#:c can’t separate the besties ever

[pixlokita]

This AU is old as heck but deserves a redraw :> anyway puppy wolf CC because ye 🐺✨

[vitalverstappen]

Homecoming - C. Leclerc

summary: have you ever had a massive crush on your team rival?

pairing: Charles Leclerc x Red Bull driver! reader

warnings: drinking, swearing, use of y/n

word count: 5.5k

a/n: so @coco-loco-nut (aka my irl bestie) and i both wrote fics based on the same concept, theirs is linked at the end!

smau

masterlist

Contrary to popular opinion, Monaco was one of, if not your least favorite racetrack. It was narrow, making it hard to pass and way too easy to defend. Analysts would say all of that makes the Grand Prix exciting, while you found it to be just plain stupid. For the last half of the race, you were stuck in a DRS train in 10th, sandwiched between Alex in front and Pierre behind. 

“Fucking hell guys, this is boring.” You complained over the radio “Sorry I can’t do any better right now” 

And you couldn’t do any better the rest of the race. While your race was nowhere near eventful, you were able to get glimpses of the screens showing Charles crossing the checkered flag first at his home race. You didn’t bother fighting the smile growing on your face. He had worked all of his life for this moment. He deserved every bit of euphoria. 

You slid into parc ferme along with the rest of the midfield, barely able to get out of the car and reconnect your steering wheel fast enough. Sprinting down parc ferme, you found Charles celebrating with his team and family. When he eventually wriggled his way out of their grasp, you were able to approach him. 

“Congrats Charlie. Well deserved man” You said, embracing him in a hug 

“Thank you, thank you” Was all he was able to get out. 

As the podium celebration ensued, you and Max made your way to the media pen. Dozens of news outlets were scattered around the barrier, prompting you to separate from your teammate. The interviewer greeted you before going through the standard questions of what went wrong in the race. 

“Now let’s talk about something that happened after the race” The interviewer spoke, leading you to raise an eyebrow. “I think everyone who wasn’t looking at Leclerc was watching you run down parc ferme to greet him. Can you tell me a bit about that?” 

You couldn’t help but chuckle. At the time, you didn’t think twice about doing it, but being asked about your actions, you probably looked crazy doing it. “Yeah I mean it’s always exciting watching someone win their home race. It’s something I’ve dreamed of since I started watching Formula One as a little girl” 

A pause took over for a moment as you decided on the best way to word your next thoughts. “Charles is a very good friend of mine. He’s someone who welcomed me to the championship with open arms last year. On track I always want to give him a good fight if possible, but off the track I’m always going to support him.” 

Now Charles wasn’t usually one to eavesdrop on interviews. Most of the drivers said the same things over and over again, occasionally rephrasing. But whenever he heard your sweet southern accent, he couldn’t help but to listen in on what you had to say. 

When your words hit his ears, he could feel his heart stop. He wasn’t expecting you to confess a secret crush that no one knew you had to some interviewer, but a guy could dream. Instead, you very publicly friendzoned the Monegasque. 

Little did he know, you did in fact have a massive secret crush that only one person knew about. That one person was your teammate. And boy did he know a lot about it. 

“Did I just friendzone Charles with that?” You asked as the two of you walked towards the Red Bull garage for the team meeting. 

“Honestly maybe” Max said “Depends on if Charles is smart enough to realize you said it because you weren’t stupid enough to reveal your emotions to the media” 

“So then I definitely friendzoned him. Got it” You sighed

You weren’t sure if it was just how boring the entire day was, but the team meeting felt like it was dragging on. While you were zoning in and out of listening to Horner and Marko explain every single thing that was wrong with how you drove, you spotted Max next to you on his phone. 

“What are you doing?” You whispered 

Max’s head snapped up to look at you, quickly turning off his phone as he did so. “Oh, uh nothing” 

You shrugged, not thinking anything of Max’s reaction. He was always a private person, and you understood not wanting anyone to know your private conversations. 

Later that night, you traded your fireproofs for a little black top and jeans, as you and the grid were going out to celebrate Charles’ win. You were the last of the drivers to arrive, all of the boys jokingly blaming it on the fact you took longer to get ready, but in reality you needed the time to calm your nerves. 

You had gone to the club with the grid plenty of times before, but none of them revolved around Charles being the center of attention. You knew he was going to be bouncing around the group, spending time with everyone, and you were sure you didn’t want to make a fool out of yourself. 

Meanwhile, Charles was worrying about himself. When he drank, he got flirty. He knew it, Max knew it, even the fans knew it. The only person he was sure didn’t know was you. And that was only because he never drank as much as he usually does when he’s around you. 

He was already a few drinks deep when you finally showed up. He was near the back of the room, but he could spot your figure from a mile away. As you navigated through the sweaty bodies and sticky floors, Charles was easily able to get your attention by a wave of his hand. 

That wave turned into a hug, followed by a kiss on either cheek from the Monegasque. You realized it was just a cultural difference, and that’s how he greeted all of his female friends, but that didn’t stop your heart from fluttering. 

“Congrats again Charlie” You said finally spoke 

“Thank you mon amour, why don't I get you a drink to celebrate?” He asked, his words already starting to slur a bit 

“I can pay for myself. If anything so should be getting you a drink, for the winner after all” You replied. 

“No, no, no. Let me get it for you.” He insisted “You wouldn’t want to disappoint the winner, now would you?” 

You knew you weren’t going to win this round, so you let him buy you a drink. He followed you up to the bar where he easily got the attention of the bartender. 

“Moscow mule and a vodka redbull, blue edition” He ordered

Your head snapped to look at him, surprised he knew what you wanted. Regardless of how many times you’ve gone out drinking with him, you knew you never told him what your usual was. 

“You know my drink order?” You asked 

“I’m just that good” He shrugged as the bartender handed him the beverages. Charles handed you the vodka redbull as the two of you walked away from the bar. “Feel free to put the rest of your drinks on my tab tonight” 

It was a no-brainer that Charles was going to be the center of attention all night. Not even thirty seconds after you got your drinks, his childhood friends whisked him away. Then it was his friends from Ferrari. And then his brothers. And then those people who claimed they were friends with him, but only got close with him after he became famous. 

But no matter how many times he got carried away, he always found his way back to you. Even if it was just for a second, Charles made sure he checked on you throughout the night. 

The majority of your night was spent with Max, Logan and Oscar. You were lucky you got along well with your teammate, and you, Logan, and Oscar all grew close due to being the rookies the season prior. It also helped that Logan was the only other American on the grid. 

“So what’s going on between you and Charles?” Oscar asked 

“Oh uh nothing. We’re just friends” You said, hoping the Aussie would drop the topic 

Unfortunately for you, Logan decided to call you out. “Oh bullshit. I overheard him insisting on buying your drinks tonight, and we all saw you sprinting earlier to congratulate him” 

“Charles is too drunk to realize what he’s offering” You quickly dismissed 

“Still doesn’t explain your actions in parc ferme” Logan reminded

You looked to Max for help, only for the Dutchman to shrug.

“You are no help” You told him as you turned to the two others “I may have a small crush on him” 

Max almost did a spit take when he registered your words. “Small? You were doodling both of your initials together during the team meeting today.”

“Details, details. How about another round?” You suggested, quickly changing the subject. 

The four of you had just finished a round of shots when you saw Charles approaching from behind Max. The Monagasque rested his arm on Max’s shoulder, clearly needing stability. His eyes widened and a goofy smile formed on his face when he saw you. 

“There you are!” Charles slurred, moving his arm from Max’s shoulders to yours 

“Oooohkayy, I think it’s time for you to go home” You said, shifting to support his weight better “C’mon Charlie”

“Ooo Charlie” Logan teased 

You shot the American a glare, mouthing the words “not now”. Charles somehow got himself off of you, only to wrap his arms around himself, embracing his own body in a hug. 

“Uh, are you good?” Oscar asked Charles, his voice filled with concern 

“Yes, just thanking myself for coming out tonight. I picked a great bar” Charles answered with a goofy grin forming on his face. His eyes were shut as he swayed back and forth, almost knocking into a poor girl behind him. 

Apologies quickly fell out of your mouth to the girl. As you turned back to the group, all of the boys except Charles had worry plastered on their faces. Both Max and Oscar offered to help you take Charles home, but you turned them down. His place was only a few blocks away, and your hotel was about the same. You slung Charles’ arm over your shoulder, before bidding goodbye to your friends. 

“Bye Charlieeee” Logan teased his fingers waving goodbye. Another glare was shot from your eyes before Charles was carried out to the street. 

It didn’t take long to get Charles to his apartment. You insisted he sit down as you got him a glass of water, knowing he was too far from sober to do it without breaking or hurting something. Once he downed his first non alcoholic beverage in who knows how long, he changed and you put him to bed. 

You were sober and comfortable enough to walk yourself home, so once Charles was tucked in, you slipped your shoes on. Before you could get near the door though, you heard Charles calling your name. 

“What’s up?” You whispered as you opened the door to his bedroom. 

His eyes mimicked a puppy dog, pleading and full of concern. “I don’t want this to sound weird, but do you want to stay in the guest room tonight? I just don’t want you walking alone in the dark” 

Even though you knew you’d be fine walking home, you knew Charles would blame himself if something did happen to you. So, you agreed. You changed into one of Charles’s shirts that he insisted on you sleeping in, and made your way to the guest room. 

Neither of you dared to bring up what happened in Monaco. Not that anything bad happened, it was simply you didn’t know how the other felt, and it wasn’t a line either of you were comfortable crossing yet. 

Going into media day, you knew the press conference was going to be boring. It was Monza weekend, and your media group consisted of Lando, Pierre, Franco, and Charles. Having the attention on Charles was fine by you. You would be fine without the media taking your words out of context. 

With each question directed at Charles, you zoned out more and more. Thoughts of what you were going to do during the three week break crossed your mind. While traveling around the world for work was fun, home truly was where your heart lived. Your thoughts were cut off by someone tapping you. Looking to your right, Franco’s eyes met yours.

You had made some small talk with Franco throughout the day, wanting to welcome him into the league the same way you were last year. It was painful to receive the news that Logan was being replaced, but you couldn’t resent the newcomer, he just happened to be the one that was promoted.

“Is this usually this insufferable?” He whispered, genuine concern lacing his voice 

You stifled a laugh, careful not to interrupt Charles “Not this bad usually, but yeah it’s bad” 

“Great” He muttered “Thought I escaped it when I got promoted” 

The press room grew silent, leading you and Franco to press pause on your conversation. All eyes were on the two of you, while you guys gave blank stares back. 

“Did you hear the question?” The interviewer asked 

Franco chuckled awkwardly as he brought the microphone to his mouth. “Honestly? No. Bad first impression, so sorry” 

“No worries. Welcome to F1 Franco.” The interviewer said “For a fun question for the drivers: is there a certain trait that another driver has that you wish you had?” 

Franco thought for a second before opening his mouth to speak “Y/n’s friendliness I think. She was the first of the drivers to welcome me into F1, going out of her way to go to the Williams garage and introduce herself. So uh yeah, her friendliness” 

Warmth ran to your cheeks as the Argentinian turned to look at you. His smile was captivating, making your rosy glow even worse. 

“Wow, that was really sweet. Thank you Franco” You whispered before clearing your throat and picking the microphone up.

Your eyes landed on each of the drivers in the room, trying to think of any trait you would want from any of them. Charles’ ability to learn on the fly came to mind, but you couldn’t rave about Charles without revealing your feelings. 

“Ummmm, this may be team bias, but I’m probably going to have to pick Max.” You finally answered “His ability to perform under immense pressure is admirable. Going into last season as a rookie, I don’t think I could have asked for a better partner, or a better person to learn from.” 

The press conference wrapped up, the news stations leaving before the drivers could. You sat and talked to Franco a bit more, getting to know the newest driver better. Charles watched from the other side of the couch, trying not to make it too obvious. 

“Earth to Charles” Lando said, waving his hand in front of the Monegasque’s face

“Wha-what’s up?” Charles asked, snapping his head to look at Lando

“You were staring. Badly.” Lando pointed out 

“Not staring,” Charles defended, but the pink in his cheeks gave him away “Just…observing” 

“Sure, mate.” Lando smirked as he stood up, “You know, if you actually told her how you feel, you wouldn’t have to watch from a distance like a creep” 

“Really? I had no idea” Charles mumbled. He was relieved to see you didn’t hear what Lando had just said, as you were too engulfed in your conversation with Franco. 

“Just saying” The Brit continued “Everyone can see the chemistry between you two”

Charles adjusted his hat as he stood up next to his friend. “I just don’t want to ruin the friendship. What if it goes wrong?” 

Lando rolled his eyes. “Or it could go right. Look at how she talks to you, how she lights up around you. That’s not just a friendship, mate. She clearly likes you.”

Charles stole another glance at you, your eyes still focused on Franco. With one last sigh, he left the conference room, almost slamming the door behind him.

“What was that all about?” Franco asked you as he looked at the now shut door across the room

“I have no idea” You admitted  “Whatever it is, he’ll get over it”

The Austin sun blazed through the sky as you entered the paddock. You always loved being back home, and of course you went all out for it. You had your hair in two braided pigtails with your favorite cowboy hat resting on top, and a matching pair of boots tucked under your blue jeans. 

Most of the other drivers played into the gimmicks that Texas brought, even if they didn’t do them right. Some donned backwards cowboy hats while others tucked their jeans into their boots, both leading you to wince. Some, like Charles, did both.

“You look absolutely ridiculous” You yelled down the paddock as you spotted Charles in the middle of a media scrum

From what you could tell, they were in the middle of an unboxing of some sorts. Plastic and paper wrapping littered the area as a box was cracked open. Both Charles and the media turned to watch you walk over. 

“What are you talking about? I look fabulous” Charles said, showing off his new hat 

“Yeah,” You replied as you approached him “Except for the fact your hat’s the wrong way and your jeans are tucked in.” 

Before Charles could protest, you took the hat off of his head (from the crown of course, you weren’t an animal) and flipped it. His cheeks grew hot, both from embarrassment and how close you were to him. 

“Thank you” He whispered before untucking his jeans 

Saturday went perfectly for Red Bull. Max won the sprint, while you took second, giving the team a few more points in the Constructor’s race. 

As your day in the paddock came to a close, there was only one thing on your mind: the Texas/Georgia game. Growing up right outside the city meant your Saturdays were spent cheering on the Longhorns, and today was no different. 

You found Charles leaving the paddock at the exact same time you were, giving you the perfect opportunity to ask if he wanted to join you. While you knew he knew nothing about football, it at least gave you an excuse to spend a little extra time with him during the weekend. 

“What’s the chance you’re not doing anything tonight?” You asked as you caught up to him.

“Easily 100%. Do you have something in mind?” He replied 

“I have an extra VIP ticket to the game tonight and a spare jersey. Wanna join?” 

“You know I don’t know anything about American football” He reminded you. Charles truly wanted to go, but he didn’t want to bring your experience down because he was an idiot.  

“Pleaseeee” You begged, flashing him a fake pout “I promise you’ll have fun” 

Charles ran his hand through his hair before sighing “Okay. But this better not ruin my race tomorrow” 

You were right, Charles did have fun. Most of the time was spent on the sidelines, getting up close to the action. Charles didn’t understand a lick of what was going on, but that didn’t mean he didn’t try to. You walked him through all of the basic things he should know, like touchdowns, field goals, and extra points. 

And Charles would let you talk for days if he could. He was captivated by how your intonation changed as you explained the difference between a pass, a rush, and a kick attempt. Did any of what you said stick in his head? Absolutely not. But that didn’t matter. He was with you, and you were with him, and about 100,000 other people in the stadium.    

The rest of the weekend only got better for you. Not only were you working your way into Charles’ heart, you made your way to the top step of the podium. You knew Max was going to be aggressive going into turn one, giving you ample opportunity to sneak into the lead, where you stayed for the rest of the race. Both Charles and Max were on the podium with you, P2 and P3 respectively. 

“So would you say last night affected your race?” You asked Charles once you got to the cool down room. You quickly swapped the helmet in your hands for a towel and the Pirelli cap that were waiting for you. 

Charles chuckled “Maybe, I coulda ended up on the top step” 

You shrugged as you took your seat in the middle of the two boys. “Guess we’ll never know” 

After the formalities and shenanigans of the podium ceremony, you found yourself in the back of the media pen waiting for your turn for an open interviewer. You could feel a presence walking up to you, causing you to turn. Of all people, Franco was the one to approach. The two of you were decent friends, you being one of the first people to welcome him to the F1 grid. 

“Congrats on the win, amiga” Franco said, bringing you in for a hug 

“Thank you, thank you” You replied, “How was your first race at COTA?” 

“It was good! Definitely glad to be racing closer to home. I can’t wait for the next three in the Americas” He said 

As you and Franco made small talk, Charles was watching you like a hawk from across the pen. He listened to every laugh that came out of your mouth from something Franco said, analyzed every light hearted touch of the arm. Max was next to him, well aware of the events of the night prior. It was hard for him to not know about it, you would not stop talking about it in the paddock. 

“The way he held me? I felt like the only girl in the stadium” “He let me explain football to him, Max. No one ever lets me do that around here” “Are you sure he feels the same way about me?” Were all phrases that left your mouth earlier in the day. 

Max was positive Charles felt the same way about you that you did about him. Any of the few remaining doubts flew out the window as he listened to Charles whine. 

“Whatever he said cannot be that funny, right?” Charles asked “Like there’s no way”

Max muttered a “mhm” as he took a sip of the Red Bull in his hand. 

“I just don’t get how he does it so easily! What is it about him that makes him that likeable?” Charles asked “Is it the accent?” 

“Maybe it’s because he’s a natural flirt.” Max said “You couldn’t flirt with a brick if you tried” 

Charles’ glare left Franco and turned to the Dutchman next to him “You didn’t need to say that.” Max threw his hands up in defense.

“But what am I supposed to do if she can’t understand my flirting?” Charles asked 

“Just tell her how you feel. Ask her out on a date” Max suggested as if it was obvious. 

“That’s just asking for her to run me off the track in the next race” The Monagasque said. He ignored Lando’s advice in Monza, and he was likely to do the same to Max. 

A frustrated groan left Max’s mouth as he smacked the back side of his friend’s head. “Oh my god. Do I have to spell it out? She likes you.” 

Charles’ eyebrows furrowed as he watched you say goodbye to the Argentenian. A spot had opened up in the media pen, and Charles’ eyes followed you as you greeted the interviewer. 

“How do you know that?” He asked 

“Mate, she took you to the Texas game yesterday.  She doesn’t take just anyone. I’ve known her for years and I still haven’t gotten an invite.” He explained “In the garage, she wouldn’t shut up about how much fun she had with you last night.” 

“Really?” Charles asked. He couldn’t believe the words coming out of his friend’s mouth. 

“Yes, really. Now if you don’t tell her how you feel, I’m going to do it for you.” Max threatened as he walked towards the next open interviewer.

The bar buzzed with excitement as the sun dipped below the horizon. It being your home race, you ordered both your friends on and off the grid to join in the celebrations. Most of the guys were already there, already a few rounds deep, but it wasn’t until a certain Ferrari driver walked in that you relaxed. 

Charles navigated the crowd, his eyes scanning the room for any signs of you. When he spotted you at the bar, a grin spread across his face. He made his way over, squeezing through the sea of fans and drivers. 

“There you are!” he exclaimed, wrapping an arm around your shoulders. “I've been looking for the race winner!” 

“Yeah, you’ve been avoiding me since the podium” you teased, crossing your arms 

“Right, totally” He fake agreed “Now, drinks on me?” 

A playful smile broke onto your lips as you turned to face the driver. “Actually, I believe it’s my turn. You got me in Monaco, it’s only fair” 

Charles opened his mouth to protest, but you already had gotten the attention of the bartender. He watched as you put up two fingers, and the bartender quickly got to work. As he waited, he was able to catch snippets of chatter and laughter from the rest of the people in the bar. Logan made the trip out to Austin, and was in deep conversation with Oscar and Alex, while Max and Lando were cracking jokes about their battle during the race. 

You handed Charles one of the two drinks you had received “To a dominant 1-2 finish” you toasted, clinking your glass against yours

He took a sip, the refreshing taste of the cocktail invigorating “This is really good. What is it?” He asked, looking at his drink 

“Texas Cactus Water” You answered “Tequila, lime juice, and Topo Chico”

The night wore on, and with each passing drink, the atmosphere became more lively. You were in your element, charming everyone around you. You were sure to spread your attention out to everyone who came to celebrate your win, but you always found yourself going back to him.

“Want another round?” he asked after the two of you finished your drinks.

“Yeah, sure. Put it on my tab” You ordered, knowing he would have said the same to you. 

As Charles approached the bar, Franco suddenly appeared by your side, a broad grin on his face. “Looks like you’ve got quite the fan club” he joked, nodding toward Charles, who was deep in conversation with the bartender. 

“He’s just being nice” You replied, not wanting to think too much about the flutter in your stomach at Charles’ attention “He bought my drinks in Monaco, so I’ve been returning the favor.

Franco raised an eyebrow. “Or maybe he likes you a little more than just ‘nice’,” he said, smirking.

You chuckled, shaking your head. “Please, we’re just friends. He’s friendly with everyone.”

“Yeah, but he looks at you differently. Just saying,” Franco teased, nudging your arm before slipping away to join some other drivers.

When Charles returned with another round of drinks, he slid next to you, his arm casually draped over the back of your chair. “What’s got you smiling like that?” he asked, tilting his head with genuine curiosity.

“Oh, just Franco being... well, Franco,” you replied, trying to sound nonchalant.

“Yeah? What did he say?” Charles pressed, his expression shifting to one of interest.

“Nothing important. Just... you know, how great it is to be back in Austin,” you deflected, not wanting to reveal the fluttering thoughts swirling in your mind.

Charles studied you for a moment, his brow furrowing slightly. “You sure? Because I could always tell him to back off if he’s bothering you,” he offered, his protectiveness shining through.

You laughed lightly. “I appreciate that, but really, it’s fine.”

As the night progressed, Charles seemed to loosen up even more, the drinks giving him a playful edge. He began to get a bit flirtier, leaning closer and making exaggerated gestures as he animatedly recounted his day.

At one point, he casually brushed your arm while reaching for his drink. The simple touch sent a rush of warmth through you. You could sense the tension building between you two, an electricity that was impossible to ignore.

You tried to focus on what he was saying, but the lingering sensation from his touch was hard to shake off. Each time he leaned closer, you felt that flutter in your stomach intensify, battling with the excitement of the moment. 

“So, what’s your strategy for Mexico City?” you asked, hoping to redirect the conversation and distract yourself from the undeniable chemistry brewing between you

Charles grinned, his eyes sparkling. “Honestly? Just to keep up with you. I’ve seen how competitive you can be, and I want to push myself more.” 

You smirked, leaning close enough in to get a whiff of his cologne “Is that so? You better be prepared for a good fight” 

He laughed, the sound deep and warm, and for a moment, the world around you faded. “I’d expect nothing less” he replied. His voice was low, and you could see a flicker of something deeper in his gaze. 

Just then, Max, Lando and Logan rejoined you, breaking the spell. 

“What were you two whispering about?” Lando asked, a mischievous grin on his face 

“Just race strategies” you said quickly, shooting a glance at Charles. The Monagasque nodded, playing along, but you could see a hint of disappointment in his eyes at the interruption

“Strategies for what? How to sneak out of here without us noticing?” Logan chimed in. You shot him a glare in response. 

“Oh come on” Charles said, his eyes rolling but amusement still danced on his face “We’re just having a good time” 

Max leaned in, the smell of alcohol on his lips as he smirked “Just make sure you keep it PG, yeah? Red Bull doesn’t need any headlines about you sleeping with the enemy” 

You lightly punched your teammate, causing him to flinch. “I can handle my own headlines, thank you very much” 

The group continued to joke and banter, but you couldn’t help stealing glances at Charles. He was laughing and enjoying himself, but every so often, his gaze would flicker back to you, that intensity returning.

As the night wore on, the playful atmosphere shifted to something more intimate when the music slowed down. You found yourself back at the bar with Charles, the noise of the party around you dimming to a soft buzz. Both of you had too many drinks, and it was evident by the conversation you were having. 

“Do you ever think what happens after this?” he asked, his tone serious

You looked up at him, surprised. “After what? The day? The season?”

He hesitated for a moment, as if weighing his words carefully. “I mean, after all this. When we’re not racing anymore. What do you want?” 

Charles’ question caught you off guard. It was a vulnerability you weren’t expecting. “I-” you started, then paused, choosing your words carefully. “I guess I want to keep doing what I love. Traveling, meeting new people, but also taking the time to enjoy moments like this.” 

He nodded, absorbing your words. “Yeah, me too. I’ve realized these moments are what make the job worth it” 

You could feel the tension building again, that electric connection almost palpable. “So what do we do about it?” you asked, your heart racing

Charles looked at you, his expression softening, and for a heartbeat, it felt like the world around you disappeared again. “Maybe we should stop pretending and just see where this goes?” He suggested, finally confronting the elephant in the room

The sincerity in his voice made your heart skip “You mean…?” 

He wasn’t sure where the sudden confidence was coming from. Maybe it was the amount of drinks, or maybe it was due to your true feelings finally being on display tonight. “Yeah, I mean if we both feel it, why not explore it?” 

You felt a rush of emotions - excitement, fear, hope. “I’d like that” you said softly, your voice barely above a whisper. 

Before you could process what was happening, Charles leaned down, pressing his lips against yours. It took a second to kiss him back, but when you did, it was everything you had dreamed of since you first met him. 

Suddenly, a loud cheer erupted from the other side of the bar, pulling you away from each other. All of the other drivers were staring at you, each pair of eyes matched with a shit eating grin. 

“You wanna get out of here?” You asked 

“Yeah, I’d like that” Charles said, taking your hand 

======

want more? check out @coco-loco-nut's sister story below!

[soapiemomorphine]

My Rottmnt Separated Au!// Masterpost

(*Dj Khalid voice *: Another one ) (scroll to bottom for links to other posts)

This one’s called:

How I Met Our Brothers

And it’s an au of my own inspired by all the greats, like @daedelweiss @dianagj-art @trubblegumm @red-rover-au and more! (Seriously go follow their blogs)

Mainly by @trubblegumm and by the feral Leo from @cupcakeslushie , and you’ll soon why

With out further ado;

DRUMROLL PLEASE DUN DUNNUNUUUUHHHHH

(Also dont worry ab my chicken scratch I have it all written down lol)

(Click for better quality lol)

Since my writing’s shit (lol) here’s the transcript for what I wrote: the character descriptions first, then the pluses from top to bottom

Donatello Hamato:

Raised by Splinter/Hamato Yoshi/Lou Jitsu in the sewers under Brooklyn

Started looking for his bros after his dad told him about them

Met April when he was 9 (she was 11)

He met Leo when they were both 11

Baron Michelangelo:

(I hc that Baron is a title, not a name; like Lord or Lady, so Mikey inherited Draxum’s title)

He’s been training to be a mystic warrior since he was born

Muninn (the one with a larger body and the underbite) wanted him to be named Angel, Huginn (the one with a larger head and overbite) wanted him to be Michael, so they compromised with the perfect name (don’t tell Draxum they saw it in a human pamphlet )

Raised by Draxum alone until he was seven

At 7 y/o he met Raph and ever since both Big Mama and Baron Draxum have joint custody over them

BM and BD raise them like a divorced couple, they alternate houses weekly and they celebrate each holiday twice, (Big Mama and Draxum only come together for their b-days)

Besties with Raph and Cass, (met Cass when he was 10, she was 13)

Rapheal Jitsu :

Training to be a mystic warrior since he was 9

Big Mama named him what she and Splinter would have named their first son; (he proposed to her, you can’t tell me that they didn’t talk ab baby names)

Big Mama was not the only secretive one in the relationship, she didn’t know what Splinter’s real last name was, (and as a gang leader she doesn’t use her name anymore) so yes, Jitsu is Raph’s legal last name

Met Mikey when he was 9 y/o

BM and BD raise them like a divorced couple, they alternate houses weekly and they celebrate each holiday twice, (Big Mama and Draxum only come together for their b-days)

Besties with Mike and Cass, (met Cass when he was 12, she was 13)

??????? —> Leonardo Hamato:

He grew up in the sewers in Staten Island, the one who brought him there was *REDACTED*

Staten Island is full on awful people, so nobody took him in, and he learned to fear people

Donnie found him, and named him Leonardo and gave him his birthday, making him 11

Other Info:

+ because Leonardo was hella malnourished as a growing young lad, Donnie ended up being the 2nd tallest by the time of the movie

+Splinter became more proactive in Donnie’s life ever since he lost sight of the other three brothers and became more proactive in his training when he met April because he’s more paranoid than he is in the show

+Don didn’t really care for Leo (he was comfortable as an only child and Leo changed his routine), until Leo got deathly sick and nearly died

+Big Mama and Draxum (somewhat) reformed only b/c Mikey and Raph would cry and throw tantrums (they won the moral argument slay) when they would talk ab their plans and beliefs (Draxum loves his children more that he hates humanity, and Big Mama finally learned how to love with Raph)

+Mama truly loved Splinter, but was insecure about him loving her as a Yokai (she had trust issues) and b/c her morals are hella skewed, it seemed like a great idea to keep him the only way she knew how, by putting him in Battle Nexus (and she makes bank with him there! In her mind it seemed like a win-win)

(Note: Big Mama’s and Splinter’s relationship will solely be as exes, because it would be hella unhealthy for Splints to trust her after she betrayed it like it. (They both lied to eachother during their relationship in this au) Their relationship in my comics and fanfics in this au will solely be as estranged exes, they will not be getting back together)

If this post gets like, at least 30 notes then ill post a comic on how Leo and Donnie met! (Edit: oh wow. U guys did it)

Lists of HIMOB Posts:

Disaster twins post

Sunset duo post

HIMOB Donnie meets the Canon Mad Dogs // Bonus Comic

Donnie and the Stranger: Part 1 // Part 2

The name Rapheal: Part 1 // Part 2

The Caretaker: Part 1 // TBC . . .

[arjaandsimoni]

Thorns

Houston Texas, midday

Two girls walked down the street together, one seeming much happier about it than the other.

She was dressed in a lovely red silk top with green tights under a darker green skirt, a pair of red buckle shoes on her feet. She had long wavy black hair and several passerby wondered if she may be a child model or something.

Her friend wore a purple silk top with short puffy sleeves under a pastel pink denim skirtall, white tights on her legs and pink tennis shoes on her feet. She also had on a strange silvery sort of choker. She too had long black hair.

“Hmmmm… what should we do today Bestie?” the first girl giggled. “I’m thinking… ice cream, can’t ever go wrong with ice cream… and then we’ll go to the park and find some new friends to play with.” she grinned, but there was an oddly malicious hint to her words…

The other girl whimpered, glancing around frantically as she followed along as if on an invisible lead. Suddenly a huge crowd of commuters rushed past, it was the lunch rush after all, and the two girls got separated.

As soon as they were split up, the second girl stumbled as if something pulling on her had suddenly been released. The girl in pink and purple’s eyes widened. This was her chance! She waited until she couldn’t see the girl in red and green, then turned and raced into the crowd as fast as her legs would carry her!

The first girl looked around, then huffed and put her hands on her hips. “Really now!” she pouted, then smirked, “If you wanted to play hide and seek you just had to say so, silly…” she giggled, skipping off after her, “Okaaaaay then, but when I catch you there’s gonna be a really nasty punishment in store!”

As she walked past the storefronts the flowers on display seemed to bloom brighter, and slowly turned to watch her go…

Elsewhere in Houston

Stephy, Tex, and Sammi walked through the streets, the latter of which was not happy about it at all. “At least this bloody city has some culture to it here and there, but by oak and ash who do I have to complain at to get them to turn down this damnable heat?!” he grumped. He’d gone with a silvery loose shirt and white leather pants with matching boots, hoping the lighter colors would help reflect the heat away instead of absorb it, but even then it was punishing for the princeling.

“Pretty sure the sun doesn’t care how hot you are Sammi.” replied Stephy, though he had to admit he was feeling the heat as well. He’d gone with a loose white top with long flowing sleeves, a long white silk skirt, sandals, and a wide brimmed straw hat, but it was still pretty rough for the wintery changeling. He honestly was beginning to miss Lady Sera’s realm at the moment, if only because he knew he wouldn’t feel like he was melting there.

Tex smiled sympathetically at him, “Yeah, one thing I definitely didn’t miss ‘bout Texas… it gets hotter’n Hell here in th’ summertime…” he sighed, patting the effeminate boy’s shoulder. “We’ll take a break soon ‘n get some lunch somewhere with th’ A/C goin’ hard kay?” he nodded.

Both the faeries gave a very energetic ‘yes’ to this, Sammi conjuring a ball of ice in his hand and pressing it to his forehead as they walked. “The sooner we’re back north the bloody better… every day here is more punishing than the last…” grumbled Sammi. “I swear I’m going to boil away to nothing at this ra-AUGH!” he yelped, falling backwards as Stephy and Tex caught him, the fae prince shaking his head. “WATCH WHERE YOU’RE GOING!” he snapped, glaring ahead of him.

However, sitting there was a young girl in purple and pink… or at least that’s what it looked like to Tex. To Sammi and Stephy however she had points to her ears, and her eyes were bright bubblegum pink instead of any natural color. Her hair was long and wavy, and when it caught the light it made a rainbow sheen. Around her neck was a heavy silvery collar, inlaid with some strange design “… sorry! I… w-wait…” she looked up, staring between them, “You’re changelings!” she gasped, “You have to help me! Please! She’s looking for me!” she scrambled to her feet, rushing up to them.

Stephy and Sammi looked at each other, then Sammi said, “Well, that depends… WHO is looking for you exactly, young lady? It may be in our best interests to pretend we didn’t see you, or even tell them where you went.” he nodded.

Stephy glared at him, smacking him in the arm, “SAMMI!” he shouted, “She’s clearly just escaped! We have to at least get her to the local freehold! Wouldn’t you want someone to help you if your mom found you?!” he scolded as Tex shook his head at the fae prince.

A Freehold was something many major cities in the west had, a sort of self-made community of those who had been taken by the gentry but managed to escape back to Earth. Changed as they were, sometimes gone months or even years, they banded together to make do as best they could.

Sammi rubbed his arm, glaring back. “I’m not saying I don’t feel for her plight, just that some of the Gentry are exceedingly powerful! If they catch up to her and find us with her they may decide to take us as well!” he snapped.

Stephy huffed, “Well I’m not leaving her, and if you’re pledge-bound to me neither are you!” he smirked.

Sammi frowned back, then looked at her, “Right, lets have a look at your collar then… that should tell us who we’re dealing with.” he muttered, cupping the girl’s chin and kneeling down, she was shorter than all of them, looking like she was barely ten years old.

Stephy pouted, “There’s still fae who take them this young huh?” he asked.

The girl shook her head, “I-I’m not a kid! She just won’t let me grow up! I feel like I’ve been there for years now!” she insisted, “She tricked me into playing with her when my parents grounded me and now she won’t let me leave!” she shook a bit at that, “I can’t go back… I can’t… she’s insane… she’s completely twisted. It all looks cute and wonderful at first but…” she whimpered.

Stephy pouted at her, kneeling down on her side as Tex squatted next to him, “Hey, it’ll be alright, we’ll do what we can to get you to safety okay? I can’t really promise it, but if there’s a chance…” he started… and then a voice rang out.

“FOUND YOU!” sang a childish voice as a girl in red and green walked into view.

“Oh no…” she whispered, “Oh no no no no no…” she clung to Sammi’s arms as he saw the collar clearly.

“Roses…” murmured Sammi, “Oh blast and damnation…” he looked up.

“I found you I found you I green and yellow found you!” giggled the newcomer in a sing song tone, striding up to them, “Oh! And you found us some new friends! Goodie! Maybe I won’t punish you so bad for running away! I… wait…”

The girl paused, frowning, “Something about those two is… familiar…” she narrowed her eyes, drawing closer as she pouted a bit, “Blondie girl is really really… waaaaaait… ITS YOU!” she snarled, her face becoming a mask of rage as her irises seemed to widen until her eyes went jet black.

Stephy and Tex stood up quickly, the girl’s head snapping back and forth between them, “YOU! AND YOU!” she stormed forward, her hair blowing in an unseen breeze as flowerbuds began to appear, and then roses burst into bloom.

Stephy stepped back suddenly, Tex’s hand flying to the knife at his belt as Sammi stood, the young girl trying to hide behind him. “Oh shit…” whispered Stephy, “I know who your keeper is…”

“You threw away my gift, broke my toys, set that demon-cursed grownup on me, AND NOW YOU’RE TRYING TO TAKE MY BESTIE?! STEPHEN FULLMOON! I’M GOING TO TURN YOU INTO FERTILIZER FOR MY GARDEN!” shrieked Isolde, the Everblooming Rose.

"RUN!" shouted Sammi, "RUN NOW!" and run they did!

The four of them raced down through the busy streets of Houston, trying to vanish into the press of bodies as the flowers in public displays, shop windows, and anywhere that had them all seemed to burst into bloom around them as they ran. It would look like something out of a romantic comedy if not for the fact that each of them seemed to be snarling insults at them as they passed.

Nasty filthy Fullmoon!

Queen Isolde is gonna getcha! Gonna getcha!

Toy breakers and friend takers! Naughty! Wicked!

The mundanes couldn’t hear them, but anyone with a touch of supernatural that they passed seemed to get the message. Several people immediately did an about face back into stores or buildings they were coming out of, a few watching them go with rather anxious eyes.

Behind them came Isolde, and the crowd of commuters seemed to part for her without even knowing why. She only had eyes for the four she was pursuing, but mainly for Stephy. The other two she would torture into insanity just so he’d have to watch! Stephy looked around, then his knowledge of spotting boltholes took over and he grabbed Sammi and the unknown changeling's hands, “This way!” he nodded, rushing down an alleyway. Three lefts, two rights, shake her off! Stick to stone-covered areas with no plant life! No plants meant she couldn’t see them through their eyes!

The three of them raced down the alleyways until suddenly they hit a dead end. A wide-open area with a single pathway leading inwards, the rest walled off by buildings.

“Stephy, dear sibling, was this what you intended to do?” asked Sammi, looking around. The buildings were too high to get over! Stephy could fly over them, but he could only carry one of them at a time!

Stephy winced, “Guess Houston is laid out different from Covington…” he muttered, “Back home it wouldn’t have a dead end like this…”

Tex chuckled nervously, “Well shoot darlin’ I coulda told ya’ll that…” he muttered.

The changeling girl just looked around, her head snapping back and forth as she began to hyperventilate. She looked like she was on the verge of a panic attack.

Then the door at the end of the alley flew open to reveal the thorns and briars of the Hedge behind it as Isolde strolled out. Her human guise was totally shed, the Everblooming Rose standing there like the haughty fae queen she was in her gown of rose petals and leaves, her hair in full bloom. “Found yoooooooooou…” she sneered, then she snapped her fingers, and the path out of the area erupted in giant rose stems, making an impenetrable thorny barrier!

“No calling that nasty demon-possessed cousin of yours this time Stephen Fullmoon…” she giggled wickedly, “No calling that brutish tomboy of a cousin who wrecked my toys that just wanted to play with your cowboy friend either… The grownups can’t save you THIS TIME!” she sneered, her mouth spreading into a wide grin as her teeth changed into rose-thorns, “THIS TIME YOU WILL PAY FOR EVERYTHING YOU’VE DONE TO ME!”

Stephy stepped back from her, the girl cackling as she flexed her fingers and thorn vines began to grow from any nearby cracks in the pavement. No toys this time, it seemed the Everblooming Rose was being far more true to her name today!

Then, Sammi stepped forward, “Hold.” he said, “I am Prince Samuel of the Icebound Heart, and you have no claim on this one.” he stated, “Stephen Fullmoon has already been claimed by one of your sisters, Lady Sera of the Icebound Heart. My mother.” he smirked, “Do you wish to risk her wroth?” he asked.

This gave Isolde pause, the girl looking at Stephy, “… truly? After all I offered you, you went with one of the SADDIES?!”

Sammi frowned, his eye twitching a bit. “Must you use that term?” he muttered.

Isolde glared at him, “WELL THAT’S WHAT YOU WINTERY TYPES ARE!” she shouted, “All you wanna do is cry in the snow and feel miserable! I at least make people HAPPY! See how happy my bestie is?!” she smirked, gesturing to the young changeling girl.

The girl let out a sudden shriek and stumbled, her cheeks pushed back as her mouth was forced into a huge smile, so hard that her eyes were watering from it! She whimpered, trying to push them back down with her hands, but they wouldn’t budge!

“Seeeeee? She’s sooooo happy to see me! Now we’re going to go back home and she’s going to play dress up with me and watch cartoons and we’ll have all sorts of FUN!” squealed Isolde, but the fear in the girl’s eyes suggested that Isolde’s comments meant something far more sinister than they sounded.

Stephy stood infront of her, “Isolde she’s clearly terrified! She doesn’t want to go with you!” he protested, knowing exactly how little good it’d do. Faeries like her only saw the world they wanted to see.

The girl shook her head behind him, managing to force her jaw to move enough to make words, “I… I wanna go home…” she whimpered.

Isolde giggled, “Well that’s where we’re going silly! After I punish this wicked nasty cheater and toybreaker we’ll go straight back home!” she replied, smiling widely at the changeling.

She shook her head frantically, “N-no! Not there! I wanna go back to my home! With my parents!” she managed to push out.

Isolde paused at that, “Nooooo… you don’t wanna go back to those grownups who were being jerks to you. You want to come back to your real home in my castle.” she nodded, stating it as if it was the most obvious thing in the world.

The girl shook her head harder, her long hair shining rainbows as it caught the light. “NO! NO I DON’T! I WANT MY MOM AND DAD AND MY BABY SISTER!” she protested.

Isolde stared, her eye twitching, and then she rounded on Stephy and jabbed out an accusing finger, “YOU! YOU DID SOMETHING! YOU BROKE MY BESTIE! IT’LL TAKE AGES TO MAKE HER STOP CRYING ABOUT THAT AGAIN!” she snarled in fury, the thorn fangs coming out once more as her roses turned a violent shade of purple, the thorn vines seeming to double in number.

Sammi stood ready, conjuring a swirl of ice and snow, “Isolde… if you lay a single finger on him the full fury of the Icebound Heart will fall upon your Toyland… my mother will see to that. It will mean war in Arcadia.” he warned.

“I! DON’T! CARE!” she screamed, shaking her fists in fury, “THAT BOY IS HORRIBLE! HE RUINS EVERYTHING HE TOUCHES! I’LL SEE HIM SUFFER FOR IT!” she gestured, and the thorn vines flexed, then aimed towards the group like spears… “Starting… RIGHT… NOW!” she grinned wickedly and pointed, the vines racing forward.

As they did, Tex drew a hand from the Very Useful Deck... The joker was infront of him, but the throne wasn’t empty this time.

"Looks like ya’ll got yerselves in a right pickle… guess I’d better getcha back outta it…" said a voice in his head.

There was a sensation of split time, then a whip crack rang out and the thorn vines shuddered before falling to pieces.

Isolde stared as her rose vines fell around her in huge clumps, “… w-what… no… no no no no NO!” she snarled, stamping her foot in fury, “YOU. KEEP. DOING. THAT!” she threw back her head and shrieked, “CHEAAAAAAAAAAAAAATER!”

Standing before the group was someone new. A tall man, easily six foot, in a long duster coat as black as a moonless night. He wore a matching cowboy hat on his head and was dressed in black vest and slacks with blackened leather boots that had shining silvery spurs on them. At his left hip was a bullwhip, his hand still resting on it, and at his right hip was a revolver… and on his breast was a six-pointed star shaped badge.

“Girl, ya’ll need a lesson in how ta behave.” said the newcomer, looking up and raising his hat with a thumb… revealing a face like a giant crow, beak and all, his black beady eyes focused on Isolde, “The name’s Joker Black. Sheriff Joker Black… ‘n anyone what messes with m’ dealer messes with me.” he nodded.

Sammi stumbled back a step, “Oak and Ash and Thorn… you actually landed that.” he chuckled to himself, “... and your version is a bloody sheriff of all things.” he couldn’t help snickering, “That is TOO perfect.”

Isolde snarled, then lashed out with her thorn vines again, but quick as a blink Joker’s hand was on his whip and with a loud CRACK the vines fell to pieces once more, the sheriff advancing. “Now young lady, ya’ll think I don’t know how ta deal with you?” he asked, if his face could smirk it would be.

Isolde growled, “No… NO! DON’T DO IT!” she spat, taking a step away from the approaching Joker. She almost looked afraid...

“Ya’ll gotta listen, good kids always listen…” he nodded as Isolde screamed and two massive rose vines erupted around him! Joker’s other hand moved in a blur and there were two loud BANGs, and the vines went down with huge holes oozing sap.

Isolde stomped her foot and shook her head, “NO NO NO! DO NOT! DO NOT DO NOT DO NOT!” she screamed, rose vines erupting all around her.

“Young lady…” said Joker in a warning tone, standing over her, “Go to your room.” he said forcefully.

Isolde cried out, forcing her hands over her ears, “NO! I DON’T WANT TO!” she shouted, shaking her head as her legs suddenly trembled, the vines she conjured going limp! She fell onto her back and shrieked loud and wordlessly, like a child throwing a tantrum, trying to drown out Joker’s voice!

“This ain’t a discussion lil’ missy! GO TO YOUR ROOM THIS DANG INSTANT OR I’M GONNA GIVE YOU A HIDIN’ YOU’LL NEVER FORGET!” shouted Joker.

Isolde gritted her teeth, her hands pushed so hard against her ears that her knuckles were turning white, but finally she sagged. “… okaaaaaaay…” she sniffled, getting to her feet and stumbling back towards the door to the Hedge. She gave Stephy one last venomous look, then she passed through the door and a second later it slammed shut.

Stephy and the others watched her go, the fae ‘princess’ staring in confusion as to what had just transpired.

Joker then turned to them and tipped his hat, “Pleasure meetin’ ya’ll, if’n ya’ll need mah help, ya know where ta find me… if Lady Luck is kind enough our paths’ll cross again.” he said, then suddenly he was gone and a card slowly drifted down to the ground. After a minute Tex stumbled forward and collected it.

Stephy finally found his voice, “How… the hell…” he gestured to their battlefield, still covered in slowly wilting rose vines, and the door that Isolde had retreated through.

Sammi chuckled, “Oh, you didn’t know? All of the Fair Folk have a bane. A weakness that we cannot overcome, try as we might. Isolde is a powerful fae queen, but she’s a queen of childhood desires. She’s the eternal eight-year-old girl.” he smirked at Stephy, crossing his arms over his chest and nodding.

Stephy blinked slowly, then cocked his head a bit, “… she… was told to go to her room…” he started, his eyes widening as he put the pieces together.

Sammi nodded, “… by an adult. Why do you think she hates them so much? She HAS to obey them, she doesn’t get a choice in the matter because ‘good kids listen to the grownups.’” he grinned. “That’s why she won’t allow ‘grownups’ in her realm, that’s why she was so eager to come after us knowing we were alone. They are her bane, her weakness.”

Stephy grinned, then opened his mouth before Sammi put a finger firmly over it, “HOWEVER… I would keep this… ‘sub rosa’ if you will.” he warned, “If you think Isolde hates you now, imagine her wroth if you start spreading around the secret to her defeat.” he said, his expression turning deadly serious.

Stephy nodded slowly, “Good point…” he murmured, then looked around, “Hey! Where’d that girl go?” he asked.

Tex looked around as well, but the alley end was vacant save for the three of them.

“Likely ran for the hills first chance she got. Can you blame her?” nodded Sammi, “Rather run and risk a wild unknown in the city than fall back into Isolde’s clutches.”

Stephy nodded, frowning a bit, “I wish we could have helped her though…” he muttered.

Sammi smirked, “You think driving back her Keeper to Arcadia and giving her the chance to escape didn’t? She may certainly have a rough go of it back in the Mortal Realm, but after being one of Isolde’s playthings I daresay she’s better off whatever comes of her…”

Later that evening

The girl who was once known as Iris wandered through the streets of Houston, her mood downcast. She’d managed to find her way to her former home, only to find it empty with a For Sale sign out front. Losing their daughter seemed to cause her parent’s already strained marriage to completely fall apart, and they’d both left the city for places unknown in different directions.

As she walked along through the mostly empty streets she heard something in an alleyway… the girl going to investigate.

“Rrrrf…” came a growling grunt as a large hobo dug through a dumpster, next to him a man and a woman were talking, the man sighing at him.

“Bailey, could you please refrain from that? Its rather off-putting to say the least.” he sighed.

“HUNGRY!” barked the hobo, “Need some grub…” he growled.

“Bailey, c’mon…” smiled the woman, “We’ll get some fast food on our way back to the Freehold, okay? Just stop rooting through the garbage.” she nodded, sounding rather like a big sister.

The hobo paused, “… yeh promise?” he grunted.

The young girl felt something about them, she walked towards them curiously, “Um… hi?” she tried.

The trio looked up, the hobo sniffing the air, and Iris saw that his face was less like a man’s and more like a basset hound’s with big drooping jowls and long floppy ears, “Huh?! Who’s there?!” he growled.

The next one had skin the green of new leaves, and instead of hair she had long flowing vines on which flowers were blooming. She dressed in psychadelic colors, a long skirt and a tube top. “Bailey, relax, its just another changeling…” she said.

The third one looked the most human, dressed in tweeds and a button-down shirt with an honest to goodness bowtie, but with small points to his ears and hair that seemed a touch too fine… “Not just any, look at her. She must have just made it back.” he nodded, adjusting his glasses.

The flower girl stepped forward, “Oh! Oh you poor dear, you must’ve been taken so young… guys we can’t just leave her out here!” she said, looking back at them.

The blonde man nodded, “Yes… lets take her back with us. I daresay an extra set of hands around the Freehold, small as her’s may be, will be welcome.” he nodded, “My flowery friend here is Lavender, and our gruff companion is Basset Bailey. You may call me the Blonde Professor. What should we call you, young lady?” he asked.

The girl whimpered, “I dunno… she took it away, I can’t remember it…” she muttered, her hands rubbing her throat. As soon as Isolde had fled the collar seemed to have vanished, but she could still feel it’s weight there.

The Professor chuckled, “They always do… Hm…” he looked her over, rubbing his chin and noticing the way the light played along her hair. “Just like a rainbow… The Rainbow Child, or Rain for short perhaps?” he suggested.

She looked up at him, then nodded and smiled, “O… okay!” she replied. A few minutes later they were all walking together through the streets, the Rainbow Child looking curious as to what her new friends might be like.

Next Story

Previous Story

[daydreamstew]

from the fluff prompts, 14. “I love you and all but…” c:

thank you bestie!! tried to keep this super short and failed 💗💗💗 here’s a little friends with benefits aged down brio au

maybe butterflies 🦋 |1.4k | E

Beth and Rio are the maid of honor and best man for Ruby and Stan's upcoming wedding...and they're definitely maybe more than friends

read on ao3 or here on tumblr

With one more appreciative slap to her ass, he pulls out and she lets go of his headboard to slump into the pillows, smushing her face into the cotton and groaning as she still shakes with aftershocks from her orgasm. 

Feeling the weight of him flopping onto the bed beside her, she turns and finds a stark naked Rio smiling and panting. 

“Damn, I think I like champagne-drunk you,” he rasps, voice gravel. 

She hides her giggles in the pillows, still feeling the effects of that fourth glass she’d swiped and downed right before she and Rio had discreetly left Stan and Ruby’s engagement party brunch separately. 

Ruby and Annie knew she was Seeing Someone, meaning she was having casual sex with someone for the first time since her messy breakup with Dean, but they didn’t know that the Someone happened to be their mutual friend and the best man to her maid of honor for Ruby’s upcoming wedding. 

“Why? Because I let you rail me?” she muses. 

He laughs smugly and they shift to slip under the covers, the sheen of sweat and the cool air of the loft combining to make her shiver. 

He pulls her onto his sweaty chest and she goes easily, following his lead as his hand follows her ass, palming it. “F’real though…s’not just the champagne. You seem…looser.”

She strokes at his chest. “I think the two orgasms might be part of that,” she jokes, relishing in the way he ghosts his hand up her spine. 

“Nah, it ain’t just that.” She looks up at him. “Saw the way you were dancing out there. You been happier since you left that piece of shit.” 

She skips right past the part where Rio was watching her dance on the makeshift dance floor in Ruby’s mother’s backyard. And the part where he’s voicing how much he hated Dean. It’s not like he’d ever really been quiet about it. He and Annie had never really been able to pretend to tolerate him out of politeness like Ruby or Stan. 

“They were playing  Love On Top!  What do you expect me to do?  Not dance with Ruby?”

He allows her to shift the conversation away from Dean. “Nah, I knew you was gonna dance as soon as I heard what song it was, just can’t believe you still ain’t gotten a little better at it by now is all.” 

She slaps him on the chest and moves to glare down at him. 

“I’m a perfectly fine dancer!” she says, indignant. “And I don’t who made you the—“

She’s cut off as Rio moves swiftly, pushing her onto her back and rolling on top of her. With a hand on her neck, he kisses her to shut her up, something slow and deep, the taste of her still on his mouth from when he’d eaten her out until she came with her legs wrapped around his neck. 

He pulls back and she wants to whine at the loss of his lips. 

“Look, I love you and all, but…” Rio trails off, face pulling into a faux sympathetic look. “You ain’t got rhythm, darlin’. But that’s okay yeah? You good at other things.” 

She can’t help the flutter in her stomach, the butterflies flapping their wings, at hearing him say that, say that trio of words, even if she knows he doesn’t mean it like that even after kissing her like that. 

No, he means it in a “we’ve been friends for years and you’re like family to me” type of way not in a “we’ve been casually fucking for a few months and I’ve caught feelings that match the butterflies caught in your stomach” type of way. 

And that’s fine. It’s fine. She’s fine. 

She swallows all that down.

Before she can respond to his insinuation that she doesn't have rhythm, he dips his head to her neck, sucking and nibbling on her skin there, distracting her for a good couple of minutes, closing her eyes, and reveling in it. 

“Maybe if you ever bothered to show me your proclaimed elite dancing skills, I’d be more willing to listen to your criticism,” she says, slightly breathless from the way he’s working her up. 

He pulls back from her neck with a light pop from where he’d been sucking a hickey into her skin like a fucking teenager.  

“Oh yeah? You wanna go dancin’?” he asks, eyes lighting up. 

And, oh, oh no. This is dangerous territory. Abort. ABORT. 

“No, I just meant—“

But he doesn’t let her divert. “Nah, let’s do it.”

She blinks in shock. “What?” 

“Yeah, let’s go dancin’. It’ll be fun.” 

She feels like her brain is a circuit board that someone just spilled a cup of coffee on in their haste, sparks shooting back at them as they yelp.

His eyebrows pull together slightly. “Unless…you don’t wanna?” 

And she’s not sure she’s ever seen Rio look unsure of something. She thinks she likes having that power over him. 

“Just the two of us?” she clarifies. 

Because it’s a valid question. They didn’t typically hang out one on one until they started their  extracurricular activities on the night of Ruby and Stan’s engagement when they’d all gone out to Rio’s bar to celebrate. They’d both been just the right amount of drunk and sad, both of them having been through recent breakups, in their feelings celebrating love while mourning the loss of their own. 

So they’d gone back to Rio’s to continue the celebration and one thing had led to another. And now here they are months later, unable to let go of something that shouldn’t have even been a one-time thing. 

He looks her right in the eye. “Yeah. Just you and me.”

And he isn’t calling it a date, but that’s what that is right? Maybe? Going out one on one with someone you’re consistently sleeping with? That's maybe a date? 

“Okay.”

He breathes out through his nose what almost sounds like a sigh of relief, head going to bury itself in her neck. And she’d been so caught up in her own head she hadn’t even thought that  Rio might be anxious for some reason.

She feels him smile against her skin, kissing her quickly before popping back up. “You gonna be a good student and let me teach you to dance?” 

He bites his lip, eyes traveling her face and chest suggestively.  

She swallows. “I guess.” 

He hums, something sexy and satisfied. “Thank god.  Somebody’s  gotta make sure you don’t make a damn fool of yourself dancing at the wedding.”

She gasps in outrage, pushing at him and trying to slip out from under him and off the bed as he cackles, but he doesn’t let her. 

“Where you think you going?” he growls, keeping a firm grip on her. “We going another round.” 

He kisses her lips, her jaw, her neck. “Wanna come in you again,” he purrs against her skin.

Chills run over her spine at his words as he continues his path, dipping down to mouth at her breasts. Her hand comes up to cup the back of his close-cropped hair as he sucks a nipple into his mouth. 

Pulling off with a pop, he brings his lips over hers but doesn’t kiss her. “You gonna let me do that, Elizabeth?"

He mouths over to her ear, lips dragging against her. "You gonna let me come in your tight pussy again?”

She feels heat shoot straight to her cunt, hearing him call her that, hearing the desire in his voice. How desperate he always seems to be to get inside her, to fill her up. 

And, well, she’s desperate for it too. 

“Yes,” she breathes out. 

And he kisses her and she kisses him back, the swarm of butterflies growing unbearable at this point, threatening to fly up her throat and spill out of her mouth in some sort of confession. 

But they don’t for now. She gets lost in Rio and the way he’s clutching onto her and fucking her so thoroughly. Deep and intense and so good. 

The butterflies will spill out at some point. That seems inevitable. And maybe it won’t be a disaster. Maybe they’ll go dancing and one-time turned many-time thing will turn into something real. And maybe she won’t hate him by the time they have to walk down the aisle together on Ruby’s wedding day. 

Maybe. Maybe. Maybe. 

The whole thing is a big fucking maybe. But when Rio’s panting into her neck and moaning out her name, she thinks, “maybe" is okay….maybe. send more prompts if you wanna

[gb-patch]

Ask Answers: March 30th, 2021- Part 1

We’ve been really focused on getting the Step 3 DLC done and keeping up with asks kind of got away from me, aha. Thank you for waiting for a reply! We’re still definitely behind, but here’s a good chunk of responses!

I love Our Life so much but if the release of the step 3 dlc is in April, please don't "release" it on April 1, my poor heart can't take that prank 😭

Don’t worry! I’m horrible at pranks, haha. When we do post something specifically for April Fool’s it’s always to pretend it’s a joke when in reality it’s something we’re actually planning to do. But we don’t have anything like that arranged for this year. Any posts on April 1st will just be like normal.

Omigod, can you end the game in love with Cove but not in a relationship? My character stayed calm at the restaurant and Cove slept over at her home and I think I may have missed it. I'm delirious if I did, may never stop laughing. The children are idiots 

Haha, yes, it is possible to be in love and still not get into an actual relationship. There’s no forced ending where the two are made to confess their feelings and accept, it’s all optional/avoidable.

How can you see the new main character cut-in images? I'm not trying to be rude, but, all of my playthroughs, but I haven't seen them yet. (I know you can go through an entire game without seeing them, but I have went through multiple games.) 

It’s a bit of a spoiler to say here, but you can check out the guide we posted on Steam HERE!

Is it possible to win first place in the library quiz with Lizzy (Step 1 DLC) 

Yep, it is! Someone made a guide for the answers HERE (it’s also on Steam). We probably shouldn’t have required a perfect score to win a children quiz, but oh well, haha.

Hello!

In the future (in step 4) can you marry Cove even if you are friends? I would love to have a platonic wedding with him!

I’m afraid not. As much as he cares for the MC when they’re besties, Cove would only really want an official marriage if it’s based on romance.

Hello! I bumped into Our Life randomly last month, and it is one of the best coincidences I have ever laid on. I love how the choices and little details in the story changes throughout the game, and I'm excited to keep supporting you! I'm absolutely in love with Cove and would like to ask what keeps him to be especially interested in the MC? Other than how you can choose what fondness level you have with him, what ultimately leads him to be in sync with us? Sorry if it's a little much & thank u! 

Cove likes the MC because, regardless of the different personality traits you can give the MC, they meet him on his level, listen to him, understand him (even if you’re indifferent and not really close the MC still gets where he’s coming from), and if you’re fond/crush/love than you’re there for him. He finds the MC someone he can respect, trust, and, if they’re close, feel safe with. I’m glad you enjoyed the game!

hi there! for xoxo droplets i see the that female pronouns are used in the description, in the actual game can you change the pronouns or are they stuck as female? i'm aware the game is free, but i have a bad habit of buying dlc's before playing the game so it would be helpful to know before i spend money on it. if anything i'll save that money for more our life dlcs when they come out :D

XOXO Droplets does have a set MC. It’s the story of a specific person rather than a game about making your own story. All of our games prior to Our Life were about exploring MCs that were fully fleshed out people in their own right, so you can’t get the OL experience from what we did before. But we do plan to do more custom-style MCs going forward from here!

For the our life nsfw dlc, will you have to be in the patron to have it or  will there be another way for people who really support the game but can't pay to get it? 

I’m afraid not. We might put it up for sale somewhere other than Patreon someday (though never on Steam or Itch) since we know not everyone can use that site, but it will still cost money on any other hosting page we use. It’s unfortunately not a piece of content we can give away for free.

Hello! I finally got to play Xoxo Blood Droplets and it mentioned about a DLC coming out soon. Is it already out or are you still planning it?

We are still planning to finish it when we can, we just had to put it on hold because 2020 was a tough year and we needed to put all our focus on Our Life. There’s some of the extra DLC stories available for beta testing on the Patreon.

Is there a link to the soundtrack for Xoxo Blood Droplets? I really like the music in this game! 

That’s not available yet, but we’ll probably put it up for sale once the rest of the stories are done.

Would there be any chance for XOXO Droplets OSTs to be released in the future? (Please take my money-) 

We might! There are some things we wanna do and fix before we really start advertising XOXO Droplets things again, but hopefully it all comes together.

Why does Cove dislike Shiloh so much despite all of Shiloh's efforts to get along? I can understand his dislike for Lizzie, but why Shiloh? 

They met under bad terms (with an arranged play date he had no choice in), Shiloh’s sort of pushy himself when it comes to trying to get along, and Cove thinks he’s just kind of unusual in how he interacts/reacts with people. They don’t click, basically.

Is there a way to have your character be a tsundere? And have Cove toughened up a bit due to that? Sorry if the is a stupid question! ^^;

Maybe? The options in the game aren’t based on those types of personality tropes and I don’t know them well enough to say if you can accurately find a way to make it work with the available options. But it’s not a stupid question, I’m sure plenty of other people have considered something similar c:

do voiced names work only with their exact spelling? cause my mc is called Sophia and one of the voiced names is Soffia so i was wondering but if only works like that it's fine (sorry if i made any mistakes, english isn't my first language) 

“Voice” and “text” are separate! You can pick the “voice” you want and then type in whatever “text” you prefer. And your English is really good.

Will OL:NF be based on a season/break like the first game? Or some other type of setting? 

Our Life: Now & Forever takes place over the full course of Autumn. So, the start of school and then into the fall holiday season type of time period.

Will we ever see a jealous cove😭😭 please im begging u- 

Only in small ways, really. Sadly, I’m just not someone who enjoys jealousy in stories and therefore I don’t know how to implement it in a way that feels enjoyable. Maybe I’ll figure out a angle I can work with in future projects.

Do you have any plans with Our Life once step 4 has been released along with step 3's DLCs? 

After the Step 3 DLCs and Step 4 we’ll be releasing the Cove wedding DLC, the Derek romance DLC, and then the Baxter romance DLC. The project will likely be considered fully complete at that point.

Hello, I just needed to first of all sat how amazed I was when I discovered this game. I thought I would be disappointed by the lack of love interests, but you worked so hard to make sure Cove is the Best Boy for so many different people!! It really has been my comfort game for a while now, and I think all the different choices you allow make it the best romance game I’ve played in my life. The only problem is now my expectations for love are Cove level, and no one can live up to that. You’ve put so much consideration to make this game super inclusive and I think it’s amazing. If I can ask, for the exclusive NSFW Patreon dlc, will it only be available for the month it comes out? Or could I become a patron months later and still be able to download it. I just don’t have a job right now otherwise I would LOVE to subscribe to your Patreon and definitely will once I have the money again!! Thank you so so much for making such a lovely game that’s brought me so much joy.

&

Hiya! I'm so sorry for sounding like a complete degenerate for asking, but will the nsfw moment on patreon still be available even if i'm not a patron of the month it comes out? (e.g. i didnt pay/join the necessary tier before the moment is released) Thank you for your hard work on OL, I really connected with Cove in a way I never anticipated.

Thank you very much for such kind words! The Patreon DLC will be up for download on the Patreon indefinitely once it’s done. Just like the normal DLCs, you can pay to get it whenever you like but it won’t be up for sale until it’s finished. So take all the time you need.

Sorry to bother you guys, but there was an earlier ask detailing the OL LI's love languages and I was just wondering- Would that be for them personally, as in what they do, or the love language they enjoy receiving the most? Because I know for some people it's different for both on giving and receiving and was a bit confused, haha. Sorry for the trouble, your games are really nice!

For Cove and Derek it’s what they like to receive and what they give. For Baxter, it’s what he likes to get. What he gives is tailored to his partner. He’s flexible that way~ And it’s no trouble.

asking (and also fanning... fanboying? fangirling? fanpersoning? screw it- from a distance) anonymously because my confidence is nonexistent.

will you be doing a kickstarter for our life: now and forever? i know it's probably been asked and mentioned before, but will you be doing a kickstarter akin to the one done for our life: beginnings and always? if so, will you be doing similar tier rewards? (if you guys do so, i will [politely] throw my money at you).

now, to the fan.. personing? FAN. uhm. to the part where this anonymous agender idiot will begin to act as the fan they are.

THE GAME IS SO. SO NICE. IT'S CUSTOMIZABLE. I'M REALLY HAPPY ABOUT THAT PART. AAAAA I ALSO ENJOY THAT YOU GAVE US THE OPTION TO JUST STAY BEST FRIENDS OR SOMETHING A8DBAIHEW- AND YOU INCLUDED AROS AND ACES IN THAT SEXUALITY CHOOSING PART- aaaAAA AND YOU MADE ELIZABETH FILIPINO- THANK YOU SO SO MUCH FOR CREATING SUCH AN INCLUSIVE GAME!!!

to summarize; will you be doing a kickstarter? and thank you for creating such a nice game. i, and likely the majority if not all of those who have played the game, am thankful.

Aw, thanks <3! I’m so happy it was such a nice experience for you. We are planning on having a Kickstarter for Our Life: Now & Forever. It’ll have similar rewards to the Our Life: O&A Kickstarter, but some changes will have to be made. Like, we’ll definitely need to increase the rate for getting a voiced name. Originally it was $3USD, which was super low for how much work it really took to add in a customized piece of voice acting, aha. Live and learn.

So sorry if you've already answered this, I looked but I couldn't find anything. Is the 18+ DLC coming out alongside the Step 3 DLC, or do they have different development timelines entirely? I'm so excited for all the DLC coming out in the future, and even though the release dates aren't out, I'm already counting down the days. :)

They have different development times and will come out separately. Despite taking place in the same Step period, they’re disconnected pieces of content and making progress on one doesn’t mean the other is closer to being finished. The normal Step 3 DLC is releasing first. It’s great to hear you’re looking forward to them!

Hey!! I'm absolutely LOVING Our Life! I have been pondering on one question though, what's Cove's ethnicity, if there is a set one? Or is it something we can Headcanon? 

&

hi hi! i wanted to say first of all that i absolutely adore our life. it's one of my favourite games of 2020, and i think it was just the perfect dose of positivity we all needed, even if you didn't intend to release it during such a hectic year lol! secondly, i wanted to say: if it's alright to ask, what ethnicity is cove? :-0 and what about his parents? i was just curious about it ^^)/ thank you!!

Cove’s mom, Kyra, is white. But his dad’s, Cliff’s, race doesn’t come up and players are able to headcanon it. So Cove is half white and half whatever you prefer Cliff to be! 

hello! there was a post on the patreon where you can run your fingers down cove's chest in errands - how do you get that scene? ♥ 

That was an old mistake on my part- you can only get that scene in the Ending rather Errands. You have to leave the big family dinner at the restaurant to go into the car, be dating Cove for a while, have Cove come see you there, and then mention using your hands when Cove makes a joke about hands.

in baxter’s dlc, is there any point where you can tell him about the previous renters of the condo? 

You can talk to him about that in the normal Step 3 DLC!

—– —– —– —–

Thank you for all the interest in our games everybody :D

We released a new FAQ! It answers common questions and we’ll keep adding more to it. Please check there before sending an ask. FAQ   Also, if you prefer to just see the main posts without all the asks/reblogs, feel free to follow our side account instead: GB Patch Updates Blog

[oikaw-ugh]

LEIA!!!!!! 💖💞💗💕 HOW ARE YOU??! I saw you were doing match-ups! Can I have one but is it possible in a best friend way instead of lovers? Only if you want to and if you have time ofc! I'm 156 cm (almost 5'2 so don't call me 5'1 T^T) I barely get angry and I smile unconsciously a lot. (it's because I'm looking at your posts ;D jkjk) I'm a aquarius and I have hair which is a cross between Yachi's and Oik's hair. I look serious but actually am kinda sweet. Eh, if you need more deets, tell me!!😘

👁 PILAR BB HELLOOOOO THIS IS SO CUTE 🥺 was planning to do this the next weekend but as I write this (this paragraph), I am stuck in a group conference I don’t really want to. I hate the people and their humor :v that’s so rude of me.

And oooooh a bestfriend, now that's knew. But the moment I read this, the Holy Spirit told me your bestfriend would be...

Tsutomu Goshiki! (｡♡‿♡｡)

I don't know thoughhh but it just screamed Goshiki

Also, because you said you smile a lot? I think that makes Goshiki interested with you? But that’s just me LOL.

You’re childhood friends, alright?

Probably it’s either Goshiki’s family went to your neighborhood or yours to his!

But either way, we gotta thank your mothers for being so friendly with each other. If it weren’t for them, you wouldn’t be bestfriends with Goshiki!

Like, imagine your moms just chatting at the dining room, and like, you’re at the backyard playing with your toys?

Goshiki with that cute frown on his face: Wʜᴀᴛ...ᴀʀᴇ ʏᴏᴜ...ᴅᴏɪɴɢ???

He thinks frowning is manly let the child be

Pilar: These are my toys. Do you want to play with me?

Goshiki: ...I ɢᴜᴇss I ᴄᴀɴ ᴘʟᴀʏ ᴡɪᴛʜ ʏᴏᴜ.

When you were youngerrrr (like elementary/middle school young)

I feel like Goshiki was a loner

Like, no. Not the sad loner. Just that awkward dude that nobody wants to be friends with.

Because he’s just so proud of himself and like??? we don’t really want a show off as a friend yk what I’m saying?

So Goshiki is contented with being friends with you!

Pilar: Goshiki, you should try to be friends with others.

Goshiki: Hmph! I don’t need them! I’m already great by myself!

Also Goshiki on the inside:  🥺😢

Somehow, you kind of felt like you need to be at Goshiki’s side all the time? Because you know that he knows that you both know that he’s just too shy good for everyone.

So you try to be there for him at all times

Which is like, not that much because you’re pretty friendly yourself.

So it’s inevitable that sometimes, you kind of forget about him as you mingle with your other friends.

Whenever this happened, Goshiki is just silent at his seat, glaring at you, mad. 

Mad at what? I don’t know? The leaf? He’s kind of confused himself. He didn’t know what to do.

Going home together is a thing too! 

Goshiki wouldn’t admit it but he loves to go home with you.

Because it’s more livelier with you around, especially with how easily you get distracted. + he can boast at you, too!

Both of you: *silently walking*

A cat/ a doggo: *breathes*

Pilar: gOSHIKI, LOOK!

Goshiki: *groans* 

But deep inside, he likes it when you two get sidetracked when going home.

He hates it when things suddenly don’t go according to plan?

One time it was already dismissal and it’s time to go home. 

But you were so into your friends’ conversation you didn’t even know it was time to go home and Goshiki is growing impatient on his seat.

Pilar: Goshiki! Let’s go home?

Goshiki: *scoffs at you while blushing in anger* Yeah, right! I can go home by myself!

but he waited for you lol

Highschoollll

I think this is where your friendship grows more.

To the point that you both went to Shiratorizawa because you didn’t want to be separated from each other.

Well, Goshiki went like, “I don’t care if you don’t go with me to Shiratorizawa! I can handle myself.” but we all know that’s a lie.

He wanted to be a volleyball player.

AND YOU’RE DEFINITELY SUPPORTING IT!

Mainly because volleyball is just a very crowded sport? And thinking of Goshiki interacting with other people just??? makes your heart??? melt???

you hope his arrogance do not piss them though

He tells you that he met the team’s ace. 

And like, he’s trying to dethrone him because their ace is actually very popular!

Pilar: Are you sure with that though?

Goshiki: Of course I am! What? You think I can’t do it?

Pilar: Nah. I know you can do it! *sincere smile*

Goshiki in a nutshell:

Let’s talk about you two on a daily basis

NON STOP BICKERING

IDKKKKK just casual fights though (LMAO IS THERE SUCH THING AS CASUAL FIGHTS????)

Goshiki is very proud and he does not hesitate to tease you >=]]]

Goshiki: This is why you’re still 5′1″. You keep on eating sweets. you need to eat healthy foods to become taller.

Pilar: eXCUSE ME I AM 5′2″

Honey, there’s really not much of a difference in the eyes of a 5′11″ :(((

The fights are really petty jdbfdf but like, not the types that make you go mad yk (I’m so sorry Pilar BB my words are just failing me).

Pilar: You’re supposed to put cereal before the milk, Goshiki!

Goshiki: CEREAL IS A SOUP. MILK BEFORE CEREAL!

Pilar: iT’S NOT A SOUP-

Things are shared between you two c:

Like, your classmates wouldn’t be surprised when today, Goshiki wears his purple varsity jacket and the next day, you arrive at school wearing it.

Pilar: Goshiki~ can I borrow your hankie?

Goshiki: Pilar, do you still have those oil absorbing sheets?

Pilar: Goshiki~ you’re going home late today, right? Should I leave my umbrella for you?

OH, AND BY THE WAY! Somehow, Goshiki is able to open up to others well now??? Like, the people around him just take his arrogance lightly? They love him AND THIS MAKES YOU SO PROUD.

Goshiki: ...Are you crying?

Pilar: No. I’m sweating with my eyes ;)

Suitors? Frowned upon.

A no-no for Goshiki >=[[[

Goshiki: Do you hear yourself? You think that guy can take care of you? Does he even know your zodiac sign?

Pilar:  👁 👄 👁

Pilar: ʷʰᵒ ᶜʰᵉᶜᵏˢ ᵒᵗʰᵉʳ ᵖᵉᵒᵖˡᵉ'ˢ ᶻᵒᵈᶦᵃᶜ ˢᶦᵍⁿˢ ᵃᵗ ᵗʰᵉ ᶠᶦʳˢᵗ ᵐᵉᵉᵗᵘᵖˀ

Pilar: ʷᵃᶦᵗ ʸᵒᵘ ᵏⁿᵒʷ ᵐᶦⁿᵉˢˀ

But truth to be told, Goshiki is just uncomfortable with the thought that you might get hurt by other boys’ if ever you let them court you.

But your happiness >>>> before anything else so as much as Goshiki hates it, he’d let you entertain your suitors anyway...

BUT that does not mean he’s not going to pry >=[[[[

Your suitor(s) can only approach you at your BREAK TIMES

Break times=snacks and lunches WITH GOSHIKI

Your suitor is uncomfortable with Goshiki glaring at the side? TAKE IT OR LEAVE IT.

Your suitor would like to drive/walk with you home? I’m sorry, Goshiki is already at the gate waiting for you

Goshiki: What? You’re taking her home? Do you even know where she lives? I’m the only one who know where she lives! *proud*

Goshiki: You don’t even know her mom!

You:

Your suitor: :V

You try to discuss this with Goshiki, though. But he is hardheaded!

Goshiki: I’m just trying to protect you! Those boys are just going to break your heart, you’ll see!

But anyways, at the end of the day, it’s: Goshiki >>>> before anyone else for your case so when your suitors couldn’t take Goshiki’s sharp tongue, I’m sorry then they’re not worth keeping.

Bye, bitch.

serious fights...

I think that could happen if Goshiki takes his sharp tongue too far!

Like, when he boasts too much he wouldn’t he has offended you?

It happens rarely since you aren’t the type who gets mad easily but whenever this happened, it takes sooo long to patch up?

And Goshiki at these times would be so down! The volleyball club would find it odd how he’s not saying his normal banters (like, he’s the better ace and stuff).

Your parents would find it odd how you went home alone when you’re usually with Goshiki?

Mom/Dad/relative: Pilar, you’re home? Where’s Goshiki?

You: I don’t know with that bowl cut pole.

Them: Ahhhhh. A fight.

I CAN SEE YOUR FAM AND GOSHIKI’S INTERVENING!!!!

Like, they’d purposely hold dinner together or something. And both of you are like: ???? of all times? Why?

Like, it’d be so cute if they’d let you buy something at the groceries for “dinner”. And you both would be so awkward because??? you’re in a fight.

Goshiki tries to break the ice first though. After hours of silence, he’d randomly say things like, “Hmph! The Milo model looks ugly. I look better than him!” he said that while reaching for the Milo in can.

And you’re like:...you’d look better if you change your haircut.

Goshiki, obviously offended: eXCUSE ME?!

And before you knew it, you two would laugh your ass off because of that and you’re back to being besties! :>>>

Here you go, Pilar! I’m sorry if this took long BB :> and I hope I’m accur8 or something ehehhe :))))

[pandawritespoorly]

With Time: Chapter 35 - Concours D'arts Musicaux

Author’s Note: Here we go!!!

I'm not entirely satisfied with this chapter, but I do enjoy it a lot. Also, I'm sure you were all expecting a strong language warning, and you would be correct! 'Pissed' and 'Bitch'. Not nearly as many as you expected, huh?

Chapter Summary: The music competition. 🎉

First | Previous | Next

“You sure you want to go?” Allan asks.

“No one would be upset if you backed out,” Claude reminds her.

Marinette sighs shakily, glancing out her window towards her former school. She’d honestly been doing a lot better when it came to her classmates, but she hadn’t been back to the school itself since…

Since that day.

She massages her wrist unconsciously, thinking of the confrontation, the yelling, the fall. She still can’t really remember much past Chloe finding her in the bathroom.

Claude, Allan and Felix are in her room with her, on their way to the competition. Felix puts a gentle hand on her shoulder. “Marinette?”

She turns back to them, taking a deep breath to steady herself. She can do this.

“Y-yeah. Yeah, I’m still going to go. Worst case scenario, I leave early, right?”

“Indeed,” Felix agrees.

Nodding, she leads them out of her room, and the group makes their way out of the house. They walk across the street, and stare up at the school for a moment.

Marinette walks up the stairs, taking in the sight of the main courtyard, packed with students from all over for the competition. Oh, Kwami, there’s so many people-

“Marinette?!” A quiet voice says, barely loud enough to be heard.

The three boys ready themselves to deal with more of Bustier’s class. To their surprise, Marinette quickly finds the speaker and breaks into a grin, hurrying over.

“Marc! It’s been so long! How have you been?” She’s speaking to a dark haired boy in a red hoodie. Not part of Bustier’s class.

“I-I’ve been f-fine. Art club is s-so quiet without you, everyone was s-so worried, because you just disappeared, and your c-class was awful. Nathaniel said…” he trails off, frowning.

Marinette copies him. “What happened?”

“He w-was just saying a-awful stuff, and we br-broke u-up… he wouldn’t even work with me anymore, because L-Lila said she’d get him c-connected to a real writer-”

Marinette bristles. “He did what?”

Marc shrugs helplessly, “I- I think he figured it out eventually, he’s b-been sitting away fr-from everyone now.”

“But he hasn’t spoken to you? Hasn’t apologized?”

When he doesn’t meet her eyes, she gets her answer.

“Come on, we’re going to talk to him. He has no right to treat you like that and not apologize.” Marinette leads the boy up the stairs. Claude, Felix and Allan, who had watched the entire interaction smile and follow after her.

She’s doing well so far.

They arrive outside of what must be the art room, if the inside is anything to go by. Nathaniel, who they do recognize, is sitting inside, doodling idly.

Marinette’s got that look in her eyes, as she steps inside. “Nathaniel.”

His eyes snap to her immediately, and he stares at her in shock for a little bit before speaking, “M-Marinette? Y-You’re here?!”

She just stares at him, raising an eyebrow.

“I-I’m so sorry! About-”

“I’m not the one you should be apologizing to.” She pushes Marc forward gently, he’s looking at the floor, “Did you really abandon him like that?”

Nathaniel fidgets in his chair, “Well, Lila a-also said-” he realizes what he’s saying, “W-wait! I meant it differently! That came out wrong! I just… I’m sorry, Marc, I didn’t think a-about anything really, and, I’m sorry.”

“It’s fine,” he mumbles.

There’s tension in the room, from the unresolved issues between the boys. Marinette knows this doesn’t involve her. She shakes her head. “I think I’ll let you two talk.”

As she walks down the hallway, Claude stays back a moment to address Nathaniel, “She may have said otherwise, but she deserves an apology. The way she was treated here was vile and inexcusable.”

Only when Nathaniel nods shakily does the actor hurry to catch up to their friends. Marinette is speaking, “I just can’t believe that Nathaniel and Marc broke up! They had a great relationship! Lila really did a number on the class.”

“Don’t give Lie-la so much credit, Dupain-Cheng. It was you,” Chloe interrupts, appearing out of nowhere.

“What?” “The morons here get akumatized so much for a reason. You were the only one who tried to actually communicate, and the class fell apart without you. Everyday Ladybug and all that. All the couples have basically broken up, with the exception of Lahiffe and Césaire, because Lahiffe has no backbone and Césaire thinks they’re the definition of a healthy relationship.”

“Don’t exaggerate, Chloe. They’re perfectly capable of sorting out their problems on their own,” Marinette argues.

Chloe scoffs, shaking her head but dropping the conversation.

“Marinette Dupain-Cheng! Do my eyes deceive me or has the storm finally passed and our shining rainbow is back?!”

Marinette turns, sees Aurore standing a little ways down the hall, “Aurore! It’s been so long!”

She runs up to give her a hug. The taller girl rolls her eyes, “And whose fault is that?”

Marinette shrugs sheepishly, “Sorry, I-” “Not yours, little cloud! It’s that horrible hurricane that’s swept through here! She’s blocking out the sun, and that’s all we had left without you!”

“Oh, I know about that.”

At Marinette’s expression, Aurore smirks, “Ooh! There’s a storm brewing!”

The designer winks. “Perhaps.”

While the two girls chat, Chloe stands with the three boys Marinette had come with. “Marinette really downplays how many people loved her here. I’m not even sure she realizes she was pretty popular.”

Allan shrugs. “She hasn’t noticed at our school either, but she definitely is.”

“Good. She deserves people who appreciate her.”

Eventually, Aurore and Marinette part, and the group wanders away. Marinette shows them around the school as best she can. At one point, they get separated for some time and Marinette ducks into a classroom. She wanted to get out of the way of the people in the hallway to text her friends quickly. That plan is forgotten when she sees who is inside.

Lila and Alya stare at her in shock momentarily, before Lila shudders and pretends to hide behind Alya in a terrified manner. The former journalist pats her ‘friend’ comfortingly before standing and turning to Marinette.

“What are you doing here, Monsternette?”

The girl recovers from her shock and sighs sadly, “I’m here for the concert.”

Lila gasps. “I won’t let you harass my boyfriend!”

Marinette scowls, uneasiness giving way to fury. “I’m not the one harassing Adrien, and he’s not your boyfriend willingly!”

“Just because you’re some jealous creep, doesn’t mean you get to attack my bestie like that!” Alya yells.

“Oh, would you grow up?!” Marinette growls, gesturing wildly, “This isn’t some tv show where every action I take is because of some boy! Despite what you may think, I have a life outside of a romantic one!”

“Sure, so the fact that you’ve finally dropped the kicked puppy act has nothing to do with the fact that Adrien isn’t here?” Alya retorts.

Marinette stares at her. “What.”

“Please. Do you think we’re stupid? Everything you’ve ever done has been an act to gain sympathy. Thankfully, we had Lila to open up our eyes. All those times you pretended to do nice things? They were all so that we’d like you, honestly-”

“Do you even hear what you’re saying? You’re delusional! You think that was all an act? Do you think I pushed myself down the stairs and sprained my own wrist for sympathy points from a class that already hated me and a boy who wasn’t even there?!”

Alya opens her mouth to argue, but Marinette isn’t finished, “No! No! You do not get to downplay my feelings or how I was treated! Do any of you even realize how long it took me to properly heal from all that?!”

“It was just a few bruises-” “Emotionally! I didn’t even think that the people hanging out with me regularly for months even considered me their friend despite how obvious it was until I heard them call me that when they didn’t know I was around! I spent months feeling like any slip up would cause a repeat performance of what happened here! Do you have any idea how tiring that is? The effects it can have on someone?!”

Alya’s face softens, and she looks concerned for a moment. It really hadn’t occurred to her that Marinette might have been the victim. Then Lila speaks, “N-nice story, but I’m sure A-Alya won’t fall for it the way L-L-Ladybug d-did.”

Alya scowls, sympathy gone, “Of course not. Unlike anyone dense enough to like you wherever you go now-”

“I do not appreciate you insulting the entire population of the school we attend,” Felix interrupts.

Marinette turns to see Felix, Allan and Claude standing in the doorway, each of them looking beyond furious. She beams, running to give them all a tight hug.

“Now, whether or not you’ll excuse us, we have better things to do than try and carve stone with a stick,” Claude retorts as they turn away.

Down the hall a little ways, Allan is hugging Marinette tightly, and the girl is giggling slightly.

“Allan, it’s okay, I’m fine.”

“Still gonna’ hug you, ‘Nette. I can’t believe that of all the times you had to run int’ them it was the one time we weren’t there.”

Claude races over and joins the hug, and Felix just smiles at his friends.

When they separate, Claude looks at Marinette worriedly, “We heard some of that before we arrived. Did you really spend months thinking we didn’t consider you our friend?”

Marinette’s face colors a little and she looks away slightly, “In hindsight it was kind of dumb, but yeah. I thought you were all just being nice.”

“Nope!” Allan hugs her again, “You need more hugs.”

“For sure!” Claude agrees.

She only laughs, returning the gesture. When she’s finally freed, Felix gives her a quick one as well, having waited out the group hugs.

“Let’s not let them ruin our fun, I can keep showing you around!” Marinette suggests. The others readily agree, and they all move on. Lila and Alya aren’t their priority at the moment.

Soon enough, it’s almost time for the performance, so they go over their final preparations to reveal Lila once and for all.

“Alright, so first we show the slide with the public records proving she was in Paris when she was ‘traveling’, then her interview so that Jagged and Ali will speak up, then we can play the museum recording, and by then her mom will probably have some choice words, and by that time the police will have arrived, anything else?” “Nah, too much could over do it. We’ve got plenty more evidence if it’s needed though,” Allan says.

“Ms. Marinette! I was 87.3% certain you would show up for this event!”

The four turn to see a small robot floating nearby, “I wish to speak with you! I believe that Max is ill, as he seems to be suffering from delusions. He caught it from his classmates and I noted that you had immunity, and was wondering if you could help me!”

“You’re adorable,” Claude whispers.

“Markov!” Marinette greets the robot, “Actually, you might be able to help…”

---

The concert is over, and everyone did splendidly - to the surprise of no one at all. Allegra is back with her friends, and they’re all congratulating her.

It’s bittersweet in that Adrien can’t be with them yet.

The large projected image on the wall glitches, catching everyone’s attention. For a moment, it seems as if it goes back to normal, before it glitches again, changing to show a very different image this time.

Displayed on the wall are the dates in which Lila had supposedly been traveling with her mother. Directly next to them are public records showing her mother had been in Paris.

Some quiet murmurs begin to get around. Mostly confusion, either visitors who didn't even know of Lila, or people beginning to suspect the truth.

Next is a video, straight from the Ladyblog (someone had saved all the posts and made a site to act as an archive), of Lila claiming to know Jagged Stone and Prince Ali. This had been a ‘special feature’, a two-in-one interview of Lila talking about both of them in one clip.

“Oh yes, Jagged and I are very close. Basically best friends - well, after Ladybug of course - we first met when I saved his kitten from a runway. That’s when I got tinnitus. Anyways, I met with Prince Ali soon after because that’s actually why I’d been at the airport. Ali and I basically grew up together and I was on my way to visit.”

She continues, blabbering on about both celebrities for some time.

When it ends, there’s an outraged cry from the back, “That’s so not rock n’ roll! I’ve never met that girl, and she makes me sound like some creep! That’s defamation! Not cool!”

The crowd turns to see a fuming Jagged and Penny. Soon after, another woman stands, Prince Ali beside her, “Prince Ali would never associate with such a blatant liar. His only childhood friends are in Achu.”

The murmurs get louder, until a voice calls over the noise, “Lila Diablo Rossi, what is the meaning of this?! You haven’t been traveling, you said the school was closed! You said that Ladybug was incapable and that Paris was unsafe!”

Mrs. Rossi is fuming, trying to spot her daughter in the crowd. Everyone is furious now, because no one gets to speak about the city’s heroes like that.

Before anyone else can speak up, the screen changes again. There’s some text, with audio playing in the background.

 The following audio was recorded when Ms. Lila Rossi happened to find a former classmate at the Louvre. This classmate had always claimed Lila was lying, and Ms. Rossi drove them out of the school through intense bullying. It has been edited to keep this person anonymous.

 “-is you! Here I thought this would be a boring field trip! This is a spectacular surprise though!

“See, I told you I knew what I was doing. No one’s seen you in months and they all still  hate your guts - rightfully so of course.”

There are footsteps as the speaker approaches the phone.

“You know, they call me their everyday Ladybug now? I’m honestly insulted - not only did they give me your old dumb title, but they’re comparing me to her. They were that is, until I changed that.

“Look at you! You’re pathetic! I can’t believe I considered you a legitimate threat to me. I could have just left you be and they would have eventually left you in their own time.

“Those morons could walk in right now and would still believe me if I told them you attacked me. They just despise you that much. Not that I can blame them - you’re just so detestable.”

 There’s a stunned silence as everyone takes in what they just heard. The doors burst open, Ladybug and Chat Noir stand tall, accompanied by multiple policemen and people in suits with stern faces.

Ladybug steps forward, “Lila Rossi. You are under arrest for working with and assisting a known terrorist for your own personal gain.”

You could have heard a pin drop.

“There has been plenty of circumstantial evidence, but Chat and I never had any substantial proof. Then, a civilian got footage of you capturing an akuma and using it to akumatize yourself.”

The room erupts. People are shouting and screaming, Mrs. Rossi looks shell-shocked. The crowd pushes the girl forward, and she’s fighting.

“No! You can’t do this! I have immunity!”

“No. No you don’t,” Mrs. Rossi manages.

Lila pales. “...what?”

Her mother doesn’t respond, looking faint.

“I’m Gabriel Agreste’s future daughter-in-law! There’s no way-”

Chat interrupts, “Oh yes, that. We know all about that. The deal you made? We aren’t sure of the exact details, whether you made a deal with Mr. Agreste or with Hawkmoth who went after Mr. Agreste, but we know. Adrien was forced into that relationship, so there’s probably a few more charges to add to your list since you were well aware that he didn’t like you in that way.” “Sexual harassment isn’t okay,” Ladybug chimes in, “And surely you’re aware that’s what you were doing?”

At this point people have their phones out and are recording the whole thing. One of the people with stern faces steps forward, “Mrs. Rossi, you may want to come with us.”

She nods, following the procession weakly.

Ladybug and Chat take off. Soon enough, Marinette and Adrien slip back inside, showing up behind their friends, “Look who I found!”

Adrien waves awkwardly, though no one notices as he’s crushed in a tight group hug. He laughs happily as he returns the hug, it’s good to be back.

The moment he’s released, a yellow blur nearly knocks him to the ground.

“Hey, Chlo’.”

She hides her face, and while she may be silent, he can tell she’s likely crying. After about a minute or so though, she pulls away, looking as pristine as ever.

“Well, I say we get out of this place and away from these utterly ridiculous people.”

No one argues, and they head outside, quickly heading into the bakery. Adrien is ushered inside Marinette’s room where he’s bombarded with more hugs, everyone talking at once.

After they separate, they find their own spots to sit, and Marinette turns to the model, “So, what do you want to do?”

He hesitates, unsure, “Hmm… video games?”

“Yeah!” Claude cheers.

Marinette gets the stuff out and offers a controller to Adrien. Felix opts out, and conveniently enough, Allegra and Chloe are also left to wait. The girls sit next to each other, blushing lightly and pointedly not looking at each other.

Allegra’s hand lightly moves to rest over Chloe’s. She turns to look at their hands, then back to the braided girl beside her, who is suddenly very invested in the game. Chloe smiles, turning back to the screen as well.

Neither notice Felix sneakily taking a picture and sending it to the group chat.

---

Earlier:

 Today’s the day! Alya is so excited for the competition! It’ll be fun to see Adrien perform, and maybe they can hang out afterwards. Lila has been an absolute godsend when it comes to convincing Gabriel to allow Adrien more free time.

It’s such a shame that she sprained her wrist again and can’t conduct the concert as she usually would.

Lila is nervous that all her usual bandmates wouldn’t be happy to see her, seeing as she ‘abandoned them’ so Alya is comforting her in an empty classroom.

“Lila, I promise, no one-”

The door opens.

She steps in.

Marinette Dupain-Cheng.

Alya can only stare, unprepared for this. Some traitorous part of her is happy to see her. Missed her.

Alya is disgusted with herself.

Lila shudders, attempting to hide behind her real friend. That’s all it takes to shake Alya from her stupor, she pats Lila gently and turns to her former bestie.

“What are you doing here, Monsternette?”

She sighs. “I’m here for the concert.”

Lila gasps. “I won’t let you harass my boyfriend!”

Alya’s heart goes out to her. Even when faced with Marinette. Her love and loyalty to Adrien shows no bounds. Alya is relieved that she is beginning to make progress. When it had been several months and Lila hadn’t seemed to recover at all from Marinette’s bullying, the class feared that the damage done was irreversible.

Marinette scowls, glaring at the two, as if they were the bad guys here. “I’m not the one harassing Adrien, and he’s not your boyfriend willingly!”

Oh she did not just-

Lila’s self-esteem is bad enough, and she’s confessed to Lila that she worries people will think she’s not worthy of dating someone as great as Adrien. Alya wonders if Marineitte was the source of that, because though they haven’t seen her in a while, it certainly sounds like something she would do.

“Just because you’re some jealous creep, doesn’t mean you get to attack my bestie like that!” Alya yells.

“Oh, would you grow up?!” Marinette growls, gesturing wildly, “This isn’t some tv show where every action I take is because of some boy! Despite what you may think, I have a life outside of a romantic one!”

But there is no other explanation! Alya wants to shout. Why else would someone like Marinette bully someone like Lila?! Some part of her- some jealous part of her reached out and corrupted the rest of her, dragging that sweet girl that Alya once knew into some pit of cruelty.

Alya had been her best friend long enough to know that Marinette can go to extremes when it’s something she cares about.

Even if she shouldn’t care.

Even if it isn’t her business.

“Sure, so the fact that you’ve finally dropped the kicked puppy act has nothing to do with the fact that Adrien isn’t here?” Alya retorts.

The other girl looks at her incredulously. “What.”

“Please. Do you think we’re stupid? Everything you’ve ever done has been an act to gain sympathy.” If Alya had to tell the truth, she’d admit that she’d been… hesitant to believe at first that all of the nice things Marinette had done were just a ruse. Of course, now there’s no other explanation. People don’t just change personalities like a switch. If Lila’s testimonies were anything to go by, Marinette is not the girl they all thought she was. “Thankfully, we had Lila to open up our eyes. All those times you pretended to do nice things? They were all so that we’d like you, honestly-”

“Do you even hear what you’re saying? You’re delusional! You think that was all an act? Do you think I pushed myself down the stairs and sprained my own wrist for sympathy points from a class that already hated me and a boy who wasn’t even there?!”

She makes good points, but it’s not like Adrien wouldn’t have found out! Then he would have been hovering over ‘poor Marinette’ for being injured! Lila had explained it! It made sense!

Or did it?

Alya opens her mouth to point this out, but Marinette cuts her off, “No! No! You do not get to downplay my feelings or how I was treated! Do any of you even realize how long it took me to properly heal from all that?!”

This time Alya does get a chance to point out the inaccuracies. “It was just a few bruises-” “Emotionally!” Marinette interjects, “I didn’t even think that the people hanging out with me regularly for months even considered me their friend despite how obvious it was until I heard them call me that when they didn’t know I was around! I spent months feeling like any slip up would cause a repeat performance of what happened here! Do you have any idea how tiring that is? The effects it can have on someone?!”

Oh god. Was it possible? Had they been wrong all along?! But… then they’d… Marinette had-

Lila whimpers. “N-nice story, but I’m sure A-Alya won’t fall for it the way L-L-Ladybug d-did.”

Alya scowls. She’s disgusted with herself for almost falling for that. “Of course not. Unlike anyone dense enough to like you wherever you go now-”

“I do not appreciate you insulting the entire population of the school we attend,” A vaguely familiar blonde boy interrupts.

Marinette’s face lights up at the three boys who have occupied the doorway. She rushes to hug them, and one of them speaks.

“Now, whether or not you’ll excuse us, we have better things to do than try and carve stone with a stick.”

And then they’re gone.

---

Lila had never understood why villains in stories were described as ‘cackling’ until she’d started doing this.

The pure power she feels every time she gets her latest sheep to turn against one of their own.

The way the target she chooses looks.

Utterly broken.

Completely destroyed.

It’s sensational!

It’s marvelous and she’s completely addicted.

It had been borne of boredom, but now it’s her very lifeblood. A high that never ends.

Until it does.

She’s stricken with horror, unable to do anything but stare at the projected images on the screen.

How?!

She’s been doing this for forever, and she’d never been caught by anyone other than a few insignificant brats. They’d been dealt with.

Her own mother didn’t even know!

And now…

Everything is fast forward and everything is slow motion.

The crowd pushes her forward and she finally remembers herself.

She is Lila Rossi. She’s made of stronger stuff than this! So she fights, because that’s all she has left. Pure animal instinct to kick and scream and shout.

“No! You can’t do this! I have immunity!”

“No. No you don’t,” her mother whispers.

Lila feels her remaining spirit drain away. “...what?”

At her mother’s silence Lila pulls herself together. Fine. So no diplomatic immunity. That’s fine. She can still work without that. She’s got her will. There’s always a way out. She is better than these imbeciles! They can’t just treat her like a commoner! A nobody!

“I’m Gabriel Agreste’s future daughter-in-law! There’s no way-”

Then Chat Noir speaks and all the rest of her hope disappears. She’s lost everything.

She doesn’t bother fighting anymore, submitting to the authorities.

There’s no use anymore. This is her end.

It’s all come crashing down.

---

Alya is next to Lila when it happens. The screen glitches and changes.

Everything changes.

Lila lied, and they all turned on Marinette.

Marinette, who had done nothing.

Nothing at all to deserve this.

Marinette who had done nothing.

Nothing to get back at them for all the pain they’d caused.

She’d just left them. Slipped out of their lives, and carried away like a leaf in the wind.

She had every right to be furious with them, and instead she just walked away.

Left them.

Alya knows she should be beyond pissed, though she’s not sure if it would be for Lila, or for what they all did for Lila, or even solely for herself.

And yet…

The guilt is what hits her first, and once it digs its dark claws into the pit of her stomach that’s all she can feel. Her heart feels torn to shreds and her knees can barely support her. With the guilt comes the shame, and it’s not nearly as potent but it’s just the cherry on top.

She’s not paying attention, because nothing matters right now because good god what did they do to Marinette?!

---

In a few hours time, Marinette and her friends are all decorating cookies in the kitchen.

One drops, and it breaks apart. Claude grins, and Allegra glares at them.

“Well, I guess-”

“Don’t. You already-!”

“-that’s just the way the cookie crumbles!”

Allegra sighs defeatedly. Adrien looks up. “What do you call it when you use a deer-shaped cookie cutter?”

Allan smiles. “What?”

“A cookie doe!”

Marinette and Allegra sigh. Felix just shakes his head.

“This is really friend-chip goals, huh?”

“Claude, these are sugar cookies,” Felix remarks drily.

“Hey, why did the Oreo go to the dentist?” Adrien turns to Claude.

They feign innocence as they turn to him, “Why?”

“To get his filling replaced!”

It’s almost impressive how many puns they get through without repeating while everyone finishes the cookies.

When the cookies are done, they turn on the TV, finding a news broadcast. Nadja Chamack is turning to the camera seriously.

“Shocking news in Paris today. If you’re just tuning in, you’re going to want to stay. During a musical arts competition at Collège Françoise Dupont, it was revealed that one Lila Rossi has been actively working with Hawkmoth himself for sometime now, doing everything from akumatizing herself, to manipulating others to be prone to akumatization themselves..”

“This is called karma, bitch!” Chloe cheers from where she and Allegra are sitting together.

“Language!” Adrien calls. The blonde only sticks her tongue out defiantly.

“Ms. Rossi is being held outside of the city pending investigation, but authorities assure us that this was investigated thoroughly before they made the public arrest. Ladybug and Chat Noir themselves assisted in the investigation, revealing that Ms. Rossi’s motivation was, in part, forcing Adrien Agreste to be her boyfriend. That’s right folks, Paris’ favorite couple has been revealed to be nothing more than an abusive relationship consisting of an involuntary victimized Adrien Agreste and a teen terrorist in the making.”

Everyone cheers at that.

“The Agreste brand has issued a brief public statement saying that they are unaffiliated with Hawkmoth, and that they were unaware of Ms. Rossi’s crimes. Adrien’s location is unknown. It is assumed he is taking a break from the media spotlight, and everyone agrees that after going through what is now known to be regular sexual harassment, he certainly deserves the break. Gabriel Agreste is under public fire for how Adrien was treated and some theorize he could be a close accomplice to Hawkmoth, if not the man himself. He is not the only one under fire though, as it was revealed that Collège Françoise Dupont allowed Ms. Rossi to get away with an astonishing amount of offenses while enrolled there. She faked disabilities, missed months of school with no real proof of where she was, and even caused one of her former classmates to leave the school due to the intense bullying she received while there. Speaking both as a mother and a friend of the child’s family, I am appalled that such behavior was not only allowed, but actively encouraged. Authorities assure us that investigations are underway - both into the school and the Agrestes, but many can’t help but feel that this is not enough. No amount of investigation can undo the pain caused by this individual.”

The broadcast continues, but the group tunes it out. Marinette sighs, “She’s gone. She’s gone and she won’t be coming back!”

“Finally.” Chloe rolls her eyes.

“It is a relief,” Felix comments, “that we will not have to deal with her nonsense anymore.”

“I’m glad that those awful classmates won’t have any reason to bother you now Mari,” Allegra sighs.

“About that…” Marinette raises a finger hesitantly. Allegra and Adrien look at her, while the other boys just frown. Chloe scowls.

“Yeah, they had a run-in before the performance,” Claude sighs.

“What did they do?” The two blondes say in unison.

“Nothing really,” Marinette shrugs. Adrien disagrees, if the way he hugs her tighter is anything to go by.

“We got separated and she ran into them in a classroom. Lie-la was up to her usual tricks, and Alya was defending her from Mari,” Claude starts.

“She held her own pretty well, but we got her outta’ there once we got there.” Allan smiles at the pigtailed girl proudly.

“Then she was hugged,” Felix states a-matter-of-factly.

Claude looks at Marinette meaningfully, asking permission. She understands and nods.

They sigh, “We also found out that Marinette didn’t think we considered her a friend for a few months.”

“Apparently, we were just being nice,” Allan remarks.

Allegra squawks, turning to Marinette, who is being held even tighter by the model beside her, “I will come over there and hug the low self-esteem out of you!”

“Already on it,” Adrien says. Marinette giggles as Allegra hugs her too.

Chloe is fuming, “Ugh, I think Queen Bee should come out of retirement just so Pollen and I can sting some people. Both of those wannabe faux foxes and their lackeys.”

Allegra turns to her, though still hugging her friend, “I think Honey Bee would be perfectly willing to do that herself.”

“I don’t think Kit Mime deserves to be compared to either of them,” Allan pipes up. Claude smiles.

“No superheroes are going to do anything to anyone,” Marinette reprimands. Adrien recognizes her Ladybug Voice™.

Chloe sticks her tongue out, “You’re not the boss of me. I’m also not hearing any protests to me just beating them up without the miraculous.”

Marinette glares at her.

“I don’t think you need to do much,” Adrien interjects, “I’m sure it won’t take much convincing for Chat Noir to pay them a visit.”

“These are all wonderful ideas.” Felix nods approvingly.

Marinette sighs in defeat.

---

Adrien and Marinette wave at everyone as they go, each with their own share of cookies (Chloe with extras for Sabrina). Marinette turns to him, “When do you have to-”

His phone rings, and he sighs, “Speak of the devil.”

She waits, watching. He keeps his face impassive as he hangs up and turns to her.

“Well?” “Father says that it may be for the best to ‘hide from the media’ here if it’s alright with your parents,” he reveals, grinning cheekily once he’s finished speaking.

She hugs him, “He’s basically bribing you with a sleepover, but right now I’m just glad that you get to stay over!”

Hurrying inside, she calls to her parents, “Maman? Papa? Can Adrien stay the night?””

Sabine pokes her head out from a doorway, “Of course, dear!”

That’s all Marinette needs to hear before she leads Adrien upstairs to her room hurriedly.

“If you’re not careful, I might just think you’re excited to have me over, Princess.” He smirks.

“I am! Usually you’re stuck in my room! Not to mention that you’re finally free from her.”

“I’m with her, Kid,” Plagg mutters lazily.

“I’m so proud of both of you! Both of you went through terrible things that you didn’t deserve at all, and you made it out without even being akumatized. You deserve a break!” Tikki chirps, “I’m so sorry you had to go through all that.”

Marinette smiles softly, petting Tikki until the Kwami smiles again, “It’s not your fault, Tikki.”

Tikki just looks at her mournfully, and the two Gods fly off to speak, giving their charges a break.

Adrien flops across Marinette, looking at her happily. She’s about to tease him when he slow blinks at her and she blushes lightly. He grins, then grins more when she returns the blink.

He snuggles against her, purring happily. She laughs, her hands finding his hair. They sit contentedly in silence for a little bit until Adrien notices Marinette drooping slightly, holding back a yawn. They’ve been sitting together for a while, his head in her lap while she scratches his scalp idly. She’s slowed, and stares forward blankly, blinking slowly every so often and seemingly just a few moments from dropping to the floor. She doesn’t realize she’s been found out yet, continuing to scratch where his cat ears would be.

He frowns, she wouldn’t normally hide being tired, unless-

“Marinette, I thought I made you promise not to overwork yourself,” he reprimands.

She flushes slightly, “What are you talking about? I’m fine.”

“You’re exhausted. When was the last time you slept, and how much sleep have you been getting most nights?” He sits up, studying her.

She slumps, knowing there’s no use trying to hide it. “I technically never promised. I just wanted to make sure that this went smoothly. For your information though, I slept last night.” She sticks out her tongue at him.

“How long?”

“...four hours. Three or less for the past week and a half?”

He gives her a look, and she just grins sheepishly. Shaking his head in feigned exasperation, he scoops her up into his arms. She kicks her feet, “Hey! I don’t need to go to bed, I can just sleep in tomorrow!”

“Yes, yes you do need to sleep now. I know how awful being overworked is, but you don’t have someone making sure you have time for sleep, so I will be doing that.”

She harrumphs, wrinkling her nose.

He reaches the top of the steps to her bed, turning and flopping backwards onto the mattress. The pair bounce slightly, and Adrien lets Marinette go to allow her to get into a more comfortable position.

“Oh, so you’re planning on just watching me to make sure I sleep?” Marinette teases.

Adrien shuts his eyes. “Nope. I’m a cat, so I’ll take any o-purr-tunity I can to nap.”

He knows she rolled her eyes, even if he can’t see her. She lies down next to him, huffing so he knows just how awful he is for having the audacity to make her rest properly.

After a few minutes, he feels the mattress shift as she carefully sits up, trying to go down and presumably work on some project. His eyes fly open, and he grabs her wrist. “Excuse you, I believe you’re supposed to be sleeping. I guess we’ll be doing this the hard way then.”

Before she can protest, he pulls her arm out from under her, catching her as gravity pulls her down.

“I’m not tired.”

“That’s because you’re being a stubborn baby bug.”

She scoffs, “Alley cat!”

“And proud of it,” he murmurs, pressing his face into her hair.

He leans against her pillows, dragging her with him so that she’s farther from the edge of the loft. Nestling her head under his, she reaches her arm over to give him a sideways hug. His other arm is wrapped around her back, and he carefully undoes her loose pigtails with his fingers. She hums appreciatively.

“I’m not tired you know,” she mumbles.

He just purrs louder, holding her closer.

She yawns, “Still… not…”

She never finishes the sentence.

Adrien grins, hearing her breathing beginning to even out. He rubs soothing circles on her back, trying to get her to rest sooner. He knows he was successful when her soft breathes line up with the pattern of sleep.

It’s not long before he goes the same way.

---

Author’s Note: There's a lot happening here, where do I even begin?

Anyone curious as to Lila's middle name? It means 'devil'. Very fitting.

Don't you love it when the resident supervillain is too busy doing PR to cause anything?

Sabrina is with her father, sipping her tea and watching Lila's world burn.

I sincerely hope you all enjoyed this long awaited chapter!! As I said in the beginning note, I'm not satisfied with it. Something just feels off, but who knows? I could be crazy! I hope this lived up to all the hype! 💖

Thanks for reading! Feel free to leave any thoughts, theories, constructive criticism, or anything really in my ask box, in replies or through reblogs. I love seeing what you think!

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[gccdnews]

Did you see JESSICA DREW from MARVEL walking around Limbo? The CISFEMALE looks like ALICIA VIKANDER, and is NINETY SEVEN years old. I’ve heard she can be VIRTUOUS & WITTY but also COCKSURE & REACTIVE. When I think of them I think of HELPING THE INNOCENT BY HOSPITALIZING THE GUILTY, RAISING SPIDER-BABY, THE GREATEST QUIPS OF ALL TIME BITCHCAKES. They’ve been here WITHOUT their memories as an PI & FIGHTER at BAKER STREET INVESTIGATIONS & UNDERGROUND FIGHT CLUB for SIX MONTHS. I heard they’re seeking a sanctum.

// whew. jess has a history™. it's long af and spans nearly a century so im not gonna go into crazy detail, but it's still lengthy. and i'm also gonna modify just a bit to fit in with the mcu for plotting reasons and stuff. if you don’t really care about her full history then there’s some bullet points toward the bottom.

she was born in england in 1924 and brought as a small child to the transia (it's a small, fictional slavic country) where her father was conducting research. unfortunately due to her being a small child, she contracted uranium poisoning from her father's work and had to be placed in a cryogenic chamber and treated with radiation and a highly experimental serum derived from the blood/genes of various species of spider.

she spent decades in stasis, educated subliminally with special tapes. when she was finally awakened she had only aged into her early teens, but she'd developed superhuman abilities.

grew up, moved away, met a dude, fell in love, then accidentally killed him with her powers. so yeah that kinda torments her still to this day. well, when she still remembered it anyway.

got recruited into hydra who she was led to believe were the good guys, had her memories suppressed, was told the high evolutionary basically a "god" figure, idek evolved her from a spider into a human woman, had an agent pretend to fall in love with her, etc etc. basically got gaslit and brainwashed into becoming a high ranking member until she was put out on a field assignment and told to assassinate nick fury. during the mission he told her what hydra really was and she dropped their asses.

got her memories back from mordred the mystic, then lived in a shitty apartment in london for a while. ended up breaking into a convenience store across the street at one point to get some food, but got noticed by shield agent jerry hunt who pretty much hounded her until she dyed her hair and created a secret identity to hide from him

did the hero thing for a while, moved to l.a., dated jerry, became a bounty hunter, moved to san francisco, became a p.i., superhero'd some more, met carol danvers 😍

went on a mission to finally take down longtime archenemy morgan le fay, and did so, but not before some morgan did some magic shit and separated her soul from her body ?? so she goes to the sorcerer magnus and has him cast a spell to make everyone who ever met her forget she existed.

not long later she was found and revived by two hero pals, breaking the spell, but she was left comatose. dr strange gets involved, abra cadabra, jess ain't a cadava'. but she is however, powerless.

continued working as a p.i. until an encounter with the new spider-woman mattie franklin somehow restored her powers, which came back slowly and were very unstable. meets jessica jones, accidentally zaps tf out of her, then works with her to save the new spider-woman.

eventually struck a deal with hydra to spy within shield so she could get her powers back but the skrull queen veranke was behind it and manipulating her so she could learn to perfectly impersonate jessica. jess ended up held captive for two years aboard a skrull spaceship while veranke took her place.

she and the rest of the captives got saved but because of the havoc veranke wreaked, she didn't exactly receive a warm welcome back.

spent some time rebuilding her reputation until she was invited to join the avengers (for avengers 1 in the mcu, let's say). they did some good work and she eventually fell for clint/hawkeye. they dated a while but things went sideways when he cheated on her (but obvs that's subject to change depending on who picks him up, just leaving that in for now bc it seems kinda noteworthy).

skipping comic spider-verse stuff bc how does that work with the rp, idek.

left the avengers after that and mostly stayed out of their business so she wasn't around for ultron or civil war and instead got back to her roots with some good ol fashioned p.i. work. may have crossed paths with the defenders and other street level heroes during this period.  

then of course, came the snap. jess was one of the ones that vanished. using this instead of her death during secret wars in the comics. when everyone came back she joined all the others to fight thanos and damn right she was part of that moment with all the female heroes like she should have fucking been irl.

when things settled down after y'know, dying, she realized that she wanted to be a mother and raise a child, and almost never got that chance. instead of waiting, she got herself artificially inseminated. which was good too tbh because like, look at her luck with men and imagine getting stuck in one of those relationships she'd been in so far. way better off doing it on her own smh

got invited to an alpha flight maternity ward by her captain marvel but when she went there it ended up getting overrun by skrulls and being super fucking pregnant she called carol for help, but the maternity ward was apparently in a black hole?? bc ofc it was lol. so jess protected all the women there, had an emergency c-section to give birth to her son gerry, then popped right off the table to finish kicking skrull ass. carol got there just in time for jess to collapse into her arms after the fight. headcanon — there was always a crush there but this was the moment jess fell hard.

had a liiittle teensy falling out with carol tho so she ended up kissing roger gocking/porcupine right in front of her during a battle that ended up repairing their friendship. then she went on to have a party announcing she and roger were dating but lbr she did most of this sub/consciously hoping to get a rise out of carol. but her spider-baby ended up crawling out a window and roger was the one to find and save him and there were some actual feelings there too, so. complicated. she kind of distanced herself from everything else to focus on p.i. work and raising her son.

not much later, jess realized her radiation immunity was gone and her powers were killing her, so she had roger take gerry to an upstate farm in case her condition could potentially harm her son, then set out on the search for a cure. that search of course, leading her to limbo city, nevada.

upon her arrival however, her memories quickly started to fade and by the time she woke up the next morning she had no specific recollection of memories. just innate and instinctive knowledge like her emotions toward people she was familiar with, emotional trauma that manifests mostly in her dreams, maternal instincts/yearning, her abilities both physical and learned, her interests and likes/dislikes, etc. things that come naturally to her, for the most part.

interestingly though, the town’s magic seems to have cured her??

gonna say she speaks english, romanian, german, hungarian, symkarian, russian, bulgarian, polish and spanish fluently, and knows a bit about a number of other languages.

incredibly intelligent, she is after all the daughter of a genius, raised among scientists conducting research, and her knowledge/intelligence was only maximized by her stasis education tapes.

exudes a high concentration of pheromones that can attract or repulse people, to put it simply. and ignore the original heteronormative connotations bc women aren't typically the ones she wants to repulse, and men arent always the ones she wants to attract. it's difficult to control but she learned over the years. even now without her memories she has innate control over it, but if she manages to work up a sweat (which isn't all that easy for her tbh) or misses a shower or two, well… it's gonna kick in.

she probably can't do it anymore in limbo because she can't remember how, but with her pheromones she learned to control them so well she was able to elicit fear, anxiety, attraction, hatred, pleasure, etc. and even used them to convince the hulk to make her a sandwich once.

fucking loves butter. she's been known to eat the stuff straight up. and a lot of it. lucky thing she has a spider-metabolism.

hc: she loves making puns, especially spider related ones. she also likes to annoy her spider-friends by spider-throwing the word spider in front of everything though it's obviously a joke, unlike in her cartoon where im pretty sure she was dead serious lol

hates rats. so much. she will tear down a whole skrull army but if one shapeshifts into a rat it's over okay, she already lost.

allergic to flerkens. which is great for visiting her bestie/crush, and her pet flerken chewie.

still has her suit but hasn’t worn it yet in limbo. she found it under her bed a couple days after “waking up” in limbo but put it right back because she figured it was probably some weird sex thing and maybe wasn’t even hers so, gross, yknow?

[feliannefluff]

Last Song, A FeliAnne fic

Disclaimer: Fire Emblem and characters belong to the original creator

Summary: Becoming separated from the Kingdom's army after a battle during the war, Annette finds herself in dire situation, thinking about the one she loves most. In her final moments, the pure-hearted girl does what she does best.  (Felix x Annette)

After doing literally 6 runs of this game and all routes, I've finally gotten around to writing a fic for my 2nd OTP of the game (the first being Dimileth). Hope ya'll enjoy

This is bad. So bad...I can't believe I really screwed this up.

Annette anxiously thought as she stumbled her way through the dark, unfamiliar woods of the Empire's territory. With each strained step forward, the redhead kicked herself as she lamented the biggest mistake she had ever made since joining the war with her companions.

The surroundings grew cold and damp as rain began falling through the tree tops, causing the ground to become muddy and slippery. Eventually, Annette found she could go no further. Her body was beyond exhaustion and hurt intensely. The female's body collapsed against a nearby tree. Annette slowly slid down into a sitting position and watched as the large drops of rain poured down.

If I hadn't forgotten part of the Professor's plan and followed my unit to the east instead of west, I wouldn't have gotten separated. I really am...such a klutz...

Tears sprung to Annette's eyes as she balled her hand into a fist and shoved it into the dirt. As she did, the beautiful sparkling ring on her finger became coated in mud.

"Oh no...!" She shouted, immediately realizing what she had just done. Annette used her other hand to dig around in her pocket in search of a handkerchief. Pulling out the piece of cloth, the clumsy girl began tentatively rubbing it against the ring's surface.

With only a few seconds, the ring was as good as new, thankfully. Annette breathed a sigh of relief.

Oh, thank the Goddess. Leave it to me to immediately mess up the ring he just gave me...Annette let out a half laugh as she forced a smile, Really, I can't believe myself sometimes.

Annette ran her fingers along the ring's pretty gem that reflected her face in it as she looked at it. Her somewhat pained grin transformed into a happy one as she thought of the man who had given the ring only a month ago. While the two of them had been dating since their reunion at Garreg Mach, the actual proposal had come as a complete shock. Though the happiness she received from it certainly out-wayed the surprise.

Annette shut her eyes and let the memory of that day she received the jewelry play back in her mind.

"Marry me."

Annette dropped the watering can she'd been holding, sending a bunch of water spilling everywhere. In sync with this, the girl's mouth also fell agape while the rest of her face went blank.

"Eh? W-What?" The somewhat air-headed girl found her sight falling down at the box being presented to her by her boyfriend, Felix Hugo Fraldarius. Unable to find the right words to respond with in the moment, Annette simply mumbled nervously, "F-Felix, I d..."

"What, you don't want to? Tch." As usual, Felix's voice was stern and somewhat cold. The heir to the Fraldarius house let out an annoyed sigh before turning away, trying to hide his red face, "Forget I said anything then. See you." Was all the man said as he began to take his leave.

Annette felt her surprise turn into instant panic when she saw him walk away. Without even thinking it through, she quickly grabbed hold of Felix's arm, followed by giving the limb a hard yank. The force pulled Felix back towards Annette, and before the two realized, the couple was on the floor with Felix on top. Both of the Blue Lion member's faces turned redder than Edelgard's armor.

"W-What the hell was that for?!" Felix shouted, feeling far more embarrassed now than a few moments ago.

"Because you were about to leave! I had to stop you!"

"Y-Yeah, I was, because you obviously didn't like the ring, woman!"

Annette shook her head dramatically, "T-That wasn't the reason, Felix! I was just shocked. I mean, who just pulls out a proposal in the middle of tending the greenhouse?"

The tsundere warrior clenched his teeth like that of an angry wolf as his cheeks blushed even brighter, "I knew I shouldn't have listened to that dumbass..."

By 'dumbass', Annette could only surmise that her boyfriend was referring to their house's famous playboy Sylvain Jose Gautier.

The couple removed themselves from the floor and turned away, both of them too flustered to know what to say to the other next. However, the silence only lasted a few minutes before Felix gathered up what little was left of his courage to voice his thoughts,

"Look, I get it, all right. I realize better than anyone that I'm not the best choice for a husband. Hell, even I don't think that role suits a warrior like me." Felix groaned while running fingers through his strewn about bangs, "I mean, before I met you, Annette, I never planned on marrying anyone, even for the sake of continuing my family's line. When I first started at the academy, I only wanted to grow stronger. I had no interest at all of taking a partner or doing the cliche things any son of a noble family has to do. But now, things are...different."

Annette parted her lips to say something but her boyfriend placed his fingertip to her mouth to stop her.

Felix's beautiful red orbs trembled as he let out every honest feeling he had, "We've been going out since basically the Blue Lion's reunion. I just thought, that, given the recent events during this goddess forsaken war...and since I'm the one who will have to carry on my family's house since my idiot of a father's gone...a-and since I..c-care about...you, I figured if I had to take a wife, then..."

Annette felt her heartbeat speed up as she observed the precious sight that was a nervous, stuttering Felix. This moment was just as endearing the last time he'd gone into this state, which was ironically the day he confessed to liking her, which had also taken place in the very same greenhouse they stood in now.

Also just like before, Felix ended up becoming so overloaded with his feelings that he suddenly cut himself out and shouted, "Damn it, just forget it, okay! I don't have a frickin' clue what I'm even saying anymore!"

As the dark-haired man made yet another attempt to flee, Annette responded once more with reaching out to him. However, instead of grabbing his arm, she pulled Felix into the tightest hug her tiny body could manage.

"I'll marry you."

"Huh?" Felix looked down at Annette who was peering up at him like an adorable kitten. The only words the embarrassed man could respond with, were, "...You will?"

"W-Well, I do love you too, so o-of course I will!" Annette lowered her face so that her orange bangs fell over her eyes, "I'm sorry, I never meant to make it seem like I rejected you. I was just so...shocked. I guess I've just been having too much fun lately, with us spending all our free days together that I never imagined anything would change." The sweet-hearted girl closed any remaining distance between the two of them. She then rested her chin onto Felix's shoulder lovingly, "Except, I do have one condition. Is that okay?"

Felix, still at a loss, simply returned the hug and whispered back, "What is it...?"

"The next free day we get, you have to help me with writing my newest song."

Felix's gaze fell into his love's as she flashed him one of her famous angelic smiles. Without even realizing he was doing it, the tsundere responded with his rare kind smirk that he only ever showed her when they were alone, "O-okay, sure. What song will it be this time? More swamp besties, or maybe a sequel to the library piece?"

Annette's smile deepened as her boyfriend continued to excitedly press for details about the song. Though he didn't know it yet, Annette had the most perfect idea for this song than any of her past works. And she knew once it was finished, Felix would be happier than he ever had been listening to the other songs.

Ahh...that's right. We never got to...finish it...

A thick stream of red flowed down Annette's chin as she came back into contact with realty. Slowly, she raised her left hand to admire the ring again. However, this time, the sight of the lovely jewelry was blurred and hard to make out.

Hot tears fell as Annette tried to calm her breathing, feeling a disturbing feeling rise from within her.

"It'll be okay. I may be too weak to use any of my white magic to heal, and I've also run out of all my concoctions the Professor had given me before the battle, but..."

The sight of Felix's handsome features flashed through Annette's mind in time with a bit of lightning that struck near where she rested. The loud sound of thunder crackling was drowned out in Annette's mind by her love's voice repeating things he'd said to her over their time together,

"You have nice footwork."

"I can't forget. It's permanently etched into my memory."

"If you blow up the library, where will we put the books?"

"You shouldn't dance up there, you could fall."

"What, you're not going to sing anymore?"

"It's like I'm your captive. I hear you sing whenever I'm asleep, or on the battlefield..."

"Sing for me, please Annette?"

The light in Annette's eyes soon became as gray as the sky overhead as she listened to her memories carefully. With each second, she could feel her consciousness begin to fade. So an idea came to mind.

Using the last bit of energy remaining within her, Annette pulled out her magic grimoire and cast a spell she had recently learned in secret back in the Garreg Mach library. Though it was her first time really using the spell, she was sure it would work. After mumbling an incantation, a clear orb of light appeared in midair. Annette stared into the orb, watching her reflection in the orb's clear surface.

He never...got to hear the finished version...and knowing Felix, I'm sure he'll be super angry if he doesn't get to listen to it just once.

Despite the fact that Annette's body had lost all feeling and ability to move now, she pushed herself with everything she had to flash one goofy grin at the orb. Her blood-stained lips then parted as she began to sing.

"Hey, you hear something?"

Two Imperial soldiers walked along the woods, set on the task to find any remaining enemies still sneaking around.

"No, do you?" The second Imp asked his comrade who seemed to be looking off in a specific direction.

"Call me crazy, but I swear I hear a girl singing. It's coming from over here..."

The two followed the sound until, just as the first soldier had stated- a girl came into sight before them. Her voice was hoarse and weak. The singing had gotten much quieter too in the short time it had taken the Imps to discover her. The men approached the tree, both drawing their swords as they did so. The singing immediately stopped as the dying woman looked up at them with eyes as dead as a fish's.

"Tch, this bitch is totally finished. Just look at that disgusting face over hers."

"She's probably a stray from that damned Kingdom army. Just finish her and we can go back home."

The first soldier leered down at her as he raised his sword. Weapon ready to strike its final blow, the man asked the girl, "Any last words, you brat?"

She watched both men for a minute, her expression still and unshaken. For a moment, the soldiers wondered if she'd already bit the dust. However, without warning, a weak smile found itself across the girl's face. A shaking arm covered in bruises and crimson reached out to one of the men.

The Imps just exchanged looks and shook their heads in disgust. His patience completely gone by this point, the soldier brought down his sword. As he did, the girl's voice could just barely be heard as the steel of the weapon slashed through her flesh.

"Well...did you like the song...Felix...?"

The sound of her body falling into the mud was drowned out as the rain pounded down harder than it had. The only thing that could be heard after was the sound of two cackling males.

"Felix, slow down! If you keep charging through enemy territory like this, we'll get sniped before we can ever find her!"

"Shut the hell up, Sylvain! Finding her is more important than anything else right now!"

The two distressed childhood friends rode through the last place their fellow comrades had seen Annette before she'd gotten separated from the army.

"J-Just calm down, man! It's bad enough you cursed his Highness and Teach out before stealing one of the army's horses and..."

"I SAID TO SHUT UP!"

Sylvain had basically lived his entire life being screamed at by Felix. Their entire relationship really was just 99% of the grouchy male shouting at the playboy. However, the way Felix had shrieked at him just now was unlike any of the other times. Felix's voice was beyond cracking, almost as if he were choking back the urge to cry from the fear he was currently experiencing.

From the moment Byleth had informed their class of Annette's missing whereabouts, Felix had become an entirely different person. Honestly, his disposition was reminiscent of Dimitri's wild behavior from a month prior.

Deciding to remain quiet, the son of the Gautier house continued riding behind Felix. It didn't take long before they finally reached the place they had set out for. Though what they discovered there, was far from anything the two had hoped for.

"Oh shit..." Sylvain choked out as he and Felix dismounted their horses.

Felix's face that had been full of panic and anger a moment ago was now overtaken with a mix of horror and sorrow as he took in the disturbing sight by a tree in the forest's center.

"Ah..." Felix stumbled through a mix of dirt and blood on the ground over to a figure lying motionless on the ground. With each inch closer the usually stoic man got to the scene, his heart clenched painfully. Eventually, Felix made it over so he could get a clear view of the sight. For a moment, he just stood still. Looking down at the body, he noticed a bloody ring shimmering up at him.

Sylvain swallowed hard while he waited Felix to voice their worst fears. However, when Felix stood motionless for a solid two minutes, the redhead became concerned and tried to call out to his best friend. As Felix's name left Sylvain's mouth, another bolt of lightning flashed- lighting up every part of the dark scenery around them. Time itself seemed to come to a stop for only a second. In the lit up area, Sylvain felt his breath leave him when his eyes caught sight of Annette laying there at Felix's feet, her face lifeless as could be. As the lightning finished striking, Felix fell to his knees. As he did, the tie holding his long hair back snapped. Black locks flew around and then coated over Felix's face. His mind shutting down, Felix's body began moving on its arms took hold of Annette's breathless body. Holding her close, Felix ran fingers along his fiance's ice cold cheeks. He pushed some straying hairs out of her still opened eyes as his hallow ones stared down at her.

"...Sorry...for being late..." Felix's voice was disturbingly calm as he spoke. His head fell against Annette's own, "I've been late the last several times during our cleaning duties lately too...you'll have to scold me later, won't you..." Though his eyes held no emotion in them anymore, beads of water formed in their corners, "...Annette..."

Sylvain turned away from the scene, partially to give his best friend some privacy but also because his own heart could barely take this scene.

"Why the hell did this have to happen to her of all people...Damn the Empire..." Slyvain shut his eyes painfully as he lamented everything about this situation. Of all the horrors their class had witnessed in this awful war, this was by far the worst. After some time, the rain finally let up. Noticing the change, Sylvain decided the next course of action they should take. He slowly made his way over to Felix who was still holding Annette in silence.

Placing a hand onto Felix's shoulder, Sylvain spoke, "Hey, Felix...I think we should start heading ba-" But the red haired male was cut off mid-sentence when the corner of his eye caught something odd shining from the ground nearby. Walking over to it, he picked up what appeared to be a sphere of some sort.

"What the hell is this...? An enemy's weapon they dropped, or...?" In an attempt to discover what the item was, Slyvain began messing around with the orb in hand. After pressing a finger to a certain spot, the orb suddenly glowed more brightly. A moment later, Annette's smiling face could be seen mirrored in the sphere's center.

"F-Felix, look!"

Hesitant to listen to anything at this point, said male reluctantly looked back. His red eyes widened greatly when he spotted the face of his love reflecting from the sphere in his friend's hand.

"What..."

Before the two men could say anything else, Annette's voice echoed from the object and her face began moving as if she were still alive before them,

"Hi, Felix. If you're watching this, than, uh...I may...already be gone. I'm casting a special spell so I can make sure I show you something special, just in case...you don't...make it here in ti-"

The sphere showed Annette hacking up blood before she continued. Both Felix and Sylvain watched in agony as the recording continued.

"S-Sorry about that! You know me, Felix, I'm such a klutz. I kinda...got into some trouble after getting separated from the others, so please don't mind my, ...appearance, okay? Hee hee."

Felix's vision blurred intensely as he kept watching the last moments of Annette from the sphere.

Anyway, I didn't ever get to show you the finished song. You know, the one we came up with together. I made some changes to it without telling you, and I wanted you to hear it. I think you'll really like this one. Be sure to let me know what you think, okay? Remember Felix, I won't forgive you if you don't tell me how you feel about it afterwards! Oh, and..." Annette paused before bringing up her hands in an apology gesture, "I never made a dance to go along with this one. Sorry about that...I know how much you loved my footwork after all. But to make up for the lack of dance, I-I put in extra love! Oh, geez, that actually sounded way less cheesy in my head...Uh, anyways...here it goes. I hope you enjoy it, Felix!"

Annette's face brightened as her took in a deep breath. A second later, her beautiful singing sounded out.

The song was unlike anything Felix had ever heard from her. It was as cutesy and happy as any of her others, but the her voice went to a different level when it sung this number. The lyrics spoke of her feelings for him and the future she was excited to share with Felix once the war was finally over. Though the song only lasted a moment before the recording finally cut out, the music touched to his very core. Unable to hold himself back any longer, Felix dropped to the ground again and took hold of Annette's body. As the lyrics of her song ran through his mind, the sound of his pained sobs drowned out everything else. Meanwhile, Sylvain walked back over to the horses and turned his eyes towards the sky. How cruel and how ironic the sky looked overhead. It had been pouring since the moment the battle against the Empire started but now it was free of clouds and showing the first sight of the sun peering down at them.

...That sky...it's a lot like Annette herself. Bright and free of any dark at all. I wonder if she's watching us from up there with the Goddess...

Sylvain buried his head against the neck of his horse as he too let his emotions overcome him.

Meanwhile, Felix still clung to Annette. As he did, his low voice could be heard singing back the song Annette had performed in the magic sphere.

As the song repeated over and over, the ring on Felix's finger clenched against Annette's.

By a strange turn of fate, two very different people met at the Officer's Academy five years ago. The two were polar opposites in near every way but despite this, the two found joy in each other's company. Though their future together had been ripped away, the Blue Lions would never forget the love that had been shared between their powerful warrior and pure angel.

Author's Comments: Let me just say one thing...I apologize for the abrupt end of this. I do think I wanna write one more chapter to this but my brain just gave out at the end here and I couldn't think of any more so I'm very sorry *bows*

I also apologize for not actually writing out Annette's song. I so very wanted to but Annette has such a unique song style and I can't write songs for crap any ways. Though if any one is willing to come up with one, I'll be more than happy to include and credit you in the next chapter.

I bet you guys are wondering just how TF I'm gonna write another chapter after this major angst, so I'll give you a hint: Byleth's powers. That's all I'm gonna say.

Anyways, thanks so much for reading. Please, please, PLEASE leave a review if you enjoyed and what you hope to see in the next chapter. Feedback is very appreciated

[rosyerim]

nct 127 as your best friend

taeil

is literally a grandmother

you’re the person he goes to everytime he doesn't understand something slang wise

“y/n,,,mark called me the goat,,,is that good or bad?”

“today jisung called me a bro but i’m not his actual brother, should i tell him?”

also needs you to explain memes to him

“johnny just sent me a picture of a trashcan and said mood should i be concerned?”

“why do you keep sending me kermit pictures, i do not get it”

but he’s the cutest bean alive

hugs you all the time!! hello hug, goodbye hug, i appreciate you hug, all the hugs!!

has the voice of an actual angel

he gets super shy when you ask him to sing but will belt out whatever song you want

also plays the guitar whenever you visit him at the dorms or at practice & attempts to each you

he encourages you to sing with him, whether you can or not not doesn’t matter, he likes it when you two are screeching the lyrics to your favourite song together

loves eating your food, even if you can’t cook, he appreciates it!!

scolds you if you don’t do your homework or leave dishes in the sink, he is a lil granny hehe

johnny

you call him beanstalk so he calls you jack, even if you’re a girl he doens’t care lol, together you’re jack and the beanstalk

sends you memes throughout the day when he has time, he just feels like you have to see them or else he’ll combust

he always messes up your hair whenever you say horton hears a who

makes you tune in to nct night night everynight & will literally quiz you on what he was talking with jaehyun about

always giggles when you hype up his singing voice and dancing

he did’t spend all that time in the dungeon for nothing

whenever you two go out and get separated you just shout “oh daddy” and he’ll find you

almost died laughing when you worse his shoes before, he’s literally bigfoot

has the ugliest photos of you on his phone but he says they make him feel better about himself

but then you just send him his predebut pics and he shuts up real quick lmao

never ask his opinion on your outfit unless you want him to just

*inhale* johNNYS FASHION EVALUATION *exhale*

3am meme wars

literally kills you with his pun, doesn’t matter where you are

johnny, holding up a pie: “hey y/n you’re such a cutie pie!”

johnny, with a bag of candy: “these may be sweet but you’re even sweeter!”

johnny;"if you were a booger i’d pick you first”

johnny; “h-” “say another word johnny seo and i would fucking cut you”

you’re highkey done with him but you don’t know what you do without him

and vice versa <3

taeyong

sometimes you want to smack him because he keeps overworking himself!! & you want him to rest!!! but he doesn’t listen

 so most of the time when he has a day off you just go over to the dorms with takeaway and spend the day watching that anime he hasn’t shut up about

but he loves how much you take care of him (he won’t admit it tho)

he usually comes to you if he has a problem or just needs to rant & you listen every time!!

he loves when you send him random pictures of dogs you see because he misses his own dog ruby

he laughs so hard when you attempt to rap his parts in songs, esp in chain like,,,im convinced taeyong has gills because of how fast he raps

calls you randomly in the middle of the day just because he wants to hear your voice (;´༎ຶД༎ຶ`)

cutest little man alive, if you’re happy he’s happy, always giggles at your puns even if they’re bad

also brings you with him when he gets a piercing, so he can squeeze your hand 

pouts when you say any member is better looking than him as a joke

“but i’m the center,,,(ಥ﹏ಥ)“ then he brings out the puppy dog eyes so ofc you take it back

he’s also super caring towards you and will fight anybody who makes you sad

yuta

sassiest man alive & will roast tf out of you

but its okay you roast him back so your entire friendship is just insulting each other

but nobody else can insult you, otherwise yuta gets angry >:[ & vice versa

judges you when you wear his jumpers because only he can make it look good

makes you watch anime with him but without the subtitles & unless you speak japanese, you’re going to be bored for ages

tries out shitty pick up lines on you they’re for winwin

all the members aid yuta is like a hot pouch so he lets you cling to him during winter or when it’s cold because he doesn’t want his bestie getting a cold smh

then’d he have to take care of you rip

comes whining to you everytime winwin rejects him but also wont accept your love???

teaches you little phrases in japanese and dies when you repeat them but butcher them 

also asks for your opinion on his outfits & piercings

“y/n should i go with the cross earrings or hoop?”

“neither you’re too ugly”

“not as ugly as you”

you two fight like cat and dog but deep down he’s a total softie for you aw

doyoung

another sassy man but only roasts you if he feels you’re being annoying

whenever you’re sad tho, doyoung makes you your favourite meal & mAYHaps you cried at how thoughtful he is

treats you like you’re his little brother

he pushes you off the couch because he find’s your reaction funny rip

but whenever he goes away on tour he always comes back with hella souvenirs just for you

doesn’t let you near jeno because “you’ll taint him!!” but he gives jeno your number as an emergency contact???

he’ll randomly text you that he’s coming over then show up two seconds later & you two end up blasting bazzi all day while he bitches to you about the other members lol

when you cook, even if you’re good or bad, he’ll always be hovering over your shoulder and telling you that you’re doing something wrong, jokingly

then he’ll eat up the whole dish & tell you it was horrible #justdoyoungthings

judges you silently whenever you bring up an ex he never liked but still lends you his shoulder to cry on if you get upset

if you ever call him sad he’ll be over to yours in about 5 seconds with your favourite snack and let you pick movies for you two to watch

sends you random clips of him singing during the day & gets all bashful when you say you love his voice

you got him a toy bunny for his birthday and despite him saying he hates it, he brings it with him whenever he goes on tour & sleeps w it :’)

jaehyun

marine boy

glares at you every time you call him jeffery

you always ask him wtf is his skincare routine but he just laughs & says “perish :)”

sings you to sleep with his voice actually from HEAVEN because you called him when you had a bad dream & he’s hella smug because you trust him that much(��˘◡˘▰)

doesn’t get annoyed when you poke his dimple, he’s find its cute how you find it cute which you find cute and you’re both just C U T E

encourages you to tune in to nct night night but will highkey be sad if you don’t 

you two always stay up super late talking to each other on the phone because his voice is so soothing and he thinks the same about you until one of you end up falling asleep like (´﹃｀)

he has so many screenshots of you fast asleep on facetime and he sets the funniest one as his lockscreen, so when hes away he can look at it & remember you’re there for him (⺣◡⺣)♡

lets you borrow his jumpers but only if you really need it like he’s not giving you his tommy hilfiger jacket unless you forgot your own jacket and its -374873 degrees outside lol

also p cuddly with you since he’s so comfortable around you

like you’d just be chilling at the dorms and he’ll lay his head down on your lap & you’ll start running your hand through his hair as he dozes off

or when you two go out to eat he’ll loop his arm your shoulders whilst you walk & wouldn’t even bat an eyelid

you two get mistaken for a couple so much you end up just shrugging it off because lol their opinion doesn’t matter

your friendship is important to each other all thats all that really matters

winwin

only likes getting dotted on by you

when the other members yuta smother him with love hes just ( ¬_¬)

but when you do, he’s like (ღ˘⌣˘ღ)

he attempts to teach you his wushu skills and his cool flexible tricks but you just end up dislocating something lol

he ends up switching to chinese whenever he rants to you & unless you speak chinese you’re basically listening to an angry winwin for about 20 mins

but so long as he gets it off his chest you don’t mind :))

do not let the boy near a kitchen he will literally set it on fire

for your birthday he tried making moon cakes but ended up burning his hand (つ﹏<。)

but you still appreciated the thought & he bought you take away 

he gets a bit down sometimes because of how little lines he has & sometimes he thinks he’s voice isnt that good but you reassure him every time that his voice!!is amazing!!! sm just need to get their shit together sm more like smh

he loves it when you speak to him in chinese, it makes him feel so at home awe

likes to fall asleep on you because you’re the most comfortable thing to him

doesn’t matter where or when because to him

your lap= free real estate

you two also get mistaken for a couple sometimes but winwin just nods hugs you close to prove his point & you two always die from laughter afterwards

he always listens to you though so whenver winwin is moody, taeyong calls you to give out to him so he goes from (-`д´-) to (￣^￣)ゞ real quick

winwin loves you & you love him too

jungwoo

softest boy 

whenever you meet up with him you don’t say hi, you just do his part from boss then he walks away from you lol

you always encourage him to speak up, esp. when he’s with a bunch of people

since he has a habit of copying what people say you say the most complicated words in english

“superkajafrjalisticaxosjdapefwfnls”

“super fuck off y/n”

your entire friendship consists of either eating at your place or eating out at some random all you can eat buffet

super supportive of you even when you do stupid things, you look over at him and hes just d(￣▽￣o) “you do you y/n”

sends you selfies of him so you can fawn over his beauty & tell him which pose suits him best

claps like a seal whenever you say something funny but gets pouty when you make fun of it

super affectionate with you & glares at anybody who comments on it, like jungwoo just wants to be close with his bestie, is that wrong?

is lowkey protective of you like if he thinks lucas is tryna make a move, jungwoo will swoop tf in and whisk you away to the safety of his room

you two end up cuddle under the blankets watching his favorite movie & he ends up dozing off

does aegyo whenever you get mad at him so you can’t really stay mad, he’s just too cute

mark

always goes to your first whenever he writes a rap because he values your opinion a lot & you’re honest with him

lots of inside jokes which just consists of you two giggling to each other randomly

needs you to tell him to take a break because of how much he works

if he doesn’t listen you threaten to feed him sour candy

but you’re super duper proud of your canadian bestie, when he preforms on stage you’re deadass in the crowd like

“thats my bEST FRIEND!!!(´⌣`ʃƪ)“

pouts when he tries to call you & you don’t pick up 

he wanted to tell you about the fluffy dog he saw a minute ago!!

but texts you nonetheless & you wake up to 36 messages describing the texture of the dogs fur and how it barked

but you loved how weird mark was, the weirder he was the more comfortable he was and it was just so cute

doesn't care if you steal his jumpers, he has about 300 but will not let you touch his caps, they are his prized possessions 

he doesn’t even try roast you because of how many memes of him you can send back 

you always tell him how much you miss his ramen hair 

he laughs at anything so you could literally cough and he’d cry from laughing but thats what makes him so endearing

you call him seagull boy to annoy him & it works lol

gets shy when you watch his dance at practice & ends up making mistakes but nobody is mad about it hehe

you also refer to him as long ass ride boy or sing sang sung boy 

he threatens to block you irl 

tries to teach you how to play guitar but you end up purposefully messing it up and he cringes so badly lol

but mark is your best friend and nothing will change that

haechan

he is That Bitch

always comes to you first when he has tea on the members

“y/n bitCH, mArk actually flirted w winwin infront of me, i’m cancelling him smh”

random dance competitions at 4 in the morning are a must, he always ends up beating you （πーπ）

also snaps you selfies of him randomly because he wants you to hype him up

which you do obviously

also texts you almost everyday & keeps you updated on what hes doing

“i’m at a cafe w my hyungs tday!!”

“omg i have a shoot @5am​ i’m going to d i e”

“come over and make me ramen pesant”

buT he looooves when you baby him

before you leave the dorms after hanging out, he makes you tuck him in & give him a lil smooch on the forehead goodnight awee ( ˘ ³˘)

but would die if you ever told his hyungs s you swear not too plus it’s good blackmail for you hehe

you always say “ohmgod its michael jackson hehe” whenever you two meet up and homeboy loves it so he moonwalks over to you

he’ll randomly challenge you to singing competitions of who can hit the highest note haechan and whose voice will break first yours

also cuddles with you all the times, you’re his personal teddy bear & will snap back at the members if they try comment on it

“you’re just mad nobody will let you touch them mark”

the most savage best friend but only lets you baby him aw

[migleefulmoments]

I don't think anything of what the cc fandom posts anymore is "continued optimism". It looks like sheer terror that they're losing their game. Abby is in pure desperation mode, trying to rally the troops because she can see Darren's life is turning out to be nothing like she predicted. She can no longer validate that Darren NEEDS her, he keeps going against her. They're losing their grip. This isn't optimism, it's because everything Darren is doing equals Abby losing control of the narrative.

I agree with that they were in panic mode since the wedding but the 72 hours or so after Hollywood was announced they were euphoric that this was proof that Darren would be coming out soon.  That has worn off already and they are back to their normal crap but for a few days, they were giddy. They were even speaking about a divorce in very near future.

I am going on record, I like AW and I like her a lot.  She is team D, I really have no doubt and everything she is showing is that she is on his side and around to protect him often and frequently. 

Yes she is giving us the illusion that she and PBB are besties that love to take intimate photos together but in reality she is showcasing exactly who M is, how much she lacks chemistry with D, some really not so pretty moments behind the scenes btwn D&M (there was some golden footage from European trip number 1 includng that video from the fireworks where E is all snuggled into her man and D&M look like virtual strangers), she flew to that island to babysit, and she announced the business family honeymoon.

Keep your friends close, your enemies closer. 

AW is team d. She is a hard working, extremely successful men’s stylist with a pretty impressive client list at this point.  And while she would absolutely have loyalty toward D, as she built her career styling him, she should not be this involved. A friend just reminded me that her other client, FW is currently promoting the J/udy Ga/rland movie.  That is something AW usually would accompany her clients to, she follows D everywhere.  yet no one questions why instead of being with FW she spent 2 days in a row with PBB.

I think she and d are working together and i believe she provides d with comfort. She babysits M, she works as a buffer, and unlike so many other enablers, she has D’s back.  She is smart, she knows how to play M and her stans.  On the surface she looks like she might almost be in love with M (seriously she has way more chemistry with her than D), but it is all a mirage, done for show. And if you look behind a lot of what she posts, it is harmful to m/iarren.  

I know I have repeated the same think a lot over the past 48 hours, but I am so scared to allow myself to believe that change is ahead. And i got burned with ACS because I BELIEVED with my entire being this was the beginning of change and then everything escalated to full on disaster.  But I still think no one got burned more than D&C because I am fairly certain they thought change was ahead as well.(Again the narcissism just has to rear it’s ugly head). 

But I cannot stop myself from being optimistic and it is not just the RM partnership.  It is the totality of the circumstances. It is watching the past 7 months since the sham mockery.  It is seeing how they past 7 months were designed solely to promote her, not D, and done mainly using people only seen by fandom (her employees/friends, SK, PBB’s team).  She got the massive exposure and the press from the “wedding” and some RCs as the “wife” but not much more and has now been relegated to mainly being promoted by the aforementioned. And that is only seen by fandom. Add, for the past several months, D himself has hardly tried.  A random good pic here and there, but otherwise he orchestrated group honeymoons, barely touched her even when kissing, the jerk, bitch glare, the back turn.  D has gained nothing until now. He certainly did not do this for a show he sold 3 years ago that is being written by, like them or not, Hwood novices.   I hardly think he needed a wife to score the TB commercial. And SA doesn’t seem like the kind of guy who cares who d’s partner is, it was just a great collaboration.

And here we are, September, D is filming R/oyalties and we get the announcement that he is collaborating with RM again, not just as the star, but exec producer of a show that largely involves, based on early press, LGBT+ themes.  And I have to HOPE.

The stage is set.  D “married” her.  He has been set up to take the blame as well as his team, thereby absolving RM.  And it would make a lot of sense for RM to now step in and play the “hero.”  We know the truth. D and C know the truth.  But RM has the power to smooth what is going to be a difficult narrative to navigate. And it is a win for D&C and a win for RM.  The m/iarrens are going to be devastated, as they are so invested in being right and D being straight (No we aren’t)(again the narcissism and her soul-crushing need to be right-is this about Darren or Abby?).  And even if we just get a separation it will all be questioned. Because M is the only thing that makes him straight (not true, Darren identifying as straight is what makes him straight).  Everything else points at the opposite.  Add the press has not helped him at all on his path to come out, so it is going to be difficult to navigate.  Having the “king of television” in his corner speaks volumes.

And then there is his horrific, abusive, incompetent team. And they haven’t just fucked with him, it seems with their no queer article they fucked with RM.(Huh? What?) I really hope they live to regret it.

Karma is a bitch.. May she rear her ugly head and finally give these people what they deserve. If i am sitting here a year from now and nothing has changed, I will be heartbroken for him.  And wonder if maybe he did choose career.  I just can’t believe that is who he is. I think he is a fighter and everything he has ever shown confirms that (DELUSION-ville) thought even if there was some confusion when the fraud in NOLA first occurred.  

Here is hoping nonnie.  Here is hoping.

I think a major decision like this was made together.

Read the book when it comes out in Oct 1. I thought c references RM. now I’m near positive.

And Hwood itself was initially announced in February.  I immediately thought this was the project RM was cooking up (curious if FW and CF join the cast).  But then there was silence for months,

And the first 8 months of 2019 were a complete shitshow that included that absolute fiasco in NOLA, excessive PBB promo, ads, ads, ads, TB, and SK.  Not a single one of which were worthy of D’s time and attention.  And to all onlookers, we were dazed and confused.  utterly and completely and not sure what to think or believe.

But putting the pieces together prior to last nights announcement, logically and rationally looking at everything, it seems to me that finally D was tying up loose ends.  While I do think D himself was dazed and confused in the first few weeks after that fraud occurred, it has been clear to me that starting with the work family group honeymoon (I think of all the arrows to m/iarren that have been shot, this might be my favorite) something shifted.  How anyone can not see that that woman was being way over promoted is beyond me (Because “promotion isn’t a thing, Abby”). But clearly the 1st 8 months of 2019 were devoted to giving her everything and anything she ever wanted.  Add in SK, the biggest enablers, that are being rewarded, first by raising an obnoxious amount of cash, and now with R/oyalties with D’s writers being his partners in the business. All of these things are massive pay out.

And last night we get this announcement from D.

notes-from-nowhere

do you want to know what I find very intriguing in all of this? The fact that all of that has been said in this topic pretty much sums up what we have said in the last 15 months if not more.

The latest news only uncovers the thread that keep all of “out theories” together. Of course something might be wrong, misplaced or misunderstood but the big picture is there for all to see (No, you don’t say?).

I do think it is too soon for me to fully embrace the idea that finally things are on the right path but well, please, excuse me for my optimism after a year and a half of struggle.

I’m going to root for D to have back his life and to finally be free to make his own choices. I hope this career advancement (or for better wording: this career extension) will give him what he wants and the power to just be his fully self and spread his wings.

I will watch what’s unfold in front of my eyes with interest from now on and a reneview wave of hope. 

I do trust D is going to take the best decision ever among those available to him. My only fear is that those options may not be the one I hope for him but all I can do right now is wait and see. Hope for the best and expect the worst. Is the wiser thing I can do

ajw720

@notes-from-nowhere it’s impossible to not be skeptical. I didn’t see that “wedding” a 1000 miles away. (SMH) I care way too much (a me problem). I felt like my heart broke that day and I need to take care of me and be cautious. But I’m leaning this is good and I do think the public evidence to date supports this.

This is what euphoria looks like in cc fandom.  

It’s interesting that she convinced herself this is Darren coming out when she thought he would come out during Hedwig based on this:

He and C were very relaxed, joking at interviews when G/lee was ending, both in France at the same time, the C/ol-Fur joke, the repeated telling of mandate.  Everything seemed to point to a positive resolution.  C even scheduled his book tour to be finished the day prior to d’s last performance. and then D was nominated for an emmy and everything seemed to shift and spun out of control and here we are, 4 years later.

She “rationally analyzes” the data and comes to the conclusion he’s coming out rather than understanding he’s just living his life. 

[deputy-ajay-ghale]

I was tagged by fave loser, @dykerory.

Rules: Copy/paste and bold your fic preferences because why not, gotta choose one (near impossible, but go with your first gut instinct), and tag someone because, again, why not.

slow burn or love at first sight.

It's the closest option to "two dumbasses mutually pining after each other" which is my actual favourite.

fake dating or secret dating

Again, two dumbasses low key pining, also shenanigans.

enemies to lovers or best friends to lovers 

You have to love when hate sex turns to genuine love sex.

oh no there’s only one bed or long-distance with correspondence 

BICKERING , MANNERS, BICKERING, COMMUNICATION, B I C K E R I N G .

hurt/comfort or amnesia 

Angst is my shit and when love interests/couples are there for each other??? Good shit.

fantasy au or modern au

I'm not a big fantasy person unless it's urban fantasy.

mutual pining or domestic bliss 

DIPSHITS IN LOVE, BABY.

smut or fluff 

Gotta love what you can't make yourself.

canon compliant (missing scenes) or fix-it fic

Do you know how much shit I consume where things could be Better? Uhh, hello, I watch horror movies for background noise.

alternate universe or future fic

AUs all day, erryday, babe. Zombies, superheroes, someone's fucking deaf, Hogwarts, bartender witih feelings, homedude runs a cafe, dilf has heart eyes for the teacher.

one-shot or multi-chapter

Sometimes you just don't have the patience, y'know? It could be the same length as a ten chapter fic, scrolling for days, but it's all there.

kid fic or roadtrip fic 

Honestly, I'm such a stupid fuck, so I'm a sucker for "surprise, we had a kid!" I think it's bc I watch General Hospital.

reincarnation or character death

I love crying, man. It's cathartic.

arranged marriage or accidental marriage 

I've dedicated way too much of my time to Naruto and Game of Thrones to not have a thing for arranged marriages. Especially when someone's dreading their marriage, but then their fiancé is like "I want to make this as painless for you as possible, I'll be your bestie and we can sleep in other rooms and shit" and I'm just akldjflaskjd.

high school romance or adult romance

I survived high school with my high school sweetheart and cringing over other couples. That's me now still as an adult. Plus, some fics get Horny and I'm just "eww, teenagers." I'm fully aware of teens being sexually active (be safe out there, young ones, make good choices, consent matters), but I just don't want to read it. Watching it on Shameless feels different from having to read it during Everything, Everything. Know what I mean?

time travel or isolated together

Shenanigans, angst, humor, frustration.

neighbours or roommates

Meh, I guess Neighbours bc like separate spaces, more room for the characters being their own people.

sci-fi au or magic au

I guess I'll go with this bc this is like Star Trek, superheroes, apocalypse stuff.

bodyswap or genderbend

Genderbends depending on the fandom are just misogynistic or stereotypical (weepy fem gay and blushing uwu girl), bodyswaps leave space for, wait for it, shenanigans.

angst or crack

Have you ever read a fic that hurt you so bad that the emotional pain physically manifested into a ball of aching pain in your stomach???? I reread fics for that feeling because I'm just in awe. Please, op, make me cry, my eyeliner can handle it.

apocalyptic or mundane 

I love apocalypses. Natural disaster, plague, zombies... if it's bleak and then you find love???? I'm down, bitch.

Tagging @blackbabe-revolution @dreamisendgame @voxeterna1 @kekkou-tamago @starfiresbilquis @comic-book-guy89 @bisexual-nightwing @nareava

[j-j-ehlby-writes]

Fate (c.e.) (5/6)

Chapter Five- Chance

Pairing: Professor!Chris Evans x Student!OFC

Word count: 4.2k

Summary: fate (noun): the development of events beyond a person’s control, regarded as determined by a supernatural power. (verb): be destined to happen, turn out, or act in a particular way.

Amara is about to start her senior year of college with her newly single best friend, Elizabeth. She goes out one night and meets a handsome stranger, Chris. Sparks fly. Fast forward a week and she finds out Chris is her professor. What happens when she also meets Sebastian, a cute guy from another one of her classes?

Series masterlist

The weeks go by and Sebastian has been the best boyfriend I could have ever asked for. He does everything right. He texts me cute quotes that make him think of me, he sent me flowers and sweets when my time of the month came, he picks Lizzie and me up on the mornings we all have class at the same time, he brings us food twice a week as we have binge-watching sessions at our place, he gets along with Lizzie so well they’ve quickly become besties, and so much more. He isn’t clingy, he’s considerate, he’s a perfect gentleman… He’s literally perfectly.

Then why do I look forward to when he leaves so I can be alone?

How crappy of a human being am I to not want to be with my boyfriend?

I was hoping as time went on, I would grow to love him; that the more time I spent with him I would get over what is holding me back… No such luck.

My favorite part of my day is when I go to his class. It’s like an escape. It’s a place I can forget what’s out there waiting for me. I’ve actually stayed the entire class time now, just to keep to myself for a little while longer… and shamelessly stare at him.

Every day I swear he gets more beautiful. His golden brown hair is always slicked back, begging to be messed up. His ensembles leave nothing to the imagination. His torso is the perfect “V,” giving into his lean waist which is always wrapped in excellent fitting slacks, contrary to their name.

I was doing fine keeping my distance, only looking and not touching, until he made the announcement:

“The sign-up sheet for Mid-term meetings is now up on the class page. Please make your appointments as soon as you possibly can. Meetings will start on Friday. I look forward to seeing how you’ve all improved within the last few weeks.”

Crap. I had totally forgotten about the mid-term meeting. I can’t be alone with him again, as much as I want to be. This time we have to be completely professional. We need to talk about his class and nothing else. We cannot have a repeat of our last meeting.

I complain about it when Lizzie and I got back to our apartment. I didn’t want to mention it in front of Sebastian for obvious reasons. “What do you think I should do? Wait until the last possible appointment or rip the band-aid off and just get it over with?” I ask hoping she could help make my decision.

She sighs, “As much as I want to tell you what you should do, you’ve got to make this decision on your own.” She pats my shoulder before retreating to her room. I go to mine and fall on my bed.

I log onto the class page to look at the appointment times available. Surprisingly and disappointingly, I didn’t see my name anywhere on the schedule this time. I guess he learned his lesson from the first time. I stare at the schedule, hoping the answer will come to me.

My phone dings, signaling a new email. I pull it up on my laptop, shocked at what I find.

“Miss Remington, You do not have to make an appointment, if you do not wish to. Your submissions have been flawless, needing no improvements. Just continue to turn in something every class and you will receive an A at end of term.                                                                    -C”

I stare at the email, disappointment flowing through me. Does he not want to see me? Has he moved on from me? Has he gotten back together with her? There could be no other reason for this email. I refuse to believe my submissions have been “flawless.” There is always room for improvements. Always.

My thoughts were interrupted again by my phone dinging. I click back to my inbox to see another email from him. “But please do…” was all it said. My heart rate picked up, tossing all of my previous thoughts out the window. He could have just left it at the first email, but no. He felt sending those last three words were necessary to convey how he feels. He wants to see me outside of the classroom setting as much as I want to see him again.

Well that answers my original dilemma. I checked the schedule for Friday and decided on the last appointment for that day, but I didn’t put my name down for it. I didn’t want him to know or think he was the reason why I scheduled it. I’ll keep an eye on it all week to see if anyone officially snags it. I closed my laptop with a hopeful feeling I haven’t had for a very long time. 

Wednesday came and Robert called me and Lizzie to see if we could bartend and waitress, claiming all of them are sick and he’s on vacation. Robert hired Lizzie and me as hostesses when we started school, eventually we were promoted to waitresses. Then when we turned 21, we dabbled in bartending. He gave us off for this last year so we could focus on finishing, but we told him we would help out if he was in dire need. He tells me this is one of those instances. We happily agree knowing it was going to be a slow night and it’d be easy money. We were right. Only regulars and a couple stragglers came in making for a stress-free evening. We always enjoy the witty banter we have with the regulars. They give us grief for not being there anymore, claiming the other bartenders don’t make their drinks as good as we do. They toast to my internship but complain that I won’t be there for entertainment. There really is no pleasing them. I just shake my head at them. Overall the night was enjoyable…

Until he walked in.

“Amara?” He says when he sees me. “I didn’t know you worked here.” He takes a seat at the bar in front of me.

“Yep.” I start wiping off the sticky bottles, trying to appear busy. “I have for a few years now. Gotta pay bills somehow.” I continue not looking at him while I ask what he’d like. I grab him a beer and put in his food order.

“Will you please look at me?” He quietly asks when there’s a lull in the night.

“I’m working.”

“That means you can’t look at me?” He asks a little louder.

“I’m busy. What do you want me to do? Ignore all of my other customers because you’re here?” I move to the computer so I can put in my tips from the night.

“Take a look around, Amara.”

I don’t need to in order to know that he’s the only one left at the bar. Lizzie has two tables left. She’s off at a different table rolling silverware and eyeing us every few seconds. This is typical for this time of night. With us closing in half an hour, everyone is mostly gone by now. Last call was made and everyone for the kitchen and alcohol so now all that is left is to start cleaning up.

“I’m well aware.” I don’t take my eyes off the screen, trying to show indifference. Even though all I want to know is why he’s here. Why did he decide to come in tonight of all nights? What are the freaking chances that he would choose to come here on the first night I’ve worked in weeks?

He begs, “Then can you please talk to me?”

“What is there to say?” I blurt exasperated. I finally look at him. God he’s gorgeous. Seeing him in casual clothes instead of the usual button-up, dress pants, and tie. Just like the first time I saw him. His normal gelled hair has lost some of its sturdiness, looking soft enough to still run my fingers through. Now that I see him up close he looks tired. Slight bags have formed under his eyes. Have the past few weeks exhausted him? Or was this recent? “We’re still in the same situation as before; nothing has changed. You’re still you and I’m still me. How many times are we going to have this conversation before we realize we don’t have a chance in hell?”

“It’s time to go, Mr. Evans.” Lizzie steps in, seeing how emotional I’m starting to get. She knows I wouldn’t walk away from this conversation without getting hurt. She’s being a really good friend.

He wanted to protest but now that Lizzie has stepped in, he knows it’s over now. When he started to reach for his wallet, I told him not to worry about it before escaping to the back. It didn’t feel right taking his money especially right now.

“Are you okay?” She asks after he leaves, but quickly answers her own question, “Stupid question. Of course you’re not. Go home. I’ll close up.” I repeatedly ask if she’s sure as she shoos me out, telling me not to worry and to go home and rest. It’s a good thing we came separately otherwise I would have to come back for her. 

As soon as I left the bar, all I wanted to do was go home and go to bed. All of my energy was drained from trying to avoid him and then that conversation… I was not prepared to have a conversation like that with him. Is this all our conversations will ever entail? The fact that we can’t be together even though we want to? That’s pointless and disappointing. I know we can talk about other things. We have. I honestly don’t think we could again until we resolve our main issue. And it’s truly too bad because I know how engaging our conversations can be. But since that first night, all but one of our interactions have been about us and our inappropriate feelings for each other. I can’t stand it.

“Amara…” His voice fills the quiet parking lot. I turn to see he didn’t actually leave. He was sitting on a bench just outside the building. It’s meant to be a designated smoke spot for the bar. However since no one is currently using it for that purpose, he’s using it.

“Chris, can we please not do this? I’m tired, I stink, and I just want to go home.”

He stands from the bench and approaches me. “I won’t keep you. I just had to say something.” Before I could register what he was doing, he kisses me. It was quick, but still stole my breath away. He rests his forehead on mine with his eyes still closed, “I believe if we gave us a chance, we could be something great.” He takes a deep breath, pulling back slightly to look at me. “You might not think so right now and that’s fine,” he takes my hands in his, locking his bloodshot blue eyes with mine, “but I’m not going anywhere. I will wait as long as it takes because that’s how much I believe in this, in us.” His hand caresses my cheek after placing some of my hair behind my ear. He smiles gently. “So, take your time. You’re worth all of the time in the world.” With that, he walks away. He leaves me confused, flustered, and wanting so much more.

I go back in the bar to see Lizzie standing there with the mop. “What’d he say?” She asks knowing exactly what just happened. My confusion, now for her, caused her to answer my unspoken question, “I told him to wait for you outside.”

“Why would you do that?”

“Because Remi, I saw how you looked at him. You have never looked at Sebastian that way; you’ve never looked at anyone like that before. It didn’t take a genius to figure it out.” She gives me the “you know I’m right” look, ceasing my forming argument. I know it would be pointless to deny it. Because of that, I stay quiet. “So, I told him to go outside and wait for you around the corner if he had any more to say. Obviously he said something so incredible that you came back in here to tell me, instead of waiting until I came home later.” She jutted out her hip, resting her fist on it. “So I will ask again: what did he say?”

“All of the right things.” I confess, hoping she understands what I’m getting at. She sighs and nods. She knew what I had to do. So did I. It wasn’t going to be easy, but hopefully the end result will be worth it.

“I kinda knew this was coming.” Sebastian says when I see him the next day. I didn’t even really have to say anything. I apologize because I know it wasn’t fair to him; because he doesn’t deserve this. “I’m surprised we lasted as long as we did.” He notes, taking all of this surprisingly well. “I could tell things were different from the start.”

“I’m so sorry. I wanted things to be different. I wanted it to work so badly, but-”

“But we’re obviously better off as friends.” He finishes seemingly on the same page.

“I truly hope we can still be friends because I do enjoy your company.” I know it’s one of the most cliché things to say during a break-up but in this case it’s true.

“Just not as your boyfriend.” He adds smirking.

“I really am sorry.” I apologize again. I worried about how he was going to take this all night. I didn’t know if he would be angry because I wasted his time or accuse me of having feelings for someone else… to which then I would tell him the truth. But I was most afraid he would be confrontational, making this even harder. However, I also knew that wasn’t his style. He doesn’t get angry. He is very level-headed about things that make him upset. My fear of confrontation was overriding my rational thinking.

“It’s honestly alright. I don’t regret anything. I would love if we could still hang out.” He smiles at me without any trace of hostility. “Besides, who else am I going to watch Gilmore Girls with? I need to find out if Luke and Lorelai end up together or not.”

And just like that, I had a new best friend. I may have lost my boyfriend but he’s right. We are obviously better as friends.

“Will you just tell me one thing?” He asks when I get up to leave. I nod. “Do you think we would have had a better chance if we met first?”

I shrug, “I don’t know.” He nods. “I wish I could give you an answer but I can’t.”

He nods again then smiles. I lean down, kissing his cheek. “You deserve the world,” I whisper.

“So do you.” He whispers back. “Now go get him.” He chuckles. “And if he hurts you, I will not hesitate to kick his ass.”

I giggle at his threat. “I would expect nothing less.”

Despite Sebastian’s go-ahead, I couldn’t make the leap. Not right away at least. I’ve tried to stay away from jumping from one relationship to another. It was a habit I had in high school I never wanted to go back to. So, I waited. It killed me, but I did. Lizzie and Sebastian never failed to gang up on me, pushing me to talk to him and tell him. They had become quite the pair, more so after we broke up. They’re favorite activity was banding against me when it came to deciding anything. My favorite was when they were on opposite ends of the spectrum and they would turn to me to break the tie. That was when I got my payback, vetoing their choices and going for my own.

For weeks, I kept my feelings to myself, counting down the days until the final class, a.k.a. when he is no longer my professor. As much as I wanted to be with him, I didn’t want it to be while he was my teacher. When I finally confess to him how I feel, I don’t want there to be any complications. Waiting until the very last day was the only time to do it. The “when” and the “what” were decided. All that was left was the “how.” How was I going to tell him? I don’t just want to say it outright. I voiced my thoughts to Lizzie and Sebastian to see if they would have any ideas.

“Dude.” Sebastian quirks his eyebrow at me. He gave Lizzie a look.

“He’s right.” She speaks as if reading his mind. “You’re a writer. Use it.”

With their encouragement, I began the painstaking journey of trying to write down how I felt about him. However it proved to be more difficult than anticipated. How do you write down that is indescribable? I tried multiple times, but nothing could accurately describe how he makes me feel. So instead of feelings, I focused on words. I ran over all of the conversations we’ve had. Slowly something came together. By my deadline, I had the perfect last entry to give him. I even let Lizzie read it. She swooned.

“Do you think he will get the message?” I skeptically ask. I included a secret message into the letter. I haven’t figured out if it was a good or bad idea yet.

She snorts, “If I can figure it out, so can he.”

So here we are. The last day of class. Since he doesn’t give tests, there will be no formal final. Just one last entry to turn in that we don’t mind not getting back, He handed back to each of us a manila folder with all of our submissions and an evaluation sheet containing our final grade. Once the last student had theirs, he stood in the middle of the front.

“I want to thank all of you for making my first semester here one to remember. You all have bright futures ahead of you. I can’t wait to see your names in print someday.” He beams with pride as he glances around the room. “You’ve made me very proud.” His eyes lock with mine. “Thank you for changing my life.” He returns his attention back to the rest of the class. “Alright, that’s all I have. You have the rest of the time to complete your last entry. I only have one request: make it special.”

As soon as he finished speaking, everyone got to work. No one came prepared with something at his request. I of course ignored that but stayed regardless. I wanted to be the last one out. I had special instructions for him and didn’t want anyone else around to hear them. To pass the time, I read and re-read my letter to him, going over everything with a fine-toothed comb to make sure it was perfect.

I sneak a glimpse at the man who stole my heart to see he was already looking at me.

He holds up a sheet of paper: “Final after this?” I smile at the reference to our first class. I shake my head just as I had that day. With my next final not until 2, I’ve got plenty of time. He immediately flips the page over to reveal his pre-written answer: “Be the last one out.” I nod once before turning my attention back to my letter. Now more than before I was excited to give it to him. My only fear was he wouldn’t understand my hidden message.

It was an hour and a half before we were the last two in the room.

“I’m getting a sense of déjà vu.” I comment when the door closes.

“Except you’re not crying this time.” He points out with a smirk on his gorgeous face. I chuckle remembering the day like it was yesterday. He comes to sit on the step right next to my aisle seat.

“As soon as I hand you this,” I clench the piece of paper in between my fingers, “you’re no longer my professor.”

“Finally.” He whispers under his breath.

“I just have one request.” He nods. “You wait until 4 to read it.” He starts to protest. “You have to promise me you won’t even peek at it until 4 o’clock on the dot.”

He runs his fingers through his hair, “You’re trying to kill me, aren’t you?” He then runs his hands over his face, sighing, “I will be thinking about it all damn day.”

I giggle, putting away my other stuff. “That was kind of the point.” As we stand up, I hand him my paper. He keeps his eyes on mine as he took possession of it. I can tell how badly he wants to look down. I hold out my pinkie. “Promise me.” He intertwines his pinkie with mine, sealing his promise to me. With that, I leave the classroom.

I don’t see Lizzie or Sebastian until 4 when all of our finals are finished for the day. By then I have half an hour to go home and get ready for tonight. I have to be at the bar before 5. If all goes according to plan, it could be a night to remember. In case something goes wrong, I have Liz and Seb as back-ups. I just hope nothing goes awry. They wish me good luck while pushing me out the door.

As I pull up to Robert’s, I head in to give whoever is working the bar the low-down on what is going to happening. Thankfully, it was Robert so I know he’ll be thrilled to help.

“Oh that guy who comes in every Wednesday? He’ll for sure be here.” He says this like it’s not a big deal when in fact, it is. “He comes in here hoping to see you.”

“So you had me work on a Wednesday night knowing he would be here?” I’m in shock. I’m flabbergasted. He purposely asked me to work on the one night he knew Chris would be looking for me. “Were the other bartenders even sick?”

He only chuckles before returning to his job. Well that’s my answer. “What do you need me to do?”

“Clear out?” I give him a hopeful smile knowing how big my request is. I’m putting all of my faith in his soft spot for me.

He sighs, “He means that much to you?”

I nod. “I honestly think he could.”

“Alright,” He sighs again, “but you’ll owe me big time.” Just like in the movies, he shouts that the bar is closed and all of their food and drinks are on him for the night. Before the chef leaves, he makes two Skippy burgers and two orders of deep fried green beans for us, wishing me luck.

From there, I wait. I wait on the exact bar stool where sparks flew while walls came tumbling down. That night replays in my mind as if it had just happened: the way the conversation between us flowed as if we had known each other all of our lives instead of a mere hour; how being around him felt like the most natural thing in the world; everything about him made me feel like we were meant to be in each other’s lives… he made me feel like I was home. I held onto that feeling as I eagerly await his arrival.

To keep my mind from completely freaking out, I take out my notebook to continue writing in my story. Oddly enough it’s the same story I was writing in three months ago. I dive right in, zoning out everything else around me.

“Whatchya writin’?”

I have to bite my lip to keep myself calm. He figured it out. He’s here. I meet his beautiful baby blues. He smirks at me from the next seat over, exactly where he was the first time I saw him. He dawns more formal wear this time though. His classroom vest and tie combo is removed, leaving the white button-up and adding a jacket. He looks just as gorgeous, if not even more so, than the first time. My heart smiles knowing he is here. He kept his word.

“Just jotting down all of the ways I could fall in love with everyone in this bar and make it last forever…” And I plan on making that come true…

He gets off his stool, coming up to me spinning my stool to face him. He steps between my legs, locking eyes with me. “Oh yeah? What are some of those ways?”

I slightly exaggerate a gasp, “A true romantic never reveals their methods.” He quirks his eyebrow at me. “But how about I show you instead?”

“Deal.”

He brings his lips to mine as if welcoming them back to where they belong. Because they do. We belong together. He belongs with me and I to him. I know that. I accept that now. There’s nothing holding us back anymore… and I believe that’s how fate would have had it.

Chapter Six- Fate

Permanent taglist: @elusive-beauty @drakesfiance @im-a-slut-for-an-accent @fantasy-is-my-reality @naniky

[dreammutual-remade]

best friends to lovers!lucas

request: ok ur SO FUNNY when i was reading ur hyunjin scenario i almost pissed my pants istg ur fckin hilarious !! and could you do like a best friends to lovers type trope with lucas from nct? love ur writing and please go nuts my guy <3 <3 - @nctro​

word count: 3.7k

a/n: djfhgkhdj thank u sO MUCH everyone who compliments me on here makes me blush dhbfkhsbdk anywhom I actually enjoyed writing this so much mainly because I love big dumb boys and Lucas is one of those !!!! I hope u like it bby<3

warnings ?: cursing and brief mentions of underage drinking 

okie doke babe

l e t s d i v e i n

let’s set the scene fellas

you’re in like the second grade right

boys are: disgusting and mean

but this is when you meet your bestie !!!!!

lucas was a new kid all the way from china and he was , the only boy you’d ever found cute

(i mean y’all have seen those baby pics oh my gOD HE WAS SO CUTE)

and when the teacher introduced him he was obviously a bubbly kid but none of the others in your class seemed to warm up to him

:((((

later when you all are at recess he keeps trying to join the boys but they won’t let him because as previously stated

THEYRE MEAN AND GROSS

he looks so so sad and lonely and you’re a Sweet Baby Girl so you go up to him and ask if he wants to play w/ u :)))

he’s so excited !!!! hooray !!!!!!!!!!

you guys play house and BAM

BEST FRIENDS FOREVER

your friendship lasts all through elementary school !!

even in fourth grade when you guys were in different classes he would come find you at recess and your moms would arrange play dates :))))

middle school was,

middle school

we don’t talk abt that

all you need to know is that it was embarrassing

and yeehaw we’ve made it thotties aLL THE WAY TO SENIOR YEAR

let’s do a brief summary of 9th-11th grade

9th grade:

lucas is taller than you but only by a little and his voice breaks every other sentence

his ears are still too big for his body :(

you are a late bloomer and still look 12 but you’re , TRYING YOUR BEST

you guys have about half of your classes together but remain really close since you eat lunch together and hang out after school too

lucas attempts to join the basketball team

he . doesn’t make it and is v upset so you have to come over and comfort your Pitiful Man Baby

he cries a little and ouchie yOUR HEART hurts

but then he’s like u never saw that THOT

and so you are forced into silence rip

10th grade:

lucas FINALLY gets his permit halfway through the year because he fuckinh forgot to do it last year and you’re TERRIFIED but it’s fine

you’re starting to look more like a female and less like a fetus congrats !!!!!

lucas has now grown to almost 6 feet tall what the FUCK BRO

he grew at least 6 inches over the summer and you don’t really notice until one day you’re like uhhh excuse me since when are you half a foot taller than me

¯\_(ツ)_/¯

and this boy LORDS his height over you

purposefully places things where you can’t reach it so he can be like

*tips fedora* m’lady , are u in need of assistance

after this you have perfected the art of pinching his arm til he screeches

also his voice has gotten sooooo so so deep

like okay darth vader CHILL OUT

with all this height though he is even clumsier than before

it’s like he forgets he’s now a giant 15 yr old

he’s always covered in scratches and bruises so you’ve taken to carrying disney princess bandaids

they’re disney princess because you thought it would embarrass him and encourage him not to get hurt but

he loves them so it didn’t work rip

he tries out for the basketball team again and genuinely makes it based on height alone

i mean the boy can barely dribble but ??? he can learn i guess

he calls you when he makes it and screams for 45 seconds straight

you don’t know wtf goin on so you’re like oh mY GOD ARE U OKAY

and he’s like yES BITCH I MADE THE TEAM

and then you scream for 45 seconds

next time you see him in person you tackle him with a hug and he lifts you up and spins you around because wow !!!!! so happy !!!!

11th grade:

ah, yes

the year of PARTYING

you always go to parties together and switch who’s dd each time

eventually more friends start coming with you so that you can both get drunk tho ayy

but for the first couple times it’s either drunk lucas half draped on you as you drag him home or sober lucas carrying your lightweight ass to the car

he’s a real one so he won’t say anything about the time you were really drunk and got separated from him so you stood on a table and screamed his name til he came and snatched you down lmao

lucas has reached full height as well so he’s like, so much bigger than you

also he’s gotten so much better at basketball and is practically the star of the team

you go to every game and cheer as loud as you can bc that’s your BOY

puberty is Complete for you and you look female and everything!!!! go off queen 

lucas is now on Protective Mode since you’re really cute and a very agreeable drunk and under no circumstances will he allow you to be taken advantage of

NOT on my watch- lucas

alright we’re gonna make senior year the present timeline bc

YOLO

lucas is officially more popular than you

BUT

he actually sticks around because he’s The Best

okay also this guy just keeps getting larger

like he got all tall but THEN

he was doing basketball so much and just genuinely enjoyed doing sports in general that our boy was thicc with two(2) got damn c’s

you don’t notice that much until he gets into a habit of throwing you over his shoulder whenever you won’t pay attention to him

and it’s , unnerving how easily he does it

he’s started wearing shirts that show off his, eh hem, assets

long story short he’s hot as fuck and even you see him and you’re like DAYUM

also every female in your school is. ALL OVER HIM

it’s hard to walk next to him in the halls because people genuinely shove you out of the way to get next to him

at first you just kind of let it happen and he didn’t notice the first few times

that made u hella emo :(((((

but now he INSISTS upon holding your hand and dragging you behind him through the crowds

you highkey blush the whole time and everyone is all ArE yOu GuYs DaTiNg ?!/&:&:$

lucas is like NO.

:))))

ouchie

you start overthinking things because ??? would it really be so bad to be dating you jeez

you’re not terribly ugly or anything ???

at least you don’t think so

oh my god he thinks you’re ugly and annoying and he hates you

self hatred commence in 3,2,....... someone play the icarly theme song

you lowkey start distancing yourself and he himself is busy busy bee so

you start seeing less of each other :/

and you miss him soooo so much (this is your own doing BITCH) but it doesn’t even seem like he misses you at all wtf

he’s just having a great time w/ his basketball boy(friend)s and everyone loves him and you’ve been hashtag left behind :(

he really didn’t mean to he just !!!! has so much going on aaaa

and like in his absence you start realizing a lot of things

like how much you actually liked his cringey ass flirting

you would always smack him every time he was like “oh sorry, just got lost in ur eyes what did u say :3”

you miss his hugs because they were really rEALLY GOOD

he tucks you under his chin and squishes you or he’ll just wrap his arms around and pick you up

your feet just ???? dangle

you miss when he would show up at your house at like 11 with a bunch of shitty foreign films and force you to watch them with him

you miss when you both would fall asleep in a pile on the couch and he would wake up and carry you to bed

because he’s an angel THATS WHY

anywhom

you miss everything about him and you just are so upset that he doesn’t pay that much attention to you

it gets WORSE when you notice some other girl hanging out with him

and she’s prettier than you and apparently good enough for his attention when you aren’t and you’re just so full of

what’s the word

JEALOUSY.mp3

go listen to jealousy by monsta x

but obviously you’re not going to acknowledge that because what’s a good friends to lovers story without a hearty helping of denial

he still tries to hang out with you so you guys do see each other in class and at least a couple weekends out of the month but :(((

it���s nowhere near how close you were

it all comes to a head when one day you’re walking in the hall and it’s hella crowded

way worse than usual

and in the center of the crowd is

you guessed it :’-)

our boy yukhei

and he just asked this girl to the winter formal and she’s nodding and smiling and hugging him and he’s smiling too and you

gotta go

your eyes are already starting to water and you start skirting around the edges of the crowd to get to a bathroom

one of your other friends jeno who also plays with lucas on the team sees you and smiles and lifts his hand

but it immediately shifts into a frown when he sees your face

he reaches out to grab your wrist and asks if you’re okay and what’s wrong

you just bring your other hand up to sloppily wipe at your watery eyes and whisper that it’s nothing

the hand he’s got in his grasp has started to shake and he looks really worried so he tugs you around the corner until he doesn’t see anyone around

and he turns to look you in the eyes all Serious

“alright. spill”

and you just

BURST INTO TEARS

he panics and hesitantly puts an arm around your shoulders to pat your back

you just press your forehead into his shoulder and cry

it’s a short cry though because although we are dramatic out here we aren’t doing The Absolute Most

you pull away and wipe your eyes and take a few deep breaths before you apologize

jeno smiles sadly and pats your head and says it’s okay and that he hopes it helped

you stand there for 37 seconds exactly in silence

jenos been counting

and then you let the cat out of the bag

you adMIT FINALLY !!!!!

that you are really in love with your bff/sort of ex-bff and you’re really jealous and sad because he doesn’t even CARE about you anymore

at first jeno is quiet but then he starts laughing

and he won’t stop

and you’re like if you keep going i’m going to cry again please i’m so sensitive

and he shuts up immediately and is like o_o

but then he grips you by your shoulders and is like hEY

“guess what”

“god jeno i am really not in the mood”

“no for real guess what the fuck is up”

“what is up ???? what is up you asshole ???”

“yukhei is in love with you too”

you scoff and roll your eyes

“this is a really lame attempt to make me feel better”

“no really i’m not even lying i swear he talks about you all the time in the locker room and he literally thinks you’re an angel”

“okay but its platonic as hell like obviously we love each other after all these years but he doesn’t like ME in the way i like HIM”

“how do you know??”

“how do YOU know ?????”

“,,,,,, you got me there”

you pat his shoulder and you’re like listen i really appreciate you trying to make me feel better but it’s time for me to accept my fate

now you and lucas still text semi regularly and send each other memes and stuff

but you just, cut him off because you physically can’t move on if you interact with him at all you LOVE this boy

he def notices and texts you a few times like

y/n ??? hello? is your phone broken?

but when you stop waving back at him in the hallways and actively avoiding him he realizes you’re not talking to him

and this poor boy cannot for the life of him figure out why

he doesn’t UNDERSTAND

god he’s dumb but we still stan

he figures you want him to leave you alone so he just stares at your forlornly from afar

this just pisses you off bc like wtf nOW YOURE GONNA PAY ATTENTION TO ME ??????

a couple weeks pass and it’s time for winter formal

yay.

you’ve been dragged here by jeno who is SURE that something important is gonna happen tonight and lucas is gonna Fix Everything

yeah OKAY

SURE

you may not want to go but you wouldn’t be caught DEAD not stunting on these hoes

you show up looking absolutely SPICY

QUEEN OF WINTER

you know you had to do it to em

jeno forcefully pulls you into the doors of the gymnasium and then disappears after he threatens you with an

“i told chenle not to let you leave”

and you turn to look at chenle who is SGA and helping with the dance and he gives you an “i’m watching you” hand motion

god this is ridiculous

you sigh and go find some of your other friends

you hate to admit this but. you actually had a little fun

and then of course

a slow song was played

and the dj is all yo everyone find you a honey it’s time to slow it down for a bit

sigh

you go to walk off the dance floor or find jeno or do SOMETHING other than stand around looking awkward surrounded by couples

but someone has snatched your hand up yo wtf

it’s LUCAS

and you just look at him with confusion

“dance with me, please. just this once,,,”

and you’re like hmmm pls don’t make me do this

but he hits you with Them Puppy Dog Eyes and you’re a goner

so you let him pull you close and hold you against his chest and rest his chin on the top of your head

you lift up on your toes so you can talk in his ear

“where’s your date?”

“dancing with her girlfriend”

“um. what”

“she’s not super duper out yet so i’m being her beard for the night. it was mainly to get her parents off her back”

“oh. huh”

“plus i missed you :(((( you disappeared”

your hands tighten in the fabric of his button up bc you’re like aw FUCK

you just shake your head and rest it back on his chest and close your eyes to enjoy it while you can

as much as you want to be convinced that things can go back to the way they were now

they cANNOT because you still love him and he still just thinks of you as a friend

maybe not even a best friend anymore :(

(again,, YOUR FAULT BITCH)

his GIANT warm hands slide across your waist to press you forward by the small of your back

at this point you are pressed together basically head to toe

and you can’t tell for sure but , you think he kissed the top of your head ???

maybe you were freakin hallucinating though since you’re losing oxygen fast due to his close proximity

the song ends and you slowly stop swaying and pull apart while everyone gets back to being wild

“can we.. go talk outside”

this sentence strikes FEAR in your heart but you take his proffered hand as he leads you outside

it’s cold as hell so you’re already wound up tight and wrapping your arms around yourself to keep warm

he notices quickly and wraps his jacket around you before turning to face outward towards the road

it’s quiet other than the muffled music from inside and crickets and other night noises

he opens his mouth to say something but you just blurt out

“i like you!!!!”

and he whips around to face you and you just. keep talking

“it’s oKAY i know you don’t like me back like that and i would never be mad at you about that i didn’t distance myself from you bc of that!!!! i just had to because it was hurting me to be around you and see you be with other girls and i really wanted to move on so that we could get back to being best friends if you even wanted that i just !!! IT JUST HAPPENED OKAy i’m sO SORRY AND I ComPLetely understand if you never want to speak to me again”

and he’s just staring at you and panting

why is he out of breath he’s just been standing there

you’re getting super duper nervous because he hasn’t said aNYTHING and it’s been at least a minute

and then he just goes

“you… like .. me ???”

and you’re like ugh YES you dumbass have you even met yourself you’re so cute and sweet and such a goofy boy and you’re way too nice to me and also HOT so like. you were asking for it

and he immediately swings you into his arms and gives you a big sloppy kiss on the cheek and buries his face in your shoulder and squeals

this man. SQUEALS

and you giggle because it’s tickling your neck hey stop that

and he’s laughing that loud ass cackle of his so you’re laughing too i mean have y’all heard that shit

GOOFY AS HELL

also he’s hugging you almost just like he used to with your feet dangling off the ground

and he pulls back to set you down but then

HE GRABS YOUR FACE

AND KISSES YOU  ??!/&8:$:$:92&

b i t c h

he’s so gentle and is patient when you kind of freeze at first, pulling away and pressing his lips very gently to the corner of your mouth before going Back In

and even though he’s given you NO EXPLANATION FOR THIS you kiss him back because this may be a one time only opportunity and you will NOT be wasting it 

he goes very slow and sweet and right before he pulls away he presses a cute lil smooch to your bottom lip and presses his forehead against yours

“what was that for?”

“oh yeah, i forgot to tell you!! i’m in love with you”

“oh hEY me too ??!!?!&/&”

and you’re both pressed together and giggling

“hey, you wanna ditch and go get some ice cream”

“absolutely”

so he lets his date know and you text jeno

(you: bIIIIIIIITTCHHHH    jeno: I KNEW IT)

and you’re off

he holds your hand the whole way there and when he parks he spRINTs around the car so he can open it for you

you each get an ice cream cone and sit next to each other at a picnic table and just talk and catch up with each other since you haven’t been talkin :/

one of your hands is laced with his and your head is leaned on his shoulder and he’s like hEY watch it this is my favorite shirt

and he flexes his arm with your head on it and you’re like god dAMN that’s a bicep

and he’s like ayy lmao arent u glad ur dating a greek demi god  🤪🤪

and you smack HIM

“i cant believe you just declared us as dating in the same sentence as calling yourself a greek demigod”

“are we ,,,, not dating”

“i mean personally, i haven’t gotten asked on a date yet. hmmmm, have you? :-)”

and he sighs dramatically before wrapping an arm around your waist and leaving a somewhat sticky kiss on your temple from the ice cream

he leans down to your ear

“hey so there’s this girl and her name is y/n and she’s so beautiful and funny and i love her so much do you think she would go on a date with me ? :3”

“hmmm well i guess so,,, she could give you a chance…..”

you hold a straight face for less than 5 seconds before you get all blushy and smiley and he squeals at you

......again

and grabs your face with his hands since he literally dEVOURED that ice cream cone

he presses a kiss to the tip of your nose and then to your lips and says against them,

“please~”

another kiss

“for me?~”

another

“cmon~”

and he goes in for another but you’re like oKAY okay i’ll date you you giant pain in my ass

and he’s like :-(((((((

(DONT BE MEAN TO THE BABY BOY)

and you’re like aw i’m sorry you’re MY giant pain in the butt

he seems pretty satisfied with that and after you finish your ice cream cone he is already at the door waiting with the door open

“if you dARE say m’lady i will walk home”

“of course ,,,,,,,,, m’lady”

“alrIGHT THATS IT”

he grabs your hand and pulls you back toward him to keep you from leaving and presses a kiss to your forehead and ruffles your hair a little

before he kindly and gently shoves you into the car

he drives home with one hand on the wheel while you mess with the fingers of his other hand because wow

that shit is amazing he’s got some big ole beautiful hands

when you arrive he walks you to your door and

this mf presses you against it and presses an absolutely SINFUL kiss onto your lips before turning around and heading back to his car

“bye, baby!! i’ll see u tmrw at school :-)))))”

and first of all: KKDKDNDKDJ

second: he called you baby it’s officially over for you bitch

you wave back blankly because what the hell just happened and then you go inside

you press yourself against the door after you close it behind you and press your hands into your warm cheeks

and woooo bOY what have you gotten yourself into

a supportive and caring boyfriend who LOVES YOU THATS WHAT !!!!!!!!

okay goodbye i really love wong yukhei xuxi lucas whatever the fuck his name is

[just-another-winchester]

Marry Me

Pairing: Jensen Ackles x Reader (with sort of x Jared)

Word Count: 2,409

Warnings: Talk of suicide, depression, slight immaturity in reader

Summary:  Reader is getting ready to marry the man she loves, but his best man may be the real love of her life.

A/N: Nothing much to say, hope ya’ll like this! Love you! Tell me what you think!!!

FEEDBACK IS MY SUSTENANCE!!!!

Credit to @amanda-teaches for all her help. And @katymacsupernatural for helping convince me this wasn’t a bad idea.

 It was never what you would have expected, being engaged to such a wonderful man like this, your wedding fast approaching and your heart beating even faster.

This wasn’t exactly what you’d envisioned for your life, you really just figured you would be a crazy cat lady or something. It just seemed easier than opening your heart to someone when it could potentially be broken so easily.

You had always been more of a loner, preferred it to crowds. If you trusted someone, got close to someone, you could get hurt, and you refused to allow that. You tried to play the role of strong young lady with a feisty spirit.

But inside you’d been dying, your heart wasn’t the kind that could take much pain, though you suppose no one had that magic ability of not really being bothered by things. Most people were either not human, or hid it much better.

Yet here you were, your heart had been opened to this man more than a year ago, and you’d not been betrayed or disappointed like you had learned to expect from life. On the contrary, you were going to be married next week, you could see your life coming together in front of you.

Now you thought of moving into a house, having kids, finally doing something important with your life.

Sure being in the public eye was never ideal, but you could use it to your advantage. You had gained millions of followers over a couple days just for knowing Jensen Ackles, but your marriage engagement to Jared had changed things for you forever.

You’d known Jensen since you were a kid, he’d been your closest friend, like a brother.

For a while you bobbed in and out of friendship, while you were in high school studying how to say ‘good day’ in french and taking calculus Jensen was out doing things with his life already.

You’d gone through moments where you had been furious at him for leaving, believing he was a bad friend, but you always knew how wrong that way, in truth he was the best friend you could ever hope for, he had his own life to live, and you had always been the one to encourage him to live it.

After high school you went on to college, Jensen’s career took off, and you couldn’t have been more proud of him, but aside from phone calls and the occasional text message, he was out of your life. You’d told him you didn’t want to be involved in that, any of it. You knew he’d be big, he was what you’d call a heartthrob.

You never liked the idea of being well known, you liked the darkness, it was easier to hide away and not be known. If you made a mistake, it was barely noticed, but if Jensen did something, it would last forever.

You didn’t want to be part of that life, where strangers knew your name and you could have people hate you just for knowing or caring about someone the way they wanted to care about someone. You’d seen crazy fans throw fits about their favorite celeb being besties with someone that wasn’t them, or someone they didn’t deem worthy.

As much as it hurt, Jensen understood, and for a while, you two went your separate ways. Jensen did more jobs, got more popular, a couple teen magazines and boom, your best friend was the big deal you knew he would be, and you were left in the darkness, just like you’d wanted.

It wasn’t until a year or so after college that you two met up again. You’d been in a bad place, college was harder than you expected, you were studious, but you had to work night and day just to get a C, you wanted to do better than that, but you never did. School, it was just harder for you.

You’d spent so long calling yourself stupid and an idiot. You had barely graduated, even with tutoring and special help, you didn’t see school turning out like that.

Long story short, you got real low, and you tried to kill yourself. Obviously it didn’t work out that way and your family called the only person they knew who could lift your spirits. Jensen flew out in the middle of shooting an episode of his show, even though you’d gone separate ways, you both still cared about each other, and you never would have admitted it, but he was still your best friend.

Jensen travelled back and forth for a while, he called you every day, you woke every morning to a random text message, a quote from the episode he was in the middle of shooting, a smiley face, or just three words that reminded you there was a reason to live.

Finally Jensen had the brilliant idea getting you a job on the show, and just dragging you around to stay with him.

You did love to travel, and so without hesitation you agreed.

It didn’t take long to prepare. Jensen explained most of it, and although it all confused you, you didn’t care. You weren’t thinking about the other workers, the rest of the cast. You would finally be with your best friend again. You probably wouldn’t even remotely be noticed either, you were sure of it.

Before you knew it you were in your new job. You were a cameraman. Well, camerawoman technically. The job was enjoyable, and the people you worked with were amazing, but Jared.

Jared was like Jensen’s guy version of you. It was incredible, you both hit it off immediately, you got along so well, and it didn’t take long for him to ask you out.

You weren’t exactly the best when it came to relationships, as Jensen could attest to. You just hated opening yourself up to someone, it scared the hell out of you, but he was sweet, and you liked him. So you said yes.

Long story short, it worked out, and now here you were, sitting in a diner with Jensen eating lunch like you do every Saturday.

“No, I saw you first, you should be my maid of honor, I really believe you would look stunning in lavender.” You said to him,

“I’m not wearing a dress.” Was his only response.

“Who said anything about a dress? I was just thinking color. It could be like a leisure suit situation or something.” You suggested, Jensen nearly choking as he took a sip of his drink.

You smirked at him, trying not to laugh.

“I think I’ll stick to a regular black suit, as Jared’s best man.” He said to you, earning a pout

“C’mon! That’s not fair, Jared has other friends, and family. I don’t have anyone other than you.”

“You have plenty of people, just ask someone on set.” Jensen suggested

“This is supposed to be a very important thing, I can’t just ask some random coworker to be my maid of honor.” You argued

“Well unless they change is to manservant or butler of honor, I can’t help you.”

You groaned at the man and ran your fingers through your hair.

“I’m friendless, you know I typically don’t get along with females.” You said to Jensen

“I know you always start a cat fight because you have serious temper management issues.”

“I do not,” You argued

“You do too.” He stated

“I do not!”

“You do t-”

“I don’t like you!” You huffed,

“I’m not surprised, you rarely like being argued with.” Jensen took another sip of his drink as you grumbled under your breath how mean he was being to you.

“Jay I’m serious! I just… c’mon I don’t have any girlfriends. Other women just annoy me.” You huffed

Jensen softened and gave you a sad look,

“That’s because you have a thing against allowing people to care about you.” He stated

“Did you miss the fact that I’m getting married to someone I’ve barely known a year?” You questioned

“No, did you miss the fact this is someone I had to promise you every night was a good guy who you could trust? When you first met him you were like a scared little kid, you hid behind me like he was the scariest monster ever.” Jensen pointed out

“Okay, it’s not my fault I was intimidated, he’s a large man, and so are you so it’s easy to hide behind you.”

“How about your old college roommate? Uh,.. Tabitha?” Jensen suggested

“What, the girl who stole my car? No thank you.” You muttered

“You got it back,” He pointed out

“Yeah, and it came with the free scent of her spilled perfume and questionable stains on my back seat.” You said

“She was acquitted of those murder charges.” Jensen joked

“Not funny Jensen.”

Jensen put his hands up in surrender, “I’m sorry, look I know you have other friends, you’re just too afraid to admit that they’re friends. What about Gen? Or Sarah? Or half the crew?”

“I haven’t seen Gen in more than a year, and Sarah, I don’t think she’s be interested.” You sighed, “Maybe we should just go to the courthouse and not worry about a wedding.”

“Just because you can’t find a maid of honor?” Jensen asked “Months of planning and you wanna call it off for that?” He gave you a skeptical look as you sighed softly, shaking your head.

“I was kidding, I’m not that childish.” you said to him “Even though I’m surrounded by you strangely loving idiots I still feel so lonely sometimes. I mean, I hate doing girly stuff and yet I find myself wanting to go shopping, get my nails done. Girl stuff.”

“You realize there are plenty of girls that you know that would love to do that with you. Hell I bet Jared would do girl stuff with you, he has the hair for it.” Jensen chuckled

You just rolled your eyes at him as you finished your drink, your food all gone, plate practically licked clean.

“Can we just go now please? I kinda just wanna take a shower and go to bed.” You said softly,

“No.” Jensen stated.

You had no idea how much you really meant to Jensen, he had seen you like this before, just tired, always in a slump, never really wanting to be out yet always wanting to be out. It used to confuse the hell outta him, but he came to understand it.

“What do you mean no?” You demanded

“I mean no, if I take you home you’ll take a shower and go straight to bed. It’s One in the afternoon Y/N, you already slept in. I know how you are when you get like this, I am not giving you a chance to get back in that slump.” Jensen stated

“Maybe I’m just tired.” You argued as he stood up, you following him

“Yeah, and you’re tired because you’re depressed. Are you taking your medicine?”

You licked your lips as you followed him out the door, not answering his question and looking away from him.

“Y/N!” Jensen sighed, knowing what the silence meant, “You’re supposed to take that medicine for a reason. It’s supposed to help you, you need to take it.”

“All that stuff does is make me sad, I can’t get real low but I can’t feel really happy either, I hate that.” You muttered

“It’s a hell of a lot better than getting real low don’t you think!?” the large man said as he climbed into the driver’s seat of the car.

“No I don’t! I hate just feeling… mediocre. It’s a miserable feeling, I wanna at least have the possibility of being happy and having a great day. Like yesterday, that picnic, I never would have had such a good time if I’d been on that damn medicine.”

“That’s not true,” Jensen argued

“Actually it is true, don’t pretend to know Jensen, you have no idea what this feels like, how terrible it is to feel the way I feel half the time!” You said to him

“I don’t need to know! I’ve seen the result in both of my best friends. I’ve seen the lowest on you and I will not let that happen again.”

Jensen’s voice was low, he was clearly holding back emotion and trying to remain calm. Jensen had been so affected by what happened when you tried to kill yourself, you had no idea how much it really tore him apart.

He felt responsible for everything. He’d claimed to be your best friend, to love and care about you, but all he did was abandon you, and leave you to go through life alone. He knew what a hard time you had opening yourself to people, he knew why he was your only friend.

He remembered when your parents called him, when they told him you had tried to commit suicide. He’d spent months hating himself for it, blaming himself. That was a little less than three years ago now, and he still couldn’t forgive himself for leaving you alone.

How you looked when he’d gotten to that hospital room, you were so small, and so frail. It broke his heart. Even though he hadn’t spoken to you in a while, not a day went by that he didn’t think about you.

He felt like he’d failed you, and even still, you’d opened your eyes and smiled at him. You had just tried to take your own life, and the man who let you down walked into the room and it made you smile.

He didn’t understand it, especially when you immediately started crying after, but all he could do was try and be gentle as he held onto you, hugging you for dear life.

That whole ordeal was past you both now, but he still remembered it, and it broke his heart every time.

He did everything he could to take care of you, he tried to make sure you took care of yourself, took your meds, ate and all that typical stuff that kept you sane and alive. You still had bad days, everyone does, but for the most part you were okay.

Jensen, however, was not. You were better, and that made him happy, but you were also about to marry his best friend,

When he was in love with you.

MY TAG LIST IS WIDE OPEN!!!

Dream Team

@spn67-sister @queen-of-deans-booty @ria132love @winchestergeekfreak @maui137 @katymacsupernatural @jayneysimp @emoryhemsworth @just-another-busy-fangirl @bunniesowlsandwhales @jensensjaredsandmishaslover @mogaruke @kristendanwayne @cassieraider @squirrel-moose-winchester @hms-fangirl @heyitscam99 @crazyspn67

Dean Team

@akshi8278 @polina-93 @aubreystilinski @-lovepeacenhope- @waywardbaby @missjenniferb @whimsicalrobots