#(I’m kidding don’t clap if you don’t want r)

[doyoueverjustwomen]

[heartz4shauna]

everything good happens after midnight ᯓᡣ𐭩

pairing: art donaldson x popstar!reader

warnings: divorced art, mentions of a failed marriage, lily lowkey being cupid, alcohol use, small timeskips, set in 2019, minor swearing, small age gap (r is 24, art is 31), forced proximity?, tension, making out, slight height difference (not specified), written kinda weird i dunno how to explain it, unironic use of the word ‘girlboss’, not proofread

word count: 4.3k

a/n: be a freak in the club !!! ty chappell roan for the inspo xxx also please don’t flame me for this guys. i’ve never written a full fic for a man b4, had to google some words, had to pull out my pinterest board titled ‘writing stuff’ for this one, my longest fic ever!!! let’s clap xx

disclaimer: i am a minor, if what i write makes you uncomfortable knowing that i’m a minor dni!!! don’t complain to me because i can do what i want okay thank you bye x

The time on your phone read 8:27P.M. You sat backstage, fixing up your makeup and warming up your voice for the show you were about to start. All you could hear from the crowd behind the curtain was screams and chatter.

Your manager came up to you at your vanity, he cleared his throat before he spoke, “On in two minutes.” You looked back at him and gave him a nod as you stood up, flattening your short leather skirt and most beautifully designed corset.

Your manager came back to you, microphone in hand and gave it to you, “You got it, you’ll be great.” He gave you a wink and you nodded, walking onto the stage.

As you stepped out onto the stage you put on your persona, that bubbly, energetic singer that all of your fans knew and loved. You waved to the huge crowd of people and spoke into the microphone loudly, “How are we doing tonight?!”

All around you, you heard cheers and screams which made you smile. You waited a minute for the cheers to die down before you spoke again, “y’know, that’s real good to hear. It’s my first show here, did you know that?” you asked the crowd. You heard replies of “no!” and “really?!” You nodded, a cheeky grin on your face, “I know, I know. But, that’s a good thing. I’ve got a real special show prepared for y’all tonight,” you announced to the crowd, pacing around the stage slowly.

Cheers instantly filled your ears, fans excited to see what you had to show them. One fan in particular, a tall man with blonde hair caught your eye. He was smiling down at someone shorter, maybe his daughter, and pointed at the stage, telling her what was happening. You nodded to yourself, “alright! Well, I can tell you all we’re gonna start with a banger. Not that I’m biased or anything..” you mumbled into the microphone which caused the venue to erupt in laughter. As your band was already on stage, the instrumental to a popular song of yours began playing and you smiled, “I hope y’all know this one. I’d be embarrassed if you didn’t,” you winked just before you counted yourself into the song.

2 HOURS LATER

“You guys were such an amazing crowd, I’m so glad this was my first show here! Y’all really didn’t hold back on that last song,” you chuckled as you spoke to the crowd. You reached for your bottle of water and sipped from it, rubbing your neck, “hey! I may or may not be doing merch signing at the back exit..” you whispered into the microphone, wiggling your eyebrows, “be there!” Now, that wasn’t entirely true. Sure, you wanted to do a signing after your show but was it planned? No.. But, in your defence you wanted to see if that blonde guy would come to the back, exchange numbers maybe… Huh? Who are you kidding, he probably has a wife! Who’s also probably waiting for them at home, it is pretty late. You checked your watch; 10:38P.M. Probably way past their daughters bed time, too. Gosh.

You waved goodbye to the crowd, blowing kisses. As soon as you got backstage you tried to find your manager. Where was he? Right. Where he always is, the bar backstage. Better not talk to him while he was drunk, so you told your assistant manger instead. Sweet girl, unfortunate she’s a lower rank than that asshole of a man. “Hey, love. Um, I know we have to get going back to the hotel soon, but I told the crowd I was signing stuff at the back exit. Can you cover for me if Sam asks?”

Your assistant manager nodded, writing what you said down on her clipboard, “got it. Why can’t you talk to him yourself, though? Just wondering, it’s not an attack on you,” she asked with a chuckle. You sighed, looking down at your feet, “He’s in the bar. He’s probably drunk. I don’t wanna have to deal with him right now.” Your assistant manager nodded, clapping you on the back, “not a problem. I’ll go talk to him,” and with that, she left you. All you had to do now was say hi to a few people, sign some things and be on your way.

You made your way to the back exit of the venue, weaving in and out through wires and auxiliaries. Pushing the fire exit open, you were met with tens of smiling faces, pens at the ready. Oh, alright. Tonight’s gonna be a long night. Squeals could probably be heard from states away as you made eye contact with a few fans. “Oh, my God! Can you sign this for me please?!” Pens and paper were pushed into your face, barely getting any room to breathe. A security guard would be nice right about now, you thought.

You took a deep breath before you spoke, almost shouting, “sorry, if you would like me to sign something or take a photo, please be patient. There’s a lot of y’all, and one of me. Imma take my time with all of y’all, make it special. Is that alright?”

You were met with nods and replies of “yes!”, “sorry!” and “alright!” You sighed in relief, “Okay, good. If you want, you can form a line.” Fans struggled against each other, pushing and shoving to be first in line. Surprisingly, a small teenage girl made it first in line, despite the shoving. You smiled brightly at her, making casual conversation, “hi, what’s your name?” She replied in a whisper, “it’s Julianne.” You nodded, humming, “that’s a beautiful name. Do you want to take a photo or do you want me to sign something for you?” Julianne nodded, her hands quickly going to her pockets for her phone. “Can we take a picture?” she asked kindly and you replied, “of course we can, sweetie,” with a chuckle.

She opened up the camera app and readied herself for the photo, posing casually. You followed her lead, a peace sign on your fingers as you winked at the camera. As soon as the picture was taken she quickly turned back to you, hugging you. “Oh!” you almost yelped, obviously not expecting the sudden embrace, but hugged her back anyway. “It was great to meet you,” you whispered to her before she waved goodbye and left.

45 MINUTES LATER

After making your way through almost every fan, you were left standing with two people. A little girl and her father, the tall blonde man who had caught your eye. You smiled at the pair, “last two, huh?” you chuckled. “Anything to sign?” The man nodded, “she’s a little shy,” he gestured to his daughter, “she’s always talking about you at home,” he added with a chuckle. “Anyway, could you sign this?” he asked, grabbing what looked like a CD case out of a backpack slung over his daughters shoulder. He handed you the case, “don’t ask.”

You looked down at the case in your hands and your eyes brightened, “Spiderverse? I like that movie too,” you said to the little girl. You pulled out the Sharpie from your hair, conveniently hidden away, and pressed it to the case. Fuck. It’s wasted. Your face dropped in embarrassment, “I’m so sorry,” you chuckled lightheartedly, “my pen’s wasted. Have either of y’all got one?”

The man sighed heavily, “I’ve got one in the car. I’ll go get it, I’ll be right back, sweetie,” he told his daughter before he jogged away to his car. You looked down at the girl, “what’s your name?” you asked curiously, she looked up at you, her big brown eyes shining, “Lily.” You nodded, “that’s a beautiful name, Lily. What about your dad, do you know his name?” Lily nodded, “mhm. His name is Art.” You chuckled, not expecting such a name. “Wow, cool name, huh?”

Art returned, pen in his hand. “Here you go,” he smiled, handing the pen to you. You took it, popped off the cap and quickly signed the case. Lily took the case from your hands, a great big smile on her face, “thank you!” Art smiled down at her, and then at you, “thank you so much,” he said, taking the pen from you. “Hey, just out of curiosity, what hotel are you staying at tonight?” Art asked you, taking his daughter’s hand in his, “we could give you a ride. If we’re lucky enough, we might be staying in the same place.” You thought to yourself, do I let this hot man I don’t know bring me back to my hotel, leaving my team completely unaware as to where I am or do I decline and leave with my team? Tricky question.. You shrugged, “I’m staying at the Black Bird Plaza, do you know it?” Arts face lit up and he chuckled, “yeah, I do. We’re staying there as well.”

Your eyes widened slightly, “oh, wow. Y’all are lucky, huh?” Art nodded, a smirk on his face, “do you wanna get a drink at the bar?” Never one to say no to a drink, you nodded. “Great! Guess I’ll be your chauffeur for tonight,” he added.

“C’mon,” he said finally as he began walking to his car and you followed. “Are y’all from around here? I assume not.” Art shook his head, “no, we’re not from here. A few states over. Lily saw you weren’t coming to our city, so we traveled.” You chuckled, respecting the dedication, “big fan.” “You have no idea,” he replied.

Art unlocked his car and opened the door for you, “thank you,” you smiled, sitting in the passenger seat. Buckling yourself in, he helped Lily into the back, “do you need help putting on your seatbelt or are you good?” Lily declined, buckling her own seatbelt like the girlboss that she is. Art nodded, and got into the drivers seat.

10 MINUTES LATER

Art parked his car in the hotel parking lot and helped both you and Lily out of the car. You checked your watch, 11:25 P.M. You turned to Art as you all entered the lobby, “wouldn’t the bar be closed by now?” you asked. He shook his head, pressing the button for the elevator, “don’t worry about it. I’m liked around here.” You laughed at his certainty, “alright then.” The three of you entered the elevator as the doors opened, “Lily, we’re gonna sit at the bar for.. maybe an hour, okay? I’ll turn on the T.V. for you, just don’t leave the room and don’t open the door for anyone, got it?”

Lily nodded, “mhm. Can I have a snack from the mini fridge?” Art looked at you and you both chuckled, “of course you can, sweetie,” he told Lily. He pulled his room key out of his pocket when the elevator doors opened. Two young ladies were standing, waiting for the elevator and saw you. Their faces instantly lit up, “Oh. My. God!” one of the girls chuckled out, “can we get a picture?” You nodded, selling out of the elevator, “of course!” Art and Lily followed, he nudged you, “gonna go to the room. We’re in room 276.” You nodded, and just as he was going to leave one of the girls spoke tremulously, “wait! You, too. You’re my dad’s favourite tennis player, he’d be so stoked to know I met him.”

Your eyebrows creased together as you looked back at him, “tennis player?” He shrugged, an awkward smile on his face, “yeeeah?” He walked back over to you and the girls, leaving Lily to fend for herself and smiled for the pictures. The girls giddily spoke to each other after the pictures, “this has to go onto my Instagram. My actual popstar idol and a super hot tennis player? I’ll literally go viral.” You and Art shared a glance and knowingly smiled at each other.

The girls entered the elevator, still excitedly chatting. You noticed that Lily wasn’t next to Art anymore, “oh, no. Where did Lily go?” Art brushed you off, “she’s probably already waiting for us outside the room. She’s used to having a famous dad,” he gloated sarcastically. “Uh-huh,” you nodded with a scoff.

You followed him back to his room where Lily was standing safe and sound, she leaned her head against the door tiredly. Art rapped on the door, “wake up, Lily.” She lifted her head up from the door, “I’m awake, dad.” He unlocked the door and pushed it open. Lily ran in and sat in front of the mini fridge, rummaging through the snacks. Art allowed you inside before he followed. You glanced around the room, pretty big room for two people, you thought. Lily picked out her snack and walked over to Art, “I’m gonna have this one.” He looked down at her and nodded, “go ahead.” She gave him a hug and he kissed her gently on the cheek, “you going to bed?” he asked her and she nodded. “Good. It’s way past your bedtime,” he responded lightly. “We’re going to the bar, we’ll be back up soon, okay? Love you.” They waved goodbye and you both left the room.

Art began walking down the hall and you asked him, “you can trust her to set her sleep there alone?” He nodded, pressing the elevator button, “she’s a big girl. She’ll be safe, don’t worry.”

The doors opened slowly and you stepped inside. Art looked at you curiously as he followed you, “you are over 21, aren’t you?” You chuckled, “you didn’t do your research. I’m 24, so yeah. I’m legal.” Art scoffed, “alright, sue me. I just wanted to make sure, okay?” The doors closed and suddenly you felt claustrophobic. No, the elevator wasn’t small, there was enough room to breathe. So, why couldn’t you? Was it the fact that you were in a concealed space with a super hot dilf- I mean, super cool tennis player? Shit, probably. You looked at your watch to try and calm your nerves, you seemed to do that a lot. The time was 11:48 P.M.

You scratched your neck before speaking, “I didn’t bring my purse. You are planning on paying for these drinks right?” He frowned mockingly, “oh. Well, I guess you can just go back to your room.” You let out a sigh of relief, “yeah, okay. Just checking.” “It’s only gentlemanly,” he started, “how should I ask a pretty woman out to drinks and not pay? That’s just rude.”

You scoffed, ignoring just how flustered that statement made you, “oh, nice. Smooth, even.” The doors creaked open and he stepped out, shrugging, “I thought that was good,” his words echoed through the empty lobby. The sound of your heels on the marble floor mocked his words as they echoed after him.

The elevator was only a few steps away from the bar and yet it felt miles away. Once you crossed the threshold you sighed with relief, a heavy weight taken off your shoulders suddenly. Art guided you to a small table next to a window, the lights dim and seats soft. You gave him a smile, “what do you drink?” he asked. Oh. What do you drink? Did you know you’ve been sober for over a year? Now you know! “Just get me a whiskey coke,” you blurted out. He raised an eyebrow at you, “you sure that’s what you want?” You shook your head, a frown on your face, “I dunno, get me something sweet, I guess.”

He gave you a nod, “you got it.” He walked over to the bar and leaned on his elbows as he spoke to the barman. What you heard could only be described as ‘acquaintances who have a semi mutual friend who is never around so conversation is hard to get flowing and is usually awkward. so, communication is normally short nods, mumbles and thanks’. He came back over to the table, two drinks in hand; a beer and a… Shirley Temple? Your eyebrows creased as you looked up at him, “seriously?” He waved you off, “Dirty Shirley,” he claimed, setting the drinks onto the table. “Oh.” You grabbed your drink and sipped it cautiously, he took a seat opposite you.

You tasted the drink warily, and nodded to yourself. “It’s good,” you mumbled. He snickered, “it’s just a Shirley with vodka, it’s nothing special.” You shrugged, swallowing a sip, “so? It’s good. What’d you get?” You turned his beer bottle to face you, ‘Carlsberg’ is what the label read. “Any good?” you asked him. “It’s fine, used to drink it in college.” Ah. You nodded, “nostalgic, huh?” He shrugged, “I guess.”

Suddenly, a few questions popped into your head. “Should’ve asked this earlier, how old are you?” He sighed, setting down his beer, cleared his throat, “32.” You nodded, kind of expecting him to be older, “alright, not bad,” you half-shrugged. “Do you.. have a wife?” He froze up a little. Oh. “Uh, no.” Frown on your lips you asked, “really? You’re a good looking man and you’re an athlete, it’s kinda hard to believe,” you laughed softly. “Hm. Relationships don’t work out sometimes,” he replied, taking a swig of his beer. “Tell me about it,” you reciprocated, rolling your eyes.

He cleared his throat, trying to move from the subject, “anyway. You been singing long?” You sipped your drink before answering, “I guess, yeah. I was in choir in middle school, so. I’ve always had ‘the talent’, y’know? But, I’ve been a singer since.. what is it now? 2014? So, five years going strong, give or take a few months.” He grinned from ear to ear, clearly very impressed, “wow. Long time, huh? You don’t get bored?” You sipped your drink and squinted at him, shaking your head, “don’t you get bored of tennis?” He made an iffy face, as if he didn’t really know the answer to your question.

“Hmmmmm…” you hummed as you looked at him sideways, “we’re very different, I see.” Pretty much after gulping the rest of your drink down you asked him one more question, “how old is Lily?” “She’s 8,” Art answered with a stiff nod. “She’s a good kid. You’re a good dad, too.” Art made a somewhat uncomfortable noise but thanked you anyhow.

“Sorry, that was kinda sudden,” you chuckled. “That’s alright, I appreciate it. I’ll grab you another drink,” he responded, standing up from his seat. Another less than acquaintanced conversation between Art and the barman. Jeez. You could feel the anxiousness of the conversation from your seat.

He came back over, another Dirty Shirley in hand and gave it to you. “Thanks,” you began sipping your drink again. “Barman’s closing up in 5, you’ll have to drink that fast,” Art told you lingering at the table, rather than sitting down. He picked up his beer and started drinking it a little faster than what would be considered a ‘normal’ beer drinking pace. You gave a nod and started uncomfortably gulping down your drink. You placed the glass on the table once you finished, fishing for the maraschino cherry at the bottom.

You got up from the table, pushing your chair in before you left the bar. Walking back to the elevator you tried to make conversation with Art, “thanks for the drinks. Haven’t had one of those before, they’re good.” “Not a problem,” he replied, pressing the elevator button.

The doors opened instantly and you both stepped in, ladies first. The doors closed slowly as you stood face to face with him. The slight smell of alcohol filling the elevator was gross. Slightly intoxicating. The elevator stopped suddenly with a jolt. Art sighed, “we’re stuck.” You groaned, “seriously? Does this happen often?” He nodded, eyes widened slightly, “oh, yeah. Fantastic hotel, super old elevators. It’s sad.” “Is there an emergency bell for things like this?” You asked, examining the buttons which read: ‘0, 1, 2, 3, 4’. Four floors and no emergency button? Jesus Christ.

He shook his head, “nope. We just have to wait it out. Usually takes ten minutes for assistance.” You looked at your watch again, 12:07 P.M. What’s a better way to pass the time than make a move? Probably a lot. But that just didn’t register in the moment. You never really mastered the whole flirting thing, usually you weren’t the one to shoot your shot. Clearly, you liked this guy. Maybe he liked you, too? What’s an invite out to drinks with a stranger? Basically a date.

“You look nice,” you finally got out, looking at his shoes. His brows furrowed and he chuckled, “are you trying to make conversation or are you trying to flirt?” Fuck, he caught you out. Play it cool. “Uh, no. Obviously not, we’re just stuck here, in this elevator, and I noticed you look nice, is that okay?” You said quickly. Art chuckled, running a hand through his hair like the dream boat that he is- who said that? “Look, we both know why I invited you for a drink. I think you’re pretty fine, and I know you think the same about me,” he stated, giving you a look.

You squinted at him, “it’s rude that you think so highly of yourself..” your complaint was cut short as Art pressed his lips against your quickly which made your eyes widen to the heavens. He pushed himself away from you just as quickly as he pulled himself to you. “Sorry,” he mumbled with a chuckle, “I should’ve asked you.” You shook your head quickly before forcing your lips back onto his in a desperate attempt to feel what you felt when he first kissed you. Did that catch him off guard? No, not really. He knew you’d kiss him back anyway, he’s Art Donaldson, he does fine for himself and he knows it.

You pressed a kiss to his neck which caused a choked moan to escape his lips. Now, that caught you off guard. He plays tennis, he should have a lot of practice trying to keep grunts in when he plays, right? Maybe you’re just that good. Props to you. Well, now you knew; his neck is the Jackpot. So, you abused the fuck out of his neck. Not literally. But continuously kissing his neck, biting it even and hearing him whine did wonderful things for your ego.

His hands made their way to your waist and pulled you impossibly closer to him and you groaned as you took a breather, “your lips feel nice on mine,” you told him, a smirk playing on your lips. “Don’t be such a tease,” he warned breathlessly, to which you replied, “or what? You gonna whine again?” He rolled her eyes, his tongue prodding at his cheek in faux annoyance. You were about to kiss him again when the doors creaked open and outside stood a trio of firefighters who stared blankly at you both, “alright in here?” one of them asked to which Art replied with a nod. “We’re going up..” you mumbled, unsure of yourself. The firefighter who had spoken before nodded and said “should be safe. Have a good night.”

Art quickly pressed the button and the doors slammed shut. Giggles escaped you as the elevator began to move again to which Art nudged you. “What? That was pretty funny, don’t lie,” you responded to his antics. The elevator doors opened and alas, you finally made it to your floor. You held your hand out for him to take in which he obliges, following you out of the elevator like a dog on a leash.

He took the room key out of his pocket and unlocked the door slowly to not wake up Lily. You pushed the door to the master bedroom open and took off your heels, softly setting them down near a bedside table. Art walked in after you and sat on the bed, anxiously waiting for your next move. You left the room and entered the bathroom. You let the water run in the sink for about a minute before splashing your face with the cold water. Making an attempt to dry your face you ended up leaving a huge makeup stain on a towel. Oops.

While you were in the bathroom, you decided to take off your show outfit, leaving you in your bra and panties. Too little? Oh well. You left the bathroom, your clothes in a pile on the corner. Re-entering the bedroom, Art was still getting changed himself. You quickly left to give him some privacy and grabbed your phone from the bathroom sink, where you left it while getting changed. Knocking on the bedroom door softly, Art called back to you, “come in.”

He sat under the covers, his bare shoulders exposed which were covered in scars. Smiling at him, you climbed in next to him, placing your phone onto a bedside table. It lit up as it was placed, the clock read 12:36 P.M. He moved next to you, wrapping his arms around you as you shut your eyes.

9 HOURS LATER

You were awoke by the sound of your phone buzzing against the table, hundreds of notifications flooding your phone. Quickly, your eyes adjusted to the screen, images of you and Art with two fans in a hotel went viral, just like the lady said. Your manager spammed your phone, ‘are you serious? do you know what this could do for your image??? please tell me you didn’t sleep with him.’ You turned over and there Art was, completely sound asleep.

tags: @midwestprincesss @yourcoolguitargf

[baptismbaby]

† GOD, FORGIVE ME

mean!ellie williams x innocent!reader a/n: i also posted this on my ao3: baptismsbaby warnings: reader is an extremely innocent christian girl, blaspheming, corruption, drug dealer!ellie, petnames (pup is used in case anyone doesn't like that), fingering (r! receiving), belittling, toxic!ellie, oral (r!receiving), virgin!reader

creds to elliesgalaxy on pinterest for the picture of ellie.

wc: 5.2k<3 part two here

You breathed a sigh of relief as you entered the gates of Jackson on your horse. You had just finished up patrol and was ready to collapse in your bed. You looked over at Dina and smiled. “Man, I’m happy to be home.”

“Me too,” Dina agreed with a laugh. “Things got too intense out there.”

“Yeah, luckily I was there to save your life.”

Dina scoffed. “Oh, shut up. I had it but of course, you had to show off.”

You hopped off your horse and led it to the stables, passing it off to the man on duty. “Here she is,” you said. “Get your rest, Ginger!”

Dina said goodbye to Japan, running to catch up with you. “Hey, I forgot to mention but Jesse said he wanted to throw a party tonight. It’ll be small, not too many people at all.”

You raised an eyebrow. “A party? Really?”

“Yeah, it’ll be fun! Jesse and his friends got some liquor and cups from Seth. Perfect timing too since everyone has the weekend off.”

“Dina,” you began. But before you could continue, Dina cut you off.

“I’m not saying you have to drink with us! I know you’re a good little Christian girl,” she joked.

You frowned. “Hey, that’s not nice.”

“Please come,” she begged. “It wouldn’t be fun without you.”

“What exactly do I bring to the table? It’s not like I can do anything,” you said. 

Dina stepped in front of you and placed her hands on your arms to stop you. “Listen, just please come and stay for at least half an hour. If you want to leave, you can. I won’t stop you or try to convince you to stay. I wanna have a good time with my friends and you’re one of my favorites. Please don’t let me suffer with all of Jesse’s friends. They’re… too male, almost.”

You sighed in defeat. “Ugh, fine! I’ll go if you really want me to.”

Dina clapped her hands in excitement. “Good! Come, I have some clothes you can borrow that’ll look real nice on you.”

You groaned as Dina pulled you by your hand, taking you to her place. She couldn’t contain how happy she felt. You never came to parties with her. They were rare and usually happened once every couple of months. Usually, you wouldn’t give in to Dina’s begging. You would just go home, curl up with a book and fall asleep before the party even began. Dina would come over the next day to tell you all the “sinful” things that went on. You didn’t understand what half of the things she said even meant, you were far too sheltered growing up and focused on reading the Bible most of the time.

“Who’s all gonna be there?” you asked as you walked inside her house.

“Well, I know Jesse’s whole group of friends are coming. Then there’s you, me, and…” she trailed off, looking away. You tilted your head to try and catch her attention. She fought hard not to look your way but you still kept trying to make eye contact until she finally looked at you. “Ellie,” she almost whispered. You sneered at the mention of the Williams girl.

“Ugh, I should’ve known,” you murmured. “Of course Ellie would be there.”

“Seriously, why do you two bicker so much?” Dina asked. “It’s like watching two kids fight over a toy. Or… really, more so like watching someone yell at a puppy for no reason.”

Your face fell. “Oh no… am I the puppy Dina? Please, don’t say I’m the puppy.”

Dina bit her lip and shrugged. “I mean… your comebacks are… something else.”

“What? Are you saying I can’t be mean?”

Dina couldn’t hide the smile growing on her face as she tried not to laugh. “You once said ‘bless your heart’ and that you’d pray for her.”

You scoffed as she broke into fits of laughter. “Hey, ‘bless your heart’ is the worst insult to receive where I come from! Sorry I felt bad afterwards and told her I’d pray for her!”

“Oh, I’m just messing. It’ll be alright. I’ll tell Ellie to cool it. I honestly don’t think she means anything by it. You’re just easy to tease,” Dina said as she made way to her closet. She pulled out a black longsleeve and extremely short shorts. “Here, wear this.”

You made a face at the outfit. “Is that not a bit… much?”

“Loosen up a bit! I think it’ll look real nice on your figure. Make the girlies pop out a little,” she said with a wink. 

You undressed and put the outfit Dina gave you on. She was right but left out the fact that the shorts revealed too much, your ass practically hanging out. The shirt fell just above your belly button. Dina gawked at the sight of you. “Hey, you should dress slutty more often.”

You couldn’t help but to admire yourself in the mirror. You were big on dressing as modest and comfortable as possible. You didn’t realize you had curves until now. “Wow… I think I kinda like this?”

“What can I say, I’m a genius,” bragged Dina.

-

You and Dina arrived at the party an hour later. Jesse opened the door and stopped in his tracks. Dina grinned. “I know right?”

Jesse looked you up and down then back at Dina. “Wow, I’m impressed,” he said, complimenting the both of you. “Come in.”

As you walked in, everyone stopped and stared. “Holy shit, you clean up nice!” one of the boys exclaimed. You shifted and looked down at the ground, too anxious to look at anyone. You were way out of your comfort zone but a part of you sort of enjoyed it. Your eyes wandered over to the couch where Ellie sat. She was rolling a joint, paying no mind to you. 

Dina walked over to her and leaned to whisper something in her ear. You stood there, watching Ellie’s face twist in disgust. You tried reading her lips, it looked like she said your name followed by the word “sensitive.” Dina smacked Ellie’s shoulder. Ellie began searching around the room until her eyes landed on you. Her eyebrows went up before turning to Dina. You couldn’t see her lips anymore but saw a smirk grow on Dina’s face.

Everyone took a shot and headed towards the couch. You followed, sitting on the ground next to Dina. You were kinda mad that to your right was Ellie, who now sat on the edge of the couch so the guys could sit next to her. She was so close that you could smell the soap she used. Ellie looked down at you, holding the joint out. Before you could decline, she passed it to the guy sitting next to her instead. “Shit, I forgot,” she said. “You’re too good to smoke.”

You glared at her smug face. “I don’t think I’m too good to smoke.”

“Well, you’re too good to drink.”

She reached over to grab an unopened bottle from the table. She grabbed two glasses and poured the liquor into each one. “I’m not too good to drink either!” you exclaimed, defending yourself.

Ellie chuckled. “Right,” she muttered. She went to grab the shot but you grabbed it first, downing it quickly. You coughed as it burned your throat.

“Woah,” Ellie blurted out sarcastically. “You took one shot, cool.”

You grabbed the other glass angrily and downed it too, slamming it back down on the table. 

“Jesus!” said Dina, grabbing your shoulder. “Take it slow, you don’t wanna get sick.”

At this point, the joint had reached Dina. She passed it to you to pass over to Ellie but you took a hit instead. You inhaled the smoke deeply and blew it out without coughing. You handed it to Ellie who had a playful smirk on her face. “Wow, I think I’m actually impressed.”

“Whatever,” you uttered, standing up to leave the circle. You went into the kitchen to take another shot. For some reason, you felt you had to prove to Ellie that you weren’t just a goody two shoes and that you could have fun. You knew that in order for the Jackson dealer to take you seriously, you would have to commit. 

After a couple shots, you slightly stumbled back to the circle. Dina looked concerned until you giggled. “Oh, boy. This is great,” you slurred, your eyes heavy from the weed. Dina laughed and wrapped an arm around you. “Finally! I’ve been waiting for you to let loose!”

You looked up at Ellie, who was looking further down than your face with furrowed brows. She looked back up and quickly turned away. “Lightweight,” she said.

“Oh, shut it, Ellie,” you snapped. “Just for a second could you please just shut up!”

Ellie laughed. “Good Christian girl suddenly thinks she’s the shit all cause she took a hit off a blunt and a couple shots.”

Everyone groaned, tired of the constant arguing between the two. Every time they were in a room with them, Ellie would make fun of you until you couldn’t take anymore and left. They knew Ellie wasn’t fully serious, she liked picking on you because she thought it was hilarious that you couldn’t take a joke. But part of her started to despise you without her knowledge. Everyone loved you. You were sweet and would pray with anyone who wanted to pray. You would give back to the community and greet everyone who walked past you. Ellie thought it was all an act and grew tired of it.

You, on the other hand, never liked Ellie. She was a dealer who spent all of her free time smoking pot and sleeping around. You didn’t think that was any way to live. You hated the influence Ellie had on your friends. Everyone thought she was funny. You couldn’t understand why.

“Let’s play never have I ever!” Dina suggested, an attempt to break the silence and to lessen the tension that built up in the room. Everyone agreed and put all ten of their fingers up. You followed along, waiting for someone to start.

“Okay,” Dina started. “Loser has to go streaking.”

Everyone cheered. You frowned, unsure if you still wanted to play. “But!” said Dina, causing everyone to be quiet. “Usually, you’re out if you put all your fingers down. But… whoever is left with the most fingers up is the loser.”

You nudged Dina, giving her a look. “You know I’m gonna lose,” you whispered. Dina shook her head. “Don’t worry about it. Just lie.” 

“I’ll start,” said Jesse. “Never have I ever… made out with someone on patrol.”

Everyone put their fingers down except you.

“Never have I ever… had sex during patrol,” Dina said. Almost everyone put their finger down. They looked at you, waiting for you to say something. You decided to take Dina’s advice and start lying to avoid being the loser.

“Never have I ever snuck out.”

You put a finger down along with everyone else. Ellie scoffed. “Yeah sure,” she muttered. “Never have I ever had sex.”

You put a finger down, knowing that wasn’t true. Ellie kicked your knee lightly. “Wow, you’re getting some? Tell me, who?”

You looked over at Dina, your eyes wide as you tried to come up with a lie. Some girl who passed through Jackson? Some girl you met before Jackson? Your head started to hurt trying to come up with an excuse.

“Who?” Ellie asked again. “Who’s the lucky guy?”

“Girl,” Dina corrected. “She’s not attracted to men.”

You nodded, not really caring that Dina had outed you. You knew that you were surrounded by people who wouldn’t judge. Except for Ellie, even though she wasn’t straight herself.

Ellie looked genuinely shocked. “Really? Who’s the girl?”

You shrugged. “I’m not gonna name drop.”

“Because this girl isn’t real,” said Ellie. “Lying is a sin. You would know. You just don’t want to be the loser.” 

“Hey, it’s not fair to lie,” one of Jesse’s friends complained. Suddenly, everyone started whining about how it was against the rules. Either you say who it was or admit that you’re lying. You felt heat rise to your cheeks in embarrassment. Ellie was grinning but it went away when she saw tears in your eyes.

“I’m teasing, man. Chill… don’t be a crybaby about it.”

“Fuck you, Ellie,” you spat out. A few people gasped, including Dina. She turned to Jesse, resting her head on his shoulder. She felt guilty for suggesting to play the game and for telling Ellie to be nice. Dina realized it just made her pick on you even more. 

Ellie wasn’t sure what to say. She wasn’t mad but she wasn’t feeling good about the situation either.

“You’re a real piece of shit,” you continued. “Always throwing religion in my face, being mean, just… why? Why target me? I’ve always been nice to you even though I have never, ever liked you! So, fuck you, Ellie!” You sighed, running a hand through your hair. “I knew better. I shouldn’t have come here when I found out you were gonna be here too. Just give it a rest, Ellie. Grow up!”

You stood up and brushed your shorts off. You faced your friends who all sat back quietly, avoiding your gaze. “Sorry for ruining your fun, guys.”

You stormed up the stairs and into one of the spare bedrooms. You collapsed on the bed, your head spinning. You felt awful for how you reacted but felt she deserved it. You were worried you ruined the party until you heard music along with everyone singing loudly. 

You heard a knock on the door. You got up, cracking it open. You were expecting Dina but felt your stomach drop when you saw Ellie. You tried to shut the door but Ellie stopped it with her hand, shoving her way inside and slamming the door shut and locking it. “I’m not here to bitch at you, I want to talk to you.”

“You really want to make things worse?”

“You’re right. I am a piece of shit,” Ellie hissed. “I know I go too far teasing you but you take everything seriously!”

“You don’t know me, Ellie,” you mumbled, too afraid to speak up in case your voice cracked. “I won’t lie and say that I ever cared for you. I don’t like the way you choose to live your life but I still was kind to you. You never gave me a chance.”

“Because you act like you’re better than everyone!”

“How?” you shouted. “All I want is to make friends with everyone, spread a little peace and love in this shitty world! It’s comforting to me, Ellie! I don’t think I’m better than you or anybody. I enjoy making others happy and you enjoy making people miserable. Actually, just me. Because I have never seen you do this to others. You hate me and I wish you didn’t! I hear how Dina talks about you and I see how you laugh with your friends and I’m jealous. I know I could’ve liked you had you been friendly with me. Because I was angry at myself for judging you so quickly. It was wrong of me. But of course, I was right!”

You turned away from Ellie and sat down on the bed, your arms crossed over your chest. “I felt I had to prove that I’m cool,” you continued. “I thought you would stop for just one night if you saw how cool I can be.”

“You want the truth?” Ellie asked.

“You’re always truthful. So, I might as well say yes even if I don’t really give a shit.”

“I meant it when I said I was impressed earlier.”

You scoffed. “Sure.”

“I can’t even take two shots back to back like that.”

“Stop teasing, Ellie. I am convinced that being torn apart by infected is less stressful than dealing with you.”

“Just shut the fuck up and let me talk, okay? I’m leading into something.”

You flinched at her raised voice, slowly looking up to see her facial expression harden. 

“I’m jealous of you,” she admitted. “I’m jealous that you can still believe in something and that you still care when everything is so fucked!”

You stood up, walking towards Ellie as she spoke. “I’d give anything, anything, to be that way. I had bitter feelings towards you. I think I wanted to tear you down so you wouldn’t be so… sweet. Giving, caring, everything I never could be.”

You watched her face closely, trying to figure out if she was telling the truth. 

“I fuck girls like you and ignore them so they can hurt. Maybe I want the world to suffer with me,” said Ellie. “But I couldn’t do that to you. You’re too… good. I had to find another way.”

You paused as you connected what she said together. “Wait, you wanna…?” you trailed off, too shy to say it.

Ellie scratched her neck awkwardly. “Well, I did… but you’d never do that.”

“I might have,” you said, almost feeling ashamed of how bold you were being. You never would have thought this sober but Ellie was really pretty. If the circumstances were different, you knew that she would be your type. 

Ellie was taken aback by your statement.

“What?” Ellie questioned.

“Not now, since I know you would’ve ignored me.”

Ellie stepped closer to you, eyeing your body up and down. She thought you looked good tonight and couldn’t help but to peek at your tits when you weren’t paying attention, or your ass when you were turned away. 

“I… know I would’ve back then,” Ellie whispered, getting even closer to you. She stood above you, watching as your face turned red. Your heart sped up. You wondered why your panties started to feel a bit wet at the sight of Ellie looking down at you. You usually never got turned on. Ellie was right, you were just a good Christian girl who didn’t do anything. You never even tried touching yourself. Since you were breaking the rules now, you thought maybe you could break some more and pray for forgiveness later.

“I’m not so sure now,” Ellie continued, reaching out to brush a strand of hair behind your ear. “I never knew you were hiding that under all those baggy clothes.”

“A-Are you saying that in a bad way?”

Ellie shook her head. “When I first saw you earlier, I told Dina I kinda wanted to fuck you.”

Your breath hitched. “What did… Dina say?”

“That if I was nicer,” she said, stepping closer so there was almost no space left between your bodies. “I just might get to.”

Ellie caressed your cheek slowly. “Am I nice enough now, pretty girl?”

Your panties were soaked at this point. Your body trembled, afraid that you wouldn’t know what to do since it was your first time. Even though ten minutes ago you didn’t like the girl, you suddenly wanted nothing more than to be underneath her.

“I really… was lying earlier,” you mumbled.

“I know you were.”

“You don’t care that I’ve never… had sex before?”

Ellie smirked. “I’m glad you’ve never been fucked before. I want to be the one who corrupts you. I want everybody who fucks you after me to be a disappointment so you come crawling back. You’ll never find better than me, not even your own hand.”

Ellie leaned down, her lips brushing against yours. You pulled away to speak. “I don’t even do that…”

Ellie chuckled. “Really? Little church girl don’t know how to please herself?”

Usually, you would get mad at Ellie for saying stuff like that. Now, her insults just made you throb even more. 

“Have you even kissed before?”

You bit your lip shyly and shrugged. “Not… really. When I was 13, a boy tried kissing me and I didn’t kiss back.”

“Aw, poor pup,” Ellie teased, running her fingers on the exposed skin of your tummy. “I get to teach you everything.”

Finally, Ellie collided her lips with yours. She was super gentle, placing her hand on your cheek and brushing it with her thumb. You melted in the kiss, pressing your thighs together to ease your aching cunt. The friction made it feel even better, causing you to release a soft moan into her mouth. Ellie pulled away, smirking at the noise you made. “I wanna hear more of that.”

“I don’t know what I’m doing,” you admitted. “I don’t know if I can do anything to make you feel good.”

“You want me to fuck you, don’t you?”

You hesitated a bit before nodding. Of course you wanted that. You were just scared that you’d be bad at it since you had zero experience.

“Then let me fuck you. I get off to getting you off, understand?” asked Ellie. 

“Y-Yes.”

“Good girl,” Ellie praised. “Lay down, baby.”

You obeyed and laid down onto the bed. You watched as Ellie slowly took your boots off and dropped them onto the ground. “Lift your hips up for me?”

You lifted your hips and let Ellie pull your shorts off. Ellie bit her lip at the sight of your white cotton panties. She could see how soaked they were. “Look at that,” she breathed. You closed your legs to hide yourself but Ellie pulled them back open, holding your thighs down so you couldn’t move. “Filthy little girl,” she cooed. “What would God say about this?”

Your breathing started to grow heavier. “I-I don’t care what He would say,” you whined.

Ellie held back a moan that threatened to escape her lips. She pulled your panties off and threw them behind her.

“Fuck,” she groaned. “Your pussy is so pretty.”

She tugged at your shirt until you got the hint to raise up. She lifted the fabric over your head and dropped it on the floor. You were completely naked while Ellie was fully dressed. She rolled her sleeves up, her eyes never leaving yours. She crawled on top of you and started making out with you passionately. Without pulling away, she started to unbutton her jeans and took them off swiftly. She shoved her knee against your dripping cunt, eliciting a squeal from you. She placed her hands on your hips and guided them up and down so you were grinding on her.

“Just like that, baby. Good girl.”

You started to moan louder, Ellie covering your mouth and shushing you. “As much as I want to make you scream, you don’t want anyone to hear and interrupt us, do you?”

You shook your head no. “Will you be quiet for me?”

“Yes,” you whimper. 

Ellie pressed her knee harder on your pussy. You started to go faster, mewling and biting your lip to keep quiet.

“Such a good girl. You listen so well,” Ellie complimented. She took her knee away and brushed a finger up your slit. Your body jolted at the feeling. “You want me to taste you baby?”

“Please,” you almost cried out, desperate for whatever Ellie planned on doing to you. Ellie moaned at the sight of you squirming. She loved watching you unfold beneath her. To think she ever hated you was beyond her at this point. She wished she had done this sooner as she admired how beautiful you were. 

“Say it,” Ellie demanded. “Use your words, pup.”

“E-Ellie, please” you begged. “F-Fuck me.”

Ellie tutted, shaking her head no. “I plan on fucking you anyway. I want you to beg me to eat you out.”

You were confused. You’ve heard Dina say that Jesse would ‘eat her out’ but you weren’t sure what it really meant. Ellie saw the confusion on your face and laughed. “Wow, you’re too innocent.” 

You started to sit up but Ellie pushed you back down softly. “I know what you’re thinking. I didn’t mean it that way,” she apologized. “It’s okay that you don’t know what that means. I’ll show you baby. You want that?”

You nodded. “Yes, please show me.”

Ellie leaned down between your thighs and started peppering kisses all over them. You reached down to grip her hair as her lips got closer to your pussy. She flicked her tongue across your clit once and looked up at you. “Do you understand now, pup?”

“Mm, yes Ellie.”

She smirked. “You want me to continue?”

“Please?”

Ellie chuckled as she went back down to your dripping cunt, licking it all up and swallowing. She savored the taste of you, going back down for more. You grabbed the pillow beneath your head to put over your face in an attempt to muffle your moans.

Ellie stopped and yanked the pillow out of your hands. “They turned the music all the way up finally. You don’t have to be quiet anymore. I wanna hear how good I make you feel.”

Ellie pressed her tongue against your clit and went back and forth between a circular motion and flicking it. You nearly screamed from the pleasure, your hands grabbing Ellie’s hair to pull her closer. She moaned against you, speeding her tongue up. She brought a hand up to play with your nipple, squeezing and pulling on it. Ellie used her free hand to gently push one finger in. You yelped, yanking Ellie’s hair harder. She pulled away and licked her lips. “Too much baby?” she asked, out of breath. You shook your head no and pulled her back to keep going.

Ellie loved how tight you felt. The feeling of you gripping around her finger made her want to bend you over and fuck you with a strap. She wished the party was at her place so she could have used all the toys she had on you.

A feeling began to build up in your stomach as you trembled harder. “E-Ellie!” you moaned, bucking your hips upward as you got closer and closer to cumming.

“Come on, baby. That’s it. Be a good girl and cum for me.”

All of the sudden, your body began to convulse as your orgasm hit you hard. Ellie slowly fingered you, riding it out until you pulled away from her. She brought her finger up to your mouth, forcing it open and shoving it down your throat. You sucked on her finger with a moan.

“Such a good girl,” Ellie praised, elated with how quickly you catch on.

“Wow,” you mumbled, out of breath from all the noises you made. “Never in a million years did I think I’d lose my virginity to you.”

Ellie sent you a sly smile. “I never knew I’d take it.”

You raised up slightly, leaning against Ellie’s shoulder. “Are you still going to be mean to me?”

Ellie sighed. “No, baby. That’s all over now.” 

“Good. Do I put my clothes on now?”

“Why do you have to ask for my permission?” Ellie questioned with a laugh.

You giggled. “Well, I like… asking you.”

“Well, then no. I think I want to fingerfuck you some more. Can you take that?”

You froze, looking up at her with a fucked out expression. You were exhausted but didn’t want your time with Ellie to end. “Mhm, I think so.”

Ellie leaned back a bit and grabbed you. “Come lay in my lap, baby. Ass up.”

You complied and laid down, arching your back in excitement. Ellie rubbed her hand over your ass, squeezing tightly as you moaned. “Tell me, did you pray for me?”

Before you could ask what she meant by that, she shoved two fingers into your dripping cunt. You yelped as she fucked you with them slow and hard. “That one time when you got mad at me for making fun of you, you said you’d pray for me. Did you?”

Ellie sped her movements up as she went deeper inside you.

“Fuck!” you yelled out, trembling and kicking your feet at the feeling.

“Answer me, pup, or I’ll stop,” Ellie threatened.

“Yes!”

“Yes what, baby?”

“Yes! God, yes, I prayed for you!”

Ellie went even faster as you got closer to cumming again. “Atta girl, such a sweet pup. Praying for a sinner like me.”

“Ellie! Fuck! I-I prayed for you everyday!” you babbled, unable to speak without getting interrupted by your own sounds of pleasure.

“Yeah? Told God how bad you wanted me? Told Him all your dirty thoughts, you filthy slut?”

You moaned louder, bucking your hips up towards Ellie . “Yes!”

“You’re gonna ask for forgiveness, aren’t you? Like the good Christian girl you are.”

“Mm, yes, Ellie,” you whined, your orgasm about to take over you.

“Then ask, baby, ask.”

“God, forgive me please,” you said in between moans as you finally came undone for her. The force of you cumming shook your entire body and made your eyes roll to the back of your head. You couldn’t help but to repeat Ellie’s name until you started to come down, your body almost collapsing onto her lap. 

“Good girl.”

Ellie helped you up onto your feet, your legs shaking. “Let me help you get dressed,” she offered.

As Ellie helped you into your clothes, you couldn’t help but feel awful. “Ellie? Did I… make God mad at me?”

Ellie stopped, placing her hands on your shoulders and staring deep into your eyes. “Who could be mad at an angel like you?”

You blushed, removing yourself from her grip and tugging your shirt over your head. You put your shoes on next and sighed, looking up at Ellie with a tired smile. “Do we say anything?”

Ellie shook her head no, quickly fixing your hair so it wasn’t obvious what happened. “Just say we talked and you forgave me. I had one hell of an apology,” she uttered with a goofy grin. You laughed softly.

“So, you’re not gonna ignore me, right?”

Ellie wrapped her arms around you for a second before stepping back, eyeing you up and down while heading towards the door. Your heart stung, wondering if maybe Ellie didn’t mean what she said before. 

“Come by tomorrow night,” said Ellie as she turned the knob. “I’ll fuck you so good that you won’t question me again.”

Ellie left you standing there, your mouth open in shock. You waited a couple minutes before heading downstairs to the party.

“Hey,” you heard Dina call out to you. She grabbed your hand and looked at you with concern. “I shouldn’t have said anything to Ellie. It just made her worse. I begged her not to talk to you but-”

“Dina,” you interrupted. “She explained herself and I explained myself. We’re all good.”

Dina looked surprised. “What? Really? You forgave her?”

You looked behind Dina to see Ellie back on the couch, staring at you with a grin as she puffed on her joint. You smiled at Dina and nodded. “Of course I forgave her. Her apology was genuine and…”

“What did she say?” Dina pressed on.

You shrugged. “I can’t remember everything she said but it was one hell of an apology.”

[fgumi]

halfway there

⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚ synopsis: you made it through r u next? and are set to debut in illit, be:lift's new girl group.

⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚ pairing(s): boynextdoor x idol!f!reader ⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚ genre: slice of life, smau ⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚ a/n: i realized as i was developing this story that i wanted to develop their friendship more tangibly. there will be multiple parts if i stick with what i’ve vaguely planned. i hope you guys don’t mind! ⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚ word count: 2188 ⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚ read: previous or next

you must have saved a country in your past life. throughout the show, you garnered so much attention and support. you went viral for your performance during "given-taken", gaining applause from many seniors (including enhypen). you secured second place in the final ranking. you were going to debut.

as soon as you were back in the hybe building, you checked your phone. you had hundreds of messages from many people, your friends having sent the most.

you opened up the video to see all the guys standing in the frame with banners with your name on it.

“congratulations, y/n! you are finally gonna debut!” jaehyun shouted, grinning. he waved his banner frantically and twirled it like a lasso narrowly missing sungho’s face. donghyun’s face set in a full smile. “we didn’t doubt you for a second.” “all your hard work has paid off!” riwoo said. sungho brought his hands over his heart, “it’s so heartwarming to see that everyone can see what we know: that you’re the best!” “noona!” woonhak hopped excitedly while gripping jaehyun’s shoulder. “i’ve—” woonhak let out a small yelp when jaehyun elbowed him in his side. “we’ve missed you so much! we can’t wait until you’re back in the building. we can go eat at our usual place again!” shaking his head, dongmin pat woonhak’s head. “is food all you think about?” woonhak pouted as dongmin continued, “anyways, we’ve been waiting long enough, y/n.” jaehyun’s face lit up. he clapped his hands together, “let’s introduce ourselves to her! who’s there?” “boynextdoor! hello, we’re boynextdoor!” everyone shouted. “i’m boynextdoor’s cute wolf…” the silent stares directed at jaehyun made him sheepishly laugh. “all-round leader, myung jaehyun.” “i’m sungho from boynextdoor.” “i’m riwoo!” with smirk gracing his face and his chest puffed out, woonhak stated, “i’m the multi-talented youngest, woonhak!” dongmin side-eyed woonhak before looking back into the camera, the corner of his lip quirked up. “boynextdoor’s taesan.” “leehan.” donghyun lifted up his hand and flashed a 2 and 1. dongmin leaned closer into the camera, as if telling a secret. “we’ll be right here when you get back. so, come find us.” “don’t make us wait any longer!” woonhak shouted.

on the black screen, your reflection stared at you with tears welling and a wide smile. your boys had been watching you.

if you're honest, the only reason you didn't burst into tears every other week was because you'd imagine what they'd say in every situation.

sungho and sanghyuk, your forever supporters, would shower you in reassurance.

jaehyun and woonhak would tell you to brush it off and make you laugh.

donghyun, for all that you love him, would say you won't die because you have kids at home to take care of.

dongmin... your problem solver always. he'd (jokingly) offer to kill every contestant so you don't have to worry about maintaining your spot.

knowing that they were out there waiting for you was one of the biggest motivators for you to push through and give your audience a show they could never forget. now, you would be debuting under be:lift as an illit member. you wiped your tears off with new determination. you'd work hard on your debut song and meet up with the guys again once you could truly share the stage.

⊹₊⋆☁︎⋆⁺₊⋆ ☀︎ ⋆⁺₊⋆☁︎⋆₊ ⊹

never let it be said that boynextdoor is patient. everyone was eagerly waiting for you to shoot a text that you were back.

after the show ended with no recent texts from you, they were slightly bummed out. where was their star girl?

they asked around the agency to see if you were back. all the hybe employees were being hush-hush about the new girl group. but, eventually, one folded to jaehyun's cuteness. you were vigorously preparing to debut and refused to see them until you could say you were an idol.

they respected it, even though you were already the idol to them. they could guess how behind you felt when they all debuted together. but, that didn't stop them from leaving you small notes in the practice rooms. they managed to corner your group's manager and pressure him (made zico ask) to tell them your schedule. so, before you'd enter a room, if they were in the building, they'd prepare a note and sometimes more.

jaehyun went and purchased a secondhand mp3 player to show you all the demos he made. because he wasn't made out of money, he begged your manager to return it to the koz floor whenever you were done with it. he complied (because he couldn’t resist jaehyun).

riwoo made a dance video playlist for you to watch and learn if you had the time. he printed the qr code and consistently updated it.

sungho, bless his health mania heart, would give you the trending supplements with notes reminding you how your health comes before anything else.

woonhak gave you notes complaining about the minor inconveniences everyone puts him through, begging you to come back soon or else he'd lose his mind.

leehan printed photos of your corydoras children and wrote all their birthdays (purchase dates) on them.

taesan gave you weekly music recommendations and expected you to do the same. he said he'd be put out if your music tastes diverged too much.

they never failed to put a smile on your face. all of their notes and photos were safely secured on a cork board at your dorm.

it wouldn't be too long now until you could see them. the date was set and the song was set. illit would debut on march 25, 2024 with "magnetic". it was a concept that you didn't imagine yourself doing but prayed that you could pull it off.

⊹₊⋆☁︎⋆⁺₊⋆ ☀︎ ⋆⁺₊⋆☁︎⋆₊ ⊹

your showcase was today, marking your official debut. you were nervous, a lot more nervous than r u next?. it felt like your heart was stuck in your throat.

you were getting ready with your members warming up their vocals behind. wonhee sat next you and offered a warm smile, "don't worry, y/n unnie. you're gonna do great! i don't think failing is in your dna."

she squeezed your hand and began talking to your stylist. your attention turned to your phone, messages popping up one after another.

all your nerves left your body as you shook with laughter. you could always count on them to make you feel better. your manager called for all of you to go to the stage. you put your phone down and was met with yunah’s hand. she smiled at you and shook her hand, signaling you to take it. you returned her smile and bounced up. “let’s go kill this.”

[memyselfandmya]

YASAMMY WEEK Day 4: PROPOSAL/WEDDING

I'm a little bit behind with this one, took some time to get into the mindset but credit goes to @i-sing-i-still-sing for the concept! Without you, I'd still be struggling.

@yasammyweek

“Ben, I’m nervous,” Yasmina says, sitting down in one of the chairs and smoothing out her well-embellished wedding gown. 

“What? Nervous?” Ben places his hands on Yasmina’s shoulders, gentle but firm. “Don’t tell me you’re getting cold feet!”

Yaz turns her head away. “No, I’m not getting cold feet…I don’t know, I’m just a little nervous.”

Ben takes a deep breath to calm himself and sits himself in the chair across from her. Yaz doesn’t need him going crazy, that certainly won’t help anything. “What’s making you nervous?”

“That’s the thing, I don’t know! I mean I’m mean I’m beyond excited to get married to Sammy—it’s all I’ve ever wanted but…”

“But?” Ben presses. 

Yasmina sighs. “But this wedding is such a big thing.” Both Yasmina and Sammy’s parents had insisted that they go all out for the wedding—especially since extravagant weddings are prominent in both of their cultures—and so the two of them went along with it. “I guess it just feels like a bit of pressure.”

“Hey,” Ben said, placing a hand on her knee—or at least he thinks it’s her knee. It’s hard to tell with all that fabric.. “So what if this wedding is a ‘big thing.’ This day is for you and Sammy, all that matters is you and her. So, what are you most excited for after you get married?”

Yaz grins. “I’m excited to finally call her my wife, heh. Our honeymoon in Greece, just the two of us. And…well Sammy wants to have a baby sometime in the future.” 

Ben sits back in his seat a little bit. He can totally imagine a little Sammy or Yaz running around the place and the thought makes him happy. “And is that something you want as well?”

Yasmina plays with her fingers as if, on one of them sits her engagement ring and soon her wedding band will be added to the mix. “I mean at first I was a little hesitant, but now…I think I’m ready to start a family with her. I want to be with Sammy for the rest of my life.”

A large grin grows on Ben’s face. He claps his hands together. “Well, I think you’re ready to get married!”

There’s a knock on the door and then it opens slowly. “Hey,” comes Darius’ voice. “Everything’s ready! You guys good?”

“Yea,” Yasmina sighs with relief. “Come in!”

Darius fully enters the room and his face morphs into a smile when he sees Yaz. “Woah, you look really pretty, Yaz.”

Yasmina smiles. “Thanks, D. Think Sammy’ll agree?”

“Oh, please,” Ben scoffs. “Sammy won’t be able to take her eyes off you. She’s crazy about you, after all.”

—

“Sammy, you good?” Brooklynn only asks because of the fact that Sammy’s pacing around in her wedding dress, wearing a hole in the dressing room floor.

“Yeah, I’m fine. Just a little nervous, that’s all.” Sammy turns to Brooklynn and throws her hands down to the side with a pained look sprawled across her face. “Is it bad that I’m freaking out about getting married? I mean, this is supposed to be the biggest day of my life.”

“Hey, chill,” Brooklynn tells her, resting her hand on Sammy’s shoulders. “If I know Yaz, then Ben is probably having to talk her down right now, too. That’s why you guys are meant for each other.” 

“I know, I know. But what if Yaz regrets getting married, or—”

Brooklynn has to resist the urge to roll her eyes. “Sammy, that's absolutely ridiculous. The love you two have? It’s real. I’ve seen the way Yaz looks at you, do you really think believe that she’s not crazy for you?”

Sammy bites her lip. “I don’t know…I mean she already seemed hesitant about wanting kids, I just don’t want to force her into anything she doesn’t want.” She’s happy she and Yaz opted for a summer wedding, but God it feels like the heat is getting to her right now.

“If Yaz wasn’t sure about wanting to get married, she wouldn’t have beat you to proposing,” Brooklynn says folding her arms together. “The question is are you ready?”

Sammy shakes her head with a chuckle. “Wow, you just had to go there. Maybe I am going a little crazy.” She straightens. “I am ready. I really love Yaz and…when I saw her hold my nephew for the first time, I knew for sure that she’s the person I want to spend the rest of my life with.”

Brooklynn grins. “Well, it sounds to me like you’re ready for this.”

“Yea,” Sammy nods. “ I am ready for this.”

The door swings open and Kenji pops his head in. “Hey-o! Looking good, Sammy! You ready?”

Sammy puts her hands on her hips. “Yes, I am! I was a little nervous but I’m good now.”

“Alright!” Kenji says, walking in and giving Sammy a high-five. “As I like to tell my students, you ‘Kon’ do this!”

“Kenji, you’re such a goof,” Sammy laughs. “Now, let's get married!”

BONUS

 The B-Team 

Brooklynn: All good on your side? Ben: You bet! Had some pre-wedding jitters but we got it covered. Brooklynn: Same here.  Brooklynn: These two are idiots if they can’t see how much they mean to each other. Ben: Ikr, now let’s get this wedding going before one of them freaks out again Brooklynn: Team Yasammy is a go!

[lillylvjy]

Girl, (your the one I want)

a/n- this is a scene in a book that I just finished reading and it was my favorite scene in the book so I just decided to write it with Wilbur:) enjoy!

Warnings// swearing, kissing, cheesy fluff, brushing each others teeth, tell me if I missed anything:0)

Not edited!!

Wilbur was rarely home at nights. And if he was, it was later at night, usually near midnight. But tonight was different. The band all agreed to take a day off and to just sit back and relax. So all you and Wilbur did today was wake up late, cuddle and watch movies together and bake cookies (you had to make an agreement with him).

But after you and Wil watch one last movie and had dinner, you both decided to go to sleep early so you both could get up early tomorrow morning. As the movie ended, you started to get up out of Wilbur’s hold, but got held back by Wilbur’s arms wrapping around you tighter.

“Nooo! Please don’t leave. You’re warm and cozy.” Wilbur whined as you finally got out of his loving hold.

“Wil, I’m not sleeping on the coach. And plus I need to wash my face and brush my teeth. So it’s either you can sleep on the coach or you can follow me and get ready for bed with me. Your choice.” You said as you walked down the hallway to your guy’s shared room.

You heard him groan, and soon enough you heard the patter of feet on the hardwood flooring, making quick strides to catch up with you. Soon enough, you were being lifted off the ground by arms wrapped around your waist from behind, carrying you to the bathroom as you laughed.

“Wilbur put me down!” You laughed as you both finally reached the bathroom. Wilbur put you down but quickly lifted you up and placed you on the sink. Wilbur came really close to your face and put your noses together.

You giggled. “Hello my love.” You said as you placed your hands on the back of his neck.

“Hehe, you look like a bug. My little lady bug!” Wilbur said in a high pitched voice as he started to tickle your sides.

“No! No, no, no! Wilbur, please! Haha! Truce, truce!” You laughed as you squirmed in his embrace. Wilbur quickly stopped tickling you and smiled at you. You smiled back at him and rubbed your noses together in an eskimo kiss.

“I love you.” You said to him. He giggled and licked your nose as you scrunched it.

“I love you more, ok let’s go I need to brush my teeth.” He said, clapping his hands in a chop chop manner.

You gawk at him in disbelief. “Oh hell no! You don’t get to do that.” You told him as he laughed and put his hands up in surrender.

“Ok, ok! Im sorry, now can I please brush my teeth?” He asked you, kissing your hands.

You went to move out of the way, but you quickly stopped yourself and smirked. You always meant to tell Wilbur about this thing you read in a book you read a couple weeks ago. But he was never home so you never got the chance, but now, now you can. “How about we brush each others teeth?” You asked him.

He raised his eyebrows and had an amused grin on his face. “Now where’d this come from?” He asked as he looked at you as you grabbed his tooth brush.

“A book. I found it cute and I wanted to try it out.” You said while getting his tooth brush ready and handing him your toothbrush. He smiled and hummed in agreement.

“Ok, but be prepared to move out of the way.” Wil warned.

You saluted back at him and brought his tooth brush up. “Ahhh.” You said, as if you were talking to a little kid. He laughed and opened his mouth as he also started to brush your teeth. “A, B, C, D, E-“

“What are you doing?!” Wilbur laughed as you continued to brush his teeth.

“I’m singing the alphabet obviously. “ you said as best as you could and rolling your eyes.

“Not the sass.” Wilbur replied back as you both laughed.

“F, I, J, K-“

“L, M, N, O, P.” Wilbur started singing with you.

“Q,R,S-“ you said as your motioned for Wilbur to continue.

“T,U,V” Wilbur continued as he giggled.

“W, X, Y, and Z. Now I know my A, B , C’s! Next time won’t you sing with meeee!” You sang as you finished brushing each others teeth. You quickly got down from the counter and let Wilbur go first. Soon after it was your turn.

After you were both done, you grabbed your face wash and quickly put your hair up. As you did you felt hands on your waist and looked up.

“What?” You asked as you looked at him.

“Nothing you just look really beautiful.” He said as he put his chin in the crook of your neck and left a kiss there. You quickly looked down fro his gaze to hide your flushed face.

“Are you going to wash your face? You should.” You said looking at him.

He furrowed his eyebrows. “What’s that supposed to mean?!” He asked, faking an offended tone.

“Noo! I didn’t mean it like that! I just meant it’s good for your skin and everything.” You said as you grabbed a hair tie for Wilbur just in case he said yes.

“I know love. And yes, I would love too.” He said squeezing you tightly.

“Ok now let me put up your hair!” You said turning around.

Wilbur quickly moved away from you as he put a hand up to stop you. “Absolutely not!”

“Wil! Your hair is like a fucking lions mane!” You laughed at him.

“And it’s going to stay that way until the EP comes out darling.” Wilbur finishes as he leans in to kiss you.

You kiss him back and pull away to look at him. “Yeah but once it’s out, we’re getting rid of this.” You said as you ran your hands through his hair.

Wilbur smiled down at you. “That’s fine with me love.” He said, as he kissed you one last time. “Ok now can we please hurry up so I can go to bed?!”

“Screw you.”

Taglist: @deadphantomsociety @jadeissues @aimi-chann

[klausinamarink]

One Kid Gone, Another Up and Vanished (part 6)

Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Part 5 next: Part 7

Hey I’m back! starting to change the POVs around a bit - plot is kicking ^-^

After she strings the last line of Christmas lights on the wall, Joyce starts painting the alphabet letters underneath each bulb with determination.

This might not work, but she knows her son can do it. He’s already brilliant to use the lights and this will be much easier for him. For her.

Satisfied with her work, Joyce steps back down on the floor. The lights are off, but she knows they’ll turn bright anyways.

“Okay, Will, sweetie?” She calls out. She imagines that Will is pressed against her leg just like he does when he’s shy and alone. Her heart aches at the thought. “I’ve done something that it’ll be- well, I hope it’ll be better than the ‘yes’ or ‘no’s. But, uh, if you can see this, you can actually spell out what you need to say.”

She waits for a few seconds. Then, the light for Y flickers.

“We can practice if you want!” Oh, she hopes it works. But Will can do it. “Can you- ah, what to do.. Oh! Your name! Can you spell your name on this?”

Will’s response takes another few seconds, almost too long. But lights flicker individually before Joyce’s eyes.

W-I-L-L

Joyce can’t stop herself from clapping excitedly. “Oh my god, Will! You did it! I knew you can do it!”

One of the lamps next to the couch flicker repeatedly. Is this Will’s way of clapping and cheering with her? Her heart fills up, almost as painful as the past few days had been. Then the lights on the wall start spelling again.

A-N-D-E-D-D-I-E

“And.. Eddie?” Joyce frowns. Is her son not alone? Wherever he is that she can’t reach? Shit, is he safe? “I’m sorry, sweetie, are you- tell me you are safe. Are you alone?”

S-A-F-E-N-O-T-A-L-O-N-E

”I-I’m sorry, Will.” Joyce shakes her head, feeling suddenly overwhelmed. “I don’t really understand right now, but can we stick to short answers for now? Can you tell me where exactly are you?”

H-E-R-E

“Here? Here, where? Will, where is here? I- I can’t see you!”

Several lightbulbs seems to combat with each other one in blues and reds. Then they stop. And then-

R-U-N

Every light in the house flickers maniacally and Joyce runs outside as something in the wall starts tearing out again.

—

Eddie slams his back against one of the largest trees, clenching Will and their spears close to his chest. His lungs are collapsing in themselves so hard that he won’t be surprised if they turn into a new galaxy system or whatever.

The demogorgon roars, the sound echoing closer by the second.

His breathing is sharp as needles as he tries to get it under control. It only sends him into a coughing fit. Will kicks him in the ankle, hissing, “It’ll hear us!”

Eddie tells him, “Do you think I’m doing this on purpose?” Or at least he tries to when he starts coughing again. He slides down to his ass, feeling the prickle of tears in his eyes. It almost overlaps with the even louder branches snapping from behind.

Will’s hands fly to Eddie’s mouth and clamp down hard on his cloth mask. He forces to swallow down the coughs despite his throat tickling uncomfortably.

He hears the demogorgon stomping around, roaring in frustration. Eddie’s chest constricts from lack of air and he’s seeing black spots again.

Please go away, you Venus Fly-Trap face fuck.

It does not go away. Instead, the demogorgon comes out right next to them.

Eddie would’ve screamed.

So by the laws of natural order, it’s Will who screams at the demogorgon and makes it worse by thrusting one of the fucking spears at it.

What happens next is a literal blur.

Eddie does still remember the demogorgon screeching before it grabs Will and throws him across the forest floor. He remembers somehow standing up and somehow getting the demogorgon’s attention on Eddie. He remembers darting to the side at the last second so the monster crashes right into the tree.

He remembers running, Will’s hand gripped tightly in his.

They crash into another block of houses that Eddie doesn’t really recognize at first glance. He only laser-focuses on running into one of the open garages where the doors to the occupant’s living are wide open for him to drop into without a risk of messing with the vines.

Well, he still steps over the vines and barely checks for a wide enough space to collapse onto, but not really the point.

Eddie wheezes, his back on the floor and gaze to the dark-stained ceiling. His lungs rattle uncontrollably as he coughs and coughs until he feels a glass bottle in his hand. He’s careful not to drink it down fast, but it soothes his throat enough to subside the coughing.

He hears Will give out a whoosh of air, “I think the demogorgon won’t find us for a while.”

Eddie doesn’t stop snapping his head towards the boy’s direction. Or the newborn wrath in his voice as he questions, “You think?”

Will immediately shrinks down, his body retracting into his vest like a baby turtle.

“You think the demogorgon can’t get us because you think it was great to stab it?”

Anger shimmers off Eddie as he stands up, albeit with shaking legs. “What the fuck were you thinking?! Whatever happen to hiding so it doesn’t, oh god I don’t know, kill us?”

“I-I know it wasn’t a good idea…” Will’s voice is small. Eddie’s brain is telling himself to shut the hell up, but Eddie doesn’t listen to his brain most of his time so he continues the triad.

“What was supposed to be your plan, Little Byers? Huh? Stab the demogorgon? Just like that? Without a goddamn second thought of ‘hey, maybe this will get me and my new best friend killed and I would never go home at all!’ Jesus Christ… you’re a goddamn lucky charm not to lose that spear. And it had to be right after you finally talked to your mom who was so fucking happy to even hear-”

A gut wrenching sob breaks through his words.

Eddie stops himself and looks down at Will, curled up to himself as his body violently shudder with every sob.

Munson, you fucking idiot.

“Oh shit,” Eddie is already on his knees, facing Will. His hands hover uselessly over the boy. “Will, hey, hey. I’m sorry. I’m really so sorry. I never meant-”

Will flinches away from him, burying his face deeper into his arms.

And if that didn’t already break Eddie’s heart, he doesn’t know what else would. And he knows firsthand what yelling and incessantly blaming a child for a mistake does wonders. He knows what it’s like to live constantly on eggshells because the person you love can hurt you at a moment’s notice.

Even for something life threatening as being chased by man-eating monsters in an alternate dimension, Will Byers doesn’t deserve that. And Eddie just ruined it.

“Will-” He reaches out again. This time, Will kicks and hits him, snot and tears pouring out of him. This time, Eddie keeps his arms around Will and holds him tight as close as he can.

“Let me go!” Will cries. “I just wanna go home! Let me see my mom by myself! I want to go home!”

“I know, I know.” Eddie shushes him, gently rocking him back and forth. A far cry mimic from what his mom and Wayne used to do, but he hopes it’s good enough. Please let it be good enough. “I’m sorry I yelled at you. I’m sorry I made you feel more hurt. I’m sorry I made you cry. I’m sorry-”

Will eventually goes limp but moves his arms around Eddie’s neck. Eddie keeps rocking him even when his apologies are done. Will’s tears stain his shirt even when the kid starts singing The Clash song with broken breaths. Eddie keeps holding him as he joins in.

They’re the only ones in hell after all.

—

There’s a knocking on the front door and it makes Wayne dash faster than he ever did in ‘Nam. He already sees Eddie on the steps, dirty and tired but safe-

But it’s only Jim Hopper, holding a small brown bag.

“Hey, Wayne.” The chief smiles thinly in exhaustion. Wayne doesn’t smile back. “Thought I would bring a bit of breakfast.”

“Why are you here, Jim?” He cuts through the pleasantries, hoping, hoping that it’s not any bad news.

Hopper says nothing. Just gestures to the picnic table near the trailer. Wayne thinks about shutting the door instead, about assuming the worst and let the grief come in.

But he only goes inside to grab his cup of coffee and cigarettes. Then he follows Hopper outside.

They sit down, neither of them reaching for the bag. Wayne doesn’t have much of an appetite recently and he doesn’t take good cop food. Though he allows Hopper to take one of his cigarettes.

Finally, just as the morning air continues to weigh on them, Hopper sighs heavily and says, “Will Byers was found last night.”

“Where?”

“The quarry.”

Christ.

Wayne closes his eyes. He doesn’t ask about how the boy was found because he and his brother grew up next to a wetland back home and when too many boys went there to swim, it was guaranteed that one of them would be as still as the water’s surface by sunset. And he could count on both hands how many boys met that fate.

He hopes that Joyce Byers and her eldest weren’t there to find him.

“We haven’t found any leads on Eddie so far.”

“Thought the hit and run theory was the only one.” Wayne doesn’t hide the disdain in his voice. He takes a drag, hearing Hopper’s frustrated huff.

“If it makes you feel better, I fired Powell’s ass.”

Wayne takes another drag of his cigarette. He clicks his tongue before saying, “I appreciate the act of kindness. But I’ll feel better when Eddie comes home.”

“I know you want your nephew back safe but…” He shoots Hopper a look, watching the chief fumble the words before he continues, “I’m not gonna sugarcoat this, Wayne, but there’s a couple new cases that popped up. The state is getting involved too.”

“The state.” Wayne feels a dry twinge in his mouth.

“Yeah.” Hopper shakes his head. “It’s a little fishy, if you ask. But if they are going to at least help out-”

Wayne doesn’t hear what he says next because he’s standing up and walking back to the trailer. He’s only inside for a second just to swipe his leather-bound notebook off the kitchen counter. He comes back and throws it on the wooden table in front of Hopper with a thick slam.

The chief gets startled by that, looks up at Wayne, and back to the notebook when Wayne gives him nothing else. He watches Hopper flip through the pages and then read one. “What-”

“This-” Wayne points at the book he’d filled in the past few hours when sleeping was hopeless, “is everything I’ve done so far about Eddie’s whereabouts. I’ve asked everyone in town. I’ve checked every godforsaken place both in and out of Hawkins, even the ones that are dangerous lookin’. Nobody even has a clue he’s missing. Some of ‘em even said I worried too much for a boy who ran off to a silly city concert. As if worrying for my boy has been my livelihood since he first came to my front door.”

He stares hard at Hopper. The chief just looks down at the book, his face unreadable.

“Even if you were busy with the Byers boy, you should’ve gone looking for Eddie too. But none of ya did so I did. Now I’m running out of leads, chief. I don’t know where to find him next.”

Wayne is always a calm person. But anger always finds a way to crawl out like a maggot.

He takes a deep breath, blinking his eyes hard. “How long it’ll take for you to even care out what happened to my nephew before his body turns up next?”

It feels horribly wrong to assume Eddie’s already dead. It breaks his heart to say it aloud. But Wayne knows from the bottom of his soul and his great-aunt’s crockpot that Eddie’s alive. Missing but somehow here in the world and breathing.

Hopper closes his eyes. After taking a breath, he stands up, leaving the notebook on the table.

“Take it.” Wayne orders. Hopper looks at him uncertainly. “Might as well share it with the state if they’re that cooperative.”

Hopper sighs again and takes the notebook in hand, walking back to his car. He leaves the brown bag on the table though. Before he gets in, Hopper turns and calls out, “Some lab results came back. The stain on the van’s front is just animal blood.”

Wayne just crosses his arms and says nothing back.

As he watches him leave, he realizes his cigarette is still burning. He drops it on bench where Hopper had sat and crushes it under his boot.

—

“You said that Will was alive and we could find him! But now he’s dead!” Mike scrubs his hands over his wet face again as he paces fiercely in the basement. El’s sitting in the tent, watching him with sad eyes. She’s been doing this since-

Another bottle of tears well up in him. Mike shuts his eyes, hoping not to burst. He’s already been a crying mess since he got home last night and had to tell his mom about Will-

“Why did you lie to us? Why did you lie to me? Why?” He doesn’t look at El because if he does, her eyes will still be sad and he’s going to cry again. “Friends don’t lie! Why did you have to hide he was dead? Why couldn’t-”

His walkie turns on with static. He whirls around, almost ready to throw it at the wall if it was from Dustin or Lucas asking if he’s okay. But he sees it on El’s hands. Her eyes are closed, concentrating.

“Hey, don’t-!” He starts forward but freezes when a familiar voice comes through.

“-I stay or should I go? Darling, you got to let me know?”

It’s Will. Clear as day. Alive.

“C’mon, you have to know the next lines by now. Can you sing them?”

Mike’s wide eyes are on the radio. Tears are prickling but for a different reason.

There’s an aggravated sigh and then, “Little Byers, I have to admit that your song is giving me a massive ear worm. I’m sorry but I will not sing The Clash from my own tongue.”

That’s… not Will.

“This can be the last time, I swear! Then you can sing Bowie-”

“I thought I told you I don’t listen to David Bowie!?” The second person squawks.

“You said not to tell anyone you listen to Bowie. And there’s nobody here… so-”

Mike grabs his walkie from El’s hands and yells, “Will! I’m here! I can hear you! Can you read me?! Over!”

“God, this.. how… crafted image dies...”

“What’s… -ur deal… Bowie… -t ba-…”

The static comes back and soon takes away Will’s sound. Mike tries to radio again but nothing happens. He whirls back to El with an open mouth. “Was that…?”

El smiles softly, her nose bleeding. “Will. Eddie.”

Many questions run through Mike’s head. The first one out of his mouth is, “Who the heck is Eddie?”

— —

Taglist: @unclewaynemunson @steves-strapcollection @hellion-child @sidekick-hero @mmmmwaffles94 @demolitionjetstar @hbyrde36@princessstevemunson @sirsnacksalot @tartarusknight @lyriclight @kodaik97 @plsdontdrinkmylavalamp @wuttttttttttt @bookbinderbitch@gutterflower77 @tentativeghost @soaringornithopter @angeldreamsoffanfic @panicatthediaz @renaissan-vvitch @manda-panda-monium @newtstabber

[maskyish]

Banri's Birthday Rabbit TV 2023 - Episode 3 - "Biggest Supporters"

PART 1 | PART 2 | PART 3

Please note: I am NOT a professional and my level of JP is very, very basic. I do this for practice and to share with other fans for fun. Please take my translations with a grain of salt as there may be mistakes. If you see any, please let me know and I can correct them. If anyone else has this card and wants to translate this at any time then please feel free to do so!

Tsumugi & Anesagi & Okarin & Shirou: Oooooh….! 

Banri: This is kind of embarrassing… 

Tsumugi: It really suits you! I want to show everyone…! 

Okarin: If Momo-kun and Yuki-kun saw this, they’d be super excited! 

Shirou: You look like a real model. It looks good! 

Anesagi: Well, don’t you clean up nicely….! Although, not as good as my prince! 

Banri: Haha, thank you very much. I’m happy to receive such high praise. 

Morino: Awesome! It looks great on you, Ogami! With this, tomorrow’s photoshoot can go on just as planned!! 

Banri: Jeez, you’re sure in a good mood. 

Stylist: I had no idea what was going to happen, but you all really helped us out by coming…! How can I thank you….? 

Banri: It’s fine. Due to our line of work, we’re used to unexpected situations like this, so we really understand how you feel. We’re happy to help. 

Tsumugi: Ah, excuse me, let me give you my business card. If anything pops up, please feel free to give our office a call. 

Stylist: Will do! 

Anesagi: Nice speed, Takanashi-san! 

Tsumugi: Thanks! I felt encouraged by your advice when choosing the cheese curry bread! 

Stylist: Oh, excuse me. I’ll adjust part of the hem just a little bit. 

Morino: He really does look just as lean as he was back then… 

Shirou: Then as expected, Ogami-san was popular in high school too? 

Morino: He was! This guy had all the girls falling for him! 

Banri: Hey, don’t say whatever you want just because I can’t move right now— 

Morino: Am I wrong, though? Just how many times did I ask you for advice? 

Morino: Girls would talk to me, but when I thought about it, it was only about what Ogami’s type was, or if he had any girls he liked! 

Okarin: Ogami-san is kind, considerate, and perfect, so I’m sure he gained a lot of fans without even realizing it. 

Morino: Exactly! 

Morino: It wasn’t like they publicly squealed, but more like the girls were earnestly supportive. Rather than something like fan popularity, Ogami was just genuinely liked by them. 

Anesagi: What a sinful man… 

Okarin & Shirou: A sinful man, indeed… 

Banri: Please don’t harmonize over there! 

Morino: The girl I liked also liked Ogami…. 

Tsumugi: R-really….? 

Morino: I was so frustrated I could die, so to be honest I started spreading rumors such as Ogami having really sweaty hands, and that he sneezes loudly. 

Banri: Stop with your strangely elaborate reality! (1) 

Stylist: ….. Alright, I’m done with the adjustments! The fitting is now complete! I really can’t thank you enough! 

*clap clap clap clap* 

Morino: Alriiight! Seriously, thanks a lot, Ogami! As a thank you, let me take your photo! One that could make your partner faint! (2) 

Banri: Well, I don’t know when that time will come, but I might like to be photographed since you’ve become a pro. So I’ll leave it to you. 

Morino: Great! A man who looks good by the window!

*click*

Tsumugi: Wow…! It’s like a sweets buffet! It’s so lovely…! 

Anesagi: Oh my god, this is the best! I would love to have a wedding like this. 

Morino: They also made test treats for tomorrow, so I’m glad you guys can try some. 

….. But, is this really okay as a thank you? 

Shirou: Of course. Those kids will be happy to even be sent pictures like this. 

Okarin: Oh, Utsugi-san! If you’d like, shall I take a picture? 

Shirou: Are you sure? Then, please, if you would. 

Yay. 

Okarin: Yay! 

Anesagi: As you can see, we’re having a lot of fun, so it’s totally fine. 

Morino: Ahaha! Glad to hear it…! 

Okarin: Ogami-san, I brought you some champagne if you’d like! 

Banri: Thank you. Even though the wedding isn’t until tomorrow, it already kind of feels like a party.

Anesagi: …..Isn’t it about time for the plan? 

Shirou: Yes, I think so. 

Banri: What plan? 

Tsumugi: Banri-san! Actually, when we were discussing whether you were going to model or not, we had also decided on your surprise! 

Tsumugi: The video call connected, I’ll put it on speaker! 

Banri: A surprise?! 

Riku: Hellooo! Can you guys hear me—? 

Iori: Wait, Nanase-san. Don’t cover it with your finger. It’s on the camera part. 

Mitsuki: Woah, you’re actually wearing a tuxedo! It looks amazing! 

Tamaki: Seriously! Ban-chan, you’re sooo cool! 

Ryuu: Wow….! You look like a model! 

Gaku: Woah, what a flashy place. 

Minami: Is it a church garden? There are so many sweets…..

Touma: Wait, isn’t Ogami-san seriously way too handsome….? Is it alright to have such a cool manager? 

Momo: B-B-B-BA-BA-BA—BAN-SAN…..!

Yuki: Oh, Momo fell over. Ban, are you getting married without telling me? 

Banri: Y-you guys! What’s with the gathering?! 

Nagi: We wanted to see our beloved manager. 

…. Oh! There are 2 pretty fairies in the garden. 

Tsumugi: Fufu. We were able to rent this lovely garden! 

Anesagi: Oh my god….. If it wasn’t for this being through a screen, I would’ve fainted….

Yamato: Heeh, it’s a nice place. It has a really good feel to it. 

Tenn: You look amazing, Anesagi-san.  

Gaku: Your face is red. Are you doing alright?  You should take a break in the shade over there…

Anesagi: Thank you. I’m alright. I’m in tip-top shape. Ahh, the champagne is so good. 

Momo: Okarin! Eat enough delicious food for me too, and be sure to bake it into your memory…! 

Okarin: Haha! Thank you very much. I’ll bring home lots of souvenirs!

Haruka: Utsugi-san, scooch a little closer. I can’t see you. 

Minami: Isumi-san, you can come this way. The screen is easier to see. 

Torao: Isn’t it about time you started missing us? 

Shirou: Indeed. Since I was lonely, I took lots of photos to send to you all. 

Torao: W-well aren’t you honest about it….

Sougo: It looks like a wonderful place to celebrate. 

Tamaki: Right? Oh, wait a sec, let’s record the screen! 

Banri: A celebration… No way….

Sougo: Yes way. We have a present for you, Banri-san. 

Riku: It’s fan service from all of us! 

Banri: EH?! Fanservice…. Is it really alright to receive something so luxurious? 

Yamato: It’s gonna go by fast, so don’t look away! 

Mitsuki: To start us off, an air hug from Iori and Riku! 

Riku & Iori: *Huuug!* 

Iori: … Ahem. Ogami-san, we’ll be in your care from now on as well. 

Riku: Banri-saaan! Thank you! 

Banri: Of course! Thank you for the cute hug! I love you both! 

Mitsuki: Up next will be me, Yamato-san, and Nagi! 

I love you, Banri-san! *Mmm, chu!* 

Nagi: *Mmm, chu!*  I LOVE YOU BANRI! 

I wish you much happiness from now on as well. 

Yamato: H-huuh? Well, I’ll go along with it since it’s for Banri-san……. *chu!* 

Banri: Haha! Thank you! Getting blown kisses from you three made my heart skip a beat! 

Tamaki: Alright! MEZZO’s next!  Let’s go, Sou-chan! Wave your arms really big! 

Sougo: Leave it to me. I’ve been stretching. 

MEZZO: We love you thiiiis much! 

We look forward to working with you in the future too! 

Banri: You two….. Thank you! I love both of you, too! 

Ryuu: Then, it’s TRIGGER’s turn next! Let’s do it! 

TRIGGER: Let’s share a dream you never have to wake from. 

TRIGGER: BANG!

Banri: Uwahh, so cool…! TRIGGER literally shot through my heart! 

Anesagi: Fufu! You wouldn’t be able to be in one piece after receiving fanservice like this! 

Yuki: Now then, Ban. Will you also accept our fanservice? 

Momo: I’ll make a heart with Yuki….! Please accept it, Ban-san! 

Re:vale: Heaaart! 

Banri: Thank you…! I got the best Re:vale heart! 

Okarin: Surely! They were both perfect! 

Touma: Alright! We’re the last ones up. Let’s do it! 

ZOOL: Only look at us…!

Banri: S-so cool! The power of just a wink…! 

Shirou: Please let me take a video with my phone later! 

Riku: And now….. Everyone will go! One… two… three! 

TRIGGER & IDOLISH7 & Re:vale & ZOOL: Happy Birthday! 

Banri: Thank you…..! It was amazing, I’ve never had such a luxury! The fanservice medley from everyone was the best! 

Banri: I am so fortunate to receive a gift packed with so much love like this. 

Riku: We’re the fortunate ones…! It’s because of you and our manager that we’re able to make all of our fans happy. 

Tenn: I agree. It’s because of Anesagi-san that we can stand like we have. Please continue to stay by our side.  

Momo: We’ve known Okarin for a long time, but we have never forgotten this feeling of gratitude.  We’re always relying on you. Let’s continue towards the view at the top together! 

Haruka: Thank you for believing in us, and for making us believe in you. I really do think…. that I’m happy you’re here, Utsugi-san. 

Haruka: Well then…. Ready, and….! 

TRIGGER & IDOLiSH7 & Re:vale & ZOOL: Thank you for everything! We look forward to continue working together! 

Tsumugi: ……. T-thank you so very much!! I will do my very best to make sure you smile! 

Anesagi: ….. It kind of feels like a proposal, huh. No matter what, I will always be on your side. I’ll always think of you. 

Okarin: I want to forever and always protect the scenery that Momo-kun and Yuki-kun have shown me, and go towards it together! Re:vale really is the best! 

Shirou: I am so grateful to have the privilege of being by your side to watch over the growth of everyone in ZOOL. This must be my first time getting to thank you. 

Banri: We are everyone’s #1 fans and your biggest supporters. 

End of rabbitv. 

TL Notes: 

The word used is 絶妙 so a more literal translation could be something like “Stop making it exquisitely realistic!” but I didn’t think “exquisite” in English really fit the tone of what he was saying since “exquisite” is usually used in a beauty/fancy context so I went with "strangely elaborate".

The phrasing here is literally something along the lines of “knockout your partner” but it sounded more violent than I think intended when worded like that so I changed it to fainted lol . 

Side note: This is so unimportant but even though I translated them both as “cool”, Banri describes TRG as やばい (yabai) and ZOOL as 格好いい (kakkoi)

And thank you to @marina41trench for helping me brainstorm on some lines I got stumped on!!

[lookismaddict]

Lookism Chapter 432 Memes/Thoughts I Have:

(SPOILERS !!! I don’t own any of the Lookism panels and the translations. Only the memes that I made.)

I’d like to say, thank you for reading my reviews and thoughts for each chapter so far. And thank you for liking the memes. 😳💖 But bruh, this chapter man… There’s a lot being revealed, so let’s get into it!!! 😌✨

Well crap. Eugene’s got some leverage on James Lee too. Wtffff 😭😭😭

WELL… SHIT. R.I.P. JAMES LEE IS GOING TO BE U S E D ✨

HE LOOKS SO UPSET SITTING IN THAT LOW ASS CHAIR NOW. I CAN’T GET OVER THE WAY HE’S SITTING ON THAT CHAIR FROM LAST CHAPTER. SORRY GUYS. 💀

And let me guess, you gonna do that to James too...? 🤔 

DAMN. HIT EM WITH THE THREAT, JAMES LMAAAOOOOOOO. THESE TWO ARE ALREADY THREATENING EACH OTHER SDFHSDKFHSAKJDFHSDF. I’M- 💀💀💀

GOOD LUCK WITH THAT!!! HAHAHAHAHA... 😶 (Also, James. That’s Crystal’s dad too. She’s might hate you for it lol. UNLESS-  👀 Plot twist: she hates her dad too.)

Ok, I kinda get WHY he’d bring up James’s murder case in the first place. It’s like the “check and balance” thing where you counter them if they do something wrong or betray you. I get it. Eugene and James both have dirt on each other in case one betrays the other, but it sucks to think that Eugene has the upper-hand here because of his connections with the police. He can cover up ANY dirty thing that he does. Also, he can use his knowledge against James whenever he wants so James is just... stuck. Poor guy. Imagine having your ex-boss blackmail you and NOW your new ally blackmails you just to help him. 😭

Yayyyyy killer bros together!!! 😍😍😍 The Psycho Alliance has made a brand new treaty. 🤭

Literally, it really be like this. 

Ok, but why do I find this hilarious? They’re still young, and they have so much time and opportunities to spend their youth without doing any illegal or gang related activities. Yet, their main goal is to kill an old guy. LMFAO OK, JUST IMAGINE. A random old guy sees them chatting outside in front of a cafe or something. discussing their plans about taking down Charles Choi. Then, this old man walks up to them, right? He asks them, “Oh my, you kids are so young! Don’t you have any special things that you want to do in your lives? Don’t just sit around and let time go by. You should go out and do something with your lives!” and then they reply with, “Oh, we are! We’re off to kill an old guy because we hate him!” Like... 👁👄👁  Bros, are you good? LMAAAOOOOOOOO 

Also, if you think this template is familiar, then you’re right. I couldn’t resist reusing this template because EUGENE REALLY GOT +25 CARDS UP PEOPLE’S ASSES. ESPECIALLY JAMES’S IN THIS SITUATION.

“Hey Alexa, play Often by The Weeknd!” 🥵🥵🥵

I’M SORRY. YOU GUYS ARE TIRED OF ME OBSESSING OVER THIS MAN, BUT LOOOOOOOOOOK AT HIM!!! 😍😍😍😍😍 LIKE GAAHHH DAYUUUUUUUM. THIS MAN CHANGED INTO A SIMPLER OUTFIT, BUT HE STILL LOOKS SO FIIINNNEEEEE!!!! UGGGHHHH. Ayo he can bend me backwards bro, I DON’T CARE. Gawk Gawk 9000? Uhhhh... LET ME CONSIDER- 👀 NAH I’M KIDDING... Or am I...? 😏 I’D LET HIM FOLD ME TOO. 😭😭😭💀💀💀💀💀 (And ofc he’s drinking Hibiki. 😂 Like brooooooo... hottest Yakuza I’ve ever seen. You can’t DENY.) 

*N S F W  M E M E S  W A R N I N G*

Sorry. I just had to. 💀 ALSO, COMPLETELY UNRELATED BUT...

I APOLOGIZE. I GOT NO “STOP” BUTTON WHEN IT COMES TO THIS MAN. 💀💀💀💀💀💀💀💀 I’M SO SORRY!!! 

*E N D  O F  N S F W  M E M E S*

AAAAAAAAND THE OLD MAN AGREES. HAHAHAHAHAHA Bruh, I’ve never seen him genuinely smile before. Is it just me? He always look so grumpy and serious all the time like  >:(  Tbh this panel really surprised me lol. 

EW. BRUV. WHO BROUGHT IN TRASH OVER HERE??? 😭😭😭😭 HAVEN’T SEEN THEM IN FOREVER PERO LIKE, I DON’T MISS ANY OF YOU LMFAOOOOOO GTFO.

OK, BUT THIS IS SO NOSTALGIC!!! SEEING LITTLE DANIEL BEAT THEM UP. 🥺🥺 This makes me reminisce the older Lookism chapters.

Also nah, nah, nah, nah, nah. You’re all getting your asses beaten for sure. Daniel will clap you all. Each. 👏🏽 And. 👏🏽 Every. 👏🏽 One. 👏🏽 Of. 👏🏽 You. 👏🏽

OHHHHHH... WELL, SPEAKING ABOUT DANIEL-

TIME TO GET HELLA CLAPPED!!!! 😆😆😆😆😆😆😆

These fools. Smh. 

OMGGGGGG IT’S DANIEL’S MOM!!!! AHHHHHHHHHHH IT’S BEEN FOREVER. 😭😭😭😭❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ BEST MOM EVER!!! WE LOVE YOU!!!! ALSO, NAH. YOU FUCKERS ARE FUCKED NOW. HOW DARE YOU SAY THAT ABOUT SOMEONE’S MOM, LIKE WTF IS WRONG WITH ALL OF YOU? Do they not have respect for anybody? Sometimes I think about these so called “bullies” in this Webtoon. Like no wonder you guys are so fucked up, y’all don’t got any parents or something? No guardians who’d teach you how to be a decent person??? Any manners? 💀 At least Daniel has a mom who knows how to treat her own son. I’m guessing y’all are just jealous that you don’t have a great mom like Daniel who’d sacrifice herself just for her son because she LOVES HIMMMMM!!! 😤😤😤😤 If any of them approach me, I’m throwing hands. Idc. 

GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 🏃🏽‍♂️🏃🏽‍♂️🏃🏽‍♂️🏃🏽‍♂️🏃🏽‍♂️🏃🏽‍♂️

 Daniel Park for FIFA World Cup 2026. ⚽️🏆

YEEEEESSSSSSS THAT’S OUR BOI. AHHHHH I’M SO PROUD OF HIM!!

And when that one bitch from your old high school called you ugly, but now thinks you’re hot... 😑 

OH MY GOD. IT’S HAPPENING!!!!

OH MY GOOOOOOODDDDDDD!!! 

MA’AM, WE WERE AS SURPRISED AS YOU ARE WHEN WE FIRST SAW HIM CHANGE  TOO. 💀 AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!! FINALLYYYYYY. WE GOT TO SEE HER REACTION TO HIS TRANSFORMATION!!! UGH. I’M GONNA GO CRY NOW. 😭😭😭😭😭💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖

He has matured into a very good man. And a fine one too... I’m so proud of him. His character development had come such a long way. 😭💞

THIS IS JUST MY THEORY. (Before any of you argue about this and flame my ass, I’m telling you now. This is just my opinion. Pls don’t get heated by it. Thank you.)  💀

You know it’s about to get serious when an old person did the, “I’ve fallen and I can’t get up.” pose. 🚨

FINALLY. Jinyeong Park’s time to shine. 🤩 I’m getting a Darth Vader and Luke moment here. “Luke.... I am your father.” (That’s the only Star Wars reference I know. My bad.) And Jinyeong belongs to the dark side (The Worker’s First Affiliate), while Daniel is the main protagonist who belongs on the good side. Call me goofy, I know. Because my wack ideas make me think about my life choices sometimes. LMFAO But ANYWAYS, I CAN’T WAIT FOR DANIEL’S MOM TO EXPLAIN WHO JINYEONG PARK IS. I’m just glad that Daniel got to see his mom after everything that he had been through. The kid needs a break, and I’m here for it. ❤️

ALSO I CAN’T WAIT TO SEE HIS FAMILY’S REACTION TO HIS TRANSFORMATION. AHHHHHHH I’M SO EXCITED!!! 🤪

[artyandink]

Light My Fire (Again) | beau arlen | preview | seven

Summary: “I thought I’d swore off love, Jenny.” I smiled, chuckling a bit as I looked down to my feet then back up the skies, taking in the twinkling lights. “God, I really thought I did, and I was doing such a good job at it too. But, well, I just… I couldn’t help it.” I wet my lips slightly, biting the bottom one. “It’s improper, but it’s true.”

SERIES MASTERLIST

MAIN MASTERLIST

(divider credits go to cafekitsune)

A/N - Feedback is my fuel ❤️

seven - there’s a fallen angel on my shoulder

“So, Tom, where are you from?” I asked Tom, sitting with my hands in my lap on the sofa of Dean’s house, waiting for Olivia to come downstairs for her date with Tom. I examined the boy, with his sandy hair and clever brown eyes. I didn’t like it, not one bit. But if Olivia saw fit, then fine, she saw fit.

“Me? I’m from… R-Roseburg.” Tom answered, a little taken aback by my question. His arms twitched a little from where they were folded over his chest, which I clocked instantly with a raised eyebrow. “Oregon.”

“Roseburg, hm?” I smiled a bit, tilting my head ever so slightly as I studied his expression. Psychology and Criminology, people. Works wonders. “Olivia’s biological father is from Roseburg. I don’t know if you’ve met him yet-”

“Dean, yeah.” Tom answered almost instantly, which caught me off guard. So… he already knew Dean? How and when?

“You know Dean?” I asked, frowning ever so slightly. “How?”

He seemed to recognise that he’d made a small mistake, clearing his throat and glancing away. “Small town.”

“Mhmm.” I nodded curtly, my blue eyes sharp as I stared at him for a moment. “Sure. Alright.” Then I spotted Harry walk in, his eyes on me in a way that I couldn’t explain as he scratched his five o’clock shadow. He was also in animated conversation with Dean, who gave a friendly clap on the shoulder.

“Issy.” Harry gave me a broad, almost hopeful grin as his eyes flitted down my form and back up again. I stood up for Dean, however, hugging him tightly with a pat on the back.

“Hey, Dean.” I whispered with a smile before turning back to Harry with pursed lips. “Harry.”

“Can I talk to you about the kids?” He asked abruptly, his eyes having been on me the entire time I hugged Dean. I debated telling him to screw himself, but decided to take the high road.

“Sure.” As Harry's request hung in the air, I couldn't help but feel a sense of unease settle in the pit of my stomach. His eyes bore into mine with an intensity that made my skin crawl, and I found myself instinctively taking a step back, putting some physical distance between us. "Of course," I replied, forcing a tight smile as I tried to keep my tone neutral. "What about the kids?"

LMF TAGLIST:

@nancymcl @deans-spinster-witch @hobby27 @thej2report @winharry @abramswife @xxannyxx

Make sure to like, reblog with feedback and comment! Comment if you want to join the taglist!

[pinkrose787]

Amensia Branch AU! Chapter 4

Chapter Description: The long awaited reunion between Branch and his brothers!

Ao3 Link

I hope you enjoy! :D

Chapter 4

Poppy stares at Branch for a moment. She heard what Branch said. He wants to see his brothers. But she is having trouble processing why. Yesterday, he was disgusted at the thought of seeing them. Now, he wants to see them? What changed?

Maybe it was some of the scrapbooks she gave him. Perhaps he read about all the time he spent with his brothers. Maybe reading about how his brothers had changed over the last twenty years made him want to see them again.

But Poppy knows that’s probably not it. She remembers how Branch used to be. A few simple scrapbooks aren’t going to change how Branch feels. Especially, when it comes to such a deep wound. “Are you sure?” Poppy asks.

Branch nods. “I’m sure.”

“Well, alright!” Poppy claps her hands together. She gets up from her chair. “I’ll go get them! They’ll be so happy to see you again!”

She walks through the door and through the hallway towards the waiting room. This is most likely going to lead to disaster. Hopefully, it won’t Hopefully, everything will turn out fine. Maybe this reconciliation will be quicker and less painful than last time.

Oh, who is she kidding? She knows that Branch wasn’t happy to see his brothers the first time. The fight in Rhonda still replays in her mind. Up until that point, she didn’t understand why Branch was so unhappy to reunite with his brothers. But if that was what it was like for Branch when he was a baby, no wonder why he wouldn’t want to see them.

They changed. She reassures herself of that. The four of them have changed in the time since they left Branch, and they’ve changed since they reunited with him. Now, they’re better brothers. Now, they want to be there for Branch and support him. Branch will see that. Won’t he? 

She gets to the waiting room. The four brothers are sitting in a corner. Talking amongst themselves in hushed voices. From this distance, she can’t hear what they’re saying. However, she can see the look on their faces. They all look so solemn and worried.

Poppy walks over to them. Somehow, telling them that Branch does want to see them is more anxiety inducing than telling them that he doesn’t. Telling them feels like arming a bomb that’s set to go off any second. She could always lie. She could tell them Branch still doesn’t want to see them. But Branch has made his choice, and it would be wrong for Poppy to deny that.

“Hey guys!” Poppy says, trying to hide the worry in her voice.

The four of them look up at her. Their gaze is solely fixated on her, waiting for news about their brother. “How’s Branch?” Bruce asks.

“He seems to be doing a lot better! And…” She puts her hands together and takes in a deep breath. “He wants to see you. All of you.”

“Really?” John Dory jumps out of his chair. His face is lit up. “He really wants to see us?”

Poppy nods. “Yes, he does.”

“Then what are we waiting for? Let’s go see him!” Bruce gets up out of his chair.

Clay and Floyd follow suit. “I can’t believe that Branch actually wants to see us,” Clay says with a large grin on his face.

While Bruce, Clay, and John Dory are ecstatic at hearing about Branch, Floyd doesn’t look so happy. He doesn’t say anything. But Poppy can tell that he probably is having the same thoughts as her about how well this will go. 

“Well, follow me! I’ll take you to Branch’s room.” Poppy leads the four of them through the hospital corridors until they get to the door to Branch’s room.

Poppy stops just before the door. She turns around and faces the brothers. “So, before you go in there, I should warn you about Branch.” She takes another deep breath. “Branch right now, is a lot different than the one you know. Don’t get me wrong, he’s still the same troll. But he is a lot angrier and he doesn’t really have a filter when it comes to that anger.”

Floyd puts his hand on Poppy’s shoulder. “We know. We talked about this in the waiting room.”

Of course, they know. She and Branch explained to them what life was like before they reunited. When Branch was gray and angry. Just like he is now. “I just want you to be prepared. Branch can be really hurtful without meaning it.”

“I don’t think there’s anything that he can say that will hurt us too much!” John Dory exclaims.

Poppy stares at John Dory for a second. He has such optimism about this meeting that she wishes she had. Even though optimism has always come naturally to her, this is the exception to that. She knows Branch well enough that every time she imagines how this meeting will go down, it always ends in disaster. “All right.” She puts her hand on the door knob. “I’ll tell Branch you’re here.”

--------

While Poppy gets his brothers, Branch sits in his hospital bed reading the cards that Poppy gave him. There isn’t a shortage of them. All of them are so different in their designs. But they all say the same thing. “Get Well Soon”. The sentiment feels hollow. Like they’re doing it out of obligation rather than genuinely wishing him well. The only card that feels genuine among the pile is Poppy’s.

He holds Poppy’s card in his hand. Reading and rereading what she wrote. He rubs his thumb over the handwritten message at the bottom. Hoping that maybe he’ll feel a bit of the love that Poppy put into making this card.

The door creaks as it opens.

Branch looks up from Poppy’s card. “Hey Branch!” She says in her ever cheery tone. “You’re brothers are here to see you!” She opens the door more to let them in.

His brothers enter the room. Though the hospital room is large, it’s crowded with six people in it.

“Hey, Branch” Floyd awkwardly waves at him.

Branch stares at his brothers. He’s struck by how different they all look. Of course, he saw the photos of them in the scrapbooks, but seeing them in person is still a shock. They all barely register as his brothers. Instead, they all look some cheap BroZone impersonators. But to Branch there’s no mistaking it, they are his brothers.

He wants to say something. There’s so many things that he has wanted to say to them over the years. Different thoughts and different emotions all clamber to be let out. He wants to scream at them for leaving for so long. He wants to cry like a baby from all the pain they caused him. He wants to tell them how much he missed them. He wants to tell them how much he hates them.   

When he opens up his mouth to say something, nothing comes out.

“You know what. I’ll go out to the hallway to give you guys some privacy.” Poppy promptly slips out the door, closing it behind her. An act that Branch wishes he could do. He didn’t anticipate how awkward this meeting would be.

“So… We’re back!” John Dory gives a wide grin.

Branch cringes inside at John Dory’s attempt to break the ice. “Yeah, you are. Over 20 years too late.” He scoffs. That last part slipped out. Its meaner than he wanted to be, but he doesn’t regret it. Why should he regret saying the truth? Just because it was a little mean? He doesn’t think so.  

“Hey, so you know, we have been back for over a year now.” John Dory says. With the way he said it, you’d think a year was comparable to a century. As if the four of them have been back in Branch’s life for any real significant amount of time.  

“A year. All of you have only been back a year. Since you all left me when I was about 1 and I’m 25 now, that means you’ve been in my life for…” Branch quickly does the math in his head. “about a solid eight percent of it. Not even a full ten percent.”

His brothers share glances. All of them look hurt. But if there’s one thing Branch has learned is that the truth does hurt. Here, the truth is that they left him behind as a baby, and only came back when he was an adult. If they didn’t want the truth of Branch being angry at them for that, then they should have never abandoned him.

Floyd walks over to Branch’s bedside. “Branch, I know that we were gone a long time. And you’re rightfully upset with us for that.” His voice is soft like it was when he told Branch that he was leaving him behind. “But now, we’re back. We’ve been back and we’ve been making an effort to be there for you.”

“An effort that you couldn’t have made before? You promised me that you’d come back and you never did.” Branch’s voice is bitter and angry. In the coldest nights after his grandma died, he’d hear Floyd’s promise to come back repeat in his mind. He told himself that Floyd wouldn’t break his promise. That at any moment he’d be back. But that never happened.

“Well…” Floyd glances at his brothers. “It’s more complicated-”

“Tell me the truth, Floyd. If you had never gotten caught by Velvet and Veneer would you be here?” Branch looks at the rest of his brothers. “Would any of you be here? Because it seems like the only reason any of you are back in my life is because he got kidnapped.”

“Branch, please listen,” Floyd pleads. Branch has never heard Floyd sound so sorrowful. He doesn’t feel good about making his favorite brother feel like that. “I did come back, but when I did, I found that the Troll Tree was dead. I thought you were dead.”

“It was the same for me,” John Dory pipes up. “We didn’t know about the escape.”

Branch rolls his eyes. What a weak and lame excuse. “That’s weird. Because from what I’ve heard, you two should have heard about Pop Village.” He points at Floyd. “You were with the Hard Rock Trolls who definitely knew about Pop Village given that they almost destroyed it.”

Floyd looks at the ground. “I knew about Pop Village. But…”  

Branch doesn’t let Floyd finish his thought. Not wanting to hear whatever stupid excuse Floyd is about to come up with. He points at John Dory. “And John Dory, you expect me to believe that during your travels, you never came across a map that showed you exactly where Pop Village is.”

John Dory averts Branch’s gaze to avoid looking in his eyes. “I did, but…”

“But… what? You never thought to check to see if I was there. It never crossed your mind that maybe I could be there and be alive. You never thought that it was worth the effort to come visit and see if I was okay.”

Branch turns his judgmental gaze towards Clay and Bruce. Clay shifts uncomfortably as Branch stares at him. “And what about you two? Did either of you ever think about coming back?”

“I wanted too. I really did. But the Putt Putt Trolls needed me. I couldn’t leave them behind.” Clay says. That’s a terrible reason in Branch’s mind.

Before he can come up with some snarky reply, Bruce starts talking. “I couldn’t. But you have to understand. I was busy with my family.”

That is what he’s using to justify abandoning Branch? Really? “Right, you were too busy with your new family that you forgot all about the one that you left behind.” He laughs a bitter laugh. “Are you going to abandon this new family as soon as you get tired of them too?”

“No, they’re my family! I love them! I would never abandon them!” Bruce shouts.

“Then did you never love me! Because you abandoned me for them! You were my brother! I needed you! I needed all of you!” Tears start forming in his eyes. He doesn’t fight them. Let his brothers see the anguish that they’ve caused him.

“But you all abandoned me, when I needed you most. And you keep bringing up excuses as to why you didn’t come back, but you know what they’re all terrible excuses. Because I still lived in Grandma’s pod for two years after you left. Each of you had two years to come back. Two long years to come check-up on me. Just once. Just for one single day and you didn’t. None of you ever came back. Do you know what I had to deal with because of that?” His voice rises. He’s practically screaming now.

“I had to deal with watching Grandma die all by myself at the age of two! I had to escape from the Troll Tree by myself when I was three! I had to spend my entire childhood raising myself, because of you!” His voice is hoarse from the shouting, but he has to continue. “And now, you show up 20 years later expecting to pick up right where we left off. Acting like a perfect happy family. Not caring one bit about the pain you’ve caused me.”

“Branch.” John Dory’s usually gruff voice is soft. “We do care. That’s why we’ve been trying to fix our relationship. That’s why we’re here.”

“If you truly cared, then you would have come back. You would have at least tried.” The tears are flowing down Branch’s face. He doesn’t try to stop them. He doesn’t wipe them away.  

Floyd opens his mouth to say something. He knows Floyd. It’s going to be another excuse. Another justification of why they abandoned him and why it’s all okay now.

“Don’t.” Branch says. “Leave me alone. You all have so much practice at that.”

“Branch…” Floyd says.

“Just go!” Branch shouts.

Floyd flinches. He looks at his brothers for support. “Branch is right,” John Dory says, his voice low. “We should leave.”

He opens the door and walks out. Clay and Bruce follow him, not looking back at Branch. Floyd heads towards the door, but before he exits he looks at Branch. “I know you’re angry, but we’re not leaving you behind this time. I promise.”

Branch doesn’t respond. He doesn’t have the energy too. Floyd sighs and walks out the door. Leaving Branch alone to stew in his misery.

Great. It’s exactly like last time. They’re gone. But this time it’s his fault that they left. He was the one who pushed them away.

The once crowded hospital room feels so empty without his brothers. It feels lonely, but far less suffocating. There’s a part of his brain, the part that’s still a child, that wants his brothers to come back in and comfort him like they used to whenever he cried.  

But he knows that the brothers that the child part of him wants aren’t the four that were in here. The brothers that he wants are the ones that took care of him, the ones who cheered him on during BroZone rehearsals, the ones who were always by his side.

Those brothers are gone. They all died when they walked out on him and never returned. A thought crosses Branch’s mind that maybe it would have been better if they died when he was a baby. Maybe then they’d have a good reason for never coming back. Maybe then he wouldn’t have spent so many days and nights waiting for them to come back. Maybe then he would have been able to move on with his grief and his life.

And then he hates himself for thinking that. Branch lets his tears flow. Not for the sake of showing his brothers his misery, but because he is miserable. He’s hurt and he doesn’t know if anything is ever going to make him feel better again.

[poledancingdinos]

Hostile Territory - Chapter 7

Pairing: Captain Syverson x OFC (Leah Coleman)

Word count: 3.2K

Warnings: Masturbation (M)

Catch up: Series Masterlist

Taglist: @amberangel112 @utterlyhopeful-fics @marantha​ @kebabgirl67 @littleone65 @omgkatinka  @luclittlepond @elizabetharegina  @enchantedbytomandhenry @narnianaos  @geralts-yenn @peaches1958 @avengersfan25  @sillyrabbit81 @summersong69  @identity2212 @liecastillo @lena-banena @mrsevans90 @confessionbrain-writings

Masterlist

Day 99

“Bet you ten bucks I can do more pull-ups than you can.”

“Make that twenty and you’re fucking on!”

Sanford shoved Molson’s shoulder and they both took up a spot on the pull-up bar. Two men stood in front of them ready to count each of their reps and make sure neither man could cheat. They both ripped their shirts over their heads and grabbed the bar, waiting for a countdown before beginning their little competition. 

For the most part, Leah ignored their pissing contest, focusing on her set but still keeping an eye on the boys. It was a close battle, but after a lot of trash talk and some sketchy reps, Sanford won the bet, earning him a clap on the back and a round of congratulations for his performance.

“What about you, Coleman?” Connors called, as she put down her free weights.

“What about me, Connors?”

“You want a shot to win some cash? I’ll even let you pick the challenge.”

Leah looked around the makeshift gym at all the eyes that had landed on them. Her boys had come to stand behind her, silently backing her up.

“How gracious of you,” she mocked. “We both know you’re only challenging me because you think it’s easy money.”

“That’s usually the point of a bet, Coleman. I’m just that good, it’s nothing to take personally.”

No one noticed as Sy walked in, sitting on a bench by the opening of the tent. He quietly observed the exchange, grabbing a few free weights from a nearby rack. After he had his meeting with Nielsen, a meeting that stripped him of his rank and team leader status, he, Krosner, Molson and Connors had backed off Leah.

Apparently, a month and a half was the limit for how long the boys could go without being jackasses. They had slowly fallen back into their old habits but she could ignore them as long as they stayed out of her way.

“Let’s make this interesting then.” She didn’t really want to indulge him but if she played her cards right, the cocky kid, who’d made himself a thorn in her side since her arrival, would have his ass handed to him. “I bet I can spank you and anyone else who wants to try to beat my count. If I lose to even one of you, I’ll give each man twenty bucks.”

“You're fucking on, Coleman.”

Nielsen approached them, putting a hand on Connors’ shoulder. “I don’t know, G… She looks way to fucking calm about this… I wouldn’t take that bet blind.”

“I’m up for anything, man.” He looked at Leah dead in the eye. “Let’s do this shit.”

A smirk pulled at her lips for all of half a second before she schooled her features by Sy took notice of it from across the room. Whatever she was up to, she seemed pretty confident that she was going to win. Leah turned and the men behind her stepped aside, letting her walk over to the chin up bar. Bending down to take off her boots, she began explaining what needed to be done.

“Okay, straight legs is the correct form but I’ll let you get away with bent.”

“Underestimating me already, Coleman? I’m offended.”

That time, Leah allowed herself to grin openly. It wasn’t a question of underestimating him, it was a question of outsmarting him and putting him in his place.

“You stop when you can’t make it back without help and a rep doesn’t count if you don’t go low enough. Oh and, no using your feet on the bar to get upside down.”

“How do we know if you're doing this right? Nothing you’ve said so far makes any sense,” Nielsen argued, crossing his arms.

He had a point, Sy had no idea what the hell she was trying to explain.

“Someone can hold an arm out so we have a target to touch without being able to rest our weight on it. Other than that you’ll be able to tell if it’s not done right.”

“I’ll do it,” Sy’s deep voice echoed from across the tent, pulling Leah’s attention to him. “I ain’t planning on losin’ my money on this little hustle but I might as well make sure it’s a fair fight.” He stepped forward, closer than he needed to, coming nearly chest to chest with Leah.

She froze for a second, her eyes flickering over his chest then back to his face before she gave him a slight nod.

The bar had been set up with the tallest guys in mind and was way too high for Leah to reach on her own, even with a jump. Needing the space below her feet to be clear, she opted for climbing up the support pole by pushing her feet into the front and pulling with her arms.

She could have asked Sy for a boost but the thought of his hands on her waist sent a shiver down her spine and not in a bad way. Part of her was afraid that she would enjoy that a little too much.

Leah quickly made it to the top and reached out to grasp the horizontal bar. After shimmying to the center, she settled her hands in a pronated grip, a little wider than shoulder width apart. She’d learned from experience that her hips needed an extra inch or two of space.

“Alright boys, pay attention. Don’t ask me why but where I’m from, this exercise is called ‘Skin-the-cat’ and it’s like a leg raise on steroids.”

With her legs straight and held together from thigh to toe, she brought her legs up in a backwards roll, threading them through the opening of her arms and lowered herself down until her body was practically vertical again. She stayed still for a few moments and Sy took it as his queue to kneel and hold out a hand for her to touch with her feet on the next go. They all watched in complete silence as she reversed the motion and flipped back around, finally lowering her legs back to a hanging position.

“That’s one rep,” she announced, then repeated the exercise again with a little more speed while maintaining complete control of her body. On her best days, she normally managed ten or eleven of them back to back without taking a break between reps. On her eighth rep she struggled to get herself back up once she had touched Sy’s hand with her feet but she continued to push, managing thirteen reps before getting permanently stuck on her fourteenth.

Normally she would stop before getting stuck because losing control in the upside down position was very risky for your shoulders but she’d been a little reckless in trying to get mid double digits for the sake of showing off. Letting go was an option but that too was potentially dangerous both for her shoulders and from the fall.

Sy could see by how low her body had dropped that she was out of strength. Her shoulders were no longer engaged, she was just hanging on and he was not going to risk her getting hurt because she was too stubborn to ask for help. He put a hand on her back to guide her hips and took the weight off her legs to push her back through her arms.

Once she was back on the ground, panting heavily, she looked at the faces across the room. Some of the men looked impressed, presumably the one who had an idea just how hard that exercise could be while others stood a little taller, smug looks on their faces.

“Thirteen? That’s it?”

Sy shook his head. That kid really didn’t have a clue what he was getting into. Sy was under no illusion that he would be able to do better than Leah. He wasn’t even sure he would manage to get upside down all the way. He was strong but flexibility was not exactly his strength. 

“Have at it then.” Leah gestured to the bar before she grabbed her boots and moved aside, sitting on a nearby bench.

Benjie bent down from behind her, whispering in as she kept her eyes on Connors. “He hasn’t done calisthenics a day in his life, I bet his shoulders give out on the first pass.”

Leah giggled, looking over her shoulder at Benjie who held out his fist. She tapped her knuckles to his and turned back to find the Captain looking straight at them while waiting for Connors to get his boots off. 

Noticing he’d been caught, Sy looked away, kneeling as he waited for Connors to start. He took way longer than he needed to, shaking his arms out on either side of himself and making a show out of warming up as if he didn’t expect to have Leah beat without so much as breaking a sweat. When he reached up for the horizontal bar, it only took him a small jump to get a hold of it with both hands.

As soon as he raised his legs and passed them below the bar, he realized what a monumental mistake he had made. He was too quick to drop his hips down to the lowest point his shoulder mobility would allow and his face twisted as he fought to get them back up again.

The exercise was demanding, sure, but the most difficult part of it when Leah had first attempted it was figuring out which muscles to engage to get herself back through her arms. The position was so foreign that it was almost like forgetting which muscles did what.

Connors’ face twisted from the effort while the men around him cheered him on. Well, they weren’t so much cheers as they were demands not to let a chick beat him at a physical challenge. He made it through his first rep without any help but he burned up so much energy doing so that it only took one more try to have him cursing and calling for someone to help him bail.

“Bro, what a disgrace,” Nielsen said, shoving Connors aside “move the fuck over and let a real Alpha do this shit.”

Three more men tried but none of them managed to beat Leah’s count, the best of them finishing seven before giving up. When no more volunteers spoke up, Connors pouted and stormed out like a bratty child.

With the competition over, Ben pulled Leah back over to the bar and yanked off his boots. They began their own challenge, doing a move then letting the other try to replicate it. The rest of the team joined in, attempting exercises they had never seen or heard of before. For the most part, Leah and Ben were evenly matched, managing to copy any trick the other pulled out. Jeremiah and Rohan managed many of the strength based exercises but Ethan turned out to be surprisingly coordinated and agile.

Leah was so carried away, laughing with her friends that she didn’t notice their captain had finished his workout and was now sitting off to the side and watching them mess around. Everyone else had cleared out already so they were the last six people in the tent.

“Okay, enough is enough, I’m done playing fair,” she said, shooing them away and making some room around the bar. She moved the crate she’d been using to step up and climbed the side pole back to the horizontal bar.

She raised her legs the same way she had for the skin-the-cats but instead of passing them below the bar, she swung them up and above, stopping with her hips on the bar. She wiggled for a second before letting go and resting her hands on her calves. Her body was folded in two with her legs and arms pointing downwards.

“Woah, Leah, get your hands back on the bar!” Sy ordered, jumping to his feet and rushing over only to be stopped by Ben and Ethan.

“She’s good, Cap, enjoy the show,” Ben said, slapping Sy twice on the shoulder.

Sy’s heart began to race, watching Leah’s body hanging over a bar ten feet in the air like she didn’t have a care in the world while he had no idea what she was doing.

Though she hadn’t opened up much about her personal life, one thing Leah had mentioned to the boys was that she’d spent a few years learning circus arts in high school—something Sy was completely unaware of.

She moved fluidly, lifting her head and shoulders while her hands slid up her legs until her arms were spread on either side of her. Her body was nearly horizontal with the ground as she balanced on her stomach. She looked straight ahead not, acknowledging the presence of anyone in the tent, then suddenly pulled her limbs into a tight ball and let her body tip backwards. Sy instinctively tried to push forwards again but the two men on either side didn't let him move an inch.

Leah rolled around the bar twice in quick succession, stopping when she found the same balanced position she’d had moments before. The move was equally impressive and nerve-racking. 

Sy’s entire body tensed as she slowly moved her outstretched arms above her head, momentarily looking like a ballerina. She gave herself a little swing and rolled forward this time, maintaining the same tucked form as she had used going backwards.

After the second pass, her hands found the bar and Sy sucked in a breath, thinking she had messed up but she kept complete control as she slowed her descent and extended her body below the bar.

“Coleman, that’s enough, get down before you hurt yourself.”

“Come on, Cap, don’t be a spoilsport.”

She’d probably meant it to be teasing, and she definitely didn’t deserve to be barked at but Sy was running on instinct. “I’m doing my fuckin’ job and lookin’ out for your safety!”

Still, she didn’t come down.

“One more trick,” she bargained, keeping her tone intentionally even. “I’ll keep my hands on the bar, this time, I promise.”

Sy clenched his jaw, grinding his teeth, but eventually nodded in acceptance. Leah’s focus immediately returned to her little performance as she brought her legs up, threading one between her arms and hooking her knee to the bar. The other stayed straight as she kicked downwards and swung her body up, stopping upright with the bar between her thighs.

“If you’re hoping to have us copy that, I can tell you right now that I am not risking my balls on your stunts,” Jeremiah quipped, the pinched look on his face making his comment all the more amusing to Leah.

“This next one is called ‘Iron Fanny’ so it’s definitely not made with men in mind.”

She turned ninety degrees, effectively straddling the bar, and adjusted her grip so both of her palms faced inward towards her body. She whipped her leg and spun sideways around the bar. Her body remained straight as a board as she dipped to the side and did a three-sixty around the metal pole. When she glanced at her audience, all five men visibly winced.

“Okay, now I’m done.” Leah tipped forward, doing half of a windmill spin and unhooking her legs before she moved to the side to slide down the support pole.

Sy was tempted to rip her a new one for being so reckless but the smile he spotted on her face when she got to her feet had him stopping in his tracks. The guys surrounded her, praising her little performance.

“That was so much fun! I haven’t been able to do any kind of tricks in ages.” She skipped forward, clapping her hands excitedly.

“And ya ain’t gonna do any of ‘em again so long as you’re on my watch.”

Leah looked up at Sy, her face falling. His tone was sharp, clearly meaning his words.

Fuck. He hated being the cause of her disappointment but he would hate it himself more if she got hurt.

“You know what you’re doin’, that much is obvious, but I won’t have you gettin’ injured ‘cause you’re trying to show off. Do I make myself clear?”

“Yes, Sir.”

He turned to Ben and Ethan. “Don’t make a habit of gettin’ in the way of me doin’ what’s best for my soldiers.”

“Yes, Sir,” they said in unison. 

Sy marched out of the training tent, not stopping to speak to anyone on his way to his room. He really needed to clean some of the sweat and dirt from his skin but a pitstop in his room was mandatory. He shut the door with a slam and immediately unbuckled his belt, falling back onto the bed with one hand down his underwear.

Watching Leah beat the guys at their own game had been a treat. Seeing her show off her skills afterwards had been more like slow torture and he hadn’t been able to pull himself away.

She had taken off her shirt at some point, leaving her in her sports bra and baggy pants which only accentuated the curve of her hips. Her hair had been pulled back in a tight bun as always, leaving the lines of her neck and her cleavage completely exposed.

Sy’s fist clamped tighter around his manhood, slowly moving from root to tip while he worked his pants down further. His eyes were shut tightly, picturing the small drops of sweat rolling down the valley of Leah’s breasts as she caught her breath between reps, the way her tongue would dart out to lick her lips after she took a greedy sip of water, and the way her pants hugged her ass when she stretched on the ground, casually chatting with her team.

He moved faster as he recalled the confidence with which she had climbed up to the bar. How she had gotten lost in her own world while she performed her little tricks as if one slip wouldn’t send her barreling down to the ground. It was probably best that the guys had stopped him before he could interrupt her focus and be the cause of her fuck up. He had even called her by her first name—something he never did.

There was something too intimate about calling her Leah to her face. Maybe that was his fault. Maybe it felt that way because it was what he mumbled to himself in times like these. As much as he tried not to, he couldn’t keep her name off his lips when he felt his release approaching. He desperately desired to grunt it in her ear as he plowed into her, only to have her answer with his own name.

“Oh fuck.” Sy hastily pulled his shirt up his chest while his other hand stilled, his release painting his stomach in thick stripes of cum.

He laid in bed a little longer, catching his breath. There was nothing like a quick wank after a hard workout to leave you feeling completely boneless. He eventually cleaned himself up, grabbing his soap and towel and going back down to the showers. The water would most likely be lukewarm at that time of day but he half wished it would be freezing cold. Sy had a serious interest in his young subordinate and he had a feeling it was only going to continue to grow stronger.

Chapter 8

[a-strange-inkling]

Day 17: Angels

New York, New York 1994

“Daddy!”

His littlest angel runs down the school hallway, looking like an actual cherub in her white robe and the feathery white wings tied to her back. The slightly crooked gold halo on top of her curls is the only indication of her true nature under all that heavenly beauty.

“You made it! You made it!” she cries happily, before tripping on her skirt and falling face forward, wiping out with a slide, her halo flying off and rolling down the tile.

“Oof, Maggie, you okay?” he quickens his pace, reaching down to help her up.

“I’m okay!” she raises her arm in assurance.

Chrissy and Olivia are hurrying behind her after seeing her fall.

He lifts her up at arms length to check her over, making sure she’s alright. Luckily it looks like she landed on her tummy rather than her chin or her head. He breathes a chuckle, hugging her close. “Little fall from grace there, huh?” He kisses the top of her hair as he fishes around for her halo on the ground.

“There we go,” he tells her, straightening it on top of her. “Don’t want the rest of the angel choir to know which department you really work for.”

“Thanks, Dad!” she fluffs her curls with a big toothy smile. “Do I look beautiful?”

“Absolutely beautiful.” he tells her.

They’re quite the contrast, the both of them, his little golden-haired, blue-eyed angel baby and his dark-haired, dark-eyed self, still in his stage get up. He was short on time and had to hush over right after the gig uptown to make it. Nothing too edgy, but he's still all in black. Black jeans with chains, heavy combat boots, and a tight black t-shirt with his tattoos and scars on display. Relatively tame, but maybe a bit much for an elementary school’s Christmas concert.

Chrissy reaches them with a relieved sigh. “Maggie, you know you shouldn’t be running.”

“I’m okay, Mom,” she tells her, glancing over her shoulder. “Are my wings straight?”

“A little lopsided, believe it or not.” She looks skyward as she adjusts the feathery extensions of her costume.

“Livvy, you look so beautiful,” Eddie gasps when his oldest springs forward to hug him around the waist. She’s wearing an identical costume to Maggie except she has a pair of golden wings. She smiles brightly and sways her skirt a little.

“Thanks, Daddy, I almost thought you weren’t going to make it.” she tells him.

“And miss your solo, are you kidding me!?” he exclaims, turning to find Chrissy smiling up at him in amusement.

“What?” he laughs. “Why are you looking at me?”

She snickers, leaning up and brushing her pointer finger under his eye, giving him a sudden flashback to the Middle School talent show. It’s kind of pathetic that she still makes his heart race and his palms sweaty. “You still have your eyeliner on.” she giggles.

“No way!” he smiles slowly, finding a security mirror to see that he indeed forgot to wash off his heavy stage makeup. “Oops... better go take care of that.”

Chrissy’s smile grows. “But I like it!”

“Oh, you do, do you?” he smirks crookedly, leaning down.

“Mmhmm.” she nods, meeting him half way with a quick kiss.

“Ew,” Maggie makes a gagging noise. “Don’t kiss him, Mom!”

“Ahem!” Ms. Foltz clears her throat loudly in the doorway of the auditorium, clapping her hands sharply. “Excuse me, little Miss Munsons, I need all my angels backstage immediately, let’s go, let’s goooo!”

“Alright, break a leg up there, girls!” Eddie says, setting Maggie down and giving them both a quick squeeze before they scurry inside. Foltz gives him a disapproving up and down stare, nose slightly in the air, her pencil thin eyebrow raised high.

“Hey there, Peggy,” he shoots her a wink, wrapping an arm around Chrissy.

“...Edward.” she sighs tiredly.

“You sure you don’t need me up there?” he asks with a wolfish grin. “I’ve got my amp in my trunk, I can round up the boys, get this place really rocking, what do you say?”

She humphs audibly with a shake of her head. “I told you that I don’t appreciate that snark of yours, Mr. Munson.” she replies dismissively, following after the girls with a swing of her silk scarf.

“Watch out sweetheart,” Eddie cackles as they go to settle into their seats. “I think she has a little bit of a thing for me.”

Chrissy gives him a nudge with her elbow. “How was your show?” she asks.

“It was really great… up until Jimmy jumped out into the crowd.” he replies, nodding and smiling tightly at the other parents who are giving him the side eye.

“They didn’t bring him back?” Chrissy guesses as they sit down.

“They didn’t bring him back.” Eddie nods solemnly.

“He’s got to stop doing that.” she sighs.

“I told him he’s too pretty for that shit, one of these times he’s actually going to get kidnapped.” Eddie rolls his eyes as the lights begin to dim. “Gareth managed to fish him out.”

They quiet down as the curtain opens and about thirty little angels come shyly wandering out to serenade them with Christmas songs. It’s pretty damn adorable, Eddie has to admit.

They both get teary when Olivia steps up nervously on the little step and sings her solo line of Angels We Have Heard on High.

“Oh my God,” Eddie half whispers, half cries in amazement. “We made her!”

“I know!” Chrissy whispers back, placing a hand over chest.

Tiny Maggie spots him from where she is lined up with the other preschoolers on the stage and waves happily. He waves back, scrunching his nose at her. Her big blue eyes dart to where the shadowy figure of Ms. Foltz is standing backstage for a split second before she looks back at him mischievously, making a quick devil face.

Eddie’s mouth drops open with a shocked laugh as Chrissy gasps from beside him.

Pretty much everyone catches it and there is a muted snickering throughout the theater at seeing such a perfect little angel making such a devilish expression.

@hellcheerxmas

[crappymixtape]

something infinite • part seven

SOMETHING INFINITE • PART SEVEN I ‘ L L P R O M I S E I ‘ L L P I N K Y S W E A R

part seven of something infinite – steve tries to decide what it is he wants, to keep burying everything down deep and keep it locked away or crack open his chest and trust you with his heart | ( 4.1k, angst, enemies to lovers, steve x you, steve x reader – find the rest of the series and more here and find the series playlist on spotify here )

J U L Y 1 9 8 7 🎶 i’ll be here, joel ansett

“Not here?”

“C’mon, Steve. Don’t make me say it again.”

“But, I’ve tried—“

“It’s just not a good time.”

“Please, I—“

“Steve.”

“Okay. Alright. Just, here,” Steve handed over a stuffed bear to Jonathan who took it gently. “It took me til the fair closed, but–” he stopped, realizing Jonathan probably didn’t care about the inside joke Steve shared with you, and shook his head.

Jonathan gave Steve a small, hesitant smile, maybe a promise to give it to you, and as he turned to leave Hop appeared in the doorway. Steve’s stomach lurched, but the grizzly bear of a man grunted a piss poor noise of reassurance.

“I’m not gonna bite,” he grumbled, “C’mere.” He clapped a hand on Steve’s shoulder and pushed him to the porch swing, leaning against the railing as the boy sat down. “Take it you didn’t fix it, huh?” his voice was gravely, but a bit softer than usual and Steve’s brows knitted together in frustration.

“Think I made it worse to be honest,” the boy confessed, unsure of why he was being honest with the man in front of him. Maybe it was the look of pity on his face.

“Probably,” Hop pulled a cigarette out of the pocket over his chest, wedging it in his mouth as he dug around for his lighter. “We all fuck it up at some point, just a matter of how bad you wanna fix it.” The man finally found the Bic in his jeans pocket. Lighting the cigarette he took a slow drag and glanced down at Steve, “You wanna fix it, Harrington?”

Steve scoffed, “Well, yeah.”

“Okay. Then own up to your shit. Apologize,” Hop shot him a stern look before blowing smoke off over his shoulder, and then his expression shifted. Softer somehow. “Look, I know it hasn’t been easy for you. Your dad–” he drifted off and shook his head, “–but not everybody knows that, huh?” He raised his brows, prodding Steve forward and the boy nodded before dropping his gaze to his feet. Hop took another drag. “Tommy, Kyle, those shitheads are only gonna keep gettin’ you into trouble.”

The man stepped forward and grabbed hold of the boy’s chin, tilting it roughly from side-to-side, inspecting the now yellowing bruise below his eye, the one on his jaw. Steve didn’t pull away, but he felt his chest tighten. Guilt. Regret.

“You keep hangin’ around with them–” Hop let Steve’s chin go, “–and everyone else is gonna leave.”

The boy huffed a sigh, folding over to rest his elbows on his thighs, burying his face into his hands. His voice was muffled when he finally spoke up, “Think I took care of that at the fair.”

“Good. Keep it that way,” Hop took one more drag, a hasty exhale of smoke, and then ground out the cigarette in the ashtray on the railing. Stepping in toward the boy he put a hand on his shoulder and squeezed, “You gotta figure yourself out. What you want. Not what your dad wants. Not what Tommy wants. Not even what I want,” he let out a bark of a laugh, “Though I’d appreciate you not stealin’ my rig again.”

Steve pulled his head away from his hands and rolled his eyes.

Hop’s expression hardened again. Tough and sure. “I’m serious. About my rig, but more so about all the stuff before that. You try and fit other people’s expectations and Steve Harrington ain’t gonna exist anymore. Least not the one I know. The one I see with the kids. The one in here,” Hop pushed a couple fingers hard into Steve’s chest, tapped on his heart, and shook his head. “Figure it out, kid,” and with that he went back inside, screen door slapping behind him on the frame leaving Steve alone on the porch to figure it out.

Joyce knew. She was the one who’d heard you come home crying, heard your door slam, heard from Hop. She’d been through her own share of heartbreak and it always got worse before it got better and you were right smack in the middle of worse. So she gave you time. Gave you space. Gave you a break from the library. Gave Steve what little encouragement she could when he came in to do his hours.

The first time she saw him after everything she knew it would be okay because he was miserable. Worse than she’d ever seen him. Wading through things, more drowning than swimming, but damn if he wasn’t trying. He asked after you every single day for almost a week and she’d always tell him you needed time, that you’d come around, and he never pushed despite how much it killed him.

She was like everyone else, giving him the benefit of the doubt, but – like everyone else – she could afford to. She knew. She knew what Gary Harrington was like, knew all too well what it felt like to get yelled at, to get hammered on. Knew what it was like to be a verbal punching bag and for it to have happened to Steve, especially so young, her heart ached for him.

Of course it didn’t excuse his actions, didn’t make up for how he’d hurt you. She’d said her piece in frustration after Hop recounted the evening, but she understood. She understood and knew it was difficult, knew it was complicated, and so she tried to encourage Steve to do something about it. Like Hop had. Like Robin and Nancy did. Like you would. And he wanted to, he knew he wanted to, but it took time to work through things and as he clocked in and out of his shifts at the library that week without you time flew.

The day had started off gloomy. Clouds heavy and billowing and dark in the sky. The air thick and charged. Electric. A storm coming. The kind where you felt it before it happened. Could smell the rain before it fell.

Steve had just finished his shift and piled into his car to leave, but before he could back out, Joyce appeared at his window motioning for him to roll it down.

“Hey, d’you need me to stay a little later?”

“Oh, that’s sweet of you hon, but no. Hop just called. Wanted me to tell you he cut Fridays off your schedule. Just twelve hours a week now, so you can take the day tomorrow.”

Steve’s mouth dropped open into a little ‘o’, “Was nice of him.”

“Well, you’ve been really helpful with covering things, so I told him maybe you deserved to have a little bit of your summer back,” she gave him a smile. A small one. Like she knew something he didn’t and gave his arm a soft pat before hurrying back inside the library.

Little bit of his summer back, but one less day with you. If you ever decided to show up again. Despite what should’ve been good news, Steve’s lips pulled down into a frown and he shifted his car into reverse, rolling out of the lot and down the road home. He didn’t bother with a tape and just let the radio play Freddie Mercury’s voice for a minute before it slowly bled into the next song.

You with the sad eyes, don’t be discouraged, oh I realize. It’s hard to take courage in a world full of people you can lose sight of it all, the darkness inside you can make you feel so small.

Steve felt his heart start to pound in his chest as he drove, window open, thick summer air wrapping around him. He could hear your voice singing along in the car, the sound of your laughter squeezing his chest tight.

But I see your true colors shining through, I see your true colors and that’s why I love you, so don’t be afraid to let them show. Your true colors, true colors, are beautiful like a rainbow.

Raindrops began to fall then. Small at first as they hit the windshield, slow and warm, and he felt the air through the open window turn muggy. Drawing everything in. Like it was waiting to exhale and as he turned down your street, his street, he realized he couldn’t do it anymore.

He rolled right past his house, pulling into your driveway instead, and as he jumped out of the car the sky opened up. A breathy sigh. Tears of relief. Huge raindrops falling heavy on the hood of his BMW, the gravel in the driveway, the metal roof of the house.

It was only a few yards to the porch, but Steve was soaked in the seconds it took to run across the yard, shoes wet and trailing prints behind him as he took the front steps in one go.

Lightning cracked the sky in two. Thunder rumbling across the sky. Making the windows shake in their frames and Steve felt it deep down in his chest. His heart pounded against his ribcage as he reached the door, lifting a hand to knock, once, twice, three times. Waiting. Holding his breath. Praying.

When you’d heard the door you didn’t know who to expect. Maybe Robin? She’d been stopping by at least once a day to check on you, bringing you all kinds of candy and trashy magazines and movies, stuff to keep your mind off things.

Keep your mind off Steve.

At first all you could do was replay the moment in your head. Dumping your soda. Tommy laughing. The feeling in the pit of your stomach when Steve didn’t stand up for you. The wrecked look on his face after, all bruised and lip split.

You told yourself you didn’t have to feel sorry for him. Told yourself he did it all on his own. That he had to sit in it because who would do that? Who would do that to someone they cared about? Of course it was more complicated, a winding, twisted thing with layers that hadn’t been peeled back yet, but it didn’t make it hurt any less.

After you finished crying. After you got over wanting to throw things at the wall. When the feeling of Steve’s arms around your waist overcame the feeling of cold, sticky soda on your skin, Nancy’s words had spiraled around in your head.

He’s sweet, it’s just not easy for him at home.

Give him a chance.

He’s got a big heart, he just needs someone who isn’t going to break it.

Hot sun, tangerine bikinis, smoke and skunky weed and the glittering water of the lake.

I can be asshole, I’m sorry.

Steve grinning at you through the window of his car and the words you’d promised.

I’ll go easy on you.

The confidence he’d had.

I won’t need it!

And he didn’t, at least not as the ferris wheel spun you both under the inky black sky. Not as he held you steady when you were afraid. Not as he kissed you all sweet and warm and summer. But maybe he needed it now, he just didn’t know it.

You opened the door barefoot with a can of soda in your hand and a lopsided smile on your face, “Robin, Cherry Coke is just as bad as regular–”

But it wasn’t Robin.

Standing there on your porch, soaked from head to toe, was an obnoxious boy. Hair wet and stuck messy across his forehead, shirt clinging tight to his skin, rain dripping off the tip of his nose, chest heaving and brows knitted together in remorse and guilt. Your hand moved to shut the door, but he caught it with his shoe.

“Wait!” came out too quick, desperate, and then, “Please.”

You struggled, an internal war waged on yourself over whether or not to let him in again. To your home. Your heart. Sucking a breath in you felt your pulse quicken at your neck, your heart fluttering and frantic, a bird trying to escape the confines of your ribcage and you decided no. Not on the first count anyway and you walked him firmly back out onto the porch.

“You suck,” came out simple, sharp, meant to cut.

“I know, I–”

“No. Like. Royally. You’re an asshole, Steve Harrington.”

He clamped his mouth shut and looked down at his wet shoes, another clap of thunder rumbling against your eardrums.

“I know,” he said again, quiet, defeated.

“So? What’re you gonna do about it?” You crossed your arms over your chest, a silent line of defense, lips firmed into a line. Rain started falling impossibly harder, the assault of water on the metal roof above you loud and scratchy like static and Steve practically had to yell over the sound of it.

“I’m sorry. I fucked up and you deserve so much better than any of that.”

“I know,” you echoed him, but the feeling of your heart squeezing in your chest pushed you further. “I liked you. Really liked you, you know that?” a disbelieving laugh escaped you and you roughed your hands over your face.

“Liked?” Steve’s voice cracked as he looked over at you, rain trailing down the line of his jaw, eyes darker than you’d ever seen them. Warm honey and caramel replaced with pools of deep maple, edged in damp lashes.

“You left me! While those assholes ran their mouths you didn’t say anything. Not one word,” you didn’t shy away from him, voice shaking.

“And it was wrong, I’m a coward for it,” he took a step toward you and you took a step back. He let out a sigh and pushed a hand through his wet hair, resigned at first, but then his eyes flicked up from the floor to meet yours. Searching, working through something. Shifting on his feet he held your gaze, “Let me make it right.”

You didn’t say anything, at least not right away, and let his words settle with the rain that was gathering at the bottom of the downspouts.

“Please,” he asked, taking another step forward, but this time you stayed put.

“I don’t know how you can, but–”

“I can. I will or–or I’ll try,” he stuttered through his words, but didn’t give you any time to respond before turning to run back down the steps and into the rain. “Meet me at the skate park tomorrow, noon!” he called over his shoulder.

Climbing into his car to drive the couple of blocks down the street back to his place, Steve left you on the porch with your thoughts. As rain dumped overhead the little embers in your chest surprised you, flickering to life, giving you just the tiniest bit of hope that maybe, just maybe, Steve Harrington wasn’t an asshole.

Your skateboard wheels thudded blunt against the rough pavement as you pushed down the road. The sun was already making everything too warm and sticky, tiny beads of sweat clinging to your forehead, and you wished you’d taken Will up on the soda.

The day, despite being hot, felt fresh. Like the wash of rain had cleared everything away, like it was letting you start over and while you didn’t want to get your hopes up you really wanted Steve to be right. He hadn’t wanted to ‘fix’ it, didn’t make you listen to excuses, wasn’t begging or groveling.

Let me make it right.

After he’d left the day before you’d immediately called Robin.

“’Make it right?’ What does that even mean?”

“I dunno, maybe he’ll bring you flowers or candy,” Robin was oddly quiet, humming through your questions and conversation like she was waiting for you to change the subject. Did she know something?

Next on your list were Nancy and Jonathan and they were just as odd. Jonathan was talking too much and Nancy just kept shaking her head and mumbling under her breath, but Eddie. Eddie was the giveaway that something was up.

“What? Steve? Nothing, nope. Definitely nothing happening there. At all. With that, uh, situation.” Not one of them gave you anything to go off of.

Your stomach was twisted in a knot, heart pounding not only from the effort of skating, but from the anticipation of what was or wasn’t to come. As your board hit the gravel at the edge of the parking lot you kicked it up into your hand and tucked it under your arm, cursing yourself for not having a watch. How much longer til noon? You could hear Dustin, Time for you to get a watch, God! A huff of a laugh escaped you and you shook your head. Maybe you did need one.

The park was mostly empty, only a couple of older kids in the halfpipe, but you didn’t bother dropping in. Being this anxious meant you’d have piss poor focus and coordination and you’d probably just eat shit, the last thing you needed. So you posted up at one of the few picnic tables that had shade and waited. Eyes on the parking lot.

Time dragged, like you were wading through molasses, and you wondered for a minute if maybe he wouldn’t come. Maybe he’d stand you up. Make your decision for you by leaving you there with nothing. The thought made the knot in your stomach twist tighter and your leg started to jiggle under the table.

Why am I even here? He’s not gonna show. I should leave.

You felt your legs lift you from the bench, the instinct to run driving you away, but then you heard it. Wheels crunching on gravel and you looked over at the parking lot to see Steve’s BMW shift into park, but right behind it was a truck you didn’t recognize. What the hell? But then the truck door opened and it hit you. Tall, brown hair, cheeks covered dense in freckles.

Tommy.

You felt like you were going to throw up.

Steve met Tommy at his truck and they talked for just a minute before crossing the field to where you were waiting. Your heart was hammering in your chest, knot in your stomach twisting impossibly tighter, and god you’d wished you’d asked Robin or Jonathan to come with you.

As they got closer you could see what they’d done to each other after you’d left that night, a conversation had with fists, bruises lingering on both boys. Steve was a little worse than Tommy, but not by much and when they both finally reached the picnic table you had to remind yourself not to run in the opposite direction. You climbed up onto the table top, board upside down under your feet while the boys settled on standing, facing each other just in front of you in the dead, dry grass.

Steve glanced over at you quickly, a tentative look, a check-in, and you felt your nerves settle a bit, but your heart had other things to say. You were still mad at him, god you were mad, but you wanted so badly to fling your arms around him and just let the sun swallow you both up.

“The fuck is this Harrington? Why is Byers here?” Tommy brought you hurtling back to the present and he shot a scowl at you, the bruise on his cheek all faded plums and mottled yellow.

“Just shut up and listen,” Steve’s voice was firm, but cautious, toeing a line. Tommy didn’t say anything, but he also didn’t make any moves to leave. “First, you owe an apology,” Steve nodded toward you and waited, looking expectantly at the boy opposite him.

“An apology? For what? For running into me? For being a klut–”

“For being a dick, Tommy.” Steve cut him off and took a step toward him. They leveled each other for a minute, quietly measuring things up, and your stomach lurched uncomfortably. Then Tommy shook his head and tossed his gaze off away from you both, your ears catching a muttered fuck.

Tommy jammed his tongue into his cheek and as he shifted on his feet you didn’t find him as intimidating as he’d been on the fourth. He looked smaller here. Younger. His mouth was twisted into a frown when his eyes finally flicked up to meet yours, “Fine. Whatever. I’m sorry, okay? Sorry.”

Steve glanced at you out of the corner of his eye, wanting to hold your hand, wanting to pull you close, trying to gauge how you were feeling, but he stayed put. You didn’t say anything back, but Steve made sure you didn’t have to.

“Right. Second, we were together at the fair. On a date. And I’m an asshole for not saying so.”

A scoff came from Tommy and his stupid grin started to tug up at the corner of his mouth, “I can’t believe it. First Wheeler, now Byers–”

“Believe it,” Steve pushed two fingers into Tommy's chest, hard, punctuating what he’d said with a wordless Shut Up.

“Alright, Jesus. Do whatever you want, Harrington. It’s a free country,” Tommy shrugged Steve off, but his grin was gone when he looked back over at you. Point made.

“And I don’t want to hear about you saying anymore shit. Not from you or Carol or Kyle.”

Silence.

“I need a yes.”

“Christ, Harrington, fine! Yes. Can I get the hell out of here? I think you made your fuckin’ point,” Tommy was clearly losing his patience and Steve had pushed him, but knew when to stop.

“Good. That’s it.”

Tommy said nothing and simply flipped Steve off before turning and stalking back to his truck as what was undoubtedly a sigh of relief escaped Steve. He closed his eyes and he sank down onto the picnic bench below you, running both hands through his hair.

“Listen, I don’t expect you to stay or anything,” he sounded tired, like he’d been up all night, like he’d used every last bit of energy on Tommy. Then, finally, he looked up at you properly for the first time and gave you sad, lopsided smile.

You pulled your knees to your chest, chewing on your bottom lip, studying the boy sitting in front of you. Messy mop of brown hair, the curve of his jaw smeared purple with bruises, moles dotting across his cheeks, the long sweep of his lashes. You let out your own sigh, realizing you’d been holding your breath, and looked down at the scar on your knee. The one from when you’d fucked up an ollie the first week in Hawkins.

“I’m still mad at you,” you said quietly, flicking your eyes back up to look at Steve. His were still sad.

“S’okay. I don’t blame you,” he tried another smile, but it was weak.

It felt impossible swimming in all the thoughts and feelings that were flooding your brain at that moment. Mad. Mad at Steve for everything he’d done. Sad and disappointed that you couldn’t pull him into a hug right then and there. A deep longing to kiss the bruises on his cheek, the cut on his lip. Hope, or was it forgiveness? In the form of the tiny little embers that were flickering in your chest now as you looked at him, looking at you.

“Thank you,” you murmured, and the corner of his mouth lifted. It was small, but it was genuine. A little smile.

“You don’t need to say that.”

It was quiet for a minute then. The two of you just sitting in each others’ presence for a moment. Heat from the sun crept in through the shade and wrapped you up in the thick, summer air and made you feel all hazy. You didn’t want to leave. Even if it was to just sit in the quiet like this you’d stay all day, but what in the hell came next? It wasn’t simple. As much as you wanted to let Steve gather you into his lap and kiss you, you knew you weren’t ready for it.

You slid your board off to the side and turned to face him, folding your legs criss-cross-apple-sauce. It caught him off guard at first, but he slid his other leg over the bench and looked up at you, eyes still warm like honey.

“I forgive you, but you can’t do that shit anymore,” you said, watching as he dropped his gaze into his lap. “You gotta tell me what’s going on,” reaching a hand down you cupped his cheek in your hand and pulled his face up to look at you again, “Tell me.”

And then Steve said the most honest thing to you without even opening his mouth.

You watched as tears gathered along his lashes, welling up at the corners of his eyes as he took in a shaky breath and when he blinked he set them free to stream silently down his cheeks. For the first time Steve let someone else see him cry.

SOMETHING INFINITE SYNOPSIS: hawkins, indiana, 1987 – your mom is out of town for the summer on business and she sends you to live with your aunt joyce and her husband jim in hawkins while she’s gone. joyce works at the library and jim is the town sheriff – the kids, will, jonathan and el slowly warm up to you and it’s after you get in with them that you really start to feel at home, but there’s one person who just annoys you to no end. one person you’d love to just boot off a cliff – steve fucking harrington. ♥️ find the rest of the series and more here and find the series playlist on spotify here.

[chailoserr]

BLEACH HEADCANONS

just a bunch of silly little headcanons

characters included: shinji, rukia, urahara, kenpachi, uryuu, yoruichi, and aizen

warnings: a few sex jokes, but that’s pretty standard content from me

SHINJI

• eats peanut butter and jelly with goldfish on them probably

• he’ll stir macaroni aggressively to recreate bad sex noises

• this man watches spongebob squarepants religiously

• i think that if he were to try on clothes he’d be the kind of guy to say “do these yoga leggings make my ass look fat? please please please tell me my ass looks fat”

• i feel like he’s really bad at flirting

• the kind of guy to say “hey girl are you an elevator cuz you look like you could raise a child”

• someone has probably forced him to recreate the iconic evangelion shinji chair pose

• his blood stream is probably like, 89% mcdonald’s sprite

• i think he’d get really dramatic when listening to music and ichigo and rukia would just walk in on him and start bullying him

RUKIA

• probably has worn platform heels to grow taller than ichigo out of spite

• her favorite disney movie is probably brother bear, which is a top tier film

• if she were to have a full ass bedroom she probably get a bunch of cute stuff for it and organize everything

• when swimming she probably gets on renji’s shoulders while ichigo’s on chad’s shoulders and they play wrestle

• loves shopping with orihime probably, it’s like a whole new experience for her and she’s probably really amazed by everything

• definitely takes more than one sample from the samples table on accident

• when at the mall with orihime she wants to know this victoria and her secret

• orihime would probably have to drag her out of the place with a hand clapped over her eyes and the other holding rukia’s leg

• probably likes wearing rings

• she’ll try bonding with byakuya by reading about normal sibling things and be all like “brother! to bond we should try wearing a get along shirt together for 24 hours!”

• it’s stupid but byakuya wants to be a cool and nice older bro so they wear the shirt and look really proud while doing it

• rukia probably goes nuts for juice, especially if it was a juice flavored slushie

URAHARA

• this man probably goes dumpster diving for his clothes and there’s absolutely no shame in that game

• he’s definitely found a dumpster baby or two during his search

• looks like he eats subway and jersey mike’s religiously

• i think he’ll play like uno or poker with the kids

• probably stays up late talking to yoruichi about dumb shit like “what if pasta was purple—we should make pasta purple”

• i don’t think this man has cleaned his bucket hat in y e a r s

• he’ll claim that the smell is just his natural musk

• probably watches bad reality tv, stuff like love is blind

• he watched the entire twilight saga and had a blast doing it

• has probably pissed in a pool

• in fact, he probably makes it his mission to piss in every pool he enters

KENPACHI

• probably can’t cook

• idk how yachiru survived with him all those years bc i feel like he would try cutting up stuff to make food but it was cut TOO aggressively and it’s inedible

• probably let’s yachiru play with his hair

• he eats bowls of nails for breakfast…without any milk

• i feel like he’d run into a mannequin at a mall and then try to fight it bc it was “challenging” him

• sleep fights

• like it’s a natural thing for him, he just thrashes around and fights shit in his sleep

• when he gets too aggressive it’ll take a lot of people to hold him down and tell him “NO YOU CAN’T FIGHT THE BEES”

• has probably said “i don’t talk about feelings, i don’t have any, i’ve never seen one, i’m a night stalking, hollow fighting vigilante and a heavy metal rapping machine, i don’t feel anything emotionally except for R A G E, 24/7, 365, at a million percent, and if you think there’s something wrong with that, you’re crazy”

• but then he turns around and dresses up with ikkaku and yumichika for yachiru’s tea parties

URYUU

• i like to think that he enjoys collecting something weird, like garfield themed phones or paper clips

• he probably goes nuts in the office depot store

• he’s kind of awkward so i imagine he’d be the kind of person to just talk about his special interests to people and be like “ha, they should love me by now for knowing so much about this thing”

• canonically good at sewing and such so i think he actually enjoys making clothes for everyone like silly little hats and purses

• i think he does laundry for fun

• he’s probably the designated picture taker/quote book peep and he really enjoys it

• the man probably has organized BINDERS of quotes from the year, month, and d a y they were said

• i think he’d listen to lofi and bedroom pop kind of music while he worked on sewing or something

• has probably memorized the entire dictionary word for word

• i feel like he hates bugs

• like, terrified of them

• probably took up making friendship bracelets with orihime

• i think he’d enjoy aquariums

• he’d probably start giving everyone in the group specific facts about the fish they were seeing

• was definitely a lego kid, i can f e e l it

• if ichigo or someone was to bring a bag of skittles to share with the group, he’d probably stop them from eating, dump the skittles on a clean surface, and start organizing them by color before anyone could even touch them

• probably wasn’t allowed to watch spongebob growing up, twas only veggie tales

• his favorite veggie tales character was definitely archibald

• overall he’s a sweet boy

• his daddy needs to be nice to him

YORUICHI

• she seems like the type who is exclusively awake at night

• probably does dumb shit with urahara while she’s being nocturnal too

• karaoke? yes. shots? yes. talking about that aforementioned dumb shit? absolutely

• i feel like she’d wear dumb shirts like “this fisherman has a fat cock and he’s not afraid to use it as bait”

• they’re definitely gifts from urahara, but she loves em

• she probably likes going out to eat a lot

• i think she’d enjoy hooters, but in a respectful way

• probably enjoys being lazy and just breaking into urahara’s shop to crash there

• definitely enjoys pranks

• “guess who just walked the prank, kisuke, you’ll never guess who” she says as urahara barfs up the kimchi, milk, sprite, and pickle juice mixture that she tricked him into drinking

AIZEN

• staring off strong: he doesn’t know that women can g e t head

• you’d think he’d have big cock energy but that is simply not true, he’s just tryna compensate for his small pp

• sex jokes aside

• probably likes kale salad except kale is the only thing on the salad and it’s not a salad at all it’s just kale

• this man thinks eating ice cubes is fun

• “mmmm scrumptious, frozen water”

• he probably likes taking freezing ass showers

• and when asked how his sleep was he’s like “i don’t sleep, i only dream”

• his hair has enough product in it to put evil oil barons to shame

• they want his h a i r

• has a “natural musk” that’s akin to the smell of a bad danimals drink you spilled on the carpet of your car three months ago

• probably doesn’t actually know real spanish and he thinks that “las noches” means something super emo like “wolf rose full midnight sky kingdom🐺🥀”

• could be easily defeated if only ichigo and rukia had tried to sing CPR by cupcakke while they thought ONLY about the “hey ya” music video while ALSO doing the “hey ya” just dance choreography

• the chaos would surely throw him off his rhythm

[ragnarssons]

so. incoherent train of thoughts on this episode, and the whole season in general so far.

- i guess i can now say that, given there’s only two episodes left, we can say how much of the season went. i know the two final episodes will supposedly tie to knot on the significance of this season buuuuut~

- first of all, i don’t want din djarin to become leader of mandalore. yknow, reflecting on satine’s role, on bo katan sitting on her throne all day and all, politicking (seems like a general thing, like look at padme on sw1 uuuugh b o r i n g), blah blah blah separatists and bowing down to people like ~~these people on this episode, i’m like NO THANKS. i don’t want that as the s4 mandalorian plot, no no no. din djarin deserves way better. so i’m okay with him embracing NONE of the symbolics of becoming the leader of mandalore, and truly walking through this season showing no sign whatsoever of wanting to seize or keep any power for himself. good on you din, you just know you want a good life for your son, so i’m actually okay with that.

- but then the other option is bo katan and??? NO???! i’m sorry, the mandalorian is co-written by DAVE FILONI yknow, the dude who wrote the clone war and rebels... ARE WE SUPPOSED TO IGNORE EVERYTHING HE WROTE ABOUT BO KATAN KRYZE ON THESE SHOWS? because if anything, these shows are like! “/!\ /!\ HELL NAH HELL NAH HELL NAH, don’t support bo katan kryze becoming the leader of mandalore!!! NOPE!!! /!\” so why is the mandalorian out there, expecting me to root for her? because she spent some off-screen time sulking about her fleet being gone? because she saved din djarin from a robot?? is that all it takes to “redeem” a character like bo katan kryze?? HUH? also, no mention of satine? of maul? of death watch literally WITH BO KATAN KRYZE leading some kind of coup against bo katan’s own sister, thus leading A SITH to seize power on mandalore???? HELLO? maul, whom OBI WAN defeated, and not even bo katan herself?? a dark saber that sabine wren won for bo katan and not bo katan herself??  and now you have din djarin winning the darksaber for her and being like “wELL TECHNICALLY-” because a robot attacked him by surprise and bo katan came to his rescue?? like i’m sorry, so then the darksaber should belong to grogu because without grogu, bo katan wouldn’t even have come like, mental gymnastic can lead you all kinds of places.

i’m sorry, i guess i could be like “okay bo katan might be able to do better” because it’s been years, she’s aged, she’s fought against the empire and all... but MAKE IT A BETTER STORY YKNOW?

because i’m sorry, but all the “awesome bo leading moments” were actually din leading or even more, the mandalorians acting TOGETHER, and somehow bo katan getting the credit for it. like, ALL the children of the watch decided to go chasing that dragon-vulture thing that snatched paz’s kid. ALL the children of the watch decided to go and help nevarro, and not because of bo katan but because of din djarin and paz vizsla. her seeing the mythosaur only happened because of din djarin. sooooooooooooo??? *shrugs* still not convinced in bo katan, especially since she didn’t even fight for the darksaber?? AGAIN???

so if the writing expects me to forget everything that came before and cheer and clap for bo katan, even tho she still does the bare minimum and yet again, never truly won ANY of her “leadership gold points” well... NO?! so i guess i’ll never be fullfilled on that one.

- but if the writing plans to go and see it as actually not bo katan really winning leadership points because there are glaring similarities between this supposed “new page” of her story, and her own past, then, maybe speed the process up?? because there are only two episodes left and so far it’s just “oh wow look at bo katan, how good of a leader she is!!!”... WE ALREADY KNOW SHE IS NOT. we’ve known since the two animated shows DAVE FILONI WROTE!! DAVE?? DO YOU REMEMBER?? DAVE??? WHERE ARE YOU???

(me capslocking is me being frustrated tbh)

- anyway. as for the rest of the show, each episode cements to me that this season will probably end on a cliffhanger, and since jon favreau even said that he was writing s4 while shooting s3, my guess is that somehow the two seasons are gonna work together to create this whole arc... which would be endearing if WE DIDN’T HAVE TO WAIT 3 YEARS BETWEEN EACH SEASON. like i’m sorry, i know production, and at least the show looks pretty and all, buuuut, THREE YEARS, yknow. THREE YEARS for 9 EPISODES! it’ll make this season feel like a waste of time if they truly built a structure like that for s3 and s4, because then nothing will be solved on s3, while you know, we have unnecessary episodes, like 3 (maybe more) monsters of the week this season. it’s really weird this sensation that, yes, the episodes do serve the main storyline and all, but somehow, they also feel like a waste of time?? at least this one did for me. i’d say it’s misplaced in the season, should have been sooner, but then there is the mandalore thing that can’t be sooner but... TWO EPISODES LEFT YKNOW. idk. *shrugs* i’m at this place where i don’t know what to feel anymore.