#<- not really but fuck it high school musical voice we're all in this together

[myaatwins]

it's so funny when someone is complaining about himiko, a queer character, being used as a tool for getting a straight couple together and then someone shows up like "ugh bkdks and tgchks are so bitter and delusional and don't understand this scene at all"

like no, that's not it.

i very much understand that himiko is a character who above anything else valued living and loving freely and that the chapter was trying to make the point that because himiko loved ochako she wants her to stop denying herself love and happiness! i get that!

but the thing is... himiko is a character inherently associated with queerness. the way that she was told that there was something wrong with her simply for being the way she was, that she should be normal, her way of loving being seen as twisted, the quirk counseling—it's all a metaphor.

so you can't just say that the people rightfully calling out the story for having himiko's queer love (literally!) push a straight couple together are wrong and distorting the meaning of the scene because Well. context matters.

so, no, tgchks and bkdks aren't "whining because our ships weren't endgame" (most of us never actually believed they would; when it comes to shipping i think a lot of us would agree that the important part isn't whether or not a ship becomes canon, we just want to enjoy the characters and dynamics we love), we're upset for several reasons, one of which being the mistreatment of a canonical queer character.

[widevibratobitch]

something about being told im 'the leading person at this whole academy when it comes to interpretation and stage intelligence' by the husband of the woman im trying (not really. but i mean. who knows) to seduce... ok boy you got me. lets make it a polycule.

[daisymbin]

the unplanned date - kim mingyu

warnings: suggestive but not really! just light mentions of past sexual events but thats all. slight use of profanities

pairings: kim mingyu x reader

genre: situationship to lovers lmaooo

wc: 2.8k

a/n: 1. fuck taeil

2. this was originally written for jeonghan but i felt it fitted mingyu better

3. please this took fucking forever because I kept getting writers block and hated the flow but I think I'm satisfied with it now

check out my masterlist!

"what? she's cheating on me?” mingyu asked in disbelief. “and what do you mean she's not my girlfriend?” mingyu angrily questioned jun with a slightly raised voice; his forehead and eyebrows scrunched in anger and confusion. “what the hell are you talking about? since when in the world did the two of you date? in another alternate universe??? all she did was go out on one date!” jun countered as he walks to the kitchen to retrieve a glass of water. at that, mingyu left their shared apartment, heading straight to yours; needing answers.

you jump when you hear your doorbell ring, “were you expecting someone?” your roommate seungcheol asked as you both exchange glances while he notes the time, it's 3:07am. “no?” you said as you got up from the sofa where you had been lounging on with seungcheol, binge watching the entire high school musical series but seungcheol stopped you, “wait, i'll get it. its late, it could be some creepy old man.” seungcheol rushed to open the door while you followed close by behind him. as soon as he opened the door, you were both met with a messy, disheveled hair kim mingyu. he’s panting so much that for a second, he looks like he might actually pass out. “mingyu? what are you doing here at this hour?” seungcheol asked as he opened the door wider for him to enter. “did you run here???” you asked. “yes but thats not the point right now,” mingyu pauses to catch his breath, “did you go out on a date with jun's classmate? are you cheating on me?”

seungcheol's brows slightly furrowed at mingyu's words, “woah calm down. why dont you come in first?” he asked as he tugged on mingyu's sleeves, ushering him in. “alright, im gonna be in my room to give you two some….privacy. no funny business please, its 3am and I could use some sleep.”

mingyu inpatiently waited for seungcheol to retreat to his room before he sprung his question yet again onto you. “so??? are you not going to answer me??” it was clear that mingyu is frustrated as he laid his clenched fist on the kitchen counter. “what the fuck are you talking about? cheating on you? we're not even together!” you countered back as your forehead and eyebrows scrunched in confusion & slight anger matching mingyu's. “I'm asking you why the hell I just heard from jun that you went on a date with that new guy boy from his biology class?” mingyu knew he was being slightly petty but still, how could you? you watched as he slowly unclench his fists only to grip at the corners of the kitchen counter. “like i said, you and i? we're not together mingyu. I'm free to date whoever I want, isn't it? that was the rule you set, is it not?” you asked in anger.

“what do you mean we're not together?” mingyu paused before he continued. his question was laced with confusion and a hint of heartbreak but of course, he tried to mask it with even more frustration. “we hold on hands all the damn time y/n! we spend time together, A LOT of time together might i add, we stay over at each other's place, we nap together, we sleep together, we cuddle, we hug, we kiss, you play with my hair all the time and i do too! i mean, for god's sake, we fuck each other! what do you mean we're not together?”

“so what, mingyu?’’ your own voice and tone took you aback for a second, the words came out harsher than you would have liked but you dont falter. “weren’t you the one who said you didn't want anything serious to begin with? weren't you the one who said that we’re only keeping things casual and nothing more? so why are you here at my apartment at ass o'clock screaming at me about cheating on you?” you had made sure to put out air quotes for those last 3 words.

this time, there was a clear dip in mingyu's voice, softer, more tender, more vulnerable. “well…yes but that was before.. that was when we were still… I don't know, fucking around but now we're definitely not! the things we do are definitely not just… fucking around things! you know what I mean! why are you making this so hard!” mingyu was exasperated, that much was clear. you watch as he now has his arms folded and his pout coming to light, making your heart clench at the sight. “gyu...” you said as you let out a small sigh, mingyu perked up at his nickname, his gaze shifting to you. “I'm not trying to make anything hard and you know that. how was i supposed to know anything? how was i supposed to know what you want if you don't tell me?”

“I thought you'd know by now…i-i thought it was obvious by now…I thought we both…”

“you thought we both what mingyu? you can't just keep all these thoughts to yourself without telling me and expect me to know anything because trust me, I don't! I don't know how you feel about me, I don't know if any of this is as serious for you as it is for me, god, I don't know what your intentions are! all I know from you is that this is all just casual and nothing more! and you know what's the worst part of it all? it's that I can't even ask you about it because then I'm gonna come off as clingy and needy and it's pathetic to even imagine presenting myself that way to you!” your lips were now pressed together in a thin line; an overwhelming feeling of shame and embarrassment taking over you, forcing you to look away from him to avoid eye contact and you start to feel your eyes prick you with tears threatening to spill.

“you know I'd never think that of you... i just…I'm not good with words. I don't know how to tell you what I want or how I feel about you. I just get so tongue tied when it comes to you. I really thought that maybe if I lo-” mingyu all but stopped himself with a deep sigh, unable to voice out his hidden feelings for you. he took a few seconds to find a replacement for that word before he took another deep breath & continued, “I really thought that maybe if I just… let things be and let my feelings act on their own that maybe you'd pick up on it and we would just…” he ended with a sigh that was barely audible. you would have missed it if you weren't all focused on him.

his voice trailing off and quivering only forced you to quickly blink your tears away to look back at him; the sight of his shoulders slumped and his head looking down, not meeting your eyes only broke your heart even more. is it possible for your heart to feel so heavy and sad, yet filled with so much hope? because that's definitely how you're feeling right now.

regardless of how much you think you know what mingyu is trying to say, you still wanted him to say it, you still wanted to hear it from him. this friends with benefits situationship thing has been going on long enough for a year & a half now & that doesnt include the years before when you were both friends. everyone knows you're both kind of a thing yet not really. no matter how much the boys pushed for mingyu to make it official, mingyu always brushed them off and said that he didn't have to, that you already know what you both had, but in this moment, it dawned on him that what he thought he had with you isn't what you thought you had with him. all the self loathe and heartbreak he's feeling right now couldn't have made him feel more stupid than he already was.

“gyu can you- can you try? can you try telling me? Just… take your time, im here, im listening, I have all the time in the world for you, just try baby. I just want to know how you really feel, I just want to know what you want for yourself and for us.” your hands reached out for his with a mind of its own.

looking down at your joined hands, mingyu starts moving his thumb mindlessly at the back of your hand, caressing them gently. it's now that he realizes how utterly stupid he has been. “baby i-” yours eyes follow his hands as they now draw circles on yours as you gave him a light squeeze of encouragement. “go on gyu, im listening.”

“I don't know how to do this. I know I said I didn't want anything serious at the start of it and that it's just casual but… but that was before you- do you remember our first date?” mingyu gathers all the courage he could find in himself and cautiously brings his eyes to yours. “what date?” you didn't want to sound rude or cold but as far as you could remember, you've never had any dates with mingyu. your relationship with him started off as just being friends for years, evolving into a friends with benefits situation which was strictly only physical needs late at night, outside of that, you were nothing more, well, at least for the first few months that is. until….unless..? was he talking about the first time you both hung out together alone without the boys outside of the bedroom and while the sun is still out? “do you mean…the flea market?” you asked as realization dawned on you; that was the day your friends with benefits relationship evolved into something that was like a relationship but not really, the cursed situationship type of thing.

mingyu chuckles as he realizes how sentimental he looks right now, although, he's not sure if you can tell. his shy smile and fangs peeking through as he watches the gears in your head turn. “well..what about that day mingyu?” truth be told, you remember that day clear as day, but you can't pinpoint exactly what mingyu is trying to say; there wasn't really anything…special or anything that stood out that day, well, other than the fact that you were both out and not in bed that is.

“that was the first time we hung out together alone after we started the whole friends with benefits thing. do you remember? that night before that, when we broke our first rule of not sleeping over?” a quiet mhm was all you could let out, unsure of where mingyu is going with this. “do you even remember why I called you over that night?”

“you were sad. your hamster….he passed away.” you said carefully. “mhm he did. and that evening, that night, it was the first time you came over and we didn't…we didn't do anything. you held me, comforted me and let me wet your t-shirt with my tears. you insisted on putting me to bed and cuddling me to sleep for the first time and told me that you'd leave after I've fallen asleep. I still remember your slight hesitation that night when I'd asked you to stay over and not leave. did you know? i felt my heart sank a little when you hesitated but that was just the first of many realization that i- that i was in love with you.” your heart fluttered at his admission, “the first of many? were there more?”

for the first time tonight, mingyu let out a laugh, the one you loved so much. “of course there's more. when we woke up the next morning, my head was pounding so bad from all the crying the night before and I was so sad when I woke up alone in bed because I thought you had left but it was almost as if you had some psychic power and knew I was awake, you were screaming from the kitchen saying you know I was awake and asked me to get my ass over to the kitchen!” mingyu laughed harder this time, his hand coming up to tuck a stray hair behind your ear. “that was because I had just came back from the bakery! my hands were full so I accidentally let the door slam a little and I was sure that that would have woken you up!” you giggled while trying to defend yourself.

“you even got me my favourite cake from the bakery and all my other favourite pastries for breakfast. you must have been so in love with me ~" mingyu joked while raising his eyebrows suspiciously at you and you all but fall silent. you cleared your throat before you teased him back, “so? that's why you like me? because I cuddled you to sleep and bought you food? how easy can you be kim mingyu!”

“no that's not why! although i'll admit, it did click something in me. made me realise how well you know me and how well you take care of me. but that wasn't it! it was when you suggested we go to the flea market after breakfast just to take a walk to clear my mind for a bit. do you remember what happened there?”

“we walked and talked about silly things as always, what else? ah, you tried tanghulu for the first time! I remember that.” you recall giddily at how his eyes widened brightly at the sweetness of tanghulu when he took his first bite. “not that, silly! we ran into your ex & I had told him that i was your boyfriend and asked him to back off, do you know why I did that?” “because you pity me?” you joked, you know mingyu would never pity you, he's not a bad person but you couldn't pass up an opportunity to tease him. mingyu sighed dramatically at that, “no, I said I was your boyfriend because I saw the way he was looking at you…and it made me jealous. it made me realise that, that's the way I always look at you. it made me realise that I don't ever want anyone else to look at you that way and that I want you to look at me that way. me and only me. i-i realised that it's not just sex I want with you. that's why after that day, I kept bringing us out for dinner and stuff. or even just to hang out at home and watch stupid romcoms just to spend time with you. so I thought that, when our relationship from simply friends with benefits isn't friends with benefits anymore that you'd get it i guess…i don't know…saying it out loud right now sounds so stupid… I probably should have said something earlier… I'm sorry.” mingyu had his eyes on his hands again, guilt and embarrassment washing over him.

"thank you, gyu-ah. I really needed to hear all of that from you.” you lifted your hand to rest your palm on his cheeks, guiding his eyes back to you. “does that mean you like me too?” silly silly kim mingyu you thought. “no of course not!” you joked a failed joke because it seems kim mingyu didn't get the joke when he let out a quiet oh. “you're so silly kim mingyu. can't you tell im in love with you by now? how much more obvious can a girl get?” mingyu ears perked up at your words, then, smiling so big his jaws almost hurt. his hands turn to pull you by your wrists, placing them around his waist as he pulled you into a hug. your hands move up to rest on his neck and the other in his hair, tugging them lightly at the scalp. “I love you, I'll do better for you.” he spoke so close to your ear his lips almost brush them. “I love you too, thank you, I'll do better for you too.” your words only caused mingyu to tighten his hold on you, “can we go to bed now? I'm so tired and I want to sleep with my girlfriend.” he whined pouting. “yes we can, boyfriend.” you answered with a smile as you start dragging your big puppy into your bedroom, excited for more cuddles to come.

[rose-gold-bullet]

[𝐝𝐫𝐮𝐧𝐤] Yami Yuugi x Reader One Shot

Summary: You briefly return to Domino City as an adult and reunite with your high school crush at a bar.

warnings: alcohol usage but it’s pretty minor

"I thought you said you knew a place, Joey." You said, inspecting the building that stood before your small group. The sun was beginning to set on Domino City, and as the lights came on, you noticed a letter was burnt out on the sign. Aside from some much needed TLC It didn't seem like a terrible looking bar, per se, but you really weren't expecting to be dragged to a bar in the first place.

You walked up to the window before shifting your stance to get a better look at the group, "Does Tea even drink? I thought it gives her a stomach ache." you glanced over to the only other girl in the group who shrugged nonchalantly in response. You rolled your eyes at Tea's reply as you briefly thought back to your grad party from high school a few years ago. You don't exactly remember how the gang acquired that much alcohol in the first place, but you can't forget how horribly it ended.

"C'mon, it's been years since we've all been together, you with your big boss work and Yug', Yami and I with all our tournaments. When's the last time we partied together, and who knows when you'll visit us next!" Joey pleads as you move to look through the old but decently maintained windows.

The bar was packed, the music was loud, and the colourful lights weren’t quite blinding, but they were enough to overwhelm your senses even from the outside. It being a Friday, you had figured that today would be the busiest week for a business like this, but if you hadn't known better, you'd have thought this would be bordering on a rave.

But even so, Joeys right. it's been a while since you gave yourself the opportunity to let loose and have fun, and it took the stars aligning for you to be in the same place at the same time as your old friends.

"Please, (Y/N)," Joey continues, "It's the best bar in Domino City, trust me! we'll have a great time."

You hesitated before asking, "Tea, you seriously want us to spend the night here too?"

"I don't see why not. I don't get to drink often, I might as well try it while we're all together."

That settled it. If you didn't agree now, you'd just be an inconvenience instead of the voice of reason.

"Fine. Does everyone else know we're meeting here?" You asked Joey.

"Yup. Tristen couldn't make it but Yami and Yuugi are showing up soon, I think they're on their way!"

Your heart stopped at the mention of Yami, your high school crush who you've lately fell out of contact with. If you had to reunite with him again, maybe some liquid courage couldn't hurt. Not that you were nervous of course, no, you've definitely overcome something as silly as a childhood crush, it's just that-

"Hello? Earth to (Y/N), are you with us?" You shook your head as Joey's waving hand snapped you out of your paralysis, and only then did you realize just how red your face became.

"Yeah, sorry, I... Fuck it, let's go in." You gathered your thoughts and turned to face the front door before slowly pushing it open.

The smell of alcohol, cocktail syrup and 150 people in a room that's not quite built for that capacity hit you like a truck, and you had to concentrate just to avoid getting overwhelmed. once inside, the three of you chatted for a little bit longer before you announced that you're heading to the bar for a drink, and within seconds, you were lost in the sea of rambunctious young adults.

You managed to "excuse' me" and "sorry" your way through the crowd and eventually broke free to find yourself two free barstools. you snagged them both, covering one with your jacket before promptly ordering yourself a rum and coke and not-so-subtly staring at the front entrance like a lovesick puppy. Joey said the rest of the group would be here soon, so where were they?

you solemnly drank your order once it arrived, and once you were out, you ordered one more to dampen the disappointment of your friends being late.

Every now and then Tea and Joey would visit you to chat and have a drink before vanishing in the crowd, and after about 20 minutes you considered getting up and doing the same. You weren't one for dancing, but moping at the bar wasn't your style either. Just as you were about to finish up your drink you felt a presence behind you and lips dangerously close to your ear.

"Is this seat taken?" You gasped at the voice and nearly froze in place.

"Yami? O-Of course! Oh my god, it's been years!" Your voice came out a bit shaky, but you could tell the alcohol's been working wonders considering you could talk to him at all. You whipped your head around to see those same piercing eyes you fell in love with years ago as he sat beside you and offered a warm but confident smile.

"It has. I'm sorry we're late, Yuugi had to do something last minute but I'm glad we didn't miss you. How have you been?"

And almost instantly you both reconnected like you had just talked yesterday. The pounding bass and shouting of the crowd seemed to fade away as you both became enthralled by what the other had to say, and though neither of you noticed it, it didn't take long for you two to revert to your old, bashful yet flirtatious selves around each other. You talked and drank and talked even more, and eventually you were both giggling messes, recalling all the crazy shenanigans you got up to when you were younger.

A lull in the conversation transpired, and as your laughing wore off, you watched Yami get up and extend a hand.

"Care to dance?" He spoke with confidence, but you noticed the slight blush on his cheeks. You hoped he was blushing from you and not the alcohol.

"I don't know how..." You hesitated for a moment, but if it meant more time with the man of your dreams, you wouldn't mind stepping on some toes. you gently took his hand and he guided you into the crowd.

"Me neither, but I don't think we need to!" His intimate tone transformed into shouting just so you could hear him, as the singing and laughing and yelling from the dance floor completely drowned him out otherwise. You looked around to see he was completely right. Most people were jumping, shuffling about, or gave up on "dancing" altogether and just used the dance floor as an excuse to make out with their partner.

You laugh, "Sure, but can you at least lead?"

"Hardly, but I can try."

Tipsy from the alcohol and high from being near him, you naturally let go of any anxieties and followed his lead, getting lost in his eyes as you did so.

You were both anonymous in the sea of terrible dancers, laughing and stumbling and growing ever closer as time went on, but to each other, the two of you were the most important people in the world. So important, even, that for a brief moment, the world seemed to slow down. The laughter and the shouts and the music was drowned out, and the bright, rapid lights suddenly weren't so intense.

You were pressed up against him, your faces slowly drawing closer. You closed your eyes, elated that you finally got to be intimate with the man you've secretly loved for years. It was finally happening. His hands were on your waist, you could feel his breath on your skin-

"Hey Yam- OH! Oh shit, my bad, you guys! Holy shit, just wanted to let you know it's getting late so we're taking off. Fuck. Seriously man, won't happen again." You sighed and laid your head on Yamis shoulder as Joey broke the world record for what was perhaps the worst timing in existence.

"Alright, thanks Joey." Yami replied, clearly exasperated as he dropped one hand from your waist.

"Have fun, Lovebirds! We'll see you tomorrow!" Tea chimed in, and from your peripheral vision, you saw Yuugi give you both a thumbs up.

"Sounds good." you mumbled, still pressed against Yami's shoulder as they finally walked off. Once torn away from your tipsy fairy-tale dream with Yami, you were quick to realize it wasn't just the intimate moment that made the crowds seem quieter; the bar was actually just closing soon.

With a sigh, you pried yourself off his shoulder, "I guess we should head home soon, too."

You felt Yami's other hand hesitantly leave your waist, "I guess so. May I walk you home?"

"I'd love that, but I actually haven't booked a hotel yet." you replied sheepishly.

"You can stay with me, then." And with that he placed his hand around your waist once more to prevent you from getting lost in the dwindling crowd and guided you out the door. He didn't recognize the implications of what he said until after he said them, but he seemed even more prideful than usual once he realized you didn't object.

Once outside you took a sharp breath in before stumbling down the stairs and leaning against Yami for some extra support. The crisp air was welcome after being in a stuffy bar for hours, but it didn't take long for you to start gently shivering against him. Yami noticed and seemed nearly eager to prove what a gentleman he was by covering you with his coat. You smiled at his act of generosity, no matter how cliche, and leaned yourself slightly deeper against him. You can't remember if the tension has always been this high between you too, but if so, you certainly realize now why the gang had always been teasing you two about getting together.

The walk home was quiet and peaceful, only occasionally sharing words or offering bashful smiles at each other.

If it wasn't for the nasty headache and blurred vision you were developing from the drunkenness wearing off, you could have sworn it might have been the perfect night. You tried hiding just how sick you were to stop Yami from worrying, but he was much too mindful (and you were much too obvious).

"(Y/N), are you alright?" He asked as he noticed you stumbling more than usual. He tightened his arm around your waist for more support.

"...'M fine." You barely murmured out. With a job as important as yours you rarely got to drink, and this time it seemed not being aware of your limit came back to bite you.

"Clearly not. Are you comfortable walking?"

Not trusting your voice at the moment, you nodded yes before nearly tripping, narrowly being saved by Yami. "No need to be stubborn, I just don't want you getting hurt," He offered a genuine, apologetic smile before slipping his other arm under your knees and carrying you bridal style. As embarrassed as you were, you admittedly loved the closeness. "Don't worry, we're almost there." he reassured you. You snuggled into his chest in response and promptly rested your eyes.

---

When you came to, you were laying in what you presumed to be Yami's bed, with Yami himself nowhere in sight. the lights were dimmed but just bright enough to see all of the Duel Monsters merchandise in his otherwise minimalistic room, and you giggled to yourself as you were reminded just how much of a nerd he was despite his punk appearance.

"Oh, you're awake." You heard Yami call from the hallway. He quickly came to your side with a glass of water and some ibuprofen, and you couldn't help but stare once your eyes finally focussed on him. His studded belts were off and he had changed into more comfortable clothing, and you just barely managed to catch his composed demeanour falter as you shamelessly eyed him up and down.

He cleared his throat before extending his hand holding the medicine, "I got these for you. If I had known you were this drunk I would have brought you home sooner to help you. You were good at hiding it." he smiled as he spoke gently so as not to worsen any potential headache you may have had, and you couldn't help but blush as you graciously accepted the pills and water.

"You don't have to baby me, you know," You tried to sound like you were fine on your own, but your clumsiness as you reached for the pills clearly betrayed you.

Yami chuckled, "I'm just looking after a friend." your relaxed smile faltered for a moment at the word, but you managed to at least finish your water without complaints.

"Just 'friend'?" You asked, passing back the glass. Once again you tried to sound cool and composed, and once again, Yami saw right through it.

"Unless you'd like to be something more," Yami took back your glass and pulled your covers back up to your neck, "But we can discuss that another day, if you'd like. Get some rest— I'll be sleeping in the living room if you need me." You watched as he stood up from your bedside and turned to leave, and in a panic you couldn't help but grab his wrist.

"Stay with me?" You asked, any sense of nonchalance disappearing as you pleaded with your eyes, "Please, Yami." Your grip on him tightened as he weighed his options, still nervous about overstepping.

"Alright," he finally decided, "let me grab my pillow." You squealed with joy before unhanding the poor man, and quickly rolled over to the other side of the bed to make room for him. The moment he got into bed you were lightning fast to return to his arms, which he happily tightened around you as you buried your face in the crook of his neck.

"I know I'm drunk, but I think I still love you." You confessed. You felt his body tense up before relaxing once again, this time with a smile gracing his lips.

"I know I'm drunk, but I think I do, too." He shifted his position to kiss your forehead, and you smiled impossibly wider before cuddling even closer to him, succumbing to sleep in his arms.

Notes: -2,399 words -you guys don't understand this was my imaginary husband as a kid. we were married. you wouldn't get it -cross posted on AO3 and Wattpad! thanks for reading!!

[asteroidzzzn]

stargirl | part 2

pairing: rockstar!ellie x bartender!reader

warnings: cursing, smoking, eventual sexual themes, ellies kinda an asshole, reader is delulu (are u sensing a pattern here)

songs in this chapter: r u mine? - arctic monkeys

word count: 1.8k

a/n: i love dina in this

summary: the fireflies is a new band consisting of three people. after being cheated out by their former bassist, they needed to find a replacement, and quick. who better than you, the cute bartender that hasn't touched an instrument in years?

you stepped off the train, glancing down at your phone and back up at the sketchy looking building in front of you. the address dina sent you checked out, meaning you were in the right place. graffiti covered every surface you saw as you walked around searching for the entrance.

you were startled when a cardboard box fell and something scurried out. you sighed. it was just a stray cat.

you tried a metal door underneath a wobbly staircase, but it wouldn't budge. jesse told you they would leave the door unlocked, so this wasn't the one. you went around the back and heard a faint noise coming from a propped-open door.

you entered the hallway and quickly found the group. it was a small room with a single green couch, soundproofed walls, and a coffee table nearly spilling over with bottles, books, and food.

dina and jesse greeted you while you navigated around the wires scattered around the floor. ellie was on the couch, taking up the whole thing, of course, scribbling in the journal she held.

"sorry i didn't bring anything... i had to sell all my old instruments a while ago," you spoke softly, embarrassed about your financial situation. jesse had already picked up a beautiful white guitar with brown accents and held it out to you.

"don't stress it, you can use ellie's."

you gaped at the guitar, holding it with extreme care.

"thanks, ellie," you shifted to face her and gave a small smile. she glanced up at you, and something about her expression said this was the first time she noticed you were here.

"what did i do...?" she noticed her guitar in your arms. "oh, yeah."

you pursed your lips and nodded. you leaned towards dina to whisper.

"so, does she write all the songs? seems pretty focused."

she guided you to sit down on the floor and gestured jesse to join you. she settled in, and you noticed disappointment flash on her face. "we all pitch into the writing, but she's been more intent about doing it herself recently," dina lowered her voice. "she's also not as much of a dick usually, but she just went through a messy breakup. we're trying to love her through it, but she got so closed off."

you felt a twinge of guilt at the new information. you mumbled, "yeah, i get that."

dina continued, "i guess she thinks writing about her ex is good songs material, so she insists she writes alone because she's the only one that," she uses air quotes, "really understands."

jesse nodded in agreement, shoving some cheetos in his mouth. "i've been saying, dude, she's jealous we've never broken up," he mumbled through a full mouth, tilting his head to dina.

your eyebrows lifted. dina and jesse seemed like an unlikely couple, but they also complimented each other very well. it was sweet that they shared a passion for music, and were able to be in the same band together.

dina groaned, "it's like she's back in her angsty teen era."

"yeah, she was insufferable enough during high school," jesse added on. "see, watch this," he turned his body to face ellie.

"how's it going? you got a title yet, or do you need a little help there?" mockery dripped off jesse's voice as he teased her.

"fuck off," ellie replied before jesse could finish his sentence, causing the three of you to share quiet giggles.

"so, when will we practice playing a song?" you inquired.

jesse snickered. "once broody over there is done writing her seventh sob st—"

"ow! fuck, that hurt!"

you and dina couldn't hold back the laugh that escaped your mouths when a pencil flung at jesse's head.

"i heard that. stop being a dick."

"you could've killed me! that almost hit my eye!"

"whatever," she threw the journal onto the coffee table and sat up, rubbing her eyes. "i'm done for now, you wanna try out a song, new girl?" ellie spoke.

"oh," you began, when you realized she was speaking directly at you for the first time. you didn't even bother correcting her with your name, "yeah, which one?"

the band exchanged looks, and dina pulled out her phone. she clicked on a recording titled R U mine?

"this one's kinda a work in progress," she explained, "we were in the middle of touching it up before anderson left."

ellie frowned. "that's too hard for her, pick a different one."

"i can handle a challenge, at least let me listen to it first," you bit back at ellie, clicking play on dina's phone. the song started up immediately with an intense bass riff, followed by symbols as ellie began singing.

you loved it right away. the desperation in ellie's voice, paired with the reckless drums, sudden sharp riffs, and undertones of the keys, had you hooked. it was an incredible song.

just before the bridge, there was a short duet between the bassist and guitar, which you assumed at the time was anderson and ellie. it made you nervous to play a duet with ellie, especially while knowing the last person that did was much more experienced than you.

regardless, you told the band you wanted to play this one. while everyone was preparing their instruments, ellie approached you.

"you don't need to do the intro, i will," she stated simply, beginning to turn around before you caught her arm. her head snapped to look at you, pulling her arm back sharply.

"give me a chance, i won't know what i can or can't do without giving it a shot. if it sucks, you can do it instead next time we run it," as intimidating as it was, you didn't allow your gaze to falter.

her eyebrows were furrowed, with an otherwise unreadable expression. "fine."

you weren't sure why you were pressing so hard to have a chance to show yourself. you wanted to impress, obviously. but for some unknown reason, you felt as if ellie's validation would feel much more rewarding than the others.

you glanced at ellie. with her bangs perfectly falling in front of her face, tank top that had her toned arms and a beautiful forearm tattoo on display, and dark hazel eyes, she was mesmerizing. she was even more attractive up close, and yet, you wished she could be the version she was in your head.

it was selfish, and you knew it, but you couldn't help but picture her as the charming, enticing, brilliant girl you witnessed on stage a few days prior.

she suddenly gestured to you. "whenever you're ready."

dina shot you a thumbs up, and you grinned back.

you hesitantly grazed the strings with your pick as you took a deep breath.

you tapped your foot in a quick rhythm. 5,6,7,8

your eyes flew between the sheet and the guitar as you started up the song with the complicated riff. jesse added on with the drums, and ellie with her guitar.

you let out a sigh of relief as you settled into a pattern and the song continued. you had skimmed over the sheet before beginning, so you knew the first hardest part was over.

it was going much smoother than you expected. you settled into a comfortable space where you followed ellie's lead, and your instruments harmonized perfectly. ellie's eyes closed, and she muttered the lyrics to herself.

you restrained from staring, deciding to focus on giving your best performance, and not fangirl over the rockstar to your left.

the duet was approaching, and you had to hit the first riff. you felt a heavy sense of not wanting to disappoint. this needed to be perfect.

you chewed on your lip as thoughts rushed through your mind, but no time to carefully think each one over.

you had always hated using picks when you played, but were too polite to turn it down when ellie threw you one. you forgot how much you loved having the feeling of the strings on your fingers, and the stinging reminder of it in the morning.

in a quick moment you would later explain as an instinct to follow your gut, you dropped the pick and began the duet, instantly feeling much more confident.

ellie glanced at your hands once her part began. you prayed she wouldn't be upset at your decision. you had already come to realize she had quite a short fuse, and wasn't afraid to let loose on even her seemingly closest friends.

you strummed your guitar again as she paused, and your section eventually lead into the song resuming. there was an intense build up before it calmed down, coming to a gentle ending.

your heart raced with excitement. you thought it was amazing, and you were extremely proud of yourself. you glanced around the room, hoping to hear feedback from any of the band members.

dina's smile grew slowly.

"she told you she could handle a challenge."

jesse let out a short laugh while beaming. "that was great!"

all ellie did was shrug. "not a fan of picks?"

"no, i've always preferred to play without."

she crossed her arms. "sounds better with it. you should get used to it."

you scoffed. "it makes the song sound too scratchy if guitar and bass use a pick. especially if you play this one live, it'll make their ears bleed."

she took a sharp inhale through her nose, turning to dina and jesse. "you guys think it's better when both are on pick, don't you?"

dina and jesse remained silent, but it was clear whose side they were taking.

ellie let out a bitter laugh. "might as well let new girl rename the fucking band while we're at it. next we'll make her the lead singer! how does that sound?" she spat out as she removed the guitar, threw it to the couch, and stormed out the door before you could run it again with vocals.

"i-i'm so sorry, i just... wanted to help," you stuttered, in shock.

"it's not your fault, hun," dina softly spoke, standing up from her stool and walking towards you. "she's too stubborn for her own good, but you'll be good for us, i know it."

you tilted your head in confusion, silently asking for her to elaborate.

dina sighed. "we kind of got used to her pushing us around, since we know how angry and destructive she can get. she needs someone, like you, to not be afraid to challenge her when she's stuck in her ways. and for the record, we thought you were right with the whole scratchy thing."

your heart soared, smiling brightly at dina. "thank you, really."

"yeah, babe, that was wise, i second that," jesse chimed in, creating applause by tapping his drumsticks together, which made you and dina chuckle.

your mind wandered to ellie, and you felt horrible for making her angry. you weren't sure what was going to happen with her. she remained a mystery to you.

you needed to figure her out.

a/n: cute band bonding time and ellie has a temper tantrum. i promise u she will let her guard down eventually 😭 she just needs to be an asshole now so the character development really hits 🙏 hope u all enjoyed this chapter!!!! this series is sm fun to write (*^▽^*) i love learning new stuff about music!

taglist: @ximtiredx @gold-dustwomxn

[theformerbastard]

who is/are your comfort character(s)? My love for Jane Lane is pretty well documented.

lighter or matches? When I was a smoker I was obsessed with lighters but matches smell so goddamn good.

do you leave the window open at night? I hate windows so much.

which cryptyd being do you believe in? Bigfoot. I deadass keep my eyes peeled when I drive thru super wooded areas. I think most of the other ones are just people seein' barn owls but Bigfoot is out there, man.

what color are your eyes? Blue

why did you do that? Wanted to

hair-ties or scrunchies? When I had hair I was all about hair-ties

how many water bottles are in your room right now? Got a 2 liter of diet pepsi in the mini fridge

which do you prefer, hot coffee or cold coffee? None coffee

would you slaughter the rich? I mean...no? I know what this is actually askin', I just don't like the wording

favorite extracurricular activity? Drinkin'

what kind of day is it? It's chewsdy innit (it's Thursday but that was the first thing that came to mind)

when was the last time you ate? Like...minutes ago

do you love the smell of earth after it rains? I've never understood people that say "smells like rain"

are you a parent? (all answers qualify) nope

can you drive? yep

are you farsighted or nearsighted? near

what hair products do you use? water

imagine we’re at a sleepover, would you paint my nails? I can paint my own but I think I'd be shit at paintin' someone elses

do you say soda or pop? Soda. People that say pop are lunatics.

something you’ve kept since childhood? anxiety

what type of person are you? anxious

how do you feel about chilly weather? BIG fan

if we were together on a rooftop, what would we be doing? Playin' roller hockey (where my Kevin Smith fans at?)

perfume/body spray or lotion? On me? Nothin'

a scenario that you’ve replayed multiple times? Every awkward encouter I've had since I was like 7

about how many hours of sleep did you get? depends

do you wear a mask? *Jim Carrey doin' Ben Stein* we all wear masks...metaphorically speaking

how do you like your shower water? In the shower

is there dishes in your room? Nope

what type of music keeps you grounded? Country

do you have a favorite towel? Used to. It was light purple. Fuck. Such a good fuckin' towel.

the last adventure you’ve been on? *in my best Jeff Bridges voice* ya know...uhhh we're like in it, man.

is there a song you know every word to by heart? Yes

what’s your timezone? Depends

how many times have you changed your url? A few

someone in your life, other than a relative, you’ve known for 10+ years? Brooke

a soap bar that smells good? Irish spring

do you use lip balm? Nope

did you have any snacks today? Bag of cheetos for lunch #healthnut

how do you take your coffee? I don't

an app you frequently use besides this godforsaken site? Instagram

what’s your take on spicy foods? I'm a bitch

you get a free pass to kill anyone, who is it? That's dark and I don't like that my brain is actually comin' up with names

can you remember what happened yesterday? I'd have to think really hard

favorite holiday film? While You Were Sleeping. It counts.

what was the last message you sent? "ALLLLLLL?!?!!" When @didee-anne told me she wanted me to answer all of these

when did you first try an alcohol beverage? I'm not good with ages but a "friend" gave me a shot of wild turkey and a shot of bacardi 151 in high school. I'd tried my dads beer before that but the shots feel more...significant.

can you skip rocks? It's been years but yeah

can i tag you in random stuff? Why not

[fuck-customers]

I figured I'd talk about it anyways since I'm here, hey, it's the person who went on the big long rant with housekeeping and the supervisor drama with D and all that shit. I'm here to talk about the borderline p*do we have on staff that no one is doing jack shit about :)

so first thing, Blondie has been caught staring at people's asses all the time. again, specifically the group of housekeepers who are 18-21. I don't know Blondie's actual age, but he's like. in his 40s via his appearance. not the kind of man who should be staring at recent high school graduates. he does this to a lot of people.

(side note: we have two housekeepers with the same name, so I call one Tiny and one Weekend to keep them straight in my head) (same reason i'm calling him Blondie. also because i need some fake thing to call them here)

so Tiny T was running too. Running, i didn't get into in my other ask, is basically taking those big blue carts, and grabbing trash and linen from the hallways, and taking them where they need to go, either laundry or the dumpster outside. So Tiny T was doing a run of linen, and Blondie was like, oh i'll help, because, as i'm sure you can assume by the nickname i'm calling her, she doesn't look strong, and she really isn't. she BEGRUDGINGLY accepts, because what else are you gonna do, and two incidents come from this.

One, Tiny T heard him using voice-to-text to text someone on the phone. whatever, it happens, weird to do at work, but rolls my eyes gets over it. except, what he said, and she quoted it to me, so i'm quoting it here, was "I'm so happy we're together, but you can't tell your mom."

uhm. if you know anything about grooming, that gives you MAJOR pause, because that's some textbook shit right there. voms in my mouth. shudders. but. it's technically out of work, out of our hands, we don't even know who he was talking to, maybe it is a fully grown woman with a shitty mom, who knows, we don't, major side eye and we move on.

then, when they take the linen down and sort it into the tubs for washing, they find a used condom at the bottom of the blue cart. gross, but not uncommon in hotels. he looks at this, then looks at Tiny T (an adult women with a boyfriend, who he KNOWS) and says 'that's for men to use... did you know that? ... haven't used one in ten years...'

fucking EXCUSE ME ??? EX-FUCKING-CUSE ME ???? i'm so fucking sick thinking about it and it didn't even happen to me, it happened to my work friend, i'm SICK. but the next thing here is Worse in my opinion.

A thing about runners that is important to know is that they don't generally go into the rooms, they just grab what's in the halls. when I ran, I would pop into rooms to ask if they needed help stripping a room, but other than that, I wouldn't. they also don't take those blue carts into any room. there's no reason to, it gets in the way, and just. no.

housekeepers also need to keep their doors open, at the VERY least with the latch to the door (forgot the name, the weird thing at the top, secondary lock thing) keeping the door open.

so my coworker P is like, digging under the couch since she saw some trash under there when she hears a noise. So, she sits up to look over the counter of the kitchen to see what that noise was. And it is Blondie. In her room. with the blue cart. and the door SHUT. all the way shut.

nothing came of this, but imagine if she hadn't heard that click. if her music was any louder. it makes me fucking SICK to think about that.

so what does she do ? she goes to Manager, who is both Housekeeping Manager, and part of HR now. she should help right ??

except nothing has been done. he still works here. he still runs. he still has access to the girls. and NOTHING has been done.

i'm encouraging P to come with me to get her the HELL out of this environment, as she's really the main one who he focuses all his gross attention on, but. you can see why we feel uncomfortable with talking to this manager without J by our side, when she literally hasn't done anything to help with something this serious.

i'm so sick of this job tbh. i'm so sick of it. so glad i'm leaving relatively soon honestly :/

Posted by admin Rodney.

[elis-blawg222]

November 17 - Sunday

But waiiiiittt theres FUCKING MOREEEEE. BECAUSE OBVIOUSLYYY I CANNOT EVER HAVE ENOUGHHH I CANNOT EVER BE SATIATEDDD BECAUSE IM FAT

ahem. anyways. Hello it is finally at today hallo everynyannn :333

Today, when I got up, I was so relieved to have a day off. This past week I only had 2 days off of work, and also this is my first Sunday I've had off in likeee 4 months!

I got up this morning and my mom and step mom had made sausage and fried green tomatoes. She asked me to try them, and I was right in front of her, so I was like uhh okay.

It was only 2 slices of fried green tomatoes so I had them and it was fine, but then I only had like half a sausage because she wasn't watching me closely anymore.

The rest of the day I was attempting VERY HARDLY ATTEMPTING to do homework, but I was distracted :c

Then, my plan was to make some low cal pizza. Like "cloud pizza" or smth? I even mentioned it to my step mother. I EVEN TOLD MY MOM. BUT THEY BOTH HATE ME AND DONT GIVE A FUCK APPARENTLY. because later when my step mom cooked they were like are you gonna eat?

did i not. just tell you. like . 2 hours ago IM MAKING. MY OWN SHET. AURGHGHOHRIORIO anyways

I was gonna make this shit I promise yall. but the voices. ha. THE VOIVES GOT TO ME. so anyways i ended up having a PHAT bowl of. stuff.

it was ummm tacos? kinda?

It was doritos, taco meat, cheese, corn, beans, sour cream, and honey siracha. I ate the whole thing.

but wait theres more!

I FINNNNALLY had a red velvet cupcake I made. and oh.

my god.

i genuinely and honestly couldve came on the spot IT WAS SO FUCKING GOOD I LITERALY CANNOT LIE LMFAOHRGHO

MY SOUL ASCENDED. SO I ATE THE WHOLE THING IT WAS HEAVENLY

BUT WAIT

THERES

MORE

After this I had a whole box of pocky. The chocoloate kind. Then went to throw my stuff away.

Then had another cupcake

....... and like 2 mini reece's cups........

and a gushers pack..............

LISTEN HEAR ME OUT-

i dont have an excuse BUT JUST WAIT ITS FINE ITS ALL GONNA BE FINE

AUUGHHH

IM GONNA REDEEM MYSELF PLEASE GUYS PLEASE BELIEVE ME LMFAO DON'T GIVE UP ON ME YET I PROMISE IM GONNA LOCK IN

Also almost directly after this, my mom offered me blueberry lemon loaf my step mom made like ... did you not just see me stuff my face...??

im gonna fast for 72 hours first of all and then im just gonna fucking mono diet apples for however long until I reach my fucking gw. ive been trying to get to this STUPID FUCK ASS GOAL WEIGHT FOR TOO. FUCKING. LONG. (its fr been like 2 weeks chill out) BUT NOO SRSLY I FEEL LIKE

usually I'd meet this gw so quick and this is getting drug out soso much kill meeee UGH.

(this is quite literally the consequences of my own actions ltrly smone tell me to stfu)

I'm hoping to go from I think it was 136.8 lbs to 132. That's ltrly all I'm hoping for. its 4 lbs. 2 kgs. I got that. In the bag... right.

I will literally set the whole earth on fire if my parents try to feed me I will end it in front of them ( this is a joke ) ( only kinda ) (not really-)

No, but I'm serious Im so determinded to do this. I've fasted 72 hrs before, I've fasted I think like 90 before so Idk that's not the issue of if I can do it its if my parents get in the way.

which is another thing. I know they don't have ill intentions and they do this shit bc they love me but like it is just SO FRUSTRATING.

I'm also gonna do my absolute best to hit my step goal every day. Its not like its high its only 6k. So . Yes. Pray for me LMFAO

can we all sing that high school musical song (we're allll in thisss together smths smth smth blah blah aaayyaaaa)

k byeee love you stay safe. I will update you guys as I go (i will try)

[waitmyturtles]

Absolute Zero, episode 1 RANDOM THOUGHTS (more like FEELS and SQUEALS and HAPPY PIPS, here we go):

1) New Siwaj's latest prestige BL. Man, we've had some dips from him lately. I FAST-fast-forwarded through Between Us to get to the DeanPharm bits, and listen, I shoulda just listened to my friends (insert the Bugs Bunny "NO" gif here). And I have a pathetic love for Double Savage, a show that New Siwaj screenwrote and that aired earlier this year, for its POTENTIAL to tell an intergenerational familial trauma story headed by OhmPerth, but lord, it was a mess. At the same time, I have been impaled with a thirsty obsession over my watch and rewatch of New's Until We Meet Again, so with New going high for this latest show -- I have BIG expectations.

2) @bengiyo and @twig-tea (here and here) covered a TON of what I am thinking (and apologies to friends if you wrote AZ things yesterday and I missed them -- like @bengiyo, I would love to be tagged in your meta to track thoughts on this show!) (I think @troubled-mind is getting into this one, maybe we already have a little AZ squad going!). Further apologies and big ups to Ben and Twig if I repeat anything you say! Which I will, right now, repeating Ben's words:

3) FUCK if I didn't feel some nostalgia hearing Boy Sompob's voice again. I really do feel like this means that New is THROWING. DOWN. The music in this show is already fantastic. The music was SO IMPORTANT to the storytelling in UWMA, and I'm glad we're leading with it again here.

4) I am VERY PLEASED to see Mix Wanut (young Suansoon) holding down as a lead. We didn't see him too much as Don in UWMA, but: I thought his timing and comedy was particularly notable in UWMA (when Don was able to lighten up a bit near Dean, I thought it was really great).

5) Speaking of the actors. I'd like everyone to know (poor @neuroticbookworm and @lurkingshan have already heard me yelp on this). Teng Kanist, who plays the older Suansoon. He was fabulous as Nat in Gay OK Bangkok. Nat was a contradictory character, but let me be honest -- I felt a little symp for Nat because I like Teng's face. I admit it, I'm weak and transparent for dudes.

BUT: we all need to know that Teng Kanist IS ALSO A REAL-LIFE PASTRY CHEF who also GOES TO THE GYM. Therefore, we have a perfect man (for me lol) in our midst. Just need everyone to know! Croissants and abs and sets. SOLD!

6) Ahem, where was I. As an #old, seeing middle-aged dudes in a drama is what I need. I like that Absolute Zero is going to do this for us: to juxtapose the expected BL school scenes with two real adults in real adult settings. I love this. And I love that I know we are going to get more elders next week in What Did You Eat Yesterday?, and elder-ishes very soon in Cherry Magic Thailand and Cooking Crush. We need to age-diversify this field, and New is leading this season.

7) I love how fast we needed to get to young Suansoon and young Ongsa getting together. From the MDL description of the show, it looks like Absolute Zero may have a similar structure to UWMA. UWMA was like a three-part series: the first part being Dean and Pharm getting together; the second being their discovering their spiritual pasts through their shared inherited memories and meeting their families; and the third being the conclusion with their resolving Korn and Intouch's forced separation at death.

If Absolute Zero follows a similar structure in a shorter episode span (right now, MDL shows AZ having 12 episodes, as compared to UWMA's 17 episodes), then I understand AZ needing to be a bit chop-chop about the romance. But I felt that this episode was still perfectly paced, and yes -- dropping the faen in the first episode could seem a touch fast, but I felt that we had convincingly spent intentional time with Suansoon's loneliness to understand why he would have said yes to Ongsa. (And, anyway -- of course, we needed to know that they got together, because we time-jumped to their loving adult relationship.)

And I loved young Ongsa's approach. A guy looking and chasing after his crush. The romance of buying tickets to a movie, hoping the guy he likes will show up. Giving Suansoon a birthday bracelet at the movie. Holding Suansoon's hand and asking him the big question.

Man.... ahhhh. What I loved about that bracelet scene is that -- the gift of that bracelet did a lot of the communicating from Ongsa to Suansoon without words. Suansoon was clearly touched and moved. The loss of his parents shakes him, but he clearly got a lovely moment of connection from that gift. Mix acted that part beautifully.

8) The Love of Siam. What can I fucking say. I haven't seen My Only 12%, where I know New makes another significant reference to LoS there. But, just. I'm very glad @bengiyo insisted on LoS being the start of the Old GMMTV Challenge, in part because of the references to LoS in other Thai BLs over the course of the genre's short history, but also -- the tragedy of that movie communicates SO MUCH when it is present as a reference in another piece. Just like the bracelet communicates so much by way of love. I love that we got to see the pre-ending credits quote. I love that New's communicating to us through this brilliant movie.

I am sure I can find more to gush on, but let me stop here, because this got longer than I expected. I can't manage a full load of dramas, so I'll likely be dropping my thirst-watch of Dangerous Romance to accommodate AZ and WDYEY. Just like I am praying for Tee Bundit to not drop the ball on I Feel You Linger in the Air -- let us hope New can also keep the juggle up on AZ. He started this out STRONG. I HAVE HIGH HOPES.

[xthelastknownsurvivorx]

oooooh noteworthy au for rwrb 👀👀👀

but also orange au? 👀

I already talked about noteworthy au here but here's a bit more that I can give you on character profiles (note that I don't actually have a lot of musical experience, just school chorus up through middle school so be kind if I've gotten anything wrong):

a capella group alex joins, name tbd: 5 members*

alex: goes by gabriel from middle name gabriella?; tenor, musical theatre major

henry: third generation legacy member, face of the group/the hot one; baritone, music major

philip: third generation legacy member, musical director and president; baritone, music major

pez: he and alex get into trouble together, event planner/treasurer; tenor, dance major

liam: also from texas like alex so they bond over that, same year as alex; bass, visual arts major

*originally the a capella group in noteworthy has 8 members but I don't feel like coming up with 3 more male ocs with unique personalities (as hunter and spencer are part of a rival a capella group) so we're leaving it at 5 for now

reading this back, I'm actually now tempted to switch henry and pez in terms of their vocal registers because I think it would be very cool and gender of pez to have a deeper voice while caring fuck all about the gender binary, but I'm also a little attached to alex-pez tenors and all the mischief they get up to

--

as for orange au, this one is based on the manga/anime orange by ichigo takano and is for omniscient reader's viewpoint. I'm not sure how much you (or most of my other followers) know about orv, there are some very light orv spoilers, and orange is a story that deals with some heavy topics, so it's all going below the cut (including the content warnings)

cw: suicide, depression

first, here's a link to a very good overview of orv in terms of what it is, a summary of the plot, why it's special, about the characters/their relationships, and some caveats. it's a little long so feel free to read only as much as you want for context

what you need to know for its relevance to this au idea is that through reading orv you slowly find out that its main character kim dokja is a self-sacrificial piece of shit (affectionate) who is also very much allergic to emotional intimacy due to some childhood trauma. in the world of orv (fantastical, apocalyptic), he often will make his own plans to sacrifice himself in exchange for saving his friends' lives despite their repeated instance that they don't want him to do this and they'd rather figure out alternative plans

so it's very easy to map this tendency to the plot of orange, which is about a high school student who is trying to prevent the death of a friend after receiving letters from her future self in a parallel universe where she (and her larger friend group) lost this friend to suicide. the letters suggest ideas on how to make this friend feel less alone and less suicidal by making different decisions at critical points, as her future self (and the other friends' future selves) is very regretful that she didn't try harder to be there for him because no one realized he was struggling so badly

obviously this story isn't super realistic for a number of reasons, including the fact that the most any of us can take on is trying to be supportive of friends/family/etc who are struggling, not actually be responsible for keeping them alive. that is not a reasonable responsibility to take on and would be far too heavy for the person/people carrying it. also responsible adults and professionals should absolutely be consulted in this type of scenario, which is never brought up in the context of the story. insert many more caveats here that i cannot currently think of

however, at the same time, i also think that the story does a really good job of exploring themes of inevitability, regret, and choice which is why it's stuck with me for 7.5 years now. plus i think it just works really well with the characters of orv which is why I want to make an au of it

ask me about my wips

[delopsia]

Whiskey Sour | Rhett Abbott X Reader

Word Count: 5,600 Cross Posted Here on AO3 Warnings & Notes: 18+, , hand jobs, oral, unprotected sex, edging, begging, afab!reader. ya'll asked, and you shall receive :)

It really shouldn't bother you that Maria is back in town.

It really shouldn't bother you that she's decided to add herself to your little group, innocently settled between you and Rhett as she chatters away about high school events that you weren't here for. You're sure her friends didn't intentionally join just to push you all the way out of the little circle that's formed at the bar. Perry's receiving much of the same treatment, pushed away by a giggling flock of ladies that have taken a new liking to Rhett.

No, it shouldn't bother you.

"Is it just me," Perry says to you, although he makes no effort to lower his voice, "or did we just get kicked out of our own conversation?"

You've been so distracted by keeping the girls out from under your skin that you didn't notice Perry order two double shots from the bartender. But now, he's handing you a small glass, and you're clinking them together in a celebratory, 'fuck this.'

Whatever it is in this glass, tequila, you think, it burns its way down your dry throat like an inferno; not your favorite, but it gets the job done. Anything to avoid facing the intrusive thoughts ebbing at your psyche.

"Pretty sure we did," hailing down the bartender; it's your turn to pick a drink, and you're gonna need something that'll last longer than a shot.

As your bartender whisks off to craft your choice of beverages, the music blaring on the radio comes to an end. For a brief moment, the bar becomes quieter; it's now that you hear what Maria's friend is saying.

"Not to be rude, but Rhett's sex life must be boring as hell now," the blonde giggles, Molly, you think her name is. Her friends just laugh right along with her; you pretend you don't see the wayward glances and hands shielding their lipstick smiles.

So it seems we're being catty tonight.

"Whiskey Sours?" Perry's deep voice is a welcomed change compared to the shrillness on your left. "Haven't had one of these since I first got with Rebecca."

He's quick to pluck the cherry from his drink, gently placing it alongside the one floating in your own glass. Not a fan of cherries, it seems; to each their own.

"Need something that'll distract me for longer than a minute," sipping your drink; there's more lemon than there should be, but you'll take it.

Even the bite of the whiskey cannot tear your thoughts off that comment. You know very well that it's just petty trash talk to hype up their friend, but it's lit a match in the back of your mind. Boring, as in not having a new partner every week, or boring, as in bad sex?

Surely by now, you've got a leg up on the pretty pillow princesses and buckle bunnies that seem to follow Rhett like a bunch of cats in heat. But can you jump up on a ledge that they could never dream of reaching?

Hm.

The gaggle of goslings starts to fuss, and you don't need to tilt your head to know why.

"Hey, darlin'," Rhett's pressing a less into the side of your head, cold nose bumping against you and making you squirm, "what's my baby drinkin' now?"

You hate him for making your heart flutter like that; you really do.

"Whiskey Sour," you say, lifting your glass for him to take; if there's anything you know about Rhett Abbott, it's that he loves trying new drinks, but he's too shy to order anything that doesn't scream "manliest man to ever man."

Maria's saying something, you can hear her voice behind you, but you can't focus on anything but the little grin that etches its way onto Rhett's face when the drink hits his tongue.

"Don't suppose you want the cherry Perry forfeited too?" As if to emphasize your statement, you pick it up, twirling the stem between two fingers.Quiet, Rhett reaches out for it, brows furrowing as he pops it in his mouth.

Just then, Perry's phone lights up with a ding. In the second that it's on, you see that it's Rebecca who's texted him, and whatever the message contains must be quite something because Perry's face changes the second he sees it.

"I—uh, Rhett, do you want mine?" He fumbles to shove it in his pocket, already halfway out of his seat. "I need to...Rebecca needs me home."

...ah.

Rhett doesn't seem to have the same epiphany you've just had, but he's more than content to take Perry's seat and finish off his glass. Perry practically flies out of the bar; you suppose Rebecca must have just sent him a photo of her in the new lingerie set she just got.

Up until now, you'd forgotten about the ruby red lingerie you'd chosen to put on for tonight. At the time, you hadn't expected Rhett to have one of those rides that warrant a few rounds at the bar—you'd really just expected to watch him ride and then surprise him once he'd got back in the truck. It's a cute lace set, but now that you've remembered you're wearing it, you're acutely aware of how uncomfortable it can be.

"Can you watch my drink for me?" You ask him, and you don't need to provide anything else; he's already reaching out for it, covering the top with a protective palm.

"It's safe with me, doll," he sticks his tongue out, proudly revealing a knotted cherry stem. God, he's cute. It almost makes you feel bad for what you're about to do to him.

Almost.

The bathroom is just a single room; you're not sure why a bar this size chose to have it set up like this, but it only plays into your hand. Their poor design choice allows you a little more privacy in front of this mirror.

Hooking your thumb under your shirt and pulling it up, up, up until—alright yeah, maybe you should tilt your hips to the left. Hell, now it's not looking as good in the camera as it does in the reflection.

You almost regret this idea, but as you finally find the right angle to snap your picture, the results are worth all the awkward twisting and turning you've just done. Whoever said taking photos like these is easy was a straight-up liar.

It takes just as long to readjust your clothing, straightening your shirt, and fiddling with the itchy lace that just doesn't want to let you forget that it's there again. The photo should take a while to send; Wabang signal has never been great, to begin with; you probably still have time to finish your drink and get out before Rhett sees it.

Opening the door, you're instantaneously met with the mouth-watering sight of a slack-jawed cowboy walking down the hallway, your whiskey sour still held in his hand.

"Baby doll," haven't heard that nickname in a while, "when did—did you just take that?"

And yet, Rhett doesn't let you answer; as soon as he's close enough, he's crowding you backward, free hand on your hip as he pushes you right back into the bathroom. He's kissing you before your back has even hit the wall, and it's the messiest thing you've ever found yourself wrapped up in.

You don't want to melt into it, but you do. Your mouth opens to his, and you can taste the lingering whiskey and lemon on his tongue as it intertwines with yours.

You're not sure what it is, but something possesses you to reach for his hand, guiding it up under your shirt. You know he's found the answer to his question when he makes a noise against your lips, fingers curling around the lace adorning your chest. Your hips bump together; God, he's already hard.

"You've been wearing this the whole time?" Incredulous, his fingers crawl up under the lace, his thumb swiping over a sensitive nipple.

"Had plans," you offer, gasping against his lips, "your fans forced me to remake them."

Rhett frowns, and based on the way he draws back so suddenly, you know he must be feeling guilty. Your glass settles on the counter with a soft noise, and he's gripping your hips with both hands now, mouth finding its way to the skin under your ear.

"'m sorry, doll," voice gravely as he works his way down your neck, biting lightly at your collarbone. Calloused thumbs hook into the waistband of both your shorts and your underwear.

Oh.

Ever so slowly, he sinks to his knees before you, pulling your garments down in tandem. Good lord isn't that a sight to behold. Rhett Abbott, blinking up at you with those pretty blue eyes as his hand hitches under your left knee, pushing it up until he can hook it over his shoulder. He peppers the inside of your thigh with soft, fleeting kisses, each one closer and closer to the wetness between your legs.

There is no hesitation in giving you what you want, all you have time for is one shaky breath, and he's dragging his tongue between your folds, licking broad, flat stripes into your aching cunt.

"Rhett," you whine, tangling your fingers into his messy hair, still damp from his shower, "fuck."

He moans into you, twirling his tongue along your clit in messy figure eights. You've only told him how to do it once in the past, but fuck, he hasn't forgotten, it seems. He's got you tangled up in an iron grip, keeping your thigh securely over his shoulder while the other hand keeps your hips steady. Absolutely refuses to let you squirm away from his burning hot tongue as it licks rapidly at the little bud he's caught between his lips.

"That feel good?" He asks, voice rumbling into your sensitive cunt, "hm?" And you don't know who's more worked up, you or him.

Your hips twitch at his words, and he moans quietly, some soft little noise that barely reaches your ears. Fuck, you want to hear him make that noise again.

That's a thought you'll have to store for later because right now, there's a coil burning to life in your lower belly, twisting and tightening with every thick, wet stroke of his pink tongue. There's nothing you can do to slow your breathing; stop the way you've started panting into the open air.

You're already close, and you find yourself reaching for the cherry still floating in the remains of your drink, popping it into your mouth in an effort to keep yourself at bay.

"Come on, darlin'," picking up his pace, "cum on my tongue."

The coil snaps, and with a soft whine, your body tenses, cumming on his tongue as it continues to work you. He chuckles into you, lightly licking you through your high until you're squirming away from him.

By the time you catch your breath, he's already risen to his feet, tongue back in your mouth as he kisses you rather roughly. You can taste yourself on him.

"Go pay off your tab," you murmur against his lips, "if you're good, maybe I'll give you what you want when we get home."

The ghost of a pout lingers on his lips as your hand lands on his chest, pushing him back until he can no longer reach your lips. When you pull your shorts back up and don't budge on your decision, he reaches into his pocket, handing over his truck keys, "I'll be there in a minute."

You can't help but notice the severe lack of a cherry stem in your mouth as he disappears back inside. Based on your fleeting scan of the ground below your feet, it hasn't fallen either.

You're almost surprised to find that there isn't a line formed outside the bathroom, surely someone would have come knocking by now, but there isn't a soul in the corridor as the two of you slip out the door. Rhett's walking rather briskly, can't quite meet your eye as you split into separate directions.

Stepping outside brings you a welcome breath of fresh Wyoming air. Crisp with all things autumn and the lightest hint of lingering cigarette smoke, it's heaven, compared to the stuffiness of the bar, overcome with cheap perfume and the sharp bite of booze.

As nice as it is outside, it feels so much nicer once you've climbed into his passenger seat. You decide to be nice and take the liberty of starting the old truck up, turning on the heat. Long gone are the days when you could comfortably sit in here with the windows down. Now, your nose is red from the cold, cheeks threatening to become chapped if you stay out any longer than you have to.

Rhett's better at hiding his desperation than his brother, but there's a lingering agency in his step as he approaches the truck, adjusting himself in his jeans.

"Someone's bothered," you chime the moment he's opened the door.

"Yeah," damn near shuts his foot in the door with his urgency to get going, "that's the fault of the pretty little thing in my passenger seat."

That goddamn cherry stem is in his mouth.

He keeps it there, too. Rolls it back and forth between his teeth as he drives, flips it back and forth with his tongue at the red light. Toying with the prize, he'd so smoothly stolen right from under your tongue. Part of you wonders if he's intentionally showing it off, curling his tongue more than necessary just to remind you of what his mouth can do to you.

Maybe he stole it from you on accident, just like maybe you chose the middle seat by accident, and your hand just so happens to accidentally land on his inner thigh.

"Baby," he warns, but there's no venom to it.

Rhett only ever drives with his left hand on the steering wheel; he could very well reach down and stop your fingers from drawing circles into the sensitive skin of his inner thigh, but he doesn't.

He squirms, kicks his hips lower in the seat in a feeble attempt to get your hand over his cock; you'll just let that slip your psyche, fingers remaining fixated on his thigh instead.

Soon enough, he's turning into your street, albeit a bit faster than he probably should. The movement jostles you into him, your hand unintentionally pressing against the hardness between his legs, and the noise that slips out of his mouth is the unholiest thing you've ever heard.

"Do you have any idea what you do to me?" He huffs, and the turn he takes into the driveway is sharp; you're prepared this time, and your hand doesn't repeat the same mistake.

"My hand can take a pretty good guess," it's when the truck comes to a stop that your hand slides up, fingers gently tracing around the bulge in his jeans.

Just from your touch alone, his eyelids shudder, fighting to stay open. Using the palpable outline as a guide, your wandering fingertips are able to find the head of his cock, applying just a bit of pressure as your thumb fiddles with it. Back and forth, you roll him between your index and thumb.

"God, fuck," his forehead hits the steering wheel with a soft thump, "baby, I hope you're not just toying with me."

"Only if you figure out the magic word," taunting in your best sing-song voice, and in one smooth motion, you're sliding across the seat and hopping out of the truck.

Rhett is much slower to get out; you've already walked through the front door by the time you hear his boots hit the ground. Poor guy, you'd almost feel guilty if a cocktail of spite and curiosity weren't coursing through your veins right now.

Your clothes are discarded as soon as you step into the bedroom; you'd make him work to get them off if you weren't so damn tired of this lace itching your skin.

You feel Rhett before you see him, hot breath fanning out against the back of your neck as he looms behind you. The drag of his rough fingers against your sides is delicious, leaving goose bumps in their leisurely wake.

Not desperate enough.

However, as the scruff of that five o'clock shadow brushes against your cheek, thin lips pressing a kiss there, you can feel your willpower fold in half. God, why are you doing this again?

"So pretty," words crooned sweetly into your ear, teeth nipping at your lobe, "this all for me, darlin'?"

Your resolve weakens with each word; he's almost got you in the palm of his hand when the memories of the bar come flooding back. The comments, the giggling, the irritation that coursed through your veins when they'd hijacked your own conversation; like a phoenix, your intentions bubble back to the surface.

Turning, you come to face him, fingertips making quick work of his flannel as you meet his lips. He grunts, and you can practically feel the way his eyebrows raise with his surprise, but he's more than eager to reciprocate the gesture.

You've barely tugged his shirt off when finally, finally, that lace slips from your chest, lands on top of the shirt you've just made quick work of.

"On the bed," carefully disguising your orders with a sweet tone; if he catches on to what you're doing before you've got him at your mercy, he'll turn this into a battle over who can be more dominant, and he's got quite the winning streak.

It seems you've avoided setting off any warning bells because he sits on the bed without a complaint, is so, so pliant when you push him onto his back. Muscles flex under pale skin as he squirms until he's in the center of the bed, reaches out for you when you come up to straddle his hips.

"So pretty," you observe aloud, running your fingers through his hair; his cheeks flush pink, shy eyes averting your gaze.

The alcohol must be working its way into his system pretty well right now because he doesn't fuss like he usually does when you call him pretty. Still just as shy as he always is when you catch him off-guard, but less fussy.

He's so distracted that he doesn't realize you're leaning down to kiss his neck until your lips are on him. "Oh," he gasps, tilting his head to give you better access.

The possessive side of you wants to leave a mark right here, high up on his neck for everyone to see, telling everyone just who he belongs to, but you can still remember how awkward it had been the last time you gave him one.

Hickeys are all fun and games until momma asks where they came from.

So you forfeit his neck in exchange for kissing down his chest. Sucking soft marks into his skin that will disappear come morning, stopping midway to roll your tongue over a pink nipple.

Rhett jolts under you, his nipples have always been particularly sensitive, more so when he's tired, and there's alcohol buzzing through his bloodstream. Selfishly, you repeat the action, rolling the rapidly hardening bud between your lips.

"'t's not—" squirming below you, "you're not supposed to—"

"—not what, Rhett?" Playing innocent as you switch to pay attention to the other one, "hm?"

His argument dies in his throat the moment your teeth pull at his nipple, just enough to illicit a reaction, not enough to hurt, in the exact same fashion he's done to you oh so many times. Soothing your tongue over it, you replace your tongue with your fingertips, opting to roll it back and forth as you return to your original ventures.

He's properly squirming now, hips unable to keep still as your wet tongue trails down the defining line of his abdomen. There's something mesmerizing about it; if you'd known winding him up would get this out of him, you reckon you would have done it sooner.

Finally, you make it down to the waistband of his jeans, and you're already working on getting that bullhide belt off of him. It's tricky enough to work around that oversized buckle, but as soon as you've got it unhitched, it's smooth sailing from there. In a similar manner to what he'd done to you just an hour ago, you hook your fingers under his waistband and pull.

With his legs free of his jeans, It's only appropriate that you pay attention to those plush, milky white thighs of his. They tremble under your wandering fingers; always have been quite sensitive to your touches.

"Ah," whining quietly as your lips find the perfect spot to leave their first mark.

Rhett's thighs bruise quite easily; you already know the soft red mark you've sucked into his skin will blossom into a deep purple come sunrise. You wonder just how long he'll let you keep this up.

"So pretty," whispering praises into his thigh in between marks. You're almost eye level with his cock; hard against his belly. Experimental, you run a palm up the underside of it, and you find yourself mesmerized by how his hips raise with it, chasing your fleeting touch.

"Baby," he warns, but again, there's no bite to it, and he does nothing to stop you from switching to his neglected thigh.

Again, your palm meanders its way up the underside of his cock, swiping your thumb over his leaking slit, "poor baby," you coo, taking your hand off him once more, "is this all for me?"

Rhett refuses to speak, sucking his bottom lip into his mouth in an effort to remain silent. What he doesn't say with his mouth, he says with his body instead. If only he knew you could tell exactly what he was holding back verbally, just by the way his hips writhe against the mattress, legs trying their damndest to lock you in.

You take him into your hand, giving him one firm pump; he must think that's the end of your teasing because when you retract your hand once more, he whines high in his throat. 

"What the fuck," he breathes, and when he reaches down to do it himself, you bat his hands away, "why...?"

Someone must not have been paying attention in the truck. 

Nipping at a fresh new bruise you've taken the honor of adding to his rapidly building collection, you repeat your earlier statement, "figure out the magic word."

"'m not fuckin' beggin' for it," bullheaded as always; fortunately, there's a spot at the meet of his thigh that doesn't have a mark on it yet. You offer him no warning, simply leaning in to wet the area with your tongue. 

Rhett swears under his breath, little profanities that get quieter with your movements, tapering off into audible puffs of breath. You're almost amazed to see that cherry stem lingering in his mouth, poking out from between two canines. 

Switching to the other thigh yields better results, especially when you take the liberty of running your thumb along the underside of the head of his cock, tracing back and forth as slowly as you can manage. Friction, touch, but not quite there. 

Not quite what he's craving so badly.

Leaning back, you're finally able to fully take in and admire your handiwork; soft thighs, once completely unmarked now mottled with red splotches, some of which are already darkening. Rhett raises his knee, and you don't need to glance up to know that he's looking too. 

You stroke him once more, and his head falls back onto the pillow. Pause, count to thirty in your head, then repeat. 

"I—" eyebrows furrowing; you stroke him again, flicking your wrist as you do so. 

As convinced as you were that it would crack him, it seems it wasn't enough because he stays quiet. Fine, you'll let him go and recalculate—

"Please."

It's so quiet, so barely there, that you're almost convinced you may be hearing things, but then, "please, I don't—I..." 

On its own, your hand returns to him; using his precum as lubrication, you stroke him properly. The reaction you receive is instant, jaw falling slack, eyelashes fluttering like leaves in the autumn wind. The Rhett you usually receive in bed is quiet, nothing but deep grunts and breathy gasps, but the one in front of you is on the verge of whiny. Soft, barely there noises working their way out of his throat, so close to a proper sound. 

 Abruptly, you tighten your grip, and it's a motion that's always drawn a reaction from him, but you don't expect him to moan so loud. Just as quickly as you'd surprised him, he bites into the side of his palm, muffling the noises that follow. 

"Aw, don't cover your mouth," you're settling back between his legs as you speak, "I like hearing you."

Something about your words causes his cheeks to turn cherry red, and yet, he pries his hand back out of his mouth. There's that cherry stem again.

Your tongue meets the sensitive base of his cock, laving at where it meets his balls until it's so wet that it shines in the dim light. He looks like he's about to start fussing again just as you trace your tongue up a vein, following it until you can swirl around his sensitive head. 

"Fuck," he gasps, fisting the sheets, "p-please, darlin'."

And how can you wait any longer when he asks you so nicely?

Taking a deep breath in, you sink down on him, hollowing your cheeks as you work him into your mouth. Thick fingers take hold of the side of your head, gripping tight but not enough to hurt. You're only about halfway down when his hips twitch, and the head of his cock bumps into the back of your throat. You don't mean to gag around him, but the fluttering of your throat only serves to make him louder for you. 

"God, shit—" Rhett swears, and it's so loud compared to his former murmurings, "baby."

Breathing through your nose, you gather your composure, pushing yourself further down until he's properly working into your throat. It's not a motion you can maintain for more than a few seconds at a time, but lord, does it work wonders on your cowboy. 

Keening high in his throat, Rhett squirms against the sheets; you can't tell if he's trying to wriggle free or get more. The fat head of his cock eases into your throat with every motion, jaw already aching with the effort.

“Feels good,” he babbles, “fuck, that feels so good.”

With every motion, your throat grows more and more numb from the abuse it's receiving; as much as you know it's going to ache in a little bit, you take him even further until the tip of your nose just barely brushes against his belly. 

"'M already close," the words are just barely out of his mouth when you reel back, letting your mouth off him with a soft pop, and he whimpers. 

He's already about to fuss again when you wrap a hand around him, stroking once, twice, and then stopping firm at his base. What words were about to spill off his tongue instead ripples out as an outright sob, echoing throughout the bedroom. It sends heat flushing between your legs; you want to hear that again.

Rhett's hips attempt to draw back and rise into your hand, but you've got a firm grip that doesn't falter. "Please," like a mantra, over and over, “please, darlin', please let me cum.”

It's not your intention to make him cum yet, but your hand strokes up his cock anyway, painfully slow. "Are you gonna be a good boy for me?" Your voice is gravely, so different from how it was just a few minutes ago, "hm?"

At first, all he does is nod his agreement, but then your hand stops, "y-yes."

"Yes, what?"

He gulps, adam's apple bobbing with it, "I want—" his own voice is cut short by a sudden, shaky breath as your hand works him again, "I wanna be your good boy."

Letting go of him for the umpteenth time, you reach down to tug your lace panties off; even so, with your intentions so clear, Rhett starts to fidget. 

"Hold on, hold on," you can't help but giggle at the sight; he's reaching for you, eager fingers wiggling in an attempt to beckon you back to him faster. They settle onto your waist as soon as you're within reaching distance, holding on as you settle into his lap and take him into your hand once more.

You only have it in you to slide him between your folds once, and then you're letting him catch on your entrance. Despite him having laid you down and fucked you on the kitchen counter this morning, you can still feel the delicious stretch of his fat head as it eases into your cunt. 

As soon as your hips come flush together, you waste no time in placing your hands on his chest and drawing yourself back up. His head drags against the soft, spongey spot inside of you, and just the sensation alone is enough to have your entrance fluttering around him. 

"Baby, baby, baby," Rhett babbles, squeezing your hips in his hands, "just like that."

The pace you set is intense, almost brutal as your hips rise and fall on him; it feels like he's forcing the breath out of your lungs with every downward motion. Long gone is Rhett's ability to stay quiet, keening with every move you make, eyes rolling into the back of his head when you clamp down around him.

"I'm gonna cum," he blurts, "baby—ah! I'm gonna cum."

You stop, and he loses it.

"Fuck!" He cries, loud and desperate, "fuck, why-why won't you let me cum?"

Feigning obliviousness, you lean down until your noses are touching, "tie that cherry stem into a knot," those pretty blue eyes widen, "and maybe I'll let you cum."

You grant him just a few more seconds to recompose himself, and then your hips are working again, thighs lifting and dropping at the same pace as before. Your change in angle has rewarded you with the dizzying pleasure of his cock driving directly into that soft spot, a slick noise bouncing off the walls as your cunt takes him.

Rhett's eyebrows are furrowing with his effort to tie that damn cherry stem, but you foil his work by tightening yourself around him, "god, fuck, baby." 

His voice alone sends a wildfire raging in your lower belly, and with one hand, you reach between your bodies, fingertips finding your swollen clit. You're still so, so sensitive from your first orgasm, and all it takes is the fleeting memory of Rhett on his knees and few, well-placed spirals before you're freezing up on top of him. You cum with a soft cry, thighs clamping down on his hips as your body spasms. 

You don't quite remember closing your eyes, you don't think they've been closed for that long, but when they flutter open, you find quite the sight before you. 

"Darlin', please," his voice is weak as he squirms below you. His eyes water with unshed tears, threatening to bubble over with every blink, and he's trembling. "Darlin' darlin' I—"

His jaw shakes as his mouth closes, tongue working, again and again, to tie that damned cherry stem into a knot. 

Just as you pull off of him, his mouth opens, revealing a loosely tied stem. 

"Such a good boy for me," you praise, and your intentions are to lower yourself and suck him off, but he won't let you go. He's babbling something intelligible, pushed so, so far that he can't form his words properly. "Rhett?" 

He keens high in his throat, tries to repeat himself, but you still don't understand, and he still won't let you free of his iron grip.

"Okay, okay," scooting up the bed, you settle next to him, and he's so, so eager to hold you closer. 

Planting your hand on his back, you draw him in until his head is resting on your chest; with your free hand, you reach down and wrap your fingers around his cock. He jumps at your touch, squirming into it as he continues to babble something you can't make out, but it doesn't sound at all close to your safeword, so you keep stroking him. 

You squeeze him a little tighter, wrist flicking towards the end of each and every stroke, and you can feel him panting into your chest.

"I-I'm," it's the first thing you can understand, stutter punctuated by his hips weakly twitching into your palm. 

"Go ahead," murmuring into his messy hair, "cum for me, Rhett."

His breath hitches, and with a weakened whimper, he cums just as you'd asked, painting your hand and tummy with burning hot semen. You pump him through it until he's relaxing back into you, panting for his breath again.

Wet tears land on your chest, "fuck."

"Rhett?" You're worried—did you push him too far? Was he misremembering his safeword? 

But then he's tilting his head up you, smiling weakly but so, so genuinely up at you, "'m alright," he hiccups, voice rougher than you've ever heard it, "don't think I've ever been so desperate to cum in my life." He laughs at his own words, even more so when you join him. 

The both of you are an absolute wreck, sticky with a gross mixture of sweat, spit, and cum, but you can't bring yourself to move. You're not sure if Rhett will let go of you even if the house were to come burning down. 

"If I buy you another whiskey sour the next time we go to the bar," he says, kissing your skin as he shyly blinks up at you, "can we do that again?"

You think you just might melt. 

"Baby," leaning down to kiss him on the lips, "all you need to do is ask."

The next time you're at the bar, Rhett's so focused on ordering a very specific drink and high tailing it out of there that he doesn't even realize Maria and her friends are standing right next to him.

[hellfirehimself]

Taste So Sweet Eddie Munson x Y/N 18+

Smut warning, explicit language, unprotected, dom, etc. do not read it under 18!!!! MULTIPLE PARTS!

When Hawkins Resident Sweetheart makes it clear she doesn’t care about an “image” the town has given her, Eddie Munson can’t help but take extra notice into her open attempts at showing everyone exactly that.

PART 1.

Hawkins Sweet Heart, Y/N, beautiful as can be, though she didn’t see it. The way her hair fell perfectly to her shoulders, the sway of her hips as she moved swiftly down the hallway, and of course, that beautiful smile that could knock somebody dead. She was infectious, everything about her left your mind clouded by her, and only her.

The day blurred together, knowing that tonight was everyone’s favorite night of the year, the summer kickoff party. I, myself.. wasn’t super into the partying scene, but it was a great way to extend my services to those looking to have a little extra fun. As usual, I made sure I had my clunky metal lunch box filled with all my little green essentials.

Before I knew it I was already there. Music blaring, sweaty high schoolers pushed up against one another. Which is was fucking gross. The night was moving at an intense pace, and I certainly did not bring enough supplies, all I had left was some flower in a small bag and a packet of rolling papers. I groaned, stashing away the last wad of money I was given and closing up the little tin, turning on my heel to leave from upstairs when I bumped forcefully into someone. Knocking them straight to the ground.

“Fuck, I am so sorry!" I was quick to apologize, being Eddie 'the freak' Munson had those types of effects, if I wasn't quick to the punch either apologizing or running, I was surely going to get my ass beat if I had a run in with the wrong person.

"It's fine, no worries." I honestly was too afraid to look at whom I had collided with until I hear the sweet familiar voice sing out to me.

"Y/N??" Complete shock spilling from my tone.

"Yeah, yeah in the flesh." I finally allowed my eyes to trail down to her frame on the floor, she was shifting. pushing herself up from the ground. I should've helped, but I couldn't, I was frozen. Not only did she look breathtakingly gorgeous, but she had tear stains marking up her once perfectly applied makeup.

"Oh shit, did I knock you that hard? I am so sorry, you'r-" She cut me off quick.

"Not crying cause of that, I really gotta go. I'll see you around." I couldn't tell you what made me do it, but I grabbed her wrist as she spun to leave, pulling her back to me. I knew something was wrong, and something in me was begging me to find out, apart of me knew I needed to.

"Eddie, please...Let go..?" Was she afraid??....

"C'mere, come on we're gonna talk." I led her into the closest room that didn't have a scrunchie or disgusting jocks sock sitting on the doorknob.

"Why have you been crying? And please, spare the bullshit because I think we both know I'm not gonna stop pestering until you come out with the truth." I closed the door, twisting the lock, not to keep her in, but to keep those gross little fucks out.

"Chrissy, queen of the school, threw her drink on me, called me every name in the book! This was supposed to be my year! 86' baby! But that fucking bitch just hates me! She hates everything about me! I swear she wont be happy until my life is a living fucking hell!!!!" To be honest, I wasn't expecting her to breakdown and tell me what was going on, at least not this quickly. But I understood completely, Chrissy and Jason were really made for one another, she was just as evil and manipulative as he was, so I really did get where she was coming from.

"Hey, it can't be your year!" I scoffed, rolling my eyes, moving to sit next to her on the edge of the bed. "First of all, '86 baby!' is my catch phrase! It's MY year, you little dickhead." She giggled, that was good, much better than tears. "Though, I guess I wouldn't mind sharing the year with the most beautiful girl in school."

"Oh fuck off Eddie!" This time she let out a laugh, a genuine laugh.

"Ouch!" I exclaimed, clutching an invisible arrow wounding my chest, falling dramatically off the bed. Her laughs continued as she followed after me, straddling me on the floor and pulling out the fake arrow, tossing it to the side.

"You're saved!" Her laugh was adorable.

"Why, isn't this a beautiful view I have here?" I asked, cocking my head to the side, shooting her a wink. Her face blushed bright red as her expression completely changed, maybe realizing she was straddling me at this point, she quickly shifted to remove herself from atop of me but I dug my hands at her hips and pressed her down, earning a squeal from her.

"You don't have to move, I like you here." She gulped loudly.

"Can I tell you something?" she asked, her voice silent and sweet, but something on her lips rang like the slight taste of poison, not enough to kill, but just enough to make you want a little more.

"Always."

"I've dreamt about us being like this since my freshman year." My heart jumped from my chest, and everything froze. She felt the same way? I had so many thoughts running through my mind, but I acted upon the one that felt the most right. I reached my hand up to sit at the back of her neck and pulled her body down against mine, pressing my lips fiercely against hers.

"I wonder if your pussy tastes half as good as these sweet little lips of yours do." I moaned deep against her lips, she gasped in response, clutching onto my shirt to ground herself.

"I-i, I think you ne-need to find out for you-yourself." Her words stuttering out of her mouth made me need to taste her even more.

"Oh princess, your wish is my command."

I hope yall enjoyed part 1! A little tease but more is coming ;) Please feel free to leave any requests!!!

I LOVE YOU TO THE UPSIDE DOWN AND BACK

[dreamifics]

Steve Harrington x Reader

Casuality

Just some fluff, angst and smut

Warning: mentions of alcohol, mentions of sexual activity, a little cursing

How did me and Y/N ended making out in my pool? Bad decisions and booze, that's the answer. I wanted it to stop, but it was good.. Too damn good. I can taste in her mouth the bitterness of the alcohol we drank a while ago. The mix of beer and vodka was still lingering in her mouth.

My hands run in her legs, as her hands tug my hair. There were fire igniting inside us, it was burning with lust and adrenaline. A low moan escapes her mouth, this added fuel to the fire inside us. We both knew that we'd regret this in the morning, but we didn't stop.

Y/N Henderson..

I'm close to her brother, but not to her. We fought monster beside each other, she was close to Robin, Nancy and Jonathan. But not to me, that's why I'm surprised when she arrived in my doorsteps, alcohol in her hands.

"Hey, Steviee!Wanna run around town and get smashed?"

She caught me off guard but I agreed, I was always intrigued by her. I never noticed her in high school but she seems to know everything about me.

"Oh, come on!Steve!I'm not stupid!I know you use that shitty shampoo and conditioner!"

"It's not shitty!It's the real deal!"

"Whatever, let's go back to your house and take a dip in your fancy pool!"

My mind snapped back as we moved to my bed, Y/N's heavy breaths and low moans was all I could hear from her. We drop in my bed, we knew were going to spend all night here. The sheets wrapped around our naked bodies, legs entangled with each others. Moans filling the room, sweats dripping from our hot naked body. We were drunk and stupid. Sobriety and rational thinking was out the window. This night was filled with bad decisions and bad decisions only.

Days have passed since that night, we decided to continue the relationship but we're keeping it casual. We're now sitting in my car, music blasting on the stereo on a low volume. She was looking blankly on the window as I drive her to campus.

"What are you thinking about?" I questioned, snapping her out of her trance. She smiled at me as she relaxed into the passenger seat.

"Whatever your thinking about.."

"Dustin moaning really weird last night?" I joked causing her to glare at me.

"No, but now that's what I'm thinking.." I chuckled at her response as I paid attention to the road.

"Hey, do you want to have a sleep over tonight?"

"Sleepover?What are you ten?Do you also want to braid each other's hair and have a pillow fight?" Her witty remarks always get me laughing, that's one thing I like about you Y/N..

"Come on, we're not gonna be sleeping anyway.." I pleaded.

"Ooh, Stevie gonnna give me the lovey dovey!" She said in a baby voice. Gotta admit, that was weird as hell.

"Oh dear god.." I mumbled under my breath.

"What's that Harrington?" Her glares could literally kill someone, I just gave her an innocent smile, she just rolled her eyes.

"Nothing.."

"I'll see you tonight, then.."

A comfortable silence filled the ambiance of the car, if I know Y/N and I think I do, she'll try to rummage her brain for something to talk to--.

"What was Dustin moaning about?" There it is..

"Oh dear god.." I just shake my head in amusement.

The first time I had ever seen you cry was the day we got home from campus, snots and tears were everywhere. I never saw you cry, even when we almost died twice while trying to save the world. Not a one single tear, but now your here infront of me. Tears in your eyes, as you sobbed into my chest. I don't know what to do, should I comfort you?

"What happend?" I finally asked the lingering thought in my head.

"I saw Dad with his brand new family.."

Y/N's father..

I never really met him but to what I gather from Y/N and Dustin is that he's a coward. He left his family to be with another woman.. Putting the three of you to emotional trauma and abuse.

"I'm sorry.." That's all I could say..

"After all what he did to Mom and Dustin, he have the audacity to be happy while Mom cover up the pain with cats.."

"I hate my dad, I swear if he ever comes back, I'll feed him to the demogorgons.. Why does this always happen to me? Can everything be just fine again?"

I hate seeing her like this.. What should I say? I can't really relate to her, my parents still stood by me.

"I'd do whatever I could do, if you want to get wasted, I'll do it with you, If you want to burn your dad's house, I'll be down with that. Just don't cry, I can't stand seeing you like this."

A small laugh erupted from her, moving beside me, she lay her head into my shoulders.

"Thanks for the reassurance Harrington.."

"That's what I'm here for.."

"Come on Steve, let's make out in your pool.." Y/N stands up, and gave me her hand, I gladly accepted it.

"Why do you have to ruin the mood?"

"How's that ruining the mood?If anything, I'm building the mood." She said in a sultry and teasing voice. I rolled my eyes, does she think I'll get turned on by that. She was crying just a moment ago, she was releasing snots.

"I think you have daddy issues, love.." It was her turn to roll her eyes.

"We all have daddy issues.." I grab her cheeks and peck her lips.

"We both have daddy issues, then." She just gave me the most precious smile that ever existed.. Oh, God. How I love you.

The first fight we had was also our last, it was your birthday. We were hanging out in your room, laying in her bed as the television played Star Wars. The pale moon was dancing all throughout the room, I knew there was something bothering me, we've been doing this for months, keeping everything casual. I'm growing tired of the constant thought that someone will take her away from me.. Don't get me wrong, I love Y/N, I'm not sure how she feel about me though. Y/N's like a close book, hard to read. So many things that I wish I knew, but there's so many walls that I can't break through. ( Where the swifties at? )

"Are you okay?" Y/N soft voice pulled me out of my head.

Am I really okay?No, why? I want us to be in a committed relationship, where someone can't take you away from me. That's how much I love you..

"Nothing, just thinking about us.." A small smile tugged in her lips as she scoot closer.

"What about us?" She asked, her brows wiggling.

"Being casual and all.." The smile she had falter, she moved away from me, running her hands through her hair.

"You know I'm not ready yet.."

"You always say that."

"Steve!I can't have this exact same conversation with you over and over again!" And here we are, fighting.. The anger inside me flicked open, I know it won't do good but I still went ahead and got mad.

"Why can't you say it once?!" Our shouts echoed through the whole house, her Mom is probably worried about her.

"What can't I say?!" She asked confused and angry at the samw time.

"That you love me!" The whole room suddenly got quiet, the look in Y/N's face was hard to read. Are you shocked? Scared? Angry? What? Do you love me like I love you? Please, say the words that I want--no, what I need to hear.

"Steve, we both know that we agreed to keep things casual.." She finally spoke, but not the words that came out was not what I needed.

"Casual?We've been together for almost a year now, how much more casual do you want it to get?"

"I--Steve, I can't do this now.." She backs away from me, opening her door wide open for me to leave.

"Why?" That's all that exited my mouth..

"Because I need space!" She snaps, a involuntary scoff left my lips.

"Space from what?!We barely have a relationship!"

"Just get away!I can't believe your pressuring me!" She shouts, but I stayed to say the words I'll regret..

"Let's just end whatever the fuck this is!"

"Fine!" She screamed as she walks up to me and pushed me out of her room.. Reaching the end of her door, she pushed me. I stumbled but managed to bounce back, before I can even say another word she slammed the door. And there's that..

"Steve?" Dustin came out of his room, a worried expression painted in his face.

"Are you and Y/N okay?"

"Yeah, it's just a--" I stopped at the middle of the sentence, my mouth refused to let the words escape.

"A what?" He questioned.

A break up..

"Nothing, it's nothing.." I lied..

I didn't know why I couldn't say the words. I clearly never wanted this to happen, I didn't know what happend. And I can't take it back, what's done is done..

Life with Y/N was hard, but life without her is much harder. Was I in the wrong? I shouldn't have pressure her, all I wanted is to go up at her house. But Dustin told me, she was really busy with a lot of schoolworks. Where did it get so complicated?

I was walking home when I saw Y/N, just standing in my porch front step. She seems fidgety and nervous, those sweet eyes seem to notice me. Y/N was wearing one of my Van Halen shirts, with a short and just some sneakers. You always looked beautiful in my shirts..

"Steve.." I love how she says my name, but I love it more if she screams my name. Flashes of her naked body grinding on me suddenly appeared on my head. This was not the time but I couldn't help it. I miss her..

"Hey.." I greet..

"I just wanted to--"

"I should be the one apologizing, I shouldn't pressure you like that.." I cut her off, I'm right. There's no need to apologize, I was in the wrong. I pressured her when I agreed to keep it casual.

"Still, I'm sorry too.." Y/N was always nice, never letting her pride get in the way of her life.. An eerie silence once filled our conversation, I never wanted this but maybe..

"Maybe it's best if I give you the space you nee--"

"I love you.." She cuts me off..

"Huh?" My mind went blank, my eyes blink rapidly as I try to sink in the three words you just dropped.

"I don't need space, I love you Steve Harrington.." She confessed cheekily, a small smile appeared on our face.

"I love you too.." She just smiles at me, but she was waiting for something. What is it? A ring, maybe? But this is not a proposal..

"What are you waiting for?Kiss me."

Ohh, right.. The way I moved was slow, I think she grew impatient because you pulled me and our lips collided into one. The way your lips was covered in the strawberry chapstick I gave you, this was my favorite thing in the world. I slid my tongue, it danced with yours. I pushed you in my door, opening it in the process.

When it burst open, we celebrated by going into my bed. Pushing Y/N into the bed was pretty arousing. We didn't need words or foreplay, we're pretty straightforward. Our lips once connected again, heavy breaths and low moans was all I could hear.

We slowly undressed each other, our lips was still intact, rushing into things was never really your motto. I felt your skin made contact with mine, I felt the heat from your body. My hands were making their way to her tender breasts, I slowly massaged it until the nipples turned like tiny stones. A loud moan came out from her mouth, I couldn't resist and licked them, biting them playfully. Another moan came out from her sweet lips, I stopped as I took out my hard and mounting manhood, I rest it unto her thighs. Y/N sits up, looking at me with questions in those eyes.

"What happend?You got tired?" Y/N whisper in her sultry voice.

"Taunting me?Really?"

Before she can even respond I got on top of bed and smirked, your naked body was softly laying in my bed. This made me harder, you're so perfect in every way. My hands are already in your legs, spreading it wide and open. I can see you closing your eyes at my touch, I drove my two fingers inside her. She moans with the contact it made, eyes rolled in the back of her head. I ravish her breast with my mouth as my fingers interact inside her.

"Fuck, Steve!"

I was hitting the right places, she was twisting left and right, her hands were gripping my sheets, I pulled my fingers out and replaced it with my organ. A loud piercing moan escapes her lips as I pump into her, every thrust was in sync with her breathing. I slowly grunt as I pump harder and deeper into her, I yank her legs back, as my other hand gripped her ass. I dug myself further into her, setting off another shattering moan.

"Steve, faster."

I increasing the speed, she wrapped her arms around my back, her nails digging into my skin. Pain and Pleasure was a great mixture for me. I hit every possible spot inside her, the nails dug deeper as I thrust harder and much more deeper. The speed increased once again, as I feel both of our climax building up inside, it can explode any second now. Every thrust I make, every moan she screams, and every sweat that drips was a cherry on top.

"Fuck, I'm coming!"

With that we both exploded into each other, I felt a warm liquid flows between her legs and mine. A small smile appeared on her lips as we were both out of breath, her hair was all disheveled.

"Well, that was fun.." She whisper, her voice hoarsed from all the moaning she did.

"I can see.." I joked causing her cheeks to blush..

"Shut up!"

I pulled out, she shivered at that action. I laid next to her, she looks at me with love and compassion. She pecked a kiss in my lips, cuddling besides me as the moon peaked through my windows. Y/N deserves every love and adoration in the world, I'm going to marry you someday..

This is my first smut ever, I hope it was..nice? If there's anything wrong I did in the smut, you can tell me, I'll do anything to improve it! I also accept request, any characters! Marvels, DC, B99, FRIENDS, Criminal Minds, TBBT, Community, basically anything! I accept anything! You can leave a comment or give me an ask!

Taglist

@sydneekomspacekru

[withoneheadlight]

ok i saw this cap of zoë kravitz in hf and she's got such a dreamy expression, she looks so deeply self-absorbed and infatuated by whatever she's imagining and those lines. and i couldn't stop picturing billy exactly like that for days so,

,

There’s a pretty unusual sound coming off the house when Max comes back home, that summer afternoon.

Full volume. Walls shaking. And she quietly walks to the source of the sound, holding back her breath right in front of Billy's room because, there's this second sound? Stranger and way more unsettling and Max's not sure-sure at first but then Steve Perry’s voice takes off and Billy’s follows it and then he's like, singing along and. Well. Max did know Billy liked Journey but not like, their 'stuff for pussies' but uhm, he does, apparently. Rasps his voice all the way through ‘Faithfully’. Kind of, sighs. Longingly? When it ends? But pfff, ok, big brothers are weird. Definitely weirder after being possessed and then kind of resurrected. Even if it's in a good-weird way but, whatever. So Max's just about to sneak to her room, dutifully rolling her eyes, steps muffled by the first chords of 'Edge of the blade' when―

Click. Click. Billy stops the tape. Click. Takes it out. Tap. Tap. Click. Puts on― Billy puts. On,

Heaven.

Bryan Adams’ Heaven.

And Max―

Being a younger sister is a meticulous kind of full-time, private detective job. You gotta learn how the person you’ve been watching so carefully for years and years works. Hafta develop some sort of―sense about your target. And Billy’s been—un-Billy-like? These past two months. Smiling more. Telling more jokes. Playing ‘You shook me all night long’ in a loop on their drive to school and back, not complaining at all but even joining when’s Max who can’t help but sing along so.

So. She retraces her steps. Knocks. Takes the distracted grunt she gets as a ‘Yeahyeah, c’mon in c’mon in’ and,

Creak. Creak. ‘―baby you’re all that I want’

“Billy?”

Billy’s sitting cross-legged on the floor. Radio close to his knees. Cassettes scattered everywhere. Piles and piles of breakwater surrounding Billy’s old, rusty beacon of sound. He’s reading through the song-list of one of the tapes, a smoke locked on the corner of his mouth, bouncing up and down with every little, absent suck he takes, and he looks. He looks―

Self-absorbed and even. Relaxed. Happy. Like whatever he’s thinking about right now is actually carrying his thoughts away to fucking heaven.

“Ehh”

“Uh-hu?”

‘When you’re lying here in my arms!’

“Billy are you. What―” ‘I'm findin' it hard to believe. We're in heaven’ “What are you doing?”

But there’s this orbit around the sun and then there’s whatever one Billy's been spinning along with the last couple of months so he completely ignores her question. Shakes the tape on his left hand. Picks another one from the pile on his right. Asks her.

“Is Billy Ocean too much? ‘Cause I think it’s too much. But it kind of fits into what I'm trying to say so” he says, shrugs, looking up at Max and waiting for the answer of what she realizes was not really a question. Not at all. So she does her little sister job and just, nods “Right. That’s good. I think it’ll slide just nicely into Bruce Springsteen and―”

“Billy” Max insists, waiting for the charm of the third time to work. It doesn’t. Not really. But keeps Billy's eyes on her long enough to squeeze an “A mixtape?” And, uh. That’s what gets it on. The charm “Are you making a mixtape?”

“Uh?”

And it’s like Max just shook Billy out of a daydream. Ash plopping down from his cigarette as his lips try but can’t purse and Max― she’s good. She’s stellar at this detective thing. Recognizes an opening the moment she sees it, right there in front of her, frozen in the middle of shaking Billy Ocean and Bruce Springsteen in the air right before cocktailing them together. Shaken, not stirred, please. Max’s upgraded to James Bond-level just right now.

“You’re making a mixtape for someone”

“Oh-nonoMaxi―”

“But you didn’t have those tapes before. Not even in your secret stash”

“How do yo―?”

“Holy. ShIT. You’ve been listening to somebody else’s music” This is. Oh, God. This. Is. GOLD. Max gotta take a moment. Blink. Breathe. Process. Her hands move by themselves, palms spread toward Billy in a wait-a-minute kind of gesture except. Max’s gonna need way more than a minute for this “You’ve accepted a music recommendation”

“Maaaaax”

“Gosh, you’ve even listened to the tapes enough to. Make―”

“Max!”

“I just can’t believe it”

And Max was glad. Well. As glad as one can be. Bunch weeks ago. Her mom and Neil out for the day. Coming back home a little earlier than she usually does to hear those ugh. Those other noises. Happy screams. Again. After months and months of Billy being basically alone except for her and the party and Steve. And Max’s so glad, of course she is. But she’s also a little sister. And all this investigation work has a high, rightful purpose.

Make her big brother’s life a living. Hell.

“Oh my god, you must be so gone!” Max brings her hands to her mouth. Takes a deep, deep breath that’s more a poorly restrained giggle. Shoots her index at him “Is it Bon Jovi? What I’m seeing right there? Goddam, Billy are you in lo―”

Bam.

Bam. Bam!

The front door.

What a way to spoil the fun. Max doesn’t have time for this. She’s working.

“BILLY?” comes a voice from the other side “Billy are you in there?”

Steve.

Oh.

What a way to make the fun a hundred times better.

Bam.Bam.Bam!

She’s starting to move to get to the door, sinsonging “Well, I guess Steve’s gonna find out you’re so stupid in love you’re willingly listening to―” when she realizes Billy’s eyes have widened and he’s jerkingly trying to unfreeze, he’s mumbling something in around his already extinguished cigarette in the ways of “Can’t” and “Find out” and “Surprise” and “Fucking help me!” While literally trying to shove the huge mass of tapes under his bed, his tone like hurryhurryhurry!, like he would start gagging and throwing his lungs out at any given minute, so nervous he looks.

So Max doesn’t go for the door. Yet. She basks in the enjoyment.

“Oh, is it a secret romance or something?” She sighs happily, leaning against the doorframe instead. “‘Cause you look pretty worried”

Steve’s banging the door now, voice wavering a little as he asks-shouts “Billy? Billy answer me! Hey, bab―Are you ok?”

“Max, please” Billy begs. Begs. Crawling over to where a Madonna’s Like a virgin is laying with the tape looping slightly out “He really can’t find out”

“What? That you’re in lo-o-oh-oh-OH―”

Billy stops at the tone, right there on his knees. Spits his forgotten cig to the side. And in the instant it seems to take him to make up his mind they both can hear Steve shout “Ok. I know you’re in there!. I’m coming in now!!”

“Fuck! Yeah. I am. Ok?” he looks like he just realized he’s tripped. Blushes. “Making it, I mean”

BAM!

And Ohhhhhhh.

Zero-fucking-zero-fucking-seven.

“Steve,” Max gasps. Because. Hear it makes it like. Easier. To process “You. And Steve”

B A M!

“Yeah, Max, Yeah. And this is a fucking surprise and he’s gonna―”

‘I've been waitin' for so long. For somethin' to arrive. For love to come along’

Ok. Oh. Okok.

“Door!” Max hastens him.

“What?”

“You. Door. Run!” She commands, and Billy― sometimes Max can’t honestly understand how he's got the grades he's got, because Billy blinks, looks clueless “C’mon slow ass. Hurry! I’ll hide all this shit”

And Billy finally gets it. Nods. Slow. Then fast. Stumbles up. Literally runs, to get to the door.

Max still gets to hear his labored “Fuck, pretty boy. “That was really hardcore of you. That's how bad you wanted to see me?” And Steve's own breathless “Really?” Before pushing Billy's room door close with her back, and kneeling on the floor to check for stray, incriminating cassettes.

Pretty boy. Maybe Max isn't as clever as she thought she is. Or hasn’t been doing her job right, clearly.

It's when she’s making ‘It’s a kind of magic’ disappear into the rest of the pile that she lays eyes on it. The case. The J-card written almost all the way down to the B-side already. A mixture of songs Billy's heard so many times there are parts where his tapes screech, and others she'd bet her life he wouldn’t have deigned to listen to. Not ever. Definitely not because―no, for, somebody. Bowie and Cher and Cindy Lauper and Bob Seger right next to Metallica and Guns n' Roses and Meatloaf and― there. There. Almost hidden in the back of the spine. A note. A tiny, thin-lettered thing Max really, really shouldn't be reading but―

‘Thanks for driving me back.

Love. Billy’

But. That's what little sisters do too, she guesses. Intrude. Annoy. Snoop. Feel this sudden rush of relief. Of happiness. When Billy laughs softly, on the other side of the door. When Steve laughs back. Maybe a tear. Or two. But just maybe. She’s really good at this little sister thing, after all.

Hopes for stellar.

,

or: that post s3 where steve lets a camaro-less billy drive him around in his own car "really? again, hargrove?" almost every single day, for months, after he comes back, because "you’re gonna perpetually stick yourself to my ass at least let me do the one thing that frikin’ calms me down" which results in steve resigning himself to deejaying in the shotgun even if "jesus, what's that shit, harrington?" "my car, my rules, sweetheart" which results in billy developing a ‘songs steve harrington is in love with’ mental playlist, realizing he’s probably a little bit in love with the way he loves them and, possibly, a little much love with steve and then stealing steve's tapes one day and,

making a mixtape about it.

(the first of a whole lot, of love letters)

[fanficlibrary82]

Ed & Liz

As she dumped her bag to the floor and collapsed on her bed, Liz officially declared today a certified Bitch-And-A-Half. Her alarm didn't go off, which made her miss the bus. Since her car was in the shop, that meant she had to walk the entire four miles to school, which, of course, made her miss all of first period and most of second period. And because Ms. Winters was the hardest hard ass to ever exist, Liz ended up getting sent to the Principal, who gave her in school suspension. After two hours spent in an unused classroom with two stoners and Hawkins, Indiana's most diligent gym teacher, she had the pleasure of another four mile hike home. 

Liz rolled over onto her back and huffed a sigh, hating the way that her eyes stung. Elizabeth Booth never cried, she hadn't in years. But something about coming home to an empty house after the day she had just made something in her break. Liz had never been more grateful for her dad's drinking problem as a choked sob pulled itself from her chest. She turned onto her side and, upon seeing the blurry form of her phone, knew exactly who she needed to talk to.

~

Eddie was sprawled out on his uncle's couch, softly strumming through Black Sabbath's Heaven and Hell on his guitar, but his mind hadn't been focused on the music for at least a half hour. He and Liz were close. Even after she graduated and he didn't, they stayed good friends; having lunch together, planning campaigns, shooting the shit, but he hadn't heard from her all day. He could play tough all he wanted, but when it came down to it, Eddie Munson cared about his friends, and he and Liz had been friends since grade school. He had to check on her.

He returned his prized guitar to its place above his bed, gingerly running his fingers along its cherry red body when the shrill ring of the phone drifted in from the living room. Relief flooded through his body and a wide grin spread across his face as he half jogged to the source of the ring. 

"Risky Liz-ness! I was starting to think you'd - what happened?"

Liz's voice crackled through the phone, but the sound of her holding back tears came through clear as day. "Van Halen, I, uh…I don't - hic - I don't want to be a-alone, right now." She sniffed, and Eddie tucked the phone between his ear and his shoulder, already grabbing his keys.

"Give me fifteen minutes, I'm leaving now. And grab a jacket, ok?" 

He hung up the phone, snatched a blanket off the back of the couch, and kicked his van into drive. His best friend was upset, and he wasn't going to let her stay that way.

~

The abrupt hang up would've made her laugh if the fact that he cared so much didn't make her cry harder. Liz didn't have the hardest life, she knew that, but having someone care so deeply and so consistently for her…she'd have to offer to clean out the van or get him some new figurines for his game.

True to his word, fifteen minutes later, her front door opened and Eddie's mop of shaggy hair poked into her room.

"Come on Lady Evil, I've got the van running and I'm pretty sure leaving her idle for more than 5 minutes counts as ecoterrorism," he grinned, and Liz couldn't stop the twitch in the corners of her mouth. She pushed herself to sit up as Eddie stepped inside. He crossed to her bedside, folded himself down to the floor, and rested his chin near her knee. "You wanna talk or just get drunk and high?"

Liz snorted out a laugh and rolled her eyes. "If I ever say I want to talk, assume I've been Body Snatched." She wiped her eyes with the back of her hands and took a deep breath. "Let's get fucked up on a Wednesday night, Munson."

Eddie let out a triumphant laugh and clapped before he jumped to his feet and pulled Liz to hers. "Then let's hit the road, Johnny Blade, before we're stuck drinking warm beer."

~

After driving around for an hour, Eddie finally parked the van at the edge of the lake and cut the engine. Liz snickered as she clambered into the back and he slid the door open. "You really brought me to Lover's Lake?"

He jumped in beside her and passed her a beer before starting to roll a joint. "Well," he started, unable to hide the grin creeping across his face, "I figured since you're so obviously in love with me, this is the perfect place for you to accept that and confess." 

Liz snorted into her beer and coughed through a laugh. Eddie cackled and slung an arm over her shoulder and pulled her into a side hug. When her laughter finally died down, she sighed and sat her head on his shoulder. "Thank you," she said quietly.

Eddie shrugged, but set his head on hers and looked out over the water. "Don't mention it, Country Girl."

Masterlist

Ao3

[curiousconch]

Chase You / Chase Me (Pt. 2)

Part 2: Before I dive right into you

Catch up here: Series Masterlist

Chapter Summary: In the aftermath of their pretend wedding in Las Vegas, Gabe begins to unravel his growing feelings for Alex. But as he attempts to bring his past to light, someone from Alex's previous life casts a shadow on the future.

Book/Pairing: Choices - Laws of Attraction / Gabe Ricci x MC (Alex Keating)

Words: 2.4k+ (sorry 🙈)

Rating/Warnings: Mature (16+) / alcohol consumption, some swears

Disclaimer: Most of the characters as well as some dialogue belong to Pixelberry. I am merely borrowing them.

A little after 1 AM, Las Vegas

Gabe can't help but smirk at the look of mischief in Alex's eyes as they stood by a quiet spot in the middle of Las Vegas. With her in that glittery dress, he somehow can't bring himself to part from her yet.

He knew it wasn't only him who felt that tingling in his fingertips when he brushed her cheeks, her breath smelling strongly of martini. He was very aware that Alex felt the same when she stared back at him, standing at that cramped cheap chapel while an Elvis impersonator stood nearby. The moment she stepped away when he said that it's just all pretend made Gabe's heart ache with regret.

So here they were, standing awkwardly after he shot down her advances again.

But he was sure he didn't want the night to end here.

After calling for a car, he shoved his phone inside the pocket of his slacks and turned to Alex.

"I was serious when I said I wanted a celebratory drink," he glanced apologetically to his side where she stood. "Our hotel bar offers my favorite scotch."

Alex raised her head, smiling. "Knew you had it in you, Gabe."

A car ride and a couple of glasses of Lagavulin later, there they were, lounging on stools at their opulent hotel bar, warm lights and jazz music providing a backdrop on the casual atmosphere.

"And I could not believe the rat thing worked! Who would've known they kept a rat in there as a pet? Like really?" Alex raised her glass to her lips, as Gabe sat on the barstool beside her, cradling his own drink.

"Beginner's luck, I would believe," he chuckled in reply, leaning forward, tie loosened and his coat hanging at the back of his chair.

"I am so offended," Alex gasped as she shoved her hands flat on her chest in mock disbelief. "I'm not only the boring nerd when I was in high school, Gabe. I was that nerd who sang and dance at the drama club!"

Gabe shook his head, his lips pursing. "That makes so much damn sense, Alex." He took another swig of his third shot, fighting for dear life from laughing his heart out. Not wanting to give her that satisfaction, he threw a sarcastic dig at her remark. "That's so believable, seeing you could snatch an Oscar from Meryl Streep herself and the no one wouldn't even bat an eye."

"Ah, law was plan A, sir." she saluted, placing her empty glass on the bar counter. "Acting was a fallback in case it didn't pan out." she giggled.

Gabe grinned as he rolled up his sleeves, beckoning the bartender for another round. "You should have made it your plan A, seeing how you turned out," he teased, bringing up the fun bit they did to retrieve a copy of Lydia Rothswell's marriage certificate. The very same act that almost made Gabe kiss Alex in the middle of The Strip.

"Aww, Gabe, finally found a better lawyer than you? Feeling threatened yet?" Alex leaned in, snickering as their glasses were refilled. "Don't worry, I' ll settle for being a Junior Partner for now," she said as she reclined, before throwing in a playful wink.

"Well someone's head just became bigger," he gave her a smug look.

"Just trying to keep up with all the cockiness in the room," she smiled coyly, watching Gabe's stupefied expression. It was clear then that she scored a slam dunk at the championship of comebacks, laughing at his astonishment.

Gabe finally gave up, joining Alex in her laughter. As their joy receded, he let himself take in the sight of Alex without any inhibitions. What he was beginning to see was the extent of her wit, her ability to keep her cool, and the sharp humor that matched only his.

Under the warm light of the lounge, she brilliantly shone. He couldn't focus at what she was now saying as he danced at the appeal of them becoming more than colleagues. Perhaps he resisted his own feelings long enough that he was past the point of denial. Or simply because he was starting to get drunk.

Though before he can even begin to consider that, he was still sober enough to know that he first needed to tell her the truth.

The truth that sometime long ago, their paths have already crossed. And that he did something very horrible.

Call him cynical, but he wasn't kidding when he admitted he was an all-or-nothing kind of guy. And that meant laying down all his cards on the table. Because for him, Alex was more than the occasional one-night stand. And he can't be certain of how long he could keep himself from his budding feelings, all stakes be damned.

What better time to be honest when there was enough alcohol in his system to prevent all rational thinking? It's now or never, he figured.

"Alex, I -"

"Alessandra? Alessandra Keating?" a deep voice came from behind him, interrupting Gabe. He cocked his head to get a clearer view, as a man with slicked back blonde hair approached from a private booth nearby.

Without hesitation, the tall stranger in the dark suit stepped forward, his striking features Gabe would have easily recognized anywhere. That face was almost in every blockbuster movie in the last five years.

"Julian? What are you doing here?" Alex asked, as abashed as he was. Gabe saw how she clammed up the very second she recognized the man.

"Oh my, it really is you!" the man stopped beside Alex's bar stool, welcoming himself to their company. The way he was looking up and down at her made Gabe's jaw clench so hard, his teeth gritted. But the man's next movement stunned him all the more. In front of him, the man embraced Alex, making Gabe suddenly want to combust. His tumbler could've shattered if he tightened his grip on it a little more.

"Uhm, Julian, hi," Gabe surveyed Alex as she writhed within the man's arms, waiting for any signal from her so he could do something, anything, to make this man go away. But she assured him with one look, shifting a little, making the man who wedged himself between them release her.

"It's been so long! When was the last time I saw you, like, 12, 13 years ago?" the man exclaimed, his annoying smile making Gabe want to slam his fist somewhere. And it wasn't on the bar counter.

Gabe heard Alex scoff, fighting hard to regain her composure. "Yeah, high school," Her icy demeanor took over, one that Gabe only saw in the courtroom. She brushed her dress as she tilted her head to Gabe's direction.

The man turned to Gabe, the surprise evident as he acknowledged Gabe's presence behind him. The two men sized each other up sending an undercurrent of tension between them. Before Gabe could even consider acting out of impulse, Alex cleared her throat to diffuse his temper.

"Julian, this is Gabe. Gabe, this is Julian, my -"

"Ex," Julian interjected, before turning his attention to the lawyer. Apparently, this guy had a habit, Gabe observed. "We were together senior year. Alessandra, my angel, we had the best time together, didn't we? We looked good together, at least after Alex thought to improve her image here. Sadly, we had to break up. Teenage romances, you know?"

The picture couldn't be any clearer; this was the person Alex was speaking about during their dinner back in New York. And hearing the way he talked, no wonder Julian got under her skin. He was a damned manipulative pretentious liar. Gabe could hear the dishonesty between the words, not an ounce of authenticity in sight while the blonde hotshot rambled on.

Alex wasn't showing any sympathy either, her brown eyes staring daggers at him, as he went on about his monologue, emphasizing on how she was his back then. She was clearly infuriated by his attempt to own her, as well as his lack of shame. As Gabe quietly considered her reaction, he deliberated on a strategy to put her out her misery. The moment an idea came to mind, he gave Alex a subtle look asking her to back his play.

Alex nodded, sitting a little straighter. Finding the instant shift in her, Gabe made his move.

"Sweetheart," he slowly raised his voice as he said the endearment, enjoying the contempt from the other guy when he was interrupted. "You never told me Julian Wintour was your ex."

Alex smiled smugly, appearing pleased with the nickname Gabe chose, a clear pun on the whole high school sweetheart trope. "Never crossed my mind, babe. It's such an unimportant detail in my past," she waved her hand dismissively.

"Ah, nonsense," he finished his drink and gestured for the bartender to clean up. "Mr. Wintour's history would have made a good conversation starter." Gabe straightened his vest and stood, collecting his coat. He sauntered towards Alex, circling around the now speechless Julian. He draped his jacket over her shoulders, clearly making a statement before he reached for her hand, wrapping it in his.

"Why? Isn't the shiny nameplate of Senior Partner not good enough?" Alex expertly rode along, locking eyes with her former flame before gazing back at Gabe enticingly. "Forgive him, Julian. My lovely boyfriend here has a bad hobby of underselling himself," she smiled warmly, the irony of her statement eluding her ex. Gabe was about to smirk with her ingenuity, stopping when he felt her arm slowly wrapping around his waist. He barely stifled a groan at the intimacy of her touch.

The other man went beet red at the gesture. For embarrassment or infuriation or both, Gabe didn't fucking care. All he cared about was for Alex to slap this douche's face, metaphorically speaking.

"Anyway, Julian, it's been a pleasure. It's been a long night, and we're about ready to retire at our penthouse suite," steadily, she got up from her seat. The command in her was undeniable, forcing anyone to feel nothing but regret the day they decided Alessandra Keating wasn't good enough for them. Then with a flourish, she turned around as she let Gabe take her away from her past lover's scrutinizing gaze.

Inside the elevator, Gabe caught Alex's exhale of relief, probably thankful that Julian was out of her sight. Gabe still held onto her hand, though Alex didn't seem to notice. As they began their ascent, he waited for her to break the silence, deciding that the questions running in his mind can wait.

"I would have traded my rankings for the look of disbelief in Julian's face," Alex said turning to him, to which Gabe arched his brow.

He smirked devilishly, knowing Alex could take the hint. "I believe I could offer a sight better than that."

She grinned at the innuendo, further lightening up the mood between them. "One day, Gabe, I'll take you up on that," she said, crossing her legs as she leaned on the polished wall behind her. "Though I'm sure you're dying to know... How did I end up dating the Julian Wintour?"

Gabe pondered before answering. "Hmm, actually not the first one that comes to mind, no." He tapped against his temple. "I doubted you would ever bat an eyelash to his direction."

Her eyebrows rose. "Ah, you think so highly of me." She chuckled, shaking her head at his reply. "But yes, he was my ex. And yes, he was the red on my ledger. He was my first love," she admitted. "That ideal, once in a lifetime, true love everyone's talking about? Julian was it, or at least I thought he was." she sighed, glancing at her reflection on the polished metal panel beside her. "But when things started to go downhill for me, he was the first one to walk out," she paused, taking a deep breath. "By cheating on me."

Gabe's body went rigid, clenching his fists so hard until his nails dug unto his palms. What the fucking hell? I know I should have punched that guy's perfect teeth! He decided against airing his vengeful thoughts, staying quiet as he glimpsed at her image on the walls.

"Joey reminded me how Julian made me doubt myself. If I'm really over what he's done to me, if he's still in my head," she continued, rubbing at her nape. Gabe felt her gaze fall on him, which he reciprocated. "But after walking out from him tonight, I am much more certain that I made it out, after all."

Gabe felt her squeeze his hand as she said those words, and his heart somersaulted inside his chest. "So thanks. I needed that little nudge," she said in finality.

He turned to beam at her as he relished the triumph in her words, hoping that it was enough to convey that he was proud of her. And to be part of that discovery about herself, about who she always was in his eyes - someone who was his equal.

When they arrived at her floor, she gently freed her hand from his grasp invoking a sharp exhale from him. She stepped out of the elevator, her gait as undeterred as ever. But then she turned, her soft expression dimmed by the lack of light. "And while we're on the subject of appreciation," she uttered, before dropping one last revelation.

"Thanks for that save you also gave me ten years ago," Alex glanced up at him with half-lidded eyes, her words laced with meaning.

It took him a few moments before he could even comprehend what she was trying to convey. He searched her eyes for some explanation but found none. "What do you mean, Alex?" he said, managing to find his voice.

"I know exactly who you are, Gabriel Ricci."

With that, the doors slowly closed in front of him, her sly smile fading from his sight until he can only see his own reflection. He examined her last sentence, repeating the words over and over in his head. There was only one plausible explanation: she only knew half of the truth. His body sagged against the wall as he shut his eyes, angry at himself.

No Alex, I think you really don't.

Author's Notes: Thank you for your continued reading! As some of you may have already noticed, this part was written purely in Gabe's POV because I wanted to expose his conflicted feelings for Alex. It's probably my own version of revenge, with PB stretching that slow burn as much as they could 🤭 Share your thoughts in the comments, I'd really appreciate it! 💖

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