#who don't get to talk about rom-coms ever again

[clumsycapitolunicorn]

It's forever going to bother me how there was this perfect potential for ted and rebecca to have this wonderful and beautiful romantic relationship built on trust, a mutual understanding and care for each other, with all of the things the writers put in the show, parallels, moments, whether intentional/not intentional and they just decided to tease/make fun of us all over it, instead of seeing what they had there was gold.

two middle-aged traumatised people whose previous relationships weren't all that they thought, who are literal soulmates because of the events that shaped their life involving their fathers, happened on the same day at the same time (which is then never brought up again) and it all meant nothing but just a parallel for the sake of parallels (to make them look way more smart than they actually are), like so many others... It was all there for them to use and instead they have rebecca settle for fine with some guy she met once, who doesn't even get a name (on screen) and ted leaves rebecca crying in the airport... that's that.

[talaok]

Could you write about Pedro x Reader's first kiss? She's also an actress, and they became great friends while filming a movie together. Eventually, they fall in love... and, well, their first kiss happens. Just something really fluffy and romantic :) love u

Pairing: Pedro pascal x gn!reader

a/n: love you more <3 babe, also for some reason I wrote the beginning of this like it's the monologue at the start of a rom-com so don't mind that, i haven't written in a while, i need to get back into it

You weren't looking for love.

You weren't looking for anything really, just a new job, a new role, a reason to get away from the city for a while, and then... and then as always life got in the way.

They say love comes when you're least expecting it, and I guess they were right, because if there was one thing you weren't expecting, was to fall in love with the guy you spilled coffee on your first day on set.

But then again, already then you knew something was different, as he laughed while you stood there mortified, as picked up the cup for you, as he smiled like you'd just done him a favor, as he said "y/n, right? I already like you", already then, you had known something was different.

Pedro became your lifeline, he was the person who made you get through every day, he was the one who made you smile, laugh and even giggle like a teenager at the most inappropriate times, he was the one you'd go to after every rough day, and he was the one you'd rant to whenever you needed, and for him... for him you became exactly the same.

You were inseparable, on and off set, you were always together, but always just as friends. Perhaps you were scared of that deep, guttural feeling that was starting to settle in your chest, and perhaps he was terrified of the idea of making the first move, of confessing that you were an everlasting thought in his mind, that his heart skipped a beat at your every smile, he was petrified at the idea you could reject him, and nothing would ever be the same, but as it turns out, all you needed were a few drinks and a wrap-up party for your movie.

You had sneaked out into a quieter room because you didn't like parties all that much, and there was no chance in hell he was leaving you alone.

You were sitting on a sofa, resting for a moment, when you said: "so I guess this is the last time we'll see each other for a while"

And he'd frowned, turning to you

"What are you talking about?"

"well we won't see each other every day now that the movie's done, that's all" you shrugged, biting your lip,

And for some reason, that made him laugh

"sweetheart if you think you're getting rid of me this easily, you're sadly mistaken"

"oh-wh-" you smiled "I don't wanna get rid of you!"

"I sure hope so" he tilted his head, grinning 

"of course not" you shook your head, fixing the collar of his shirt "You..." you trailed off, freezing as your eyes met his, and you realized how close you really were.

"I what?" he asked, the smile on his face decreasing as he too, started sensing the tension building in the room.

"You know, asshole" you murmured

"No I don't" he argued, his hand on your waist "What were you about to say?"

You tried taking a deep breath, but your lungs weren't really cooperating, and his hand felt very pleasant on your body.

"You... you're important to me Pedro" you confessed, your voice faint, honest.

And right then, right then he knew that this was the turning point, the moment he was gonna have to risk it all, or regret it for the rest of his life.

"you're important to me too y/n" he whispered, gently leaning closer, until his mouth was ghosting yours "Very important," he said, before inevitably, his lips met with yours and you both let go, let go of your fears, and opened up to each other, to love, to everything that could, and will now be.

[luveline]

omg jade for a miguel x spider girl what if they’re spending the night together and she’s sleep talking and miguel is like ???? i sleep talk and it’s silly sometimes 😆

Miguel latches the door lock gently. Your snores echo in the silence of his apartment, huffing things that tell him you're laying on your back before he sees you. You've kicked the sheets down to the bottom of the bed, and your pyjama shorts are falling off of one hip and tucked too high on one leg, exposing the expanse of your thigh. Alarm clock light shines champagne on your skin and the graphic printed on your shirt, the super powered puppy dog you love so much barking one of his catchphrases: Chāojí wāngwāng!

He scrubs at his face. Things are rough lately. He hoped you'd be awake still to talk to, even if it was about nothing at all. He just wanted to hear your voice. 

My own fault, he thinks, walking quietly to the dresser to change into his own pyjamas. They match yours. If anyone ever saw them he's not sure how he'd feel, but they were a necessary purchase at the time. You'd been morose about something, and matching made you happy.

Miguel changes and combs his hair haphazardly. He sprays some deodorant in want of a shower he's too tired for before he crosses back to the end of the bed, taking the blanket into his hands. He shakes it out over you, covering you once again. Then he rounds the bed and climbs in next to you, hooking his arm around you to drag you firmly into his side. 

“Couldn't wait up for me?” he whispers, shifting to get comfortable in the mess of pillows you insisted on. You lift your head like you might kiss him, and for a selfish second he hopes you're awake, but then you breathe out another snore. 

You're heavy when you sleep. He makes sure you're not about to suffocate on his chest and encourages your arm into a more comfortable position. Your chest half on his chest and side, your face in his neck, you look like a rom-com couple from one of your under the desk movies, but Miguel's far less comfortable. He'd wanted to be close to you, but he's wondering if he should've just spooned you. 

“Miguel,” you say, your voice a croak in the dark.

He chuckles in surprise. “What?” he whispers. 

You mumble. He brushes a hand up your face to draw your head back, thumb on your cheek. Your eyes stay closed. 

What the… 

“Hello?” he whispers. 

You don't answer. Perhaps you'd woken for a split second and sensed him, or perhaps you're having a dream. You love to tell him about your dreams in the mornings, occasionally shaking him awake to tell him before you forget. He's always pissed to begin with, endeared by the end, pissed again when he sees the time. 

He closes his eyes and decides he'll miss you by himself for a bit. 

Your voice comes in a muffled squishing atop his chest, “It's his car.” 

He blinks. “That so?” 

“For the commute.” Your whispering turns intense, “He has to drive there, Miguel.” 

Well, in whatever dream you're having, you're talking to him. He quite likes knowing that. “Where's he going, cariño?” he asks, picking the spot on your forehead a moment before he kisses it fondly. 

You make this sound that he only ever hears when you're tired and he's touching you in ticklish places, a gurgle of a laugh as you nuzzle into his chest. “Stop…” you say playfully. 

This is ridiculous. 

Miguel's getting jealous of dream Miguel. Who does that guy think he is? You laugh, say something completely unintelligible, and jolt up hard enough to startle him. 

“Ah!” you say, eyes finally opening, blinking down at him with a slowness that almost looks painful. “...Miguel?” 

“What is wrong with you?” 

“We were… uh…” You blink at him some more, your arm shaking with fatigue where you anchor yourself on the mattress. He slides a hand under your armpit to hold you up. “I think I was dreaming.” 

“You were talking to me.” 

“I was?” You lean down into your hand, rubbing your eyes. 

“Are you okay?” he asks.

“Yeah, I'm just… that was so weird…” You seem strangely unsettled. Miguel helps you onto your back but keeps an arm behind you so he can hold you. You're content to be held, pushing one leg over the other, speaking into his chest. “You were tickling me.” 

“Sorry,” he finds himself saying, giving you a pat. “I won't do it anymore, cariño. You can go back to sleep.” 

“Thanks, Miguel,” you mumble. 

He waits for you to doze off, but your heart seems to be beating too quickly. Maybe dream Miguel drove you both off a cliff. “You want me to kiss you?” he asks. 

“Yeah,” you mumble, tipping your head up. 

He kisses your forehead. A long, slow press of the lips with no end in sight. Invigorated by your contended sigh, he kisses you again, again, these lazy gentle mouthings that barely count as kisses at all as he tugs the blanket up to cover your collar. You make a sound like a hiccup caught in your throat and before he knows it, you're sleeping again. You sleep soundly for the rest of the night, or he thinks so. He falls asleep not long after you with his lips still pressed to your forehead, so there's no way to know for sure. 

[discopaddock]

ROMCOMS - FELIX CATTON

PAIRING: felix catton x fem!reader

GENRE: fluff

WORD COUNT: 714

WARNINGS: smoking, no use of y/n

Felix Catton

Felix, Felix, Felix.

Ideal boy, everyone liked him and so he liked everyone.

It felt like there was nothing wrong about him, unless you don't like when people smoke.

He was everywhere. Everyone talked about him. And most times those were good things, but some jealous boys did not always talk about him favourably.

And since everyone talked about him like that, she really wanted to know him. She wanted to know what was so special about him.

She didn't think she had ever met Felix somewhere. She was usually with her friends, who were a total opposite to him and his friends. Of course they were rich, maybe not as much as he was, but still and always got invitations for the parties, but they actually never had gone to them.

The girl's were into books and silly rom coms with happy endings at that point, not partying.

But one night she finally met the famous Felix Catton. He was standing there alone at the schoolyard at almost midnight in glory, looking like some Greek god, Apollo to be more specific.

He waved at her. He had no idea who she was. He came to her in two steps with his long legs and started a conversation. He was a nice guy. He complimented her looks, especially how he liked the freckles on her shoulders, making her frown her brows because of how he was able to see them in the dark.

And then she understood the hype on him. There was something so magnetic in him that she just couldn't stay away from him.

And so she didn't.

On the following day Felix was quick to find her in the library, as she was chatting with her two friends. He asked them if he could steal the girl for a moment and when they said yes, he quickly grabbed her wrist and took her among bookstants.

And there he asked her for a date. He got to the point extra fast, without complimenting her. He said he was in a hurry and had to tell her first, but when she agreed he became normal again and started playing his old game of winning a girl's heart.

Felix really did like her. She was… well, herself. And he liked it. A lot.

“I'll be waiting for you tomorrow at five. Wear some trousers and hoodie and trainers” he said and kissed her cheek as a goodbye and ran to Farleigh with a smile across his face.

“I'm going on a date” the girl announced to her friends softly and sat on her chair. She felt like she was in one of these romcoms she used to watch but she didn't know if it was going to have a happy ending or not.

As Felix said, he did. He was waiting for her at her dorm wearing a green polo shirt, dark jeans and Adidas trainers. He looked good. Devilishly good.

“Felix you look… wow” she said only, looking at him and then she saw that he wasn't wearing his brow piercing. And he looked even better.

“You look wow as well, sweetheart” he giggled, looking at her outfit. The sweater in light pink colour was making her eyes look prettier and went ideally with the jeans and Nike Air Force 1.

The date went well. Really well.

“Come with me to Saltburn, to home” Felix said one night, when they were lying on the floor in his dorm, which he previously started to clean, so it didn't smell terrible.

“What?” she asked, not really thinking he meant it. They were dating for four months now, but she wasn't expecting to get such an invitation.

“You're my girlfriend, I want you to get to know my parents and sister” he answered and handed her a cigarette, forgetting again that she didn't smoke.

“But I'm going to Austria and Germany with dad and-”

“I talked to him already he said yes” Felix smiled, proud of himself.

And there she was two weeks later standing in front of the literal palace and her stupid boyfriend with an even more stupid grin on his face.

“It's gonna be fun, I promise” Felix said only and kissed her, hoping that the whole vacation will go fine.

masterlist

[thelovelylolly]

Heather

Summary : Why would you ever kiss me? I'm not even half as pretty Warnings : a lil self doubt, there's a happy ending dont worry yall, fem! reader Notes : listenlistenlistenlisten......natasha romanoff. I REST MY CASE YOUR HONOR- (also i change some lyrics but shhshshshs) (also also not proof read)

Since you've joined the avengers, you caught Natasha's eye. You were kind, you were smart, your smile was contagious. Natasha fell for you, but you didn't seem to notice. You seemed to hang around Steve more than you did with Nat. Because, in Nat's eyes, you liked him better.

One night, Tony decided to throw a party. Was there a reason? No. Was there a reason needed? No, it's a Stark party.

Nat wore a black, off the shoulder cocktail dress with red heels to match her curled red hair. She made her rounds, saying 'hello' to everyone and making small talk. Eventually, she reached the bar and sat down. You hadn't showed up yet and Nat wanted to wait for you.

She wish she didn't.

When you did show up, you walked in with Steve. You had your arm wrapped around his and you two were laughing at a joke he had said. Your hair was pulled up, you wore a one-sleeved white dress, you were beautiful.

Natasha watched as you walked by. What a sight for sore eyes. You looked over and smiled at her, giving her a little wave. Your smile was brighter than the blue sky.

Then, you turned your attention back to Steve. The two of you went over to talk to Sam and Rhodey, and Nat sunk into her seat. He's got you mesmerized while she dies.

Later that night, the party had died down and the team had ordered take out. Everyone gathered around the table except one person. Natasha had snuck away to the rooftop to get some fresh air. She didn't feel like being around you while you were enamored with Steve.

"Tasha? You out here?"

Nat perked up when she heard your voice and the stairwell door slam shut.

"Uh, yeah, I'm over here," she answered, turning to face you.

"I noticed you weren't at the table so I came to find you," you said, walking over to her. "Are...you okay?"

Natasha sighed, "I'm fine, you don't have to worry about me."

"Of course I have to worry about you! You're my teammate, but more importantly, you're my closest friend."

"You seem to be closer to Steve."

You quietly laughed. "Oh, I see how this is."

"No, you don't. Just go back downstairs-"

"You're jealous."

Natasha blushed and looked away from you. "I'm...I'm not jealous. That's childish of you to assume," she quickly said.

"Mhm," you hummed, standing right next to her. "I see how you act when I hang out around Steve. I saw you watching me walk in with him earlier. Do you think I like him?"

"What else would it be?" Natasha asked, looking at you again. "You and him are always together, you're by his side majority of the time."

"Because he's my best friend, Tasha. I have eyes for someone else."

"Who?" Natasha asked very quickly.

You giggled, and Natasha's heart fluttered at the sound. "Oh you know, this cute red head who hangs around the tower sometimes. She's smart, funny and sarcastic. She's skilled and she knows Russian, which is kind of hot."

You look over at Natasha, who was watching you intently. You noticed how her eyes dipped to your lips when you turned to her and smirked. "And she likes me, too."

You lean in a press you lips to hers. Natasha is taken back for a second, only a second though. Her hands quickly go around your waist and your arms go around her neck. She tilts her head to deepen the kiss and you leg instinctively lifts up like those cheesy rom-com women do.

"Nat! What did you do with-"

Tony stopped in his tracks when he saw you and Nat. He quietly, and awkwardly, turned around and went back downstairs.

You and Nat pull away from each other, smiles on your faces.

"That was...wow," you say, leaning your forehead against Nat's.

"Wow indeed, babe," she replies.

The two of you stand there, holding each other on the rooftop.

[maxwellatoms]

as a person on the inside of the animation industry, are there signs that we might be heading to another dark age of animation like the 1980s (e.g. animation is regulated to just glorified toy commercials or dark fantasy movies)?

"Kid Vid" regulations mean you can't advertise for stuff kids might buy from within a show anymore. Generally, you can't even have (say) Yogi Bear wearing a shirt with his best friend BooBoo's face on it as a gag, because "what if someone made that shirt one day?" Then it would be a retroactive ad, I guess? I'm not schooled in reverse-time law like studio lawyers, so I can't really say. Still, it's almost impossible to get even a fictional product into a kid's show these days, so I think the 1980s will probably stay in their timeline. At least in that way.

I do think a bit of a "Dark Age" is upon us, though. Maybe just a small one. Just a wee little snip of a Dark Age is all.

As far as I can glean, there are going to be precious few animated shows coming out over the next couple of years because not much was picked up during the pandemic. There are only a few things being developed here and there, and I'd wager that those properties "win" simply by existing in a competition-free environment. It takes a long time to produce animation, so almost anything greenlit right now is looking at a full year for turnaround. If you talk to people in the industry right now about jobs, they use words like "wastelend" and "ramen noodles".

Then you've got A.I., of course. The other night I was having dinner with a friend and I found myself in the A.I. conversation I always imagined myself having one day-- the one where we're talking with some immediacy about what the rest of our futures look like as artists, because we know they're not going to look the same ever again. It was pretty cool in a William Gibson sort of way, but I honestly didn't expect to be having that conversation for another decade. Turns out A.I. is becoming a problem right now.

I've already talked about the "art theft" angle, and that's not the problem I'm speaking about here. The problem I'm talking about is the "what do I do when what I do becomes trivial?" problem. If anyone can make a TV show or movie in a week or a day using AI assistance, who determines what gets seen? Networks, I'd imagine, would become redundant. You don't need to fork over $15 a month for Netflix if you can make Netflix-quality content yourself. And if you can't make anything decent even with A.I. assistance, surely someone on the internet can. There would be an incredible glut of content to choose from, so again... who decides what gets seen? An algorithm, probably. Who owns the algorithm?

Peak Dark Age will be the time period when the networks realize that they're going to die, and sink all of their resources into forcing their own survival on the rest of us. I imagine massive layoffs (you don't need multiple writers or artists or support staff when you've got the right tools.) Studios will want to own the tools (of course) and/or suppress the use of those tools by anyone who might want to cut into their profits. Expect to see "A.I. is just too dangerous for the public to utilize, so it needs to be left in the capable hands of corporations". Expect to see customizable Batmans, the ability to put your mom in any Star Wars, and the serialized fever-dreams of billionaires.

I think that's the next 5-10 years. And while that's happening, the tools will keep getting better and better until literally anyone can sit down, ask for an Oscar-worthy part-rom-com/part action movie starring a twenty-five year old Steve McQueen and and eighty year old Daniel Radcliffe rescuing Air Bud from the Death Star, and then watch the resulting film with some degree of satisfaction. There'll come a point when content of any visual, auditory, and written complexity can be generated on-the-fly, and the traditional limits of budgets and schedules will just be gone.

It's easy to spin off into fantasy and try to guess exactly what's coming. I could probably spin on that all day. But what I know is that the future of the animation industry won't look anything like what I've become accustomed to. And maybe that's okay because what I've become accustomed to looks nothing like the industry I started in. Things change, and you roll with the punches. Thanks to the self-fulfilling dystopian prophecy we find ourselves in, just about everyone on the planet is finding themselves rolling with the punches coming from the Powerful Greedy. That's less a "me problem" and more a planet-wide problem we should probably all sit down and hash out, like, yesterday.

My immediate problem as an artist (and yours if you're an artist too) is figuring out how to get your ideas seen in a world where the amount of entertainment content is exploding exponentially. Especially if you're the sort of artist who needs to eat and live somewhere.

So yeah, I think there's going to be just a little peppering of Dark Age coming up. But in every time of change, there are opportunities. Hey, I'm down for an animated Dark Fantasy movie. Let's do this!

[nevernonline]

✧.* grow as we go; svt smau.

entry #04 the fall of the empire.

synopsis: over the past ten years you've fallen in love many times. one day someone happens to stumble across your journal sitting out on your nightstand and started posting your entries online. after all of your secrets are leaked it's clear things would ever be the same again.

𐦍 paring: svt members x afab! reader.

𐦍 feat: non-idol! svt, (g)-idle minnie&soyeon, oc's

𐦍 genre/s: reader is super angsty low-key, fluffy, sexual themes.

𐦍 content: swearing, bullying, crazy ex's, mentions of sexual relations, some drinking& mary jane 🍃

𐦍 word count: 1.9k

masterlist ▸ 003. two robots fell in love. ▸ 04.5 plan b?

Throwing your phone onto your couch, you let out the biggest sigh your body could manage to put out.

How did things manage to get so out of hand so quickly?

First Joshua and now Minnie, maybe karma really had it out for you this time.

In need of a distraction you started cleaning your apartment, scrubbing off any scuffs and dirt that accumulated from your past. It was something you wished you could do in your personal life, just scrub out all of the bad shit and only move forward.

After spending hours cleaning out the grout from the shower and throwing away old memories from your past in fear that they'd come back to haunt you, a knock came on the front door.

You almost pretended to not hear it, just hoping that whoever decided to show their face to you would just save themselves and walk away, but the knocking persisted.

"Look, I don't really feel like- Oh my god, Seokmin."

His puppy dog eyes stared at you as a greeting and his long arms held a basket full of your favorite things, homemade lemonade, popcorn, cherry sour straws, and even a small stuffed animal.

"Sorry, I tried to text you but you hadn't replied and I got worried. I can just drop this off and let you be alone."

"No, please stay. Thank you for coming over, I just didn't feel like answering my phone anymore."

"Have people been talking about the twitter?"

"Yeah, I got about a thousand text messages from everyone, none that I've opened. Joshua, Jeonghan, Mingyu.. I mean it's fucking insane."

"Well, we can both ignore our phones and watch some rom-coms? I even brought a bag full of mini alcohol bottles and stuff to bake brownies."

Seokmin sniffed the air as he removed his coat and sneakers, stepping into your apartment.

"Stress cleaning?"

"Yeah, I just felt like washing away bad energy."

"Don't worry, I showered before I came."

"Shut up."

Seokmin took it upon himself to pre-heat your oven and get started mixing the ingredients for the chocolate mixture. Trying to find a way to ask you about how you felt, but not wanting to pry.

"Look, we can talk about it, Seok. It's okay."

"No, I just feel bad. I mean everything you wrote is private, you're not entitled to have anyone know your dirty secrets and it's just not fair."

"That's exactly what, Minghao texted me. I think I'm over trying to find out who did it, like maybe if I don't add fuel to the fire and act like it doesn't bother me. I can forget about it. It can't get much worse than it already is."

"Don't let Minnie bother you, y/n. She's just upset, it'll blow over."

"I guess."

Passing time with Seokmin felt like exactly what you needed, he was able to take your mind off of anything negative that was going on, part of his basket you didn't see were the set of matching pajamas with both of your favorite Sanrio characters embroidered on the front. He told you he was saving them for a special day, but today was the perfect time to bring them.

Now with warm brownies made and Seokmin's famous lemonade you sit cuddled on your couch, watching the intro to 10 things I hate about you plastered on the big LED screen.

Your phone buzzed on the table, waking you from being zoned out. a name flashed on the screen, one that wasn't a threat to how happy you've felt the past few hours, Minghao.

"Seok, is it okay that I invited someone?"

"Oh, who is it?"

"Well, Minghao texted me and wanted to hangout. I don't feel like I should shut him out just because of what happened."

"Are you going to tell him to call his dogs off?"

"Yeah, I think I will at least for now."

"Minghao's always been nice, he'll understand."

"I hope so."

After another half hour of watching Kat fall in love with Patrick on your screen and singing along with Seokmin to the movie soundtrack a knock came from your front door.

Unwrapping yourself from the warmth of your friend, you crawled off the couch wrapped in a blanket and ran to answer it.

"I thought I told you not to wear something nice?"

Minghao was dressed in a cozy pair of cargo sweats and a big hoodie, carrying a larger than normal leather tote bag.

"Well, I wasn't about to show up in my boxers. I like your pajamas though."

"Thank you, Seokmin brought them for me. We got matching ones, sort of silly I know. You may laugh."

"No, they look cute. I brought you guys some snacks and wine as a sorry for intruding."

Seokmin's loud voice cheered from your couch.

"Wow, Minghao. If someone doesn't snatch you up soon I might have to. Hi, by the way."

Minghao took your previous spot on the couch, next to Seokmin getting him with a cute handshake.

"How is everything guys?"

"Well, good now. Y/N had sort of a rough morning."

"Yeah, I saw the posts. Did something happen?"

"Well, Minnie freaked out on me of course and I told her to move out. So, I had just been cleaning before Seok came and rescued me."

"Oh, wow. I'm sorry."

"It's alright. It happens I guess."

Seokmin forced Minghao to let you sit in between the middle of them after noticing you searching around the room for the best place to sit.

"Come on, loser."

Your butt found its perfect missing piece sitting between two of your friends both new and old.

"Should we watch Twilight? Minghao's never seen them."

"You've never seen Twilight? What the fuck is wrong with you?"

Minghao's eyes opened wider than you had ever seen them, probably embarrassed that the two of you made this little moment about him.

"Stop acting like that's the weirdest thing ever? You guys are crazy."

"Oh my god, you're going to love this Hao."

Seokmin queued up the movie, watching the title sequence splash across the screen as you watched Minghao experience the blue toned film for the first time, catching glimpses at him at all of your favorite parts.

After the movie ended Seokmin was sleeping up against your side, cutely snoring. You tried to subtly remove yourself from him without scaring the daylights out of the by, you woke him up, Minghao was already up and next to your side helping you move the sleeping puppy into your bedroom, so he could get a good nights sleep.

"Thank you."

"I should, get going."

"Oh no, stay here. You can either stay on the couch or you can take Minnie's room, I changed the sheets already."

"What about you?"

"Oh, I'll probably stay up for a while, I have some shit to take care of."

"Are you sure, I'm not intruding?"

"No, shut up. It's late and raining stay here."

"Okay, I'll stay wherever. Thank you."

"No please, stay in the extra room. It's more comfy."

"I think you should, the couch is nice and warm anyway. I like the fireplace."

With a nod you grabbed Minghao a few pillows and an extra toothbrush and snuck away to the room that used to belong to Minnie, packing away her stuff as a final gesture to someone you used to call your best friend.

Minghao, walked through the closed doorway to find you sitting on your wooden floor, tears drying up on your cheeks, looking at photos of your friends.

He placed the two glasses of red wine, beside you and bent to sit criss cross adjacent to you.

"Sorry I woke you up."

"No, you didn't actually. I was just reading on my phone, I usually go to bed pretty late."

"Oh, okay. This is pathetic isn't it?"

"What? Being upset? No, it isn't."

"No, just me, crying over this. I mean I made most of this mess in the first place and here I am crying over people I hurt no matter how badly they hurt me before. I mean, seeing Mingyu and Minnie hanging out, Joshua and Mimi, I just like am making myself a victim when I'm also to blame."

"Y/n, you are a victim in this too. It maybe doesn't feel like it, but just because you hurt someone doesn't mean they get to hurt you back."

"I guess."

"Does Minnie and Mingyu being alone together bug you?"

"No, she's right as much as I hate to admit it. It can't bother me they're friends too, I guess I just didn't see that coming.

Minghao pics up a polaroid photo of you and Joshua wearing matching college sweatshirts, dated September 15.

"Was this your first day of classes?"

Your laugh came after a couple of sniffles, admiring the smiling pair in the photos.

"Yeah, our mom's were best friends growing up and naturally so were we. We got accepted into the same university, so our first day they took far too many pictures of us. I wonder why Minnie has it?"

"Maybe, by mistake?"

"Yeah, maybe. I normally keep all my pictures in a box under my bed."

Something in your gut was telling you that Minnie having that picture of you in her room wasn't by mistake, but you chose to shove it down continuing your trip down memory lane with Minghao.

"Oh my god."

Minghao held up a picture of you, you were standing with Minnie at a halloween party outside with drinks in hand, dressed up as sexy bottles of ketchup and mustard.

"No, that's so embarrassing throw it away."

You tried to grab the picture out of Minghao's grip as he was sprawled across the floor giggling over you dressed up with a red cone on your head.

"I didn't think Ketchup could be so sexy, y/n."

"Shut up, that's awful. I don't even remember that. I look so stupid."

"No you look nice, actually very original for the sexy girl costume trope."

"Ha- Ha, very funny."

Minghao handed you your glass of wine, laughter now dying out as you sat in silence surrounded by polaroids of your past.

"Can I tell you something, y/n?"

"Yeah, always."

"Well, I found out where the first tweet was posted from, not me actually, Wonwoo. It came from your wifi network, so whoever posted it was in your apartment that first night."

A pit came to your gut, the same apartment you were in now, the walls suddenly looked darker and you decided on chugging the alcohol in front of you.

"Do you know anything else?"

"No, just that the network assigned was yours."

"Can we maybe, stop sleuthing just for awhile? I don't know what to do anymore. I'm really thankful you guys wanted to help me, I just, I get a feeling there's more to this that I don't know or even want to find out right now."

Minghao just shook his head, holding up the bottle of wine asking you if you needed more, which of course you obliged.

"Want to watch something with me?"

"More twilight?"

"No, not more twilight. Seokmin wouldn't be happy to miss that. Maybe, Princess Diaries?"

"I love that movie."

"Me too, come on."

You crawled into the bed, tapping the covers asking him to sit next to you.

"Turn the light off, come on I don't bite."

"Can I confess something embarrassing? I used to think the brother in this movie was someone from the Beatles."

"Oh my god, me too. And that the mom from the parent trap was Princess Diana."

Minghao laughed, reliving a part of his childhood climbing into the bed next to you, afraid to get too close.

You on the other hand were as comfortable as ever, cuddling under the covers, clutching a pillow in your lap watching Anne Hathaway on screen.

By the time Mia was getting her makeover Minghao and you were sleeping peacefully side by side.

✧.* taglist: @sun-daddy-yoriichi,@hipsdofangirl @kissesfrmwonwoo, @minhui896, @wonwooz1, @porridgesblog, @punkhazardlaw, @jasssy051,

[cinemastyles-backup]

Summary: Y/N and Harry lose contact after many years and finally run into each other and he invites y/n to his listening party for his album, Fine Line and reconnect.

Warnings: SMUT18+, strong language, unprotected sex, oral, hair pulling, general filth

My original CinemaStyles-blog has been terminated, so I created a new one.

After breaking the news to Harry about my parents moving, I sat there in silence.

After a few moments he lays an arm over my shoulder and I look over at him, "I'm going to miss you y/n." He says with tears in his eyes.

I sniffle and nod, "I know, Harry. I'm going to miss you. I wish I could stay." I wipe my tears away with my sweatshirt sleeve.

"Everyone at the bakery is going to miss you, too." He rubs my shoulder, "We'll have to call each other every night."

I nod, "Just promise me one thing."

He nods, "Anything, y/n."

"Just follow your dreams of being a singer. Don't give up. I know you can make it." I lean in and kiss his cheek.

He smiles slightly, "I will. I'll get big and famous and I'll find you. I promise."

I get up and walk towards the door and Harry calls out my name. I turn and he walks over to me, "Promise me you'll travel the world like you've always wanted to do."

I nod, "I love you, Harry."

"I love you, Y/N."

And with a simple peck on the lips, I was gone. On a plane with my parents to a new life.

—— Years Later

"This is beautiful." I say tilting my head, "It definitely has a very strong story behind it, don't you think?" I turn to my friend. She tilts her head and nods, "Oh, it definitely does, y/n."

"Something about not knowing who you are and going through the ups and downs then coming out of absolute hell.. knowing who you are." I pause for a moment, my eyes going over every paint line.

"Wow. That's- I don't even know how to respond to that." She laughs slightly, "Are you okay?" I nod and smile, "Yeah, yeah. I'm fine. Let's walk over here."

We walk over, looking around at the other paintings on the walls.

I walk over to this one paintings hanging up and it reminds me of someone. The feelings I'm getting from looking at this piece of art, is the same feeling I remember having when I said goodbye to Harry.

Like something important to you is being ripped away and you have absolutely no control over it.

I find myself smiling as I think of the times with Harry. At the bakery, goofing around in his living room, walking in the park, arguing over stupid stuff, and the first time he kissed me.

God, he was so nervous. It was so cute.

I zone out and go to turn and I bump into the back of someone, "Oh gosh. I'm so sorry, sir. I didn't see you there."

He slowly turns his head and my stomach drops.

"Harry?"

"Y/N?"

He immediately takes me into his arms and spins me around, "What are you doing here?"

I keep my arms around him, "I'm traveling the world." He laughs, "I can't- I ju- oh my god." He hugs me tighter.

We stand there, in the middle of the art gallery holding onto each other.

He steps back, keeping his hands on my shoulders, "Still as beautiful as ever." His words make me blush, "Harry." I look down and he pulls me into his chest again.

"What's going on here?" Jess asks walking over to me. I smile and step away but still keeping an arm around Harry's waist, "Jess.. this is Harry."

"As in.. the Harry?" Her mouth drops, "No way." She looks over at him, "She never stops talking about you, by the way."

I scoff, "No. I-"

"I never stop talking about her either, so it's okay." He rubs my back and I smile.

"This is straight out of a rom com, dude." Jess shakes her head, "This is crazy." I nod and look up at Harry, "I know. I know. What are you doing in Berlin?"

He keeps his eyes on me, "I'm hosting a, um, listening party for my second album."

I smile, "Second one already?."

"It sure is."

I lay my head on him, "I knew you could do it." He points to me, "I have her to thank. I didn't give up. I wanted to, trust me. But I promised her I wouldn't."

"This is fucking insane." Jess smiles, "I can't-" she shakes her head, "We need to go get coffee and you need to fill me in on the love of Harry and y/n."

She starts to walk to the exit.

"Do you have time to get coffee?" I ask Harry. He nods, "Of course I do." We follow Jess out the door and walk down the street to a little cafe.

——

"So yeah. That's the story of Harry and y/n." I say smiling over at Harry. He nods and sips his coffee, "It sure is."

"So, you told her you'd find her?" Jess asks pointing to me while looking at Harry. He nods, "I did." She points to Harry and looks at me, "And you promised him you'd travel the world?"

I nod, "Correct." She shakes her head and smiles, "Straight out of a rom com." She shakes her head and quickly sets her cup down, "So wait. He's the one who wrote that 'woman la-la-la-la-la wo-woman' song you like so much?"

"Yes, and he's the one who also wrote Kiwi. The one you like a lot."

"Ah. So you do listen to my music." Harry teases, "It's a great album, I know, I know.

I roll my eyes and laugh, "And now, you have your second album." I shake my head and smile at him, "I'm proud of you, Harry."

He smiles and looks over at Jess when she puts her hand up, "So you're hosting a what?" Jess asks drinking her coffee. He runs a hand through his hair, "A listening party. You guys should come. You'll get to hear my new album, Fine Line." He looks at me, "Will you come?"

I nod, "Of course, Harry." I lay a hand on his and his thumb gently rubs the back of my hand, "I won't miss it."

His phone goes off and he reaches into his sweater pocket to grab it, "I have to take this. I'll be right back." He winks at me and walks away.

"Your parents ripped you away from that?" Jess says lowly. I nod, "Yep. Didn't even give me a choice. Just.." I point my thumb into the air.

Harry walks back over, "That was someone from my team, I have to go and okay everything for tomorrow. If you give me your number, y/n, I can text you the details."

I take his phone and add my number, "I'll be expecting a text from you." I smile and hand him his phone back, "Of course you'll get one." He leans down and kisses my cheek, "I'll see you guys tomorrow."

"You sure will." Jess says hitting the table, "See you Harry." She waves to him and nudges me as he walks away, "He's still in love with you."

I watch as he rounds the corner and disappears, "And I'm still in love with him."

——

I walk up to the doors with Jess by my side, "I'm so excited." She says pulling on the door, "I've never been to a listening party."

"Me either, so I'm sure this will be an experience." I walk in past her and make our way to where Harry told us to go.

"You made it!" Harry says jogging over to me, "Glad to see you." He wraps his arms around me, holding me until I lean back, "I'm glad to see you."

All I want is to kiss him right now.

He smiles and keeps me in arms reach as he starts to give his speech about his album. I watch as his eyes gleam with happiness and I can't help but smile the whole time.

He glances over at me every now and then and he smiles every time.

He finishes up his speech and walks over to me, "I'm so excited for you to hear this." He hands me a pair of head phones after putting a pair around his neck.

"I'm excited to hear it." I bite my lip and sit down, placing the headphones on my ears.

Harry sits across from me and shakes his head as he smiles.

I can't believe after all these years, I finally have Harry with me again, I promise I'm not letting him go this time.

A few song play that are upbeat and very catchy. The one that starts playing is slow. There's a piano playing. Harry's voice is slow and mellow to start then suddenly it hits me and I start to tear up. I quickly wipe my tears away and look up.

Harry tilts his head and gives me a thumbs up. I nod and smile. This song is kinda sad and it breaks my heart because he sings about what If he's not someone he doesn't want around or something. I'm not sure, it's a sad song to me.

I give Harry a pouty look and my eyes water.

"Falling?" He mouths to me.

I nod and he smiles, "it's okay."

The song ends and the next one is him calling himself an arrogant son of a bitch, and I can't help but giggle.

I glance over at him and he's looking around at everyone who came to listen to his music.

He looks so good in his striped shirt and sweater vest pulled over it. His hair slicked back and the way his chin rests on his hand.

I shake my head to get rid of the thoughts. I bite my lip and close my eyes, listening to the sound of Harry's voice - which doesn't help.

His voice is so sexy and genuine.

I take a quiet deep breathe and look up at him. He's watching me. God, I hope he didn't pick up on me checking him out.

I can feel my cheeks getting hotter as the thoughts get harder to fight off. As young teens, sex wasn't even thought about, I mean, it most likely would have happened but we're grown now and now Harry can probably throw me aro-

Stop it. Stop it.

I smile up at Harry and he smirks.

Shit.

He could read me like a book then, I'm sure he still can.

——

"Well?" He asks eagerly waiting to hear the feedback.

"Harry. That was... wow." Jess says making an explosion noise as she wiggles her fingers around her head.

"Falling made me tear up. But I think you saw that." I smile slightly and look down. He gives me a hug and leans down, "I saw a lot of things." He whispers lowly into my ear, "You're still an open book to me, y/n."

Well damn.

"Yeah- I-" I sigh, "You got me." I laugh and look up at him. He smiles and lightly drags his hand down my back, "We can talk about it over dinner, yeah?"

I nod, "Yes. Please." He smiles, "Okay. Just give me like an hour or two to meet and greet and then we can head back to my hotel." He winks and walks over to the group of people looking at his album.

"Did I hear you're going back to his hote!?" Jess whispers, "Giiirl." I shake my head, "Not like- no. For dinner."

"And dessert." She winks before walking away to look around. I sit back down in the seat and I can't help but smile. My thoughts running back to when Harry and I were together.

He comes over to check on me every now and then and finally it's time to go.

"Ready?" He asks slipping his jacket on. I nod, "Yes I am." I look over at Jess and she waves for me to go. Harry holds his hand out and I take it. He leads me outside and we get into a car.

"My hotel please." He tells the driver. He leans back and turns his body towards me, "So."

"So." I turn towards him.

"What did you really think of it?"

I smile, "Harry. You are amazing. That album.. I don't even have words to explain how good it was." He smiles, "Thank you. It really means a lot. I kept writing and writing and writing. I've wanted to reach out but I've been so busy with touring and-"

"Harry. You don't need to explain yourself to me." I lean up and lay a hand on his, "I understand. Life happened. We grew up."

He nods, "Yeah. Yeah we did." I see him bite his lip before leaning in and pressing his lips to mine. He leans back and smiles, "I've been thinking of doing that since I seen you yesterday."

"Me too." I smile and bring him in for another kiss. This time our lips move in sync and his hands pull me closer to him. My hands slide up his arms and I lay one on the back of his neck.

"I've missed you." He whispers against my lips.

"I've missed you." I say. My eyes start to burn and I lean back and fan them, "Sorry. Sorry." He moves closer to me, "Hey, hey. It's okay."

I lay my head on his chest as he holds me against him. He's quiet for a few minutes before he chuckles.

"What?" I ask laughing with him. He drops his head so his lips are by my ear, "I've been thinking about doing other things, too."

I bite my lip and look up at him, "So have I." He traces my jaw line with his finger and rests it under my chin, "Like what?"

"We'll for starters." I look him up and down, "You look so good today. I mean you did yesterday too, but there's just something about how passionate you are about your music."

He leans in and kisses me again, "Can I show you how much I've missed you?" He kisses back my cheek and down my neck. I tilt my head and grip his bicep, "Mhm. Yes please."

"Your stop, Mr. Styles." The driver says. Harry pulls away, "Don't move." He gets out and walks up to the window, "Thank you."

He jogs around to my side and opens up my door. I get out and he takes my hand and we go straight up to his room.

He unlocks the door and pulls me in with him. He throws the key onto the table and cups my face with his hands, "I've thought about your beautiful face every. Single. Day. Since you left."

"I never stopped thinking about you, Harry. Not once." Our lips connect and it's heated and full of passion. He shrugs his coat off and I drop my bag, kicking my shoes off as we back up to the bed.

I lay down and Harry crawls on top of me, "I've thought about how we never really got to experience certain things."

He kisses down my neck and I gasp as his teeth sink into my delicate skin, "Like what?"

He drags a hand up my inner thigh, "Things like.." he brushes his nose against my cheek, "How you taste."

My breathe hitches in my throat, "Harry."

"How you'll feel against my body." He moves my shirt up and kisses my stomach. He looks up at me, "Do you want me to stop?"

I shake my head quickly, "No, no. Please no." I sit up and bring my sweater up over my head and toss it along side the bed, "Please, by all means keep going."

I lay back and lift my hips as he slides my down and off my legs. He slides his hands up my legs and grips my thighs, "If you want me to stop at any moment, let me know."

I nod and smile at him. He smirks and leans down, planting kisses up my thigh, alternating between each other. He gets closer to the center of my legs and I can feel his breathe.

"I've thought about having you under me. Moaning my name. He hooks his fingers into the band if my panties and starts to pull them down, "More times than I could count, y/n."

"I've wanted you. I've wanted you to have me. Take me. Use me in anyway you wanted." I bite my lip and spread my legs. His eyes flicker down, "Then that's just what I'll do."

He snakes his arms under my legs, my thighs resting against his shoulders.

I moan loudly as he licks between the folds of my pussy. I've craved the feeling of this.

"Fuck, y/n. You taste so fucking good." He pushes his face into me, his tongue going up and down and in and out. His nose rubbing against my clit, causing me to arch my back off the bed, "Harry.." I whimper, "That feels so-so good."

He moves up to suck me clit, his tongue lapping against it. I grab his hair and push his head closer to me.

I'm already ready to cum. I've wanted this for so long, so bad.

"F-fuck." I gasp and squeeze my thighs against his head. He still licks me up and down, eating me out like no tomorrow through my high.

He doesn't give up, he keeps going. And going. And going. Pushing me to the edge of another orgasm. My leg starts to shake as I pull him closer.

He leans his head up and looks up at me, "I can't wait to fuck you."

I let my leg fall off of his back and he crawls up, hovering over top of me. He leans down and kisses me. His tongue finding mine and he groans as I gently bite his lower lip.

He stands up and takes his shirt off, revealing his ever so perfect body that's full of tattoos. I bite my lip, admiring the way his muscles flex as he works on getting undressed.

He slips his boxers off and his hard cock instantly springs free. My eyes flicker down and a smirk grows on my lips.

"I wish we got to experience this before." He says crawling on the bed towards me. His body hovers over mine and I nod and brush hair from his forehead, "Me too."

He positions himself between my legs and rubs the tip of his cock against my pussy. I bite my lip and watch as he slides in.

My lips part and my eyes roll back. My fingers dig into his shoulder as I adjust to him.

"Worth the wait." Harry moans lowly. He tilts my head up and holds the back of my neck. He plants his lips on mine as he starts to slowly thrust.

His thrusts are slow and passionate, which feels even better because this feels so meaningful between us.

"Harry." I moan as I slide a hand up, tangling my fingers in the hair at the nape of his neck, "I love you."

He rests his forehead on mine, "I will always love you."  He rests his head on my shoulder as he kisses my neck. His moans fill my ears as he holds me close to him.

He flips us over and wraps his arms around me. We're in a sitting position now which brings us closer. I wrap my arms around his neck as I start bouncing on his cock.

Our lips move in sync, moaning into each others mouths.

"Im so close, Harry." I whimper. I tilt my head back and he kisses and nips at my neck, "Mm." He moans, "Me too."

I start clenching around him which earns more moans from him, "Fuck." He groans sliding his hands down my back. He grips my hips and moves them with me.

I let out a loud moan, pushing my chest into his and clinging to him as my body falls into orgasm.

"Fuck, baby." He grunts and lifts my hips up, I can feel his cum land on my thighs and I can't help but giggle.

"What's so funny?" He asks turning his head. I lift my head up, "We would have been so awkward at this when we were younger."

He laughs and rolls me over to lay me down, "Yeah, I feel that you're right." He goes and grabs a towel and comes back to wipe me off.

"Stay the night?" He asks with a smile. I nod, "Only if we can get dinner now." He nods, "Of course." He walks over and sits down beside me. I curl up next to him, my head resting on his chest and I can hear his heart beat.

"I've missed this. I've missed you." I say tracing circles into his side. He wraps his arm tighter around me, "I'm not going anywhere without you."

I smile and listen to him order room service. After a few moments of just laying with each other, he sighs, "So I have a confession to make." Harry says twirling my hair in his fingers.

"What would that be?" I ask looking up at him. He smiles slightly and sighs, "Okay. I wasn't just at the museum because I liked the art."

"Oh?" I question.

He nods, "I watched your Instagram. I seen you were coming here, to Berlin.. and.." he looks down and smiles at me, "I told you I'd find you."

——

You can find part two here

Likes and reblogs are majorly appreciated and don’t forget to hit follow! ♥

[vialovesyou]

𝗵𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗲𝗻 𝗻𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗝𝗝 𝗠𝗔𝗬𝗕𝗔𝗡𝗞

" oh-oh my god" kelsey exhaled, holding y/n's hair back as she threw up into the toilet for the third time that night. kelsey glanced up at caitlyn who shrugged her shoulders." she can't go home like this" kelsey stated, rubbing the girls back.

it was halloween night, and mckay, a stupid rich kook,was throwing a huge party. his parents were out of town for the weekend and left with without a spending limit on his daddy's amex so the marble island in the kitchen was covered with alchohol.

jj and y/n had argued a few hours before, it started as something stupid but it turned into them both saying something they regret. y/n had showed up at mckay's with a strapless black bodycon dress, black stockings that had pink bows at the cut-off at her thigh and a fake gun in the holster. " mrs smith" mckay grinned, opening his arms for the brunette. mckay was dressed as hugh hefner, and y/n noticed his girlfriend, sienna, dressed up as a playboy bunny in another room.

mckay was one of the only decent kooks on the island, he was a nice person. his parents raised him like that. he was respectful, did well in school and never picked fights.

" where's mr smith?" mckay asked, walking to the kitchen with his hand on y/n's lower back. "that doesn't matter " smiled y/n, grinning at the array of bottles. " shots?"

that was how y/n ended up in this situation. she was able to talk at first, being semi illiterate before she passed out in the downstairs bathroom. mckay helped kelsey take her upstairs to his bedroom, before giving the two some privacy after bringing y/n some water and bread.

she was unable to talk at this stage, going in and out of conciousness to throw up as she layed on the bathroom floor with mckay's quilt on top of her to cover her dress which was pulled up far too high, her underwear on show.

" should we call jj?" caitlyn asked, reaching for y/n's phone that was on the counter top and quickly unlocking it. " yeah, i can't take her to my place like this. my mom's home" kelsey spoke, as y/n's head fell onto her lap.

kelsey began stroking the girls hair as caitlyn dialed jj's number.

-

" i don't know how you watch this shit" jj exhaled, uncrossing his arms from his chest as he glanced at sarah. john b had fell asleep long ago, his head on her shoulder as him and sarah watched some sappy rom-com. " why are you so grouchy?" asked sarah, a pout on her features.

jj had been in a bad mood since he stormed into the chateau, slamming the front door so hard that the full house shook. he had been snappy ever since. sarah knew that it was something to do with y/n since the only response she got when she asked what y/n was up too ,was a grumble under his breath.

his ringtone cut threw the air, cutting sarah off as a picture of jj and y/n flashed on the screen, her name across the top. sarah watched as jj cleared his throat, diverting his eyes back to the tv.

" aren't you going to answer that?" sarah questioned as the phone rung out. they were engulfed in silence once again, before it started ringing again. " jj" sarah urged, rolling her eyes as the boy silenced the call again.

y/n❤️

jj it's caity

can u come get y/n

she's really drunk

it's bad

we are at mckays

the adress is 57 whitehill lane

j 💌

i'm on my way

" i need to go" jj stated, standing up and picking up his shoes. " is everything okay?" sarah questioned, at the boys now frantic state but didn't get a reply as he slammed the door shut.

-

" yo, jj. my man, so glad you could make it " grinned mckay, dapping up jj as the blonde came into the kitchen.

" where's y/n " jj questioned, his face void of a smile. mckay nodded, understanding that jj was worried about his girlfriend.

" follow me" mckay spoke, beggining to walk up the spiral staircase with jj behind him. they walked down a ridiculously long hallway, before they stopped.

" she's in there" mckay spoke, gesturing to the door causing jj to nod. mckay began to walk away, but stopped when he heard jj speak. "mckay?" mckay nodded in response. " thanks"jj stated, smiling with his lips in a thin line at the boy.

" no problem, bro" mckay shouted, going back downstairs as jj opened the door. his eyes immediately went to the ensuite bathroom as he could see caity stood in the doorway.

" oh, jj " she sighed in relief, stepping to the side to allow jj to crouch down beside y/n.

" what happened?" jj questioned, lifting the girls head gently from kelsey's lap to his own allowing the girl to stand up.

" i don't know, she showed up and she was really upset. she started drinking, and crying. god, she was crying alot- what the fuck did you do to make her cry so much?" kelsey questioned, as jj stroked the girl's tear stained cheek as she was still asleep. " she came in here with blair, then i came in and blair was gone, and y/n was on the floor"

" shit" he muttured, guilt flooding his chest as the girl suddenly woke up. she turned her head to the toilet, coughing as she began to throw up. he wrapped his hand around her hair, pulling it into a make-shift ponytail.

kelsey kneeled down beside the couple, giving jj the plastic cup filled with water as y/n leaned back, falling into jj's chest. " hey, baby. drink this" jj spoke softly, using his thumb to lightly open the girls mouth. y/n blinked slowly, allowing jj to tilt the liquid into her mouth before she pulled away.

she blinked a couple of times, looking up to see it was jj. " hi, asshole" she slurred, accepting the bit of pizza caitlyn was handing her before taking a bite. jj laughed lightly. he was sat on the bathroom floor, his back against the wall beside the toilet with y/n between his legs. she leaned her head back onto his chest, taking another bite of the pizza having seemingly sobered up slightly.

she reached up and plucked the cap off his head, and put it on her own causing jj to reach down and push the front off the cap down blocking her eyesighr. " hey, want to fuck off?" y/n questioned, looking up at jj with her head still on his chest. he rolled his eyes, wrapping his arm loosely around the girls waist fiddling with the bows on her stockings.

[queerxqueen]

Stranger Things is a very big and popular show right now all over the world. Do you really expect them to write Byler and canonizing it over the favored straight ship in the show after 3 seasons? I am not asking this as a shipper. But as a viewer. I have no problem with Byler. I just cannot realistically see Byler happening all things considered.

also, from another anon: How likely do you think that byler might become Canon? Cuz there's a.lot of people threatening to boycott the show if it "TuRnS GAy"?

Short answer: Yes, I actually do expect them to make Byler canon, lol.

Long answer??? Let's get into it.

Why Byler Can Be Canon

For this post, I'm not gonna bother talking about why it should be canon or all the ways it would make sense. Instead, I'm going to talk about the signs that it can be canon, and why expecting Byler isn't as farfetched as certain homophobic Redditors seem to believe.

The Rise of Queer Media

Queer representation is on the rise. I'm not just talking about Heartstopper, gay rom-coms, and more queer media in general, I'm talking about queer representation in beloved series. Have all of you been brainwashed by Marvel and Star Wars and Disney franchises? Because outside of that, queer characters are popping up more and more. The Thirteenth Doctor is sapphic; Star Trek has queer couples; the new adaptations of It realized the queer subtext of the book and previous adaptations, even if it could have been done... better. The point is, queer representation is quite literally the best it's ever been.

And no one knows what people watch better than Netflix. We talk so much about the general audience but we don't actually know who they are--between the loudly vocal shippers on Tumblr and the vocal homophobes on Reddit, it's hard to see through the internet what people actually think. But Netflix? They have oodles of data of who's watched Stranger Things (and how many times) versus who's watched any number of shows with queer characters. And I genuinely feel that the overall trends would show that the general public at the very least tolerates queer characters on the screen.

Building Themes, Subverting Tropes, and Defying Expectations

The fact that they're main characters several seasons into the show make Certain People sure that they wouldn't switch things up. But Stranger Things is uniquely set up to do that in a way that makes sense and has impact. The characters are young and still figuring out their sexualities, and Mike growing up and realizing what his feelings mean would fit in with the themes of coming of age as well as themes of non-conformity. Additionally, Stranger Things has woven in enough hints toward it throughout the seasons that it truly isn't coming out of nowhere, and if it were canon, viewers could rewatch and notice all the things us Bylers have been screaming about.

Beyond that, Stranger Things has always been about subverting tropes and making you think deeper, with the Duffer Bros repeatedly saying that little details have meaning. Mike confessing his love to Eleven, Will getting rejected, it's all so predictable and unnecessary and uninteresting. For a show that is constantly challenging people to look deeper and which often flips expectations on their head, making Byler canon would honestly make more sense for the show that Stranger Things is.

This is not to mention that the show has always centered around a team of nerds and self-proclaimed "freaks and weirdos" who are canonically bullied and outcast. Is it so hard to believe that people with that background could be queer?

Last, Stranger Things has done one excellent queer coming out scene with Robin and it's not hard to believe they could do it again. Their excellent treatment of Robin is honestly overlooked as evidence that they will do good for Will and for Byler.

"The Favored Straight Ship"

Finally, there's this idea that they would never break up "the favored straight ship." Why do people think that, exactly? There's certainly no evidence in Stranger Things' canon that would support it.

Because they did break up Mileven in season 3, and showed that they were better apart. They never shy away from breaking up other couples for new ones, either, showing people dating around rather than having one person the whole time. (Because again, they're young, it's coming-of-age stuff, come on.) But think of how they introduced Bob for Joyce in place of Jopper, broke up Stancy for Jancy and might be breaking up Jancy for Stancy, broke up Lumax, even if temporary.

Mileven is only "favored" because it's been served to people on a silver platter. Stranger Things has now spent two seasons showing why Mileven isn't actually good for each other romantically, and four seasons developing Mike and Will's importance to each other.

Again, the vocal part of the internet is not representative of the average viewer of Stranger Things, and I think the majority of people might be surprised, but wouldn't be pissed, and might even rewatch with a new perspective. Not to mention the nearly 20,000 people on Tumblr now following the Byler tag who will be thrilled.

TLDR: If anyone was going to do it, Stranger Things would do it. It's a show that subverts expectations and makes viewers look deeper.

[chainofclovers]

biscuits 😭

Literally just staying up all night crying about the end of an era and attempting to wrangle 7800 layers of feelings into a thing that can come out in English

But I've been thinking about the biscuits

Not just the croissants she's eating in the scene where we think they've slept together (I refuse to feel baited by that scene btw, even though it and Beard's entrance made me feel like I'd ascended to a new plane of reality; the scene happened for a reason; I'm too tired to go into it; my relationship to heterosexual ships is interesting enough as it is and I don't need to develop a fucking straightbaiting chip on my shoulder and walk around with that; also Ted/Rebecca's incredibly intentional yet incredibly unconsummated-within-the-three-season-arc connection is like every femslash ship I've ever loved; I've decided to just lean into T/R's story being unfinished and to treat the rom-com leave-cute reference as a fond homage to what could be; I'm allowed to be as generous as I want to be with this show and these writers; LMAO; crying my ass off [stilted Scorpio version]; but genuinely--I can be as generous as I want to be and I don't have to hate this if I don't want to hate this)

Anyway

I've been thinking not just about the croissants she's eating in the scene where we think they've slept together, and how those aren't biscuits, but also about how she doesn't tell him she'll miss the biscuits and he doesn't talk about the ritual and he never bakes her biscuits again as far as we can tell and he doesn't give her the recipe

And it hurts but I love it

[[[[ The biscuits are his dick (-- @boglady ) ]]]]

Because it's so intrinsic to who they are that they just don't talk about this ritual engrained in the last 2.5 years of their lives, I think...and sure, sometimes we see Ted reference the biscuits when he walks in with some...but no one notices. Ted's mom doesn't notice. Trent doesn't notice. Higgins notices, but he was involved in the early s1 biscuit taste-testing, and he's all-seeing in a lot of ways so it's different. Lord knows Sassy isn't getting a biscuit even if she's gotten to enjoy Ted's actual dick a few times. Keeley is close enough to notice, but she's suspiciously quiet about it. Beard has to come over and fix Ted's oven all the time, but we never see him comment.

So how perfect is it that in everything Rebecca has to process about Ted leaving, she almost becomes another person who has taken for granted that Ted performs this absolutely deranged gesture of love in baking her biscuits every single week and delivering them to her in a pink box every day...because that's really telling. She puts a lot of work into asking him to stay. She's feeling all kinds of desperate things. She isn't at all like the people who don't see what he's been doing for her; her reasons for never mentioning the biscuits again are nothing like the biscuit-invisibility everyone else experiences. She just can't or won't say anything because the biscuits are untouchable

And in the season 4 that will exist in my head but will almost certainly never be a reality, someday, when they see each other again, he makes her some biscuits and she's so angry she can't eat them

(And then things get better and she does, but not at first)

(This is why I had to take Wednesday off work)

(I'm fuckin' losing it)

[matan4il]

Why I will never give up on Canon Buddie..... Listen I am just a little straight girl who grew up on romance novels. You want Eddie with a women. Well, I mean Vanessa was perfect if you were a writer.

One dare I say she was a better version of Anna and 2 with a little manipulation she could be the girl version of Buck. I mean no one ever could, so don't come for me with pitchforks I just meant in general. She was beautiful, fun, a little heartbroken and didn't add stress to Eddie. Telling the story?? So easy it's a tale as old as time. She shares his culture so let's fake date to throw our tias off. Become friends. Maybe meet Chris. Maybe hesitate to do more because she's jaded and worried it won't work out and how will that effect Chris. Like I have seriously read this story a million times yet the writers never pull the trigger.

My second thing. Again I am a moderately attractive straight single girl. It is not that hard for me to find a relationship. I can throw a rock and find companionship you know?? No disservice to us straights it's just facts. So the fact that the writers intentionally get this wrong while being so loud about the couch screams volumes to me. Especially when you couple it with the fact these 2 do not wing man for each other, talk about sex lives and only refer to the significant other to tell them to dump them. That is the loudest part about their living in each other's back pocket BFF forever relationship. I mean Eddie couldn't even process Buck taking care of himself.

In conclusion 911 if you want me to stop shipping them this all on you. I mean I will never stop. But you could at least try!!

Awww, Nonnie! :D Welcome to the hopeless romantics club! We got comfy cushions for you, as well as cookies. ;)

Regarding Vanessa, yeah. I have seen plenty of rom coms that start off with the exactly interaction she and Eddie had. He's not ready, she's not ready, they come to the date with the intent to let each other down easy, and when they realize they were never an option for the other person, it intrigues them. It could have easily developed in the direction of "instead of going through this repeatedly, how about we fake date to get our Tias off our cases?" and slowly falling for each other. TBH, I wouldn't have been surprised if that's what 911 would go with, since so many shows would. I'm glad it didn't, that the point really was to help Eddie progress on his romantic journey rather than set him up with yet another LI.

I agree with you! I already thought it was eyebrow raising when 911 let Buddie be single throughout the entirety of s3 and a respectable chunk of 4a. Now in s6, they're both once again very single. And we're talking young, good looking, heroic firefighters. It should not be hard for them to find romance, yet out of almost 5 seasons of them being on the show together, roughly 2.5 they spend with both of them being single men. When they're the only single members of the main cast! That is VERY unusual, it's not the route most TV shows would take with their only single characters, you know? That Buck and Eddie are directly responsible for this state of double singleness a part of the time just makes it all more hilarious. XD

I've said it before, I will always ship Buddie. Which means as long as the show is on air and both of their characters are alive, I will hope for canon Buddie. But even if that doesn't happen, Buddie is canon to me. The show has written and filmed their epic love story, and I can't unsee that no matter what. In my head, it will always be just a matter of time before these two morons figure it out.

Thank you so much for this ask, lovely! Have a wonderful day. As always, my ask tag. xoxox

[streetqueenofmars]

So, I need to talk about why Worf and Jadzia Dax are one of the best couples in all of pop culture but to do that I need to lay the groundwork of explaining some trends that the writers of Deep Space 9 completely avoid.

I don't know if anyone else feels this way but for me I find that popular culture has a crippling inability to write couples in stable relationships. It's a problem not just in genre fiction but even into the broader culture. Whether it's rom-coms, fantasy novels, sci-fi TV or superheroes movies you have writers who are very interested in a couple falling in love and trying to win each other but then seem to lose interest after think.

Think about this way, we've all seen plenty of movies where a couple spend the whole movie trying to get together and it ends with them together. But how many films have you seen where the main love interests are in an established steady relationship? Married? Engaged? Hell, have even been dating long term?? It's rare, I can't tell whether most writers are just more interested in couples getting together than staying together or if writers don't think that audiences would be as interested in a stable couple navigating their relationship.

This is what leads to writers breaking up couples in shows or in movie sequels. They set up a couple, spend a lot of time getting them together, but then once they get them together they don't know what to do with them so they either break them up through contrived means or they kill one of them.

As someone who's been in a happy steady relationship for some time and is also a writer I can tell you first hand that this stems entirely from a lack of imagination. There are so many stories you can tell with couples in long term relationships that you can't tell with couple trying to get together. Shrek 2, The Mummy Returns, the Thin Man films and a few other examples demonstrate all the narrative potential that it feels like most writers waste.

The relationship between Worf and Jadzia Dax feels like the best proof I've seen in a long long time. The writers of Deep Space 9 use the format of episodic television to truly flesh put their relationship. We see them start as friends, see them realize how much they have in common, see it get more serious, see them commit to getting married, get married and for half a glorious season we see them live as a married couple. We see them fight but navigate it, we see them balance professional responsibilities with their devotion to each other, we see them figure out what a future together looks like and we see their love never waver, but mature.

The best example of this is the season six episode 'Change of Heart'. It's not only one of the most romantic episodes of anything I've ever seen but it's one of the most romantic things I've seen period. So much of the episode is just us spending time with the couple and letting their natural chemistry sparkle. So that when the plot stuff does happen you are INVESTED. And Worf's whole bedside monologue where he talks about how he realized that if Jadzia was ever in danger he would put the Galaxy at risk to save her? I was IN TEARS!!!

It's the kind of mature storytelling that I WISH we could see more of. Instead of contriving ways to break up your romantic couples to start them all over again it's so much interesting to try and figure out what their lives together look like and what kinds of conflicts or stories are unique to couples that you can't tell otherwise.

[humbletumblecrudi]

Hello 🌻

I just wanted to say, I just found your blog and it's such a hidden gem!!

I love how you depict some of my favorite characters like Jade and Rook.

And I think your requests are open so I wanted to try and make one, if it's ok.

Could you do a continuation of the one where reader had accidentally led on Jade, but with a happier ending?

It's just that it totally broke my heart, and also I think it would interesting to read Jade's reaction onwards.

Like, maybe the perfect's crush didn't work out or something similar, would Jade make a move having realized his feelings?

Or maybe reader's crush wasn't deep feelings and in retrospective they realize Jade was special to them so they make the first move?

Azul's line got me thinking a lot as you can see xD

Sorry I think I'm rambling x0

But then again, don't feel pressured to write it, I'm very happy I got to talk a bit about it

Thanks again for sharing your work, its amazing, take care (⁠ ⁠◜⁠‿⁠◝⁠ ⁠)⁠♡

-🌻

Writer's Note(s): Oh I love Jade so much and that request hurt my soul having him lead on! (⁠ ⁠･ั⁠﹏⁠･ั⁠) He was so in love and it hurt to leave it on a cliffhanger, I'm so glad you asked for a Part 2! I'd love to do it!

What Azul said near the end was supposed to be a slap to Jade's efforts, because of the 50/50 chance he had, he lost it. It hurt me to write! I also wanted to smite whoever it was Reader actually likes, because salt. 🧂😭 Azul was trying to be a good friend, he really thought it was Jade too... (⁠´⁠ ⁠.⁠ ⁠.̫⁠ ⁠.⁠ ⁠`⁠)

Part 1 is here!

Info on Reader: Reader is a Male Reader, and uses he/him. The Reader has no descriptions given, but Reader is mentioned to have hair in a brief description. The Reader is not intended to be MC, but it's loose enough he can be. Readers not manipulated by Azul, Jade, or Floyd at all during this work, everything is done naturally.

Ship(s): Jade × Male!Reader who really loved him

Fujoshis and Fem Aligned Readers DNI || Enjoy your Part 2!

Ｊａｄｅ Ｌｅｅｃｈ || ジェイド・リーチ

To say his heart was soured for a while would be an understatement, especially when he was with someone he would naturally need for company. Floyd and Azul had been his choices, naturally, but also honest types like Trey and Jamil get a peak at him.

Azul had been honestly shocked that day you said a name that wasn't Jade, because it honestly felt like a bad rom-com deep in his head. A pining flirt like Jade can't be easily ignored unless you're actively avoiding seeing everything he does, so that had been one huge slap to the face... and not to Azul.

Of course, he'll try and fulfill your wishes and attempt to get your crush to notice your efforts. They can't use magic that might be manipulative after all, so Azul does anything he can for you. Gets their full schedule on note, gets their favorite items written down, and algorithms their favorite topics to talk about. But it's your hard work that needs to use it properly, so he leaves that to you.

Floyd is also not pleased by any of this. He may be Jade's sibling, but as a co-worker and seeing Jade give you extra pops on your coupon because he's smitten with you makes his face turn downwards. At first, he didn't seem to register that you said a different name, because he zoned out. He thought this was where Jade and him would have to be sent out of the room as a "show of faith", because you'd fluster and not be able to say Jade's name right in front of him...

But that sounded a lot like someone else. And Jade looked, honestly, more hurt then he'd ever seen his brother hurt before. Of course, the look on Jade didn't last long and Jade became more cordial and flat afterwards, but Floyd looked cross. What? What was this? This just felt icky but he's not good with words, so he just pouts until their alone to ask what's up here.

Later on, Floyd would look at you and ask Jade, "This guy! Look at him, all obtuse!" Jade doesn't stop him, because Floyd is entitled to feel as he pleases. And he's mostly out of it.

But Jade left almost immediately after you did, and only said, "It seems very late. I should go." Before he basically booked it out of there. Floyd wasn't happy about assisting with counting money, but he wasn't going to complain about Jade leaving at all. He can completely understand.

By the time Floyd got back to their shared room, Jade was already asleep. Youch.

Jade, during all of this, will be honest with himself and say that it had hurt to hear anything that wasn't him said in your voice. The sinking in his stomach was like when Jamil threw him from great heights into the desert in Scarabia, and the cold feelings he felt afterwards felt very bitter and chilly to him.

He never thought he'd say this, but his heart hurt for you and he almost felt vicious about it. Why? What was this? What's so special about this rejection? He's been rejected before...

And why does sitting next to you in class, because he had pulled strings a month ago to be near you in your shared class, make his heart flutter again? Your reading Azul's notes and messing with your hair as you stress about if this person will like you back, and this and that and this and that... !

He honestly wanted to ignore this, ignore you... but as you lean into him and ask him what this sentence means (as Azul is a bit too eloquent sometimes), he can only help you. He can't really say no to you yet, and this was his job technically...

As he reads it and tries to process what it could mean, he pushes his hair on his right side back as it scratches his ear. As he does so, he doesn't catch you staring a bit too long at his profile.

He tries to leave class last, but you seem to linger as well alongside him. He really hoped you would leave while entranced by your notes, but you stayed next to Jade as he packs up slower than usual. It can't be helped, he thinks, you're still technically friends.

And definitely, he realizes very quickly how much time you both spent together on a daily basis as the next few days pass. The odd lunch with him and Floyd happens, you always share your breaks together after shared classes, and you usually join him at the café once all your duties are done elsewhere. And that's not counting passing each other in the hall or using a facility like the library at the same time.

If Jade didn't know any better, he'd say he was trying to continue the hurt for himself, because this wasn't helping. And he definitely wasn't getting help from Floyd or Azul to get you to change your schedule somehow... your still special to him.

Maybe you could be friends. It'll take a while, but he'll manage. He's very good at making others perceive himself in a certain manner.

It wasn't long until he noticed that you weren't reading Azul's notes as long as you used to, especially since you often had him translate for you. The papers are not in direct sight for classes, so Jade assumes that you've studied them religiously and properly.

You seemed more downcast than usual, and he hopes that he doesn't hear about you getting together with your crush. That would be too much, especially barely a week past the request from Azul.

He doesn't notice, however, the many things that have turned towards him with you. He had taken to not really looking at you in the eye as much to help his heart stop racing, but it also only helped him not notice that your eyes are far more gentle for you. It seems, something may have changed...

After about two or three more days, Jade's starting to feel more calm about potentially losing you. Of course, after the papers had disappeared he knew he couldn't let this hang him up any longer. It was unhealthy and he knew a week had passed with little change, so he tried to distract himself. Inevitable things are unimportant details, it's going to happen. Seeing you was inevitable. And so he decides to just try his best and try tending the bar again...

... Until he sees you slide up on the bar near after-hours. He hummus as he thinks, it's inevitable. People need food, drinks, and socializing. It's inevitable.

While he begins cleaning the bar and menus, calling for Floyd to send the freshman home before the cleaning starts at closing, he starts to talk to you like it was a week ago. He knows he's been a bit withdrawn, but he won't fault himself. New situation, new faces.

"How are we doing tonight, sir." He greets with his signature hospitable smile, but it's simply a formality for you. "Did you come for drinks, food, or a meeting?"

"Just to wait for your off hours, Jade. I want to tell you something, and hopefully it's not interrupted." You answer, and definitely, it is likely an interruption might happen. This school was full of surprises and chances.

Jade doesn't dare let his mind wander to thinking of anything you might want to talk about. All he knows is your calm, and you're here for him. Nothing else. "Certainly. I'll make an exception to the one drink for loitering rule, just for you."

"Thank you Jade." He always does that for you, breaks an inconvenient rule just for you, but you always thank him anyway.

As soon as the kitchen closes and Jade gets two people to mop the main floor, he finally realizes it's time to talk. Two people as your only potential witnesses is better than nothing. He tosses his towel over the sink and runs hot water to melt the remaining ice, before he's done. And it's time to talk.

"What did you need from me while I was at work? Usually, I hear about most things over text or in class." Jade inquired into what this might be about.

"Well... I would like to talk about what happened in Azul's office." You state, and then add. "Not as his employee! As Jade Leech, you know?"

"... Go on." He really wished he had glasses to polish. Something to dust. Ice to refill.

You continue. "I was going over what I wanted as I read his notes and some of that information... well, it didn't sound like the person I crushed on. Was the person I was thinking of just a public face they had to look more appealing to a certain crowd. Maybe, I don't know..."

Jade wants to laugh, is that not what he also does to a certain degree? Everyone has faces and masks, so what could it be that you found so strange? Of course, Jade didn't really know from his absence gathering information on this particular request, but he's sure Azul has files.

Jade actually feels a bit... calmer? A more natural serene peace, if you want to look deeply. It feels almost like when he hopes Floyd doesn't burn the kitchen and ruin equipment while experimenting in there, and then coming in to see an actual maintained kitchen.

"Well, it's complicated, but something happened and I just couldn't go through with asking them out... I know that my heart's not in the right place and there's just someone I need to be more honest with." You seem sheepish but no less determined as you lean forward on the bar.

"Well, if you've been dishonest the only things you can do are tell the truth and atone. The crime should fit the punishment after all." Jade gives you the push you need to finish what you started, as he will have time to fully answer you if you continue.

And almost as soon as the mops hit the buckets and the two other students left for the back, did you finally confess. "I have been dishonest, Jade Leech. Who I really want to date, would be you, and not anyone else."

He has all the humility of an esteemed host, and the grace of a predator. But it seems even the noble Jade Leech, can turn pink and lose his words.

[roamwithahungryheart]

This was brought to you by denial and sleep deprivation:

“Okay. I'm sorry, you know. I've been dreading this. Talking to you. Abandoning you.”

It struck Ted as strange that after decades of friendship, Beard could ever truly think he was abandoning him. Still, he looked back at Beard with soft understanding.

“What? No, no, no, hold on, Coach. You ain't abandoning me, okay? You're just following your heart. I get it.” Ted paused, eyes glassy and fixed on the frayed carpet of the cabin. “And, yeah, you should go. But look, man, I don't think they're gonna let you off this plane with that door already shut.”

“I have a plan.”

“Of course you do. Okay,” he sighed. “What do you need me to do?”

With one swift movement, Beard doused himself in water.

“Run.”

“Whatever's about to happen, that's a great start.” 

“I love you, Ted.”

“I love you too, Willis.” 

Beard stood bolt upright, reached into the overhead compartment for his suitcase and brought it down with an almighty slam. Then, he shrieked.

“BOMB!”

Ted glanced over at the other passengers, who were now in a state of complete panic. In that split second, Beard had already been apprehended by airport security and dragged kicking and screaming down the aisle.

“Oh, boy.”

Outside, the rare afternoon sunshine warmed Rebecca’s face. She stopped walking, tilted her chin towards the sky and breathed deeply. It was only when she noticed an elderly couple exiting a taxi that she felt her heart begin to race. Her palms were clammy. It was happening again. Lifting one hand to her chest, she moved back from the bustling crowd to regain her composure. 

A familiar sound caught her attention - the bright, bubbly giggle of a young girl. Rebecca watched her run, carefree and careless, across the tarmac before landing flat on her face - right at Rebecca’s feet.

Bending down, Rebecca reached out a hand, stroking the girl’s hair as she helped her up. 

“Oh, little love, are you alright?”

The girl dusted herself off, raised her arms and roared. Then, she was gone.

Rebecca’s phone rang, snapping her out of her daze. Her fingers twitched - she was trying to get into the habit of ignoring calls. Too much of her life had been wasted on being at someone’s beck and call. This was the new Rebecca. The new Rebecca said no to things. Shaking off the urge to answer, she turned back towards the airport entrance and heaved a sigh.

“Just do it. Just fucking do it.”

Ted sat hunched over his phone, tapping out a text to let Michelle know that his flight had been delayed - of course, he spared her the full explanation - so he didn’t notice Rebecca approaching the terminal until the very last moment. His head jerked in a double take, his whole body relaxing as soon as their eyes met. 

“Now what the heck are you doing here?”

“I just bought a ticket to get through security so I could come and say a proper goodbye.”

“Ah. Classic rom-com leave-cute tactic.” Ted chuckled. “Hmm. Love it.” A pause. “Okay. Hold on. You bought yourself a first-class ticket for a flight you ain't ever gonna take?”

“It was just force of habit.” Rebecca shook her head, but the glint in her eyes betrayed her attempt at nonchalance.

“Oh, yeah. Sure.” Ted raised his eyebrows comically, causing Rebecca to stifle a smile. “Uh, I see you're sticking around though, huh?”

Rebecca sighed. “Well, Ted, you're going home to your family and... I actually want to stay with mine.” It was at that moment she realized that Ted was clutching his suitcase. “Hang on, what are you doing here? Did they cancel your flight?” 

“No ma’am. Somebody threatened to set off a B-O-M-B.”

“Oh my God. Are you alright?”

“Oh I’m fine, it ain’t me you have to worry about.”

In the distance, two airport security officers escorted a cantankerous Willis Beard from the interrogation room. Ted & Rebecca shared an amused look. Then -

“Speaking of B-O-M-B-S,” Rebecca shifted her feet and cleared her throat, “I was really hoping you’d stay.” 

Ted nodded slowly. “Hmm. I was really hoping I’d stay too. But I’ve been doing a lot of thinking, and the thing is, I love Richmond. I love the way everybody just helps each other, no questions asked…the way they apologize to a lamppost or a phone box when they bump into it…but right now, the thing that would help me is going home.”

“You’ll always have a home here, Ted.”

“I know. Y’know, sometimes I wonder…”

“What?”

“Well... if I hadn't been asked to coach soccer in England and you hadn't taken over the football club, and you and I had just, well, met…”

“I know.”

...flight 822 to Kansas City.

“I gotta go.”

“Goodbye, Ted.”

“Goodbye, Rebecca.”

“Have a safe flight.”

Instead of clamoring to hide her emotions, Rebecca let the tears she’d been holding back fall hot and fast as Ted walked away. He cast her a glance from the gate, his face falling as he watched her swipe her eyes furiously. Fumbling in his pocket, he pulled out a tissue and stretched as far as he could to pass it to her.

“Here ya go, boss. Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened, right?”

Rebecca sniffled, raising a hand in acknowledgement, but rolling her eyes at his inability to leave a tender moment alone.

Ted turned back to her one last time. 

“Oh, hey, Rebecca? If you ever feel like buying a ticket you actually do wanna use, it’d be real nice to see ya in Kansas sometime.”

[olsenmyolsen]

Three Weeks

Part 26 of On The Inside With Elizabeth Olsen

Word Count: ~6K

masterlist

Liz POV

It's been three weeks since Y/N left. Three weeks since I've spoken to my sister Mary-Kate and three weeks since speaking to Y/N's mother. I wish I could say that all of this was easy or made better due to the fact that I'm actively trying to live a life that doesn't involve me missing Y/N, but it sucks.

This is one of the hardest things I've had to do.

But here I am, waking up in my bedroom alone and sad, for you guessed it, the third week in a row. I think I've slowly morphed into my Character Leigh Shaw. That's who I am now.

A cold, depressed bitch missing her love and looking for answers.

Anywho, I did some of the cliche break-up things you're supposed to do! I cried while watching Rom-Coms and eating ice cream. I dyed my hair! Goodbye, dirty blonde, and hello, brunette Lizzie. I made sure to tell my friends that I was doing better when in reality, I was not.

Scarlett and Aubrey were quick to see through that shit.

That led to a very passive-aggressive forced lunch with a seven-month pregnant Scarlett and her daughter Rose who very sweetly had no clue what was going on. Colin was set to join, but I'm certain Scar made him stay home.

On the other hand, Aubrey called me out on everything once I spilled it all. But she wasn't as upset with me as other people had been. But she made sure that when I'm in LA that I stay with her since Robbie is still occupying our/my house. I told her that wouldn't be necessary since I have other friends and family to stay with but saying no to Aubrey is weirdly tricky.

Also, I took a page out of Y/N's book. Literally. I started writing. Okay, not like writing writing like Y/N but writing my thoughts and what I want to say the next to I see my Coffee Girl. I have a pile of envelopes ready to go. Each one is different but laced with love. They constantly stay in my purse. I'm afraid I'll lose them otherwise.

I know I haven't talked to her since, but.. this hasn't stopped me from trying. No calls, just texts every once in a while. Letting her know that I'm thinking about her and her safety. I know she's doing okay, thanks to certain people, but I can't wait to see that smile shine on her face whether I'm an inch away or thousands of miles.

I yawn and get the sleep out of my eyes before making my way into the kitchen. I haven't been eating the best or a lot lately, so maybe making a big breakfast will help today. It didn't help last week, but I can try again.

Waffles. Eggs. Cut up fresh fruit from my rooftop garden.

This is what I ended up making, and to my surprise and delight, I ended up eating a good majority of it. I compost what I don't eat because I'm not sure when I'm returning.

Oh, did I not mention? I'm flying to Los Angeles today.

I still have a couple of hours until my flight, and I packed last night, so I might as well water and say goodbye to my plants before making one final trip to Y/N's apartment.

Y/N POV

Today of all days, I have to wake up feeling like I got hit by a train.

Everything hurts. My head is pounding like a hammer. My nose is stuffed but also running. Every time I try to clear my throat, it feels like tiny needles are being dragged down my esophagus. This is awful. I knew something was happening, but I blamed it on allergies. I should've known when Nick said, "it's just a cough," he was lying. It's never just a cough. If he wasn't one of the nicest men I've ever met, I'd be so pissed at him.

Speaking of Nick. Since the last time he confided in me that he has feelings for my mom, nothing has changed. My mom knows but doesn't want to pursue a relationship. I understand her completely. I'm not saying I want to see her and Nick be together, especially since no one can replace Davey.

I know Nick wouldn't be, but that doesn't make it easier. But my mom and him have a perfect friendship right now. At the drop of a hat, they're there for each other. Wait-

What's that ringing?

I turn my head as I get pulled from my thoughts. I reach over and answer my phone with a scratchy throat.

"Hello?"

"Pumpkin? Are you alright? You sound terrible." Thanks, mom.

"I think Nick got me sick." My mom groans into the phone. "I told him to rest and that we'd have dinner together next time you visit, but no, he had to make a home-cooked meal for you."

That's sweet. I smile through the pain as she continues her rant. "He's just like your father at times, I swear." My mom laughs at her own words. I don't think she fully realized she just compared Nick to Davey, but I let it slide.

"Yeah.. so why'd you call mom?"

"Just wanted to make sure you'd be up and ready for today." I pull my phone away and see I still have a couple of hours until my flight.

Oh, did I not mention? I'm flying to Los Angeles today.

"Yeah, I packed last night. Remember one big suitcase." I try to stifle a groan as I sit up. But my sickness and back have other plans for me. If one thing is for sure, I can't wait to never sleep on an air mattress again.

"Oh, that's right! I'm sorry I can't see you off."

I roll my eyes, knowing how busy my mom is and that no matter what she says, she wants to keep me here. She practically didn't let me go last night after dinner.

"I know, mom. It's alright."

"Whose picking you up from the airport?" Oh, that's right, I forgot to tell my mom. "James. Max's brother."

My mom accepts the answer and starts telling me about how her morning has been so far while I fumble my way into the bathroom and begin searching through every drawer, looking for cold & flu medicine.

"What's that racket?"

Apparently, I was not as quiet as I thought. "Where's the medicine? I searched everywhere." I ask through a cough.

"Bottom drawer. Behind the green bag." I search precisely where my mom said, and she was exactly right. How do mothers do that? "Be sure to take some ibuprofen two hours from now as well."

"Okay, mom." I throw back the pills before scooping some water from the tap into my hand, drinking like a sick animal.

"Be sure to eat something too." My mom adds, but all I want to do is curl up on the couch and die. "Mom, I'm no-"

"Don't you dare finish that sentence Y/N Y/L/N."

"Yes, ma'am." Great, now I'm in the kitchen.

"Oh, before I let you go, dear, what are your plans for your birthday?" Oh shit. My birthday is coming up. "No plans," I say, closing the fridge door with a shrug earning a sigh from my mom on the other end.

"Okay, let me know if you want to come back home for that."

I doubt it.

"Okay, mom. I'll keep you posted."

"Thank you, Y/N. Now I love you. Be sure to eat something and text me once you're on your way to the airport." I nod my head. "I will, mom. I love you too. Okay. Bye."

I end the call and throw my body onto the couch. I try to fight it, but before I know it, my eyes close, and I'm asleep.

Liz POV

They fixed the elevator.

The moving steel box's doors slide open as I reach my designated floor. Y/N's floor. With an envelope in one hand and her key in the other, I make my way to the door. I know she's not here. But a part of me still hopes I'll be in for a surprise when this door swings open.

And she's not here. In fact, the place is almost in the exact same position it was when I left it. Except it looks cleaner? Wait? Has someone been here? I take a couple of steps into the place and do what you're not supposed to do in every horror movie ever. "Hello?" I call into the quiet apartment.

I get no response.

Not fully trusting this situation, I close the door behind me and quickly search the place. It isn't until I find myself in Y/N's kitchen that I find a note stuck onto the fridge.

Hey Oslen,

Knowing you, you'll be back to Y/N's place more than once. But just in case I was wrong (I'm not), I went ahead and cleaned out her refrigerator and tidied up the place. You never know when she might come back, right? Plus, we can't have the place smelling like an old, run-down dumpster.

Anyways I'm sorry I haven't reached back out to you. But I'm happy to know that it looks like Y/N's case is finally on track to be over. Perks of having one of the hottest and best lawyers. ;)

Text me when you see this. And as far as I know. She's safe.

With care, Max

I fold up the piece of paper and place it into my back pocket but not before shooting a text to Max, letting her know that I saw her message and that I'm happy she's safe.

Reminding myself that I have my own piece of myself to share with Y/N. I take the envelope in my hand and walk it over to the coffee table. I hope she sees it. Maybe not tomorrow but some day.

After combing over the living room, I make my way into Y/N's bedroom. Knowing that there's not a murder in the building, I can actually look around to see the improvements Max made. Like for example, not more shirts on the floor. Instead, most of them are folded up on the bed or tossed onto hangers.

My hand immediately gravitated to one of the most recent pairs of shirts she wore. Yes, the pink-fonted Elizabeth Olsen picture collage shirt. I unfold the shirt and bring it up to my face. It still smells like her, but it's not as strong... I have to stop the pout from forming on my face. I've done it like crazy lately. I look back down at the shirt and start to get lost in a train of thought. Without another second, I find a small duffel bag and begin filling it with some shirts knowing that if I wear them out, I'll get seen. And if I get caught, they'll be posted everywhere. Everywhere- for one's woman's eyes to see.

_

"How did you get more bags?" My driver Mr. Bronson jokes as he takes them from me to place into the truck with my other luggage. "Technically, the one is a guitar case." This earns a sarcastic oooh from him.

I felt a little.. weird taking Y/N's old guitar, but it feels right at the same time. Plus, I keep remembering the texts Sam showed me from Y/N.

If you don't hear from me in the next couple of weeks, just know that I'm fine. Feel free to come to my place tomorrow. (Address) Take what you want.

Also, I don't want this guitar of hers to become lost or thrown out by mistake, and I've been itching to relearn to play.

"Ready?" Mr. Bronson pulls me from my thoughts. I quickly nod as the car slowly pulls away from the curb. I take one final look behind me to see Y/N's place become smaller.

Y/N POV

"Okay what about this." (Video attached)

That's more what I'm thinking.. but faster and don't be afraid to make it more Appalachian.

Y/N It's your song why don't you just record it.

Robbie, first off it's our song and I don't exactly have my guitar with me.. also the lyric is "I only want to be in the passing lane" Not "fastest lane."

Shit. You're right. This will be much easier when you're here.

Couple of hours. Thanks again. I know I've said it a million times but thank you

I should be the one thanking you. But fr stop it. We're helping each other. Also I'm just glad we're past the awkward stage. It's not everyday two exs become friends.(?)

Writing partners *

Writing partners

"Earth to Y/N."

I lift my head from my phone, confused, which wasn't the brightest idea. My head is still killing me. The pills are helping but not as much as I want them to. "What?" I ask whoever is begging for my attention as I close my eyes and rub my forehead.

"Just wanted to know if you needed any help with your bags. You okay?" A male voice speaks.

I pull my eyes over to the voice. It's Nick. He's standing in front of the now-closed front door. How long has he been here? Shit what time is it?

I quickly panic and look at the time displayed on my phone.

Whew. I still have some hours till my flight takes off. But that means we should be leaving soon. Airports are always an annoying hassle.

"Y/N?" Nick's voice is now softer as he sits down on the couch next to me. "You okay, kid?" I take a deep breath and try and clear my painful throat.

"Yeah."

I guess I didn't do a good enough job at the throat-clearing. Nick's face remains unchanged, but his eyes are filled with worry and guilt. He knows I'm sick. And he gave me his cold.

"Did you take medicine?" I gently nod, not wanting to hurt myself more.

"Anything you need?"

"I'm fine." Me saying that and looking "fine" are two different things, but I hate being sick, so dwelling on it makes it worse. Plus, Nick and I are becoming closer. In fact, anytime my mom was at work, and if he had time, we'd hang out. It didn't involve much. Sometimes it was just watching tv or grabbing lunch, but it formed this weird bond between us. Maybe I remind him of his late son, or perhaps he is just a good man. Or, who knows, maybe he's showing me he can be... something more. I don't know. What I do know is that I don't want him to be worrying about me right now. I got enough going on.

Nick looks at me uncertain but doesn't push it. "Are you all packed?"

"Yeah, I did it after dinner." Nick nods his head as he gets up to go to the kitchen. "Tea?" He asks without turning his back.

"Yes, please."

Liz POV

Paparazzi present as always.

They're lining up at the entrance to the airport, just alive and waiting. I guess word got around. I was showing up. I mean, it makes sense the paps would want a good photo of me. I've barely left my place the last couple of weeks so getting a picture of me "out of my cave" makes people go crazy.

"Mr. Bronson?" I ask while keeping my attention on the picture takers outside. "Could you help me with my bags?"

"Of course." I turn to see him already looking at me with a smile. "Hat and sunglasses on." He reminds me. "Ready?" I nod once I'm "disguised."

"Ready."

"Let's go." Mr. Bronson steps out of the car and opens the truck grabbing all my bags placing them on the floor before closing up the trunk. He comes around to my side of the vehicle and sets something next to the door. Before I can think about what it is, he opens the door reminding me to "keep your head down." I nod to him as he places the guitar case in my hand. "Might help." He adds.

It surprisingly works a little. As we walked by the paparazzi, far fewer pictures than usual were taken of me. The ones that knew who I was knew. The others, I think, were taking a gamble and thought I was some indie singer or something. Regardless. I'm here inside the busy airport, from one anxiety-filled thing to another.

Mr. Bronson left shortly once we made it inside. I thanked him profusely, which he, of course, shrugged off. All he told me was to "go get her." I guess he thinks I'm chasing after Y/N.

Speaking of...

I'm now sitting down, opening our very one-sided text conversation. I scroll back up to the last couple of texts she sent me. They make me smile. This was back before the ignored calls. Back before I screwed it up. Back before, I lost the one real thing I've ever known. I remember it.

"Excuse me?"

I quickly close and fumble to put my phone away at a quiet voice speaking to me. I look up through my sunglasses to see a girl. She must be 14 or so. How'd she get into this airport lounge? Doesn't she need to have a credit card and be a member or something? Oh God, is she lost?

I can feel my nerves begin to overtake me. Deep breaths, Lizzie.

"Excuse me?" The girl speaks to me again. Shit, I should probably say something.

"Hello." I give a smile as the girl's face lights up from me just speaking. "Oh my God, It's really you! I wasn't 100% sure. I was going to be mortified if it was someone else." I giggle, calming down a bit at the girl's tone and evident nervousness.

"What's your name?" The girl smiles again before it looks like she's trying to remember her own name. Oh gosh, seeing fans get like this makes me feel a little bad. I don't want them to get too stressed or nervous just from meeting another human being.

"Geneva."

I say the name back to myself internally before gesturing to the seat next to me since Geneva was just hunched over in front of me. "Are you sure?" She looks at me with such worry, but I motion again. "Please. It's okay." Geneva nods before taking the seat next to me. She looks like she wants to say a million things, but at the same time, she's too star-struck to do anything. I got time to kill, and I haven't really been talking to many people as of late, so I'll start.

"Geneva?" The girl turns to me- jaw dropped. "You said my name." I nod. "I did. Can I ask you a question?"

"Anything." She replies quicker than I would've hoped for.

"How'd you know it was me? And where did you see me from?"

Geneva points to her head. Leaving me a little confused. "Your cap." I lift my hand up to touch it. My LA Dodgers Cap? "It's like your calling card. You rep it more than any other celebrity. It's basically your own merch." She tells me with a smile. Huh, I mean, I guess I did buy Y/N her own cap for a reason.

I do wear it a lot, don't I?

"I literally bought one because of you. Oh, and I saw you from... over... there!" I follow where Geneva's finger is pointing. In the distance is an older man watching, waving at our interaction. So that's how she got in here. "That's my dad. I tried explaining who you were and why I was freaking out, but he didn't get it. I hope I'm not bothering you." Geneva quickly adds that last sentence in.

"Not at all. I was getting lost in my own world, so I'm happy you stepped over here." I tell her honestly. "Okay, good." Geneva appears to take a deep breath and relax a little after hearing that. I know that feeling all too well.

"So, where are you going?" I turn my body slightly towards Geneva, so she knows she has my attention.

"My dad and I are going to Oregon for a week."

"That should be fun." I instantly encourage the idea seeing that Geneva looks nervous. "I hope so. I don't like flying."

"That's okay." I go to say something else, but I see Geneva's wandering eyes look over my carry-on purse. "Where are you going?"

"Home." I point to my cap with a slight smile. Geneva slowly nods her head. "Filming?" I shake my head. "Not for a while."

"I loved WandaVision. I think it made Wanda my favorite." She mumbles that last part, but I heard her. "Oh?! Well, thank you, Geneva, but who was your favorite?"

"Bucky and Black Widow," Geneva replies, almost scared that she had another favorite before me. She knows I'm not the Scarlet Witch, right? I subtly laugh at her responses. "Those are cool characters. One is way cooler than the other."

"And hotter!" Geneva replies casually before realizing I'm not one of her teenage friends. She looks at me wide-eyed. "I-uh-I didn't- I'm sorry- don't tell Sca-" "It's okay. Your secrets are safe with me." Geneva still looks a little panicked, and it reminds me of the talks Y/N and I would have about her love of Black Widow.

I will say Geneva and Y/N are right. She is hot.

"Can I say something?" Geneva breaks the awkward yet comfortable silence that is building up in this loud airport. I gesture for her to keep going.

"I'm really sorry for how it happened, but knowing that one of my favorite superheroes or anti-hero or whatever you wanna call Wanda now was being played by someone who is a lot more like me than I thought was important."

This is a conversation that Marla and Rhonda told me that needed to happen. I have yet to publicly confirm that, yes, I am a part of a certain community now. All that's been said is that Robbie and I were no longer together and that I was seeing someone named Y/N Y/L/N—so hearing from a girl who can't even drive yet that I mean this much to her. It makes my heart warm up and break at the same time. I feel ecstatic that I can now be someone for people to look up to, but at the same time, I haven't done enough.

This needs to change.

I look over to Geneva.

"As I said, I'm sorry for how it happened, but you and your girlfriend look really cute together."

Girlfriend. I quickly use my acting skills and cover up and frown or look that suggests otherwise.

"Thank you very much, Geneva! Yes, we are cute, aren't we." I chuckle at the same time she does. "And I still look at Wanda as a hero, so you can too." I nudge Geneva.

Geneva looks down as her phone lights up. I didn't even realize she had it in her hands. "Oh, looks like we're about to board." Geneva looks up at me. "If it's not too much trouble, could I get a picture?" This child is so kind.

"Of course." I quickly take off my sunglasses as Geneva has the camera ready. I lean in close to Geneva, but not enough, so we're touching. "I won't take too many."

"I think a couple will be fine." I calmly but sternly tell her.

"Okay. One.. two.. three.. GAY!" My smile quickly morphs into a laugh that I cover worth my hand. I was not expecting the girl to say this. While laughing, another picture gets taken. "I can't believe I made Elizabeth Olsen laugh!" Geneva says a bit too loud for my liking reminding myself where we are.

It looks like we're done with the photos, so I quickly take the time to cover my face back up. "Thank you so much. Omg, this is the greatest thing I've ever taken."Geneva shows me, and it's a typical one, and then Geneva smiling as I'm dying of laughter. "I'm glad to be a part of it." In the distance, I see Geneva's dad making his way over here. I guess they're running a little late now.

"Thank you again! This means so much to me." I smile. "Me too." Geneva starts to walk away, but I stop her. "Geneva!" She quickly turns back. "Yes?!"

How do I say this?

"Do you mind waiting until tomorrow to post that picture? If you do it now.. the paparazzi will be worse in Los Angeles." Geneva thinks about my words. "Sure. I don't want it to be worse for you." I graciously nod. "Thank you very much."

"Of course, Lizzie. Happy Pride Month." Geneva waves at me before walking to her now crossed arm dad.

It is the start of pride month.

I quickly pull out my phone, exiting my text conversation with Y/N and opening the one with Marla and Rhonda.

"An interview needs to be made today. People need to know who I am."

Y/N POV

The ride to the airport was uneventful. Aside from the occasional small talk and "I'm sorry for getting you sick" from Nick, nothing happened.

Now we're inching the car closer to the departure zone.

"Hey, kid?" When he first started calling me that, I thought it would go away because of how annoying it was, but it didn't, and I've grown to like it.

"Hmm?" I turn to face Nick as his eyes are watching the cars in front of us.

"Is the reason you left New York waiting for you in LA?"

"No," I say without another thought to the question or to the pain in my throat.

"Do you want them to be?"

I purse my lips and think. I don't know.. I've been avoiding Elizabeth for weeks but saying that I don't want to see her at all would be a complete lie because I miss her. I truly do. For the past couple of nights, I've been having dreams and nightmares about her. Maybe that's what's making my move to LA easier.

"I don't know," I whisper my answer out as Nick nods his head and drops the subject.

"You know, getting to know you these past couple of weeks has been wonderful. I'm happy to know Laurie has such an amazing daughter." The car has now reached my drop-off area. I turn to the older gentleman next to me.

"It's been a pleasure getting to know you too, Nickolas." Nick smiles but rolls his eyes at the awkward way I say his name causing me to laugh, which I regret doing as my warm throat starts fighting me.

"Need help with your bag?" I shake my head no, but Nick is already out of the car, opening the trunk for me. Once I'm about, he's already wheeling my suitcase to me. "Text your mother when you land. She'll be worried sick otherwise."

"I will."

Without thinking, I wrap my arms around Nick and hug him. I feel Nick hesitate before doing the same. It didn't last long, but it was nice. "Thanks again for everything." "Sorry for getting you sick, kid." Now I roll my eyes. "It's alright. I'll see you, Nick." I turn around and start walking to the airport doors.

"Wait!" I turn around to see the car window rolled down with Nick leaning over the passenger seat. "Don't forget to check your bag! You're flying to LA; who knows what someone might do if it's left in the overhead bin." I shake my head at him like he's crazy until I remembered the conversation over dinner last night.

"Literally pee all over my luggage. Someone left their child's toilet up in the top, and during take-off, it flew to the back, smacking everyone's precious cargo." (A/N this story happened on a podcast I used to listen to)

My face morphs in disgust. I shoot Nick a thumbs up as he laughs at my face. "So long, kid!" And with that, I turn back around and head straight towards my airline's desk. Ready to check this bag.

_

Okay, so that took longer than I thought it would. Of course, it's the beginning of summer, and this place is packed. What was I thinking? Now I'm sprinting, yes, sprinting to my gate! Mind you; I'm still feeling terrible!

It's like a scene out of a movie. I make it to my gate just as the last couple of people are shuffling on. The ticket on my phone goes through, and now I can finally breathe! I follow the people onto the plane, double-checking that I have everything. Phone? Obviously. AirPods? Duh. Cards and ID? Front pocket because what if my bag gets lost because I listened to Nick? Okay, time to find my seat and get rid of this headache.

I picked the worst day to fly.

_

Does anyone watch the stewardess do the safety instructions in case something happens and you need to step up, or is this just my anxiety making me watch them?

Anyways I feel relieved once they finish up. The person next to me couldn't give a shit. They were on their phone the whole time, and let me tell you, they were getting screamed at by someone through text.

Which weirdly reminds me.

I open my phone. I never finished my conversation with Robbie.

wasn't ignoring you just got on the plane. I'll text you when I land.

After a couple of minutes, Robbie responds.

No sweat I started taking a crack at that other song All Eyes On Me. Are you sure this is suited for me?

Moody indie? Uh yeah dude.

🙄 Saving it for when you get here. have a safe flight.

👍🏼

I exit that conversation, and I'm surprised to see a text from Max I don't remember getting.

"Elizabeth stopped by your place again. I think it might be for the last time. She's leaving ny."

Oh wow. Trying to copy me, Olsen?

I'm trying to formulate a sentence to type back, but I get interrupted when the mean stewardess tells me to put all electronic devices on airplane mode.

I'll just text Maxine back later. As of right now, though, I think it's time to pull out my AirPods, put on a relaxing playlist and tune out that crying baby five rows ahead of me.

Liz POV

Even in first class, I'm nervous. I don't know what it is today, but my nerves are doubled. Ever since we touched down in my home state, I've had this weird feeling.

Was I wrong to leave? Is it wrong to come back home? I should've apologized and seen my sister before leaving. No, I should've fucking chased after Y/N when I had the chance. Oh, God. Should I change my sunglasses and hat?

"Miss Olsen?" I dramatically lift my eyes up from the spot where my engagement ring used to be to see the eyes of the kind stewardess saving me from myself. "If you'd like to follow me." I nod before getting up and following her like a lost puppy. Except lost puppies don't get the stink eye from people, you never met.

Once we make it to the gate, the stewardess leads me to a man waiting with my bags. Well, all except one thing. Y/N's guitar case. Also, who is this man? Why is he here? I can carry my own bags.

"Thank you," I say to the stewards, who gives me a tight-lipped smile before turning back onto the plane. I walk up to the man and thank him for gathering all my belongings, but I can take it from here. He obliges as I double-check that I do indeed have everything except the guitar. I do! So with my purse securely on my shoulder and the bags and cases in my hands, I make my way to baggage claim.

Y/N POV

Two naps in one day.

I feel better after the second one. Or at least I thought I did. My eyes aren't tired. My head isn't killing me. But my throat. My throat got worse. Yes, it doesn't pain me as much to speak, but it's extra scratchy, and anytime I do try and speak, it's not my voice. I sound like a different person. Oh goodness, I need cough drops and water quick.

A text to James, Robbie, Max, and my mom later, and I'm the last one off. I've never been that last one off a plane, so I guess I can cross that off my bucket list. Why is it called that? Anyways with no bags carried on with me, it's now time to try to find my airline's baggage claim.

Oh yeah, also, I've never been to LAX before, so this is a new terrifying experience.

I hate that I'm doing this by myself.

_

I shouldn't have listened to Nick. I swear I've watched hundreds of people come by and be gone while I'm still here. I literally watched a guy walk around the corner, come by, scoop up his bag and walk straight into a car waiting for him. What the fuck?

Also, some people have zero sense of fashion. I know I don't, but I was learning a thing or two from the Olsens. Plus, I'm gay, so it's different.

Anygays, after watching the black suitcase with red lining pass by for the 7,495 time, I'm about to give up when brand new bags start coming down.

I watch as the crowd around me starts to grow. I had to do a double take when I thought I saw a woman in an LA Dodgers cap hanging around, but I didn't see her anymore, and I have to remember I'm actually in California now, so that's probably normal.

_

Finally, I saw it! My large suitcase was making its way to me. Without much of a struggle, I'm able to pull off the belt and make sure that, yes, it's mine. I'm about to finally walk away when something catches my eye.

I watch as it slides its way down before slowly making it was past me. It can't be. I look over the stickers on the case. Surely someone else has my exact same ones.

Except no one has my Davey-made sticker for my high school track team. Only one was made.

And there it is.

I watch as the case passes the people to my right. "Hey." I croak out of my throat as I watch a hand go and grab the case. Shit. They didn't hear me. When did so many people get here?

"Excuse me." "Get out of my way." "Sorry."

These are all the things I'm spitting out as the power starts coming back into my voice as I'm rushing to whoever thinks they can't steal my guitar case.

How the fuck do they have it?

"Hey, stop," I call out once I'm behind the person. "You with the case!" Fucking unbelievable! They're ignoring me.

"Hey!" I clear my throat once more and get right up behind the person before grabbing the bottom of my case from them pulling them back towards me.

"Who the fuck do you think you are!"

Liz POV

It took long enough, but it's finally here in my hands. I'm surprised I haven't been recognized with how long I was just standing there waiting.

I thought I saw someone who looked a lot like Y/N peer their way toward me, but I lost them in the ever-growing crowd.

Anyways. It's finally here in my hand. I hear some commotion behind me, but I'm too tired to see what that's about. I just want to "Hey!" get to Aubrey's before bringing this guitar to Robb-

"Who the fuck do you think you are!"

I feel the guitar case being pulled from behind as my hand gets yanked back, turning me around.

"Hey!" I yell before our eyes meet.

Y/N & Liz POV

It's her! She's here in front of me!! Don't fuck this up.

Part 27