#I did permanently scar my knuckles when I was like 15 because I wanted them to be more naturally red

[excedrinpm]

Alright chat I just spend my $200 bonus on girly kei clothes I’ve never bought from Devilinspired before so I’ll let you guys know how it goes fingers crossed 💀💀💀💀💀

[sprnklersplashes]

stars around my scars

or, the tatto artist!robin au that no-one asked for but everyone gets (ao3)

Ever since he was 11, Theo has wanted a tattoo. He still remembers the day he first asked, if only because of his dad’s expression. He had hurried across the schoolyard, with a cardigan that was slightly too big for him and his backpack hanging off one shoulder, thrown himself into the car, and proudly rolled up his sleeve to show his dad the ‘tattoo’ Sabrina had given him during homeroom. It was simple really, a sword and shield adorned with his initials. His dad had chuckled at it fondly, the way any parent would chuckle at their child’s antics, and started to pull out of the parking space when Theo asked, “so when can I get a real tattoo?”.

He very nearly crashed the truck.

His answer was simply “when you’re older”, and being 11, that felt an age away to Theo, and he felt his chest sink at the idea of waiting for so long.

In the run up to his fourteenth birthday, he tried again, responding with “a tattoo” when his dad asked what he wanted. He sits cross legged on his bed and pretends he cares less than he does, all the while watching his dad out of the corner of his eye. Either he must look sadder than he thinks he does, or he should look out the window and check for flying pigs, because his dad sighs, but then his face softens and he does the impossible; he relents, just a little.

“Maybe when you’re 18,” he says.

His sophomore year of high school is when things start to get really rough. Nearly every day he comes home with bruises and cuts and his dad is less convinced by his excuses each time. He wakes up every morning and wonders what it’ll be; stuffed in a locker, shirt pulled up, pushed down the stairs. Words are used like weapons and hurt just as much, whether they’re spat in his face or written across a locker. Getting up is a constant battle and some days it just feels impossible. The school parking lot feels like No-Man’s Land at the best of times. His dad brings up the idea of transferring to him at dinner one night, but he just raised his chin and reminded him that he’s a Putnam. And Putnam’s don’t run away.

His dad had smiled at that.

There was some good mixed in with the bad though. He found answers to questions that had plagued him for years. He chose a new name, after the greatest woman he never knew, and found the courage to tell his dad who he really is. It hadn’t been easy, he hadn’t expected it to be, but when his dad drove him down to the Greendale barber that day, it had meant more to him than his dad might have understood.

His friends were amazing, which should go without saying. Of course they would be. And he feels good, in some ways he feels better than he’s ever felt about himself. Like he’s stepping into a new part of his life and while he doesn’t know what’s in front of him, he’s excited to see where it goes.

But as happy as he was, not everyone felt the same. Teachers and students alike struggled with his transition, some at least attempting to feign politeness, others not so much. The cruel words don’t stop just because he uses different pronouns now and he still comes home with the occasional bruised knuckles or bloodied nose.

Add on a few stressful long-distance calls with his mother and his high school experience thus far can only be described the same way his English essays are-“Could Be Better”.

Maybe that’s why, a week before his sixteenth birthday, his dad pops his head around his bedroom door and asks him “Do you still want that tattoo?”.

He looks up from his book, almost sure he’d imagined it. His dad may have changed his stance slightly, but if there’s one trait they share more than anything it’s that intense stubbornness. He was prepared to just ride it out and wait until he’s 18, or maybe even until he moves away to college altogether. But no, here he is, age 15, his dad looking at him expectantly.

“Really?” is all he can reply with.

“Yeah,” he says. “I mean, it’s clearly something you want a lot. And I know you’re sensible enough not to get one of those crazy ones that go all the way across your face.” He giggles at that. “And you’ve waited long enough so I figure… why not just let you?”

His mouth falls open and he blinks, waiting for the catch, only for his father to simply shrug at him, a teasing smile playing on his lips.

“Well if you don’t want to-”

He doesn’t get to finish the sentence, because Theo jumps and hugs him before he can.

He enlists Harvey’s help with the design. His drawing skills aren’t bad, but they’re not the best either and if this is going on his body, permanently, he needs to get it right. So he slides up to Harvey on Monday with wide eyes and a smile that’s just the right amount of cute. And if that doesn’t work, he has money in one pocket and a comic book that Harvey really wants in the other.

The other boy looks up with a raised eyebrow and Theo’s glad he brought the back-ups.

“What is it?” he asks.

“Why do you think there is something?” he asks. “Can’t I just be happy to see you? My best friend? My trusted companion I have known since-”

“Oh my God, what did you break?” Sabrina asks. She’s sitting on the desk behind them and her eyes have doubled in size. “Harvey, whatever you do, do not take the fall for him!”

“That was one time, Brina!” he replies. Sabrina bites back a giggle, a twinkle in her eye as she exchanges a look with Roz, and Theo exhales slowly. His cheeks warm, just a little, but he ignores it. Or at least he tries. Same with the nervous prickle of sweat running down his back “Harvey, what I was going to ask was… well, my dad finally said I can get a tattoo, and I was just wondering if maybe you could draw it for me?” His voice gets smaller and smaller as the sentence goes on, and the last word practically limps past his lips. He holds his breath, fingers twitching to grab his two back up plans. But as it turns out, he doesn’t need to, because Harvey bursts into a grin that warms his heart and undoes the knot in his chest.

“Of course I will,” he tells him. “That’s what you were so worried about?”

“Yeah, well,” he shrugs. Whatever words he had die on his tongue, and they laugh it off as Sabrina pats the space next to her. He jumps up next to her, their feet bumping against each other, and they take advantage of the few precious moments they have before class begins.

Harvey hunches over his desk, his hands moving as swiftly and carefully as only an artist’s can. It’s kind of amazing watching him, watching him lose himself in his work the same way Theo loses himself on the basketball court. No, it’s not the same and Theo knows it. He’s nevertheless fascinated by Harvey’s process and that’s why he’s hovering the way he is.

No other reason.

The nail chewing is also completely irrelevant. He does this all the time and it’s perfectly normal.

As is the pacing.

Eventually, Harvey just sights and pulls a chair up beside him and lets him sit. He only moves slightly, but Theo takes the hint and sits back, willing his heart to slow down. He does everything he can to pass time; jumps through social media apps on his phone, flips through Harvey’s stack of comics, even doodles something on a spare page. All the time waiting with baited breath and one eye on Harvey’s hand.

“Okay.” Harvey leans back in his chair, his fingers slightly greyed with lead. “I’m done.”

Theo leans forward and immediately a smile forms on his face. It’s exactly what he had in mind, the outline of a small bird sitting on a branch, poised to take flight, but Harvey’s drawing is more carefully and painstakingly structured than he could have hoped to make it. All his attempts somehow look flat, boring, but Harvey’s looks alive and it reminds him why he wants this particular picture on his body.

“Thank you.” He leans against him, cheek smushed against Harvey’s shoulder, and wraps his arms around him. He sings his words a little, bringing a smile to both their faces. “Thank you, thank you, thank you!”

Harvey plays it down, but he hugs him back just as tightly.

Unfortunately, there are no tattoo places in Greenedale. Theo wonders how, in all his fifteen going on sixteen years of living in this town, he never once picked up on this. Especially since he spent most of that time wanting a tattoo. But no, here he is, the White Pages open on his lap and him staring intensely at the page as if the words tattoo parlour are going to magically appear on the page.

He sighs deeply and scratches his cat behind the ears.

“Well, Lila,” he tells her. “Time to go look beyond Greenedale.” Lila lets out a groan, her little ears flopping down as she rests her head against him, and he takes that as her saying she’s with him. He kisses her head, her fur tickling his nose. “Love you too, baby.”

He finds one close enough, in Woodvale, the next town over. It’s pretty decent money-wise, and while it looks pretty small on the Facebook page, it’s close, and more importantly, his dad goes there for business at least twice a month. He tells him that night he has some errands to run there next week, in fact.

“You can go in, get your tattoo done, then maybe we can go for lunch after,” he says. He shrugs awkwardly, wiping his hand on a tea towel. “You know, if you want. Unless you have plans or something.”

“I don’t have any plans, Dad,” he tells him. “I’d love that.”

He doesn’t miss his dad’s bright smile at his answer.

That night, Lila is sitting around his shoulders as he copies the phone number off the Facebook page. Her tail flicks him in the face and he sighs and adjusts her on his shoulders so she’s more comfortable. His dad sometimes calls her The Queen, and for good reason. That damn cat is more pampered than anything he’s ever known. Even if he does love her and thinks she deserves it.

“Don’t suppose you want to take this phone call for me, do you?” he asks her. She meows back at him, which he takes to mean no you weirdo, make your own appointments, you’re an adult now. She’s right, he doesn’t like it, but she’s right, so he kisses her nose and hits the call button.

“Um, hi, Midsummer Night’s, how can I help?”

Theo clears his throat, glad he had the foresight to chug water right before making the call. Social skills aren’t his best in general and they somehow get worse on the phone. Especially with this kind of appointment-booking stuff. He’s made progress, at least. By that he means he doesn’t feel the need to ask his dad any more. Baby steps.

“Hi,” he replies. “I’d like to book a tattoo. For next Saturday?”

“Next Saturday…” Their voice trails off, the sound of stuff being shoved and moved around filling the silence instead. “Sorry, just bear with me for one second.”

“It’s fine.” He turns on his heel and walks the length of his room again, Lila flicking her tail. It takes him a while to recognise the song playing in the background; Kansas. Carry On My Wayward Son. He’s a little embarrassed; he didn’t spend all that time watching Supernatural to not recognise this song instantly.

He catches himself humming just as the second verse hits.

“Okay, here we go,” the other voice says. “Sorry about that.”

“No problem,” he replies, as though a pink blush isn't colouring his cheeks.

“So that’s next Saturday… what time were you thinking?”

“Is around ten am okay?” he asks. “Sorry, I know it’s like right when you open, but my dad has some business around town that he can’t move and-”

“No, ten’s fine,” they tell him. “And what’s the name?”

“Putnam,” he says, perhaps a little too quickly. “Theo Putnam.”

“Okay, Putnam, Theo Putnam.” It’s a terrible joke, a dad-level terrible joke, but he laughs all the same. “That’s you booked in. I’ll see you Saturday.”

“See you on Saturday,” he replies, and the flutter of excitement in his chest leaves him breathless.

*****

Midsummer Nights' turns out to be a relatively small shop nestled on a street corner, looking only slightly out of place with its dark blue paint job, contrasting with the more pastel colour palette for the rest of the street, and indeed, the rest of the town. He likes it, and he especially likes the shooting stars painted around the door and windows. Twinkling in the mid-morning sun and outlined in thin black lines, trails of gold and silver shooting out from behind them. They’re tiny and probably there as an afterthought, a way to fill space, but Theo is far more enchanted by them than he is the larger pictures of fairies and mermaids that adorn the walls. The care taken alone leaves him breathless. The bigger pictures are impressive, sure, but the care with which the stars have been painted almost takes his breath away. Whoever did them must have the patience of a saint. He’s never really been one for patience, nor for taking his time, instead always running from one thing to the next. Maybe he could learn a thing or two from this person, whoever they are.

“Woah, calm down there,” he tells himself as he turns the handle. “It’s a painting, not a therapy session.”

Inside isn’t entirely what he expected. Well, he’s not completely sure what he expected. Maybe a bunch of hairy biker types, the faint stench of alcohol in the air and a deer head mounted in the wall for good measure. But no, instead he finds white walls decorated with painted trees and vines and as he looks closer, tiny fairies and gnomes poking their heads around them. A smile tugs on his lips as he looks at it. It’s almost magical; a new creature appearing before his eyes the longer he looks. The space is bright, mostly thanks to the large windows, and someone plays folk music softly in the background.

He approaches the front desk, which in actuality looks more like a glorified coffee table and is manned by a girl with blue strands of her hair. She looks up from her book as he approaches and slips a bookmark in without looking. He takes an instant liking to her, or rather she seems like the kind of person he could like.

“Hey,” she greets nonchalantly. “You have an appointment or are you a walk-in?”

“Uh, an appointment,” he replies, scratching behind his ear. “It’s uh-Theo Putnam.”

“Okay, one second.” She flips open a spiral notebook, twiddling a pen between her fingers. Theo takes the opportunity to have another look around, his eyes once again drawn to the walls. He looks up at them, more than happy to wait. There’s something almost tangible yet so surreal about it; like he believes he could find himself here, just not in this reality. And as he cranes his neck, he spies right where the wall meets the ceiling; the stars from the outside.

“Sorry about that,” the girl says, snapping him back to reality. “So yeah, you’re all booked in, if you just want to go down to the back, Robin will take care of you.” Theo nods, a ‘thank you’ on his lips, but before he can say it, the girl turns her head and screams “ROBIN YOUR PERSON’S HERE!”. Theo stumbles backwards, blown away by and also amazed that all the windows are still intact. She simply turns back, her smile sweet, and opens her book again. “He’ll be down in just a second.”

He can’t decide if he likes her more or less after that.

“Jesus Christ Moth, I’m coming,” someone, he presumes Robin, calls from above them, the voice faint. Theo grins as he realises that he probably wasn’t meant to hear that. He wanders past the front desk, but not before catching the small shit-eating grin on Moth’s face.

He likes her.

Robin (he assumes it’s him anyway) emerges on the bottom step, shooting an annoyed look at Moth that disappears immediately once he sees Theo, instead morphing into an apologetic half-smile.

“I’m sorry about her,” he says. “She’s under the impression that she’s cute. And she’s also a middle child.”

“Ah that explains a lot,” Theo chuckles. “Well, it’s fine. I mean, it seemed to be effective anyway.”

“Yeah,” he chuckles. Theo’s breath catches in his throat and he can’t work out why. Robin is pretty, but he’s never been the type to lose his words over pretty boys. He’s tall, way taller than Theo, and his short-sleeved black shirt doesn’t leave much to the imagination. His dark hair is streaked with green and falls forwards into dark eyes, causing him to toss his head to push it back. Normally he’d find that kind of look douchey, but it’s not, not on him, it’s actually kind of cute in a punk-rock slash edgy poet kind of way and suddenly he’s aware how neither one of them have said anything yet.

“I’m Theo. We uh, we spoke on the phone.” It comes out as more of a question than a statement, at least in his mind.

“Yeah, I remember,” he says. “Putnam, Theo Putnam.”

“Yep, that’s me,” he replies, caught between laughing and cringing at himself. If he had known it was going to be like this, he’d have tried to make that phone call way less awkward. Robin doesn’t seem to mind though, instead tapping his arm lightly and gesturing with his head.

“Why don’t you come through with me and we can get started?”

“That’s definitely what I came here to do,” he says, and when Robin smiles, his heart melts and he curses silently.

Dimples. Of course he has dimples. The asshole.

He sits up on a leather chair, his backpack and jacket discarded on the floor and his sleeve rolled up. His feet dangle just above the floor and he’s deliberately not looking at the very pointy needles. It’s not like he’s got a phobia or anything, and he definitely knew this would be part of the process. It’s just a little unnerving.

“You got a design?” Robin asks.

“Uh, yeah here.” He holds the paper out to him. “My friend Harvey drew it. He’s really great at the art stuff. But-but the idea was mine and I… dictated it to him.”

“Cool,” he replies. “And where do you want it?” Theo pulls his sleeve up, his fingers gesturing to just below his shoulder. Robin nods, and his eyes darken slightly, as if his focus is shifting entirely to the tattoo and nothing else. He positions himself as close to him as possible, and they sit in silence as he carefully transfers the design onto tattoo paper.

Then Robin’s hand is against his skin, and the needle is barely an inch from it, and goosebumps prickle along there.

He must look as nervous as he feels, because Robin’s grip on his shoulder softens slightly, as does his face, and his voice comes in a careful whisper.

“Hey,” he tells him. “It’s okay. It doesn’t hurt that much. And I promise I’m careful.” Theo nods, even if his nails are digging into the leather beneath him. “Besides, it’s only the first one that really hurts. After that everything’s fine.”

“That’s what she said.” His voice is far weaker than he’d like it, the joke even more so, but Robin busts out laughing and so does he, and he barely realises that he started.

He was right though; while the pain doesn’t necessarily lessen, he gets used to it. If one could ever get used to the feeling of a needle jabbing one’s skin over and over. It kind of helps that he’s got plenty to distract him with the art on the walls and even if he didn’t; Robin is surprisingly easy to talk to.

“So you’re not from around here, are you?” he asks casually. “Sorry, it’s just… here you get to know people pretty quickly. And I’ve never seen you around here.”

“It’s fine,” he replies. He relates of course; small towns are small towns. “I’m from Greenedale. Ever been there?” Robin frowns slightly, his mouth falling half-open as he thinks.

“I think I drove through it once or twice,” he says. “Isn’t that the place that’s obsessed with witches and stuff?”

“That’s the one,” he says. “They’ve got all the spooky sights but unfortunately no tattoo parlours.” He goes to shrug but then remembers one arm is currently being used. “So I had to take a little trip out here.”

“You know when I was driving through I distinctly remember the lack of tattoo parlours,” Robin jokes. “Still. It’s a nice place.”

“I guess,” Theo mumbles. “I was always so focussed on the leaving.” He kicks the ground.  “I’ve never looked around properly.” Greenedale hasn’t exactly been kind to him either. He may love his friends dearly, and it’s not like his memories are all bad, but there are days when the familiar streets are less comforting and more maddening, and the town line feels more like a prison wall. It’s not every day he feels like this, but enough for him to have taken notice.

Robin chuckles beside him, and it’s then he suddenly remembers where he is, and that there is in fact a person beside him. A person he barely knows. And while a blush does creep over his cheeks, he doesn’t feel nearly as embarrassed as he should.

“Sorry,” he mumbles. “Kind of dumping my tragic backstory on you there.”

“Trust me, you’re not the first,” Robin tells him. “Guess there’s something about a person having a needle shoved into their skin repeatedly that puts them in a sharing mood.” He flips his head, tossing his bangs out of his face. “So what’s the deal with the witch thing?”

“Basically a lot of witches came over from Europe and settled over there,” he explains. “And when it came to picking a town personality trait, it was between either witches or thinly-veiled bigotry.” He goes to shrug, but then remembers the needle against his arm. “I guess ‘we’ll put a spell on you’ is a more catchy slogan than ‘we’re all raging assholes’.”

“Well, that may be true,” Robin says. “Though I’d admire any town with the balls to admit that they’re all assholes.” Theo chuckles again, swinging his feet slightly. Robin must be right; there must be something about getting a tattoo that makes you pretty chatty. That or Robin’s just… easy to talk to. He hasn’t met someone like in a while, not since Sabrina and Roz and Harvey. Something flutters in his chest and he doesn’t quite recognise it. He likes it, though. Even if in the back of his mind he wonders if he should be scared by it.

“Yo.” Moth appears in the doorway, hanging off the wall by her fingertips. She looks over at Theo’s arm, where Robin’s needle is, and a faint smile forms on her lips. “Not bad, Robin.”

“Thanks,” he replies, his eyebrow raised, and he looks up at Theo. “For her ‘not bad’ is possibly the highest praise you can get.”

“Not true. There’s at least two more levels, you just haven’t unlocked them yet,” she adds. “Anywho, I���m going on the coffee run, what do you want?”

“You know my order,” he replies, focussing more on his work than on her.

“So that’s an iced salted caramel latte, then,” she says. Robin’s cheeks turn pink suddenly, his hand slowing but not faltering. Judging by the look on Moth’s face-which can only be described as a shit-eating grin-that was the goal. “Do you want me to ask for whipped cream like last time?”

“No, thank you, Moth,” he mumbles, rolling his eyes. The gesture is equal parts exasperated and fondness, like Moth has been a pain in his ass for so long, and he likes it that way. Theo relates.

“He always pulls that ‘you know my order’ crap when a customer’s here,” she explains. “He’s embarrassed ‘cause his actual order isn’t very macho. Plus he thinks the cool and mysterious vibe impresses clients. Especially around the ones he thinks are cute. Anyway, you want anything?”

Theo freezes, his response-whatever it would be-caught in his throat. Moth seems unaffected, checking her nails like nothing is wrong. Maybe nothing is wrong, and he’s just overthinking. Or misheard her and she didn’t actually imply that Robin might find him cute. Either way, there’s probably no reason his cheeks should be as pink as they are now.

“N-no I’m okay thanks,” he says.

“You sure?” she asks. “No extra charge, just give us a good review.”

“It’s fine,” he says. He clears his throat and hopes his voice doesn’t actually sound that high. “I’m going out with my dad after this anyway.”

“Mm. Suit yourself.” She turns on her heel and flounces off, the sound of jangling keys and her boots on the floor growing fainter. Theo doesn’t dare breathe until she’s gone though-the closing door releasing the tie around his chest. When he turns to Robin, the other boy seems far calmer than he is, already back to work with a bemused grin on his face. His eyes meet Theo’s and he shakes his head lightly, his hair falling in front of his eyes.

“Don’t worry about Moth,” he tells him. “She’s taken it upon herself to try to set me up with every guy that comes in.” He shifts himself slightly. “Trust me, it was nothing.”

“Oh… okay.” The small tug of disappointment comes at a surprise to him, and he searches for a way out. “But was she right about your coffee order though?” Robin chuckles.

“Maybe.”

“Well, you don’t need to worry,” he tells him. “I personally think iced lattes are very macho. Of course we should ask ourselves ‘what is macho’ and then that takes us on a whole lovely journey that you probably don’t want to go through right now.”

“Eh, I might do,” he says. Theo turns to him, and his eyes are the exact mixture of teasing and serious, and the grin on his face widens. “But we can agree that salted caramel lattes rock, right?”

“Absolutely,” he says, and he realises in that moment he really likes this guy.

Which way he likes him though is a question he leaves unanswered.

In what feels like no time at all, Robin is slowly finishing up, an empty coffee cup at his side. At some point, Moth came in and started work on another client, casually talking to Robin above the hum of the tattoo needles. Robin doesn’t stop chatting to him though and they move through things like school (where he learns Robin’s favourite subject is English), music (where Robin actually has to stop and write down Theo’s music recommendations) and pets, where Theo goes on a ten minute rant about Lila and how she’s simultaneously the love of his life and the bane of his existence.

“Your cat sounds amazing,” he says. “Next time you’re in town you should bring her in so I can meet her.”

“You could always come over to Greendale,” he says. It’s so casual he didn’t even think about it before he said it, and he might have freaked himself out. If Robin feels the same, he doesn’t show it, only nodding and saying he might take him up on that.

They turn to talking about Midsummer Nights’ itself; how Robin started working there one summer as a teenager, how only last year he graduated from sweeping floors to taking clients, and how just a few months ago he and Moth (“mostly me,” he added, just loud enough so she could hear) redecorated the entire place, including the outside.

“I did those little stars on the wall outside,” he remarks. “Don’t know if anyone notices them, but they’re my crown jewel as far as I’m concerned.”

“I noticed,” Theo tells him. “I like them.” He doesn’t tell him how entranced he was by his work, but he does notice the softness in Robin’s smile, the pink hue in his cheeks. It makes sense, somehow, that Robin painted those stars. He barely knows him, but he feels like it makes sense.

For the last few minutes, the conversation drops away, and silence falls as all Robin’s focus shifts to his work. It’s a look he recognises from Harvey, an artist’s expression, but it feels deeper with Robin. His movements are so precise, so deliberate, that Theo feels he should hold his breath lest he break his concentration. He imagines him months ago, the same expression on his face as he paints the stars outside, and he’s almost sad he wasn’t there to see it.

Robin groans as he leans back, pushing his hair away from his face, and his eyes light up.

“We’re done,” he says. “You want to see it before we put the bandages on it?”

“Hell yeah I do.” He jumps off the seat and follows Robin, bouncing on the balls of his feet as he goes. Robin leads him to a mirror, his face shining with anxious pride, and Theo gives him a small smile before he turns and his breath is taken away.

“It’s perfect,” he breathes. Perfect as anything could be, really. Clean cut, careful, delicate. There’s so much life in it, even though it’s only ink. The little bird sits perched on its branch, determination strong on its small face. He couldn’t have asked for a better job. It’s everything he dreamed when he was younger, now a physical reality. He takes a deep breath, trying not to be the kind of person that cries after their first tattoo. “Thank you, Robin.”

“No problem,” he says softly and when Theo looks up, he finds Robin’s eyes lingering on him. “Putnam, Theo Putnam.”

                                                                        *****

He and his dad find a little cafe in the middle of town and sit outside, taking advantage of the good weather.

“So was it worth waiting for?” his dad asks. “The tattoo?”

“Yes, it was,” he replies. “Thank you, Dad.” His dad waves his hand dismissively, as though the back-and-forth between them never happened.

“No problem kid,” he says. “It was what you wanted. And the place was good?”

“Yeah.” He pops another French fry in his mouth. “It was really, really good. They were uh… good at their jobs.” His hand moves to where the bandage sits on his arm, the tattoo perfectly preserved beneath it, and yet that’s not what he’s thinking about. Instead his mind drifts back to Robin, with his hair falling into his eyes and his laugh and those damn dimples. He takes a drink just as he feels the heat rush to his cheeks, and his dad eyes him curiously. He sets the glass down, even though his mouth is still dry. “It was great.”

A knowing smile spreads across his dad’s face and he curses under his breath. This is what he gets for having a close relationship with his father. Stupid strong father-son bond.

Theo puts his hand in his pocket and his fingers close around empty fabric, rather than plastic. He hurriedly checks the other pocket, then his jeans, his panic rising each time. His dad turns when he realises Theo is no longer beside him, his feet rooted to the sidewalk instead, and his eyes widen, reflecting Theo’s own alarm back at him.

“Theo?” he asks. “What happened?”

“I-I can’t find my phone!” he sighs. He pulls items out of his pockets one by one, his wallet, his keys, loose change… no phone. He taps every pocket again to make sure, as if it was going to magically appear if he willed it hard enough. No such luck. He mumbles under his breath, a stream of ‘oh shit’ and ‘oh no’ as he tries to fight off the rising panic. He tries to retrace his steps, to remember the last place he had it out, to think of wherever the hell his phone could be in this town-

“Theo!”

Or maybe he doesn’t need to.

“Theo!”

He turns around to see Robin running down the street, skidding to a half just in front of him. His face is bright red, not from teasing his time, his chest heaves and his hair sticks to his face. They look at each other, breathless, and just as Theo opens his mouth to ask what he’s doing, he holds his hand out.

“My phone!” he squeaks.

“Yeah you… you left it in… with me,” he says between gasps. “I was really hoping I’d be able to catch you before you left.”

“Oh God I’m sorry,” he says, taking another look over Robin. The tattoo parlour is far enough from here, and the streets here twist and turn around as they please. And Robin ran through them. For him. In jeans. “Thank you so much, Robin. I-how did you know it was mine?”

“The picture on the lockscreen,” he explains, pointing vaguely. “It was you.” He pushes his hair away from his face. “And… your boyfriend?”

“My boyfriend?” he asks. For a second his mind goes blank, then he realises and it nearly knocks the wind out of him. “Oh God no, Harvey’s…. he’s just my friend. No, no I…” He rubs the back of his neck, his eyes meeting Robin’s and he can’t work out if the hopeful look on his face is real or his imagination. Either way, he ends up saying “I’m completely single.”

“Oh,” he says, about ten times higher than usual. He clears his throat, his hand sliding into his back pocket. “Uh… me too.”

“Seriously? What the whole jacked as hell, dyed hair tattoo artist thing doesn’t attract anyone?”

“Not around here it doesn’t, apparently,” he says, implying that the reason he’s single is beyond no-one wanting to date a tattoo artist. There’s a pause, a brief moment of silence, and Theo goes to say goodbye, to run before it gets awkward, but Robin holds out a small piece of paper.

“What’s this?” he asks as he takes it. Robin ducks his head, his bangs falling in front of his face.

“I hope it’s not too forward,” he begins. “But it-it’s my number.” He shrugs and pushes his hair back. "Just in case you ever want to call me sometime."

“Oh,” he replies. It’s a short, quick word. It hardly means anything. Certainly doesn’t reflect how his stomach as dropped out from under him, or how his brain is vibrating at an insane frequency, or how the unending cry of ‘HE GAVE ME HIS NUMBER’ blasts around his head like a fire alarm. And all the while he just stands there, the paper in his hand, blinking up at Robin like he hasn’t a care in the world. “Um… thanks.”

“Sorry,” he says immediately, his face scrunched up. “I-it was too forward, I didn’t mean like that.”

“No,” Theo says, just as Robin’s hand twitches. He slides the paper into his back pocket with a shaky hand and gives him a small smile. “It’s not… like that at all.” It’s really not. It’s not… He’s not sure what it is. All he knows is that Robin’s not at fault. “It’s okay, really.”

He turns slightly and sees his dad standing at the truck, pretending to be interested in a receipt he pulled out of his pocket. His dad hasn’t pressed and knowing him, he’s probably fully intending on giving the two of them as long as they need to work out… whatever it is they’re working out. Anxiety clutches his chest and he backs up suddenly, his hand still slid into his pocket. He needs time all right, but not here.

“I should go,” he says. “But I’ll...” His voice trails off, his fingers fidgeting in mid-air. The piece of paper burns like a small star in his pocket. “Thank you. For everything.”

“You’re welcome,” Robin says. He tosses his hair again and damn, he should not find that as cute as it is. “Look us up if you’re ever back in town.”

“I will.” He gives a wave to Robin, who responds with a wave, and Theo responds to that with a small finger gun and screams at himself the minute he turns around. He climbs into the truck beside his dad, who already rolled the windows down. Thank God, Theo thinks, because he feels fit to explode. He leans out as his dad pulls away from the curb, closing his eyes as the air tickles his skin.

“So you made a friend?” his dad asks. He doesn’t need to turn around to see the bemused smile on his face.

“He was the guy who did my tattoo,” is his reply. His dad nods, a soft chuckle escaping him, and goosebumps prickle on his skin.

“He gave you his number,” he points out. “Are you gonna call him?”

Theo sighs, his fingers tracing over the paper in his back pocket.

“I don’t know,” he answers honestly. “Maybe.”

He doesn’t call him. At least, not right away. Who he does call is Harvey, Roz and Sabrina, who all stand around his bed with him, the offending phone number sitting in the centre. He filled them in as best he could, although with all his energy being focussed on the decision, he’s only really been able to give them ‘I met a guy, he gave me his number’. And now they’ve been standing there, minutes passing in silence, while Theo stares at it with enough intensity to light it on fire.

“I think you should call him,” Roz says eventually.

“Why?”

“Because he gave you his number for that very purpose,” she tells him slowly. Theo pulls a face at her, but it only lasts for a second because… she’s right. She has an infuriating habit of being right. If she wasn’t so cute and supportive and lovely he’d have stopped hanging out with her long ago for that very reason.

“So why haven’t you?” Sabrina asks. “Called him. I mean his number’s right there. What’s stopping you?”

“What isn’t stopping me?” he mumbles, just loud enough for them to hear, and the three friends share an understanding nod. His experience with romance is extremely limited-his first and only “relationship” was the Valentine’s card that appeared in his backpack in third grade. He never chased them up, and that was the end of it. All other knowledge either comes from his friends or movies. At this moment, he feels like he’s on the edge of the deep end, nothing to help him, and he’s not sure he won’t drown when he jumps.

“Hey.” Sabrina appears at his side, her shoulder bumping against his. “I still think you should do it.” He raises his eyebrow at her. She simply shrugs in response, her eyes flitting over to Harvey as she speaks. “I mean… I know it’s a cliche, but you’ll never know until you try.”

“Yeah,” Harvey adds. “I mean what’s the worst that could happen?”

“So many things,” Theo sighs, raking a hand through his hair. He’s not blessed with what Harvey and Sabrina have-a sweet little romance that’s been blossoming since childhood-nor does he have his pick of suitors like Roz does. As far as he knows, this Robin’s his one chance. He shakes his head, his fingers drumming on his arm. “Maybe I just shouldn’t.”

“I disagree,” Roz pipes up. “I think very hot boys giving you their numbers doesn’t just happen every day and since the universe has presented you with this opportunity, I for one think you’d be an idiot to pass it up.” She delivers everything so quickly that it takes a few seconds for him to register it, and then she comes round to his side and slings her arm around his shoulders, all warm smiles and warm eyes, and he rests her head on her shoulder. “Besides, I know you’ll regret it if you don’t.”

She’s not wrong. Again. If there’s one idea that scares him more than it not going well, it’s never even happening at all.

“And in the event it goes horribly wrong, we’ll all buy ice cream and we can have a good cry session,” she promises, and the other two nod in agreement. Theo closes his eyes and buries his face in Roz’s shoulder so they won’t see his blush.

God damn it, he loves his friends.

It takes a week for him to call him, even with those assurances. One day he feels braver than usual; he chalks it up to a good day at school and an even better one at practice, and so he sits on his bed and punches Robin’s number into his phone, the note sitting on his pillow. Because yes, he kept the note instead of writing it down. Nothing wrong with that.

“Hello?” Robin picks up too suddenly, and Theo bites back a squeak. He jumps off the bed and pulls on his shirt for some reason.

One chance he reminds himself. One chance.

“Hi, Robin?” he asks. “It’s uh, it’s Theo. Theo from Greenedale? You did my tattoo last week.”

“Oh, Theo, hey,” he replies. “Um, hi. H-how’s it turned out? The tattoo I mean?”

“Perfect,” he confesses. “It’s a hit with the guys on my basketball team. You should be expecting an influx of jocks coming round soon.”

“I’ll let Moth know, we’ll stock up on Gatorade.” Theo chuckles and sits on the edge of his bed, the beating of his heart slowing slightly. Maybe this could work. Maybe, if the stars are right, this won’t fall apart.

“Robin,” he begins quietly. “The reason I called was… em… I wanted to ask you-” The words stick in his throat like grains of sand against rocks. So many questions overlap in his head, each drowning the other out and turning into static. He closes his eyes, takes deep breath in, and back out. No need to overthink it, he tells himself. Just jump.

“Do you have plans on Saturday?” he asks.

“As a matter of fact, I don’t,” he replies. “Why do you ask?”

Theo throws himself on the bed, his legs in the air, and is amazed at just how easy this actually is.

                                                                          *****

They have their first date in Greenedale, seeing a movie at the Paramount, followed by a personalised tour. Robin gives Theo his jacket at some point, the sleeves falling past his hands, and Theo’s heart flutters.

They have their first kiss by the Welcome To Greenedale sign, Robin’s hand caressing his arm, right above where his tattoo is.

A year later, he’s laying in Robin’s bed, his boyfriend’s fingers gently caressing his newest tattoo-free of charge this time around. Theo kisses his bare shoulder before Robin goes to sit up, reminding him that he has to be at work in half an hour. Theo just pouts, grabs his arm, and tries to see if he can get five more minutes out of him.

Yeah, life is good.

[lovemesomesurveys]

[yourheaventonight]

What color is your couch? They’re gray.

How do you normally wear your hair? It’s always up in a messy bun.

Alcohol = the ultimate truth serum. Yes or no? Some people tend to get too talkative and comfortable and say things they probably wouldn’t normally. 

Are you a righty or a lefty? I’m a righty.

Do you own a pair of handcuffs? No.

Do flying bugs creep you out? Ew, yes. ALL bugs creep me out, but flying definitely doesn’t help cause they can fly right at me. lsflsfjldkfj

Can a girl love sex without being a whore? ...Yes. Loving sex doesn’t make you a whore. I think a lot of people love sex. I’m not going to judge people’s sex lives. Also, I just don’t use those type of terms. 

Would you ever be in a long-distance relationship? I don’t know.

Do lemons sound appealing to you at the moment? I like lemon flavored desserts, but I don’t eat actual lemons.

What size bed do you have? A full.

When was the last time you brushed your teeth? Yesterday. Before you judge, it’s only 6:36AM so I haven’t done so yet today.

Can you sleep in total darkness? Nooo. I have to sleep with my TV on for some light and sound.

What piercings do you have? Just my earlobes.

Any tattoos? Nope.

Is your glass half empty or half full? My glass is broken.

Are frogs cute or gross? The slimy thing isn’t so cute.

Do you ever wish you were born in a different century? No.

Which country's culture interests you most? Things from all different kinds of cultures interest me. <<<

What kind of guys/girls do you go for? None for the past few years...  I forget what it feels like to be crushing or have an interest in someone in that way. It feels like forever ago since I’ve last felt that.

Do you regret something you have no real control over? Yes.

Do you enjoy writing? I used to.

What do you have as your screen saver? My screen just goes black after like 15 minutes. 

Do you have a webcam? It’s built into my MacBook. I’ve never used it, though.

Do you still have your tonsils? Yes.

Aren't beetles fucking grody? Ugh, what’s with the bug questions in the past two surveys I’ve done. ALL BUGS ARE GROSS AND CREEPY.

How do you feel about Oprah? I’ve never been obsessed like a lot of people seemed/seem to be.

^ What the fuck kind of name is Oprah anyway? It reminds me of okra. Don’t gotta attack her name.

Would you ever pierce your tongue twice? Like, one right next to the other? I wouldn’t pierce it at all.

Do you like bonfires? Yes. I’ve always wanted to have one on the beach.

What makes your skin crawl? BUGS.

What's your favorite flower? I don’t really have one.

Look up Community Property by Steel Panther. Listen to the whole song. No.

Share your thoughts here. --

Have you ever dyed your hair an unnatural color? I’ve been dyeing it red the past few years. 

What's for dinner? I’m not sure, yet. 

Have you ever had someone draw a picture of you before? I’ve had those caricature drawings done before.

What confuses you most? Life.

Do you like monkeys? Sure. 

Does anything on your body hurt at the moment? Of course.

Have you ever been called a bad influence? Not that I know of.

What book are you reading right now? Cold Highway by Mary Stone.

Any bands you would like to recommend to me? Hmm.

What makes you laugh? My doggo.

What time is it? 6:47AM.

Doesn't intentionally bad grammar annoy you? Yes.

What type of person can you not stand? Arrogant, cocky, close-minded, very opinionated and judgmental people.

Care to share what song is stuck in your head? There isn’t one, currently.

What languages can you speak? Just English fluently, but I know some Spanish.

Pirates are better than ninjas. Fact or fiction? I’m gonna go with pirates cause it reminds of Pirates of the Caribbean at Disneyland, one of my favorite rides.

There is always a bit of truth behind every 'j/k', yes? Not always, but sometimes I do think that. Especially if it’s said more than once.

What do you get complimented on most often? Nothing.

What's the weirdest compliment you've ever received? Someone apparently thought I had polio because I’m in a wheelchair and told me that I looked pretty for someone with polio. Uh...

Who/what was the last person/thing to make you blush? I don’t recall.

What kind of muffins do you like? Banana (without the nut), blueberry, cinnamon streusel, lemon poppyseed, chocolate chip, birthday cake. Dang, I want a muffin now.

Do you like warm or cold weather more? Cold, hands down.

Don't you hate it when sites go under maintenance and you cant get access? If it’s something I need access to at that moment, like typically that tends to happen with websites I pay my bills on. 

What form(s) of art do you enjoy most? Literature, film, music.

Piercings are sexy. Truth or lie? I’m not into them.

Have you ever worn a French maid costume? No.

Have you ever had couscous? I don’t know what that is.

Do you like listening to yourself talk? Ew, no.

When was the last time you were congested? Hm. It’s been awhile.

Do you wear eyeliner? When I actually wear makeup, yes, but I haven’t worn any makeup in like 4 years.

Do you show everyone your tongue when something turns it another color? No, I don’t feel the need to do that.

Who is the greatest writer alive, in your opinion? There’s countless great writers. How about the greatest painter? There’s countless great painters. I may not have a favorite myself, but I can acknowledge that there’s a lot of beautiful art pieces out there.

The greatest musician? There’s countless great musicians. 

The greatest poet? There’s countless great poets. I don’t read poetry, but again I can acknowledge there’s a lot of great poets out there.

Have any good scar stories you want to share? I don’t consider any of them “good.”

Are you pierced anywhere below the waist? No, I’m not.

Facebook games: Fun or brain-frying? I don’t play any.

Do you dance well? Not at all.

Are you into anyone at the moment? No.

Do you touch yourself at night? No.

What body parts can you 'crack'? My knuckles, wrists, arms, neck.

What color do you wear most often? Black.

What about the opposite sex drives you crazy? (The good kinda crazy.) It’s been so long since I’ve been interested in someone or felt that way.

What candle/incense flavors do you enjoy most? (Yes I said flavors. :P) Autumnal scents from Bath & Body Works and patchouli. 

Do you complain a lot? In surveys and on Twitter, but I keep to myself a lot in person. I could complain a lot to those around me if I wanted to, but I don’t because I don’t want to be a burden, annoying, or bring them down. I’ve known people who constantly complained and it gets to be a lot real quick. It’s draining. So,  I just suffer in silence, ha.

What do you do when you're mad? Shutdown and cry.

Have you ever thought you could 'save' someone? No. 

Do you have any 'special' talents? *Wiggles eyebrows* Nope.

Yankee makes the best candles. Yes or no? Kinda overpriced.

What do you do when you can't sleep? I have a nightly routine that consists of scrolling through Tumblr, doing surveys, and listening to ASMR for that reason.

Have you ever liked someone you barely knew? Little crushes, yeah.

When was the last time you felt like a creeper? I don’t feel like a creeper.

Who seems to have taken up permanent residence in your thoughts? Not a who, but certain things.

Black & Milds: yay or nay? I don’t smoke.

Is smoking a turn-on for you? No.

Do you get excited or scared when you see a thunderstorm brewing? I love ‘em. We don’t get them often here, though.

Speaking of brew, when's the last time you had a beer? Almost 10 years ago. If I’m talkin’ brew I’m talking coffee.

What sub-genre of metal do you enjoy most? I don’t listen to metal.

Do you need to shave? No.

How do you feel about Obama? This question has come up in a lot of the surveys I’ve done lately.

Do you own any bandanas? Nope.

What's your favorite gangster movie? I don’t watch any.

Who/what makes your heart race? Anxiety.

How do you think I should end this survey? You just did.

[powerfultulips]

weird asks?

1. coffee mugs, teacups, wine glasses, water bottles, or soda cans?

coffee mugs

2. chocolate bars or lollipops?

chocolate bars!

3. bubblegum or cotton candy?

both?

4. how did your elementary school teachers describe you?

probably something along the lines of “weird, but brilliant. also really small and tiny”

5. do you prefer to drink soda from soda cans, soda bottles, plastic cups or glass cups?

plastic cups

6. pastel, boho, tomboy, preppy, goth, grunge, formal or sportswear?

ideally, grunge

7. earbuds or headphones?

headphones all the way babey

8. movies or tv shows?

not really a big fan of either

9. favorite smell in the summer?

um, like campfires and stuff

10. game you were best at in p.e.?

didn’t really have p.e. in school, but i always liked kickball and dodgeball

11. what you have for breakfast on an average day?

just a spoonful of peanut butter, along with my meds

12. name of your favorite playlist?

either “h” or “oliver!”

13. lanyard or key ring?

key ring i guess

14. favorite non-chocolate candy?

smarties?

15. favorite book you read as a school assignment?

hamlet, probably. if you’re looking for a novel, a prayer for owen meany.

16. most comfortable position to sit in?

the comfy one

17. most frequently worn pair of shoes?

i have these shitty dad shoes (air monarchs) that i wear a lot. mostly because i keep them tied, and i often don’t feel like tying another pair of shoes when i go out. so they’re basically slip-ons

18. ideal weather?

70 degrees, mostly cloudy, maybe a light rain, or a soft breeze

19. sleeping position?

i usually sleep on my right side, but sometimes i roll over to my left

20. preferred place to write (i.e., in a note book, on your laptop, sketchpad, post-it notes, etc.)?

depends what i’m writing, but i like notebooks and my laptop

21. obsession from childhood?

quite a few. gas stations, legos, baseball, phineas and ferb

22. role model?

not sure i have one, i look up to all of my friends in different ways

23. strange habits?

i chew on my knuckles a lot, it’s a nervous stim i’ve had since i was young. dunno if i have any others

24. favorite crystal?

um.... the pretty ones

25. first song you remember hearing?

i have no fuckin idea my guy. maybe 99 luftballons

26. favorite activity to do in warm weather?

exist in an air-conditioned room

27. favorite activity to do in cold weather?

put a hoodie on and go for a walk

28. five songs to describe you?

“your heart is a muscle the size of your fist” by ramshackle glory; “after you” by good morning; “dip you in honey” by the wombats; “i’m against the government” by defiance, ohio; “new loved ones” by toro y moi

29. best way to bond with you?

probably helping me out when i’m in a bad situation

30. places that you find sacred?

dunno that there are any, really

31. what outfit do you wear to kick ass and take names?

karkat t-shirt, black jeans (that unfortunately don’t fit me anymore), probably some cute socks

32. top five favorite vines?

hang on i have a list. mychael with a B, this bitch empty YEET, the AA-AAA-AAAA battery one, bbq sauce on my titties, and “is that allowed?”

33. most used phrase in your phone?

i. what does that mean

34. advertisements you have stuck in your head?

none, fuck capitalism

35. average time you fall asleep?

probably like 2am

36. what is the first meme you remember ever seeing?

i. have no idea

37. suitcase or duffel bag?

suited case

38. lemonade or tea?

tea

39. lemon cake or lemon meringue pie?

pieeee

40. weirdest thing to ever happen at your school?

one time a teacher set a dollar bill on fire, i think. i wasn’t there. also a bat got into the bathroom once or twice

41. last person you texted?

my sweet, precious baby boy @literally-an-envelope

42. jacket pockets or pants pockets?

p a n t

43. hoodie, leather jacket, cardigan, jean jacket or bomber jacket?

hoodie!!!!

44. favorite scent for soap?

vaniwwa

45. which genre: sci-fi, fantasy or superhero?

sci-fi perhaps?

46. most comfortable outfit to sleep in?

i usually sleep in a tshirt and pj pants

47. favorite type of cheese?

pepperjack probably. i had a dream about gouda last night, though

48. if you were a fruit, what kind would you be?

a blackberry. idk

49. what saying or quote do you live by?

“All people are good for something. The important thing is finding what.” (Tom, MLB Power Pros 2008)

50. what made you laugh the hardest you ever have?

fuck if i know dude

51. current stresses?

is “everything” an answer

52. favorite font?

helvetica

53. what is the current state of your hands?

slightly sweaty

54. what did you learn from your first job?

sprite with grenadine.... tasty

55. favorite fairy tale?

idk bro

56. favorite tradition?

my family usually goes to chuck e cheese on new years eve. its fun

57. the three biggest struggles you’ve overcome?

bold of you to assume i’ve overcome anything

58. four talents you’re proud of having?

writing, singing, pitching (baseball), and punting (football)

59. if you were a video game character, what would your catchphrase be?

y’know, like nya?

60. if you were a character in an anime, what kind of anime would you want it to be?

slice-of-life, or a sports anime

61. favorite line you heard from a book/movie/tv show/etc.?

shrugs

62. seven characters you relate to?

are these all gonna be homestuck characters? probably. karkat, tavros, kanaya, dave, john/june, jade, and kankri. ok those are just my favourites but fuck you

63. five songs that would play in your club?

i’d probably have a really chill “club” that just played like, indie music from bands i like

64. favorite website from your childhood?

poptropica

65. any permanent scars?

yeah i have a few, although they’re fading and healing, idk if they will be on my skin forever.

66. favorite flower(s)?

i like tulips

67. good luck charms?

stuffed animals

68. worst flavor of any food or drink you’ve ever tried?

black liquorice

69. a fun fact that you don’t know how you learned?

fun fact! why do they call it oven when you of in the cold food of out hot eat the food

70. left or right handed?

right, but i swing left

71. least favorite pattern?

idk

72. worst subject?

like in school? physics

73. favorite weird flavor combo?

shrugs aggressively

74. at what pain level out of ten (1 through 10) do you have to be at before you take an advil or ibuprofen?

like 5

75. when did you lose your first tooth?

i have no clue

76. what’s your favorite potato food (i.e. tater tots, baked potatoes, fries, chips, etc.)?

probably fries

77. best plant to grow on a windowsill?

shrug

78. coffee from a gas station or sushi from a grocery store?

neither?

79. which looks better, your school id photo or your driver’s license photo?

school id, i think

80. earth tones or jewel tones?

jewel tones

81. fireflies or lightning bugs?

ain’t those the same thing

82. pc or console?

i guess i prefer console, but most of my games are on my laptop

83. writing or drawing?

writing

84. podcasts or talk radio?

podcasts, i guess?

84. barbie or polly pocket?

shrugs

85. fairy tales or mythology?

mythology?

86. cookies or cupcakes?

cookies !

87. your greatest fear?

losing my loved ones

88. your greatest wish?

am i allowed to say “to be dead”

89. who would you put before everyone else?

my fiancé, for sure

90. luckiest mistake?

i.... don���t know

91. boxes or bags?

🅱️oxen

92. lamps, overhead lights, sunlight or fairy lights?

sunlight!!

93. nicknames?

yeah

94. favorite season?

spring

95. favorite app on your phone?

tumblr, or discord

96. desktop background?

something from homestuck. it’s terezi

97. how many phone numbers do you have memorized?

four (mine, dad, mom, fiancé)

98. favorite historical era?

i don’t know that i have one

[surveys-at-your-service]

Survey #143

“i’d rather be in battle than slaughtered like cattle.”

Were you happy or sad when you found out your babysitter was coming?  Sad, I had separation anxiety from Mom. Did you have a boyfriend in kindergarten?  No. Did you ever read the "Junie B. Jones" books?  LOVED THEM. Were you friends with your neighbors?  I was friends with a boy down the street. Did you ever play the "Reader Rabbit" computer games?  YESSSSS I LOVED THE BIRTHDAY PARTY ONE. What kinds of games did you play with your friends during Recess?  None really, we just played on the swings and such. What was your favorite kind of cake as a kid?  Chocolate. Who were you last in an elevator with?  Mom. Do you know anyone that has a black belt in karate?  No. If you have a notepad in your phone, what do you use it for the most?  I have tattoo ideas on it lmao. Who is the last child that you took a photo with?  Aubree. How and where did you get your most recent cut?  On the side of my hand.  I was drying my feet off after a shower, and my toenail cut the fuck out of it. ;-;  Pretty sure the scar's gonna be permanent. Would you ever get a nature tattoo?  Yeah, sure. Do you have any locked texts messages?  A few from Sara. Is anyone saved in your phone under a nickname?  My sisters are just "Ash" and "Nicky." Which company provides your car insurance?  I don't have my own car. Have you ever ordered from an informercial?  Nope. When, where, and why did a needle last pierce your skin?  Tattoo parlor in June to get a tattoo. Why did your last relationship end?  I didn't like him like that, I found. Do you have any tan lines?  No. Have you ever had any friends with benefits?  No. How old were you when you became financially independent from your parents?  Lol I'm not. What’s your favorite flavor of potato chip?  Ummmm probs salt and vinegar. Do you have a lock number or pattern for your phone?  No. What was the hardest language you’ve ever tried to learn?  What the super fuck even is Latin. Do you have any food intolerances or allergies?  No.  Well, without my medicine, bananas give me hellish heartburn. What’s the most number of people you’ve ever lived with?  Five.  Mom, Dad, two immediate sisters, and on different occasions my half-brother lived with us, then Dad's daughter stayed here a while. How many college degrees do you want?  Ideally, a master's because that's what is required to be an out-in-the-field zoologist.  I can do some things with lower ones, though. What do you look forward to most in the next two months?  Photographing my first wedding, my nephew's and mom's birthdays, going to see Sara in a little over two. What song explains how you feel about love?  "When It's Love" by Van Halen will always be way up there. Have you ever been IN a wedding?  Yeah, bridesmaid at Ash's. Have you ever been covered in mud?  Probably as a kid? Are there any books you wanna read?  I'm always gonna wanna read Rhett and Link's book, and I wanna start reading Wings of Fire 'cuz it sounds like something I'd like, thanks Sara. What classes are you taking in school? I'm not back in it yet. What is the last song you attempted to play on an instrument? I don't remember.  I took my guitar out months upon months ago to try and mess wi- OH, it was "Sweet Child O' Mine," and it went down horribly lmao. Could you handle being married to the last person you kissed?  That's the plan, buddy. Do you crack your knuckles?  No. How do you react when people sing “happy birthday” to you in a restaurant?  Get really shy and look down, but can't help but smile. Ever been shot by a paintball gun?  No. Have you ever had a significant other with a mental disorder?  Yes. Are you a moaner, a screamer, or totally silent?  The first. Have you ever tried Nutella?  I love that shit. Are there any activities which are “meant for children” that you still enjoy?  Yeah, movies, shows, games... Is there anything you wish you had started doing when you were younger that would have had an impact on or would have helped you with your life today?  Yeah.  I should've worked on social skills way sooner.  I should've fought back younger. Can you read lips?  Not at all. Are you part of any online communities? If so, which ones, and how did you get involved in them?  Only really KM, and because I've been in the meerkat RP community since '05. When vacuuming, do you have a set pattern or do you go willy-nilly?  Somewhat of a pattern. What’s your favorite kind of bread?  Pumpernickel. Who’s your favorite Muppet?  I don't have one. What’s your favorite monster? (can be Monsters Inc, horror films, stories, or myths, whatever)  Probably the Jersey Devil or Mothman.  Or the Dover Demon.  I like cryptozoological stuff okay. Have you ever considered shaving your head? Have you shaved it?  Noooooo. Have you ever seen a polar bear in person?  Yeah, at zoos. What’s your favorite school yard game? (4-Square, Kick the Can, etc)  I think it was called 4-Square... but I'm not sure. Have you ever boycotted anything?  No. Would you fall apart if that last person you kissed walked out of your life?  Um you have no idea. Are you against smoking weed?  Yeah tbh.  However I know there's lots of evidence coming out proving some of its medical uses, but I'm still kinda.  Unsure about medical marijuana. Who do you feel most comfortable talking to about your feelings?  Sara. Who of the opposite sex has seen you at your worst?  Jason. Who were you dating this time last year?  Girt. Have you ever smoked pot?  I've only ever been in the presence of people smoking it. Are your ears gauged?  No. Have you ever played beer pong?  No. Do you believe that you are a good girlfriend or boyfriend?  I sure hope so. Would you hug your ex again?  A couple I would. Do you like to climb trees?  I wouldn't know. Name your three closest friends.  Sara, Colleen, then probably Alex?  Although she hasn't been talking to me lately. What is the best kind of Girl Scout cookie?  I loved the chocolate and PB ones. Do you like it or hate it when your partner is clingy?  To a degree, I like it.  Shows they really do care. What kind of jelly do you buy?  Grape. Is your dad overweight?  He's underweight. Do you know all the words to “Don’t Trust Me” by 3oh!3?  I don't feel like playing it in my head but maybe 'cuz that song was my shit. What movies have you cried to?  Oh yeesh, I'm a fucking baby.  The Notebook, A Walk to Remember, Old Yeller, Logan, The Outsiders, Titanic, The Hunger Games (I think), and how could I almost forget Forrest Gump.  I knoooow there's more tho. Do you love substitute teachers?  No.  We would sit around doing nothing. Does your personality generally fall in line with gender stereotypes?  Not really? What’s your favorite movie soundtrack?  Off the top of my head, maybe Blair Witch Project 2: Book of Shadows. If you could own any 3 fictional objects from any book/movie/show, what would you choose? (does not have to all be from the same book/movie/show)  I legitimately want to commission someone to make a wooden model of Lord Emon's mask from Shadow of the Colossus.  I want so much SotC stuff, but shit expensive man.  Ummm having the Seal of Metatron from SH3 would be an awesome lil collectable.  OH YEAH and why the hell not have a hearthstone from WoW so I can go home in a jiffy whenever I want. :'D How far away do you live from the last place you lived?  Like... 10-15 minutes? Do you know anyone who’s had their kids taken by Child Protective Services?  No. You’re in a food court, what do you feel like eating?  Pizza, probably. Have you ever seen someone sleepwalk?  Yes, my younger sister.  She legit tried to go outside, but I obviously stopped her (I was the only one in the room). Have you ever thought about getting your tongue pierced?  Yes, and I would if I didn't have a damn retainer. If you had to move in with a friend, which one would you pick?  I'd move in with Sara any day. How does alcohol affect you?  Okay so I handle alcohol extremely well so I've never seen serious changes... but I do know if I'm tipsy, I'm more talkative and outgoing.  I don't think my face flushes anymore. When was the last time you had a cold or flu?  Holy shit I couldn't tell you for a cold.  I've never had the flu, thankfully. Have you ever watched Parks and Recreation?  Girt and I watched a few episodes.  It wasn't bad, but the fact still stands that I can't really get into TV. What is your favorite kind of pasta?  Typical spaghetti and meatballs. What color is your shampoo?  Pink. Is there a special someone in your life right now?  Yes. If so, tell me your favorite thing about their personality and their looks:  She's strong as fuck and her smile's to die for. Ever made a guy cry?  Yeah. Has a guy ever made you cry?  For over a year straight lmao. What’s the worst goodbye you’ve ever had to say?  To Jason. What make up product do you never use? It'd be easier to tell you only what I do use.  I only ever wear eyeliner and then sometimes eye shadow, mascara, lipstick, and very rarely foundation. What is one place you have been to and hated?  Uhhhh idk. Have you ever seen a jellyfish?  In aquariums, yes.  So majestic. Did anyone ever draw on your face when you were sleeping? No. Have you ever done that to someone else?  No. Were you ever chased by an animal?  Only pets playfully. Have you ever started talking to someone that you thought was someone else?  Omfg I did this a good number of months back at the tat parlor and the embarrassment will stay with me forever. Name one person of the same sex as you that you wouldn’t mind dating? Okay so I'm not gonna be a smartass and say "my girlfriend," I'll actually answer this as if we weren't together.  I'd date Suzy Hanson in a heartbeat, come at me Arin.  Fuckin sweetheart. Do you know any vegans?  No. What’s your best friend’s pet’s name(s)?  Sara: Martha, Crowley, Little Dot, Buster, Mabel, Doris.  Idk the toads' and fishes' names yet.  Colleen: Miracle and Maxwell. When was the last time you were disappointed?  Two or so days ago, real bad.  Mom put aside buying the concert tickets regardless of how many times I reminded her, and now we can't go. Have you ever been on a blind date? No, not my thing. If you have a job, who’s your closest friend at work?  No job. Do you see yourself married in the next five years?  Probably at least engaged.  Maybe married.

[alphaabucky]

To Love, Or To Kill?

Bucky Barnes x Reader (1/?) AU

Anon - Can you write one where Bucky and the reader were dating but they got in a huge argument and are ignoring each other so when they go on a mission together Nat has to go too so they don't fight too much. But when something goes wrong Bucky has to decide on which one to save. The reader, the one he loved, or Nat, the woman who helped him escape. And out of loyalty he chooses Nat and the reader lives somehow and they go mute because the one they loved didn't choose them... angst and drama plz

A/N So I combined this idea with a soulmate AU that was brought up to me by the wonderful @hollycornish so, since this was a request that people anticipated and the soulmate AU intrigued me, I combined both and created a series! Special love for the wonderful @littlemissacorn and @buchananbarnestrash for helping me out! 

Italics are flashbacks

Word Count -1.5K

Warnings - swearing, violence, thats it?

 “We don’t need a babysitter to go on a mission, Natasha.” You snapped, pulling on your gloves as the both of you rushed to the jet. “Looking at the way you two are ignoring each other, I think I do.” She answered back as she smirked when you replied with nothing but an eye roll. “I’m surprised you two are still refusing to talk to each other, one minute you’re going at it like rabbits and being ‘goals’ as I hear kids say, and now you can’t even keep eye contact.” She thought out loud as the both of you got onto the jet, Natasha took the seat beside Bucky as you took a seat on the opposite side, and the opposite end, not wanting to look at his stupid face as you flew to your next mission, or as you hoped, your death.

 As the journey was underway, you glanced down to your wrists; how stupid was it that your soulmate was on one wrist, and your enemy, the one you will have to fight and/or kill in the future, on the other? And who’s idea was it to not tell you which one was which? If it was a god who cursed us with this, what the fuck is wrong with them?

 You looked back up to see James and Natasha in conversation, laughing too - much to your dismay. “Maybe… Maybe he’s the one I’m going to have to-“ “We’re here.” Natasha spoke up, stopping your thoughts and giving you a soft smile as you nodded and unfastened yourself from your seat, checking your weapons were on you as you stood up and that the timer on your watch was right.

 “You ready?” Steve stood up from the pilot seat, walking to you and putting a warm hand on your shoulder “You alright?” he asked, clearly concerned, this was your first mission with Bucky since the argument, which happened months ago, but it felt like only yesterday that the both of you were at each other’s throats; you scoffed, shaking your head in somewhat amusement as you pulled your sleeves down and gloves up to cover up the names that were permanently scarred into your skin, hoping that would fade your constant train of thought. “Am I alright?” You almost laughed, looking up to Steve’s height. “Do you want an honest answer or the answer you would prefer to hear?” You raised an eyebrow, shrugging his hand off your shoulder “Well-“ “Exactly.” You cut him off, walking past Natasha and Bucky, ignoring their existences before jumping from the jet opening to the roof of the building you had to seize.

 "Scanner gives an approximate 98 men in the building.” You spoke monotone, sneaking past some guards before jumping and swinging up into an open vent. “How many floors has this place got again?” “12” Natasha answered Bucky’s stupid question; does he not read the brief? “Not a lot of people for a small building.” He speaks through the comms again, “If he doesn’t shut up in a second I’m gonna-“ “James, James, James…” You hear, freezing in your spot as you continued to listen. “My men implanted bombs on each floor of this building, your now… ex-girlfriend is it? Is in a vent at the bottom floor, silly girl, and your new lover on the top floor, attempting to take out all of my men…” The man chuckled.

 A loud clang echoed in the vent, your eyes widening as you turned to look behind you, seeing the vent you climbed through being locked shut and something sticking up from beneath. You gasped as you hear a bloodcurdling scream follow a large snapping noise from your comms, the scream most definitely coming from Natasha.

 The laugh erupted again. “My men will expose your ex-lady to a lethal gas, and will inject your new toy with a lethal venom. You have 3 minutes to save one and escape before the building goes… POOF.” You could hear the grin through his words.

 You pulled your shirt up to cover your mouth and nose, the fabric would give you a minimum of a minute or less to survive when the gas fills the whole vent and replaces the oxygen; you began to panic, moving faster and looking at your wrist to see if you could find an exit before you were going to suffocate.

 “Your three minutes start now…” The man chuckled. “NO! I WILL NOT CHOOSE.” Bucky shouted, shooting his gun at him but missing, which was not like himself.

 “I-I-I-I….” He stuttered, who would he save? The woman who helped him through everything, who saved him before he had met you, the woman who practically saved him from his other self, who’s name is scarred on his wrist from birth, who loved him…

 “I’m so sorry…” He whispered, beginning to run.

 “He’s gone to save her…” you whispered, wondering whether you should laugh or cry; your body began to feel numb in seconds, you didn’t want to move, you didn’t want to feel, maybe death was the better way out. “I’m so sorry Y/N… I…I….” “I don’t want to hear it.” You spat, seeing the red gas make itself more apparent in the vent you were stuck inside.

 You closed your eyes, ready for your fate to come.

 “Not on my watch.” You heard Steve shout, breaking the vent from beneath you as you fell through the hole into his arms. “I can’t believe he chose-“ “We have one minute left Steve, you might survive, I won’t… just… Leave me here…” You whispered, feeling the gas get to your lungs despite your efforts to stop it. “Not gonna happen dollface.” Steve gave you a soft smile before running to the roof.

 As he ran all you could think was of the names on your wrists, were you wrong? If Buc-James. If James was your soulmate, he would’ve saved you, he would’ve – no, SHOULD’VE, chose you over… over… Her…

 You rubbed your thumb over your wrists, wanting to rid of those goddamn names that seemed to have made the storyline of your life, and ruined it too. “30 seconds…” you heard Steve whisper, you looked up at him, noticing that he had reached the roof. “Nice knowing ya I gue-“ “Nope, you’re gonna hold onto me okay? You’re gonna live. You’re gonna be happy without him-“ “But-“ “No buts Y/N- 15 seconds” he huffed, turning to face the edge of the building. “Steve-“ “Trust me dollface” He smiled, hugging you closer to his body before breaking off into a sprint “Steve!” Your eyes widened, looking up at him as he ignored you completely; “STEVE!” You screamed as he leaped off the edge, the building bursting into flames behind you, the blast pushing you both further away, setting you to land somewhere else, somewhere- well, not very comfortable.

 The building was almost to ashes, Bucky and Natasha stood far from the scene but close enough to see the carnage. “Why did you choose me?” Natasha asked, sighing as a cure was injected to her bloodstream. “I… Owe you a lot Nat, I thought she would’ve got out-“ “You were questioning the Soulmate and the enemy names weren’t you?” She asked, giving a sympathetic smile as she saw Bucky nod slowly, but not surely.

 “You chose me over them both James… Steve and Y/N…  I thank you for that, I owe you everything, my life…” She whispered, making her way towards him. “I know…” He choked out, a tear falling from his eye as he watched the building crumble to ashes.

 You coughed, noticing that you were laid atop of Steve, his arms still firmly wrapped around you. “You okay?” He spoke up, voice hoarse. “More than okay… Thank you Steve…” You smiled, this being your first smile in months. “But…” You trailed off, moving to get off of him and standing as he too sat up to look at you; his eyes stared at you with what looked like curiosity and… fear? “But?” He asked, wanting you to continue.

 You sigh; “There’s something I need to tell you…”

 The storm was raging and the thunder clapping, echoing in the ears of the fighters below as the rain plummeted down onto the scene; their faces were drenched and red, hair plastered onto their faces as they landed hit after hit - knuckles bleeding as well as their wounds.

They clashed together, knives at each other’s throats as they grasp the others collar in rage, breaths quick paced and visible in the cold air; “You destroyed mine and my family’s life… Now I destroy you.”

So here it is! The start of 1/2 series that I have been preparing! Hope you guys like it, I don't know how many parts this will have but- idk haha! Part one of my other series will be posted tomorrow! It will be a Jason x Reader series :)

Tags @missmeganrachel @debzybrazy @darlingpeanut @lostinspace33 @permanent-lines @janellexox0 @onmiontko @lastbeliever @mae-smith99 @brooke-supernatural16

[missjugheadjones]

Jealousy Pt 9

Word Count: 3347

A/N: haha, she didn’t delete this one in my French class! Enjoy guys, much love

MasterList

    It was a quiet day in Riverdale, the rapids of Sweetwater River calmed to a slow and steady stream, the leaves on the trees stood calm, and the birds ceased their singing. All was oddly still, and no living and nonliving thing bothered to disturb it. Inside the Andrews house, Jughead sat writing on his laptop and Archie sat strumming his guitar, the boys were home alone due to Fred being out of town to meet with Archies mother. Together, the boys enjoyed the silence of the afternoon, that was until Jugheads phone rang loud, scaring the two boys half to death. Archie picked up Jugheads phone off the bed and looked at the caller ID, smiling softly to himself, it was Y/N. Sure, Archie was with Betty, but he couldn’t help but still have feelings for the y/h/c girl, and calls from her were rare these days, and no one had physically talked to her face to face considering what happened to her a few weeks ago. It didn’t deter her, the incident, she was still going as strong as ever to solve Jasons murder, but she hadn’t talked to anyone about what had happened in the school. She knew who killed Jason, everyone knew she did, she just needed more evidence, evidence that wasn’t purely circumstantial or just based off her word.

    Rumor was that she told Sheriff Keller who attacked her in the school that night, but he didn’t listen to her. He wrote it off as a ‘vision/hallucination based purely on adrenaline and fear’, and sent her on her way. Keller wouldn’t tell anyone who she had named the attacker, nor did he plan on it anytime soon. People were starting to think that he feared the murderer, of what this person could do. Around Riverdale, if you were of any higher status, you were now automatically a suspect.

    “Who’s calling me?” Jughead asked, snapping Archie out of thought.

    “Y/N.” he said, tossing the phone to the beanie-less boy. Jughead looked at the caller ID and his face lit up, she hadn’t called him in days, and he was getting worried. He swiped to answer it, and brought the phone to his head.

   “Hey Juggie.” Y/Ns voice rang through his ear, and he smiled.

    “Hey princess, how are you doing?” he asked.

    “A little sore, very tired, very hungry for a cheeseburger at Pops, and very much in need of a date. What do you say?” she asked hopefully, and Jughead chuckled.

    “Yeah, I’ll see if Dilton wants to join you there, I’m assuming you don’t have his number.” Jughead teased, and he heard a giggle on the other end.

    “Sounds good, why have a writer when you can have a boy scout. Maybe he’ll teach me how to shoot a gun.”

    “Or tie a knot.” Jughead said, earning another laugh from Y/N on the other side of the phone. “I’ll meet you there in 15, sound good?”

    “Only if Dilton is there.” She said, and Jughead rolled his eyes playfully.

    “Alright, see you then. Hey, Y/N, you remember that I-“ before he could finish the sentence, the phone beeped, signaling that Y/N had hung up. “love…you…” he mumbled to himself.

    “Love you too, bro.” Archie said teasingly, and Jughead rolled his eyes.

     “Not for you, Arch. That was for Y/N before she hung up on me.” He said, grabbing his beanie from the side table and putting it on.

    “Did she sound better?” Archie asked, wanting to make sure Y/N was alright.

    “She did, but then again, Y/N is a terrific actress and liar, so I doubt she’s okay. But I’ll find out for sure when I meet her at Pops.” Jughead said, and Archie nodded.

   “Please keep me updated.” Archie asked, and Jughead eyed him suspiciously.

   “You’re done with Y/N right, you know she’s with me, and I’m planning of having it that way for the rest of my life.” Jughead stated protectively, and Archie felt his heart drop a little bit, but he didn’t want to show it. He threw his hands up in surrender and gave a half-heartedly chuckle.

    “She’s one of my best friends Jug, I just want to make sure she’s alright. The whole town is on edge that she’ll be the next Jason Blossom, and I’m sure she thinks she will be too, just take care of her.” Archie said, sighing. Jughead nodded slightly and reached for his shoes.

    “I’m sorry, Arch. I don’t know what got into me there, I shouldn’t have started accusing you of things. You’re with Betty now, and I guess I just-“

    “You don’t have to explain yourself, just make sure she’s okay, please.” Archie said, and Jughead put his shoes on, making his way out of the room.

    “Always.” Jughead called, running down the stairs and out into the cold, autumn afternoon. He started walking down the street, his hands in his pockets and started thinking on how he was going to ask if she was alright. He knew it was going to be a sore subject, but he needed to know the details so he could put them in his book. He had been having such bad writers block, and he knew that if he only knew what happened in the school that night, it would add special, specific details that the story needed. He also wanted to know what happened to his girlfriend, he loved her and wanted to make sure she was alright, and wasn’t too traumatized. He was scared for her, and he was scared for the town. He turned the corner and started walking by Y/Ns apartment building, looking up to where her bedroom window was, and saw no one in there. She had beat him to Pops for sure.

    He made it to the brightly lit diner and opened the front door, looking around. He saw Y/N staring right at him, and she gave him a smile. He could tell it was forced though, he knew her well enough to know when she was upset. He made his way over to the booth and she stood, walking towards him as well. Jughead opened his arms, and she flew into them, wrapping her arms around his neck and he wrapped his around her waist, picking her up and holding onto her as tightly as he could.

    “I missed you.” She whispered, her voice muffled into his shoulder. “I love you.”

    “I’ve missed you too, more than you could know.” He said, putting her down on her own two feet and releasing her only slightly. She leaned up and kissed him, and he gladly kissed back, her hand coming up and holding his face. They finally broke apart and took a seat on one side of the booth, his arm draping across her shoulders and she snuggled into him. He gave her shoulders a squeeze, and she squeaked out in pain, making Jughead quickly retract his hand and look worriedly down at her.

    “Don’t worry about it.” She quickly said, looking up at the worried raven-haired boy.

    “No, I hurt you-“

    “it was an accident, my back is still a little sore from being used as make-shift whiteboard, that’s all.” She said, and he nodded slowly.

    “Is it healing nicely?” he asked, and she turned, lifted her shirt to show only the bottom half of her back. Jughead saw the marks of the cuts, the stitching they had to do were now gone and it was healing on its own, scarring over in some places.

    “I think I’m going to have the letters J.K permanently etched into my skin.” She half-heartedly joked, trying to make some light of her awful situation, but Jughead frowned, he could hear the hurt and sorrow behind her joke. She was going to forever be reminded of her traumatic experience because it was forever going to be a part of her back.

    “I’m sorry Y/N, I really-“

    “Don’t be, this is not your fault.” She quickly interrupted, and Jughead frowned even more.

    “If only I had gone with you, I could have protected you or-“

    “Jughead, this is not your fault, you couldn’t have done anything to protect me!” she snapped, and Jughead shut his mouth, silence falling in between them for a moment. “Juggie, if you try to protect me, you’re going to get hurt too. I can’t… I wouldn’t be able to live with myself if something happened to you, you have so much to live for.” She whispered.

    “So do you.” He said quietly, and she shook her head.

    “I’m as good as dead, he made it quite clear of that in the school that night.” She quickly said, tears starting to form in her eyes.

    “What happened in there?” Jughead asked quietly, and she shook her head again. “Look, you don’t have to tell me, but you need to tell someone-“

    “I tried, I told Sheriff Keller and he called me delusional and a liar.” She spat, but Jughead wasn’t giving up.

    “I won’t though. I’m not a dick, at least not to you. I love you, Y/N, and I only want to help you, and it would help me, help you to know what happened in there.” He said softly, and she looked up at him, tears falling from her face now. She slowly nodded, and Jughead smiled softly, taking her hand in his and rubbing circles on her knuckles slowly.

____

    “Let me go you ass!” Y/N sobbed, the door shutting behind her and a large figure stood before it. Y/N couldn’t help but cry, sure her life was complicated and kind of shitty, but she didn’t want to die. She had so much to live for, and now here she was, probably about to share the same fate Jason Blossom had come his way. “I swear to god if you don’t let me go, I’ll kick your fucking ass!” she spat, trying to stand. She wasn’t going to lie here and take it like a little bitch, she wanted to live and she was going to fight for it. The figure walked up to her and pushed her down, and she hit her head on a nearby desk, her head pounding. She heard as Betty banged on the door and yelled for her, but she couldn’t will herself to say anything, she just sat there and cried. The door opened again, and she saw the figure reach for Betty, but thankfully he didn’t catch hold of her. She heard running down the hall, and Betty calling for her, promising to send help and she watched as the figure ran after her.

    The person who had pulled her into there had left the door open, and Y/N stood to get out, she needed to get out. It was the only way she was going to survive. She pulled herself up, her head spinning and she felt as adrenaline and pain flooded her body, she stumbled towards the door, opening it all the way, and she started running for another exit. She made her way to the stairs and started climbing it, hoping to find the science classroom with the fire escape. Halfway up the stairs, she heard heavy footsteps coming down the hall to where the classrooms she was pulled into was, and she realized they were going to see she wasn’t in there. She climbed faster, stumbling on stairs until she made it to the top, her adrenaline starting to numb the waves of pain shooting through her. She stood mostly straight, and started down the science wing, looking for the room that would free her from the possibility of death. She finally found it, bursting through the door and running towards the window. She struggled to open it, but when she finally did, she swung one leg out and got ready to put her other one out as well, until she was grabbed by the waist and pulled into the classroom.

    “Let me go before I fucking hurt you!” she screamed, flailing around and the person dropped her, freeing her from his grasp. She ran over to where a scalpel was lying next to a dead frog, and grabbed the sharp knife, holding it up to her attacker. The large figure slowly approached her, and she held it up higher. “Don’t get any closer, or I swear to god I will-“ before she could finish her sentence, the figure jumped towards her, and she swung her arm, cutting the attacker with the knife and earning a loud grunt from the man. He quickly ripped the scalpel from her hands, and she went to run, but he caught hold of her shirt and yanked her back.

    “Oh no you don’t, Clifford won’t like it if I let you go.” He growled, throwing her to the ground.

    “Clifford Blossom?” she asked, trying to get back up. “Is that who killed Jason, his dad? What the fuck is wrong with that family!” she yelled, again making her way towards the door, this time successfully. She threw a desk behind her to slow her attacker down and flew down the flight of stairs, making her way to the exit where she guessed Betty had left. She was so close, but a yank of her shirt brought her back to the ground again. The man climbed on top of her, pinning her stomach down to the cold tile, lifting her shirt up on her back. She felt the cold metal of the scalpel against her skin, the sharp edge dragging ever so slightly.

    “You’re going to give a message to those people out there, and then you’re next. Clifford will know soon you know too much, nothing will be able to save you after that. I’ll take some pity and let you say goodbye to those you love, but just know your precious life will soon be over.” He growled, digging the scalpel deeper into her skin, causing her to cry out.

____

    Y/N shook with fear, the tears falling from her eyes and her voice cracking as she did her best to recall that night at the school to Jughead. She looked up and noticed the whole diner listening to story, people were looking sympathetically at her, others were looking skeptical. Jughead stood from the booth and pulled Y/N out as well, bring her into his side and protected her from the glares and stares of the Riverdale civilians. They walked out of the diner and she calmed herself down, the pain in her back stinging her slightly. They walked in silence for a few minutes, the only sound was the crunching of leaves under their feet and the occasional sniffle from Y/N.

    “I-I can’t even imagine what you’re going through…” Jughead started, and she looked up at him. “That’s-that is an awful thing to go through, and I swear on my life I’m going to help you-“

    “Juggie please don’t.” Y/N said, looking away from the boy, realizing she was in front of Archies house.

    “I’m not kidding, and you can’t talk me out of this. I love you, Y/N, a lot. More than I know how to explain, more than I could even fathom someone loving another person, and there is no way in hell I’m letting anything else happen to you.” He said, practically pleading with Y/N to let him help. She looked back up at him, and tears were running down his face, and her heart broke.

    “I can’t let you do that, you’re going to get killed if you help me! What am I supposed to do if you die, Jughead? I wouldn’t be able to live with myself knowing it was my fault, and I sure as hell wouldn’t be able to live without you. I love you too, more than anyone in this whole damned word could comprehend, and because of that I need you to know that I’m doing this on my own.” She argued, her hand reaching up to wipe the tears from his face, but Jughead quickly grabbed her hand, pulling her into him as his lips crashed with her own. His other hand flew around her waist, pulling her flush into his body, and she felt as his hand at her waist slowly moved lower. He started to walk, pushing Y/N backwards until her back hit the front door to the Andrews home, and he removed his hand from her lower back to open the door, causing her to stumble in, her lips never leaving his though.

    While Y/N was a stumbling mess, Jughead stood tall and strong, his hand flying to her wrist and he pulled away from her. The door closed behind them as he pulled her upstairs to Archies room, checking to make sure he wasn’t in there before he pulled Y/N in. She closed the door behind her and turned to face Jughead, and he pushed her up against that door as well. “I’m protecting you, because I love you. This is not up for discussion, am I clear?” he asked lowly, and Y/Ns voice was caught in her throat. She nodded slowly, leaning up to kiss Jughead again, but he backed up slightly, pushing her back into the door. “Am I clear, yes or no.” he said, smirking down at her. “Use your words.”

    “Y-yes. Very clear.” She stuttered out, and Jughead have a low chuckle.

    “You promise not to argue about this later?” he asked, and she rolled her eyes, still out of breath.

    “I can’t make any promises I can’t keep, I’m stubborn you know?” she teased, and he crashed his lips onto hers again. Her hand flew up to the nape of his neck, pulling on the raven curls that sat just below the edge of his beanie, which she quickly took off. Just before things got more heated, Y/N heard the front door downstairs slam, and she pushed Jughead off of her, straightening her hair before she turned to open the bedroom door. Just as it opened, she saw a very panicked Archie standing and out of breath.

    “You-Your apartment!” he stuttered, and she looked at him confused.

    “What about it?” she asked, worry starting to set in.

    “It’s on fire!” he yelled, and Y/N didn’t waste any more time, flying down the stairs and out the front door, ignoring Jugheads yelling behind her. She ran all the way to her apartment building and froze as she saw flames spilling from her home.

     She ran up the steps to her front door, ignoring the yelling of the fire department and the police who stood also observing. She opened the front door and watched as her living room burned, and she noticed the pictures on the walls that her and Archie were admiring just weeks before as they burned as well. She looked to the wall next to it and saw in red spray paint, ‘Next Time, You’ll Be The One Swallowed In Flames’ She went to go step in, but a pair of arms grabbed her by the waist and pulled her away from the deadly flames, and she heard screaming and crying but she couldn’t tell if it was coming from her, and all of life was moving in slow motion.

    As she was being dragged down the stairs, she felt as if her life was burning away. Her new beginning was up in flames and was soon to be no more, and it crushed her, made her feel empty. All the pictures and memories she had saved in there, the whole new beginning she had built for herself was now ruined. For the rest of the night Y/N sat in front of her burning building and watched as all of her hard work and courage turned to ash, Jughead and the others by her side. She wasn’t going to be pushed over, not anymore, she wasn’t going to die without putting up a fight. They could take her home, but sure as hell they weren’t going to take her life, shit just got super personal.

Tag list: @do-not-call-me-sunshine @gelattoes @xbobaaa @katshrev @farmfreshcoldsprouts @sgarrett49 @always-chocolate  @nadya0128 @vegaslodgeprimary @rainbows-and-glitter-bitch @lost-in-wonderland-x @aezthetically @mrs-jughead-jones @nafa1604 @moonlight53 @mydelightfulcollectiontyphoon

[lets-idont-even-know]

1-85

1. Are looks important in a relationship? -they aren’t everything but I’ll be honest, I have to be physically attracted too2. Are relationships ever worth it?-Yes 3. Are you a virgin?-Nah fam4. Are you in a relationship?-Happily5. Are you in love?-Deeply6. Are you single this year?-No7. Can you commit to one person?-Easily8. Describe your crush-She has wavy brown hair that looks flawless however it lays, deep brown eyes that look incredible when the sun hits them just right, a voice that soothes even my roughest storms in my head, a smile that completely melts me, a passion that I admire, an intellect that impresses me, she’s much stronger than she looks, she has these really hot tattoos, in fact she’s just really hot and she’s pretty funny9. Describe your perfect mate-I just did10. Do you believe in love at first sight?-I do11. Do you ever want to get married?-Yesssss12. Do you forgive betrayal?-Depends13. Do you get jealous easily?-I get protective 14. Do you have a crush on anyone?-You could say that15. Do you have any piercings?-My ears and belly button16. Do you have any tattoos?-3 17. Do you like kissing in public?-I love pda20. Do you shower every day?-yes21. Do you think someone has feelings for you?-I’d hope she does 😂22. Do you think someone is thinking about you right now?-She’s thinking about conspiracy theories rn actually23. Do you think you can last in a relationship for 6 months and not cheat?-Easily 24. Do you think you’ll be married in 5 years?-who knows man 25. Do you want to be in a relationship this year?-Yessssss26. Has anyone told you they don’t want to ever lose you?-Numerous times27. Has someone ever written a song or poem for you?-Someone has written something for me but not necessarily a poem28. Have you ever been cheated on?-Yeah29. Have you ever cheated on someone?-No30. Have you ever considered plastic surgery? If so, what would you change about your body?-no31. Have you ever cried over a guy/girl?-too much32. Have you ever experienced unrequited love?-yeah that shit hurts33. Have you ever had sex with a man?-noooo34. Have you ever had sex with a woman?-yessss35. Have you ever kissed someone older than you?-Yeah36. Have you ever liked one of your best friends?-Yeah37. Have you ever liked someone who your friends hated?-Yeah38. Have you ever liked someone you didn’t expect to?-My current gf39. Have you ever wanted someone you couldn’t have?-Yeah40. Have you ever written a song or poem for someone?-I’ve written in general but that’s it41. Have you had sex so far this year?-Yesssssss42. How long can you just kiss until your hands start to wander?-Not very long with her43. How long was your longest relationship?-Just under 2 years44. How many boyfriends/girlfriends have you had?-3 girlfriends including Faith45. How many people did you kiss in 2011?-None46. How many times did you have sex last year?-Once47. How old are you?-21 in 8 days48. If the person you like says they like someone else, what would you say?-I’d die honestly I couldn’t handle it49. If you have a boyfriend/girlfriend, what is your favorite thing about him/her?-She’s so easy to talk to. I find myself opening up to her without realizing it. I can be in the worst mood and she makes me forget all about it. She’s just truly amazing 50. If your first true love knocked on your door with apology and presents, would you accept?-No51. Is there a boy/girl who you would do absolutely everything for?-Yeah a couple52. Is there anyone you’ve given up on? Why?-As an old friend once told me “there’s only so much you can do or say before it’s not your business anymore” and it’s just not my business anymore 53. Is there someone mad because you’re dating/talking to the person you are?-Yeah54. Is there someone you will never forget?-Of course55. Share a relationship story.-This one time, after Faith and I got done having sex, I was still on top and I looked at her and asked if she wanted to go get some nuggets. So she laughed, kissed me, and we put our clothes on and drove to Burger King at 1am. 56. State 8 facts about your body-I’m 5'7, blue eyes, birthmark on my thigh I call my bean, giant scar on my foot, I’ve only ever broken bones on my left side until recently I broke my right knuckle on a wall, I’ve had braces, I have a permanent retainer on my bottom teeth57. Things you want to say to an ex-Nothing really, everything that needed to be said has been said 58. What are five ways to win your heart?-Flowers, coffee dates, good sex, chicken nuggets, and being my girlfriend Faith. Must meet all requirements to win heart59. What do you look like? (Post a picture!)-Oh yikes I’ll reblog one tomorrow 60. What is the biggest age difference between you and any of your partners?-2 years and give or take a few months61. What is the first thing you notice in someone?-Smiles 62. What is the sexiest thing someone could ever do for/to you?-lap dance/strip tease 63. What is your definition of “having sex”?-Both of ya cumming 64. What is your definition of cheating?-Anything with anyone other than your partner, anything you feel like you have to hide from your partner 65. What is your favourite foreplay routine?-Making out honestly. Just making out and seeing where and what it leads to66. What is your favourite roleplay?-never done any of that 67. What is your idea of the perfect date?-starting out getting breakfast and coffee at a cute little diner, a trip to an aquarium or planetarium, and then maybe a movie that night or staying in with a Netflix movie and some pizza all night68. What is your sexual orientation?-Gay 69. What turns you off?-Not listening to me70. What turns you on?-Literally everything she does idek she just knows how to get me. But mainly the basic turn ons I guess 71. What was your kinkiest wet dream?-I don’t remember 72. What words do you like to hear during sex?-“don’t stop, you’re so good” “fuck, baby” 73. What’s something sweet you’d like someone to do for you?-surprise me with flowers 74. What’s the most superficial characteristic you look for?-good hair 75. What’s the sweetest thing anyone’s ever done for you?-Faith did some really sweet shit for Valentine’s Day like getting me flowers and we went on a date ❤️76. What’s the sweetest thing you’ve ever done for someone?-Ummmmm idek honestly I’m full of sweet things 77. What’s your opinion on age differences in relationships?-As long as it’s consensual and you’re together for the right reasons 78. What’s your dirtiest secret?-It’s something recently discovered about myself that I’m gonna keep between me and Faith 😅79. When was the last time you felt jealous? Why?-I feel jealous of my friends pretty much constantly because of the relationships they have with their families and their friends at home. My relationship with my parents isn’t bad by any means but it could be better and I have one single friend at home and her name is Meghan80. When was the last time you told someone you loved them?-literally like 8 minutes ago 81. Who are five people you find attractive?-Faith, Selena Gomez, Lauren Sanderson, Demi Lovato, Zoe Kravitz82. Who is the last person you hugged?-My dad83. Who was your first kiss with?-A girl named Izzy84. Why did your last relationship fail?-Basically, we just weren’t right for each other anymore. Distance gets in the way, life gets in the way, and we were at two different points in our lives 85. Would you ever date someone off of the Internet?-All my girlfriends have been off the Internet

[tuxiedjabberwock]

“Time Lost Can Be Time Well Spent” - a Fairy Tail one-shot

Gajevy Week

Time Lost Can Be Time Well Spent

Feb 15th — “Longing”

“Yo, Shrimp.”

 “Hi,” she replied with a smile, holding the Lacrima closer to her face. “Is everything safe over there? You’re not jeopardizing yourself by talking to me, are you?”

 “’course not — I’m no idiot to spyin’,” he scoffed. “Have a little more faith in me, would ya?”

 “I do, but Master was really wary about Raven Tail — don’t you think it’s for good reason?”

 “Whatever’s the problem, I’m more than ready for it. Don’t worry, I’ll still be back to mess with ya some more, Shrimp. Gihi.” He held up a fist and gave her a cocky smirk before the transmission ended. Levy hummed softly as she set the Lacrima down on the table.

 “Feeling some relationship strain?” Lucy asked, sitting next to her. Levy moaned pitifully in response.

 “You wouldn’t know, Lu-chan — you and Natsu go on missions together all the time!”

 “Not really,” she corrected. “Around the S-Class trials, he starts piling up solo requests, and all night I stay up and worry about him. Is he okay? Is he going to overwork himself? Will he make it?” She nudged Levy gently with her elbow. “I bet you’re thinking the same of Gajeel.”

 “Hmm,” she mused sadly. “Do you know how to make it better?”

 “How about a lunch date between us? We can stop by Bookland too,” she suggested, beaming when Levy smiled. “C’mon, before we have to wade through a Guild fight.”

“You’ve never told me,” Lucy remarked, sipping her mango smoothie. Levy looked up from her new Adventure book, something about a man shipwrecking on a cursed island that was really picking up thirteen pages in.

 “Told you what?”

 “When you and Gajeel became a thing.”

 “Mm… I’m not sure anymore. It’s something that you’re not really conscious of until someone points it out, you know? I just remember a lot more touches, and we’d sit together more often — even though Jet and Droy hated it — and just…things like that that turned big. But enough about me! How’s your manuscript going?”

 “I think it might be ready to submit to a publisher in a few months,” she confessed, and both girls spent a moment squealing in excitement over that.

 “Remember that I get the first copy, Lu-chan!”

 “Of course! I wouldn’t dream of giving it to anyone else.”

 “Not even Natsu?” she suggested. Lucy scoffed, but her pink blush gave her away.

 “I don’t think he reads novels.”

 “Maybe not, but if it was written by you, you think he’d read it?”

 “I don’t know… I’m thinking of that Maya’s Forest incident,” she said, waving Levy off. “That was the last time he ever had an interest, feigned or otherwise, in one of my books.”

 “I thought he reads your manuscripts all the time?”

 “Pssht. Yeah, as a joke, him and that stupid cat, ‘cause he knows it’ll rile me up.”

 “Well you know how it is — boys often tease the girl that they like,” Levy grinned. “That’s how it started for Gajeel and I, remember?” Lucy blushed even deeper. “But to be honest, Lu-chan,” she added, picking at the crust of her peanut butter sandwich, “I’m worried for him.”

 “Don’t be! Gajeel is strong — he’ll get out of there without a scratch on him, I promise you.”

 “I don’t know, Master Ivan is strong — he is Master’s son, after all, so we know he’s not a pushover. And there are all these stories going around the Guild about how strong he is—”

 “All we can do is believe in the men that we care about,” she interrupted, laying a hand over Levi’s. “Because if they’re anything, they’re a couple of powerhouses with blockheads when it comes to their girls.”

 “That, I’ll agree with,” she giggled. They had a little more idle chat before Lucy’s eyes widened in realization. “What is it?”

 “You should surprise him!” she said, taking Levy’s hand. “When he comes back!”

 “Who? Gajeel?” She rolled her eyes with a smile.

 “Yes, Gajeel.”

 “I don’t know what you have in mind.” Lucy simply grinned in response.

The spying mission lasted well into the future, but the day that Makarov announced it a success was one of the greatest in Levy’s life. She wanted to invite Gajeel over for her surprise, but she still lived in the high-security female dorms, so she instead considered his house, downtown from Magnolia’s plaza. It wasn’t anything too special — two bedrooms, one bathroom — but Gajeel wasn’t a man of possessions, so it matched him pretty well.

 “Think bigger, Levy — you’re pretty creative when you want to be,” Lucy suggested. “You just said that you and Gajeel never had a first date?”

 “Well yes, but can you blame us? There haven’t been any breaks lately, what with one tragedy happening after another,” she pointed out.

 “Then that’s all the more reason to put all your effort in it now! What do you think?”

 She missed him, and she wanted a good way of showing how much she missed him, so she tried for symbolic. The day Gajeel returned, Levy didn’t go to the Guild, instead setting up his surprise in Magnolia Park. She put her trust in Lucy to direct him there upon the evening, and Lucy put her trust in Natsu, then thought better of it and put that trust in Gray. Whoever the end responsibility fell on, she gasped into her hands as she heard the sound of clanking metal approaching down the sidewalk.

 “Yo, Shrimp, why was Pinkie pushin’ me to come here?” he called, looking around. “Oi, Levy, where are ya?”

 “Right here!” she said from around a cluster of apple trees and honeysuckle bushes. He came around the corner with a curious brow quirked.

 “It’s kinda hard to see ya,” he commented, looking around. In the dark of the night, his eyes were more of a velvet red than their usual crimson shade. “Usually the lights are on by now.”

 “I temporarily deactivated the Lacrimas — I’ve got my own lights for us. Solid Script activate!” She waved both hands as if flattening out an invisible scroll. Suddenly several small lights lit up around them like fireflies, slowly waving to and fro in the gentle night air as they cast away the darkness between the two.

 “Impressive,” Gajeel said with a smirk, “but why are we here?”

 “I…wanted to tell you something.” She took a deep breath and thought of Lucy’s words. “Whether you care about Gajeel or not, nothing’s going to change unless you make it.” As much time as they’d begun spending together, they hadn’t had one true romantic moment yet, and though it took a bit of time, she managed to voice her thoughts to him. He listened with a confused but patient expression as she continued, “And that spying mission the Master put you on made me realize something.”

 “Eh?” He followed her eyes as she turned around, placing a hand against the tree she had been standing in front of the whole time. The rough bark was familiar beneath her palm and she involuntarily shivered, which he noticed immediately. “This is the tree from all that time ago…” He exhaled and shook his head slowly. “Why did you bring me here, Levy?”

 “I don’t know how Jet and Droy felt, but when you cut through my hands with those iron bolts, it felt like something had been ripped away from me in the most painful way, it hurt so badly.” She rubbed her hands absently as she spoke. “And the brand, the Phantom Lord symbol here…” She traced the faint white scar lines with her finger, the reminder of that day that never quite faded. “It just felt…wrong. It hurt in every possible way. And I couldn’t fight back then, but afterwards in the hospital, I was seriously planning revenge. I wanted you to have something ripped away from you with some grotesque reminder permanently marking your body.” She kept her eyes on the tree as she spoke, and though she felt Gajeel’s body heat as he moved closer, he didn’t touch her.

 “Levy, I—”

 “Then things changed,” she said, tone breathy as she whirled around. She had to tilt her head all the way back to look him in his eyes. “We talked, and you saved me over and over again, and I… I realized things had changed, things had changed a lot. And when you started disappearing for those spying missions, back before I knew what they were, I felt something had been ripped away again — my heart.” She pressed her hands against her chest, closing her eyes. “You’d taken it with you and it hurt every day I sat in the dorm and thought about you and worried about you. This brand? I had these little conversations over Lacrima, but every time we hung up it just felt insufficient. I…I missed you, to put it in short words.”

 “Levy,” he said with a small smile, resting a hand on her head. She leaned into his grip with a grateful smile but didn’t stop, the words flowing from her like a practiced speech.

 “And it made me realize: I don’t want you to disappear from me like that again. Not for anything. I know you mess around and call me a Shrimp and do all these little things, but I want bigger things, even if that sounds kind of selfish. I want…” She blushed and attempted to look away, but Gajeel forced her head back with his fingers on his chin.

 “Ya want what, Shrimp?” She blushed even harder at the nickname.

 “I want…you, Gajeel.” His teeth showed as he tried and failed to swallow a laugh, shoulders shaking. She huffed out a breath and punched his broad chest, only earning herself red knuckles for her effort. “Don’t laugh! I’m trying to be—” She didn’t get to finish, though, as he pulled her into his chest, one hand in her curls and another on her back.

 “I missed ya too,” was all he said, resting his chin on the crown of her head. She laughed and nuzzled into his shirt, putting his arms around his waist. “Took ya long enough though.”

 “Hey!”