#ANYWAY. wanna hear about them going to concerts together wanna hear about them binging the most awful tv shows

[biillys]

billy being bffs with heather cos pool and bffs with chrissy cos sports and suffering through life but thinkin well hey at least i've got my besties. but then one morning he has to drive chrissy home from a party that got a lil wilder than intended but also drive heather to work to open and the girls actually meet properly. next thing he knows they're fucking passing letters and txting and twirling their hair when they're around each other. he goes between being insufferable becos 'if it weren't for me, this [waves finger between the two of them holding hands on his backseat] wouldn't be happening. you both owe me SO big' and insufferable becos 'i regret ever introducing you two. i swear to Fuck'

[dalamjisung]

binge watch party ✿ park jinyoung

word count: 1753

genre: slice of life, fluff, actor!jinyoung

member: jinyoung x reader

description: after seven years these seven boys are finally ready to move on with the certainty that no matter what, where, how, or whom… they’ll always be together. Be it for red carpets, concerts, study sessions, or a simple binge watching party at your apartment.

“How was it?” You ask as soon as you see Jinyoung by the door, shrugging off his jacket and putting his shoes aside. “How was it, how was it, how was–“

“Oh my god,” He smiles, groaning in faked annoyance. “Let me sit down, will you?”

Grabbing him by the shoulders, you push him to the sofa, where you have spent the entire afternoon watching Netflix and waiting for him.

It’s been about a couple of weeks since his previous contract ended and, as much as Jinyoung loves you and needs rest, he also needs something to do. He is not the type of man who can simply chill around his apartment, idly fiddling his thumbs until something better comes up; no, that’s not who he is. Jinyoung needs a purpose, he needs a drive. It’s always been like that, and when he got home, that eventful afternoon, with a peaceful smile on his face and the other six members in tow, you all proceeded to celebrate– you congratulate them on what was, and what will be.

The future is bright for all of you, you remember saying in all your drunkness. This is just the prologue of a seven-chapter-book.

Jinyoung made fun of you for the whole week after that, but you know that deep down he’s happy; about his freedom, about his new endeavors, and about having you supporting him even though he’s barely spent any time with you after years of not spending time with you. You tell him it’s okay, though; too much time and you might end up getting tired of him. He knows it’s a joke, but pout anyways.

“So?” You squirm in front of him, wrapping the blanket tighter around your shivering body. He chuckles, and pulls you on top of him, laying down on the couch and squeezing you near. “Jinyoung!”

Your whine makes him smile even wider.

“What?” He groans, nuzzling into you. “It was okay. We talked, I thanked them for the opportunity to work with them, they kissed my ass; I signed a contract, they kissed my ass a bit more, and I left.”

Wiggling free of his grasp and the confines of the blanket, you prop yourself up on one elbow, looking down at a, clearly, very excited Jinyoung. His words can’t fool you; you know he’s squeaking in the inside.

“Oh my– it’s done? You signed with them?” He nods, hair falling over the crinkles in the corner of his eyes. “You are officially under their actor contract?”

“Oh yeah,” He whispers, pulling you down and covering your mouth with his. “Get ready, Y/N. Now it’s not just ahgase, you have to share me with; all the ahjummas will want me, too.”

“As if they don’t want you as it is,” You snort, chuckling at the memory of your cousin’s wedding. “Remember Auntie Kim?”

Jinyoung groans at the mention of the woman that followed him around the whole event. “Don’t remind me of that… I’m sure she’s around here, lurking around, just waiting for the right moment to pounce.”

You giggle. “She was enamored, babe,” You joke. “Give her a chance. Could be true love.”

“It was definitely not true love,” He laughs, locking eyes with you. “I know true love.”

“Really?” You gasp. “Can you tell me what it’s like?”

With a serious face, Jinyoung simply unwraps his arms from around you, and in between pulling the blanket on top of him and rolling to face the other way, he ends up pushing you to the ground, the loud thud making him burst out in laughter.

“Damn, Bambam was right,” You wince, hand rubbing your ass. “Your hips really are big.”

“Yah!” He whines, covering his face with the fluffy blanket he stole from you. “Shut up, we agreed we’d never talk about this again.”

“Nope,” You pop your lips close to his ear, pulling the cover from his face and returning to lay cuddled to him. “You said you never wanted to talk about it again; I just laughed.”

His grumbling dies down in your ear as his eyes finally focus on the huge screen behind you, where his face is big and in HD.

“Are you– Is that me?” He laughs, pointing at the TV, where you barely remembered to have paused the first episode of He is Psychometric. The school uniform contrasting with the man in from of you, and you can barely believe Jinyoung actually managed to pull off a high school student part in a drama. “I had a lot of fun filming that show…”

You can practically hear the longing in his voice, the nostalgia, and you feel a warm sensation spreading through your body as he eyes sparkle with the excitement that never really died down, even after the show ended, even after he moved on to the next. It never leaves– it just accumulates.

“I think,” You hum, hands finding solace in his chest, and then, sneakily, shoving your cold palms under the hem and into his warm skin. Jinyoung yelps, but doesn’t push you away– never pushes you away. “I think this afternoon calls for a binge watch party.”

“Sure,” He shrugs. “What do you wanna watch?”

“All of my favorite actor’s shows,” You wiggle your brows and before he can even try and grab the remote away, you stretch your arms out of reach, already typing his name on the search handle. “Park Jinyoung.”

“Y/N, love… come on,” He pulls your closer, hiding his face on your hair, but you still feel his smile. You know this is not truly bothering him, or else you’d never even suggest it. “No…”

“Oh yes,” You kiss the tip of his nose. “And we’re doing this chronologically, so you can observe how much you’ve progressed and how much you deserve this opportunity, my love.”

“Wait,” Now he is shocked. “No. No no no, that means–“

“You know it!” You interrupt him, clicking play just as he shouts in your ear, embarrassed. “Dream High 2, baby!”

“Y/N, baby, listen to me,” He begs, mouth over your ear and you can’t help the shiver that runs over your body. Jinyoung uses that to his advantage, very well aware of his effect on you. “You don’t want that, huh? How about we forget this and just go… celebrate?”

A kiss to your neck; a touch to your waits; and hands traveling lower and lower and– you grab his wrist before Jinyoung can venture further and complete his mission, choosing to watch the opening credits instead.

No matter how much Jinyoung huffs and puffs, you hear him whispering the lines behind you; you feel him silently laughing as his chest pushes against your back. You know your boyfriend is having the time of his life relishing on the beginning of his career, both as an actor and as an idol, and you can’t wait– you can’t wait to see what the future will bring, and the many afternoons to come where you see it all over again, knowing that no matter the characters, no matter the plots… there is just one Park Jinyoung, and he belongs to you, just as you belong to him.

You two reach episode five before the doorbell rings. And then rings again. And again and again and again and it actually takes both of you around the tenth ring to actually move.

“Coming!” You shout, knowing exactly who is on the other side. There are only six men that would feel this comfortable with invading Jinyoung’s well preserved privacy, and after a couple of day without them, you already missed their chaotic energy. “Come in, you rascals.”

“Y/N!” Yugyeom embraces you before running inside. It takes a while for you to notice, but they are all wearing comfortable clothing, almost like this had been planned. “Missed you.”

“Jinyoung texted you guys, didn’t he?” You ask Jaebeom as he comes inside, smiling widely at you.

“Of course,” He rolls his eyes, walking besides you to living room. “Something about Dream High 2 and a binge watch party?”

“Oh yes,” You nod, looking at your boyfriend, who know sheepishly looks at yours if he’s a child who’s been caught stealing cookies. “A party indeed.”

Jumping on top of Jinyoung, you two cuddle close on your side of the couch, allowing Jackson enough space to poke you two with his feet every time young Jinyoung popped up on the screen. Yugyeom and Bambam sit on the ground by your feet, and they cringe every time they see themselves, hands squeezing your feet enough to earn angry flicks from the man squeezing you to himself. Jaebeom and Mark focus more on the food then on the show, but you still see them wincing at their old selves; and it’s quite funny, if you have to admit. It’s hilarious to see their faces contort in embarrassment, although their eyes tell another story– their eyes shine with pride and recognition.

Pride for all they did, all they became. Recognition of how much they achieved, how far they came. And now, after seven years these seven boys are finally ready to move on with the certainty that no matter what, where, how, or whom… they’ll always be together. Be it for red carpets, concerts, study sessions, or a simple binge watching party at your apartment.

“What are you thinking, Y/N?” Jinyoung whispers in your ear, lips finding your cheek right after. “Hm?”

“Just… how big your hips are.”

“They really are, aren’t they, Y/N?” Bambam gasps, turning around to look at both of you, and if you turn around, you know exactly what face Jinyoung will have– tongue poking his cheek in annoyance, eyes closed, and fingers pinching the bridge of his nose.

“They really are, Bam,” You giggle, turning around and pecking your boyfriend’s lips. “But they are perfect nonetheless.”

“You only say that because you have pretty big hips too, Y/N,” Yugyeom says while chewing on some popcorn and you practically choke on your spit.

“Excuse me?!” You screech, body leaping forward, but before you can get your hands on Yugyeom’s, Jinyoung pulls your back to him.

“Shhh,” He whispers in your ear, voice carrying all the laughter he makes an effort to suppress. He kisses your hair, quieting your indignation towards the youngest’s statement. “Just accept it. Just accept it, love.”

“Wha–“

“Your hips are big,” Jinyoung’s eyes shine with mischief. “But they are perfect nonetheless.”

————————————— 

I have to say, I’m really loving this series, each and everyone of them, but every time I write the new one I like them more ;) What do you think of this one, my lovelies? Jinyoung is so cute! If you liked this story, please please please share, comment, like, or anything you feel comfortable doing ❤️ thank you for your endless support, lovelies💕

[newobsessionweekly]

Flirting can drive you crazy 🌿

@remainingtouch said: hey!! i wanted to request an arón imagine ((: maybe one where you two have been flirty with eachother for a while but are both too scared to admit anything but then you finally have your first kiss?? 🥺🥺 i love what you write!

a/n: I hope it’s alright. It took me like ages to finish it and I wasn’t feeling alright today so that’s it for now. But I’ll try and write some more tomorrow. Enjoy 🌿 word count: 2.730

Arón Piper x reader🌿

You met Omar in your first year of high school. He was in the same class as your best friend back then. As the first year flew by, you tear apart from your best friend, being magnetized by all the brightness Omar emanates around him. You immediately became inseparable and, in fact, he was your first boyfriend. Nothing much happened between the two of you, maybe it would have if your family wouldn’t have been forced to move in England due to your father’s job. You haven’t talked or seen him, until one day you were walking down the street and saw a promo for some spanish Netflix series. You had to stare at that photo for minutes to realise is him. You were used to him smiling, all the photos you have together, he’s only a smile, a very dynamic person. It was strange to see him frowning, with a serious, angry expression. You realised then his dream came true and you broke your promise that you will be his date to the premiere of his first important role. He has changed in better and you no doubt what a talented actor he is. You weren’t a fan of tv series and that Netflix thing you considered useless, but you immediately created an account and binged first season in one night. You searched for his number, but you realised you lost it a long time ago. So shame of you. 

You were in Madrid for a week already and you just walked and visited all your favourite places. There aren’t many changes, but the city has developed so beautiful. You passed by the place where you had your first kiss with Omar and soon enough you were in front of the building he used to live. Used to live? Maybe he still lives there and you thought, why not, go and check. What could even go wrong? 

 As you reached the front door you realised his last name was stil on the mailbox. Your heart climb due to the excitement in your throath and you could even hear it beating. Your palms where so sweaty that you had to press the bell three times to ring properly.       

“¡Tener paciencia, ya voy!” you heard a voice behind the door and bit your bottom lip, trying to hold a stupid smile.

“Sabes que no tengo paciencia.” you responded as the door opened and you can clearly seen the hansome man. 

You both stared at each other maybe for too long, but you couldn’t say anything. How much time has passed? Almost five years have leacked without knowing anything about him. You had taken your time and stared at each other while from inside, curious eyes were searching the two of you. You could recognise those people, Polo, Ander, Guzmán, Nadia, Lu, this guy you didn’t remembered his name and Carla.  

“¡Joder!” he was in shock. Maybe it was a bad idea to show up at his door so suddently.

“What, little star? You forgot your first girfriend?” you laughed at him as on his face started to grow an imense smile. That’s the Omar you knew and missed so much. 

“You came back!” he exclaimed, opening his arms.

“And you waited!” as you jumped in his arms and welcomed his tight hug, you made eye contact with the actor that plays Ander. Joder, these people are looking even hotter in real life, starting with Omar and finishing with thig guy.

Omar invited you in and while he clossed the door, you searched the room and you found that he still has the photo with the two of you from the concert of your favourite band. Everyone was looking strangely at you until someone breake the silence.

“I tought we were supposed to be just us.” the blonde guy with a lot of freckles on his face spoke first.

“I could go and come back later if you want.” you responded, but Omar moved his hand and reduced you to silence.

“This is (y/n) and is the best friend I could ever ask for.” he smiled and everyone was looking at you, but you were hipnotised only by the curly headed one, with the brown sweet eyes and a “bad ass” expression. “And you, señorita, have the chance to meet in person the most important cast of Élite.” he was joking, of course, but presented you to everyone and you kissed cheeks with them. 

“We were about to watch the second season of Élite. Wanna join? After that you could stay the night and tell me everything.” Omar rubbed your back then sat on the floor, in front of the couch. You sat beside him, and rested your head on his shoulder.

Two episodes later, you were so caught in the action that you didn’t realised your position. At some point Arón parted his legs and set a pillow between them so you could rest your head. Omar looked suspiciously at you, but why would he? He raised his eyebrow at Arón before he walked to the window and lighted a cigarette. Well you knew he was smoking in the series, but not in real life. You must admit, he looks damn hot while doing that.

“What? I saved your puta hombro! I couldn’t see properly because of her head!” you laughed at his words and stretched a little. That floor was uncomfortable.

“¡Joder! Amigos, I have a photoshoot in half an hour! I gotta go!” Miguel announced as he grabbed his stuff and ran out the door.

Danna had to leave as well because she has a date with Jorge, the one that plays Valerio. Mina, Ester and Álvaro founded excuses to leave and Iztan left after the first episode.

Just you, Omar and Arón remained and opened a bottle of wine to the all the good and the bad times you’ve been through, but without each other.

“So, England, huh? Very strange people those britains.” Arón smiled before he took a sip from the red vine.

“They are, indeed! I couldn’t stand them anymore. I dropped Oxford and came back home!” you proudly answered the unspoken question.

“You dropped Oxford?” Omar asked you, visibly shocked. “That was your dream!”

“Are you nuts or something?” Arón asked then turned to Omar “¿Está loca?”

“I’m not crazy, thank you very much. But I’m home sick, alright? Even though I had my parents there, I couldn’t fit in. My heart was in Spain and I just couldn’t leave all my life here like it never happened.”

“Speaking of, you remember that bar you liked very much but closed after the end of the ninth grade?” you nodded. “It opened a few months ago and it’s magnificent!” you missed that apartament, you missed the round table, you missed the urban agglomeration and hearing Omar speaking spanish. Right now it felt like heaven.

“We should totally go there, like the old times!” you used to go there every day, eat a lot of fried potatoes and talk for hours about everything and nothing actually.

“Totally. Also, there’s a new coffee shop that I think you would adore. She’s an coffee addict.” Omar informed Arón laughing.

“Where is it?” your eyes shined. You indeed liked coffee very much. 

“I can actually show you. Are you free tomorrow?” the voice came from Arón and it was unexpected. 

“Are you asking me out?” you had a devilish smile on your face. 

“For God sake, you women! No, don’t get too excited. I’ll get you to drink the best coffee of your life! This place beats Starbucks’ ass so bad!” he seemd into this subject, maybe you had some things in common.

----------

As you established, the next day at noon Arón was there waiting for you. You stared too many minutes inside your closet, nothing seemd suitable for this date. Is it a date? Well, the other day you definetly flirted with each other. Omar told you he never saw Arón this way. You could say he’s an introvert, and a little shy, but did a brave move. When you finally picked a blue flourished dress, was already three minutes after the hour you decided to left home and get there in time. And because you put make up on and erased it two times made thirty minutes fly away. So when you left, you were already 5 minutes late. 

“I’m so sorry I’m late, I overslept!” you lied, of course. You didn’t want him to believe you get over your head because of this meeting.

“For a moment I thought you won’t show up.” he let the smoke come out from him moth as he extinguished his cigarette. You found him standing at a table outside, scrolling through his phone. He was wearing something simple, a t-shirt and some blue jeans, but he managed to look incredible. Even God love’s what is beautiful. You could tell this man is kissed by the Aphrodite, the Goddess of beauty herself.   ”All these insecurities are from that german blood? Because I know something about spanish people, we are damn confident! And people of word!” you sat down afront him and let your phone on the table.

“Someone did some research, I see.” in fact you did some research and stalked him on Instagram.

“How could I not? You are a hard to forget type! Anyway I couldn’t find much about you, only unnecessarily basics.” you were honest, because you are trying to gain his trust and friendship.

“I think we are on the same page here. All I know is your name and that you are a damn confident and direct person. Oh, and a woman of word, of course.” The waiter came with your orders and interrupted your conversation, but as he moved around you, clearing the ashtray for Arón, you were looking into the menu considering ordering maybe a muffin. But when you looked up,the waiter was already gone, and Arón was looking at you.  

“I’m starting to think you’re obsessed with me.” you breake the silence, but never look away from his side. 

“In that outfit, who wouldn’t be?” he winked at you.

“So you that’s how you addmit you were staring at me?” you caught his sight while you bit your bottom lip and did’t retire.

“Well, you obviously caught me doing that, but guess what, you were staring too.” his tongue override his lips.  That was true, both of you were staring at eatch other, but how could you not stare at this handsome man? He stretched his back to get you back from your thoughts before he spoke. “There’s a small party saturday at some club in the centre, maybe I’ll see you there. Now, I’m sorry, but I have to go for a shooting.” he grabbed his phone and got up, but before he passed you stopped. You stood up as well and he initiate a hug. You were surprised, but when he whispered “It was nice to see you, beautiful!” you frozed. That was so nice of him, shame of you because you couldn’t say a thing. -------- Saturday you spent almost all day figuring out what you should wear and what kind of party is that. Two days ago you spent with Omar his birthday and had so much fun together. You haven’t told him about Arón’s invitation, however without telling him much about what happened, he still gave you strange looks. So this time you made sure to left the house and get there in time. You knew the club, but you didn’t knew how to find him, thus you find your way through the entrance where you find a man. “Name.” he said warely. You frowned. Was that a joke? Maybe Arón made fun of you and invited you to some party where couldn’t even get passed the door. The anger started to spread into your body along with the cold. Though Spain is a warm country is still spring and the nights are still not warm enough. 

“(y/n)” you responded. “Arón Piper knows I’m coming.” you thought the best option was to say the name of someone famous. “I mean, he doesn’t know I’m coming, but he invited me.” you begin to stutter and say nonsenses.  “Sure... wait a minute.” he was suspicious, you can tell. After he came back, he wasn’t alone. Arón followed the man outside and he faced a bright smile at the sight of you.  “You came!” he grabbed your hand and he led you to a table where everyone was looking strangely at you. Just as the first time. The only difference is that you knew their name this time.

“¡Hola!” you smiled at them wile you sat down next to Omar.

“What are you doing here?” he’s doesn’t mean to be rude, but it was a surprise for him to see you there. A good one.

“Arón invited me.” you shrugged.

“Strange, he didn’t mention a thing though. He’s kinda reserved when it comes to private things, like his birthday.” ha looked at you then sip from his cocktail.

“Yeah, he is very reserved.” you mumbled.

The fact that Arón didn’t tell you it was his birthday, made you uncomfortable. You shouldn’t be here. As Omar said, he is very reserved and a birthday party is for family and friends, and you were none of them. You searched the room and found Arón coming towards the table. You stood up quickly and stopped him.

“Why haven’t you told me is your birthday?” you confronted him.

“Well hello, Beautiful. What’s with that frowning?” he ignored your question as he handed you a drink.

“I didn’t get you anything!” you insisted. Well, actually he didn’t need anything from you because he can buys himself more than you could ever thought of. He put his drink and yours on the table then reached for you hand.

“That’s fine because I just need one thing from you.” he made his way towards the dance floor, still holding your hand.

What would he possibly need from you? You had milions of thoughts and questions running through your mind, but he erased them all when he grabbed your waist and urged you to do the same.

“You look very beautiful tonight.” he screamed over the music, before you could tell anything.

“You didn’t look bad yourself!” you smiled at him. Arón was stearing at your lips as you talked. “So what was that thing you needed?”

“Kiss me.” that came out of nowhere, he knew that too.

“What?”

“Kiss me, hermosa!”

You looked him questioning all the posibilities. He’s trying to make fun of you right now? Does he really want that? As you got stuck on your mind, he leaned towards you, but you could tell he’s too afraid to do something. You both stood there in the middle of the dance floor with your foreheads pressed and with eyes closed.

“You know,” he started and you smelled some cigarette mixed with alcohol and mint. It doesn’t smell bad at all. “I am very good at flirting, that’s why I’m so confident doing that,” you couldn’t agree more. You observed that, he’s a cocky guy when it comes to the things that he’s good at, and ¡Joder! he’s good at many things. “But when it comes to kiss a pretty girl, it’s more complicated, you know. I’m afraid not to mess things up.”

He’s talking nonsense. You rubbed you nose to his and made the bravest move you’ve ever done. You pressed your lips to his and smiled. He smiled too and kissed with so much desire, you were shocked. He’s a very sweet person when he’s not wearing that “bad ass” attitude. As you distanced from the kiss, he looked deeply in your eyes.

“I wanted to do that since the day one.” he laughed a little and smiled at you. He admired you on the dance floor long enough then he went for the drinks you abandoned on the table. Arón was the life of the party all night. He danced, he sang and was so happy, that you couldn’t stop smiling. You had the chance to met this amazing man and even kiss him, you were indeed grateful. Omar stood by your side and glanced at you two all night, but he was happy too.

[xpouii]

Tentacletober Day 12

Yes it’s late! Yes I’m deeply ashamed! Yes it’s a sequel to day 9!

Prompt: “Get those things away from me.”

Fandom: Sanders Sides

Characters: Roman, Logan, Virgil, Remus

Warnings/Tags: SFW, drug use, prescription pills, eating disorder, binging/purging, self-harm, bad bad bad parents, psychological abuse, emotional abuse, swearing, blood, unsympathetic Deceit, unsympathetic Patton, mild Prinxiety

Please be careful when reading this if you see any of your triggers above!

               Roman rushed down the stairs, taking two at a time, “Roman, your pill!”

“Mom I’m gonna be late!” Roman called, but she appeared in front of him.

He opened his mouth obediently and she dropped the pill in, handing him a bottle of water. “Drink the water and you have to wait forty-five minutes. Don’t forget baby.”

“I’ll set a timer,” Roman said, swallowing the pill with a swig of water. He let her kiss his cheek then threw his backpack over his shoulder, jogging outside and jumping into his car. He checked his reflection in the rearview mirror before pulling out and driving to school.

He sang along with the radio and guzzled the bottle of water; it settled in his stomach like a weight, but his mother’s words ran through his head as he added a timer into his phone, sighing. Don’t forget baby.

           The school was big, probably not big enough for as many students as it served, but gargantuan anyway. He parked in the band lot and took a moment to go over his hair and face again before he slid out of his car, shouldering his bag. Logan was leaning against the building with his massive cello case stood beside him. Roman smiled, “Hey! Director late?”

           Logan rolled his eyes, “Always. I refuse to haul this thing to first period. Last time I did Mrs. Miller kept rolling her eyes at me and I couldn’t concentrate. It’s like I could hear her doing it.”

               “Maybe you should smoke a little more before school, Logan, if you’re hearing people’s eyes.”

               Logan sighed, “On that note, did your mom make you swallow the Adderall today?”

               “Yes but I palmed last night,” Roman said, taking a tiny folded square of paper out of his pocket and slipping it into Logan’s hand.

               Logan smiled and took the pill quickly, swallowing it dry and pocketing the paper. “Thanks I’ll leave a baggy in your car during lunch.”

               “You’re my hero!” Roman sing-songed as he leaned in, kissing Logan’s cheek. “Have you seen our shrinking Violet this morning?”

               “He’s in his car pretending not to cut his lip,” Logan said, nodding toward Virgil’s black truck.

               Roman sighed, “Well, I’m not going to miss breakfast for him! He can self-harm on his own time! I’ll be right back.”

               Logan muttered a reply as he spotted the director coming to unlock the band room. Roman trotted off and let himself into Virgil’s truck, “Whoa!”

               “Hey sexy,” Roman purred. “Nice lip ring.”

Virgil grabbed the razor blade and turned beet red, sucking his bottom lip into his mouth. “Thanks.”

Roman leaned over and touched his face, “Bad morning?”

               “Not really,” Virgil said, letting out a little moan when Roman kissed him. When he broke the kiss, Roman had blood on his lips. “You wanna smoke?”

               Roman licked his lips with a wink, “I’m all out until lunch, but after we eat I’m down. You wanna head to the cafeteria and get some breakfast?”

               Virgil rolled his eyes, leaning in for another kiss that Roman returned eagerly. It wasn’t sexual, or even romantic, not really. They’d been making out since they were young and started practicing kissing. Now it was a platonic habit that gave Roman the attention he craved and Virgil the love and affection he needed. It was also Roman’s way of letting Virgil know he wasn’t bothered by his cutting, his emotional scars or his physical ones. When they broke the kiss, Virgil’s lip had stopped bleeding, and it was red for an entirely different reason. “Sure, what time is it?”

               Roman checked the timer, “Fifteen minutes—um, I mean it’s seven ten.”

               Virgil nodded, pulling down his visor and checking his chin; Roman could see the concealer and foundation he was wearing. He reached over to blend it a bit with his fingers. “I thought I’d try something.”

               “Right,” Roman said. “Need help?”

               “Um… actually, yeah. My dad took that eyeliner you gave me.”

               Roman sighed, “I figured. Don’t worry baby, I got you.”

               Virgil smiled, unzipping his hoodie and shrugging it off, “Thanks.”

               Roman opened his bag and waved his hand at Virgil, “Nonsense. It’s what friends do, and besides, I’ll look better when my friends look better. If I can just convince Logan to do something about those glasses. He hasn’t updated his style since third grade.”

               Virgil smiled, holding still as Roman began to work on his face, blending and balancing until Virgil looked less like he was wearing makeup and more like he’d started a decent new acne routine. Roman took out his eyeliner and applied it thick just under Virgil’s eye, then licked his thumb and spread it down and outward, doing a prettier, more put together version of what Virgil had done himself the night before. Virgil watched Roman, blushing at the cute face Roman made when concentrating. “How do I look?”

               “Perfection, baby, of course,” Roman said, wiping his hands off on a discarded fast food napkin from Virgil’s floorboard. “I don’t do bad work, but you look good even for my standards.”

               Virgil opened his mouth, but Roman’s timer went off, “Oh, breakfast time then?”

               “Yes please!” Roman said, putting away his things and jumping out of the truck.

               Logan fell in step with them once they reached the cafeteria, “Morning, Virgil.”

               “Hey, L. Finally get that cello stored?” Virgil greeted.

               Logan sighed, but he was perky, taking long, quick strides that made Roman and Virgil struggle to keep up, “I swear I’m more organized than any of the adults in this school district. I like the eyes. Why didn’t you wear it at the concert?”

               “Shitty parents,” Virgil said. “Thanks though.”

               “What do you guys want? My treat!” Roman said.

               “Already ate,” Logan said.

               “Oatmeal,” Virgil said. “And a bottle of water.”

               “Two oatmeals, please, garçon!” Roman called to a rather unamused cafeteria worker.

                 When lunchtime rolled around, Virgil and Roman ducked out to his truck, sitting low to hide from the security guard as Roman lit the joint that he’d gotten from Logan. “So I wanted to tell you something,” Virgil said. “Something kind of… intense.”

               Virgil leaned in, and Roman took a hit, “Is this about what happened to your chin?”

               “No,” Virgil said briskly, “Last night afterward, I was trying to sleep and I kept hearing my name, you know? Like somebody was whispering it.”

               Roman raised an eyebrow, holding out the joint for Virgil to take, “Like a ghost?”

               Virgil took a drag and held it, then coughed lightly, “Well I saw what I thought was like a snake or something, go under my bed? And I didn’t want to scream or anything so I like… crawl over and look under the bed right?”

               Roman gasped and grabbed Virgil’s arm, “You didn’t!”

               “I did! Suddenly, something reaches out and drags me under the bed.”

               “What?” Roman let go of Virgil’s arm, “Wait seriously?”

               Virgil nodded, “I was like… in this cave, with this… guy? But he’s a monster. He has like um… what do you call them… the octopus things? Tentacles! Yeah, but he says his name is Remus and then he took me to Mrs. Miller’s. We came out from under her bed. He scared the shit out of her. I think I was out with him until like four in the morning.”

               Roman fiddled with his hair for a moment, trying to ignore the gnawing in his stomach. “Virgil, you know I love a dream story as much as the next gay, but-“

               “It wasn’t a dream,” Virgil said. “That’s the thing! This morning I got out of bed and I reached under, and it was cold… like… I was reaching into a cave. It wasn’t carpet. I don’t know how to explain it. Anyway, it felt like some kind of guardian angel, you know? Like… he was sent to help or something. He said monsters watch people because we’re weird.”

               ”Well you’re weird he’s right about that,” Roman muttered, then laughed when Virgil shoved him playfully. “Ok ok, I’ll believe you. You met a monster and he thinks you’re weird.” He handed the joint to Virgil then took his face in his hands, “If that helps you, baby, then I’m really happy for you.”

               Virgil took a hit and Roman kissed him.

                 They got to band just as the bell rang, smelling like Axe body spray and guzzled mouthwash, grinning and snickering. The director let them sit before he stood up to start his announcements. Logan was scribbling notes as the director spoke, his gaze laser focused. Roman patted his knee when he sat, and Logan gave a tiny nod in response. “Have a good lunch?”

               Virgil chuckled, “It was delicious.”

               “And decently low in calories,” Roman said. “But I’m fucking starving now. Do you have anything to eat?”

               Logan kicked his backpack, “I got you both a Snickers.”

               “You can have mine,” Virgil said. “I’m actually not super hungry.”

               “You’re not getting paranoid are you?” Roman muttered. “Just relax baby nobody can tell.”

               Logan raised an eyebrow but said nothing as Roman rummaged the candy from his bag. “I can tell,” Virgil muttered.

               Roman downed the first candy bar without speaking, but he ate the next one slowly, listening to the director lecturing the percussion section, savoring it as much as he’d let himself before his hand shot up, “I need to go to the bathroom, please.”

               “Mr. Prince, you just came from lunch, did you not? Why didn’t you go then?”

               Roman shoved his small bottle of mouthwash into his pocket as he shrugged, “I guess I didn’t need to go then.”

               The director gave him a withering look, then waved him off toward the door. Roman didn’t waste any time slipping out of the classroom and power walking to the bathroom. He checked for feet in any stalls and took the one furthest from the door. He wasted no time layering toilet paper in the toilet, then he put his hands on his hips, bending at the waste and purging himself of the food—and subsequent guilt—he’d just swallowed. It was easy now, quick, requiring no fingers or ceremony. He flushed the toilet and went straight to the sink, rinsing his mouth out and using the mouthwash, giving himself a winning stage smile in the mirror. He washed his hands and hurried back to class with a head full of adrenaline.

                 Roman pulled into his driveway and jumped out of the car, grabbing his backpack and a bag from the convenience store a few miles outside of town. He kept his head down as he made a straight line for his apartment, letting himself in and locking the door behind him. “Mom?” he called, pausing for an answer. “Mom I’m home!”

               She was still at work. He dropped his backpack by the door and went straight to the bathroom. He locked himself in. Roman opened the first carton of ice cream and ate his way through the entire quart in minutes. He was desperate to finish. An interruption at that point would be hell. He set the carton aside. Assuming the obscenely graceful pose, bent at the waist, hands on his hips, he let go. The kick of adrenaline and pleasure shot through him with every heave. Then he was empty again, free and spinning and the world slowed down around him. His eyes and nose were running, and he blinked the tears away as he went to the sink, splashing water on his face.

               Roman rinsed his mouth out and waited until the adrenaline slowed, and the hunger returned, his stomach twisting and begging. He went to the second carton and opened it, eating a little slower, savoring the feeling, but not the taste. By the third carton, he was too far gone to taste anything anymore, caught up in the cycle of full and empty, sensation and mental distraction. It was everything to him, a ritual he did every night he wasn’t forced out of the house to a rehearsal or a reading or sitting for pictures to update his portfolio. Roman opened the fourth carton, now just sweet liquid, but that made it easier to get down faster, and he swallowed away all of the thoughts left in his head, letting them settle in his stomach and weigh him down before he brought them back up again and sent them away down the pipes. He returned to the sink, rinsing with water and then swishing the fluoride mouthwash, wincing as it stung in the sores along his tongue. He spat and smiled at himself, taking a careful look at his teeth. The front ones had gone almost transparent at the bottom, and his mother had already scheduled him for a dental visit. She’d read on the internet that a dentist could get a special mouth guard to keep the stomach acid from eroding enamel—and you’ll never be in movies with bad teeth, sweetheart. You’re not talented enough to get on without your looks. Mommy loves you.

               Roman splashed his face with water and ran it through his hair, ignoring just how much hair came out in his hands as he did. He shook it off into the trash and gathered every bit of evidence, hurrying it out and down to the large dumpsters behind his building. He dumped the cartons and spoon and bags and shame where his mother wouldn’t find evidence of his excess. She supported the purging, but her disappointed stares anytime Roman took in more than one or two hundred calories at a time made his face burn and his stomach flip—and not in the good way. He got in and stretched out on the couch for a nap.

                 Roman was laying awake in bed staring at the ceiling and watching the dancing shadows of cars passing outside. He was thinking about Virgil, what he’d said, and how he’d looked in his makeup, and Roman couldn’t help the smile that played on his lips.

               “Hi Roman.”

               Roman screamed and jumped to his feet, standing on his bed. A man had popped up beside his bed. Tentacles were flicking lazily around him, “What the fuck?”

               “Roman!” his mother yelled from her room. “I told you to go to sleep!”

               Roman looked at Remus for a moment, then called, “Sorry mom I fell out of bed!”

               Remus grinned, sitting on the edge of the bed; Roman scooted further away, avoiding the tentacles. “Get those things away from me!” he whispered harshly.

               “What, my tentacles? They have minds of their own sometimes. Don’t worry. They’re not slimy or anything.”

               “Am I hallucinating?”

               “Good question. What do you see?”

               Roman blinked, “A creep with tentacles sitting on my bed?”

               “Nope!” Remus said happily. “You’re perfectly… well… not hallucinating.”

               “So Virgil isn’t crazy either,” Roman breathed. “You’re…”

               “Remus, yes. Virgil said you might need a friend. He’s in love with you.”

               Roman blushed, slowly moving closer to sit on the edge of his bed, “So… you’re here to do what?”

               Remus shrugged, “We could go break into a gas station and steal some ice cream but I’m not sure it’s the best thing for you… we could go draw penises on Logan’s window while he’s trying to study.”

               “I’ll get my jacket.”

[lizziethereader]

a bunch of 11 questions tags

I was tagged in a few 11 question tags over the last few weeks and am finally getting around to them. I hope you don’t mind me putting them all together in one masterpost under the cut. 

thank you so much  for tagging me @anassarhenisch, @thereadingchallengechallenge, @books-are-portals, @maddie-mux and @bibliophilecats! I really do appreciate getting tagged even though it takes me a while to doing the tags. 

I’ll put my own questions and the people I’m tagging up here and the answers to all your questions under the cut ;) 

my questions: 

1. What are you looking forward to most when it comes to the upcoming holidays? (whichever holiday you want to refer to) 2. Have you been to a concert lately? Which one?  3. Which piece of media (book, movie, video, etc.) are you looking forward to consuming next?  4. If someone wrote a fictionalized (and heavily embellished) novel of your life, which genre would you like it to be? 5. What’s the last song you had stuck in your head?  6. What’s the weather currently like where you are? 7. How many open tabs in a browser is too many? (asking for a friend) 8. Are you good with money? (if so, teach me your ways!) 9. What’s the coolest thing a teacher of yours has ever done? (I wanna become the cool teacher, so I need to do some research, haha) 10. If money, space and time didn’t matter, which animal would you like to have?  11. Share a random fact about yourself! (please?) 

I’m tagging @bookvoyage, @lilymaidofgallifrey, @dreamingofreadinggoals, @aliteraryprincess, @flamingmirrorbookish, @the-forest-library, @manuscripts-dontburn and @thelivebookproject (no pressure though)  and anyone who just feels like doing this, of course! 

sooo, let’s get crackin! 

here’s @anassarhenisch‘s questions: 

1. Celtic rock, yes or no? 

I have honestly never listened to it... I’m not averse to give it a try though!

2. What’s the last book you quit reading?  quit as in abandoned? I don’t really do that... The last book I finished reading was ‘Big Mouth and Ugly Girl’ by Joyce Carol Oates

3. What’s your favourite fall activity?  baking and drinking cider! (yes you can do that all year round, but it just feels cozy, right?)

4. Do you believe in ghosts?  I’m probably a ghost agnostic. I don’t know if they exist but I’m not saying they don’t

5. When’s the last time you went to a circus or carnival?  There’s this big children’s festival in my town for two weekends every August and there’s always a circus, too. They did a special performance for all the volunteers who help with the festival and I went to that. So, long story short, like 2 months ago?

6. What does your favourite shirt look like?  hmmm good question. If we’re talking about T-shirts then it’s probably my Portal shirt. 

7. Do you like eating fish?  hahaha, not at all actually! I rarely meet other people who don’t. But yeah, I actually don’t like any seafood. 

8. Who’s your favourite artist?  oh man, this is a very difficult one! I’m not sure I can name a favorite. I like just being in awe of a piece of art (be it a painting, piece of music or something else) and I wouldn’t say I have one person I like better than all the others. Sorry for the lame answer!

9. Do you have any celebrity connections?  none whatsoever (that I know of) 

10. Are you a sports fan?  only equestrian sports and even then I don’t need to see every event there is. But I do enjoy watching the occasional tournament

11. How comfortable are you embarrassing yourself in public?  NOT AT ALL. Good thing I became a teacher then, eh? :P 

next up: @thereadingchallengechallenge‘s questions: 

What are you currently reading?  I just started reading Children of Blood and Bone!

Favourite snack?  I can’t pick just one, so: popcorn, macadamia nuts, chocolate covered raisins and all things chocolate :D

Do you set yourself a reading list or pick books by mood?  half/half. I have some types of books to read each month (1 poetry book, 1 classic, 1 nonfiction book) and then choose one of those based on my mood. And then I randomly select 3 books from my tbr. Those are always a surprise! 

Have you travelled anywhere so far this year?  Yup. I went to Germany 2 times (to a theme park), flew to London for book shopping and musicals twice, and went to Budapest with two friends for a weekend 

Reading anything spooky before Halloween?  Not really. I’m not a spooky books (or movies) person. 

Binge watching anything at the moment? I just finished binge watching Star Trek Discovery yesterday but I’m sure I’ll find something new soon. 

Who’s the author you’ve read most?  Douglas Coupland, apparently

What’s your favourite season and why?  Spring! Everything is getting warmer and greener again, my depression gets better and things are just generally looking up (usually)

Are you looking forward to any new releases?  I don’t think I’m waiting for anything at the moment...

What’s a quote you love?  “No, we are all in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars” from Oscar Wilde’s Lady Windermere's Fan

Recommend a book?  With pleasure! It Devours! by Joseph Fink and Jeffrey Cranor 

then we have @books-are-portals‘s questions: 

1. First thing that comes to mind when you hear the word “waffles”?  the amaaaaazing waffles at my town’s children’s festival each year. Also Leslie Knope 

2. Have you ever knitted anything? What was it?  When we learned to knit in school I knitted a scarf but I haven’t knitted anything since and I’m not sure I still could

3. What’s been the weirdest book you’ve enjoyed?   idk, what’s a weird book? Welcome to Night Vale is purposefully weird, if that counts? I’m not sure I’ve read any proper weird books...

4. Pick a random book from your shelf and recommend a film based on that book.  book: Tin Man by Sarah Winman - movie: Third Star (totally different storyline, but similar vibe, maybe?)

5. Top 5 clothing items.  - not really clothing but my riding boots (I love them. They fit me perfectly and weirdly give me so much confidence??)  - my new Pikeur breeches (yup, riding stuff again)  - the black business dress I graduated in (both High School and university)  - my Dirndl (you gotta have one if you’re Austrian :P )  - my (fake) leather jacket because it makes me feel cool  not sure this is an accurate list since I don’t really think about clothes much... 

6. Name the first song that comes to your mind based on your current read. Why that song?  hmm, I’m only 50 pages into my new book, this is very difficult! maybe ‘Battles’ by Hudson Taylor? The lyrics just seem to fit and I have a feeling the book will be harrowing, which the song definitely is. 

7. Would you rather visit the Moon or Mars?  I kind of want to go to Mars and see if Curiosity Rover is alright. 

8. What’s your favourite scent?  top three: freshly cut grass, new tires (I know, this one is weird), and the smell of tress like cedar, fir, and pine 

9. What’s the last thing you ate? Was it good?  kinder Schoko Bons and YES. 

10. Name 3 positive things you’re good at.  don’t do this to me! uhmmmmm reading? singing? maybe cuddling cats? 

11. What’s the strangest word from your first language(s)?  Well, I don’t really know what would be strange to you but I’m really fond of ‘oida’. It’s sort of an exclamation that can be used in a lot of different ways and its meaning depends on how you say it. So it could mean you’re really disappointed, angry, shocked, disbelieving or it could just mean something like ‘dude’. I love it and use it way too often considering it’s sort of lower class slang, I guess. 

aaaand here’s @maddie-mux‘s questions: 

1. First fictional crush?  I’m not entirely sure. Maybe Ziegenpeter from Heidi? :’D 

2. 11 authors (dead or alive) who you would want to spend a night in a haunted house with?  oh no, that’s a) way too many people and b) not something I would ever want to do 

3. Kiss, Marry, Kill - authors  I don’t really feel qualified to answer this. I don’t really get into people as much as I get into their characters and fictional universes. Doing this with real people feels weird, too, because I don’t want to do any of those actions with anyone.... I’m sorry to cop out of yet another of your questions!

4. One author whose books you automatically buy, of no matter what?  either of the Green brothers

5. Favourite fictional place?  maybe Night Vale? But not because I want to live there, just because it’s so wacky. 

6. Kiss, Marry, Kill - characters  this one is easier!  kiss: Poet from Trick (before he is spoken for, of course, I’m not a home-wrecker!)  marry: farmer Oak from Far From the Madding Crowd  kill: there’s so many to choose from! but I really really hate Aaron from The Knife of Never Letting Go!!

7. Favourite place to read?  on the go 

8. 11 characters who you’d take for an eternity on a tropical island?  nope nope nope - there’s nobody I would want to spend eternity with 

9. Hands down, all time favourite book and why?  you should be ashamed of yourself! you know most readers can’t answer this question :P (well, I can’t anyway)

10. Favourite fictional nonhuman animal character?  is it too basic to say Black Beauty? 

11. Fiction or nonfiction?  both! I read more fiction, but I wouldn’t want to live without nonfiction in my life! 

last but not least, @bibliophilecats‘ questions: 

Your favourite word from your first language.  I’m gonna use one of my previous answers for that and say ‘oida’ just because it’s so fun and versatile. Do you know ‘oida’ in your part of Germany? 

And your favourite word in any language.  Not sure I’d pinpoint it as an absolute favorite, but I quite like ‘alas’ because it sort of embodies my view of life, haha 

Name 5 positive things about yourself.  5?? It took me 10 minutes to come up with 3 for one of the questions above! Unbelievable...  - I try my best to keep an open mind  - I try to also get my students to do this  - but I also like to question things  - I’m not blind to my shortcomings  - and I do want to become a better person, though I need to put more effort into it 

And now 3 things you are good at (I kept that one from @books-are-portals list because self-love is important)  I am NOT coming up with more because I am absolutely unable to do so. Sorry! (yes, I have issues, I know)

What’s your “Patronus”-memory, i.e. the happiest moment in your life?  ooooh good one! maybe the day I got my degree and graduated from university. (because leading up to this point my mental health was so bad I wasn’t sure I’d live to see that day...) 

Recommend a book which you think I should read.  maybe ‘Welcome to Night Vale’ or ‘It Devours!’? 

Do you set yourself a reading list or pick books by mood?  both! see above for a more detailed answer

Did you make friends on tumblr that you met (or want to meet) in real life?  I would love to meet quite a few of you! (sadly I haven’t, yet)

Last book you read that was completely outside your normal reading preference. Why did you pick it up and did you like it?  Probably the Kite Runner? I picked it up because sooo many people and many of my friends love it. I, however, did not. 

Favourite christmas book?  I haven’t read many so far, but Dash and Lily’s book of Dares!! 

Favourite christmas movie?  I’ve always loved Miracle on 34th street but I haven’t rewatched it in years so I don’t know if it hold up

[wendyhamlet]

The Morning After chapter two

Chapter two of this modern AU, I actually kind of have a plot? A loose guideline? A something for this so we’ll see how it goes lol, enjoy!

Chapter 1

Ed eyed the stairwell with all the bitterness and contempt his hungover being could muster. It was too early for the elevator to stop working, especially when he was this hungover, had a bag to carry, and his prosthetic leg was aching. Apparently he had stressed his amputated limb out with whatever the hell he had been doing last night.

He was tired and emotionally drained, he just wanted to sprawl on the couch and binge watch reality TV so his own life would seem a little less shitty.

So, with a grumble, he slung his bag over his shoulder, grabbed the handrail, and began the three flight ascent to Al’s apartment.

Technically it was his apartment too, but he hadn’t done much living in it for the past four years or so.

In a considerably fouler mood than he had been at the bottom of the stairs, (if that were possible) Ed finally reached their apartment, and after a minute of fumbling for his keys, he stepped inside.

As he tossed his bag on the couch and headed toward the hall, he heard a small sound, almost like a squeak.

Frowning, he marched to Al’s bedroom, calling out as he swung the door open. “Al I swear, if you’ve smuggled another kitten into our apartment I’m going to-”

He stopped short when his gaze fell on a very shocked, very flustered, Alphonse. Gaze sliding from his half dressed brother to the glaring girl currently lying sprawled out on his bed, legs tangled with Al’s. Ed’s bad mood instantly dissipated, and the biggest shit-eating grin crossed his face.

“Oh, hey Mei, how’s it going?”

Alphonse launched himself off the bed. “Edward! You’re not supposed to be back until tomorrow!”

The older brother shrugged. “I decided to cut the trip short and head home. Next time hang a sock on the door or something.”

“Get out!”

Ed put his hands on his hips as his younger brother pulled his shirt back onto his shoulders and marched toward him. “I hope you two are using protection.”

“Oh my god, Edward!” Al wailed, shoving him back into the hall.

Ed cackled, grabbing onto the doorframe to call back into the room. “Remember! Sex isn’t fun unless it’s safe!”

Al used the several inches of height he had against Edward to push him all the way to the front door. “I hate you so much, get out!”

Edward pouted as he was pushed out into the hallway. “Aw, come on, what am I supposed to do while you do Mei?”

Al threw Ed’s jacket in his face. “You’re awful, and frankly, I don’t care what you do, but you’re not allowed back here until tomorrow, when you were supposed to be home.”

The door slammed in his face, and Edward suddenly realized that he had nowhere else to go. Winry was still in Central city, and besides Al, he didn’t really know anyone in Resembool. Not well enough to crash at their house at least.

Remembering he would have to walk back down the three flights of stairs, his bad mood from earlier returned full force.

“Shit, this day just keeps getting better and better.”

Letting out a sigh, he began the trek down to the street. Considering it was around lunchtime, he could always go grab something to eat before deciding what to do for the rest of the day and where he’d spend the night.

He made his way down the streets to his favorite little pub downtown. It was a hole in the wall that served the best damn hamburgers in Amestris, it was also where he had his first drink. That night had ended in a bloody nose and bruised ribs, and he one of the biggest grins he’d had in a long time.

That was right before he deployed. Before…

He shivered, pulling his jacket’s collar up around his chin, blocking the cold breeze from his neck.

As much as this town was Home to him, it held almost too many painful memories.

He should visit his mom’s grave while he was still in town...it had been a while.

The warmth of the pub chased away the chill of the almost-winter air and remnants of the past that lingered in his mind.

He rubbed his hands together and headed over to the bar, knocking against the wood to get the bartender’s attention.

“Can I get a homebrew and your double burger with extra pickles?”

The burly man nodded. “Sure, find a seat.”

Ed turned around and scanned the room for an empty table.

“Heeeeeey, Edward!”

His shoulders stiffened at the call, eyes widening. “Ling?” Before he could form a defense, he was nearly knocked over by a hug that could’ve easily passed for a tackle. “The hell! What are you doing here?”

Ling laughed, straightening and patting Ed on the shoulder. “It’s good to see you too! It’s been what? A couple years now.”

“A few, yeah. Again, what are you doing in Resembool?”

Ling shrugged, flicking his bangs out of his eye. “My uncle didn’t feel comfortable letting Mei travel all the way from Xing on her own, even though she’s been making the journey since she was like ten.” He stretched, Ed scowling at how much taller it made him look. “So I’m here as her escort, or chaperone or whatever you wanna call it.”

Ed snorted, grabbing the mug the bartender slid over to him. “Well you’re doing a pretty shit job of chaperoning considering I just walked in on her and Al.”

Ling wrinkled his nose. “Gross, dude, that’s my baby cousin.”

“Yeah well he’s my little brother, not exactly the homecoming I was expecting. He kicked me out until tomorrow.”

Ling laughed. “You probably said or did something to deserve that.”

“Maybe, but now I’ve got nowhere to stay. Besides, it’s not like I’ve had the greatest past twenty-four hours, he could’ve cut me a little slack.”

Grabbing Edward’s burger, Ling motioned them both back to a little table in the corner. “I’ve gotta hear this, come on, spill. I want all the details.”

“Like I’d pour my heart out to you, ya nosy bastard.” Plopping down into one of the rickety chairs, he took a long drink from his beer before adding. “By the way, Al owes you that fifty bucks back.”

Ling’s usually relaxed eyes widened. “What? You mean you and Winry didn’t hook up after the concert?”

Edward shook his head, biting into his burger. “Nope. Just ended up falling asleep in the same bed after getting blackout drunk.”

Ling snagged a couple of his companion’s fries. Chewing thoughtfully before replying. “Well if you were that drunk how do you know you didn’t?”

Edward’s cheeks started to burn at the memory. “Look, we didn’t, okay? I’m not going into details, especially not with you, but we didn’t.” Letting out a heavy breath before taking another bite of his hamburger, he spoke around his mouthful. “Besides, from the way she talked, it’s never gonna happen anyway.”

Ling snorted. “You’d have to be blind and the dumbest person out there to think that.”

Ed narrowed his eyes at him. “Yeah? Didn’t you bet against it happening?”

He shook his head, stealing a few more fries. “Nah, I bet Alphonse that him and Mei would be married before you and Winry got over yourselves enough to screw.”

“First of all, stop stealing my fries, secondly, why is my relationship with Winry any of your business? Maybe Al and I should start betting against how long it’ll take for you to finally make a move on Lan fan.”

Ling spluttered. “Edward! She is my bodyguard, do you realize how unprofessional that would be?”

“Yeah well, since when have you ever been professional? Besides, I’m sure she wouldn’t be opposed to some freelance body guarding.”

Staring each other down for a few moments, Ling finally broke eye contact, lifting his hands up in defeat. “Point made, its none of my business.”

Edward nodded. “Damn straight.”

“But seriously, dude, the fact that you thought it had happened and were freaking out about it says something, right?”

Leaning back in his seat, Ed crossed his arms and sighed. “Look, I kind of don’t want to talk about this right now, I haven’t even processed it yet. So can we talk about literally anything else while I finish my food and beer?”

Ling tapped his hands against the table top several times. “Right then, you eat up, I’m gonna go order something and you’ll spend the night at my place.”

Ed nearly choked on his beer, coughing several times to clear his airway before spluttering. “Since when do you have a place in Resembool?”

Ling smirked. “Dude, chill, it’s just a rental for a week or two, I’m not moving in to the neighborhood or anything.”

For the next hour or so, Edward and Ling ate, drank, and caught each other up on each other’s lives.

They’d never been best friends, but Ling was the Ambassador of Xing’s son, and Ed had saved his life once, since then a weird sort of bond had formed between them.

And after Al and Mei met and started dating, the two young men ended up spending more time together.

It had been a few years since Edward had seen his friend, or really anyone he knew outside the military, in person. Sure there had been texts and video chats and such, but it wasn’t the same.

That’s why getting a few days to hang out with Winry in Central was such a big deal, they’d missed just being together in person, even if it was just hanging out and watching television.

“So, this is the place!” Ling declared, breaking Ed from his reminiscing.

He looked up to see a warm little building nestled behind a simple wrought iron fence.

Inside the furnishings were comfortable and casual, the main room an open concept of living, dining and kitchen.

“Bathroom’s down the hall, guest bedroom is that door, my room is the one across the way. Mei usually sleeps in the loft but I guess she’ll be out tonight.”

Both young men wrinkled their noses, quickly moving on to a different subject.

“You can borrow some of my clothes if you want, I hardly ever wear what’s in the dresser considering I always pack my own clothes from home.”

Ed nodded. “Thanks, I think I’ll shower before catching some sleep, the train ride to and from Central always makes me feel grimy.”

Ling stretched languidly, yawning loudly. “Go for it, I’m going to turn in early, still not used to the time difference here.” He headed toward the bedroom, waving nonchalantly. “Night.”

“Hey Ling?”

He paused, looking over his shoulder. “Hmm?”

Ed scratched the back of his neck. “Uh...thanks. I appreciate you letting me crash here.”

Ling grinned. “Anytime! You’re buying me breakfast in the morning though.”

Edward laughed. “Fair enough, see you then.”

It didn’t take long for Ed to slip into the bathroom and strip out of his grimy clothes, turning the water on and watching the steam rise into the room as he slung a towel on the hook beside the shower and climbed inside.

He sighed as the hot water washed over him, rinsing away the dust and sweat of the day, the warmth and pressure massaging his stiff muscles.

His mind wandered as he lathered up and scrubbed at his scalp, absentmindedly noting that his hair was starting to grow out of its undercut.

The Lieutenant had mentioned the Colonel’s offer again. He probably didn’t have long before an answer would have to be given, one way or the other. He had to make a decision, a hard one.

Dammit, how was he supposed to decide what he wanted for the future when he didn’t even know what he wanted now?

That’s a lie. You know what you want.

He blew water off the end of his nose in a huff, trying to ignore the little voice in his head.

She’d been in bed with you. Naked.

Not naked, she had her undergarments on, they both had.

But what if she was naked? What if you kissed her peachy-pink lips, touched her smooth ivory skin? What then?

“Fuck.” Ed cursed, struggling to reign in his hormones.

It’s not like he’d never thought of Winry as beautiful or sexy, hell he’d admit he thought she was since he was fifteen years old. But he’d refused to allow his mind to go farther down that path. She was his best friend, and his feelings were causing enough awkwardness on his end without throwing in fantasizing about her.

But you want to. You want to think about how she feels, how she tastes, what kinds of noises she would make.

“Fuck!” He cursed again, grabbing the shower gauge and twisting it savagely toward the “C”

Freezing water poured down on him, causing him to gasp and then hiss as icy needles rained against his skin.

Bracing his hands against the wall, he ducked his head under the frigid stream and let the cold water extinguish the fire in his blood.

He was so fucked.

[5hfanfiction]

Too Close To Home - Chapter 19

“Alright, that was great,” The producer said after Lauren finished singing her verse in the booth.

“Actually, can I re-do it. I feel like I hit the not a little too low at some of them,” Lauren asks.

“It was actually perfect, but sure.” The producers replays the song.

We had spent about 12 hours and counting in the studio. We arrived at around 9am, and we worked through the day, only to stop to eat and rest. The first 6 hours were spent on the music for the song while the other 6 were spent on alternating the lyrics we had written so that it fits with the music.

We decided to add quite a lot of musical instruments in the mix but still has that sense of sadness, with piano leading the music.

The producer we are working with is probably one of the easiest and chill one ever. I’ve known him since last year when I started my album and I thought that he could help with this one too. And I was right.

I walk over to the systems in front of the booth and hold the button so Lauren could hear me, “Lauren, you really don’t have to push yourself, just relax.”

“I know, it’s just… It’s nerve-wrecking, you know? I’ve been in this business for quite some time and I know what to do, but this feels different. Because now, it’s a song that we’ve personally written. So I want it to be perfect.”

“Yeah.. I know, I was like you when I first started. How about…” I say, pondering over what to suggest, “we take a break for 5 minutes, it really does change your performance,” and I walk over to the door beside me for her to walk out.

She didn’t answer but accepted my offer by walking over to the couch and slump down.

We sat there quietly for a few minutes, not saying anything to one another, until my manager and a few representatives from my label walk into the room.

They stroll over to us while I chew on my fingers, nervously anticipating what they’re going to say.

It could be because of what Dua and I did yesterday, acting all couple-y and all.

After the event ended yesterday, my twitter notifications had gone through the roof, making my phone app crash once in a while. At one point, my name and Dua’s trended worldwide. Dua was ecstatic and said that it was a job accomplished while I was scared of what the label might do in response to my behavior.

The media had also taken it into account, publishing news after news of what might be happening between us.

There were some, however little, who were pretty rational - or ignorant if you prefer - who has said that it was probably a scheme because we might be making a song together, so this was the boost we needed.

Although there were tons of rumors going around, surprisingly, there weren’t any negative ones. All of them consist of support if I were to ‘swing the other way’ because Dua and I were a hot couple.

If only they knew.

“Camila,” Roger starts, “We had a few meetings with Fifth Harmony’s label and their management about the song and everything.”

“We still think that it’s a great idea, but we have another proposition,” a woman in a white silky blouse and pencil skirts asserts.

“We have decided that after the end of the first leg of your tour, we want to sort of fuse Fifth Harmony and your concerts. They’re about to start their tour after their album is released at the same time the second leg of your tour is starting. So then, if you decide to add this song to the setlist, Lauren could come and sing along with you. Neither of you guys are the opening for the other, because both Fifth Harmony and you will be headlining the tour. Like the Justin Timberlake and Christina Aguilera one time a decade ago or the Demi and Nick Jonas one.”

“So what do you think?” Roger asks once they were done explaining, “We already asked the girls from Fifth Harmony, excluding you Lauren, and they thought it was a great idea. So we just need both your approval before we start to inform it publicly.”

By the time Roger stopped, Lauren and I look at each other, a smile creeping up to both our faces, only to look back at Roger.

“Yes!!!”

***

“Are you going back to your hotel immediately after this?” Lauren asks once we’re safely buckled inside the car.

It’s around midnight now and we have finally finished the song. We haven’t fully listened to the song since the producer is still perfecting it but we would be able to get something sometime this week.

We’re sharing the car since it makes sense because Lauren’s hotel is near mine and it saves gas and ergo, saves the world from the global warming; at least that’s my excuse anyway. In truth, I just want to be with her, even if it’s just for a short while.

“Yeah, probably.”

“Well, do you wanna join me binge watching TV shows back in my hotel room?” Well then, I guess she wants to be with me too.

“Would Lucy mind?” I ask, playing with my fingers by entangling it on my lap nervously.

“Why would she mind?”

“Well, considering you’re both engaged, it’s likely for you guys to share a room together,” I explain softly, trying hard not to sound bitter about it. Just the idea of them together in the same bedroom, doing God knows what, makes my heart clench painfully.

I mean, I know for a fact that they’ve done it, obviously, but it still doesn’t lessen the pain I have to endure every time I think about it.

“Oh… No, yesterday after the KCAs, she had a flight back to New York, she didn’t even touch the bed since she came here same day the KCAs were on,” she assures.

“Well then, I guess it’s alright. But I have to ask, is it gonna be American Horror Story? Cause I can’t if it is, I suddenly have to walk my fish.”

“Honestly, I was thinking of Friends for a minute there, but I think you’re onto something,” she teased, tapping her index finger on her chin repeatedly as a mean of thinking, looking up to emphasize her brainstorm. “Heh, we’ll see..”

***

“Lauren, I fucking hate you,” I groan, pulling the sheets to my face to cover my face with it as the show starts. I was in the toilet whilst Lauren was picking what show to watch. Clearly, the trip to the bathroom was a mistake.

“What why?” She questions innocently, chuckling softly as my body shakes from fright.

“Why do we have to watch American Horror Story? We can literally watch anything. Please…”

“But it’s starting.. I mean, you can leave if you want. You know where the door is,” she lays back, making herself comfortable on the bed with a soft smile plastered on her face, knowing that I wouldn’t go out because the show has started and I’m too much of a chicken to walk past the TV to the door. Not to mention the dramatic background music that’s currently playing.

Now I know why Lauren picked the side nearer to the door.

Lauren had placed the remote far away from my grasp - on the table near the TV - so the only thing I could do is hide under the comforter until the credits roll around. But the suspense is just too much sometimes that I can’t help but look up to the TV once in a while, only to squeal loudly every time I do so, making Lauren laugh at my antics.

Throughout the show, Lauren and I have gone incredibly close physically, only an inch or two separating us.

It’s not that it’s intentional, it’s just that it gets scarier as the show moves on.

I mean, there’s a fucking ghost in the morning, what kind of rubbish is this?

At one point, I pushed Lauren off the bed accidentally because of the sudden blaring sound effect, making a loud thud as Lauren’s voluminous ass collided with the floor.

“Camila, what the hell?”

But before I could reply, a shriek blasted through the TV, making me shriek back in response and slide from the bed to the floor where Lauren is currently at, hugging Lauren koala-style while shaking uncontrollably without realizing that I’m crossing the boundary.

Lauren laughs softly and stood up with me still wrapped around her. She sits back at the bed, shifting her body to lay me down on the bed, my eyes closed shut painfully. She takes the comforter from the floor and drapes it around me and herself.

She finally lays back down on the bed and moves her hand below my neck to move me closer to her, draping her arm around me protectively, making me rest my head on her chest. She takes one of my hand and move it across her abdomen comfortably, entangling our legs.

She is still calmly watching the show, laughing at times which makes me question what her sense of humor is. My eyes never opened after that shriek and eventually made my body weak and sleepy.

While the show continues, I drifted off to sleep.

When I awoke later in the morning, I was still cuddled to Lauren in the same position we were in when I fell asleep.

The TV was turned off and she had changed into a tank top and shorts, but other than that, it was all the same.

Lauren is still sleeping soundly, breathing evenly against my head.

Slowly, I raise my head from her chest to look at her face from my vantage point, watching Lauren sleep peacefully.

Even if her captivating green eyes are safely tuck under her eyelids, I still think she looks beautiful. She looks pale in contrast of her raven hair messily sprawled on the pillow, making her hair, eyebrows and long lashes pop out more from her white porcelain skin.

Just staring at my ex while she’s asleep, not weird at all.

I feel her stir under me at that thought. Scared of getting caught, I do the one thing actors always do in movies after staring at a person who’s asleep, I lightly move my head back to her chest, pretending to be dozed off still.

After about 2 minutes, I feel her stir once again, and this time, I know she’s fully awake.

She slowly moves my head away from her chest, bringing my head to the pillow while my hand is still draped on her stomach.

I feel her eyes studying my face, just like what I did when she was the one sleeping. Her hand moves to my face, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear. She then starts to caress my cheek lovingly, making the cells on the parts she has touched on fire.

“You’re so beautiful,” she whispers softly with a sigh of defeat, moving to sit on the side of the bed. I hear her pick up the telephone and called room service.

“Hello.. Yeah… I would like to order room service… Two people… I don’t know, I can’t find the menu… Just bring two sets of five random breakfast meal and a jug of orange juice… Oh, and a bunch of bananas too…. No, just bananas…. Yeah… Alright, thank you.”

Well then, I guess since she expects me to stay still, there’s no need to fake a sleep.

I stir awake, stretching to emphasize that I have just woken up.

I open one of my eye sleepily as Lauren leans on the headboard, a small smirk touching her lips as she looks at me.

“So… How was feigning asleep? Tiring I hope..”

***

“What are your plans this month?” She asks with her mouth full, barely audible.

We’re sitting in the small dining table that leans against the huge window, across from each other while we eat our breakfast meal. Clearly, Lauren had ordered a tad bit much.

I’m not complaining though, I can eat it all with no problem.

“Well, the last concert for the first leg of the tour is on the 15th so I’m probably gonna focus on that first. Sofi’s birthday is today so I’m gonna call her sometime later. But since I won’t be able to be there til I’m done with my tour, my parents are postponing her birthday party to April 17th, which is around the time I’ll be back. Where are you that day? If not, you could maybe attend the party. She misses you a lot,” I ask with a hint of hope that maybe, if the universe want us together, that she would be in Miami.

“Actually,” she says, taking a sip of the orange juice off of her glass, “I am going there.”

“Really?” I ask incredulously, wiping my face with a napkin after I empty the dishes, taking a few sips of the orange juice.

“Yeah, I’ll probably go. I miss Sofi too.”

“What are you doing in Miami?” I ask softheartedly, confused as to why she’s coming back the same time I am.

“Uhh… Lucy and I,” she starts, whispering inaudible words right after.

“What?”

“Lucy and I are gonna talk to our parents for our wedding date,” she answers louder, her face looking apologetic.

I should’ve seen this coming. They’ve been engaged for more than a year so it’s bound to happen some day.

I just thought that maybe, now that we’re close, she would be thinking twice about marrying Lucy.

It’s not that I don’t want her to break up with Lucy really, but I don’t know, Lauren’s actions lately looks like she’s into me more than she is into Lucy.

I should’ve known better. Because now, I feel my heart breaking for the umpteenth time. And it’s all from Lauren.

They’re going to be official.

I divert the topic to a more lighter one, not wanting Lauren to see the hurt on my face. I laugh, I smile, I talk as if I was unfazed. When in truth, all I wanna do is run away from the suddenly suffocating room and Lauren.

Thankfully, Lauren didn’t catch on and thought that I was okay. Even if all I want is to escape, I couldn’t. She doesn’t deserve it, she doesn’t deserve a reaction from me. So I stayed for another 30 minutes.

When I was out the door though, my eyes starts to water; collecting tears. A sob was choking on my throat, begging to come out.

Another door across from me opened but I couldn’t see anything, my eyes were too blurry from the unshed tears.

“Camila?” Dinah asks, concerned and confused. I couldn’t reply, my sob still in the back of my throat. Apparently, Dinah understands my difficulty because she walks over to me and hug me tightly.

My legs failed me once I felt the support from Dinah but thankfully, Dinah is strong enough to carry me all on her own.

She slowly walks in to her room, closing the door after we’re fully in and over to the couch, allowing me to sink down on it, with her still wrapped around me.

This time, I let go, letting my emotions run wild with everything in me while Dinah holds me consolingly. My sobs erratic against Dinah’s chest, trying to choke in oxygen, my tears drenching Dinah’s shirt, making tear stains on it.

Lauren had thought about marrying Lucy, even after everything.

Just as I feel my heart start to piece back together, she runs back in and shatters it before the last piece was safely placed.

But then again, what else is new?