

(And somehow, he’d continued to think they were just friends. His lack of awareness should be studied as a scientific anomaly.)

He thinks Steve would be proud of his accumulated work (and Eddie himself isn’t ashamed of it, but all the same, he makes sure to hide the notebook where none of the guys will ever, ever stumble across it, because they would never, ever let Eddie live it down).

In any case, the ticking down of two weeks finally comes to an end, and Eddie stands in front of the phone earlier than he’d normally care to be awake, hoping that his work will pay off.

Steve picks up before the fourth ring, just like he always does, and answers the phone like a dork, just like he always does.

“Harrington residence, Steve speaking.”

This is where Eddie normally makes a joke – says he’d been trying for the funeral home and asks if Steve happens to have a shovel and some time on his hands; says he thought he’d had the number for the Hawkins Gentleman’s Club and asks if Steve is much of a dancer; once, he’d even affected a terrible New York accent and spun some lines about how he’d been trying to call a speakeasy. He can always hear the laughter caught behind Steve’s dry responses to his nonsense, and he always loves it.

But now is not “normally,” and Eddie only just manages to sound like himself as he replies, “Steve. Just the Harrington I was hoping would speak.”

“Eddie,” is all Steve says for a moment; he sounds almost surprised, but not displeased. “Hey.”

“Hey,” Eddie says back. “So, I know punctuality has never been my strong suit, but it’s, uh. It’s been two weeks. Pretty much on the dot. And you said I should come talk to you again, so…”

“Uh, yeah. Yeah, no, did you – You can come over. If you want to talk, still,” Steve says – stammers, really, like he’s been caught off-guard, like he really hadn’t been expecting Eddie to call.

“Well, if I didn’t change my mind in two weeks, I’m not gonna change my mind in the fifteen minutes it takes to get to your house,” Eddie says.

“Sure,” Steve says, a little steadier now. “Yeah, I’ll see you in a bit, I guess.”

“You definitely will,” Eddie assures him. “See you in a bit, Steve.”

“Yeah. Yes. Bye, Eddie.”

It’s awkward, but – it’s something.

The only reason Eddie doesn’t break an egregious number of traffic laws on his way to Steve’s house is because he simply couldn’t bear the irony of getting arrested now, of all times. With his luck, he’d get sent up the river and Steve would be left waiting and waiting at his house before coming to the conclusion that Eddie had never really cared about him after all, only to be found surprised and jaded several years later when Eddie is finally released from prison and makes his first stop the Harrington house and – Christ, Eddie’s had romance on the brain too long. He’s going to have to binge reread Lord of the Rings or something to get his head back on straight.

He pulls his head out of the clouds and his van into the Harrington’s ridiculously massive driveway and heads up to the door with a vibrating surplus of energy sustained entirely by nerves and determination.

It seems like he’s not the only one running on anxiety power, though, based on how quickly the door opens after Eddie rings the bell.

It’s the first time Eddie’s really seen Steve up close since the trailer two weeks ago. He looks– better. He’s still tired, Eddie can tell; he’s got that slightly droopy look around his eyes and an almost painful set to his jaw that’s nearly impossible to spot if you don’t know what to look for – and most people don’t (but Eddie’s spent a lot of time learning Steve, even if he hadn’t picked up all the right tells). But he still looks better, and Eddie finds himself relieved.

“Hey, there,” he says, giving Steve a nod. “Just happened to be in the neighborhood, y’know. Thought I’d drop by.”

Steve shakes his head, a tiny smile quirking up at one corner of his mouth. “Come in, jackass.”

“Fine way to treat your guests,” Eddie drawls in return, gratified when Steve’s smile grows just a tiny bit more.

He takes off his shoes at the entryway (Steve hardly ever asks anyone to take off their shoes, because worrying about the state of your floors isn’t cool, but it bothers him all the same, and so Eddie takes them off) and follows Steve through to the living room, where they both perch awkwardly on the couch and sit in an equally awkward silence for about thirty seconds.

“So… you said I should come talk to you,” Eddie says finally.

“I did, yeah.” Steve nods.

“You said to tell you if this was still something I wanted,” Eddie goes on.

“I did, yeah,” Steve says again. “And… you’re here.”

“I told you I wouldn’t change my mind, Steve.” Eddie’s hand twitches, almost instinctively reaching out for a spot on Steve’s knee, or around his wrist, or threaded through his fingers, but he doesn’t think he can take Steve freezing up or pulling away again. “This – you, us – I still want it. I want to do it right. If you’ll give me the chance, I want to treat you how you should be treated.”

Steve nods. “Okay.”

Eddie blinks. “Okay? As in – just, yeah, okay?” He knows he’s not making much sense, but he’d been sort of prepared to have to make his case – to extol the virtues of the perfect dates he had planned, to sing the praises of all the things he knows now that he should appreciate about Steve, to lament the loss of trust and ease between them, but instead Steve is just sitting there, watching him with a funny sort of smile on his face.

“I was… I was never going to say no, Eddie.” Steve shrugs. “I just really needed you to think about it. To make sure this—a real relationship with… with me—is really what you wanted. Because if it’s not, if you took it back again, I don’t think I’d– I just really needed you to be sure.”

“Steve,” Eddie says, low and serious, “I have never been more sure of anything in my life. A real relationship with you is exactly what I want.”

Steve’s smile twitches, changes into something a little more familiar, a little warmer. “Okay.”

“You’re never gonna regret it, sweetheart,” Eddie says, can’t help bouncing a little in his seat as his nerves turn to excitement, to elation. “I have the corniest, most romantic dates planned, I swear, I’m going to knock your socks off. We’ll unlock your inner Molly Ringwald.”

Rolling his eyes, Steve shakes his head at Eddie. “You really don’t have to do all that. I’m not– putting you through a trial, or whatever, we can just go back to what we were doing, right? Just with… I dunno, more awareness.”

“Noooo, no.” Eddie shakes his head right back. “You said you didn’t want to pretend nothing ever happened, and you shouldn’t have to. I want to do this, Steve. Let me take you on a real date.”

Something unreadable flashes across Steve’s face, and suddenly his smile is wrong again. Sort of plastic – like he’s trying, but it’s not quite reaching his eyes. But before Eddie can ask what’s wrong, Steve is shrugging.

“If you insist…”

“I most certainly do,” Eddie says firmly. “I’m gonna romance the shit out of you.”

At that, Steve releases a helpless snort of laughter, and the plastic smile is gone, blown away by a real one.

“You’re making a super good argument for it,” Steve says, and Eddie grins.

“Aren’t I?” He bats his eyelashes. “So tell me: you free on Friday night?”

“I’m working, actually. Someone has to dole out dumb romances to other people out on dates,” Steve says drily, as if he himself hasn’t seen most of the films he’s maligning.

Eddie hums. “Saturday?”

“I could probably get someone to cover my shift,” Steve hedges, teasing and flirty and everything Eddie’s missed in the last few weeks.

“So you’ll be free?” Eddie asks.

“As a bird – as long as that bird isn’t a robin, considering who’s going to have to cover for me,” Steve says, and Eddie pulls a grimace.

“Yeah, maybe don’t tell her why you need the shift covered. I get the feeling she wouldn’t be as agreeable if she knew I was involved,” he says.

“I don’t think Robin’s ever been agreeable in her life, and she’d probably resent the accusation.” Steve smirks. “But as long as she doesn’t think I’m sneaking away to see you, and if I take the Monday morning shift she really hates, I don’t think it’ll be a problem. Let’s plan for Saturday?”

“Saturday it is!” Eddie pops up off the couch, both unwilling to sour the mood by overstaying his welcome, and suddenly overflowing with the need to set preparations in motion. “Six o’clock, sharp! I’ll pick you up.”

“Do I get to know where we’re going?” Steve asks, one eyebrow cocked.

“Absolutely not. The surprise is part of the experience,” Eddie says.

“Dress code, at least?” Steve wheedles, and Eddie supposes that’s fair.

“Casual. And bring a jacket,” Eddie says.

Both of Steve’s brows go up now, as he rises from the couch to follow Eddie back out towards the door. “Telling someone to bring outerwear to a date is usually a red flag, man,” he says, watching as Eddie shoves his shoes back on.

“But you love being outside,” Eddie counters, glancing up at Steve with a grin.

“I,” Steve pauses, blinking at him. “I guess.”

“And no more hints,” Eddie says, rising from the floor and reaching for the door handle. “I’ll see you on Saturday?”

“Yeah,” Steve says, his voice warming around a small, pleased smile, “I’ll see you on Saturday.”

“Can’t wait.” Eddie throws one last grin at him before stepping out into the brisk, late fall air.

He doesn’t stop smiling the whole way home.

Part 7

-

Tag List (Drop me a line if you'd like off the ride): @bushbees @y0urnewstepp4r3nt @gleek4twd @hellfireone @westifer-dead @anne-bennett-cosplayer @starman-jpg @mugloversonly @swimmingbirdrunningrock @alycatavatar @y4r3luv @rhapsodyinalto @vinteraltus @lilpomelito @tillystealeaves @noctxrn-e @pearynice @giverobinagfbrigade @novacorpsrecruit @hotluncheddie @strangersteddierthings @alongcomesaspider @theheadlessphilosopher @jettestar @rajumat @garden-of-gay @jamieweasley13 @dam28lh @oldwitcheshat @lololol-1234 @perfectlysensiblenonsense @salty-h0e @r0binscript @mavernanche @back2beesness @a-lovely-craziness @paintsplatteredandimperfect @redbullgivescaswings @emmabubbles @heartstarstar-blog @thesuninyaface @thatonebisexualman @fruitandbubbles @erinharvelle @m-owo-n @theystoodandplayedwithsilence @surroundedbyconfusion @luthienstormblessed @3ldr1tchang3l @pansexuality-activated

The tag list is full at this time, but I'll be posting this fic to Ao3 soon, so hopefully people can subscribe there if they want update alerts?

[a-reader-and-a-writer-for-all]

Sweeter Than Revenge Part 4

Fandom: Twisters, Tyler Owens, f!reader, Scott's Sister!reader Summary: The next morning, you get to learn a little more about Tyler's past and what makes him the way he is. But after he introduces you to his crew, you find out some things that have you second-guessing your connection with him... Word Count: 3847 TW: Fluff, Flirting, Doubt, Developing Feelings, Unrequited Feelings (or are they...), Description of Reader's Clothes Notes: A massive thank you to @blue-aconite and @green-socks for reading this over for me and for all the constant support! And to @mayhem24-7forever for always answering my late-night panicked messages

Divider created by me (please ask/credit before using)

Series Masterlist

The next morning, Tyler knocked on your door at exactly 7:30. You were actually pretty sure you heard him walk up a few minutes before, but you hadn’t peeked out because you wanted to see how long he would stand there before announcing himself. However, the second he knocked, you swung open the door with your bag slung over your shoulder and your sunglasses snuggly settled on your face. Tyler’s hand was still raised, leaning forward to knock again, and he was taken off guard. You bit your lip to hide your smile as he quickly caught himself and straightened up. 

He was wearing what appeared to be the same boots and jeans from the night before (you had noticed a small oil stain on his right thigh when he was driving), but he had exchanged his flannel shirt for a dark maroon long-sleeved denim button-down, his sunglasses tucked into the collar. And of course, his off-white cowboy hat was proudly perched on top of his head.

You, on the other hand, had opted for an outfit rather different from the one you wore the previous night. Gone was the plunging, sheer top and itty-bitty cut-offs. Instead, you chose a comfortably fitting faded band shirt and mid-thigh cargo shorts. You had spent way too long considering your attire for the day and what Tyler may think of each option, but you finally settled on something less impressive but more yourself. It still made you feel attractive, yet comfortable.

And based on the way his eyes roamed across your body, Tyler approved of this decision. “Good morning, sweetheart. You look as beautiful as ever.”

“Thank you,” you said, stepping out into the hall and using the fact you had to lock the door as a reason to hide your face for a moment. “I wasn’t sure what one was supposed to wear to go tornado wranglin’ but this seemed like a safe choice.”

“Unlike your brother’s team, we don’t do uniforms or dress codes so whatever you wanted to wear would have been fine. In fact, just for the hell of it, Boone and I have gone on a few chases wearing nothing at all. But you won’t see those videos on our YouTube channel.” He winked at you before sliding your backpack off your shoulder and placing it on his own. Then he added, “Don’t get me wrong, I loved what you were wearing last night too, but this just…it feels more you.”

The butterflies that had laid dormant since last night once again sprang to life in your stomach. “Seems you’ve got me figured out pretty quickly there, Mr. Owens. Anything else you’ve noticed about me?”

“Let’s see…” Placing his arm over your shoulder, he began to steer you towards the stairs as he thought. “You have a sarcastic, confident shell you hide behind so people don’t see how vulnerable you feel. You know how to use your looks to your advantage in certain situations, but otherwise seem to forget how breathtaking you are. And—” you had started to turn at his last comment, but he placed his finger under your chin and tilted your head towards him “—you like to hide your face when someone compliments you, though I’m not sure yet if it’s because you don’t want them to see how their words affect you or if you don’t think you deserve the praise. Maybe a bit of both.”

You shifted under the weight of his sage-green gaze. “You make me sound like I’m heading into a battle with my armor, my weapon, and my shield.” 

“Maybe you are. Is that how it feels to you?”

In fact, it sometimes was, though you weren’t going to admit that. You rolled your eyes instead, trying to hide how rattled you were by his spot-on assessment. “Geez, and here I thought you were a tornado wrangler, not a therapist.” Shifting the topic off of yourself, you asked, “When did you learn to read people so well?”

Now it was Tyler’s turn to become uncomfortable. His eyes flickered away for the first time and he muttered, “...I’d rather not say.”

If he had seemed hurt or sad or uneasy as the two of you made your way down to the first floor, you would have dropped it immediately. However, the way he avoided eye contact now after just staring at you so intently, plus the slight redness spreading up his neck and face, told you he was hiding it for a very different reason. And after all the times you had been embarrassed in front of him, you weren’t going to let this opportunity go. 

You slipped from under his arm and turned to face him as you reached the top of the stairs. “Well, now you have to tell me! You can’t just tease me with something like that and expect me to drop it! Besides, all we’ve done since we met is talk about me and my messed up life. Let me learn something about you for once.”

He sighed, chewing on the inside of his lip, then said, “Okay, you asked.” As the two of you began walking down to the ground floor, he said, “Back before I got into storm chasing, I used to compete in the rodeo circuit.”

“Really?” you asked. “I didn’t know that. Have you ever mentioned that on your channel?”

“Nah. It was another life. But, one of the things you learn when you’re left staring down a 2,000-pound bull is how to be observant. You gotta notice every little shift or twitch he makes to predict what he’s gonna do and how to stay outta his way. And after a while, it just becomes a habit you do with everyone you meet.”

You raised one eyebrow. “Oh, so you noticed all those things about me because you were examining me like a bull about to charge you?”

“Pretty much, yeah,” he chuckled. “Which is why I didn’t want to tell you. Most girls don’t tend to like it when you compare them to a cow.” 

“Well, I’m not most girls,” you said as you reached the bottom of the stairs and faced him once more.

He smiled, his eyes sparkling in the morning light. “I’ve noticed. You’re definitely keeping me on my toes.”

“Oh?” you asked, taking a step closer to him. “Afraid you won’t get out of my way in time?”

He leaned over until the brim of his hat just grazed the top of your head. “I haven’t decided if I want to yet.”

Staring into his eyes, you felt that same zap of electricity from the night before zooming through your body. You watched his tongue peek out, slowly wet his lips, and, without meaning to, you leaned in closer until—

Slam!

Jumping at the loud noise to your left, you and Tyler both turned to see Scott glaring at the two of you as the Storm PAR team swarmed around their vehicles, loading up their gear. Scott had just slammed the sliding door on the van marked “Wizard” and, after spitting his gum on the ground and popping in a new piece, eyes trained on you the entire time, he climbed into the front seat of Scarecrow and started the engine. You saw Javi approaching Lion and he lifted his hand, giving you a small, apologetic smile that you returned. Then he climbed into the truck and the Storm PAR team pulled out of the lot. 

Whatever spell you and Tyler had been under now broken, you resumed walking towards the cluster of Wranglers’ vehicles. There was an awkward tension in the air you had never felt around him before and, in an attempt to break it, you asked, “So, is that how you read tornados so well? You approach them the same way you approached a bull?”

He shrugged, seemingly as happy to get back to the earlier conversation as you were. “More or less. There’s more science that goes into it but you just have to make careful observations and then, ultimately, go with your gut. Even if that means ignoring what all the data is telling you.”

“And that works?”

“Most of the time.”

“And when it doesn’t?”

He grinned as he approached the side of an old, beat-up camper van. “Then you better hope you have a great team watching your back.” With that, he banged twice on the side of the van.

The doors flew open and four people jumped out. You recognized them all from their YouTube videos as the other members of Tyler’s crew, but you couldn’t remember any of their names except for Boone. He was the other man you had seen with Tyler in the diner parking lot when you first arrived and he always manned the handheld camera in the videos, making commentary and jokes as Tyler drove them into a storm.

Tyler quickly introduced you to everyone. He had already filled them in on who you were and that you would be riding with them for the next week or so. You had been slightly worried about how they would feel about you tagging along given how Scott had responded to the idea of you going on a chase. However, they swarmed around you excitedly and immediately began to chat about how much you were going to love your first storm as if you had known them for ages.

It was such a stark difference from your brother’s reaction. Where he was instantly dismissive and challenged your bravery, each and every one of the Wranglers welcomed you with open arms, giving you heads-ups about what it would be like out there and assuring you it was fine to react in different ways. They even shared their various first storm chases and how they had responded (it was comforting to know that even Boone, who seemed as reckless and wild—if not more so—as Tyler, had torn a vocal chord “screaming like a little girl” the first time Tyler had planted the truck in the middle of a storm).

Your head was on a constant swivel as each of your four new friends talked over one another, and as you moved to turn from Dexter explaining the different tracking equipment the crew used to monitor storms to Dani explaining the upgrades that had been made to Tyler’s truck, you caught sight of Tyler. He was several feet away from the mob surrounding you, leaning his shoulder against the van with his arms folded across his chest, amusement gleaming in his eyes as he watched the chaos around you. Seeing the slight panic in your eyes, he chuckled softly to himself before pushing off the side of the van and clapping his hands to get everyone’s attention.

“All right guys, give her room to breathe. She’ll be here for at least a week so no need to tell her your whole life stories in the first five minutes. She’s still getting used to things around here and we don’t wanna scare her off.” As they all apologized and backed away, you tried to assure them you were fine but Tyler came over and placed his hands on your shoulders. “It’s alright, sweetheart, we’re just all a little excited to have some fresh blood around here. Now, Dexter, is there any breakfast left? I’m starved and I doubt she’s eaten either.”

You tried to insist you were fine, but the words died in your throat as Dexter opened the door to the camper van and the sticky sweet smell of freshly syruped pancakes hit your nose, eliciting a loud growl from your stomach. Tyler must have heard it because he chuckled and began directing you towards the van, walking behind you as he steered you by your shoulders. 

As you ate, it was decided that today you would ride in the camper van with Dani and Dexter so you could get close to the storms, yet not have to immediately dive into one. At first, you wanted to object, thinking they meant that figuratively. But then you remembered the videos you had seen of Tyler and Boone driving straight into the center of a tornado, and, realizing they meant that literally, you agreed it was probably for the best. Part of you wanted to impress Tyler and jump into his truck anyway, but Scott’s comment that you would get too scared and force his team to end the chase early echoed in your mind. 

You were still a little disappointed Tyler’s “embarrassing secret” he had tried to keep hidden this morning was not embarrassing at all. Instead, you had just prodded him into sharing something that made him seem infinitely cooler than he already had. And, once again, you were reminded of the fact that since you two had met, you had spent the majority of the time either complaining about how much of a jerk your brother was, how shitty of a person you used to be, or crying into his shoulder. Meanwhile, here he was, this daredevil tornado wrangler who learned how to read people by staring down deadly bulls for a living and looked like most women’s cowboy wet dream come to life. 

You wanted to prove to him that you were more than what he had seen so far—that you were worthy of all the time and attention he was giving you. If you told Tyler you wanted to ride with him, you had no doubt he would let you. But what if Scott was right and you freaked out as soon as you neared a tornado? What if you had a panic attack or somehow caused the Wranglers to turn back instead of diving into the storm? They made their money—money they used to help others—from their videos. A video they would not be able to post if they couldn’t record a storm because you were having a complete meltdown. 

So, at least for today, you climbed into the back of the camper van as everyone got ready to chase their first storm of the day.

Dani and Dexter were an interesting pair. Dani was brash and loud, riding with her boots propped up on the dashboard as she slouched in her seat, all the while telling you jokes and poking fun at the other Wranglers. Dexter was more reserved at first, but the longer Dani talked, the more comfortable he seemed and he began joining in. You could tell by how they interacted, often speaking over the other or laughing at a joke before it got to the punchline, that they spent a lot of time together and had a close bond. It was really nice to see. You thought about how stiff and professional the members of Storm PAR seemed and you found yet another reason to be thankful Scott had turned you away. There was no way you would be having this much fun with his team.

As time went on and the clouds above you began to darken, Dexter began to explain how storms were formed, what kinds of conditions were necessary for them, the destruction they could cause, and how much scientists still didn’t know about them. Dani rested her head in her hand, looking half-asleep as she struggled to listen to information you were sure she had heard a million times before, but you were captivated.

Just as Dexter began telling you how the radar in the center console worked, the radio crackled to life and Tyler’s voice, distorted slightly through the ancient speaker, came through. “You okay back there, sweetheart?” Dani picked up the receiver and passed it back to you. “Dani and Dexter aren’t just bickering the whole time, are they?”

You laughed as both Dani and Dexter objected to that statement. “No, they’re great. Dexter’s been teaching me all about the science behind the storms. It’s been much more interesting than those dry reports Scotty left behind.” You saw Dexter beaming in the rearview mirror and you smiled back at him.

“Well, just don’t let him get started on funnel formation or you might change your mind.” Dexter shot a stern glance at the radio as Dani looked out the window, swallowing a laugh. Then, lowering his voice slightly so it felt like he was speaking to you and you alone, Tyler said, “I can’t wait to get you up here with me so I can show you the storm through my eyes.”

Clutching the radio closer to your face, you smiled softly. “That sounds amazing. I can’t wait. And Tyler, I—” You wanted to thank him again for everything he was doing for you. For welcoming you into his life without a second thought and introducing you to these other people who were already starting to feel more like family than your own flesh-in-blood. But, more than that, you wanted to thank him for the way he always made you feel as if he was actually excited you were there—that you were wanted. But just as you were trying to find the words to express those feelings, you remembered the rest of the team could hear you and you quickly cleared your throat. “Um, just be safe up there. You can’t show me anything tomorrow if you do something stupid today.”

“You heard the lady, Boone. Guess we’re taking it easy today.” You heard Boone muttering his objection and you could almost see his pout through the radio. “Cell should be coming up on our left. Y’all enjoy the show.”

The radio clicked off, but you continued staring at the receiver, cupping it close to your chest as you thought about all the things you wished you had been able to say to him.

Glancing back at you, Dani and Dexter exchanged a look before chuckling to themselves. Looking up, you asked, “What?”

“Oh, nothing,” Dani said, examining her nails. “Just seems that someone’s already fallen under the spell of the ol’ Owens charm.”

You raised an eyebrow. “‘The ol’ Owens charm’?”

“You know exactly what I mean. Believe it or not, he doesn’t do it on purpose, it’s just who he is and he can’t turn it off if he tried—not that he even realizes he’s doing it. He’s just naturally one smooth SOB that anyone could find hard to resist.”

A vice suddenly tightened around your heart making it hard to breathe. Was…was that all this was? Did Tyler treat everyone he met with the same kind of attention and kindness? Were you reading into his actions more than you should? 

Trying to maintain a blank expression, you shook your head. “Well, it’s not like that. He’s just letting me hang out with you guys to piss off my brother.”

“That’s what he said…but I’ve seen that look before,” Dani said smugly. 

“Dani…” Dexter muttered, giving her a pointed glance.

“What look?” you asked.

“The one you had when Tyler was talking to you. Like you were soaring on cloud nine and he was the only other person up there with you. Happens all the time.”

“Dani,” Dexter said a little louder.

But she either didn’t hear him or ignored him as she continued, “It doesn’t help that he’s so damn noble on top of everything. You should see the things he does when we stop by a town that has just been hit. He’s almost been crushed in more destroyed houses than I can count trying to go back for a kid’s teddy bear or a family’s photo album. The guy just can’t say no to someone in need.”

“Dani!”

“What?” She glanced at her friend then back to you and her smile faded. She must have noticed the way you had folded in on yourself, your arms wrapped tightly around your middle as you tried to process everything she had said. 

Stuttering slightly, Dani tried to backtrack. “Hey, listen, I didn’t mean…” She sighed and ran her hand through her dark hair. “I might be wrong. Tyler’s never invited someone to join the team outta nowhere like this. And he’s seemed different since he came back from your date yesterday.”

“It wasn’t a dat—” you mumbled, but she cut you off.

“Whatever it was. He’s had even more swagger in his step than usual and, this morning, he checked his watch like a million times to make sure he wasn’t late meeting you at your room. And Tyler never gets wound up like that for anyone. Right, Dexter?” The man nodded, and Dani smiled as if to say “see? I told you”. But then her smile dimmed slightly. “Just…just be careful. You seem like a really nice girl and none of us want to see you get hurt. So maybe know where you stand with him before you let yourself fall too hard.”

“Thanks,” you said, letting your arms unfold slightly. You were still questioning every interaction you had had with Tyler, but knowing you might have had some effect on him did make you feel a little better.

“Plus, you’ve been a lot of fun to have around and I’d hate for you to leave because Tyler can’t see what a catch he has in front of him.” Dani winked at you, and you gave her a small smile. 

You lean forward and hand her the radio. In an attempt to break some of the tension that has now filled the camper van, you asked Dexter to resume what he was saying when Tyler called. But as he happily returns to explaining the radar monitor, the excitement you had previously had listening to his lessons had evaporated. Instead, all you could think about was Tyler.

You thought about the way he held you close to his chest last night, his arms wrapped around you as you cried. You thought about the way he defended you to Scott, how he said you had found someone willing to give you their “attention and love”. You thought about that spark of electricity flowing between you as he pressed his lips to the back of your hand, and how that same spark seemed to gleam in his eyes before he left. You thought about this morning as you had leaned in to kiss Tyler, and how for just a brief moment before Scott’s slamming truck door ruined the moment, you swore you saw Tyler begin to lean in too.

Were you just seeing what your smitten heart wanted to see? 

The more you thought about it, the more you realized Dani was right. You needed to know for sure how Tyler felt before your feelings for him grew any stronger. If he was just being nice and that was all, that was fine. You were supposed to be here to get revenge on Scott, not to fall in love. So if that was the case, you would stuff down these developing feelings and try your best to forget them. But if Tyler really did feel this same magnetic pull that you did, well…that would be great to know too.

Part 5 coming 9/9!

[bunnithots]

story time !!!! i usually post these on my twitter account shybabybun but i ran out of characters, so i will post it here

this is not a fantasy post - this is me talking about an actual experience with my partner 🎀 when I make these they are a lil messily written and not very refined, so apologies for that

if you’re interested in reading my previous ones on twitter:

story time #1

story time #2

story time #3

cw// spanking (myself), overstimulation

so last night initially i wanted to record a video with him controlling my toy but the way it ended up working out was no video (oopsies) and instead him watching me on camera in a see through bodysuit >.< i like testing out the angles showing him the front, the back, arch for fun, etc. hehe

when I was laying on my side ass in his face oop, he asked me to spread for him and when i did he was like “someone is wet” “huUUH” but my huh wasn’t as in I didn’t know, it was I didn’t know he could SEE it! and he was like “oh maybe I’m wrong” and I just checked for myself and there was a small wet spot visible for sure but when i laid on my back and moved the bodysuit to the side i showed him how wet i actually was can’t have him second guessing ‎/ᐠ .⸝⸝⸝. ྀིﾏ💅🏻 touched myself for him too and it felt very nice

after a lil bit of showing him different angles n stuff i was like “want to see me ride a toy in this position” (just front facing like my videos) and he obv said yes so i grabbed the first toy i could find which was a tentacle and once i got it in i told him he could look (bc i don’t wanna have him watch me at awkward angles sue me) and when i tell you part of the moans being let out were also from exhaustion 😭 but i rode my toy for max a few minutes (if that let’s be honest) while he watched me and talked me through it (he was probably touching himself honestly from how he sounded) he told me i should take a lil break so i laid back with the toy still inside me (it gets so thick going down so i kept having to lift myself up but it probably looked like i was riding it doing that 😭) and he let me know that even laying back it still was a very nice angle from his view (at one point i didn’t realize he was looking at me while we were just talking and i was smiling at what he said only for him to say “I just saw the cutest smile” me over here like “I didn’t know you were looking at me still >.<“ )

after our lil break i rode it a smidge more then he told me I should just lay back and fuck myself for him with it which i did and I didn’t know if how wet i was was coming through the mic but he let me know that he could in fact hear it ! so by that point i was ready for him to control my toy because it just feels so good when he does it, and because he has already been watching me do all the other stuff I asked if he wanted to watch me as he controlled it too and he agreed :3

the lighting throughout was probably iffy but i shifted more towards my lamp for when he was controlling my toy, wanted him to see better and he called me pretty a lot I will say that and I was laying on my back, front facing, hand on tiddy for emotional support bc im shy and cam stuff is still new to me >.< anyway back to it he controlled my toy and made me cum multiple times to the point I kept covering my mouth and face, head thrown back grinding myself against the toy as he made me cum probably 3-4 times like that (obv he gave me breaks in between but my thighs would not stop trembling even when he didn’t have the toy on AHHH sometimes he would say something and they would tremble so hard i was slightly embarrassed and told him not to look at that T—T he found it amusing i fear)

i ended up on my tummy (after many many failed attempts to find an angle I liked) and the view would’ve been like the pillow humping video I posted but no pillow and instead the nora but more butt cheek in your face than that video LOL

and he started to control it again at that angle >.< it didn’t take me long to cum again and I couldn’t help grinding back onto the toy idk for sure how I looked bc my face was in my pillow a lot of the time but from how he sounded it couldn’t have been too bad of a view, I think I may have cum again because of how sensitive I was but I cant remember he did stop the toy to give me a break tho and after asked me to spank myself for him ⁄(⁄ ⁄•⁄ω⁄•⁄ ⁄)⁄ i did it and he turned on the toy right before i did and it made me pause and say “you can’t just do that it’s hard to do it when it’s on” and that made him turn it up a lil more bc he’s a meanie like that and after the first spank I kinda had this like “oh” moment and when he told me to do it again i was VERY close to cumming the third spank im pretty sure I did cum my hand was gripping my own butt cheek the whole time and unintentionally spreading myself for him 😭 and I spanked myself a few more times it made me cum again even faster my hand was srsly just holding my butt maybe bc I needed to hold something the ENTIRE TIME until we were done and once again meaning i was essentially spreading the whole time

Imagine what I must’ve looked like ass grinding back against the toy nonstop, butt cheek in hand expoSING MYSELF AHHHH and yes begging for him to cum for me because I was so worked up and sensitive after orgasming so many times and spanking myself before his eyeballs to the point it made us cum together and I was about to again when he turned it down, immediately “moRE” muffled as fuck coming out of my mouth he said he couldn’t hear me so my head popped up like “more I was so close again” and he made me cum again :3 details not needed

then I laid there like jello, let him watch as I pulled the toy out and when I tell you trying to show him the aftermath my WHOLE HAND was coveRED very wet very messy (also side note when I first pulled it out I looked back at the camera mind you hair all over the place and I completely forgot I still had that bodysuit on it looked so odd to me it freaked me out like “what is that on me??” LMAO but the it hit me it was just what I was wearing)

when I type these out i do miss a lot of details like how he actually asks me to suck on my fingers for him (to help keep me quiet), how much he actually talks during, how there are quite a few more breaks in between for us, he couldn’t see my face during anything bc I am shy and my hair covered most of my face even when I was laying on my tummy, etc. but yeah :3 i like typing these out not just to share them but bc it’ll always help me remember these experiences with him 🩵🫧

[frozenjokes]

A Matter Of Fairness Or Maybe Fear

the next part of the mumbomaid au is four separate mini stories that will be posted as one chapter on ao3, but I thought it might be cool to post them separately here (and since this one’s done, I thought I might post it earlier before the rest goes up on ao3 >:D)

This call marked Scar’s 129th over the course of two days, and quite frankly, his persistence was starting to wear at Etho’s resolve. Maybe ‘resolve’ wasn’t quite the right word actually- patience might be better. This marked the sixth day Etho had been stuck in a little outlet away from home, burying himself in the mud day in and day out, and he was really getting sick of it- sick of Joel, actually, and Scar calling him every free moment of the day was getting quite frustrating when he was waiting on messages from Joel.

Etho let it ring. It wouldn’t stop Scar. Yesterday while sending Joel a very long and very angry message, Etho had accidentally declined Call 4 before the first ring concluded, so Scar knew Etho had his phone. Since then, Etho had also accidentally declined Call 7, 68, 70, and 103.

Call 129 ended and Call 130 began. Call 130 did not end before Bdubs rang at the same time, and that hurt, so Etho submerged himself to avoid it. Soon enough, it too was over. Scar’s insistent calling replaced Bdub’s ringtone without pause.

131. 132. 133.

Finally, it stopped, Scar probably running out of time on his work break. Thank god. Etho had enough on his plate without Scar breathing down his neck, but if he was really being honest, being bitter about Scar’s knowledge on his and Joel’s split souls probably wouldn’t change his behavior today. Scar had a habit of spam calling, and Etho did not know him to give up.

Call 134 just a couple of minutes after the 133rd snapped the last remaining thread of Etho’s patience.

Etho pounced on his phone, picking up with a wrathful hiss, “Stop calling me,” before hanging up. After Call 173, Etho was pretty sure this would never end until he grew a pair and answered the phone. With great disdain, he accepted Scar’s call.

“Hello? Etho? Are you there?”

Etho didn’t respond for a while, too busy fuming to speak. “I’m here.”

“Are you in immediate peril? Do you have time to talk?”

“I have time.” Etho spoke every word through gritted teeth. Scar was quiet for a long moment.

“Then hang the fuck up and call Bdubs you fucking asshole. He’s one more anxiety attack away from filing a missing person’s report, and I’m honestly shocked he hasn’t already! He’s convinced you’re dead in a ditch somewhere or kidnapped or something, and I don’t blame him. If you have your phone and you’re not bleeding out on the fucking rocks, there is literally NO REASON you haven’t called him.”

The wind of Scar’s anger left a heavy silence in its wake. Etho wasn’t quite sure how to break it, but he had a feeling Scar wasn’t going to just let him hang up without another word.

“I can’t call him,” he said instead, all too aware that Scar’s assault of his ears would only continue.

“Give me one good reason why you can’t call your best friend and tell him you’re okay. It’s nearly been a week, Etho, come on. The longest you’ve ever been gone at a time is three days, and you told us beforehand. And I swear to god if you say-“

“Scar, I can’t just call him, I’m not human.”

“You don’t have to fucking video call him!”

“I sound different, Scar. I can’t,” Etho insisted, desperation spilling through in sick waves. Scar didn’t get it. How could he make Scar understand? “What if he asks where I am? What am I supposed to tell him? I can’t call him.”

“You do not sound different! At all!”

“I do.”

“I didn’t notice! It can’t be that bad. Over the phone it won’t even matter- I can not believe you’re fighting me on this. Come on.”

“I can’t, Scar,” a soft whistle broke through behind the words, making Etho feel all the more pathetic. He didn’t want to be here. He’d give anything to be home right now, not worried about being seen or overpowered or caught- he’d give anything to go home, eat normal food- He had work too, he had deadlines! He didn’t want to be in this position at all! Etho didn’t- he didn’t want to upset Bdubs either, of course not, but how was he supposed to explain?

“When are you going to be home then, Etho? Because I need to tell him something. I’m going to tell him- at least that you’re okay. Do you even understand what you’re putting him through right now? Would you really rather let him think you’re in trouble than have a difficult conversation with your best friend?”

“I don’t- I don’t know, Scar. This isn’t my fault- it’s not like I want to be away at all! Please don’t.”

“I’m not mad that you’re not home, Etho. I’m mad because you have a phone to call your roommate with and you’re not using it.”

“He’ll ask questions.” Voicing the thought sounded so much worse, so irredeemably meager. He was being selfish, wasn’t he. Scar was right. But Scar didn’t- Scar didn’t understand the fear- the anxiety- How easy it must be for Scar to stand by the sidelines and tell Etho what was right and wrong. He had no idea.

Scar interrupted his train of self righteous anger before it could build further, “Bdubs has every damn right to ask questions! And even then, he probably won’t. He’d do anything to keep from stepping on your toes on issues like this, even when you treat him like shit. I’m serious. This is fucked. This is cruel. Cleo’s worried sick as well- we’re all worried.” Scar stopped with a huff and Etho heard him mess with his hair over the line, “You know what, this is a waste of time. I’m just going to call him.” Scar hung up without another word, lighting a sharp panic in Etho’s chest. He didn’t want this. He didn’t want this. But he didn’t want an angry Scar telling Bdubs anything about his situation much more.

He fumbled over Bdubs’ contact, pressing several wrong buttons before finally dialing his number. The phone didn’t even pass the first ring.

“Etho? Hello?” Bdubs spoke, drying the words off Etho’s tongue. Not that he had anything to say in the first place. He wasn’t ready. He wasn’t ready for this. His mind seemed to dry up as well, leaving nothing but static in the wake of his panic. “Are you there? Etho?” Bdubs’ voice was faint. Terrified.

Sudden guilt wracked his body, physical in its pain like being caught in the middle of a head-on collision. “I’m here,” his voice shook, but he was hardly aware of it, “I’m sorry. I’m really sorry.”

Bdubs was quiet, the silence crushing, “Are you okay?”

“I’m okay.”

Neither of them spoke, tension thrumming through the air just as clear as audible sound. Etho didn’t think he’d ever be able to breathe again. This was so much worse than he’d ever imagined this conversation going, and he had imagined it.

…

Bdubs sobbed, and all at once Etho crumbled. Mermaids didn’t have the right anatomy to cry, but Bdubs didn’t question the strained noises of distress that bubbled out of Etho’s throat. Bdubs never did question anything, did he? Not to do with Etho’s disappearances. Not for years.

That wasn’t really fair at all, was it.

That wasn’t fair at all.

[pynchkilledme]

One Day at a Time ✧ Yunho

✧ Pairings: Jeong Yunho X fem!reader ✧ Genre: angst; ✧ Word Count: 3.3k ✧ CW: established relationship; major character death; mentions of suicide; depressive thoughts; ghost encounter (kind of); ✧ Synopsis: When an accident changes the course of your life forever, your husband takes his last days on Earth to make you love life again.

[Author's Note]: Hello! It's my first time posting my work here so I hope you appreciate it. This oneshot started as a simple writing exercise, but I fell in love with it and decided to share it with the world. If you find any typo or you think something more should enter the content warning section please let me know.

The poorly lit road that leads to your summer house in the mountains always made you apprehensive, but on this rainy night, you couldn't stop your hand from sweating and every little thing made your tension grow.

The lampposts half hidden by the forest, the foggy windshield, the radio buzzing without signal, the heavy raindrops on the car hood; all these made you lean over the panel, trying to predict any abnormality on the road, even though it wasn't your turn to drive.

Yunho, behind the wheel, seemed perfectly calm. Almost like he had prepared himself through all his life, just to drive old cars on stormy days. 

“Hey… chill out” he said while passing his right hand on your thigh between gear changes “,we are almost there!”

And that was the last sentence before that curve. The last words before a sudden flash blinds you.

“Hello, how are we feeling today?”  the blonde woman inside your computer screen promptly asks as soon as you open your camera, but your sunken eyes give her the answer she needed. “Dreamt about the accident again?

It’s been 9 months and 18 days since the accident. 9 months and 4 days since you woke up in a hospital bed just to find out you would never hear your husband's sweet voice again.

“I know I said I was getting better and almost never had nightmares, but in the last 3 days…” you begin to describe in detail what makes your dream more and more real, waking you up out of breath every single morning.

Your monologue follows for a couple more minutes, remembering the sensation of Yunho’s arm holding your body against the seat instinctively. The doctors said the seatbelt would already prevent a fatal impact in your case, since the collision happened in the driver's side, but for you, that single gesture had saved you.

“Sometimes I wish I didn't come out alive” you dropped without thinking twice. After all, that’s what the two therapy sessions a week were for “I could be with him now, wherever he is!”

“I’m pretty sure that's not something he would want, Y/N” something in that soothing voice made you want to cry and you could already feel a lump up your throat “it’s a long process, painful and irregular, but…”

“You know, I think at this point he doesn't have to like anything” your crooked laugh mixed up with the teardrops flowing discreetly by the side of your face “It’s all too quiet, too boring, too empty!”

“And how is your adaptation to your medication?” Susanna referred you to a psychiatrist around 3 months ago and you were finally out of the sickening phase of the medication.

“Well, I didn’t kill myself yet!” acid humor was your way of dealing with all this situation, but of course your therapist did not approve 100% of your methods “I think it's finally stabilizing in the right dose, I’m already quitting the complementary medicines!”

“It’s awesome to hear that, Y/N! Soon you will be able to see everything more clearly” looking down, your therapist took notes. ‘You just need time to do its work’ you completed in your mind. Damn time. “Our time is up, see you on Thursday at 3pm?”

You nod your head yes and kiss her goodbye, going back to your loneliness as soon as the video call disappears from the screen. Seated there, in the kitchen of the house you bought together with such hard work, the feeling was overwhelming. You even thought about moving out, but leaving your memories behind didn't seem right to you.

Whether you want it or not, Yunho was in every detail of that house. The colors on the walls that you chose together; the funny food illustrations hang in the kitchen; the office in a mix of games, books, Spider-Man (his obsession) and sad movies' posters (your obsession). A penetrable structure of everything that you were together, everything your love conquered and dreamed of conquering. Structure that, despite being packed with all sorts of things, each day felt more abandoned and lifeless.

Without anyone humming made up songs; without anyone laughing out loud of a video they just sent you; without almost ineligible messages in the fridge door and without anyone pulling you to dance to the cheesiest songs ever written. It was an endless list of things that were and would never be again. Things that only made sense because of Yunho and that had gone away with him.

The thoughts were so suffocating that you didn't even realize you were standing there for 15 minutes, in front of the notebook screen, screen that was already black due to the lack of interaction. It was when you finally gathered your strength to stand up, closing the notebook on the kitchen table and going to the sofa.

Your days were mostly like that. Sometimes laying down in your bed when you couldn't get up, other times you could at least drag yourself to the sofa, changing the atmosphere a little.

Your friends started a rotation where at least one of them called you every day, but you couldn't keep a conversation for too long anyways. It always ended up in tears and you didn't like to be a burden to them, so you started making up things to do, be it an imaginary food in the oven or an hypothetical postman ringing your doorbell. Not that they believed you, but they decided that it was better to give you space.

About 3 weeks ago Susanna asked you to do a "homework" for the next session, a request that became more and more latent in your head as Yunho's birthday approaches. You couldn't convince yourself to do it, not when the exercise to deal with the grief involved writing a letter to your husband.  One he would never read.

The estrangement also came from the fact that it didn't seem natural for you to write letters. The last letter you wrote was telling how your vacation was in 2006, on the first day back to kindergarten classes. 'Does email reach heaven?' you thought, giggling. If Yunho was here, he would probably suggest the simplest way possible to solve this. 'Send me a SMS' would be his first advice. 'If you have no data you could try via messenger, honey' he would say mockingly, but it would be solved.

Without a second thought you searched for your cell phone under the blankets. In your lockscreen a picture of the day you decided to take the train to the other side of town, just to visit a library that someone told Yunho sold coffee and a corn cake fit for the gods. After a few seconds of contemplating, you unlocked it and the screen opened directly on the bright wallpaper of Yunho’s chat. You had done that a billion times before, but you could never go past the last message. A picture of his passenger seat covered with 8 boxes of your favorite candy and an audio right above.

It was a 13 second audio and even so you couldn't press the play button.

'You just need a little courage…' your thoughts were interrupted by a weird noise in the back of the house, and you got up to search for it. The backdoor was locked, so you unlocked it just to take a peek out there. But there was nothing besides overgrown grass.

The sound of a door slamming and someone laughing broke the silence of the house.

‘Honey, you won't believe…’ that sound was enough to make everything around you stop in time. It was his voice. ‘I got into this store and your favorite candy was on sale!! Buy 3, get 1 free!’

The screen of your phone was bright on the sofa, showing the audio that just played. You didn't understand how, but while your tears flowed you just wanted to hear it again. And that's what you did. Over and over again.

In the audio before that, Yunho apologized for forgetting to fill the water bottles, but promised to reward you with kisses. All you wanted most was that everything got solved with the shower of kisses that Yunho always gave you when he got back from work, but it was impossible and in your subconscious you just wanted to scream.

“Why did you leave me here?” you said softly, against your impulses. When you closed your eyes, you tried to control your breathing, before all that ended up in crisis.

“I swear I tried to stay, Y/N” said the sweetest voice you’ve ever heard. The voice that made you shake with nervousness when you were just getting to know each other, and the voice that made you cry from happiness when proposed to you. A voice that only existed in your head and in the 2G of memory that your chat with Yunho occupied in your cell phone. Or at least you thought.

“But I’m here now…” this time the voice sounded almost real and a shiver went up your spine. An inexplicable fear of opening your eyes and realizing it was only your fertile imagination. “I was always here!”

You couldn't believe the trick your head was playing on you. Yunho, with his 1.85cm, was standing in front of you. His brown hair parted in the middle, falling over his tired eyes; the long sleeved white shirt you ironed in the morning of the accident was intact, fitting perfectly on Yunho’s body.

You couldn’t believe it, but you wanted to. Your body relaxed, leaning on the sofa. Your shaking hand inevitably covering your mouth, as if any uttered word could make it all disappear. That man, who you knew by the back of your hand, kneeled in front of you, his eyes sadly smiling, like someone who mourns.

“Are you going for a ‘Ghost’s’ remake?” you said jokingly, still unsure of what was all that. Yunho seemed exhausted, as if he didn't sleep for days, but he gave you a crooked smile showing he understood what you were talking about.

“Are you saying I’m as pretty as Patrick Swayze?” his hand on his chest showed he was flattered. Of course he was pretty. Even prettier than the actor and his answer made you laugh a little, releasing all the tears you were holding back.

You raised your hand to reach him, but they trembled as if electric shocks ran through your veins. He brought his hands under yours and you could see how your hands were smaller next to his, but you couldn't feel anything. This just intensified your cry, because all you wanted was his touch.

“I’m sorry that we can’t feel each other,” he said quietly, getting closer to you. - “I wish I could wipe away your tears and say that everything will be fine”

You didn’t know what was happening, but the voice that had always the power to soothe you wouldn’t have a different effect now. Your breath slowly returned to normal and you used your wristband to clean whatever was running from your nose. So many questions in your head, but for a while you just wanted to absorb every little detail of what was in front of you, just like the first time you saw him. 

“I found out that you needed to talk to me,” Yunho jokes. Your mind was quite funny today.

“Well, it wasn’t- how are you even here?”

“I was always here, Y/N” tilted his head to the side, closing his lips in an almost unnoticeable smile “you just couldn't see me”

“And why now? A-am I dreaming?”

“Well, you can see me now ‘cause I kind of convinced the ones up there to let me help you. My time here is almost over and I started to feel a little desperate because nothing I did was actually working and-” the way he started to babble was too real even for a creation of your mind.

“How come… it wasn’t working? What were you doing here?”

“Uhm, I kind of couldn't let you here, not when everything around you was so gray. They said I couldn't be here past my birthday, ‘cause that would bring me problems and then I passed the last 9 months trying to push you out of bed, opening the windows so the sun could come in,'' now Yunho was the one crying and it was impossible to ignore the pain in his voice “it's been so hard to show you how life is still pretty… how there's a lot of things to live out there!”

It had become evident to you a long time ago how life wasn't worth it without Yunho in it. And well, it came to you way before he couldn't actually be there.

You remember like it was yesterday the path your bare feet made through the white clover lawn. A simple altar in the end of a corridor of mismatched chairs reunited the most important people of your life. On the sides your friends, the family life gave you, and in the middle your soulmate. The one on the other side of your red string and from that moment would be your forever.

You could see through your wedding veil how Yunho was beaming from ear to ear, his eyes resting on his red cheeks. You felt like running to the altar, so you could be by his side as soon as possible, but you held back as you smiled at your few guests, mostly from your families, who smiled at you with teary eyes. 

When you finally got to the altar and raised your dress a little, Yunho looked at your dirty feet and laughed. And when he lifted your veil, your eyes connected just like when the two of you first met at college, as if there was a new constellation of possibilities. “You look like an angel” Yunho whispered tenderly and then you turned so the ceremony could follow.

“But I miss you. I miss you ‘cause you are in absolutely everything. Your smell is in the clothes hanging in the closet, your smile is all over the pictures on the walls. I hear you when I turn the radio on your favorite program and I see you when I wipe the mirror clean. My mind is always bringing you back to me as if it tortured me with your absence, as if it reminded me all that time that I can’t have you.”

He didn't say anything, just stared. His wrinkled forehead and lips so tight they turned white, denouncing the pain you both shared.

“There’s so many things I should live with you, so many places we would visit. It 's not fair! It’s not fair that the sweetest person I've ever met is not here to appreciate every second of the most banal things in the world…” the venting went out of your mouth like a thunderstorm. You wanted to scream and cry, but also wanted to utter the most beautiful words ever created.

Yunho wanted to touch you. Wanted to feel your soft skin one more time, caress your face and wipe away your tears. The ache he felt seeing you suffer was bigger than any physical pain he had ever felt in his 28 years of life. It felt like his heart was being crushed and there was nothing he could do to stop it.

“We will never-” your voice fails with the thought. The matter that hurts you the most every time you think about your future. A dream that will never come true, at least not in this life. “I will never know what it would be like to have a family with you…”

“But we were a family, love! Nothing will ever change that”

“But I will never know what it's like to be a mother, Yu! I will never know what it is to look in the eyes of the purest form of love we could create. I won’t see you become a father and I won’t know how your eyes and my nose combined would look like in this little being.”

And suddenly he didn't know what more to say. He knew how much of a dream that was to you and how that specific wound would never heal with time. He knew that even though you could deal better with his absence one day, your heart would never get used to the impossibilities of the future. The part of you and of your dream that would go away with him, leaving a bitter taste behind.

“I am so sorry, honey. And I know that nothing I say will make this hurt stop. And it's gonna be tough, almost impossible, for a long time, but one day it will be less painful. And the next day less and less, till a day it will be just a little piece of your heart” the words barely came out of Yunho’s mouth and you already  imagined how it would be to not feel anything at all. Never feel the thrill of a joyful day again if it meant you wouldn’t feel not even a second more of that pain.

“If you can't do this for you right now, please, do it for me. Live one day at a time, holding to the monotony of a routine till everything gets more tolerable,” you could see his hands caressing your thigh. “You're so strong, my love! One of the strongest people I've met. You gave me the best days of my life without much effort! Your smile brightened every moment, even when everything around was cloudy. My life was the most beautiful and the most complete with you and, despite being short, I wouldn’t change a second of it to live more if it meant not having you.”

At this point you tried to hold back your tears and a huge knot clung to your throat. Would you be able to do it for him? One last request that only you could fulfill?

“Promise me that you will try and I promise to meet you again. I promise to follow each of your steps regardless of how long it takes. I promise to find you in our next life, even if our thread gets tangled and the path becomes longer. I promise that this won’t be the last life we share,” you closed your eyes pondering if you could keep that promise. “Promise you will live everything you can live, always remembering I will be by your side”

Yunho raised his hand so he could place it over your heart. He didn't want to go, but he needed to. He just needed you to promise.

“I-I promise I will try” your voice was like a whisper and your fists clenched, your nails marking the palm of your hand as if it could remind you that this was real.

With your eyes closed you could feel soft lips touching your forehead. “I love you forever, Y/N '' this time his voice sounded like a thought.

When you opened your eyes, your living room was empty again. The wall was yellow with a small beam of light coming from the window. It looks like it's just you once again. The cell phone vibrated by your side and you picked it up to see the notification, but there was nothing. When you unlocked the screen and the white wallpaper of your chat lit up your face, you could see the selected message from 1 year ago.

[Yuyu]: I LOVE YOU FOREVEEEEER!!!

You were not alone and would never be. “Love you more, Yu” you thought while you brought the phone close to your heart. Maybe you could even live. 

One day at a time.

© pynchkilledme 2024 - all rights reserved, do not copy or post without permission.

[bbfeelings]

I couldn’t stop thinking about small waist pretty face so I wrote a silly little thing inspired by @hubbydaddies’ post. Happy BD Friday!

Edit: a completed version of this fic, Small Waist, Pretty Face can be found here!

After another easy, victorious, and unsurprisingly boring round, Rei checked his phone. 1:28 am. He took a drink of beer and joined another game. The phone on his lap suddenly started vibrating and startled him. Rei killed the game and held up the phone. It could only be one person. There was one person in this world who’d call him.

Kazuki wants to FaceTime.

Rei took off the headphone and carefully pressed the answer button.

What he did not expect was to see Carol’s face.

“Rei-chan—! Took you long enough to pick up!” She whined.

“Um…uh, sorry?”

“He picked up!” Carol announced cheerily, shoving the phone in front of Kazuki.

“Hey, Rei, hehe,” his drunk face was stupidly stupid. “My bad…I had one too many!” His foolish grin under the neon lights was stupidly stupid. Rei rolled his eyes.

”I’m coming home now!”

“Just don’t wake Miri up when you do.”

“Okie-dok, Rei-chan—” The video went blurry then dark; he must’ve dropped his phone. Idiot. Rei sighed. His partner had a tendency to be extra loud and obnoxious when intoxicated. Not that he’d ever awoken Miri with his drunken shenanigans. But still.

An unfamiliar face appeared on the screen. Rei only knew of Carol and Dorothy. “It’s fine! It didn’t break!” She said, and a cheering crowd of girls could be heard from the background. “So this is Rei-chan? He’s so cute!” She exclaimed, “Kazu-san, you never told me he’s this cute!”

Girls swarmed in front of the camera, squealing and giggling, “What a cutie!” “This is the pretty face you go home to? Kazu-san, you sly dog—” “Rei-chan, Rei-chan! Tell us what Kazu-san is like at home!” Rei felt his face go hot. What the hell? “Aww, he’s blushing! We’re embarrassing him! How adorable!” “Don’t worry, we don’t touch Kazu-san! He’s all yours!” The girls laughed.

What the hell?

—

2:07 am

“Rei—the door won’t open,” Kazuki whined over the phone. He’d finally made it back to the apartment building, but he was long gone. Rei sighed as the elevator arrived at the building lobby, “Coming.”

Upon seeing Rei, Kazuki happily draped himself over Rei’s slimmer frame, crying about forgetting how keys work. He smelled of booze and some tacky cheap perfume that made Rei’s nose itch. He cursed under his breath. Seriously. 28 years of age, acting like a hot fucking mess. Kazuki started humming off-key and mumbling some lyrics to himself as they exited the elevator on their floor.

Five minutes later, Rei was standing in the bathroom door, watching Kazuki puking his guts out. Between the dry heaving and whimpering, Rei’d hand him a tissue. He didn’t feel an ounce of sympathy toward his miserable partner. Why does he like drinking himself into oblivion? Getting a bit tipsy, sure, but Rei absolutely hated the feeling of being wasted.

Kazuki crawled into the shower. Rei passed him his toothbrush and toothpaste and left the bathroom. He then returned with a fresh towel, hung it on the door before closing it.

—

2:46 am

Rei made some cup noodles. Kazuki came out and stumbled across the living room with the towel around his waist. The steam coming from the bathroom told Rei that Kazuki took a boiling hot shower, if his red as a cooked lobster body didn’t give it away. He watched Kazuki dropping himself onto the couch and curling up. Rei scowled.

“Oi,” he said as he chewed, “sleep in your own room.” Kazuki retaliated with inaction and started humming and mumbling again. Rei couldn’t risk letting him fall asleep on the couch like that. The bathroom was damp and nasty, and no way he was going to sleep there tonight.

“Get up,” he towered over Kazuki, who was making noises like a complaining 4 year old would. “You’re gonna get a cold.”

—

3:11 am

Kazuki finally got up and made it into his room, but not without Rei basically dragging his ass. “Clothes,” he said. Kazuki obediently reached into the dresser. Rei’s job here was done; he wanted to finish his cup noodles, which was probably soggy and cold by now.

Kazuki turned around and muttered something sing-song-y in Rei's direction as he was about to close the bedroom door.

“…small waist…”

“What?”

“You.” Kazuki pointed.

“What about me?”

Half clothed, Kazuki waltzed over and took Rei for a dance as he hummed; Rei was too tired for this shit. They stumbled around the room. Kazuki’s eyes were half closed and hazy, “…big boobies…small waist…”

Rei snickered. What the hell?

“Wait, no,” Kazuki frowned as if he was thinking hard, if he could even think at all with that soupy brain.

“Small waist…pretty face.” Kazuki resumed his drunken shenanigans. Quickly losing his patience, Rei maneuvered out of Kazuki’s grasp. “You’re gonna wake Miri.”

He pointed again, “That’s you.” Kazuki fixed his gaze on Rei, “Small waist, pretty face.”

Rei felt this utter embarrassment in the form of increasing heart rate and a full body goosebumps followed by a shudder.

While Rei was momentarily immobilized by the sheer humiliation, Kazuki seized the opportunity, launched himself at Rei, gently grabbed hold of him again. He planted a quick but clumsy kiss right on Rei’s lips, inevitably knocking his own teeth on his.

They fell into bed and Kazuki took no time to cling onto Rei, snuggled in while letting out a satisfied sigh.

Rei went blank.

What the hell?

[bradshawsbaby]

Merry Christmas, Darling

Pairing: Jake “Hangman” Seresin x Natasha “Phoenix” Trace

Author’s Note: This is one of my contributions to @notroosterbradshaw​’s #hello december playlist challenge! It’s inspired by the song Merry Christmas Darling by The Carpenters!

Warnings: Angst related to an unexpected deployment, brief language, brief and subtle innuendos, lots of fluff.

Greeting cards have all been sent The Christmas rush is through But I still have one wish to make A special one for you Merry Christmas, darling We're apart, that's true

But I can dream and in my dreams I'm Christmasing with you

Phoenix had been impatiently watching the minutes tick by all day, willing time itself to move faster as she attempted to keep herself busy around the house, cleaning the kitchen for the third or fourth time that morning, throwing some ready-to-bake Pillsbury cookies in the oven, rearranging the ornaments on the Christmas tree—anything to make the hours slip by.

When 4:15pm finally rolled around, she scrambled into the living room, where she’d left her laptop sitting on the end of the coffee table nearest the tree, fully charged and ready for her scheduled video call. Setting her wine glass down on a coaster and nibbling anxiously on one of the snowman sugar cookies she’d made earlier in the afternoon, Phoenix sat down cross-legged on the floor and logged in, staring at her own reflection on camera as she awaited his virtual arrival.

It was only 4:18pm. She was early. They were supposed to be meeting at 4:30pm her time, 11:30pm his time. She would just wait. He’d be on soon.

She ate another six cookies in the meantime.

She was just lifting cookie number seven to her lips when her laptop suddenly started beeping, indicating that someone else was joining the video call. Throwing down the cookie at once, she tried not to look too eager as she leaned in closer, desperate to see that face that was far too handsome for its own good, but which she loved more than life itself.

“There’s my Minx,” Jake grinned, his bright smile suddenly filling the screen. He looked exhausted—the lines on his forehead and around his eyes were a dead giveaway to her—but his enthusiasm was obvious nonetheless.

“Well if it isn’t Bagman,” Phoenix smirked in return, swallowing a couple times to hold the explosion of emotion she was feeling at bay. “Right on time, too, I might add. Very impressive,” she grinned.

“I had to fight like hell to grab a free computer,” he told her, shaking his head with a chuckle. “I’m pretty sure there’s a few ensigns who aren’t too happy with me right now, but I’ll smooth things over with them tomorrow. Nothing was going to keep me from seeing my girl,” he added with a wink.

Phoenix laughed at that, easily able to imagine her husband pulling rank to grab himself an available carrel. This was one situation where she wouldn’t scold him for being a cocky son of a bitch. “I’m glad for that,” she said, brushing a lock of her dark hair behind her ear. “I miss you.”

“I miss you, too, Minx,” Jake murmured, sobering slightly. “So, so much. I wish you were here. You’d put most of these guys they’ve got us flying with to shame.”

“Hmmm, I’d rather you were here,” Phoenix replied, pulling her knees up to her chest and wrapping her arms around them. The living room was cozy with the lights twinkling on the tree and soft Christmas music playing in the background, but the house felt cold without him in it.

“I know. Me, too,” he nodded, lifting a hand and resting it on the computer screen, as if reaching out to touch her.

She mimicked his movement, lifting her hand as if she could press her palm against his and feel his touch, despite the thousands of miles that separated them.

Being in the Navy for as long as she had been, especially since becoming part of the special detachment at North Island, unexpected missions and deployments shouldn’t have surprised her anymore. In fact, they often seemed to crop up at the most inconvenient times, if she was being honest. So it shouldn’t have shocked her when Jake was called upon at the last minute for a month-long mission in the Middle East.

But even though it shouldn’t have surprised her, it still hurt like hell when she learned that they’d be spending their first Christmas as husband and wife apart from one another.

She wasn’t normally one for tears, especially when it came to matters of duty and obligation, but she’d be lying if she said she hadn’t shed many of them when that bomb had been dropped on her.

“It isn’t fucking fair!” she’d sobbed angrily, hot tears streaming down her cheeks. She pulled away from Jake as he tried to reach out to hold her, simultaneously craving his touch and needing to put as much distance between them as possible before she completely fell apart. “Why do they have to send you? It’s Christmas!”

“I know, Minx, I know,” Jake whispered calmly, pulling her into his arms despite her protests and holding her close, rubbing soothing circles into her back. “I hate it,” he admitted, his jaw clenching as he gazed stoically above her head, trying to hold it together for the both of them. “But…I don’t have a choice. I’ll be home as soon as possible.”

But it wouldn’t be soon enough. He was missing Christmas and New Year.

When they learned that Jake would be deployed on a mission for the holidays, Phoenix’s family had tried to convince her to fly out to New York to spend Christmas with them.

“Please, Tasha,” her mom had begged on the phone. “I hate the thought of you being cooped up all alone at Christmas.”

“I won’t be alone, Mom. A bunch of my friends will still be here,” Phoenix demurred, knowing the Dagger Squad wouldn’t let her spend the holidays alone even if she had wanted to. “Maybe next year we’ll fly over for Christmas.”

“Minx, I think your Mom is right,” Jake said as soon as she hung up the phone. He lifted one hand, stroking her cheek gently. “Spend Christmas with your parents and your brothers. I can’t stand the thought of you being here alone, baby.”

“I don’t want to,” Phoenix insisted stubbornly, shaking her head. “I want to be here. I want to be in our house. It’s our first Christmas here and I just—”

She hadn’t even been able to finish her sentence, the damn tears spilling over once more as her throat closed up with emotion.

“Hey, hey, shh,” Jake whispered tenderly, cupping her face in his hands and kissing her softly. “It’s okay,” he went on reassuringly, wiping her tears away with his thumbs. “If that’s what you want, Minx, then it’s what I want, too.”

That matter settled, they’d then set about trying to cram as many holiday activities into the time they had left before Jake had to leave. Christmas markets, ice skating, the cookie decorating party at Penny and Mav’s place, game night at the Bradshaws’—they did it all.

But it still wasn’t nearly enough.

When Phoenix drove Jake to base the week before Christmas, she felt like her heart was being pummeled inside her chest. It was the hardest goodbye she’d ever had to say, clinging to him and kissing him for a long time before he finally had to let go.

“I’m going to do everything I can to see you on Christmas, Minx. We’ll talk. I promise,” Jake had whispered in her ear, kissing her one last time before being pulled off towards the carrier.

And so here they were, spending Christmas Eve half a world apart, Phoenix sitting on the floor of their living room in her Christmas pajamas, while Jake sat on board an aircraft carrier, still in his flight suit.

“How has your Christmas Eve been? Tell me everything,” Jake urged, his hand still resting against the screen, almost absent-mindedly, as if he really did think he could keep himself anchored to her that way.

“Oh, you know. A little boring,” Phoenix admitted with a laugh, reaching for her glass of wine and taking a sip. “Honestly, I was so anxious about watching the time for our call that I just ended up cleaning the kitchen and rearranging the decorations,” she chuckled. “Oh, but I did also make some cookies,” she added quickly, holding up one of her Pillsbury sugar cookies.

Jake groaned. “Don’t make me jealous, Minx. The food on board is crap, as usual. What I wouldn’t give for the taste of a Christmas cookie right now,” he sighed. “Actually,” he added, glancing over his shoulder and then raising a mischievous eyebrow. “What I wouldn’t give for the taste of a lot of things right now,” he said, winking suggestively.

“Bagman, I will literally end this call right now,” Phoenix told him, though she couldn’t help the grin that tugged at the corners of her lips at her husband’s innuendo.

“Aww, no, don’t do that. Let me look at that beautiful face for a little while longer,” he smirked, resting his hands behind his head and leaning back in his chair. “Those pajamas are looking pretty sexy, babe.”

“Oh, shut up,” Phoenix laughed, rolling her eyes. “They’re the most comfortable pajamas I’ve ever worn, even if they do make me look like a five-year-old,” she joked.

“The dancing reindeer really bring out your eyes,” Jake snorted. She could tell his own eyes were sparkling with amusement, even through the computer screen.

“You know, that’s what I’m really most disappointed about—that I don’t get to see you in your dancing reindeer pajamas,” Phoenix smirked, crossing her arms over her chest.

Ever since she was a little girl, the Trace family had had a tradition of getting a new pair of matching Christmas pajamas each year. Even as an adult, it was a tradition Phoenix had always looked forward to, and one she eagerly roped Jake into once they got engaged. Once again, she had to swallow her disappointment that he wasn’t home to take ridiculous selfies with her in front of the Christmas tree in their matching ensembles.

“Well, you know I would never want to disappoint you, Minx,” Jake replied, leaning forward in his seat as he began unzipping his flight suit. “And so…just for you…” He pulled open the suit to reveal what he’d donned underneath—his dancing reindeer Christmas pajamas.

Gasping excitedly, Phoenix nearly toppled her glass of wine as she scrambled to her knees, leaning in closer to her laptop screen to get a better view. “Oh, babe! You really brought them with you?” she asked, resting her hand over her heart. It honestly touched her more than words could say.

“Of course I did,” Jake smiled. “Wouldn’t be Christmas if I wasn’t wearing matching pajamas with my sexy wife,” he winked teasingly.

Phoenix laughed, beaming despite herself. “I love you so much,” she murmured, reaching out to press her hand against the screen once more.

“I love you, too. More than words can say,” Jake told her. He leaned in closer, resting his elbows on the desk of his carrel and gazing at her. “God, I wish I was holding you right now.”

“Me, too,” she whispered, her heart aching with missing him. “But you’ll be home soon.”

“Really soon,” Jake nodded, the quality of his video connection starting to lag slightly. They were lucky it had lasted for as long as it had. “We’ll celebrate when I get back, baby. I promise. I know it won’t be the same, but—”

“Doesn’t matter,” Phoenix cut him off, shaking her head. “I’ll celebrate Christmas with you any time you want.”

Jake smiled at that, glancing down for a moment and then lifting his gaze back to her. “Speaking of which, it actually is Christmas here right now,” he smiled.

Phoenix glanced at the clock—5pm, which meant that it was midnight where Jake was currently stationed.

An unintelligible voice suddenly sounded in the background behind Jake, snagging his attention for a couple minutes. His expression deflated slightly, and Phoenix knew that it was time to say goodbye once again.

“I’m sorry, Minx. Apparently I’ve spent too much time with you, even though I say there’s never enough time,” Jake tried to joke, though his smile was tinged with sadness. “I love you. I’ll be home soon.”

“I love you, too,” Phoenix said softly, blowing him a kiss through the screen. “Merry Christmas, Bagman.”

Jake’s expression softened, his eyes filled with so much love that Phoenix thought her heart might just burst inside her chest at that moment.

“Merry Christmas, darling.”

I've just one wish on this Christmas Eve I wish I were with you

[skhardwarevers1]

Okay I know I just went over this earlier and a did make a tutorial on TikTok but I feel like saying it here,

burning CDS is easy as FUCK

Or, a little explanation on how I make custom CDs

disclaimer: I use windows so if you use anything else I’m so sorry

I’ll add pictures to go along with this later!!!

things you absolutely NEED

a computer/laptop

(If said computer/laptop doesn’t have a built in disc drive) an external disc drive (there are pretty good ones for like 20-25 dollars!!)

CDs/DVDs obviously (either R or RW, the only difference is that you can rewrite RW CDs and DVDs)

also! DVDs obviously hold picture and video as well as audio, so do what you want with those

Technically step one

if you thrifted CDs like I did, or found really old ones in a box in your home somewhere, MAKE SURE THEY ARE EMPTY!!! If you want to keep the stuff on them, there’s an option to rip them in windows media player legacy (which is what I use to burn them as well)

then to erase it, open file explorer, click on the CD/DVD in your disc drive, click the three dots on the toolbar and select “Erase this disc” (this usually doesn’t take too long)

Actual Step One

if you want to make a mixtape, make a Spotify playlist of all the songs you want and copy the link to it (or any other platform, I just find it easier to make a Spotify playlist because I can download it), if you’re just doing an album then get the link of that album instead (make sure both of them can actually fit on the CD you have! Mine can hold like…74 minutes of music)

then use this handy little Spotify downloader to download a zip file of all the songs (sometimes it messes up and will exclude some, make sure to double check they’re all in there…if not you can download them individually too)

Step Two

in your files, open up the zip file of all the music, select them all, and copy them to music (there’s a whole section for it that media player uses, trust me you’ll see it)

then open windows media player legacy and double check it’s in there—usually it’s gathered by artist

step two and a half

Okay so most of the time I go to organize -> settings -> privacy -> and uncheck all the top boxes. You don’t have to, I just do that…idk why I just have.

Step Three (the easy part)

first make sure the CD is set as an audio CD (and also that it’s actually in the disc drive), and click the burn tab

drag all the songs you want on the CD into the burn list, and reorder them however you’d like! There are options to shuffle them and organize them specific ways if you’d like. Once you have everything all set you can click start burn and all you have to do is wait! It’ll eject once it’s done

Step 4 (optional)

If you have a jewel case, you can print or draw your own custom covers and backs!!!! You can also draw on CDs with a sharpie marker if you’d like. Just remember that slim cases have different sizing than standard cases. There’s also stickers for CDs that cover the fronts of them(? Or so I’ve been told…)

Step 5

make sure the CD actually works, try playing it on a different device if you can, and enjoy!!!

Step “what if I don’t have a CD player?”

well I’m gonna tell you you probably do and just don’t know it! do you have a DVD player laying around your house? That’s a CD player! do you have an old ass computer that would suck with burning the CDs itself but still has a disc drive an everything? That’s a CD Player!

do you have a shitty old karaoke machine? Chances are it has a spot for CDs! THATS A CD PLAYER!

Of course you can get a new one if none of these are functional devices for you or you just don’t have them, but I just wanted to point out that a lot of things can be used to play CDs

or you can help me bring back Walkmans and discmans….if you’re listening to music on the go…./silly

Also! Some cars have spots to play CDs in them!! Your CD doesn’t have to be limited to your home!!!

also also, I’m 70% sure that a lot of game consoles can play DVDs but not CDs. Saying thing incase the information is valuable for someone who wants to watch a good movie on DVD or something….

[nattinatalia]

Urban Wyatt x Reader Instagram AU

Liked by yourbestiename, princeroyce, maluma, jackharlow, and 8,677,574 others

yourusername Mami didn’t raise no pendeja. Usted tuvo una reina en frente pero no la vio.

View all 1,900 comments

yourusername When you tell your bestie you want a “fuck you” song to be related to an ex, and in matter of 30 minutes, she comes up with her verse and makes the rest happen 🔥 queen shit, thanks beba te amo un chingo.

yourbestiename Anything for you bebecita ❤️

ynandbestienameupdates This duo never disappoints. 💪🏼 🔥 excited for this one.

neelamthadhani 😬 Ohhh the ex?

yourusername 🙈 🤭 Sorry not sorry?

jackharlow 🤔 Why do you two keep on keeping your features a secret? Wife, I tell you all my secrets @ yourbestiename

yourbestiename You didn’t tell me about Fergie performing with you at the VMA’s 😉

jackharlow How long are you going to milk that one 😞

yourbestiename Forever

druski2funnny Soooo we’re just going to ignore the part where you said it was for your ex? meaning Urban??? Hmmmm 🤨

yourusername There is nothing to ignore lmao I said what I said 🤷🏻‍♀️

cozane I’m about to send him a screenshot since I know he’s still blocked

yourusername 💀 Let me unblock him so he can see then. Oh hey @ urbanwyatt 👋🏼 there you go @ cozane

cozane sheesh 🙄 I was kidding

yourusername I wasn’t 💅🏼

urbanwyatt 😔

💘

Liked by yourbestiename, normani, lilnasx, neelamthadhani, and 9,778,355 others

yourusername Ahora tengo a otro y más rico me cabe 😈 👅

View all 1,999 comments

neelamthadhani RUE WHEN WAS THIS?

druski2funnny I MISSED A WHOLE CHAPTER

yourbestiename WHO IS THIS?

yourbestiename Jk I know who it is 😝

yourusername Hehe 😜 🤭

maluma 😋 Mami

yourusername 🤫

simpforurban Ew he calls her mami just like urban used to do 🤮

lilnasx If you ask me, Its what he deserves for believing you would cheat. Rebound with the guy he thought you did him dirty with💅🏼

yourusername 🫣

cozane @ urbanwyatt

yourusername I know he’s your boy, but chill man. You’re always tagging him, I’m pretty sure he can see himself.

cozane 😂 I’m just trying to make him realize that you didn’t even like him like that since you’re already out here insta official with some other dude.

yourusername It’s been months, you’re telling me he’s not fucking around? Ha, how did him and I start our relationship? Oh yea, fucking around.

cozane I meant no harm.

yourusername You meant no harm? But you keep tagging him in my post.

girlfromvideoname For someone who made a big deal about him and me hanging out, you’re really out here with a whole ass new man.

yourcousinname For someone who got her shit rocked, you’re asking for another round.

yourusername 1- He was my boyfriend who knew from the start I didn’t like your ass, so he disrespected me when he posted and deleted that video, especially since you knew what you were doing. 2- he believed fake ass shit you were feeding the media about me cheating on him. 3- he then had the nerve to hang out with you and he was planing on sleeping with you that same night. 4- You still had the nerve to come to my party and kiss him, mind you, we were still together, we never broke up because we were in talks of fixing shit. 5- I BEAT YOUR ASS BECAUSE I SIMPLY DONT LIKE YOU. 6- I’ll do it all over again if you continue to cross me.

yourusername & are you sure this guys is my new man????

druski2funnny I just love how Urban has been quiet ever since!

urbanwyatt I’m just watching everything 🤷🏼‍♂️ there’s not much I can do or say to a person who doesn’t even give me the chance to fix things.

yourusername If you had trusted me from the start, you wouldn’t need to “fix” anything. You did this yourself.

💘

Liked by druski2funnny, cozane, jackharlow, and 8,667,345 others

urbanwyatt You thought I was feeling you? 👨🏼‍🦯

View all 1,500 comments

urbanandyn So y’all really not back together 😢

yourusername NO

cozane 😂💀

druski2funnny Ya messy

cozane What did we do?

girlfromvideoname Let her know baby 😜 hear that? @ yourusername

urbanwyatt Chill 😞

yourusername Loud and clear boo, I’m sorry girl, I know you usually have dudes eating out of your ass, but sadly, he just wasn’t feeling you.

girlfromvideoname Bitch, Idk if you’re dead in the head but this was meant for you not me.

yourusername Ohh??? Got it.

yourusername 🤭Who’s going to tell her?🤭

cozane I’m confused cus i thought this was for Y/N

yourusername Awww poor baby, you secretly like me huh?

urbanwyatt Ok quit it

druski2funnny Forgot how @ cozane &

@ yourusername can’t stand each other

urbanwyatt 🙄

cozane Don’t you have a new man to entertain go do that

yourusername He’s not my man, but you’re right, I should go back for round 3 😉 maybe take him to that once place near the beach and fair.

yourbestiename Nooo 😳 Y/N cabrona eso no 🫣

urbanwyatt One thing is fucking dudes to get back at me, another is taking them to our fucking spot.

yourusername I’m not fucking “dudes”, just the one ☝🏼

urbanwyatt Funny how if I were to do the same you wouldn’t even give me the time of day. But I have to be ok that you’re out here with random guys.

yourusername Boy, we’re not together. You can go get your dick wet with whoever you want.

urbanwyatt How long are you going to keep this up?

yourusername Keep what up? 😇

urbanwyatt You’re annoying when you get like this 😠

yourusername No, you love me, especially when I get like this 🥰 but I think I liked you better when you just kept to yourself 🤫

druski2funnny I’m confused as hell right now

yourbestiename You and me both because here I thought I was cheering for y/n and her new man 🫤

💘

Liked by yourbestiename, karolg, princeroyce, maluma, and 8,677,345 others

yourusername No es mi novio, pero me lo hace mejor que el ex 🤫 Miami is always ready for single Y/N 😋

View all 1,900 comments

maluma No soy yo, para que no empiecen a atacar me. Pero como me gustaría que si fuera pues.

yourusername Lmao

yourbestiename 👩🏻‍🦯

jackharlow 🤨

druski2funnny That’s not Urby so who is it 🤯

yourusername 🤐

cozane last comments on his post had me confused asf so y’all not together he won’t tell me Shit about you

druski2funnny that’s because we all know you secretly hate her 💀

yourusername True

cozane I don’t hate her lol she’s my best friends girl.. ex girl?? It’s just brotherly picking

yourusername I must’ve missed the memo on that Lmao

yourusername & to answer your question, no we’re not together.

girlfromvideoname So you gave me a clear pathway to be with him. Thanks I’ll make sure to return the favor and send videos and pictures, just like you did to me

urbanwyatt You need to chill Stass

yourusername Do whatever you want “stass”, Girl, all you need to know is that he continues to come to me and cum for me 😉 🤤

druski2funnny AYOOO 💀

yourusername No lies were told.

druski2funnny So y’all losers are back to fucking at least.

yourusername Not even 😂

cozane 🤨

yourusername Let me get back to my little buddy here in Miami. I’ll let Urb answer y’all.

urbanwyatt You’re annoying as fuck

urbanwyatt You’re always going to Miami whenever we have a problem.

yourbestiename Because she knows you hate it and she knows how much you hate when dudes over there are just wanting to have fun for a night or two. And we’ll she is single.

urbanwyatt How many times is everyone going to remind me that she’s fucking single? It’s annoying

yourusername Aww, you’re single too, so go enjoy yourself.

urbanwyatt Y/N, I gave you 3 months of space, we talked and everything was good. Then I’ve been giving you 5 months to act out. When are you going to stop? I already told you how sorry I am.

yourusername You’re giving me time to act out? 😂😂😂😂 Be fucking real.

urbanwyatt I’m trying do to shit differently but you’re not helping at all

yourusername Then give up already. Go fuck Stassie, get her out of your system because I fucking know deep in me that you’ve been wanting to, shit you probably already did. Talking about you’ve been at home sitting tight. YOUUU? Not fucking around when you’re single, ha, I wouldn’t believe it if it was written down on the Bible.

urbanwyatt Wow smh thanks so fucking much for that.

yourusername mamiii @ karolg I think it’s time we work on that song!!!!!

yourbestiename 🔥 oh shit 😱 two single hurting ladies, yea good luck.

💘

I know I said Urban was suffering in silence, but come on, is it really like him to just sit back and watch y/n do her thing???

I lowkey don’t like this one but it is what it is.

[bratshaws]

goodness gracious 28 brb x oc

a/n: newsflash, these two are fucking nerds. Also, kinda short because I somehow lost half of the chapter twice and i decided to shorten it before I just fucking c r i e d

check out the fic's playlist made by the sweet @wiipes !!

pairing: plus size!oc x rooster

warnings: fluff FLUUUUUUUUFFFFF

chapters:

1/2/3/4/5/6/7/8/9/10/11/12/13/14/15/16/17/18/19/20/21/22/23/24/25/26/27

(pls let me know if you want to be added to the taglist!!)

taglist: @mirandastuckinthe80s @roosterschanelslut @wiipes @lcahwriter @shrimping-for-all @gretagerwigsmuse @frenchtoastix

@lizzie-rdj @fanboyluvr @atarmychick007 @comebacktoearthpls

@peachiicherries @mak-32 @lizziespidiepridie @roosterswifey @ollyoxenfrees @piceous21 @sqrlgrl22

-

Beatrice found out, on the drive back home from the hotel, that Bradley really liked video games but he hadn’t had the time to play any for a long time. She questioned him if he had any console or pc he could play any with, he sheepishly said he had a ps4 hidden somewhere in his apartment that he never really used.

Now, Beatrice loved video games but she was more of a pc kinda gal than a console one. She questioned him what sort of games he liked and he shrugged with the response of “Any but Aviation Simulator.” with a silly chuckle since he was so proud of his joke. She kept that information in her brain all the way back, during helping Penny and Shells at the bar and once she was inside his apartment.

She questioned him where his playstation would be hiding at, to which he just stared at her for a couple seconds, then muttered a less than convincing “In the closet.” Even if it wasn’t there, she was determined to find it. She opened his closet, rummaged through the colorful fabrics of his Hawaiian shirts before using the built in drawers as a ladder, checking the upper compartment where a bunch of boxes were.

Tucked in the corner she saw the blue and white box, letting out a triumphant sound as she tugged it forward, dropping down to the ground with it in her hands, “There you go.” she smiles, handing him the box “Let’s plug it in!”

Rooster followed her to his living room with a chuckle, “You seem more excited than me when I got this.”

“Well, I like video games Roos,” she says, helping him take the playstation out of its box, “We could play some games together!”

He looked in her direction, pulling the cables out first with a smile, “I wouldn’t mind that.” he says as he sets up the console on the coffee table, pushing it a bit closer to the tv so the cable wouldn’t be stretched out. Stood by his side, telling him if he needed help she’d try her best to, which in response she only got an once over with a smile, “I don’t mind you just standing there looking pretty.” he says, “Helps with morale.”

Beatrice laughs softly, crouching down next to him, tucking a strand of hair that fell from her trusty bun, “Morale huh?” he nods with a boyish grin, before he leans back from the TV to turn the console on. They had to wait a few minutes, but the tv finally shone with the known blue quickly changing to the main menu where the games were shown.

He had quite a selection, from Far Cry to Hitman, his first one being Red Dead Redemption 2 a game she played twice and cried twice. He checked the controller to see if it was connected, which it was, pushing himself to his feet as he moved down the line to the game library.

Of course there’d be more games, he had the complete Assassin’s Creed collection, God of War Remastered and unbelievably he also had Saints Row. She smiles as she stands up as well, her eyes flicking to every title while he moves around to check if everything was in there, “I don’t know why but I’m not surprised you have Call of Duty installed either.” he just chuckles, going down his list until he reached the end, “And Mortal Kombat! Oh my God, we have to play it!”

“Sure,” he begins, “But I’ll tell you gorgeous, I’m very good at MK.” there’s that boyish grin again, that nostalgic feeling she had back when he first made the pancakes. He pulled out the other controller from the little stand giving it to her as he pressed the Mortal Kombat icon.

The two of them settled on the couch, waiting for the loading screen to show up and they could check the character roster. She curiously watched Rooster pick Sub-Zero with a chuckle, “Oh, you are a Sub-Zero main?” 

“Sure am.” he smiles, leaning back on his couch, “What about you, gorgeous? Kitana? Sonya?”

But Beatrice only gave him a smile, looking back at the screen as she chose on the roster. Bradley blinked when he turned his head back to the tv. It wasn’t Kitana, or Sonya or not even Mileena. Beatrice was a Scorpion main. She just gave him a cheeky look, leaning back onto the couch with the controller resting on top of her lap. Bradley laughed with his eyebrows up, “Oh, so that’s how it’s going to be then.” he says, “Alright, cool.”

He didn’t tell her, but he was happily surprised when he found out Beatrice liked video games because that was another thing they could do together! Every time she surprised him and everytime he fell even more in love with her. He thanked whatever deity was responsible for dropping her into his life like that.

Interestingly enough, he wasn’t really planning on meeting anyone for a while.Ever since he returned to TOPGUN a few months back, he came as a single man without any reason to get a girlfriend. Hook ups? Sure. Short lived relationships? Yeah.Did he regret some of them? Absolutely. He didn’t plan on checking Beatrice out nor develop this massive crush on her, him at thirty six years old with a goddamn crush.

He denied himself for weeks, but obviously Nat figured it out. Just seeing Beatrice made his heart flutter, even if she scurried away from and avoided him the best she could, he just couldn’t really help himself. 

Bradley remembers what happened when his mother lost his father, she was very strong and never cried in front of him, but he knew she did cry. Sometimes he’d come home from school and his mother’s eyes would be red, but she’d have such a bright smile and hug him so tight he’d never question it. In his mind, he didn’t want to be the reason for someone else’s tears like that.

It was a fear he still had, even more now that he had Beatrice, of not coming back. But he also…couldn’t see himself without her, he loved this woman more than he ever thought he would. She latched onto his heart and he didn’t want her to let go, he just wanted to come back to her safely. 

Crazy, he thought, how much he felt for her in the short time they’ve been together. He knows that Mav said it wasn’t strange but it was. He felt connected to Beatrice in a way he had never felt with anyone else, their conversations worked, their silence together didn’t bother him, he was added into her hobbies and interests so easily he felt like he knew her for ages…he just felt happy, really happy in a way he hadn’t in a while.

He was bitter for a good part of his life, angry, thinking he’d deserve nothing like the love he so wanted. While others got married at a young age, he didn’t, he just went with the flow with whatever girl who got interested but made it clear it was a one time thing and nothing else. His face hardened at the memory of Chloe, who while at first seemed to be a nice girl, immediately started acting like they were a thing - which he told her before they even hooked up it wouldn’t happen.

She was pretty and smart, but she had no idea how a relationship could work. She also dropped very unpleasant questions about his parents that he clearly didn’t feel like answering. He didn’t know why she was so…invasive, clambering over his boundaries like a rabid bull and just wanting to know more and more about him when he wasn’t ready to share.

It was a hookup. Nothing more. They weren’t dating. They weren’t going to date. She tried contacting him after their hook up, but she was eventually transferred out of state and never talked to him again,which he was very thankful for. There were others after her that understood it was a one night thing, just to have fun, nothing serious. Nothing like Beatrice was.

Part of him wondered if he truly deserves someone like her. Someone so sweet and kind and understanding, who believes in him so much, who looks at him with stars in her eyes and who worries about his well being. He fucked up so much, he did such shitty things when he was younger and even when he was a grown man– how was he deserving of her? 

He gave her a look by the corner of his eye, seeing her eyes focused on the tv, her lower lip inside her mouth in concentration as her fingers moved on the controller. She was good, almost as good as he was, but the best was that she was having fun. With him. Playing video games together.

They just clicked together, two people from different walks of life who’d never met were not the circumstances thrown in their paths, who fit in like pieces of a puzzle. Even if he had doubts of his own worth when it came to her, his own demons that still needed working, he was glad she was there, right beside him, wearing comfortable jeans and a Van Halen t-shirt with her hair up in a bun. 

She won, unsurprisingly so, letting out a happy sound as Scorpion just ripped Sub-Zero in half with his fatality. “I won!” she says with a grin, turning to face him, “Guess I’m not as rusty as I thought.”

Rooster chuckled, lifting his hands in defense, “I guess not, gorgeous…rematch?”

“Oh,absolutely!”

-

“There’s also Mass Effect, the trilogy, I think you’d like it.” she comments, watching him play Red Dead Redemption 2 and trying to keep quiet about spoilers. He was still pretty early in the game and like her, he loved exploring his surroundings before doing main missions so she could help with things that she knew wouldn’t give him too much info about how the game would go.

“Yeah?” he asks while yanking herbs off the ground, “What’s it about?”

“It’s an action role playing game set in space, you play as Commander Shepard, you could be male or female.” she explains, supporting her chin on her hand, “You uh, have to save the whole universe pretty much. You are also part of the Alliance Navy too, so.”

He chuckles, walking Arthur back to the black Clydesdale horse he fondly named ‘Tracker’ “Seems interesting, you going to help me out with it too?”

“If you want,” she says with a grin, “It’s my favorite game series…well that and Dragon Age. Both are made by the same developer.”

“Well, if it’s your favorite I’m going to give it a try.” Rooster said, galloping away from the forest he was in back to the closest settlement. They’ve been together ever since early afternoon, luckily Jolene wasn’t a clingy dog when it came to Beatrice being absent for a while or else she’d be already complaining about being alone for such long hours. 

Beatrice watched Bradley play with a fond smile, sometimes gently combing through his golden brown tresses whenever he’s too focused to talk. Her phone pings, making her pull it out of her back pocket without taking her eyes off the tv, only dropping when the device is near her face.

Ev (15:05)

Hey, good news, I got one more person for the team. We’re full now.

Bea (15:06)

Ev that’s awesome! :) Who is it?

Ev (15:07)

Jennifer, remember her? She used to hang out with us before she transferred to another college. She moved back now.

Bea (15:08)

Ohhh, yes I remember her! So, what 's the plan?

Ev (15:09)

Since I know you and Shells have your dance class and work at night time, the best time for us to train would be around noon. At least Wednesday and then the weekends. I think it could work for all of us.

Beatrice’s smile dropped, looking back to where her hand was still connected to Rooster’s amazingly soft hair, combing the strands through her fingers. But…that would mean she wouldn’t have much time with him during the afternoons. But she promised she’d join the team and they didn’t have much time, so they had to work with what they had.

Bea (15:11)

Sounds great, where are we going to train?

Evelyn sent her a map with the location of an open gym, mentioning there wouldn’t be too many people around the time they’d go but they’d have at least two hours before people actually came by. Two hours was more than enough. She thanked Evelyn, who said their first practice will be this Wednesday and to wear something light.

Beatrice dropped the phone to her lap, looking back at the tv as she felt the nerves slowly climbing back inside of her. While she did play volleyball a few months ago, and was incredibly embarrassed because Rooster was watching her, she wondered if she was…good enough to play in this charity game.

Who’d be their opponents? It is an official team which should be a compliment since Prof.Richards thought they were good as one but, was it smart? She should’ve asked these questions when Evelyn first told her about it, now she can’t go back. It was for charity, which was a noble cause, so she shouldn’t feel worried.

Bea, however, brought the side of her thumb into her mouth, biting the skin around it with her eyebrows furrowed. What if the team obliterated them? Oh, that was a possibility.  The more she thought about it, the more it made her feel nervous about playing the actual game. She wished she was as level headed as Evelyn was when she told Beatrice they’d go against a professional team. 

Bradley moves his gaze away from the gang members he just killed towards Beatrice, seeing her chewing the corner of her nail with a frown, “Babe,hey,” he takes hold of the hand against her lips, gently pulling it out and snapping her out of her thoughts, “You are going to chew your thumb off in that rate, what’s the matter?”

Beatrice sighs, “I’m just thinking of the volleyball game we’ll be part of…I don’t know why I said yes. We’ll be playing against a professional team, Brad!” she throws her free hand up in the air for emphasis “We got no chance.”

Rooster furrowed his eyebrows, giving her a confused look, “Do you not remember annihilating Hangman at the beach? “ She makes a disgruntled noise, looking at her jeans, “Bea, come on. You are great, you’ll give them a run for their money.”

She looked at him from the corner of her eye, sighing quietly but leaning her head back against the couch, “I guess…I’m just nervous.”

He pauses the game, dropping the controller on his thigh with his lips pursed, “Can I go?” she blinks towards him, “I wanna watch you beat the shit out of people with a volleyball.”

“...but–Roos.. I mean–” she just stares at him for a while, “Of course you can go, if you want. You are giving me way too much credit, you know?”

“I mean, I don’t know,” he shrugs absently, “My girlfriend is a powerhouse in a lot of ways but especially when it comes to volleyball?” Beatrice blushes bright red, but she’s smiling sweetly at him, playing with her fingers. “Bea,” he cups her chin with one of his hands, giving her a grin, “You are a powerhouse, you’ll destroy them.”

Beatrice laughs softly, looking down at the inside of his wrist then back at him, “Okay.” she says, crawling over to hug his torso with a deep inhale of his cologne, “Okay…” he grins down at her, pressing a soft kiss to her temple when she rests her head on his lap, her back to the tv and her long brown hair sprawled over his jeans clad thighs.

He runs his hand through her hair, tucking the thick strands behind her ear as she looks up at him with her eyes half open, “Going to sleep on me?”

“You are very comfortable.” she smiles, tucking her hands under her head as he pressed play on the game once more. Beatrice inhaled deeply, but then turned around so she could watch him play the game with her head still on his lap.

Her phone pinged yet again and she picked it up. Evelyn once more, but this time she asked ‘Hey, you know what I just noticed? Our volleyball team was our DnD team back in college.’ and Beatrice blinked in surprise. Oh my God, it was true.

They did have a DnD group back then, with Evelyn as the DM. They were still new but they wanted to try it out, they rarely had the time to actually play it besides a couple weekends but it was so fun. Just like volleyball, it was a thing the group shared in common, one thing they could play together whenever they had the time. 

They had a campaign and they had character sheets, but very seldom were the times they were all in the same spot together to actually do something about it. The nervousness from before turned into excitement as she typed back if Evelyn wanted to continue their old campaign.

Ev (15:33)

I still have everything, that's why I messaged you.

Bea (15:34)

I’m okay with that, but I’ll just have to talk to Brad. He’s on leave and I want to spend with him :&lt;

Ev (15:35)

It’s okay, at best we’ll do it once a week, we all work too. I’ll let the others know.

Beatrice smiled, placing the phone screen down on top of her chest as she looked back at the screen when she heard the obvious sounds of gunshots coming from the game. Looking up at Bradley with her eyebrow up, she bit back a laugh at how intense he was looking at the tv and making sure every single gang member died.

He must’ve felt her eyes on him because his own gaze dropped down towards her briefly, looking up at the screen with a smile, “What?”

“You look very focused.”

“Trying not to die, babe.” he says with a soft laugh, the clicking of the buttons adding to the background noise, “Who messaged you?”

“Ev, she was reminding me how our volleyball group was also our DnD group.” she smiles “The girls might want to return to our old campaign, we never really…did much with it. We didn’t have a lot of time as I told you before. We don’t have a lot of experience but we had fun.”

Rooster pauses the game, tossing the controller aside with his arms spread on the back of the couch, “And you guys planning on getting together again? To play it?”

Beatrice shrugged, grabbing the hand on top of her head to play with his calloused fingers, running her nail over the lines on his palm, “Maybe once a week, I don’t know, we still have the practice…and I want to spend my time with you.”

“Aw, babe…you keep sweet talking like that you’ll make me fall in love with you.”

“I thought you were already in love with me,” she replies with a grin, “And I was in love with you.”

Rooster’s cheeks hurt from smiling so much, wrapping his arms around her shoulders to bring her up to his chest, hugging her tightly. Beatrice squeaked a laugh, muffled against the fabric of his white tee, “God, you are so cute.” he murmurs against her temple, “I can’t get enough of you, I swear.”

Her smile when she lifts her head to face him could put the sun to shame, her cheeks reddening like fresh apples he wanted to take a bite of. She just leaned up to kiss his lips, snuggling against his chest, “Thank you, Roos.” she begins, “For being here with me.”

Rooster smiles, pecking her forehead, “Always,gorgeous." he says, holding her close to his chest before he presses play yet again, "Now, you said there are treasures around this area?"

[blueeyedgeorgie]

Girlfriend Reveal-G.M

“Can you write something about were George and the reader are dating but nobody knows. He is filming is eye reveal video and at the end he also reveals the relationship between you two.“

“I would like a story about Memeulous were he does his eye reveal and y/n is with him and he also does a girlfriend reveal. I hope you know what I mean :)“

Pairing: George Memeulous x reader

Word Count: 1.5k+

Pronouns: She/Her

"Are you sure you wanna do this?" She asked George for at least the fifth time today. In about ten minutes, he was planning to start filming his 4 million subscribers celebration video. The plan was to reveal his eyes as well another personal topic.

"Y/n, it's perfectly fine with me," the brunette replied, taking his girlfriend's hands into his. "I want people to know we're together, I'm proud to call you my girlfriend." Y/n couldn't help but smile at what he said, George always knew the right things to say to her. He always made her feel good, he always made her feel wanted. "But do you want me to reveal our relationship? You seemed worried considering you've kept asking all day if I'm sure this is a good idea."

"I know how private you are with your fanbase about your personal life, and I don't want you to do something you'll regret... I just-"

"I promise you, I've thought long and hard about this. Yes, this is something I'd like to do. And it's something I want to do with you. I want people to know you're my girlfriend, I don't want to keep you a secret anymore."

Y/n nodded, "Alright, I trust you."

Usually, it was difficult for influencers to keep their relationships private. But luckily, with George hiding his identity, it was much easier for Y/n and him to keep their dating life secret. Y/n had a similar career path to George's, both being YouTubers.

They had been dating for over a year now, things had become quite serious. And by now, George could tell Y/n was the girl for him. They worked so well together, bringing out the best in each other. Every day was an amazing day when he was with her. He knew she was in for the long haul, so George had informed her of a video idea he created. He wanted to introduce Y/n to the fans as his girlfriend.

"As a little reward, I've decided to do an eye reveal. A lot of you have been asking for this for some reason, I'm not joking people have actually been asking for that. So... here it goes." George slid the sunglasses off his eyes, looking up into the camera lens for a moment.

After taking a second for everyone to admire his pretty eyes, he glanced over to the corner of his room. Y/n sat on his bed, scrolling through social media on her phone. "Y/n, are my eyes pretty?"

"Very pretty, George," Y/n replied looking up at her boyfriend.

George looked back to the camera. "To celebrate hitting 4 million subscribers, I have one more surprise for you all. I want you to meet my girlfriend." George turned back to Y/n. "Could you come over here, Y/n?"

"No."

"Why?"

"Where am I gonna sit? On the ground?" The h/c girl jokingly shot back at the masked man.

"Just go get a chair from the kitchen."

"No."

"Why?" George let out a huff of breath, pretending to be irritated with her.

"Because I'm too lazy to carry a chair into here." She was egging him on, knowing it was all for the video. Her introduction had to be interesting in some way.

"Fine, looks like I have to do all the man's work here," George stood, exiting the bedroom for a brief moment to locate a chair for Y/n. As he was gone, she moved towards George's set up, taking a seat in his 'memeulous.shop' gamer chair.

"Hi guys," she couldn't help but crack a smile at the camera. "face reveal." It was a horrible joke, but the best Y/n could come up with at the moment. "I'd explain everything about our relationship, but George will be grumpy if he misses out and he'll tell me I didn't tell the right stories and whatnot. He's an old man pretty much."

"Who's an old man?"

The masked YouTuber had returned, carrying in a kitchen chair. As soon as it was placed to Y/n's right, George turned to his girlfriend; "Okay, there's your seat, get out of mine."

"I think I shoulder have the gamer chair today," Y/n's smile turned into a smirk as she spoke. "Considering I'm your special guest for this video." She could tell George was giving her a look from underneath his mask. "You don't want your fans thinking you're a bad boyfriend, huh?"

George let out a huff, practically plopping down into the kitchen chair. There was a height difference for sure when they were sitting like this, George's hair was definitely boosted up, while their posture was different as well. Y/n sat straight, while George slouched over a bit in his kitchen chair.

"Anyways, what are we gonna talk about? Or were you just planning on showing me off for 15 seconds then turning to Reddit?" Y/n's voice was playful as she shot off questions to the brunette sitting with her.  

"I, uh..." Y/n knew exactly what George's plan was. Of course, she did. Y/n could read him like the back of her hand. "No, not at all. I was planning to... talk about how we bonded over Alvin and the Chipmunks."

"Oh," Y/n let out a brief chuckle from what he was referring to. Watching that movie was definitely a big point in their relationship.

"Alright, should I tell the story or should you?"

Y/n gave her boyfriend a look, "It's your idea. You should be the one explaining."

"Fine, fine, I'll do it," George spoke. Looking towards the camera, rather than starring at Y/n, he began his explanation.  

As George rambled on, Y/n couldn't help but stare at her boyfriend with admiration. This was such a big thing for them both, but especially him. It meant the world to her to know that he wanted people to know about her. She was only half-listening to his story, beginning to get lost in her thoughts about him.

As the video continued, the couple spent time bantering back and forth about their relationship, explaining some harmless and fun details and whatnot. With about 45 minutes of film done, they had finished up. In a week, the video would be posted, and George's whole fanbase would know about Y/n's existence.

As the week dragged on, Y/n's stomach would turn into knots every day that passed. The more time she waited, the more time she'd think about all the possibilities that would turn out. What if his fans hated her? They'd spam all of her social media with hateful comments, harassing her online, possibly in person too... What if George realized he had made a mistake dating Y/n after his fans gave her a negative response?

***

It was Thursday, Y/n had woken up peacefully. Nothing seemed wrong... until she realized what day of the week it was. George was posting the video today.

It hit Y/n like a ton of bricks, nausea bubbling up inside of her. As fast as she could, the h/c girl scrambled towards the restroom, practically throwing herself at the toilet as she felt puke arising from her throat.

This horrible feeling wouldn't leave her. Maybe it was best if Y/n convinced George not to post the video... maybe it was a better idea if she stayed a secret...

"What happened?" Y/n could feel her hair being lifted from her shoulders, someone standing behind her as she kept her head down by the toilet.

"Are you sure you should post the video?" she mumbled, a horrible taste in her throat now. She wasn't ready to move yet, worried she may lose another meal from anxiety. "What if they don't like me?"

"Y/n..." George let out a sigh, kneeling down by his girlfriend. "They adore you."

"Huh?" She glanced up at him for a brief second. Y/n had noticed his vocabulary, how he hadn't said, 'they will adore you.'

"The video is posted already, it's been up for an hour."

Her stomach was tightened into knots once again. She felt even more ill, was it too late to take it down? "What?"

"As I said, the fans love you, Y/n. Even more than they like me," George continued to speak. After pushing her hair out of her face, George moved to pull out his phone, opening the app that made him famous. After a few seconds, George handed the device to his girlfriend, allowing her to read the comments.

This couple is so cute

What are Y/n's social medias? I love her!

Mr. Memeulous make more videos with your girlfriend, please

When are we going to see more couple content?!

She held her breath as she scrolled through the comments. She couldn't find one negative thing, George was right; it seemed like everyone adored her.

"I..." "Seems like they love you more than I do."

"What?" Y/n eyes shot up from her boyfriend's phone. "I said I love you."

Y/n'd knots disappeared, being replaced with only butterflies. "I love you too, George." This was the first time he said it.

The couple leaned in for a sweet kiss, ignoring everything besides each other.

Taglist: @breakfast-cereal​

[littlelovelyspiderling]

Meeting The Real You (Chapter 2)

Chapter 1 -- Chapter 2 -- Chapter 3 -- Chapter 4 -- Chapter 5 -- Chapter 6 -- Chapter 7 -- Chapter 8

Peter Parker can't wait to meet the newest superhero team to enter the scene: The Fantastic Four. More importantly, he can't wait to finally meet another superhero his age: 16-year-old Johnny Storm, aka the Human Torch.

That is, until he does. And Johnny turns out to be a grade-A dick.

But maybe there's more to Johnny than Peter initially thought. Maybe he's not just an egotistical media star, or a short-tempered hothead, or an alarmingly pretty face who makes Peter's pulse race. Maybe they have more in common than they realize.

And maybe this feeling that overwhelms Spider-Man anytime Johnny is around isn't jealousy after all...

word count: 3,307

_______________________________

“I just don’t get it.”

Peter watched yet another video of the Human Torch being interviewed—the third one he’d clicked on in the past seven minutes. Once again, Johnny was smiley and polite and outlandishly friendly: the exact opposite of everything Peter had encountered after meeting him in person yesterday.

“By all accounts, you’d think he’d be so nice to meet, wouldn’t you? So why was he such a jerk to me?”

Ned Leeds swiveled back and forth in the chair next to him, slurping up taro milk tea and tapioca pearls. “Maybe nice-guy Johnny is just a front he puts on for the cameras. Maybe in real life, he’s a grade-A dick.” 

“Maybe,” Peter murmured, laying his phone down defeatedly. 

Ned shrugged. “It’s too bad, though. I thought he was kind of cool. I follow, like, every social media handle he has.”

“Right? Me too!” Peter took a long, miserable sip of his Thai tea. Not even his favorite drink from him and his best friend’s signature boba hangout could lift his spirits. They sat in their usual spot in the corner of the tea shop, watching hurried New Yorkers rush left and right through the wide windows.

“It’s still awesome you got to meet the Fantastic Four, even if they kinda hate you.” Ned gave his back a few reassuring slaps. “I’m sure they’ll warm up to you once they get to know you better. You’re, like, the coolest person I know. Which, to be fair, isn’t saying much, but still.”

Peter laughed lightly, then heaved a sigh. “I don’t know that they will, though. They all think Spider-Man is a criminal thanks to Jameson’s stupid news blog. I didn’t realize just how badly he’s tarnished my credibility until now. Even fellow superheroes are beginning to distrust me.” He slumped in his seat, crossing his arms on top of the table and pillowing his head on his wrists, rolling tapioca pearls around in his mouth. “It sucks, man. I thought they out of everyone would be able to see through his lies. I know I shouldn’t let it get to me, I just…really wanted them to like me.”

Ned mirrored his friend’s disappointment, but tried his best to tuck it behind a reassuring smile. He bumped his shoulder against his. “They will,” he told him over a mouthful of boba. “I know they will. And if they don’t, I’ll throw away all my limited edition Fantastic Four Funko Pops in protest. Or donate them, at least. Maybe sell them. I mean, they were kind of expensive.” 

Peter snickered. “You don’t have to do that. But thanks, Ned.” He nibbled on the top of his straw and drummed his fingers against his cup. “At least I’ll only have to deal with them for a week or so. Now I just have to get through these next few days without being stepped on by the Thing or barbecued by the Human Torch.”

“Is the Thing as scary in person as he looks on TV?” Ned asked with a shudder, but Peter only partially heard him. He was distracted by the sound of distant sirens, and a prickle of goosebumps crawling up the back of his neck.

Alarm washed over him. Slowly, Peter slid out of his seat, muscles tense, head on a swivel as he tried to pinpoint the source of the threat. 

“Peter?” Ned said, puzzled. “What’s wrong?”

“I don’t—I’m not sure,” he stammered. He stepped closer to the window, scanning the busy streets. Above the din of foot traffic and road noise, screams began to slice through the air. Pedestrians glanced over their shoulders, eyes widening, then took off running in the opposite direction. Peter looked to the left and spotted something just as bizarre as it was terrifying. 

What Peter saw could only be described as a flying robotic dragon with a car in its mouth racing above the road at ninety miles per hour, body-slamming any vehicles in its path. It was painted dark green, had piercing red eyes, and—weirdest of all—was wearing neon purple basketball shorts. The dragon zoomed down the street like it was late for gym practice, and anyone who got in its way was dealt with swiftly and mercilessly. Peter wasn’t sure whether to be scared or confused or both. 

To make things worse, tailing the metal beast were the last four people Peter wanted to see. Ned stood at his friend’s side, eyes bugging out of his head. 

“What the hell?” he sputtered. “Is—is that them? The Fantastic Four?”

Reed Richards swung after the dragon, using his stretchy arms to grab hold of nearby buildings and launched himself forward—similarly to how Spider-Man used his webs. Susan Storm glided at his side on a translucent force field, moving like a surfer riding an invisible wave. The Thing trailed behind them, flipping overturned cars back upright and freeing trapped passengers. 

The team member closest to catching up with the monster was Johnny Storm. He soared on its tail, his whole body ablaze, a jet of fire streaming behind him. He looked like a miniature comet rocketing through Queens. He was chucking fireballs at the dragon’s butt in a reckless flurry. They did not seem to be inflicting much damage. 

As the metal creature zoomed past the tea shop, it swung its tail into the Human Torch. Johnny was knocked sideways right as another blast of fire left his hands. He crashed into the side of a building while the fireball sailed over the dragon’s head.

Straight towards the boba cafe and Spider-Man’s best friend. 

Peter’s heart did a somersault. The buzz in his head went haywire. He spun around and flung himself at Ned. 

“Look out!”

Peter tackled Ned to the ground right as the fire blast smashed through the window and exploded across the tea shop. Glass and flaming shrapnel rained on top of them. Peter coughed harshly, swatting red-hot debris off Ned’s back.

“Ned! Are you alright?”

“Oh my god,” he wheezed, climbing to his hands and knees. “You saved me.” He lifted his half-charred boba cup off the ground, eyes wide as softballs. “This was almost my head.”

Relieved, Peter turned to check on the rest of the shop, breath hitching at what he found. The entire countertop was on fire, along with a growing majority of the walls. The woman behind the register—Mrs. Nguyen—was swatting frantically at the flames with her apron, but they were only getting bigger. The cafe’s four other patrons were sprawled across the floor, struggling to get up. Tongues of fire were snaking up the legs of tables and creeping towards the ceiling, turning the flowery purple wallpaper black.

“I gotta get these people out of here,” Peter said, helping Ned to his feet. “Get outside and try to flag down some first responders. We have to stop the fire from spreading.”

Ned nodded feverishly, wiping the sweat from his brow. “Okay—okay,” he panted, meeting Peter’s gaze. “Are you going to be okay? Do you have the suit?”

“No time!” Peter said, shoving him towards the door. “Go! I’ll be right behind you.”

Reluctantly, Ned stepped outside. “Be careful!” he called, then ran down the street towards the sound of sirens.

Now that his friend was safe, Peter could focus on the others. He hopped over a freshly formed wall of fire, landing in the rapidly shrinking safe space between the register and the left side of the cafe. Beyond the raging inferno, he found two older men and a pair of girls cowering in the corner. Their faces were flushed and drenched in sweat. Their eyes were wild with fear. Giving up on the flaming counter, the tea shop owner joined the five of them a moment later, collapsing to the ground and breaking into an intense coughing fit.

“Stay calm!” Peter cried, kneeling down with a hand on her back. “It’s gonna be okay! Keep low to avoid the smoke. I’m going to get you all out of here.”

“My shop!” Mrs. Nguyen rasped. “It’s all I have! Can’t let it burn! H-have to save it!”

Peter’s heart twisted in his chest. “We will!” he assured her, yelling over the roar of the flames. “But we have to save you first! Does this place have a back exit?”

Hacking into her sleeve, Mrs. Nguyen pointed to a door behind the counter. “Y-yes. That way.” 

Right as she spoke, the roof of the hallway beyond the door caved in, a mountain of flaming rubble dropping between them and their escape route. The group flinched away from the sickening wave of heat that followed. Cinders skidded past their feet.

“We’re trapped!” one of the men sobbed, hugging his knees to his chest. “We’re gonna die!”

“No you’re not!” Peter insisted. He shot a glance over his shoulder, doing some quick calculations in his head, then scooped the whimpering man off the floor and into his arms. “I can carry two at a time! Three if someone’s willing to piggyback ride! Who wants to go first?”

“What the hell?” the man he was holding exclaimed. “H-how are you so strong?”

“Pilates! And lots of blueberry protein pancakes!” 

Since no one was answering him, Peter snatched up the other man and held him by the waist under his opposite arm. He shouted something that sounded like a Korean expletive as Peter turned to face the wall of fire. “One of you—hop on my back!”

The shorter girl out of the pair took the cue and wrapped her arms around his neck. Once everyone was secure, Peter dashed towards the towering flames. 

“Hang on!” he cried, then leapt over the blaze. His feet skirted the top of the fire, the heat singing the bottoms of his Converse. He landed hard on the other side and rushed the trio out of the burning building. He quickly untangled himself from the three sets of hands gripping on to him for dear life.  

“Get as far away from all this as you can!” he told them before racing back inside.

“Thank you!” the sobbing man called after him.

Peter repeated the process with the two remaining women, holding one under each armpit and jumping over the fire wall to the safety of the sidewalk. The pair of young girls hugged once they were reunited and hurried away with their hands intertwined. The men sat on the curb and fought to clear the smoke from their lungs. As Peter set the shop owner back on the ground, she broke down in tears. 

“We have to put it out! I’m going to lose everything!”

Peter swallowed, laying a hand on her shoulders as they bounced up and down, unsure what else he could do. Fortunately, at that moment, Ned came rounding the corner with a firetruck close behind, pointing emphatically at the boba shop.

“There! That one! I told you it was on fire! Please hurry! They make the best taro milk tea ever!”

Peter smiled at the sight of his friend. “Here comes help!” he said to her. “Just stay a safe distance away while they put it out. And check in with the paramedics, make sure you’re A-okay. Sound good?”

Mrs. Nguyen sniffled and wiped her eyes with her burnt apron. “Thank you, dear boy. You and your friend have earned a free drink the next time you stop by.” She gazed longingly at the burning tea shop. “If we’re ever able to reopen…”

“Looking forward to it,” Peter said, offering her a pained smile. As the truck pulled against the curb and the firefighters sprung into action, Peter turned to look at the other side of the street. A figure was clambering out of a hole baked into the side of the brick building, smoking billowing off his shoulders. Peter narrowed his eyes and jogged across the road, anger roiling in his gut as the boy’s grotesquely handsome face came into focus.

“What the hell were you thinking?” he snapped, his mouth moving faster than his brain. Peter marched up to Johnny Storm as he staggered out of the smoldering crater, his half-melted shoes sticking to the pavement. “You can’t just chuck fireballs everywhere when there are innocent bystanders around! You’re going to kill someone!” 

Johnny grimaced as he stepped out of the rubble and onto the sidewalk, gripping his ribcage. Peter hated how his perfectly tailored Fantastic Four costume perfectly contoured to his stupidly perfect body. Despite having just crash-landed into a building, he still looked like an Abercrombie & Fitch model—someone designed to make you feel ugly and insecure. 

The Human Torch frowned at him, dusting himself off. “Who are you?” he asked.

Peter floundered for a moment. He’d almost forgotten he wasn’t wearing his costume. He probably should’ve given himself time to put it on before charging over here to confront him, but it was too late now. He cleared his throat and gestured to the burning tea shop behind them. 

“Someone who just had to save six innocent people from a building you set on fire! If I hadn’t been there to pull them out, somebody could’ve died!”

Johnny peered around him at the boba shop, which the firefighters had begun hosing down. A flash of guilt touched his eyes, but he quickly blinked it away, staring off to the side.

“Whoops. My bad.”

Peter gawked at him, hands curling into fists at his sides. “That’s all you have to say for yourself? Whoops?”

Johnny sighed and placed his hands on his hips. “Look, I know this might be hard for you non-powered folk to understand, but sometimes fights get messy. Mistakes happen. My team will do our best to mitigate the damage once Dragon Man is caught.” 

“You nearly killed my best friend!” Peter shouted in his face, making him wince back sharply. “What was your plan to mitigate that? Sending Fantastic Four-themed flowers to the funeral? A ‘sorry for your loss’ Edible Arrangement?”

Actual regret crossed Johnny’s expression this time, which granted Peter a tiny taste of triumph. He stuck a finger in his chest.

“Protecting civilians should always be your first priority. Just because you have powers doesn’t mean you’re a hero: using them to preserve life does. Of course you’re going to make mistakes, but you could have prevented this by valuing the lives of others more than looking cool and taking down the bad guy. Think about that the next time you’re in a fight.”

Johnny’s cheeks reddened a little. His face twisted with frustration. “I wasn’t…” he began, his gaze wandering back to the smoking tea shop. He swallowed, glaring past him. 

“The Fantastic Four is going to pay to fix all the damages to Mrs. Nyugen’s tea shop,” Peter continued pointedly, “and any other local businesses you’ve destroyed. And you are going to be more careful with your flame powers from now on. Got it?”

The Human Torch scowled at his curt remarks. He crossed his arms against his chest with a grumpy huff. 

“We were going to do that anyway. What do you think ‘mitigate’ means, pretty boy?”

Even though he hated himself for it, Peter felt himself blush at the backhanded compliment. Johnny Storm thinks I’m pretty? the insufferable fanboy side of his brain squealed, as if it mattered. Then, not easily, he tried to reel his ridiculous thoughts back in, which only made him blush harder. Wait. Why would I want that? Johnny is an asshole. And also…a guy. Get it together, brain. 

Noticing the change in his demeanor, Johnny stepped closer to him. He reached forward and wiped the soot off Peter’s brow with his thumb, making his whole body go rigid.

“Jesus, look at you. You’re a mess. Why don’t you go find your friend and get yourself cleaned up? Me and the rest of the Fantastic Four will take care of everything.” 

Peter had watched him pull this little stunt with others before. Caressing the faces and patting the hands of the injured and afraid, employing his devilishly good looks and buttery voice to assure them that everything would be alright—even if he was in part to blame for their current state. But until now, Peter was pretty sure he’d only ever seen him do it to girls.

And yet, even still, it was working. Which made him want to melt and kick himself at the same time. 

“You…” Peter started to say, ears heating up, pulse racing. Then he slapped his hand away, retreating a couple steps backwards. “Y-you’d better,” he recovered, voice a little squeaky. “And you have to be more careful during battles. No more launching fireballs willy-nilly. Someone is going to get hurt.”

Johnny scoffed, his temper reigniting. “God, alright. It was an accident, okay?” His whole body suddenly erupted into flames, making Peter flinch back in surprise. “Stop acting like you have a grip on everything when you don’t. You could never understand what it’s like. Now get off my case and stay out of the way. I’d hate to see that pretty face of yours damaged.”

Then he blasted off the ground and into the sky, rocketing towards his teammates down the road. Peter stamped his feet to put out the tiny fires left in his wake. He stared daggers in his direction, a frustrating cocktail of emotions churning in his stomach. A block away, Sue had trapped the dragon beneath a giant forcefield, and the people surrounding the scene were cheering. The fires had been put out, and the battle had been won. 

“Peter!” Ned called, hurrying across the street to join him. “Are you okay?”

Peter turned to greet his friend, scrubbing aggressively at the soot still streaked across his forehead. “Yeah,” he answered sourly. “You?”

“I just led a firetruck down the road and helped them save the day! I’m more than okay!” He followed Peter’s gaze towards a flaming Johnny Storm and the rest of the Fantastic Four. “Was the Human Torch over here just now? Were you talking to him?”

Peter glowered at the scorched sidewalk and his freshly ruined Converse. “I think what you said before was spot-on, Ned,” he decided. “That guy is one hundred percent a grade-A dick.”

[dadsbongos]

“Juliet is the sun."

Chapter 4 / Series Masterlist / Previous Chapter

798 words

~~

WEDNESDAY. 3:00 PM

You talked your way into letting Robin give up the speaker system for a day so you could play the album you bought from next door. Led Zeppelin quietly drones over the wandering customers and you’re hoping to finish the album by the time you have to clock out so you can talk to Eddie about it.

“Cheese,” Robin shakes her head, pointing at you, “You smell like cheese.”

“Stop it,” you smack her hand down and turn to the woman renting Indiana Jones with her daughter, giving what you hope is a convincing smile, “I don’t smell like cheese.”

The little girl goes to lean forward and test your theory but her mother snatches her arm and the two are out of Family Video before you can tell them to have a nice day.

“I can’t believe you,” you turn back to Robin, eyes wide, “Why would you say that?”

“Because you’re cheesing over,” Robin clenches her eyes and holds both hands to her stomach, keeling over to fake gag, “a man.”

“Knock it off,” you laugh but flick her arm, “You’re being weird.”

“You’re being weird,” Robin stands up fully and squints at you, “Since when do you go to parties?”

“Since I realized I’m a senior who spent her whole life just nodding along to whatever her parents said,” you smack a hand to the front counter and don’t notice the way an old man jumps at the other end of the store, “I wanna live, Rob! Besides, Eddie’s not bad company, he’s actually really nice and funny and like, yeah, maybe I think he’s cute. It isn’t a bad deal!”

“Mozzarella with Colby Jack,” she shakes her head and Steve returns from restocking the returned films to glare at you.

“I still don’t trust that freak,” he points at you, “If he tries one thing, I swear to God- "

“Steve, I can take care of myself,” you jab the tip of your finger with the one he’s pointing, “Also, Eddie’s sweet. And you’ll be at the party we’re going to anyway, so it isn’t like I’m leaving the state without you, Mom.”

“I never said I was going to that party,” Steve looked between you and Robin, only finding unimpressed stares sent back his way.

“Are you going to that party?” Robin asks.

When he doesn’t answer, you cross your arms, “But Eddie is the bad influence. Sure.” 

WEDNESDAY. 5:30 PM.

Hellfire ended a mere two minutes ago and Eddie had never cleaned up a campaign faster in his life - absolutely dreading the mere idea of being late to pick you up. 

But before he can push open those ugly green double doors, there’s a voice, “Munson!”

Ms. O’Donnell is hurrying down the hall - as fast as she can in heels, anyway - a stack of papers in hand. She grins when he turns and waits for her.

“So, how’s studying going?”

Eddie shrugs and digs the hand not holding his metal lunchbox in his pocket, “‘s fine. Well,” he looks to the ceiling and his lips have the slightest twitch upwards, “we’re getting along pretty well. I wasn’t expecting it, but here we are,” when O’Donnell doesn’t speak, he continues, “She’s actually a lot nicer than I thought she’d be and I’m having  a lot of fun with her. I think, uh,” he swallows the lump in his throat, “we could be friends.”

It takes a certain, special kind of nerve to admit all the lovely and cute things (and less cutesy things) he wants to do with you in front of a teacher. It takes an even more special kind of nerve to say that he’s bending over backwards to show you the underbelly of Hawkins just because you asked; and that so long as you’re being gentle with his battered heart, he’d do anything you asked.

So he doesn’t.

A.) Awkward B.) Bizarre  C.) It’s none of her damn business

“That’s great,” Ms. O’Donnell pushes up her glasses, “Also, I’ve been thinking about it, and I’ve decided that in order for you to have a guaranteed passing grade, I’m going to make an allowance and let you have a second final - but technically you can’t take a second one. So, it’ll be a retake of your midterm, okay?”

“Yeah, absolutely,” Eddie nods, for once earnestly excited during a conversation with his three-time English 7-8 teacher.

“You can come in Thursday or Friday to do it - and that’s it, Munson. I’m already sticking my neck out for you here.”

Thursday is a Hellfire night and Friday is free. Monday is your night.

God, why can’t life always be this easy?

“Well, does that work?”

“Hell yeah!”

“I’m going to pretend I didn’t hear you.”

~~ Taglist @homiesexual-or-homosexual @chainsaw-man-inserts @juggernort 4 u <3