#I have been hearing people say Selena just needs to text him once

[tim-hoe-wan]

I feel like it’s odd she done that considering her family connections like being besties with his stalkers it is all a bit odd for me but your right, she got the man

her dad's the least relevant Baldwin

Maybe the KarJenner connection is there but maybe they weren't as dedicated helping her or that interested trying to track Justin than the stalkers. I have a classmate who's dad is on the board for Sony and she was literally getting info from stalker Sarah to stalk Harry lmfao. It's why I say what she did isn't exactly unusual in my world and I don't find it as worth dissecting considering she was a teen all that time. Like you got whole ass adults like Joe Jonas asking out a super minor Gigi Hadid and people focus on a teenager acting like a teenager. Hailey stalking JB was funny, but I never understood why people had to psychoanalyze all of that too much and still do 5 years after their marriage. If people wanna drag Hailey it should be cause of her racist past, not cause she acted like a teenager.

[theonlinemuse]

And me and @freckledpianoman are back with more Beth Chapel content! Continuing from this post, here’s even more headcanons about our favourite Dr Mid-Nite: 

Beth is nearsighted and started wearing glasses when she was three and a half. Bridget started noticing that her daughter kept squinting all the time and eventually took her to an eye doctor, attributing Beth needing glasses so early to all the times that she hid under the covers with a flashlight and read late into the night instead of sleeping 

Her prescription is really strong and while her glasses correct most of her vision, she still needs accommodations like enlarged and high contrast texts and other visual aids 

Chuck eventually becomes another accommodation since he acts as a cross between telescopic and magnifying glasses and a talking watch 

She’s fluent in French thanks to her grandma Beatrice’s influence and she can carry a conversation in Spanish (she picked it up from Bridget, who often talks with her patients in Spanish) and Norwegian. That last language throws people off when they first hear about it, but it comes in handy when four-year-old Pieter Cross and his family (who don’t speak much English) move to Blue Valley from Trondheim, Norway 

Yolanda grumbles about not being able to talk to Beth in Spanish class whenever she’s home sick from school because she's the one decent conversation partner she has in that class

Rick often practices translating for his French class with Beth. Once he goofed and said “madame le docteur”. And poor Beth was close to shaking him and going, “Rick, that's wrong on so many levels” 

He knows by the incredulous look on her face that he’s all sorts of wrong and he blushes all embarrassed. But later he mistranslates on purpose just to see her adorable reactions 

She wants to pick up more languages eventually (she’s deciding if she wants to take both Mandarin and Arabic in college like her dad did) and is currently learning ASL 

Beth is a Star Trek fan thanks to her dad’s influence. She and James would watch reruns of Deep Space Nine while she was growing up and it was their way of bonding. While that tradition didn’t happen as often when Beth started high school, she and Yolanda (who had watched Voyager with her brother and cousins) eventually start a tradition of watching Star Trek Discovery 

Beth and Yolanda’s love for Star Trek is often a point of contention with Rick and Courtney, who are both Star Wars fans. It’s been the subject of a lot of arguments about what to watch for JSA marathons. Pat is usually the tie breaker 

Beth learned how to garden from her grandma Beatrice, who raises African violets in her rooftop garden. Beth’s backyard isn’t big enough for a garden so instead she keeps all sorts of plants in her room, including little teacup succulents on her bedroom windowsill and in honeycomb shelves 

While her backyard’s too small for a garden, there’s a pink dogwood tree and she loves reading and having picnics under it when it’s in bloom. In the summer Beth makes her own butterfly feeders and hang them from the tree and watch the butterflies gather 

She grew up listening to Schoolhouse Rock thanks to her dad, who would play their songs in the kitchen whenever he made breakfast on Saturday mornings while she was growing up. Even now, Beth sings along to them whenever she hears them and Chuck starting adding them to karaoke mode, including her favourites “Three is a Magic Number”, “The Tale of Mr Morton”, and “The Energy Blues” 

When she was in middle school, she started using the melody of Schoolhouse Rock songs to memorize things like country names and the periodic table. She used the latter to help Rick memorize different elements for his chem class. Yolanda actually caught Rick softly singing to himself at his locker when he was searching for his notes for one last read through 

“Beth got you to sing? Willingly?” “I wasn't singing, you’re hearing things.”

Courtney is weirded out by the fact that Beths texts with Mike of all people, but it's mostly through gifs, emojis, and random memes. She has no idea what they even talk about, saying that Beth texts with Mike more often than she does with Rick, much to the latter’s annoyance. In reality Beth and Mike talk about robotics competitions, the latest episode of whatever they were binging (this week was Julie and the Phantoms), and their ongoing bet on when Courtney and Yolanda will finally get together

If Beth wins, Mike has to help upgrade her costume and if he wins, she owes him an ice cream cake 

“It's like their own little nerd language, it makes no sense.” 

Her style icon when she was little was Ms Frizzle. Beth thought that Ms Frizzle’s themed dresses and jewellery were so cool and she wanted to dress up like her. She still loves Ms Frizzle’s style and you can see the influence it has on Beth’s fashion from bright colours, unique patterns, and quirky jewellery 

Beth has a special section in her closet for Ms Frizzle like outfits that she wears to the children’s library she volunteers at. It makes her very popular with the kids there 

She actually dressed up as Ms Frizzle for Halloween in seventh grade 

Despite being on opposite sides, Beth and Cindy have a begrudging respect for each other similar to Betty and Wilhelmina’s relationship on Ugly Betty, Beth being the JSA member that Cindy tolerates the most

Cindy begrudgingly thinks that she does know a thing or two about fashion because she often upcycles clothes. Courtney’s surprised that Beth’s still alive after she said that Cindy dresses like an evil PTA mom within earshot, though she did kidnap Beth a few times for a shopping spree 

“Get in loser, we’re going shopping!” “Did you just quote Mean Girls?”  

The first time they had a standoff, Cindy went “please, I’m Japanese, you’re Black, we’re not talking around this thing like a couple of dull white people” 

Cindy once called Rick a feral raccoon and smirked when it made Beth accidentally burst out laughing 

While Beth is more than confident with her personal style, but she’s still very new to makeup in general. Yolanda and Artemis (even Cindy much to everyone’s shock) have taken it upon themselves to help experiment with makeup and find out what she likes. Beth immediately knows that she doesn’t like mascara, even as Yolanda scolds her to stay still while she’s trying to put mascara on her

“You’re making it seem like I’m torturing you.” “Your superhero costume has claws, that doesn’t exactly scream safe.” “I’ll have you know I’m very practiced with my claws, now stay still!” 

Beth likes the lipsticks and glosses much better, she likes the different colours and how it feels on her lips 

She has to get used to the feeling of makeup on her face in general, but she doesn’t mind it and she’s shocked when she looks in the mirror. It’s still very much her, but it's like she’s glowing. She can’t stop smiling and the girls all look at her fondly 

And they also exchange knowing looks, knowing that Rick is going to lose his mind 

She did a history report on Bessie Coleman in middle school and she eventually drew inspiration for her Dr Mid-Nite costume from looking at photos of Bessie’s pilot outfit 

Beth and her mom often did ceramics classes when she was a kid. They weren’t very good at it at first, but the little lopsided knick knacks they made always made them laugh. Beth and Bridget got better over the years with Beth painting colours and patterns on whatever her mom helped her make before they went into the kiln. She thought they would be plain otherwise and Bridget agreed with her 

While ceramics classes have since stopped, they still use the honeycomb mugs and planters that they made and painted when Beth was in middle school. Bridget uses one for the aloe vera plant she keeps in her office at the hospital 

Beth is allergic to pineapple. She found out during a school trip in third grade when Henry offered some of his fruit salad and she ended up with a swollen face and tongue, which really freaked Artemis and Cindy out. Yolanda and the villain kids ended up taking care of her until the ambulance came and Beth jokes that it was the one time the JSA and ISA kids worked together on something 

She now carries an epipen in her backpack and Rick has taken to carrying a backup one in his jacket in case Beth can’t get to her backpack in time 

She had a stargazing phase that she never grew out of. Her parents got her a mini telescope for her fifth birthday and Bridget started teaching her about the solar system before Beth started learning about constellations on her own. Bridget jokes that if her daughter hadn’t been set on becoming a doctor, she would’ve gone into astrophysics 

Beth still has a telescope set up by her bedroom window. Sometimes when she has trouble sleeping and she’s not in the mood to read, she’ll look for constellations through the telescope while Chuck chimes in with little known star facts 

She also has a starry globe nightlight and a constellation globe

She and Rick sometimes have stargazing “dates” out on her back porch. They curl up together in a patio chair with midnight snacks while they watch meteor showers. Sometimes Yolanda and Courtney will join them, curled up together in the other patio chair  

Beth and Courtney often have karaoke nights at the Pit Stop after Pat souped up Barbara’s old karaoke machine. The usual playlist includes fun 80s and 90s jams as well as modern songs like Bruno Mars, Lizzo, and Janelle Monae. Yolanda often joins them for girl group songs (Little Mix is a favourite), even though she protests that she’s not much of a singer when she’s not singing Selena songs 

Rick gets roped into doing a song too, much to his dismay. Courtney pouts and complains that he has to because there’s an unspoken rule that everyone has to sing

“I don't sing, dammit.” “Oh really, are you forgetting about that little ditty you were singing before your chem test?” 

Beth sees how nervous Rick is and decides to go easy on him, finding a slow, bluesy song that he can keep up with and assuring him that even if he can’t croon those long deep notes, everyone will cheer him on. He ends up giving the best performance of the night, shocking the girls and impressing them all 

He blushes when he sees Beth looking at him all starry eyed 

When Beth was growing up, her family would have game night every Thursday and they were always old fashioned board games like Clue, Scrabble, and Pictionary. Whenever they would play Clue, Beth would always choose to be Miss Scarlett while her dad would switch between Professor Plum and Colonel Mustard. Beth could never beat her mom at Scrabble and it often ended up with Beth’s chemistry words versus Bridget’s medical terms 

While game nights have since stopped, James will sometimes have Beth join him for a card game at three or four in the morning after he comes back from a business trip. He taught her how to play games like crazy eights, gin rummy, and cribbage when she was in middle school and it’s now their way of catching up after he comes back from travelling  

Both her parents are only children. James’ family was originally from California before he moved to Nebraska for work while Bridget’s family are of Louisiana Creole descent and hail from Omaha. Beth is quite close to Bridget’s side of the family, especially with her second cousin Delphine’s family. Beth sometimes helps look after Delphine’s daughter Eliana whenever she and her husband are in town 

Rick once mistook Eliana for Beth’s baby, hilarity ensued

Beth has a love for animals and since the fandom has collectively decided that Beth is a Disney Princess, she has a particular talent for being an accidental animal tamer. During a mission, three of the ISA’s attack dogs made a beeline for her and attacked her with doggie kisses instead of doing their job 

The ISA are torn between being pissed (“when the hell did Mid-Nite become an animal tamer?”) and confused. Sportsmaster is vaguely impressed and takes it as a challenge 

Later they tried scaring Beth with a python, which only really worked on Yolanda (“oh my god, what is that?”) while Beth just boops the snake on its snout. The snake swooned. So did Rick 

After Rick and Yolanda recover from the shock, they look at the trio of attack dogs follow Beth all the way to the Pit Stop and go “we’re not keeping you”. Rick just hopes that the trio are the only attack dogs that follow her back home. He wishes that he had been more specific because he was not expecting an actual maned wolf suddenly coming up and sniffing all over Beth during a visit to the Dugan-Whitmores’ cabin

“What the fuck, where did that come from and why is it all over Beth?!” 

It turns out that Beth didn’t realize that she had a cookie in one of her pockets and the maned wolf caught a whiff of it and was now trying to find it. The way it sniffs her is ticklish and she’s laughing the entire time 

Once the maned wolf brought over a friend to see Beth and Courtney goes, “aww, he met another–oh my god, that’s a panther!” The panther also wanted one of Beth’s treats and it swooped in between her and Rick and started pawing at her like a spoiled kitten 

Rick picked Beth up and carried her inside because “we can’t trust her outside anymore” 

[peeterparkr]

limits of desire⤳t.h.||20

chapter 20: the honeymoon.

story summary: you met Tom a night he was trying to sleep with you, it didn’t work and you became best of friends. Wedding bells might be ringing for when you both realize what you really feel.

summary: the one with the silence and the halloween party

pairing: fuckboy!tom holland x best friend!reader

warnings: swearing, alcohol, just a little angsty but not really

word count: 5.7K

song I recommend to listen while reading:

if i could fly-one direction

night changes-one direction

back to you-selena gomez

secrets-one republic

change my mind-one direction

listen to one direction 

previous chapter epilogue series masterlist wanna be tagged?

Silence is such a tricky concept when it comes to love. Silence is a tragedy when two lovers can’t say what they truly want. Comfortable silence sounds ideal when you go past the zone of judgement. Y/N and Tom had always loved the silence between them, when they could spend an afternoon doing nothing, each in their thoughts and no feeling of anxiety or discomfort. That’s the ideal. 

But they had come to the tragedy silence, once which felt like having their voice cut by their own hands. It would be easier had they left things unclear. It’s easier to know someone doesn’t love you back and go separate ways. 

Yet they knew they loved each other. And they knew they were meant to be. So hard to part when you both know you want to be together. But when one’s love is that strong then it won’t matter. 

But it did, didn’t it? 

They didn’t like each other anymore. But they did. However, they had to pretend like they didn’t. Or pretend they were not aware the other existed. 

That was the agreement they had reached, become strangers. But how can one pretend to be a stranger to someone whose lips you can still taste in the corner of your mouth? 

To play pretend they didn’t hear each other’s name whenever the other came up in conversation. To ignore the tickle in their tummy if someone dared to mention the other. 

Because they had to grow, they had to heal and they had to learn. But their absence was too much sometimes. 

Tom and y/n hadn’t talked since. Silence. 

However, they had cheated. They had seen each other, incidentally, but avoided their glances even if they both knew they were staring. Going to places where both knew they’d find each other. That wasn’t considered like breaking a rule, was it?

It had not been planned, but it had been wished. Tom had walked in to their favorite cafe with the only desire to be reminded of her, and it seemed she had thought the same thing. They hadn’t initially seen each other, but as Tom was looking around, he saw her. And he was reminded of a simpler time. 

Y/N with her notebook, a pencil pressed against her lips, her hair tied up as she hovered through her keyboard, and as she stared at an open old book. A half bitten croissant and a lipstick stained coffee mug. So focused on whatever she was doing, like the good old days where he had met her there and she had a paper, or an exam or whatever that her classes were putting up with her now. 

And Tom had felt how his heart had stopped, because it had been a month already. And he had felt like he had just been stabbed right in his chest but healed right away. 

Then she looked up and dropped the pencil, as her eyes landed on him. They stared into each other's eyes and it felt eternal. But Tom quickly cleared his throat and looked away. 

They weren’t ready, and they both knew it. But Tom had dared to look back up again, and she gave him a heart full of sad smiles, Tom gave her a smile back and then chuckled to himself. 

And Tom tried to ignore her but kept glancing at her, and she looked better. 

And it became a routine, one that couldn’t be spoken. Sometimes, they’d incidentally be at the same cafe or at the bakery at the same time on Sundays,  but never look into each other’s eyes and never even dared to speak a word. But they could steal a glance or two, and dedicate a smile. They’d sit across each other, usually, y/n curled up with a book, or writing on her pad or typing. 

Tom would bring in scripts, or just stare at his phone. 

It was their secret. 

That was at the beginning, at least, but then they got busier, and Tom had to leave to film. 

Tom knew she had lost her almost  job at the BBC after the events at the press conference, however a magazine had searched for her. Now she was writing for a fashion magazine in their wedding section, the biggest irony one could think of. 

Tom had read each and every one of her articles, but the first one she’d written. He’d kept in his heart. 

Tom would re-read it again and again, memorizing its words, and he’d read all of them. She’d changed her name on instagram, too. She called herself “The Runaway Bride” that was her section on the magazine. Now her life was ruled completely by the title of it. Tom understood it was better than having the other nicknames they had given her as of when she had rejected him. 

But she was different. She had a blog, she was writing, and she would post poems sometimes. At least that’s what he’d gotten from a quick stroll through her instagram. Nothing too big. 

But Tom eventually stopped looking at it, because they had agreed on that. They were supposed to become strangers. And this wasn't doing this. 

Award season had begun and every time a reporter would stop him, he’d try to imagine that y/n could be there, interviewing him for real, instead of the crazy and silly imaginings they would come up with. He missed her. 

.He wondered if y/n was ready. He probably wasn’.t. Because they had agreed on it, we’ll search for each other when we no longer need each other. And the fact that he still had to search for her meant he needed her. 

And their visits faded away, and that’s when it all started to turn on the lights. He remembered her, for sure, in the details. Like in the mornings when he was drinking his tea and asked himself if he wanted lemon and honey or cream and sugar. Or whenever he was watching Friends, and he’d turn around to quote it with her, and he’d realize that she wasn’t there. Sundays felt different. 

He wondered if it was bad to think about her from time to time, wondering if she was alright. He didn’t understand his heart anymore. But Tom knew, this time was for her the same as when she had left. This was the reflection she needed. 

And she had traveled to Paris, to Milan, and to Prague. Her job, Tom knew. And he had traveled to, press tour, filming. 

And Tom dated. Once, or twice. Actual dates, not one night stands. He had gone out, and played it all. But it was just a way to confirm it more. He loved y/n and there was no one else he wanted to be around. 

And Tom would sometimes sit down and dress up and he’d have nowhere to go, but he knew it was good to wait, because the moment she came back, he’d give her all his love. But he couldn’t help but stare at the clock. 

The months went by and by. And he had hovered over her instagram page and realized it, they’d become strangers. They knew nothing about each other anymore. She had texted him on his birthday, he had texted her on hers. 

Something weird had happened, something nobody had seen coming. Not Y/N and Tom at least. Harrison and Lizzie had started dating. 

But Tom guessed that he had been so selfish and so focused on y/n that he hadn’t seen that Haz and Lizzie had grown closer since Tom and Y/N’s first kiss. They had started texting each other, and seeing each other, trying to solve their friends’ stupid decision. And eventually, they’d hang out with each other with the simple excuse they wanted to see each other. 

Tom would try to ask about y/n but Haz wouldn’t let him. And Lizzie would be hanging out at their place and Tom would try to sneak a question or too, and Lizzie would answer: 

“She’s not ready yet, Tom. Neither are you. But she’s alright.” 

Haz had told him that y/n had gone out in a few dates, too. 

“Haz told you?” Liz asked. “Huh, he shouldn’t have but yes, but… Look, I shouldn’t be telling you this, but they weren’t… Great, she had a good time but there were no second dates if that’s what you’re asking.” 

And sooner or later, it was around Halloween. 10 months without her. But he hadn’t been thinking about that, not for the last few months at least. She did cross his mind every now and then. 

But he didn’t mind it, he was getting ready for a Halloween party that Harrison was throwing. Haz and Liz were going to go as Bonnie and Clyde. 

Tom had decided to go as Hercules, Haz had given him the idea, it could hurt no one, right? 

And he was getting ready, everything was fine.

But Tom was having a good time, the music was great, his friends were there and the games were fun. He was fine. He had had a couple beers. But he was okay, some friends of his were there. And some friends of Liz’ too. He recognized Hannah and Jess whom he hadn’t seen since… the wedding. He felt weird, seeing them. 

But he continued to ignore it, he was okay. And then it happened. Just like every other single time, he felt like the music had suddenly stopped. 

The door had opened and he swore he could listen to the air outside just as the light hit her just in her smile. Her hair seemed shorter, and her cheeks and lips were pink. She was followed by no other than a guy, he looked handsome enough. And Tom shattered right there. He imagined all the scenarios, maybe she had met him at her job, or maybe at the coffee house that one time Tom had not gone to, or maybe in Paris, or Milan or Prague. Was this the second time? Had y/n realized she truly didn’t want to be with him? Had she come to ask him again to be her maid of honour? Had she already married? 

But then as he saw their interaction it seemed to be a mere coincidence, two strangers who had walked in at the same time. Y/N ignored the guy as he walked in saying hello to some of the people already having fun. She stayed there taking off her coat revealing a pink dress, Megara, Tom acknowledged. Tom understood then, why Haz had been so insistent on the Hercules costume. And Tom realized it then that the guy who had walked in was in no way dating y/n. She lifted up her bags and walked over to the table where the drinks were, she took out some bottles and a bag of crisps. 

Tom had zoned out, and his eyes were directed at her and only her. Harry had replaced the empty beer on Tom’s hand with another beer. 

Tom’s eyes widened. 

“Bottoms up, or… offer one to her, maybe?” 

But Tom couldn’t even move. He watched as a tipsy Lizzie had approached y/n and hugged her. 

She seemed nervous. He watched her shake her head and look around the room, playing with her hair. 

“Did… did you know?” Asked Tom. 

Harry chuckled. “Yeah, but they forbid me to give you a heads up,” Harry admitted. “Was it… Are you alright?” 

Tom sipped his beer. “I… I dunno.” 

“That’s why you’ve had a beer in your hand all night, ‘right?” Harry explained. 

“Why…?” 

“I think you’re ready, ain’t you?” Harry asked. “‘Cause she is, at least, Haz told me that she asked if she could come.” 

“She’s ready?” Tom watched her as he saw Lizzie trying to calm her down, too. She hadn’t seen him. 

“Oi, to be in the same room as you, at least,” Harry told him. 

Tom nodded. “Right, but I feel like I shouldn’t… Walk up to her, right? It’s...it’s been a while, what would I even say?” 

“A hello wouldn’t hurt.” 

Tom shook his head. “Not, not...yet.” 

Harry didn’t push it. But Tom avoided y/n, but he saw Haz and Tuwaine talking to her. Even the twins, he guessed they had missed her. And a shy smile was on her. But he noticed something, people weren’t leaning in. She wasn’t whispering. Tom thought about how different things would have been had this party been two years ago, Tom would have made sure to have something to make pink mimosas, and he would be flirting with her, on the couch probably, hugging her as they played something, but he’d end up with someone else. 

But they weren’t talking, they hadn’t even seen each other in the eyes. Probably, Tom guessed, she had seen him and tried to steal a glance. 

Eventually Tom walked to the table where the drinks were. He was pouring some water when he felt someone approach him. 

“What’s someone like you doing in a place like this?” The voice asked. 

Tom went stiff as he turned around. 

She was there, with that smile she had, one he remembered, the sad apologetic one. Tom had to lick his lips as he stared at her. 

“Hi,” Tom finally breathed in. 

“Hi,” she bit her lip.

He didn’t say anything, instead, he just tried to adjust his grip on his red cup of water.  

“I… I know it was a risky move,” Y/N started. “But I…” 

Tom smiled. “No, no… it’s… it’s perfect,” he grinned. “Uh… how, how…” 

“I’m good,” y/n admitted. “What about you? I saw you just came back from filming…” 

“Yeah, yeah,” Tom ran a hand through his hair.

Y/N looked up and down. “Hercules, huh?” 

“Yeah, Haz insisted,” Tom chuckled. “Now I...kind of see why, Megara,”  he grinned as he saw her costume. 

“Nice knees,” she giggled. 

Tom blushed, rolling his eyes. “I’m kind of pulling it off, ain’t I?” Tom grinned. 

“You… actually are,” y/n laughed. “Wonderboy. The hair looks good,” she said, ruffling it a little. “Okay, turn around,” she chuckled as he did, trying to show off. “Yeah, yeah, looks good.” 

“You… you look very beautiful, too,” Tom admitted making her blush. “Can’t believe they set us up, though.” 

Y/N laughed. “Liz asked me about a month ago whom I was dressing up as for Halloween, I told her Meg to shut her up and then she actually bought this.” 

“She did?” Tom chuckled. 

“Yeah, at the end I was going to do a last-minute costume, but she had it,” Y/N rolled her eyes.

Tom gulped. “Oh, so you’ve known about this for a month?” 

“Didn’t know it would be…” Y/N trailed off. “I mean I knew I’d go to a party, but I well—“

Tom wished he had pockets to dig his hands in. “Right,” Tom laughed. 

“I’ve missed you,” she admitted. 

He smiled. “I’ve missed you, too.” And they looked into each other. “Uh… Can I offer you a drink?” Tom asked. 

She grinned. 

“Sure, a beer would be good.” 

Tom looked up for it and then stared at her. “This is weird isn’t it?” 

“I wouldn’t—Kinda, yeah, kinda weird.” 

Tom looked around. “Let’s go outside,” Tom suggested and y/n followed him, 

“We agreed on being strangers,” Tom said as they walked outside, a few other people were there, but they found a spot where they could sit. 

Y/N looked at him. “After all we’ve been through, I can’t pretend I don’t know you, Thomas.”

Tom nodded, they clicked their beer together and then proceeded to take a sip. 

“I mean we could pretend,” Tom suggested. “Maybe we could go back in time, Halloween 6 years ago.” 

Y/N chuckled. “Oh, right. Have you any perfume hanging around so I can spray it on you?” 

Tom chuckled. “You’d love that, wouldn’t you?” 

She shrugged. “Maybe.” 

“No, but—“

“You don’t feel like a stranger,” she nudged him. 

“But I could be, you know?” Tom grinned. 

“And what would you do if you were a stranger?” Y/N asked. “You wouldn’t even look at me if it weren’t for our history.” 

Tom looked at her. “What?” 

Y/n chuckled. “Please there are lots of prettier girls out there.” 

And it felt like an old conversation, one they would’ve had before. Like they used to because, in a way, it didn’t feel weird, it felt like the conversation they could’ve had had she not returned last year engaged. 

“Yet I’m here with you,” Tom pointed out.

Y/N grinned. “Hmm lucky me.”

“I would be here anyway,” Tom chuckled. “I mean you’re dressed up as Megara, it’s kind of meant to be, isn’t it?” 

“Meant to be?” Y/N chuckled. “Or more like those two dickheads over there are onto something,” y/n pointed out as she signalled Haz and Liz who had their eyes glued on them. Tom and y/n flipped them off at the same time and then proceeded to laugh together. But then the laugh quickly faded out. 

“But if I were a stranger…”He cleared his throat and walked away then back to her, as y/n watched him with curiosity. “Hey.” 

Y/N rolled her eyes. “Hi?” 

“I’m Tom,” he grinned. “Can I sit here?” 

“Sure, a friend just left,” she chuckled. 

“Hm, a friend,” Tom smiled sitting down beside her. “So what’s your name?” 

“Tom—“She chuckled. “We don’t have to do—“

“No, no, hey, we are strangers, I wanna get to know you.” 

She glared at him but he winked at her, making her blush. 

“My name is y/n,” she grinned. 

“Hmm… funny name,” Tom pointed out.

 “Hey!” She nudged him. 

“Sorry, I’m honest, you should know that about me,” Tom shrugged. “Which is basically a way to shield me on being a jerk.” 

“You don’t seem like a jerk,” she smiled. 

“So, what do you do for a living?” 

She giggled. “I’m… a reporter and a writer, I work at the BBC and I occasionally write for a magazine.” 

Tom bit his lip. “That’s great.” 

“What about you?” 

“I’m an actor,” Tom said. 

“Ah cool, have I seen you in anything?” She teased. 

“Mm,” Tom scrunched his nose. “Probably not, maybe this project, you may have heard of it… The avengers? I play this guy Spiderman.” 

Y/N shook her head. “Never heard of it,” she lied and let out a laugh. 

“Yeah, no, it’s pretty small,” he smirked. 

“Someday you’ll have your big breakout don’t worry,” y/n grinned. 

“So you’re a reporter that must… mean you travel a lot!” Tom asked. 

She frowned. 

“You seem like someone who’s travelled lately,” Tom said condescendingly. 

Y/N rolled her eyes. “So someone’s been looking at my Instagram.” 

“How could I? We just met,” Tom smirked, sipping his beer. “But is that a way of giving me your Instagram? Are you flirting with me?”

“Tommy,” She rolled her eyes. 

“Already starting with nicknames, sweetheart?” Tom teased. 

Y/N glared at him jokingly. 

“Well, have you travelled?” 

“Reporters usually—“Y/N cleared her throat. “Well they usually don’t do it that much, but yeah, I have travelled.” 

Tom bit his lip. “Where to, lately?” 

“Recently went to Italy.” 

“What did you do there?” 

y/n sighed and looked away. 

“Hm?” Tom pushed. 

“I… Tom, I should’ve...Told you before,” y/n bit her lip. 

“What?” 

“I got engaged.” 

Tom stopped. He felt cold. He felt sick. He wanted to get sucked into the earth. This was the same shit all over again. He went pale. He was sweating cold. 

But he was mature enough, and though it hurt, he knew that this had been a consequence of the silence and he should've stopped her when he could’ve. But if she had taken this decision, it meant that they never should have been in the first place, if finding herself meant she was in love with someone else, then he had to agree with it. 

“I...well, I’m happy for you.” And he meant it, in a way he was happy for her. 

Y/N then burst into laughter, as she threw her head back. 

Tom frowned. “What?” 

“Oh my god, I’m joking!” She explained in between laughs. 

“What?” 

“I’m not engaged, oh my god,” she said. 

Tom felt the warmth coming back to his body. He had to stand up to laugh nervously to himself. 

“Oh my god,” y/n laughed. “You actually believed it?” 

Tom rubbed his hair and his face, nervously. Now chuckling embarrassed. “How could I not? God,” Tom chuckled, placing a hand on his chest. “I almost had a heart attack.” 

“I...oh my god, no I’m sorry,” she giggled, standing up, placing only one hand over his shoulder. “I’m sorry, I’m sorry it was too soon.” 

Tom pulled her into a hug, because he felt like he had wanted to wrap himself around her since he had first seen her walk in. She gave in to the hug, and nuzzled into him, she’d missed him too, Tom guessed. 

“I hate you,” he stated. 

She grinned. “You should’ve seen your face.” 

He let her go and sat back again. “You suck.” 

“I know,” she grinned, sitting back down. “But see? We can’t act like strangers.” 

“You dropped that bomb only to prove that?” 

“A stranger wouldn’t have reacted that way,” she winked at him. 

Tom laughed. “Well, I’m sorry?” Tom was dignified. 

“We’re not strangers, Tommy, even if sometimes I wish we were.” 

“Yeah, after that I wish I didn’t know you either,” he joked, nudging her. “

She smiled, slightly. 

“It would be too ironic, wouldn’t it? Had I really been engaged, but I—It would be impossible,” she confessed. “Maybe it sounds conceited , but… It would be pretty stupid even if I was dating someone.” 

Tom watched her. 

“Dating is underrated,” Tom agreed. 

“Have you dated?” Y/N asked. 

“I—Well, I have,” he admitted. 

“Yeah, me too, they set me up a few times,” y/n accepted. “How did they go? Are you seeing anyone? Met anybody?” 

“I have,” Tom admitted. 

It was y/n’s turn to become stiff. He saw how the light in her eyes faded away and the smile she was wearing disappeared. She had to shift in her place but nodded. 

“Oh,” she licked her lips. “Cool, what’s her name?” 

“I’m not sure if I should tell you,” Tom sighed. “It’s…” 

“Is it serious?” Y/N asked, and Tom could tell she was trying to speak with the least poison she could. 

Tom shrugged. “I mean, well. Kind of.”  

Y/N played with her fingers. “Well, I’m…” Y/N looked around. “Maybe you can give her someday that ring you bought, the Tiffany’s one.” 

Tom’s eyes widened. “What?” 

“You know, the one that was in your nightstand a few months ago,” y/n snaked. 

“I wouldn’t give her that ring,” Tom chuckled, nervously. “How did you know?” 

“Why not?” Y/N smiled. 

“Y/N.” 

She smiled sadly. “If you love her, don’t let her go.” 

Tom felt a stab on his heart and then rubbed his face. “Oh god, how do you do it?” 

“What?” Y/N frowned. 

“I was trying to pull off the same stupid joke you made yet I’m here feeling guilty for even coming up with it,” Tom scoffed, letting out a gentle and embarrassed chuckle. 

“So you’re…?” Y/N frowned. 

“No, I’m not seeing anybody,” Tom laughed. “How could I?” 

And she finally breathed out, nervously as she loosened up herself. “Oh, you looked so serious,” she giggled. “Dumbass! I really believed it.” 

“You don’t give much credit to yourself, y/n,” Tom pushed back a loose strand of hair. “You sometimes forget I’ve been in love with you since we first met, and I haven’t stopped loving you since.” 

She blushed and stared into his eyes, and he felt it again, he felt his soul naked with her, as if she knew all his secrets. But he didn’t have to have any secrets with her. 

“That’s good to know,” she smiled as her fingers finally searched for his hand.

“I do want to know, y/n,” he cleared his throat. “What ring are you talking about?” 

She shrugged. “I...remember that day before the dancing lessons?” y/n asked him. 

“I...yeah?” 

“Well, I went to your room to search for a charger and I… opened it and I found it,” she admitted. 

Tom felt his heart break. “Oh, yeah.” 

She stayed quiet. 

“Well, before I knew you were…. Engaged, I well, I may have thought about going down on one knee,” he admitted truthfully. “But I… well, I don’t have it anymore.” 

She nodded. 

And they stayed quiet, for a bit. Drinking their beers. And the party was continuing around them. And Tom was sure that he should kiss her, but it wasn’t the time. Right now, it really wasn’t the time. Even if he was almost certain she loved him still. But maybe they truly were strangers now, maybe they had always been strangers. Because they had kept secrets, secrets that shouldn’t have been kept. But she felt like home, like listening to an old song, or like tasting an ice cream that you used to love in your childhood. 

And even if everyone else was drunk enough and loud enough, he knew that they were quiet. The moon was hitting her on her nose, and she was taking his breath away. Tom felt defenceless. 

“I had to stop myself from calling, even if I did this one time” she whispered. Tom watched her. “I had all this time to be apart from you and I only could think on the day we’d see each other again.”

Tom watched her carefully. “The boys missed you.” 

“Did they?” Y/N grinned. 

“Yeah,” Tom gulped. “They missed your laugh around the house.” 

She grinned. “Oh, nice.” 

“And the path you left with that perfume,” he continued. “And they realized that red m&m’s exist,” he chuckled. “And they missed you because no one would finish my Friends quotes, so they had to learn them.” 

“Oh.” 

“Yeah,” he cleared his throat. “And they missed that there was no one leaving books around the house, and they pointed out that we no longer were randomly interviewed so we didn’t have anyone to practice our oscar interviews with.” 

She blushed. “They missed all of that, huh.” 

“Yeah,” Tom took a deep breath. “But hey, you’re back, right?” Tom gulped. “I mean because they’ve missed you.” 

“Should I?” She grinned. 

He shrugged. 

“You know, I missed them too, but…” She looked around. “So maybe I should stick around by now, so they don’t have to deal with the red M&M’s.” 

Tom nodded. 

“It’s weird, you know, I wanted to stay for other reasons,” she started. 

“Oh, really which ones?” 

She shrugged. “Tell me what you want to hear,” she whispered. 

Tom bit his lip. “I don’t even know what I want to hear.” 

“I found myself, Tom,” she admitted. “But I realized that whoever I am is because of you, you know? And maybe… Maybe I am slightly drunk alright? But you are really the reason that keeps me going, and I realized that you’re really that goodbye I will never be able to say because I… it’s true, I can’t live without you.” 

“Maybe it was stupid to be apart.” 

“Or maybe it wasn’t,” she shrugged. “I don’t know how you feel about it, but I’m certain, even if I… if I’m dirty now, all stained, even after everything, is it wrong that I still want to give everything away just to be close to you?” 

He didn’t say anything. “I almost called you a few times, too. I think I called you once, drunkenly.” 

“You did, it was at 4 am, and you left a voicemail, and I’ve gotta admit, I listened to it so many times I ended up memorizing it,” she confessed. “You know? It was… different for me, I didn’t miss you when I was drunk,” she said. Tom frowned. “I missed you in the morning, or when something good happened and I had to tell someone, and none of the people I could tell was you, and I missed your laugh too, I missed having someone annoying the hell out of me when I was working.” 

Tom smirked. 

“And I… also missed you at random times, and I may have or may have not asked Lizzie to steal a hoodie of yours, she didn’t do it, and I’m glad because that would’ve been very creepy,” she admitted, embarrassed. 

Tom laughed. “I almost bought your perfume.” 

She looked at the party. 

“We should dance,” she suggested. 

“Really y/n while we’re…” He chuckled, but she had already taken his hand and dragged him back inside to dance. He knew she loved dancing. So he pulled her closer, and their friends were in a bit state of shock for a bit, watching them have fun. 

But they were dancing, sillying around, and drinking. They played some games and had fun, forgetting their past conversations or their past situation. They were like strangers, flirting with each other, dancing with the other. 

She spoke with Harry and Sam, she was laughing with Tuwaine. But Tom wouldn’t leave her side. They took shots together, and drinks and beers. 

“Hey,” Lizzie had dragged y/n out from Tom’s grip as Harrison had pulled Tom with him. 

Y/n drunkenly chuckled. “Yep?” 

“How’s it going?” Lizzie asked, handing her friend a glass of water.

Y/N downed the drink and shrugged. “I wanna make out with him and hold his tush.” 

Lizzie widened her eyes and laughed. “Alright, you’re drunk drunk.”

Y/N grinned. “A wee bit, yeh.” 

Liz sighed. “Y/N, don’t do anything you’ll regret, and now drink more of this,” she filled up the glass with more water. 

Y/N downed it again. “Hmm.” 

Harrison couldn’t calm a giggling Tom. 

“Mate, are you okay?” 

“Nah,” Tom laughed. “But she’s ‘eeeere mate.” 

Haz rolled his eyes. “Did you talk?” 

“A lil’ yea,” but then he walked past Harrison and back to y/n. They were sobering up, as they were talking in the couch. Pure nonsense, really, but they couldn’t keep their hands or eyes off each other. 

This definitely wasn’t what they had expected, they probably thought their reencounter wouldn’t have been like this, y/n at least had thought it would be like on a rom-com or a romantic novel, where they would stare at each other and kiss and profess their love, instead they were drunk to their asses giggling to random nonsense.  

But they were catching up, in their own stupid way. And it felt like old times, two friends making each other laugh and telling stories. And they didn’t pay attention to anything else, it was like the spotlight was on them and only them. 

Her head landed on his shoulder eventually as Tom was showing pictures onset or as she showed him random pictures of her travels. 

And sooner or later, people were leaving. And Haz and Liz were probably too busy making out, or god knows where to notice y/n and Tom had walked out of the house to go for a walk. 

They were holding hands and ended up in the park near Tom’s house. They had sobered up, enough to be able to talk without dragging their tongue. 

The night was quiet, but it felt just like the party. Nothing surrounding them mattered, their eyes were glued to each other. And they felt like home. 

And both of them were dying for a kiss,but it wasn’t the time. Or maybe neither were brave enough.

Y/N was the one to break the silence. “I get it if you’re not ready yet,” she started and her voice was soft, Tom had to lean to listen to her. “I wouldn’t blame you, I hurt you and I know that it was too much and I know that even with everything, it’s delicate, I know that it would tear apart your reputation and I know that after all that I’ve done, I have no right in asking you anything but you don’t have to do anything.” 

“I’d risk it all for you, you know?” 

“But I don’t want you to,” she looked at him. “I like you, and I don’t know if it’s cool if I say it, you know? All night love I’ve tried to bring my lips to yours.” 

“And why not?” 

“I’m not afraid anymore, but I’ve stopped myself because I don’t know if we should.” 

“We should.” 

“I love you. But right now, I don’t know if I’m allowed to say it.” 

“You are,” Tom said, taking her by the hand. 

“But I do, I really do love you,” she admitted. “Maybe we were only a mistake, and maybe it was stupid, but I want to be the best mistake you ever had.” 

“You’re not a mistake,” Tom kissed her hand.

“And all this time, I’ve tried to come up with reasons as to why I shouldn’t love you, and many came but the sole reason that I want to love you won, and I just want to build a story, you know? Because you’ve already given me one, and I’ve learned so much, and now I can’t live without the little details you did. And these months apart only confirmed it, you’re the only one I want to be with.And you really don’t have to do anything, just let me love you, don’t push me away, I won’t run away this time, because really, that’s the only thing I desire, I want to love you, and I don’t want any more limits to pull us back.” 

Tom didn’t give her an answer, he just leaned over and closed the gap between them. Because at that moment, there were really no limits of desire. 

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[snaccforyou]

G/T Secret Santa Exchange

Story for @gilby-the-geek-girl

Challenge from @secret-shifters

The house was warm, bright, and full of laughter. A few people were exchanging presents, and most had a glass of eggnog or cider in their hands. It wasn't a massive party, only a couple dozen attendees, but it was a little crowded for Celine's tastes.

As a friend-of-a-friend attendee, she didn't know most of the cheerful group, and was a little too shy to try and mingle this late into the party. Instead she sat on one of the host's fluffy couches and watched the merriment with a mix of discomfort and amusement.

"Hey!" A rosy face appeared next to her, and she jumped. Someone she vaguely recognized from one of her classes, Anna maybe, was leaning over the couch next to her.

"Selena, was it?"

"Celine, actually," she corrected, a little startled.

"Oops! Sorry!" Possibly-Anna said, breaking into tipsy giggles. She held out a glass full of cider. "Did you want something to drink?"

"Um, no thank you," Celine declined with an awkward laugh. If she were at her own home, she might be tempted, but Celine was a bit of a lightweight. She was a little wary of drinking any sort of alcoholic beverages with so many strangers around, especially with how she was currently feeling. There was a slight itching, a tingling under her skin that meant losing her self-control could end badly.

"Suit yourself, I guess," laughed Anna. She straightened and joined a large group of chatting friends.

Celine felt a familiar wave of claustrophobia, and took a deep breath. Honestly, the party wouldn't be half bad if she didn't feel like she might shift at any moment.

Celine was a sizeshifter, a being that was able to change her size dramatically. While some size-shifters had complete control over their abilities, others were more unpredictable. Celine had moderate control over her shifts, but the longer she went holding back, the more uncomfortable she felt.

Right now, her body felt far too small, the room far too tiny for her. She subtly scratched her arm, and tried not to imagine stepping outside and shooting up to three times her "regular" height. She let herself grow an inch taller and glanced around the room.

Byron, the friend who had invited her and the only other sizeshifter she knew of in this city, had been mingling with some of his friends, but she'd lost sight of him several minutes ago. She wanted to pull him away and ask if there was any way they could leave early. As a sizeshifter with even less control over his size, he'd understand.

Of course, she'd feel terrible making their ride, a really nice person named Wren, leave early, but she would rather leave when the discomfort was bearable.

Last she'd seen Byron, he'd pulled one of his friends aside to talk. She hadn't seen them in several minutes, but when Byron's friend came back alone, her gaze shot to them. Suddenly, a shifting in their hair caught her attention. She blinked, doing a double take.

Sure enough, nestled in his friend's hair sat Byron. They locked eyes as well as they could from across the room, and Byron gave what looked like an apologetic shrug. He waved his now tiny phone, and Celine checked her texts. There was a new message in the carpool group chat from Byron.

Sry, unexpected small problem. Have 2 ride back w/ someone else.

It was subtle enough that Celine would've understood what happened even without seeing him small. She completely understood, but her desire to stay was even less now. She started to look for Wren, not looking forward to telling them she wanted to leave early.

***

Wren wasn't a huge fan of parties. They weren't a very social person, but Byron and his friend had needed a ride, and he was one of their few friends that actually cared about them. Besides, this party wasn't too bad. They'd had a little eggnog, but not enough to feel more than a slight warmth. The other partygoers mostly left them alone, so they didn't have to socialize too much.

About halfway into the party, they got a text from Byron saying his change in plans. At first they let out a sigh. Typical Byron, having some secret emergency that changed his plans. It was fine, though, Wren was used to his strange habits by now, and as long as he had a different ride they weren't too worried about him.

Wren just hoped the ride home wouldn't be too awkward with just them and Celine. They didn't know her very well, but she seemed nice at least. And she hadn't reacted negatively to hearing they were non-binary, which was usually a pretty good sign. They wondered if she'd be willing to leave the party a little early.

As if summoned by their thoughts, Celine was suddenly standing next to them. Wren jumped slightly, and gave a small wave.

"Uh, hi, Celine," they said. She waved back just as awkwardly, and stood silently for a couple of seconds. At least they were both in good, socially awkward company, Wren mused.

"Hi," she finally said with a little laugh. "I was wondering if you saw Byron's text?"

Wren nodded, waving their phone and almost dropping it.

"Yeah I saw it just a minute ago," they said. "Typical Byron."

"Typical Byron," Celine agreed with an awkward but nice laugh. She seemed like she wanted to say something else so Wren waited.

"So, I know it's still pretty early, and I'm sorry if it's inconvenient, but how do you feel about leaving a little early?" She blurted, words running together slightly in her rush to get them out. Wren felt themself sag slightly with relief.

"Honestly, I am so glad you asked," they said, looking up to meet Celine's eyes. "I don't really like parties."

Celine smiled down at them. Something seemed slightly off to Wren, and they frowned. Maybe it was just the eggnog, but…

"Are you taller now?" They asked, squinting. Celine laughed awkwardly, looking off to one side and Wren slammed their hand over their mouth. "Sorry, that's such a weird question. Obviously you're not."

"It's fine, it's fine," Celine said.

"Do you think Byron's still here?" Wren asked. They didn't want to leave without telling him goodbye, but he might've already left.

"Uh, I haven't seen him for a while," Celine answered. Wren scanned the party for a few seconds, seeing no sign of their friend.

"Well, I guess we can always say we're sorry we missed him later," they said, eventually giving up.

Leaving the party was surprisingly easy. Most people didn't even notice they were leaving. The one guy who did wished them a happy holiday and went back to the party.

As they stepped outside, Wren was a little surprised to see snow falling. Celine, who had visibly relaxed once they stepped outside, tension falling off her frame, looked surprised as well.

"I thought it was supposed to be 'unusually warm' tonight," Wren said, quoting the day's weather forecast.

"I guess the weather really is always wrong," Celine responded with a little laugh. Wren unlocked their car, and they both climbed inside. When Wren turned the key, the car made a horrible spluttering and failed to start.

"Um," they said, and tried again. Five minutes, and several curses later, they gave it up as a lost cause.

"I'm really sorry," they said, feeling mortified. "Should we just go back inside?"

Celine hesitated, looking super uncomfortable. Wren wondered if she had trouble with crowds.

"I have a… place pretty close by that I can probably walk to, but I'd feel bad leaving you alone," she said.

"A 'place'?" Wren repeated incredulously.

"Well, Byron lives kinda close to here, and since I go to his place pretty often I have a little area with this super old car parked there for emergencies," Celine rambled.

"I'm not gonna lie, that's really weird," Wren said, still very confused. There wasn't even a guarantee that car would work, and having a 'place' was a little sketchy. They weren't thrilled about walking in the snow, but they were even less thrilled with the idea of letting Celine walk off by herself. That was a disappearance waiting to happen.

"If… if you don't mind taking me along, I could walk with you to your… 'place' and you could drive me home?" they suggested. After a moment, Celine nodded.

"This is such a bad idea," Wren muttered to themself, then they followed Celine into the snow.

***

After about ten minutes of walking, the snow had soaked through Wren's shoes. They really regretted not just going back inside, but at this point Celine's car was probably closer than the party.

At least Celine seemed to know where she was going even if she'd severely underestimated how long it would take to get there.

"I'm sorry, I really didn't think it would take this long," she apologized, looking just as miserable as they felt. She looked more uncomfortable than cold though, shifting from side to side and fidgeting with her warm looking hoodie.

"It's f-fine," Wren muttered, only lying a little bit. They were really regretting not bringing a warmer jacket. "As long as you don't get lost, then we're screwed."

"No, I know exactly where we're going," she said confidently. "I'm good with directions I just have trouble with distance sometimes."

Celine gave them an apologetic look backwards. She stopped as she noticed them shivering.

"Are you ok? Do you want to use my jacket?" She asked, sounding worried. Wren shook their head vehemently.

"No, no, then you'll be cold. I'll be fine for another couple of minutes, let's just get there quickly."

Celine looked worried, but kept walking. Over the next minute she looked more and more fidgety, until finally she stopped. Wren shot her a questioning look, but she wasn't meeting their eyes.

"I have… an idea," she started hesitantly. "It'll be warmer, and we'll get there quicker, but… it'll be kind of shocking. Do… do you trust me?"

Wren stared at the girl who was basically a stranger, leading them to an unknown location in the snow. At this point, they thought it was a little late to be evaluating their life choices, and they told her as much.

"I mean, if you're a serial killer it's a little late for me to suddenly realize how sketchy this situation is," they joked nervously. "But I think, and I really hope, that I can trust you." Celine smiled, but she took a couple of steps back.

"Thank you, I think," she said. "Just… don't freak out, ok?"

Wren nodded, feeling more freaked out by the second. Celine took a deep breath, then stopped fidgeting, completely relaxing for the first time since Wren had met her. They watched in fascination as she looked somehow freer, less stressed, and taller. Then their heart skipped a beat as they realized that she was actually getting taller, it wasn't just their imagination.

They watched with wide eyes as Celine slowly grew, until she was twice their height, then three times, so tall they had to crane their head to look up at her. A massive shadow fell over them as she blocked out the light from the moon and the distant streetlamps. She knelt, but kept growing, getting so tall that they couldn't see all of her at once.

Wren didn't even realize they were backing up until they ran into something large and warm. They jumped and looked back, shocked at the size of the hand behind them. Celine's hand was now big enough to completely cover them. They stood in stunned shock as Celine gently cupped her hand around them, her fingers almost as long as their body. Wren looked back up in awe.

"Celine?" They asked, voice sounding small, even to their ears.

"It's ok," Celine said. She sounded like she was whispering, but Wren could feel the vibrations from the sound. Far above them, Celine smiled.

Fingers moved around them, and Wren's attention was brought to the impossibly big hand at their back. They stared as another hand the size of a mattress appeared at their side.

Wren suddenly knew exactly what a hamster felt like when being picked up, as hands cupped them from both sides, gently maneuvering them to sit in the palm of Celine's hand. Warmth radiated from her hand, and they could feel her heartbeat pulsing beneath them.

They were torn between being nervous and amazed, and they settled for studying the incredible close-up of hands in front of them. They hesitantly reached out to touch Celine's fingertips, their breath catching as they traced the detailed lines.

Wren felt a slight sense of vertigo as they were lifted higher. Celine had lifted them to her face, and the full force of a giant's attention distracted them.

"Are you feeling warmer now?" Celine asked, and Wren felt the vibrations where they sat. It took a couple seconds for them to process the question, and they nodded, still too shocked to speak. Their heart was beating a little too fast, and they realized they'd been silent for far too long.

"C-celine, what… how?" They stammered, unable to tear their gaze away from her. It would be hard to look away if they wanted to, considering she took up most of their vision.

"I'm a sizeshifter," Celine said, a smile that they would've called small if they were the same size on her face. The phrase rang a bell, and they wracked their memory. They remembered their parents using the phrase years ago but they thought that was a fairytale. Apparently not.

Wren stared for another moment before the amazement finally overtook the shock of suddenly feeling so tiny.

"That's so cool!" They blurted, a smile breaking out onto their face.

***

Celine had been nervous about showing her ability. Wren seemed trustworthy, but it wasn't something she just told people. She'd been planning to shift and walk on her own. The discomfort from not letting herself shift had been growing since they left the party.

However, when Wren insisted on coming with her, and refused to take her jacket, she couldn't bear seeing them so cold. Not when the walk was so much longer at human size than she remembered. Not when she had such an easy solution that would help them both.

They seemed nervous at first, but she thought it was more the shock of seeing someone grow taller than a house than actual fear for their safety. And after less than a minute of sitting in her hand, they stopped shivering, so she counted that as a win.

Once Wren got over their initial shock, they were excited, looking up at her with an awed expression that made her feel embarrassed. They seemed a little too flustered to talk much, so she stood as slowly as she could, trying to keep her hands from shaking too much.

Wren seemed ok, waving up at her with a shy smile, and looking out in fascination. She started walking again, making progress much quicker, and they eventually relaxed against her fingers.

Her heart melted, and she felt flattered at the amount of trust she was being shown. Honestly, she thought Wren would be scared off once she mentioned the hideout she had for if she needed to grow. Of course she hadn't called it that, but the wording had been weird enough to scare anyone off.

But Wren had stayed, and even now was trusting her, sitting calmly in her hands and listening as she chatted about something she read recently.

Eventually, even sitting in her hands couldn't keep the chill away, and they started shivering again. They weren't that far from Celine's hideout, but she asked them anyways.

"Would it be ok if I put you in my pocket? It would be a little bit warmer."

Wren nodded, and she carefully shifted them to one hand. They held onto her fingers for balance, seemingly fascinated by watching her hands move up close. She carefully moved them to the opening of her pocket, tilting her hand and letting them slide off into the hoodie pocket. She stuck her hands inside, careful not to squish them. After a moment, she felt them lean against her hands, getting comfortable in the warm pocket.

She walked cautiously for the next minute, careful not to shake them up too much. When she reached the hideout, she sank to a seated position.

"We're here," she said quietly, not wanting to move Wren without warning. There was no response.

"Wren?" She carefully felt around her pocket. Her tiny passenger was curled up against her hands, breathing deeply. She smiled as she realized they fell asleep.

"I guess I'll let them sleep a bit longer," she whispered to herself as she watched the now tiny snowflakes falling and felt the gentle breathing of her tiny friend.

[themusicplayedherlife]

Some Sugar

Part 4: I Need Something Fake

pairing: sugar daddy!steve rogers x reader characters: reader, steve rogers, others word count: 5k+ warnings: angst, fluff summary: things are looking up and you’re flying high a/n: ive broken i need something fake//it’s just manners to pretend into two parts after last chapters mishap. it was starting to get unnecessarily long lol

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Your mom is finally home. 

She still has to go back to the hospital for a final check of her arm and the chemotherapy treatments she has left, but you can finally breathe with relief that she’s home.

Esmeralda seems to be more at ease now that she’s back, too, less reluctant to stay at home while you’re at work. Not that she had to worry about that anymore. With what you’re getting from Steve, you’ve been going back and forth with the idea of turning in your two weeks notice at the restaurant or cutting back your hours at least. But you still can’t completely decide. Selena says you should quit, and you haven’t been able to get Steve's input with him currently being away on a mission. But you have a feeling you know what his answer is going to be.

“You cleaned,” she says softly and you smile.

You shrug. “I did what I could.”

Esmeralda throws a pillow in your direction and you dodge out of the way, laughter bubbling from your chest. “I helped too!”

“Did you?” you tease, passing by her with a ruffle of her hair. “If I remember correctly, you were just throwing shit at me instead of cleaning.”

“I was not!” she shoots back, curling herself into your mom’s good side, legs over her lap and her arms around her shoulder and stomach. “I really wasn’t, mom.” She really is the baby of the family.

Before your mom or you can say anything, a loud banging from your neighbor causes you to jump. It’s soon followed by muffled yelling from Mr and Mrs Pallomari, the two trying to outmatch one another’s voices—nothing new.

Your sister sighs heavily and your mom shakes her head. A loud, “Fuck you!” resounds through the hallway and into your apartment as the door is slammed hard enough to shake the walls.

“Straight couples,” Esmeralda says in a serious tone with a deadpan expression she throws in your direction as if she were in the Office, after a moment of silence she breaks it with a giggle and you and your mom can’t help but laugh with her.

However, your laughter is cut short when there’s a bang on your door, the hinge making a horrible screech as if ready to fall over followed by a loud, “Fuck everyone!” 

Esmeralda sighs and stands up, moving towards your tool box. “I’ll check the door.”

You send her a gracious smile tinged with nervousness. “And I’ll get started on dinner.”

You can’t sleep, body jerking awake with every sound you hear coming from the main hallway. Any little or loud sound could be Mr. Pallomari ready to fight with his wife and drag all of you into it, as he usually does. Their fighting hasn’t escalated in a while, but that doesn’t mean it wouldn’t again. 

It’s exhausting having to deal with them and all the shitty people that live in the building.

Not much you can do about that except move out. Maybe eventually you’ll have enough to do so. It’s plausible, but you don’t want to splurge, not yet anyway. Not until you’re more secure.

And besides, not everyone in this building is like them.

There’s Doña Garcia and her son Benito, who live across the hall from you. Sweet woman. And her son? A college student that your sister looks up to, having found a kindred spirit in him when she started questioning her sexuality. Both of them check in on your family whenever they have the chance, dropping off food when Doña Garcia cooks too much (but you have suspicions that she actually does it on purpose).

Then there’s Mayra, the sex worker who lives a floor below you, along with her five year old daughter, who you’ve fondly dubbed Juju; and her grandmother Marsha, who loves to gossip with Doña Garcia and your mother. You used to babysit Juju when you had the time, but now it’s Esmeralda who offers her assistance when she has the chance, which is rare since Marsha loves taking care of her granddaughter, but sometimes the older woman needs a break too.

Because of them, because there are good people, you’re not in any hurry to move out, but maybe you should start keeping your options open, especially if you’re lying awake late at night in fear of your neighbor and his tantrums.

You sigh, throwing your arm over your eyes, the faint sounds of people yelling out in the streets and sirens wailing filtering in through the closed windows. Should you make yourself a cup of tea? No. The pot makes a lot of noise and you don’t want to risk waking your sister up. 

You reach for your phone resting on the coffee table and quickly unlock it to scroll through your Instagram feed. You would text Steve or Selena, but you’re afraid of messaging him in fear of getting him in trouble or waking up Selena, who is guaranteed to be asleep by now. For now, you settle on liking pictures from old classmates you no longer keep in contact with.

So many old faces getting married or having kids, graduating and getting their masters, or just having the time of their lives.

It’s amazing how easy it is to lose contact with people who were once your friends. Everyone got so busy, including you, to make ends meet that you were no longer able to keep up with one another. You wonder what life would’ve been like if you didn’t live like this, if you had actually finished school—would you be in grad school? Married maybe? Thinking about kids?

Fuck. This is why you usually stay away from Instagram. You hate yourself for ever allowing yourself to think “what if?” when all you can do is work towards a better future, not a different past.

Your breath stutters and just as you’re about to place your phone back down after liking another picture of someone partying, it comes to life with Steve’s name. With your heart racing, you quickly answer.

“Steve! You’re back!”

He’s quiet for a moment and you suck in your bottom lip. “I’m back,” he finally says, soft and followed by a chuckle. “What are you doing up, sweetheart?”

“Couldn’t sleep.”

“No?”

“No.”

“Did something happen?” He asks, worry ringing in his voice.

You stare up at your ceiling, not sure how to tell him about your neighbor. But it’s not important, and you’re most likely being paranoid anyway. “Not really, I just—mom is home and I've been kicked out to the living room. The couch isn’t very comfortable.”

There’s rustling on his end and you wonder if he’s getting ready for the night. “That’s great! Not you having to sleep on the couch, but your mom being home. How is she doing?”

“Fine. I think. Tired, but that’s nothing new.” He hums and you readjust yourself, pressing your back against the length of the couch's backrest as you turn on your side. “How was your mission?”

“Tiring,” he admits immediately, letting out a sigh—and he definitely sounds it. Frustrated too if that grunt he lets out absentmindedly as he moves around is of any indication. “Recon was a bust. Complete waste of time.”

“Is it okay for you to be telling me this?” 

He chuckles at your haste words and heat crawls up your neck. “Can’t give you details, but yeah, yeah I can. I want to.”

Your grip on your phone laxes, and you hadn’t even realized how tightly you were holding it. “Okay, then vent away.” You wonder if he can hear the smile in your voice.

“I wasn’t expecting you to answer.” He pauses. “At best, I thought I’d hear your voice through your voicemail and that would’ve been enough for me. But being able to talk to you right now… it makes me forget how stressful this mission has been.”

A soft kind of heat envelops you, taking hold of your heart with every sincere word he speaks. “Steve…”

“So, there isn’t any need to vent about. Really,” he adds softly.

You cover your chin with your blanket as if to hide your ever growing smile from him, dumb really. Not as if he could see you right now. “I get it.” And you do. You really do. “I think… I think I’ll be able to fall asleep now.”

“Yeah?”

“Yeah.”

The conversation lulls, his relaxed breathing filtering through the phone. And you can almost picture him sitting on the arm chair, head against the backrest, eyes closed as he breathes through his nose. Even when you close your eyes, you can feel his presence next to you.

Is this what it feels like to have someone to rely on? Someone who makes you feel safe and protected?

But your relaxation is short lived—loud noises and a male yelling fills the hallway, causing you to let out a gasp and to jerk up. On the other end of the line you hear Steve slur, asking you if you’re okay, but the noise drowns him out and a loud bang on your door causes you to drop your phone and to stand.

“Sis?” Esmeralda’s alarmed voice reaches your ears, and you quickly spare her a glance over your shoulder as she comes closer.

“It’s fine, Esme, go back to bed.”

“But—“

Another bang and the door makes a loud creaking sound. “Open the door, you dumb bitch!” 

Your heart tightens at Esmeralda’s wide eyes, fear slipping into them as they drift between you and the door. “Esme! Go back to bed, please. I’ll handle it!”

“He’s going to break the door!”

Before you can yell at her again, your door is thrown open and Mr. Pallomari stands in front of you, ragged and a complete mess. His eyes hazy and misted over—drunk. 

Fuck.

“Where is she?” He demands, face blotchy as he staggers forward.

You quickly stand in front of Esme, pushing her behind you, ignoring the way your heart races and breath picks up. “You have the wrong apartment, Mr. Pallomari! Your wife is not here.”

“Don’t lie to me!”

You need to get Esmeralda away from here. “Mr. Pallomari—“

“Where’s my wife?! Where is that bitch?!”

You push Esme further back and bend your neck to talk to her, doing your best to keep the drunk man in your peripherals, “Go. Call the police.”

“But—“

For fucksakes! Why doesn’t she ever listen to you? “Esme—“

“I’m going to kill her when I find her!”

It all happens so quickly that it almost feels like you’re dreaming—Esme lets out a loud shout and you turn just in time to watch Mr. Pallomari surge forward, his hands reaching for you. There isn’t enough time for you to push Esmeralda and yourself out of the way, not with your feet rooted to the ground—and before he can even grab an inch of you, his round body is tackled to the ground by a smaller, thin body.

“Benito?”

Benito has him by the arms, face pressed down to the ground, but he’s struggling to keep the older man's pudgy body down with his petite frame. It’s the concerned call of your name by Esme’s small voice that has you moving, dropping down to your knees and keeping a part of your weight on the buckling, drunk man to keep him down.

“Ay, dios mio!” Doña Garcia exclaims and Benito lets out a frustrated huff as he asks his mother to call the police just as you do the same with your sister.

“Thank you, officer.”

She nods and moves away from you to walk over to her partner as he pushes Mr. Pallomari into the back of the cop car.

“Good for Alicia for finally leaving her good for nothing husband,” Esme says, leveling a glare in the direction of the cop car flashing red and blue. “Poor woman needed a break.”

You crack a tired smile and wrap an arm around Esme, who leans into you. “She sure did. You okay, Bennie?”

Benito looks up from his phone, most likely texting his boyfriend about what transpired tonight, and nods. “Fine. A little sore,” he says as he circles his arm and holds his shoulder. “But I’ll live. What about you?”

“Rug burn—“ you kick your leg out to show off the wicked pattern on your knee from where you practically slid to help Benito—“but I’ll live too.”

He snorts. “I’m going to check up on our moms.” 

You nod as Esme pulls away and she looks up at you. “I’ll go with him and get started on the door.”

“Okay, I’ll be up in a minute.”

She squeezes your hand and follows after Benito, looking back at you once before disappearing behind the heavy metal door leading into the building.

Sighing, you cross your arms over your chest, gripping your forearms tightly as you watch the cops fill out some paperwork; Mr. Pallomari in the backseat with his eyes closed and teetering between the space of a drunken haze and sleep. Will he regret his decisions tomorrow? Or will he act like nothing happened?

Frowning, you’re not sure which one you’d like better.

You knew of people like Mr. Pallomari, regretting it for one night and then going back to the same old bullshit, pretending as if nothing ever happened. 

That kind of person isn’t  safe to live with or be around, and—you hate thinking it, but—you’re not sure if all the good people you live around is enough to keep you rooted here anymore.

A frantic call of your name causes you to jump in your skin, hands falling to your side as your eyes widen when you spot Steve jogging in your direction with only a cap to conceal his identity. 

“Steve?”

You don’t get the chance to meet him halfway because he closes the distances between you two in record time, engulfing you in his strong, sweaty arms. His chest heaves under your ear and you stand there dumbfounded, not returning his hug.

How?

He pulls away from you to check you over, hands on your shoulder as his eyes rake up and down your tired form. For a moment relief fills his eyes but then they sharpen at the sight of your forearms—crescent shapes digging into your skin. “What the—”

“I did it,” you hastily mumble, returning your arms to where they were before, easily slipping your nails into the shapes they left behind. “Bad habit.” He sighs softly and removes your hands from your forearms, gently rubbing at the spots with his thumbs, and you relax at the touch. “What are—what are you doing here?” 

“I got worried,” he says, lowering his head as if to get a better view of your eyes under the bill of his hat. “I heard the yelling and—“ Shit! 

You tightly clench your eyes and hang your head, berating yourself for allowing him to worry. “I’m so sorry! I completely forgot to call you back!”

He breathes in and smiles lopsidedly as you meet his gaze, warily and sheepishly. “It’s fine. I’m just glad you’re okay.” His warmth leaves your arms, gaze moving from you to the cop car. A frown replaces his smile as he glares in that direction. “Is he—“

There’s a bubbling in your stomach, breath catching in your throat and a deep fear beginning to surface as Steve takes a step away from you. Without thinking, without realizing it, you’ve latched onto the hem of his grey v-neck, immobilizing him completely as he turns to look at you. “Don’t leave. Please.”

You can’t meet his gaze, you try; lifting it, but immediately hanging your head once more when they come to a stop at his chin. “Please.”

His chest rises and falls deeply. “Hey,” he starts softly, his warm, heavy hands falling onto your shoulder and pulling you into him. “I’m not going anywhere. I’m right here, sweetheart. I’m right here.”

You press your face against his chest and quiet down the sob that escapes your lips.

“I’m right here,” he repeats softly, an arm wrapping around your back and the other slipping behind your neck, pressing you closer to him—and god you’ve never felt more thankful to have someone like him in your life. Someone who can hold you and look after you. “You did so good, baby. You were so brave. ‘M so proud of you,” he whispers into your hair, and you sniffle in response. “It’s okay to let it all out now. I’m right here for you.”

Your hold on his shirt tightens and you breathe him in, the smell of sandalwood, detergent and clean clothes filling your senses. “I just need a minute,” you mumble.

Something soft pressed against your head—a kiss, a soft kiss. “Take all the time you need.”

Frustration is all you can feel as you walk around Queens looking for an affordable, vacant apartment. 

Esmeralda follows behind you dutifully, hands shoved into her pockets and barely holding back a grimace. Maybe you should’ve asked her to stay home, invite over Peter and the others to distract her. 

You both had tried fixing the door, changed the hinges, but the actual door? With another attack, the chance of the door breaking in half is highly likely. Your landlord doesn’t exactly use thick, sturdy doors, preferring the thinner less reliable models because it’s more cost efficient. And you’d think because it was cheaper, he’d get off his ass and replace the damn door, but getting him to do anything is like trying to tame a bull. And you can’t even buy the damn door yourself because then your stupid landlord will throw a fit and try to kick you out for fixing his damn apartment!

When you brought up the prospect of moving, Esmeralda had jumped at the chance, agreeing that there had to be someplace in Queens you can afford! Your mom was more reluctant, and unsure, but after a wave of optimism from Esmeralda, she had relented.

And that’s how you and Esmeralda find yourselves outside of another building with high rent. What was this? The tenth place you couldn’t afford? Another place that wasn’t even sure running your credit was worth it?

“Why is everything so expensive?” She finally breaks her silence and you pause in your steps to look at her.

“Hey, we just gotta keep looking. I’m sure there’s a place out there that we can afford.”

“Yeah,” she says with a snort. “With the same shit heads we’re already surrounded by.”

You can’t bring yourself to scold her. You’ve had those thoughts, too, but you’ve always caught yourself before your thoughts could get worse. Because it isn’t fair, not to the people who have been nothing but good and kind to you, and not to your mother who has tried her best to give you everything she could. “Esme,” you start slowly and she grimaces.

“I—I didn’t mean it like that. I meant—I’m just tired.”

“I know, baby.” You approach her slowly, like one would with a small, frightened kitty, and take her hand in yours. ”Let's call it quits today and go home. We can stop by a bodega and get ingredients for those chicken enchiladas you love so much?”

“With queso fresco?” she shyly asks, her earlier frustration melting and showcasing that joyful youth that is rare to see in her.

“With queso fresco,” you promise, the two of you walking with your hands laced together like when you were children walking home from school.

The three of you stuff yourselves until you can’t eat anymore and even make sure to feed Doña Garcia and Benito as a thank you.

When you pack yourself a lunch for your break, your sister whines that you’re stealing her leftovers, but you only stick out your tongue and place it into your bag—all the while hoping Steve will like it.

The bar is alive with soft chatter and noise; Cassandra is behind the bar with a coworker and new hire you’ve been helping train. You clocked out five minutes ago, but you find yourself occupying the booth in the dark corner, watching Steve as he takes a forkful of the enchiladas you made earlier with Esme straight out of the Tupperware.

His mouth closes around the fork and his eyes close, letting out a sinful moan as he slowly pulls the fork out of his mouth and chews.

“Good?” you ask when his eyes flutter open to reveal brilliant blue eyes.

“So good,” he affirms. “Really good.” His lips form into a teasing smirk. “You sure you made these, sweetheart?”

“Hey!” Reaching over the table, you smack his arm with a pout and he bubbles in laughter. “Gimme that, you don’t deserve the rest of these—“

With the quickest reflexes you’ve ever seen, Steve pulls the plastic container away from your reach and beside his being where you can’t grab it unless you round the table. “It was a joke, sweetheart. Promise.”

You let out a mock of a huff, fighting off the smile that’s trying to work it’s way to your lips. “It better be.”

He chuckles and takes another bite, moaning and humming as he goes, practically cleaning out the dish. Watching him devour the whole thing causes pride to swell in your chest.

Resting your elbow on the table, you cradle your cheek. “I probably should’ve brought you more, huh?”

“I’d probably be able to eat a whole tray of these.” You believe him.

“You’d probably have to fight Esme for it.” He laughs and you grin. “But I’ll keep that in mind.” For next time, are the unspoken words. Because there will be a next time and you’re looking forward to it. Is he?

He pauses, eyes skipping up at you and softening as they roam your face for a moment too long, your breaths stalling until he finally says: “I’d like that.”

You breathe out and smile. “Good.”

He flashes you a toothy grin. “How has the apartment hunting been?” Whatever Steve sees in your face causes him to place down the fork and reach for your unoccupied hand. “That bad?”

“Yeah,” you say with a sigh. “Rent has really skyrocketed over the years. I’ll probably have to rescind my resignation from the restaurant at this point.”

“Let me help you,” he says with a  squeeze of your hand. 

“Steve—“

Before you can tell him he’s done enough, he interrupts you, thumb rubbing circles on the back of your hand. “My job is to make your life easier, remember? If helping you find an apartment and helping pay rent does that, then I’m willing to do just that.”

You purse your lips, eyebrows drawing together as you think about it. “You really have done too much, Steve. I feel like I haven’t done enough—“

“Are you kidding me? Just knowing I have you, that I can be able to call you after a mission—all of that has done wonders for me sweetheart.” Your breath hitches at his confession and you can’t help the heart that crawls up your neck. “If it really bothers you that much, why won’t you be my date for the upcoming charity gala Pepper and Tony are hosting at the tower?”

He knows that’s part of your agreement! If he needs a date, you’ll be there. Why is he giving you more than you can give? “That’s a given, Steve.” You bite your lip. “Just promise me you won’t go over the top? Even if it’s just a one bedroom apartment in a moderately safe area, I’d be okay.”

He didn’t go over the top, but my god did he almost. 

The place he found, not only is it close to May and Peter’s place, but it’s also close to your mom’s clinic. No more having to pay ridiculous prices during rush hour for an uber or cab, no more having to worry about something happening to Esme or your mom on the subways or walking home.

No more.

Your eyes scan the front of the house; it’s light blue, cute with a small patio where a lemon tree is growing, a few specks of yellow showing on the top of it and your heart drops to your stomach only to fly back up and smack itself against your rib cage—it reminds you so much of your childhood home. Your small little home with blue coated walls and yellow window panes that you and JC hated so much because it clashed with the dark blue exterior—“it gives the house personality” your parents would say.

“Steve…”

He smiles down at you, taking your hand in his and pulling you with him. “Come with me.” Pushing open the small white gate, he gently tugs you along with him up the three steps leading you to the front door. He slowly inserts the key and opens the door, and moves aside, allowing you to enter first.

Your hand never leaves his as you enter and he follows after you, not allowing his fingers to slip away from yours. 

“Welcome home,” he murmurs, and you don’t have to look at him to know he’s smiling.

You stifle a sob trying to push through your throat, eyes taking in the beautiful, newly renovated home—wooden flooring, fresh painted walls, gorgeous L shaped stairs leading upstairs—and you have to blink to will the tears away. You turn to Steve and find him already looking at you, gauging your reaction, and he looks so soft and proud and happy and—and, god you want to kiss him. 

So you do.

You kiss him softly, slowly, tentatively and unsure, and every other synonym of those words. He’s frozen under your touch, completely unaware of what to do, and your heart stutters. Too soon? As you begin pulling away, his hand leaves yours to wrap around your waist and tug you impossibly snug against him, his lips landing on yours for another take—one you gladly accept.

Your arms wrap around his neck, bringing him down closer to you and one of his hands cradle the back of your neck, fingers digging into your skin

He tastes so so sweet—sweet like juicy strawberries straight from their bush during a warm, Spring day.

And you don’t think you’ll ever get enough. God, why did you take so long to do this?

His forehead rests against yours and one corner of his mouth lifts into a confident, boyish smile. “I guess that means you like it?”

Laughter bubbles out of your throat and you nod. “Like it? I love it. More than you can ever know. Thank you.”

The hand on the back of your neck, smoothly cups your jaw as he lets out a sweet sigh. “Anything for you, sweetheart.”

His lips dance against yours and his warmth wraps around you, and you know you’ve found something with Steve, something that you can’t quite put into words, something you don’t know if you want to put into words.

Not yet.

A couple of days later, you’re settling everything with your old landlord and moving into your new home. Your mother couldn’t believe it and neither could Esmeralda, but once you told—lied to, really—them that Selena found an old friend of hers that was renting their home because they were leaving out of state, your mother and sister accepted the keys you dangled in front of them.

May and Peter immediately offered their help; Doña Garcia and Benito did too; and so did Cassandra and a few of your coworkers from the bar. Steve tried to offer his help, too, but you waved him off, promising to let him know when you were completely moved in. He begrudgingly accepted, not like he had a choice. He was sent on another mission during that period of time. You miss him, and even though you know he couldn’t check his phone, you send a message everyday with your move-in progress.

Esmeralda throws herself onto the sofa as your mom hums in the kitchen, and you can’t help but send Steve the selfie you took with Esme and your mom when the living room was completely furnished.

A smile blooms on your face as a text bubble appears and your finger smooths over your lips, strawberry lingers on your lips and as you read his message, you want to taste him again.

You look beautiful, sweetheart—all three of you do.

Can’t wait to see that beautiful smile of yours in person soon xx

next

[vsquadgoals]

Frat!Ethan

Y/n Y/l/n is a nursing major at UCLA and one of the biggest party girls in her friend group. It was a friday night and she was practically on her hands and knees begging her best friend Selena to come with her to a frat party that her friend had invited her to, she often went to frat parties and stuff like that but this was the first time she was going to a party at this particular one. “Lena, PLEASE! I’ll do anything!” she says holding her friend’s hand against her cheek.  Selena sighed and rolled her eyes at her very dramatic friend. “You have to get me breakfast and coffee for a full week.” She says to her smirking a little, Y/n jumped up and squealed. “DEAL!” She pulled her friend into a hug smiling wide. The girls didn’t waste time starting to get ready and pregame while they blasted music singing and dancing around their dorm room. They both put on pretty decently slutty outfits but nothing too crazy, they each took at least two shots before they left their dorm and headed outside to get their uber that was now waiting.  

“So which house is it?” Selena asks her friend while they both are scrolling through their phones texting friends to see who else was going. “Sigma Chi.” Y/n says nonchalantly making her friends eyes widen and look at her. “Y/n... You realize this is the top frat and the frat that Ethan and Grayson Dolan are head brothers at, right?” Selena says eyes still wide. Y/n shrugs finally looking at her friend. “I didn’t really think about it. Who cares?” She says making Selena roll her eyes. “Everyone Y/n they’re the most popular guys in our school.” “Well I just know that they throw the best raggers and that’s honestly all I care about; I’m finally done with most of my nursing exams and I need to get fucked up.” Y/n tells her friend practically forgetting the stranger sitting in the front seat driving the car. Selena chuckles and shakes her head.  

Ethan and Grayson Dolan the hottest twins you will ever lay your eyes on, they were the head brothers at their frat Sigma Chi, all the two really cared about was partying and having a good time. Of course, the two kept their grades up but it wasn’t something they had to try hard to do, they were extremely smart, which you would never expect considering their reputation and carefree attitude. They had a reputation for being total fuckboys and only doing hookups but that didn’t stop every girl at UCLA from wanting to sleep with them, expect Y/n. Of course, she thought the twins were total babes and she wouldn’t mind them running a train on her, but she also wasn’t the type of girl to chase down guys, they always came to her and she wasn’t going to start now. It also was very rare for Y/n to actually hook up with someone or have a one-night stand; she would sometimes have her random hook ups, but they were few and far in between which was the way she liked it. People may perceive her to be a certain type of girl, but she didn’t find satisfaction in hooking up with a different dude every weekend. Y/n also had a friend that she would hook up with if she was desperate, her friend Mason who she had met her first year at UCLA in one of her classes; they were just friends that liked to fuck and that was it.  

The car coming to a sudden stop pulled Y/n’s gaze away from her phone. “Thank you.” The girls said in unison while Y/n sent the driver a tip on her app. There were already drunk students flooding out of the front of the frat house that the two girls had to push past in order to make their way to the kitchen to make themselves a drink and meet up with their friends. The Dolan’s definitely lived up to their reputation, the party was incredible, Y/n and her girlfriends were having so much fun and they were definitely feeling their drinks. Y/n was caught off guard by a pair of stong hands on her waist, she turned to see the tall figure of Mason standing over her, she smirked and kissed his cheek. “Hey stranger.” She said into his ear so that he could hear her over the music. Mason smirked and looked her up and down. “Hey Y/n/n.” he said before she turned around and started dancing with her friends again. After what felt like forever of dancing, she told her friends she was going to get a drink leaving the girls on the makeshift dance floor they had in the living room. Mason had already disappeared to go with his own group.  

Y/n was in the kitchen making herself a drink and humming along to the music swaying her hips absentmindedly as she did so. Y/n sipped her drink checking to make sure it wasn’t too strong which was highly unlikely at this point in the night. Y/n was checking her phone notifications continuing to sway her hips when she felt someone's eyes on her, she looked up to see the one and only Ethan Dolan leaning against a wall staring at her while he some of his frat brothers surrounded him talking to him. When their eyes met Ethan’s lips turned up into a cocky smirk, they stared at each other for a while seeing who would break eye contact first when suddenly Grayson is standing in front of Ethan making Y/n giggle a little. She grabbed her drink and made her way out the backdoor to get some fresh air, the house was so packed it felt like they were in a sauna, she leaned against the house enjoying the cool air on her warm skin as she sipped her drink.  

Ethan’s eyes were tracing the crowd at the party as he leaned against the wall half listening to his frat brothers talk about some bullshit, that’s when he saw her, Y/n Y/l/n standing by herself in the kitchen drink in hand and hips moving along with the music in the background. Fuck, what he wouldn’t give to watch her hips move like that against him, he took a sip of his beer while he watched her. It wasn’t too long before she looked up and her big beautiful y/c/e eyes looking into his, normally he would look away, playing hard to get but he couldn’t look away from her, she was too damn beautiful. Ethan was convinced her would win the staring contest until his dumbass twin walked right in front of him completely blocking his view. Ethan sighed and rolled his eyes before looking at Grayson who was apparently talking to him. “What?” Ethan asks clearly annoyed making Grayson sigh. “I said ‘I need the card to go get more booze.” Ethan rolled his eyes again before taking out his wallet and handing his brother their credit card and shooing him away but unfortunately when Grayson finally moved away from him, he looked around the room where he had saw Y/n for her to no longer be there. He chugged the rest of his beer before shaking the empty bottle at the guys surrounding him before walking away and grabbing another one from the fridge and deciding to go outside for a smoke. Ethan didn’t usually smoke cigarettes, but he would occasionally when he was bored at a party when he was drinking.  

Ethan already had the cigarette in between his lips and lit when he walked out the back door shoving the pack and lighter into his back picking. Y/n was leaning against the wall still, now talking to a tipsy Mason who was asking her to come back to his dorm with him tonight, but she honestly wasn’t in the mood for him tonight; the person’s bed she really wanted to be in tonight was now sitting on a chair on the deck watching her talk to her friend with a lit cigarette in between his fingers. Mason finally got the hint and headed back into the house to find god only knows who. Y/n sits on the steps on the back deck running her fingers through her hair before she finishes yet another drink. She’s caught by surprise when she sees Ethan sit down next to her a smirk on his face. “Hey.” he says before offering her a drag which she gladly accepts taking the cigarette in between her slim fingers and bringing it up to her lips taking a long drag slowly exhaling releasing the smoke from her lungs. Ethan watches the skinny stick as she takes it between her pink plump lips making him wonder what they would feel like against his. Y/n hands him back the cigarette and smiles at him. “So, are you enjoying the party?” he asks before taking a sip of his beer, Y/n nods. “Yeah, I am, how about you?” Ethan smirks at her and nods. “A much better time now.” he says making her cheeks blush a bit. Was he seriously flirting with her? Ethan takes a long drag before offering it to her again and she shakes her head, he blows the smoke out threw his nose before tossing the cigarette at his feet and putting it out with his boot.  

Ethan took another sip of his beer before turning his full attention to the girl next to him. “So I’ve never seen you at our parties before is it your first one?” he asks her, it may be his first time seeing her in the house but he knew exactly who Y/n was, he’d been crushing on her since he first saw her in one of the classes they shared together last semester. She nodded and followed his action turning to face him. “Yeah it’s my first time here, I’m usually at different frats. My friend Mason invited me and my friends.” She told him and he nodded never breaking eye contact. “Well I’m glad he did.” He says smirking at her, before she could say anything Selena was wrapping her arms around her neck from behind. “Where the hell have you been?” She slurs to her friend not noticing Ethan sitting next to Y/n. Y/n giggles and turns around to face her friend after looking at Ethan with an apologetic smile. “I got a drink and needed some air, and then I was talking to Ethan.” She says making Selena’s eyes widen and she finally notices the tall, broad, drop dead gorgeous Dolan brother sitting next to her friend. Selena blushes and bites her lip. “Sorry. I didn’t see you.” She says turning her attention toward him. Ethan chuckles at the drunk girl and shakes his head. “No worries.” He says smirking at her, y/n smirks at him before she stands and grabs her friends hand. “It was nice talking to you Dolan, I’ll see you around.” Y/n says winking at him before she pulls Selena into the house with her. Selena looks at Y/n once the were inside and frowns. “I’m so sorry y/n I didn’t realize! The rest of the girls left me so I came looking for you. I never would’ve interrupted if I knew you were talking to Ethan.” Y/n shook her head and smiled at her best friend. “Don’t be sorry. Do you wanna leave?” She asks her. Of course she was a little disappointed that she couldn’t talk to Ethan more but her friends came first and Selena was too drunk to be alone. Selena frowned before she nodded, she wasn’t too drunk but y/n didn’t want her to get any worst because she would be struggling to take care of her later. She smiled and took out her phone ordering an Uber for the two of them. Y/n grabbed a bottle of water from the fridge and handed it to Selena  who gladly took it and sipped from it.  

Once they were back in their dorm Y/n helped Selena get into bed before she went into the bathroom to shower and take off her make up. As she dried her hair in a towel, she looked at her phone confused when a number she didn’t recognize texted her. She wrapped the towel snugly around her torso before she picked up her phone and opened the text.

:left so soon? 🤔🤔  

Y/n wrinkled her brow trying to think who it could be and the only name that came to mind was Ethan but how did he get her number?  

Y/n: who is this exactly 😂

She threw her phone onto her bed after sending the message and threw on an oversized t shirt and a pair of panties before she got into her bed sighing, the warm shower definitely made her more tired then she was when they got home. She felt her phone vibrate against her leg as she threw the covers over herself.  

Ethan: Ethan, I managed to persuade a very drunk Mason to give me your number. 😁

Y/n wasn’t surprised it was Ethan, but she did have to say she was surprised that Mason gave it to him considering before she left he was telling her all the things he wanted to do to her tonight.  

Y/n: well I do have to say I’m surprised that he gave it to you.  

Ethan: well I can be pretty persuasive it comes to getting something that I really want. 😉

Y/n bit her lip trying not to smirk as she read the text. Before she could answer him he had sent another text. Ethan Dolan… she didn’t take him for the type of guy to double text.  

Ethan: so… why did you leave? I was hoping to talk a little more.  

Y/n: Selena was a little too drunk. I had to take her back to our dorm then while she could still walk or else I would be carrying her over my shoulder if we stayed later. 😂

Ethan had separated himself from the party when he realized that Y/n had left, he wasn’t interested in anyone else there. When he did notice he went to find Mason, they had a few classes together and he was always hanging around the house, so he knew of him and had talked to him a hand full of times. “Mason, just the man I was looking for.” Ethan said placing a firm hand on the slightly shorter man's shoulder. Mason looked at Ethan a little confused and definitely drunk. “What’s up Dolan?” He asks before sipping his beer. “I need you to give me Y/n’s phone number.” He says to him smirking, everyone pretty much knew about Y/n and Mason’s ‘situation’ and frankly Ethan didn’t give a fuck because if it was up to him it won’t be that way for much longer. Mason’s eyebrows wrinkled together as he looked at Ethan confused. “Why?” Ethan sighed and looked at him shaking his head. “Ya know, I don’t think that’s any of your business. Plus I would hate to have to tell her about the way you brag about fucking her to all the guys here.” Mason’s eyes widen and he’s quickly taking his phone from his pocket and texting Ethan Y/n’s phone number making Ethan smirk. “I knew you were a smart guy Mason.” He says patting his shoulder blade before taking his phone out of his pocket and walking away texting her immediately. Now he was sitting in his room with another beer in his hand while texting her.  

Ethan: ya know that’s a shame. You looked amazing tonight by the way.  

Y/n: Dolan, are you flirting with me? 😉😉

Ethan smirked and shook his head. Y/n wasn’t like the other girls he’s talked to, she didn’t chase after him like every other girl does or throw herself at him, it was refreshing, it also helped that she has an amazing sense of humor and knows how to joke around.  

Ethan: so what if I am? Like I said I can be pretty persuasive when I want something 😉

Y/n shook her head and smirked but as much as she wanted to continue this banter with one of the hottest guys in her entire college her eyes were feeling heavy and she was exhausted.  

Y/n: goodnight Ethan. Go enjoy the rest of your party 😉😙

Ethan sighed a little disappointed she was going to sleep but she was right. It was his party and it was a shame he was missing it.  

Ethan: goodnight beautiful  

He shoved his phone back into his pocket before heading back to the party and running into his brother “E, where have you been?” Grayson questioned making Ethan shrug. “Just needed a second away, important phone call.” Grayson looked at him suspicious before shrugging it off. “Well come on we’re gonna go smoke out back.” Ethan follows his brother to the back yard on the deck and sits in his usual chair. Grayson took the blunt from his pocket and lit it taking a long hit before handing it off the Ethan who gladly excepted it following his brother but taking a long hit and holding the smoke in his lungs as he passed it around the circle of his brothers. “E, we saw you talking to y/n.” One of his brothers said wiggling his eyebrows at him making Ethan rolls his eyes. “Why are you watching what I’m doing?” He asks taking a sip of his beer that he grabbed before coming outside. Luke shrugged and passed the blunt back to Grayson. “I just happened to notice.” Luke said and Ethan shot him a look “well mind your business.” He said taking the blunt from Grayson and taking another long hit before passing it along. They stayed like this until it was too short for them to hold and it burned out. At this point there were a few girls hanging around them now trying to flirt with the guys. Most of them were going along with-it including Grayson but Ethan wasn’t interested, the only girl he wanted in his bed was her.  

Y/n was woken up by a very hungover Selena throwing up in the bathroom, she sighed burying her face into her pillow knowing she would have to get out of bed soon so she could go get coffee and breakfast for the two of them. She finally rolled out of bed when she heard the toilet flush and the sinking going. Y/n put on a long oversized t shirt that fell just above her knees with a pair of black biker shorts and her air force one sneakers. Selena finally came out of the bathroom and smiled shyly at her best friend “sorry about last night.” She almost groaned as she sat on her bed. Y/n giggled and shook her head. “You have nothing to be sorry for. We both had a good time.” She went into the bathroom and brushed her teeth and hair. “Yeah but the whole thing with Ethan.” Y/n smirked and shook her head again when she came out of the bathroom “Lena, you have nothing to be sorry for.” She said giggling before grabbing her purse. “I’m gonna go get us the strongest coffee on campus and the greasiest breakfast.” She hands her Tylenol before kissing the top of her head. “Thank you.” Selena says before taking the medicine and curling but under her blankets.  

Y/n sat at the breakfast bar of their favorite café on campus and twirled  her hair around her finger mindlessly as she waited for their order. It was still pretty early so she was surprised when she heard Ethan and Grayson Dolan’s voices come through the door. She looked over her shoulder as the two approached the counter and smirked to herself before looking forward again. Ethan noticed her from outside the café through the window before they walked in, she looked adorable sitting there her hair wrapping around her slender fingers over and over again while she stared off into space. Once he got to the counter he put his hand on her lower back smirking when she didn’t flinch meaning she saw him come in. “Good morning stranger.” He said making her roll her eyes and smile before turning and looking at him. “Oh Ethan. Hey.” Y/n said innocently before looking at Grayson and smiling “Hi Grayson.” Grayson returned the smile and greeting before ordering their coffees and breakfast. “So what are you doing here all alone?” He asks as her eyes look from his beautiful hazel eyes to his plump pink lips. “Well I promised Selena that I would get her breakfast for a week if she went with me last night. She also desperately needs a hangover cure.” Ethan nods and reaches up tucking a piece of hair behind her ear once she finishes talking. “Well thank god for that. Let me take you to dinner tonight.” He says as his thumb caresses her cheek gently. Ethan has to admit he almost lost it when she took her pretty pink bottom lip in between her teeth before nodding. “Perfect. I’ll pick you up at 7:30.” He says just before the waitress calls her name making Ethan drop his hand and her finally look away from his eyes. She stands from the stool and take the bag and tray with their coffees. “I’ll see you later.” She says before looking at Grayson and smiling “Bye Grayson, good to see you.” Grayson chuckles and resists the urge to roll his eyes. “Bye Y/n” he says as the two of them watch her walk out the door.  

Ethan avoids his brother’s taunting gaze as they wait for their order. “Can you just say it and get it over with.” Ethan huffs finally looking at his twin. Grayson smirks and shrugs. “I just didn’t know that Ethan Dolan took girls on dates.” He says chuckling. Ethan rolls his eyes at his brother. “There’s a first time for everything I guess.”  

[acefrogmonarch]

HC pt. 2

Some of these might have been on the other HC but if it is, don't worry there's is a lot of new ones.

Take this as canon to my story. Season 3 in MLB. It didn't happen but I'll acknowledge some things and change a lot. Like a lot.

Them as vines!

The only time Tim has used bruces money was to buy a hoverboard to go around the house saying whatever they had for lunch or dinner. In the simplest form of that meal.

"We are having Chestnut bisque for dinner." Tim is the first one to know and he gets to his hoverboard and gets a ladle. "We got Soup!" His hand has a motion of scoping up some soup as he rides.

Damian recording as Todd drives, singing, and blasting white girl music.

Dick was going to surprise Damian by taking him out of school for the day, his phone was already in his hand because he didn’t tell him before. He spotted Damian, just in time to see him throw Jon against the lockers.

Tim has a set of keywords that activate the law and order sound. Any speaker around him is put up in the highest setting and blast it through the air.

Ace doesn’t let Tim touch anything Damian has. For one week Tim hasn’t touched the bat computer. He’ll never forgive Ace.

Ace accidentally biting bruce’s dick. It was the first dinner with Marinette and they all wanted to make a good impression. They were all eating dinner and Bruce, mid-bite just makes a noise.

Marinette looks over and he’s looking at Damian, who was also mid-bite. "Dog.” It’s all he says, its chaos after that.

The boys scramble to look under the table. After they do, they can’t stop laughing and Marinette doesn’t move from her spot.

Okay, I want to clear this up for my self, Marinette found out that Damian was robin on accident.

Marinette and Damian didn't interact at all but he has been seen outside of school waiting for somebody. Lila had this 'grand idea' to set them up together. Alya, the 'master' setup. Dragged a delirious Marinette to Chloe's hotel.

"Come on Mari, it's a sleepover!" Marinette couldn't handle this. Just before she had texted Adrien that she was going to Chloe's place for a "sleepover". But Mari didn't believe it. It was 2300 and her 'bedtime' they knew not to bother her. She already took her medicine and it was kicking in.

Alya opened the door and shoved Marinette in, stumbling back, she fell on her butt. Looking around she saw the bathroom light on, but immediately noticed how small it was to Chloe's usual room.

Stumbling to look at her she couldn't help but drag to the bathroom. Opening the sewing kit in there and sticking a needle in her inner thigh. She woke up and carried it around.

"What did you do this time Lila." Groaning as she got up, she limped out to the foyer in time to hear someone open the window.

Turning around She found Robin, mask in hand to be Damian. Damian, on the other hand, didn't understand how this could happen. He was supposed to be alone in his hotel room. Why was Marinette here? It doesn't matter gotta 'fix' this.

At first, Damian attacked her to keep her silent but once she attacked back, they were at a stalemate.

They kept up with each other for hours.

Marinette slipped into the night, leaving him as people knocked on his door. For months, they didn't speak, nor did they meet up as their alter-egos.

Mari actively went out of her way to ignore him. She was furious at him and Damian couldn't care less about her feelings, only mad that he couldn't threaten her to keep his identity secret.

It wasn't until Nightwing talked to Mari. It wasn't until Chat Noir went to fetch him for a bad fight with an Akuma. It wasn't until Ladybug had revealed to be Marinette.

"you know, with someone having a superpower of 'Luck'. You sure make a mess of yourself."

"Whatever. You know my secret and I know yours. Do what you will with it."

They get closer once everything was resolved. Damian got better at handling people, Mari went tougher on people. Slowly falling in love, over the years.

But that's a story for another time.

Before reveal maybe year 2 to 3 italics are in English or another language if it isn’t in English, I’ll clarify

How Chat Noir and Selena first met. “Did you steal my look?” Chat grabs his tail looking her over and he dramatically throws his tail in disgust. “No kitty cat, you stole mine.”

Selena doesn’t realize that she’s been on Marinette’s roof for months. But she does notice how the same ravenette helps kids and kittens in need and sneak some snacks if they look often enough. She’s okay in her book.

The first time Marinette and Selena meet, she was on her balcony caring for her plants. Spray bottle of water on her hand, she hears a heavy ‘thump’ on her roof. Calling out Marinette points her bottle as a gun, just in case. “Chat?”

Selena pokes her head through and sees this small little girl look at her. “This was supposed to be an easy job” Confused, Marinette tilts her head slightly. “What was easy?” Marinette barely began studying English, now she’s thankful that she’s taken the subject seriously.

Marinette was about to be mugged the second time they interact. Chat Noir had been on patrol while Catwoman was on her way to another job. “Hey, there little lady.”

That stopped Catwoman in her tracks. Looking over in the opening of the alley, low and behold, there’s Marinette. Clutching her purse for dear life. Perched on the building behind the mugger is Chat Noir.

They both jump at the same time, noticing each other as they nod in understanding. Before they reach the ground, Marinette already has the mugger on the floor, groaning in pain.

Yearly road trip!

At first, it was the fair or occasional Carnival just outside of town but once the boys grew in numbers and added their interest, they started to fight who’s turn it was yearly.

When Damian joined, it was Tim’s turn and like the year before they got ready to go to another cluster of conventions in L.A. for weeks

Jason would suggest Disney world but always go to Universal Studio for Harry Potter.

Dick goes to stupid places that are weird, like the “Worlds Biggest Yarnball!” Other than that he takes pictures of food in his mouth and post it on Instagram. One moment he’s in New York City with a rainbow Bagel. The next he’s in Canada eating Timbits.

Yes, that’s an actual food item in Canada. They look like doughnut holes but better.

Go soccer baseball! (It's kickball to you, Americans.)

Anyway back to HC.

Babs doesn’t go half the time, but she always down when it’s her turn and she goes all out. Babs mostly goes for the tech conventions but once Dick, Tim, and Steph saw drone racing in Dubai.

They always went to Dubai after that. Damian thinks the drones are mini helicopters and get fascinated by them. He’ll never admit it.

They bribe Lucas to make a custom Duck boat if Lucas gets to go one time. “Y’all are white rich kids, but take me some time.”

Babs decked it out with Video games on the bilge (lower layer of the boat) while where the girls stay on top of the fantail.

They take the road trip very seriously. And literally. They drive. Everywhere.

In the open water, Babs keeps a bucket of chum to throw in the water to attract sharks. The first time it happens dick and Jason ‘freak out’ and reenact Jaws. Tim gets annoyed very quickly, he just wants to play video games. Bruce always stayed in at the wheel.

He can't choose between the boys and girls so he stays there. Once Marinette joined she switches constantly but once she's tired, she stays with bruce to nap.

Steph would go to places outside of the US for Instagram worthy food. Like Dragons Beard in China and Jiggly Cheesecake in Japan.

Cass likes to visit quiet places. Like the renovated Opera house turned Library. No one argues as much on her trip, and they enjoy the peace and scenery. Templo Expiatorio del Santisimo Sacramento, Mexico has been on her list but she always spots something else.

Marinette wants to go to Milan, Italy for Fashion week but she doesn’t plan the trip, the rest of the batfam does. They get her to spill where she would go if she ever got the chance.

They also don't tell her until they show up at the Bakery doorsteps. Honking in a custom Duck Boat, there's Dick Grayson, hanging out of the side yelling “Get in loser we’re going shopping.”

"THE BoWlS MARI. THE BOWLS!!"

"I won't even attempt to try this much effort with anyone else, just marry me instead, Mari. Don't let me indulge to stand another second of insufferable humans." This is how Damian proposes.

Damian having a mild innocence.

Like not knowing what tampons or pads are used for, and asking Bruce about it. Bruce panics for a solid minute before answering. "I'll tell you later." He doesn't.

Jason and dick don't think it's true so they tease him. Dick tried to be subtle by saying Steph was on 'her time of the month.' Jason bulldozed through saying she was stocking up on tampons.

"What are tampons used for." They tell him it's to cover women's vagina. He'll never admit to them that he thought they were to cover battle wounds.

Damian is very weirded when he finds out that Dick or his father having sex with a stranger.

 "You're not supposed to do that." Is his immediate thought.

"Dick, stop having sex with her if you don't plan on marrying her!"

Damian promptly leaves the room. "Where are you going little D?”

Stomping away, "To plan a wedding." He slams the door.

The first time Marinette tries to cuddle Damian, he freaks out.

"Woah, Angel, wait till marriage." Marinette just looks at him confused.

"What do you mean???? This is perfectly fine before marriage."

"Not in my culture!"

Jason and Dick weren't afraid of Marinette before. But ever since 'the Kitchen™" incident' they haven't walked in when she visits.

The Kitchen™ incident as followed.

Sleep-deprived Mari! & Tim! Mari still had ingredients out, she was making coffee cake for them since Tim asked for some "fre sh a voca do" for their desert.

M: Could you put the Ingredients away?

T: What dog? When did we get the dogs in here?

M: What?

T: Did you not say dog?

M: I thought you said you wanted to eat a dick.

T: What?! Mari I don't eat ass.

They were surrounding the island, both were crouched

M: You're not getting my milk.

Tim was moving his arms around and flipped over the island and grabbed the milk, he ran out with Mari following him.

M: No my MALK!!

Damian walked in much later to see where Mari was.

T: Do you know the muffin man?

D: The Muffin Man?

T: The Muffin man

Mari left to find Dami and heard that as she was coming in.

M: Shes married the muffin man.

Damian promptly forgot why he wanted to find her in the first place and leaves. Just silently going "wtf"

They would laugh so much they laid down on the floor, once the timer beeped, Marinette stumbled her way to the oven, accidentally stepping on Tim as well.

Why do they do that?! Both dick and Jason didn't wanna witness any more of this weirdness.

Every time, anybody in the bat fam is hurt, there is a speaker nearby with the CoD 1 zombie 'Game over' soundtrack. Ready to play. It's why common crooks stop hurting them because they can't escape the sound.

Tim did it on accident because he was sleep-deprived but he just kept the algorithm.

His usual response when attacks don't hurt him is. "Mothertrucker dude, that hurt like a buttcheek on a stick"

Jason and Tim mess with Penguin, once penguin caught on that they were only attacking at dusk. He started calling them Dusk Boys™.

"God damn dusk boys. Get off my lawn!"

Mariette witnesses it and coined the term, "Dusking it up." whenever someone was a little shit.

Damian got a kazoo one day, someone 'gave' it to him as they ran away. "It's a social experiment!" More like throwing it in his face. Once he got home he played it. Marinette was visiting for a while.

He showed her first and Tim was with her in the living room, eating cake. After he played it, they both went batshit crazy. Once they aren't sleep deprived, Damian 'serenades' Mari with the kazoo. It's during the next patrol and its right after they beat up another criminal.

She was very surprised and so was everybody else. 1 they are usually so profession about this and not announcing their presence or joking around. It's why she got so much done with him. 

2 She kind of enjoyed it???

Marinette finds herself in Dick.

Since everyone went to the pair to vent or find advice. Marinette sees them struggling and slows down with them. Taking things from scratch, be it subjects they struggle with or talking about people.

Dick can relate because not everyone is willing to talk to others besides Dick. They share tips on how to help. Mari gets ideas on how to talk to others about self-love and dick gets advice that he is doing all he can and more. 

Jason and Mari patrol together and spar together too often. Like when they both don’t want to hold back. Afterward, they get ice cream.

Mari never takes credit because she doesn't want to seem like a brat. But she also doesn't want to turn people down because she loves to help.

So she does her work, invites them in and hangs out with them and doesn't shut them out. She sets a group chat for people struggling in math and science. She also has a weekly get together for emotional support, "It doesn't matter what it is, just say it!" She invites Chloe one time and they have deep conversations about family issues and attitude issues.

Monthly shows.

Mari, Adrien, and Dick sing (ABBA) and dress up, they just call it a show. But once Mari does parkour and acrobatic moves they go on the tightrope.

She doesn't push dick and always uses the net, once dick explains why he didn't want to go in the first place. They take it slow. Explaining moves on the ground and different verbal signals to call out for a new movie or stop.

"I played you like the cheap Kazoo you are." Damian when he gets played by Mari in a game. It was Risk.

They are all instruments. Every single one of them. But their price is on a very wide range. It all depends on their mood.

Some are cooking supplies. "What a tool." No one in the mlb crew likes it.

[deanscroissant]

Eloped (A Joe x POC!Reader fic)

A/N: Hey, y’all. This fic was inspired by the Selena movie where Selena and Chris ran off and got married. I don’t know how this idea came about, but I went with the flow and I’m proud of how it turned out. This goes out to my beautiful poc readers, because representation matters. I hope whoever reads this enjoys it.💜

Warnings: angst, fluff

Word count: 3.7K

My other Joe fics X  X  X

It was almost one in the afternoon when you knocked on Joe’s door as tears were streaming down your face. When Joe opened the door, a look of concern cast on his face as he watched you barged into his home.

“Babe, what are you-“

“I’ve had it, Joe!” you exclaimed while storming into his living room. “I’ve had it and I can’t take it anymore! I’ve already made up my mind.”

“Your flight leaves in a couple of hours, y/n.” Joe says behind you. “You need to get on that flight.”

You turn around to face him. “I don’t care! You mean more to me than some stupid ass audition in L.A.”

“If you’re not on that flight your Dad is gonna be pissed off.” Joe warned.

“Let him know! I don’t care if he finds out. I’m tired of hiding from him.”

“I am, too, but things are gonna get real messy if he figures something out.”

You let out a tired sigh, almost sounding like a sob. “Can you just hold me? I need you.”

As Joe wraps his arms around you, you lay your head on his shoulder as you continued to sob about how your life has been going downhill for the past few months.

It all started when you met Joe at an audition almost two years ago when he was casting for a movie he was making. Being your agent, your Dad found out about the audition and thought you would be great for one of the parts when he read the script. When you go to the audition and meet Joe and the other casting directors, you couldn’t take your eyes off of him.

It was hard trying to focus when he kept watching you as you stumbled over a few words. Of course this never happens to you since you were an actress, been so for almost ten years now. You could see from the corner of your eye that he was smirking at you, knowing full and well that you’ve already developed a crush on the redhead, and he could say the same thing about himself when he first saw you.

When you got the part you were so excited, but nervous. That meant you were gonna spend more time around him. But after a couple of days on set you felt comfortable around him. He would get nervous sometimes when he would talk to you, but after awhile he’d gotten better.

You talked on and off set and went on a few dates, and you even met his parents a couple of times, who were the sweetest people you’ve ever met. You both knew that something was there and you confessed to him that you really liked him, as he did, too. After the movie was finished and made his big speech he asked you in front of everyone to be his girlfriend. You told him, “Finally! I thought you would never ask!” and kissed him.

When your family found out they were happy for you, all except for your Dad. He didn’t take it to well. You figured because he was being a typical Dad and didn’t want anyone dating his baby girl. But boy were you wrong.

You invited Joe over to your parents house to meet him. After you introduced them to each other Joe extended his hand out to him, only for your Dad to scoff and walk away. You knew the reason why he acted like that. He was against interracial relationships. He was raised to not mingle with other races and he drilled that into you and your other siblings growing up.

But you didn’t care because you loved whoever you wanted to love. Even your mom supported you and told you to be happy with whoever you love. When you confronted him you two got into a huge fight, leaving you heart broken and a sobbing mess. All you could hear were your Father’s words echoing through your mind: “I don’t want you or him to see each other ever again! If you do then good luck finding a new agent because I’m not working for you again. I don’t support your relationship and never will! Get out of my sight!”

Joe couldn’t believe that this was still happening in this day in age but he didn’t let his words affect him. “You know what you love, and I know what I love. That’s all that matters. Forget everything he’s ever said to you to make you feel like this. I want to be with you and I’m not gonna let him suck the happiness out of our relationship.”

After he told you that you could care less about what your Dad said about you and him. You did continue seeing Joe, and you still had your Dad as an agent because he doesn’t know your hiding your relationship from him. Of course you two didn’t like the idea, but you trusted your Dad when it comes to being in this industry. It was hard trying to not post anything on social media about your relationship with Joe or talk to anyone about it. It was as if your relationship didn’t exist.

Fast forward to now and your Dad has kept you busy going to different auditions and scheduling interviews, which was putting a strain between you and Joe. You both weren’t spending time as much as of lately. You were lucky if you called or texted him a few hours in the day. But you were so stressed out from trying to keep your Father happy and balancing a barely there relationship.

You couldn’t take it anymore.

You wanted to be free and not hide anything from anyone. You wanted to show off the love of your life, someone that you look up to and can count on. Someone who’s been there for you through your highs and lows and never judged you. You want to be with him, and you couldn’t imagine a life without him.

You told your driver to forget the airport and take you to Joe’s house. And here you were holding him like you were never gonna see him again.

“Baby,” Joe spoke, “I don’t want things to get messy-“

“Joe do you want to be with me?” you said softly while rubbing his back. He pulls away and gives you a confused look. “Of course I do, even from not seeing each other in almost two months.”

“Do you want to spend the rest of your life with me?” you ask with hopefulness in your eyes.

“Yes, y/n. You’re the love of my life.”

You continued your gaze at him, not sure if you want to say what’s been on your mind since he talked to you about your Father. You both had mentioned it before many times but you two figured it wasn’t the right time. Now, in this moment, you felt like it was appropriate.

“Let’s just do it, bubba. Let’s get married right now.”

Joe was surprised at the random thought.  “M-married?” he stammered. “That’s...honey, that’s crazy-“

You began to worry and immediately felt ashamed. “You don’t want to marry me?”

“No! Of course I do!” He exclaims before grabbing your hands. “But don’t you want to marry the right way?”

“What’s the right way, Joe?”

“Don’t you want your whole family to be there? My family? Including your Dad?”

You placed your hands on top of your head as you let out a tired sigh, turning around to sit on the couch. Joe followed and placed his hands on your knees. “Don’t you think it would be better that way?”

“How would it be any better if my Father can’t stand to even look at us together?”

“Your Father is gonna have to grow some balls because I’m going to marry you either way, dammit!”

“It doesn’t even matter right now, Joe!”

“I don’t care what you say, but you and I both know that it does matter with your family being there to see you get married.” He says before grabbing your hands again. “And it matters to me, too, because I care about you.”

Joe was telling the truth. It would mean more than anything for your family to be there, but you would only see that concept in your dreams. You began sobbing again and Joe pulled you into him.

“You’re right.” you breathed out, “I would love that more than anything, especially my Dad giving me away. It’s all I ever wanted...but it’s never gonna happen.”

You stand up and paced the floor. “I know him, Joey. I know that he’ll never show up and he’ll never accept us. He would rather throw himself out of a moving car than to see us get married!”

Joe sat quiet for a while as he was leaned forward with his face in his hands. “I can’t believe he’s like this.” He mumbles into his hands.

You sit back down next to him and remove his hands from his face. “The only way to let him know that I would never give you up is to go out and get married right now. That way he would have to accept us.”

He stares into your eyes as he could feel tears stinging the back of his. “And what if he doesn’t?” He says, his voice cracking.

You give him a teary smile and cup his face in your hands. “Then we’ll have each other. It’ll be two against one. There’s no audition in the world more important than this.”

A tears falls down Joe’s cheek and you quickly wipe it away. Joe was now certain that he wants to marry you. He didn’t care what your Father had to say. Without you, he wouldn’t feel complete.

Joe smiles back at you and nods. “Let’s get married, baby.”

“Really?” you gasped, your own tears slipping down your cheek.

“Yeah. Let’s do it!”

You embrace him and grin the biggest grin you ever had in your life. Nothing was gonna stand in between you two and for once, you felt free.

You couldn’t help but stare at the silver ring that was shining back at you as it rested on your finger. You and Joe finally got married. It felt like you were floating and never planned on coming back down.

The windows in Joe’s car were down and the summer breeze brushed delightfully over your skin. “I MARRIED THE LOVE OF MY LIFE! I'M SO HAPPY!” Joe screams out the window at some couple next to us, who was a bit concerned for him because they didn’t know what he was screaming about because their windows were up and was afraid to let them down.  

You couldn’t help but laugh at what was happening. Soon the light had turned green and Joe was still screaming, until it was interrupted by someone honking behind us at him. He whipped his head back at the driver and screamed, “OH FUCK OFF BEFORE I GET MY WIFE TO COME KICK YOUR ASS,” before driving away.

“Joe, what is wrong with you?” you say in between laughs. “Calm the hell down!”

“Sorry. Pat wanted to come out and say that.” He chuckles, referring to a character from his movie Undrafted that you love so much. You wondered if he’ll let him out later when you two get home.

You leaned in and grabbed his head and kisses his cheek repeatedly. “I love you.” you say as you pull away. “I love you, I love you, I love you! Ugh, I can’t believe we’re married, bubba.”

“I feel like I’m on top of the world, honey.” He glances back at you before lacing his fingers with yours and kissing the top of your ring.

Smiling, you reached over to turn on the radio. A song just ended and a broadcaster came on, “This just came in: Actress Y/n L/n and actor Joe Mazzello just eloped! The pair met when-“

You and Joe’s high was immediately blown. This was not good at all. “Oh my gosh.” you groaned, putting your face in your hands. “This can’t be happening right now!”

“Didn’t we specifically say that we want this kept private? Because I remember it vividly.” Joe says as he grips the steering wheel.

Moments after your phone buzzed numerous times in your pocket. Pulling it out you see tons of notifications from all of your social media pop on the screen, even text messages and countless of missed calls. You just know for certain your Dad knows already.

“You have to turn back around, Joe. We can’t be in the same city as him.” you say anxiously.

“But we're literally almost there, y/n. I can’t turn back around.”

You pointed to the exit that he was approaching. “Just take this exit-“

“It’ll take us downtown. Look, y/n, I know where to go so just relax, okay?” He glances at you and gives you a caring smile before kissing your hand.

You sit back in the chair and let out a shaky breath. “I'm sure he’s throwing a fit right about now. He’s probably out looking for us.”

“He won’t find us.” Joe smirked. “I know a good place to go. We’ll go to my parents cabin that’s about two hours away. Very secluded location. No one would be able to find us.”,

“I don’t know if that could be a good thing or a bad thing.”

“In our case, a good thing...unless we see an army of grizzly bears surrounding the cabin, then we’re shit out of luck.”

You rolled your eyes and giggled. “We’ll go talk to him in a couple of days. That’ll give him time to calm down.”

******

“How is it around there?” you asked nervously while talking to your younger sister on the phone.

“It’s quiet.” She replies back. “Dad was beyond pissed when he found out. He flipped out and trashed the house basically.”

You rolled your eyes at the childish behavior, but deep down you felt hopeless at this point. “I can’t believe him.”

“When are you gonna talk to him?” she asks.

“I’ll be there later on today, and I’ll have Joe with me. Just don’t tell anyone I’m coming, okay?”

“Alright. I can’t wait to see you.” she says in excitement, which makes you laugh.

“I can't wait to see you, too.”

You both stay quiet on the phone for a while until your sister broke the silence. “You know Dad still loves you, right?”

“Are you sure about that?” Tears began to sting the back of your eyes.

“Of course he does.”

You didn’t want to start anything with her, so you just put the thought in the back of your mind and not bother speaking about it. “Well, I’m gonna go. I’ll see in a little bit.”

When you got off the phone Joe had just stepped out of the bathroom from taking a shower. He looks at you and says, “Everything go okay?”

“Yeah.” You give him a small smile. “It’s quiet over there so I guess the storm has passed.”

“That’s good I hope.” He smiles before walking to you and wrapping his arms around your waist. He can see the emotions in your eyes as you stared back at him. He just wished that he can take all of your worries away.

“You’re gonna do great, babe, okay? You’re superwoman. I’ll be right there beside you.”

You nod and hug him, his words instantly made you feel confident. “I love you.”

“I love you, too, y/n.”

******

“I think I should go in first and test the waters.” You tell him as you two sit in front of your parents house.

“Are you sure?”

You glanced at him and wanted to say no, but it would be best if you went in because things could get out of hand when your Dad sees Joe. Even if you gave him a couple of days you never know with him.

“I’m sure.” You smile and lean in to press your lips to his, then get out of the car and made your way to the door. Letting out a shaky breath you press on the doorbell. The door opens moments later and you see your Mom, who face lit up when she sees you.

In a heartbeat she engulfs you in a tight hug. “My sweet baby.” She pulls away and cups your face in her hands. “I’m so happy for you. You had every right to do what you two did.”

“That means a lot to me, Mama.” You say as you smiled, trying to push back the tears.

She looks behind you and sees Joe standing outside of the car, leaning against it and waves at him, which he returns with a big smile. “You two are adorable together.”

“Yeah...I wish Dad would say the same thing.”

She places a hand on your cheek and caresses it. “Please go talk to him. He’s in his office reading.”

She gives you a kiss on the cheek before walking back into the house. You followed behind her and closed the door behind you before walking slowly down the hallway to his study. It felt like time had stopped when you approached the closed door. You were praying that nothing goes wrong while talking to him.

You cautiously opened the door. He was sitting at his desk, leaning in his chair with his feet on the desk and his glasses at the tip of his nose as he was deeply invested into some Philosophy book that you’ve seen him read a few times. It was a book that he actually tried to get you to read but you never had the time to read a book these days.

“Hey, Dad.” You said nervously before closing the door behind you. He freezes and slowly moves his gaze from the book towards you. He watched as you sat in a chair in front of his desk and he gives you a small smile. He closes his book and sits up in his chair before taking off his glasses. “Hey, y/n/n.” he says in a calm tone.

“Dad, I know you’re angry-“

He cuts you off by waving his hands. He had cleared his throat before speaking, “When I heard what happened the other day I went berserk. I didn’t know what to do with myself. I left and drove to the park that I use to always take you and your siblings when you guys were little. Do you remember that?”

You nodded, “Yeah I do.”

“I sat there for hours reflecting on things. I started crying like a baby-“

“Dad, I didn’t meant to-“ you cried.

“I felt so ashamed of myself. I couldn’t believe I treated you and Joseph like that, especially my baby girl. I don’t have any excuses for what I said to you two. I should have known better.”

It was quiet for a moment as you played with your nails out of nervousness. Your Dad got up and came to sit next to you. “This is gonna sound weird coming from me, but I’m glad you did what you did.”

You furrowed your eyebrows at what he said. “What?”

“I’m glad you did it.” He repeated with a smile. “I realized the mistakes I’ve made. I don’t want to have that mentality anymore. You taught me a valuable lesson and I’m happy you did that.”

“Really?” You smiled through your tears.

“Yeah. You love whoever you love, no matter what color they are. I had no right in telling you how to live your life. I’m so sorry, from the bottom of my heart.”

Your Dad gave you a couple of tissues from his desk and you wiped them away as he continued to talk. “Remember that day when we had that big fight and Joseph said that he loved you?”

“Yeah of course.”

“Well, I knew he meant it.” he tells you with a smile, which made you cry a bit harder.

“He did mean it, Dad. He’s the one for me. We are both very much in love with each other.”

Your Dad pulls you into a hug and you cry on his shoulder. “Thank you for understanding.”

“I love you, y/n. I want you to be happy.”

“I love you, too.” you sniffed. “And I am happy.”

Your Dad pulls away and pats your shoulder. “Now, let me see my son-in-law.”

You giggle and jump up from the chair and run back outside to see Joe still leaning against the car scrolling through his phone. “Joe!” You call out. When he looks up you motioned him to come in the house. With a smile matched with yours he jogs up to the house, shouting, “Finally!”

Shaking your head at him you grabbed his hand and lead him into the house, where everyone was present in the living room to welcome Joe into the family. When he gets to your Dad the two of them stared at each other for a moment.

“You take care of my daughter, okay?” He says in a stern tone, and Joe nods frantically. “Of course I will, Mr. y/l/n!”

“Call me y/d/n.” He chuckles and pulls him into a hug, patting his back. “I’m so sorry. I know that you’re a good man, Joe.”

Joe pulls away and nods. “Apology accepted.”

You and Joe spent the rest of the day with your family. You talked, joked, laughed, helped cook dinner, played your favorite card game UNO, which you know for sure Joe and your brother cheated on a couple of rounds.

At the end of the day it was time to go back home. On the ride back you couldn’t help but stare and smile at Joe every once in a while. If you were to do it all over again you wouldn’t mind going through what you went through, because he’s worth going through the trouble. You were now content and happy with your life, and you wouldn’t trade it for anything.

[florets-in-the-sky]

Bet (Titus Drautos)

{Angst} The Glaive is interested in his private life, but gets much more than they bargained for with a stolen wedding ring.

Warnings: Character death(s)

Song: Where’s My Love (Acoustic)

They say that he is a brute of a man that has never known anything other than the feel of steel against his skin and the pommel of a sword in his hand. The captain of the Glaive is everything they expect him to be: cold, guarded, and as stalwart as a steel wall. Nothing gets past him.

The Glaive knows this is false.

Drautos is just Drautos. He’s just grumpy. That’s what they do know. What they don’t know is how he got that way. Everyone has a story, and one way or another, everyone ends up sharing. Except for him: Drautos. Not a word is breathed about his personal life. Some are unsure if he ever leaves the Glaive headquarters. 

That’s just the way that things were, though. As much as all of them would like to know something about him, the man was too guarded. And no one dared to outright ask him.

But on an offhand chance, it was Luche who discovered the only piece of information they had about the man that was Titus Drautos. 

It had started with a series of finished reports on a late night once everyone else had left for home. Drautos had been out of his office, and thus the only logical thing to do was to leave them out on his desk. 

As he approached, the glimmer of a gold band caught his eye in the dim lamplight. It was a ring, but not just any old ring, a wedding ring. There was no mistaking it. It had been polished to a shining perfection, in perfect condition. 

Upon hearing the sounds of scuffed boots against the stone floor, Luche was out of the room faster than he thought possible. Instead of getting out of the building and forgetting what he saw--which would have been the smart choice--he found himself lingering by the doorway, watching Drautos slip back inside his office.

Then, and only once he was sure that Drautos was already lost in thought--as he usually did when he wasn’t barking at the Glaives--did he peek through the crack in the doorway. A hand off to the side of the frame steadied Luche, and he leaned his body as close as he could get, one eye surveying the man inside, breath as still and controlled as he could manage. He was sure that should even a particle of dust be disturbed, he would be discovered.

As expected, Drautos’ hands went to the reports first, dully taking in the carefully printed information before setting them aside, to the brief annoyance of Luche. Instead, Drautos took hold of the glimmering band, tracing the smooth surface with a finger and staring dismally at it. Luche swore that his features were softening.

That was all he needed before he was backing up and sprinting to his car, phone already out in his hand and contacting the others. 

~

Meet at the bar, was the bright text that lit up Nyx’s phone screen. Unusually cryptic, even for a man like Luche. Even still, he found himself getting ready to leave. If Luche wanted them to meet, it was probably important, or at least decently interesting. He never encouraged their little gatherings otherwise, but he was always there.

He was the last to arrive of their group, the others already around the table, trying to pester Luche into revealing why he had assembled them.

“A mission?” Crowe asked, to which Luche shook his head, arms crossed and brows pinching together in annoyance.

“Intel then,” Pelna offered hopefully. 

Another shake of the head from Luche. When he spotted Nyx he beckoned him over hurriedly. The urgency both surprised and took the hero off-guard.

“About time.” Libertus nudged his friend. Nyx just smirked and shrugged his shoulders.

“So, are you finally going to tell us why we’re here at literally 3 in the morning?” It was Tredd this time, the redhead leaning back in his chair with his feet propped on the table. 

“I have some information on Drautos,” was all Luche managed to start with before the group around him erupted into shouts of exclamation, chairs grating across the floor, and the rustling of clothing. Even Tredd leaned forward. Sonitus and Axis shared a dubious glance before they too, were waiting with bated breath.

“Settle down!” he yelled out, quieting the others. 

They were far too interested in hearing what he had to say to poke fun at his belief that he was truly in charge of the Glaive behind Drautos.

“Spit it out, Luche!” Libertus urged.

“Earlier this evening, when I dropped off the paperwork, I saw something in Drautos’ office.”

Each Glaive sat on the edge of their seat, literally, waiting with stock stillness. 

“There was a ring. A wedding ring. Gold band, well kept.”

“Captain Drautos is married?” Crowe’s nose wrinkled, and she fell back in her chair.

“Or it’s just a memento,” Tredd scoffed. “Doubt you actually found anything.”

“I’m sure of what I saw. Not to mention he got this faraway look on his face when he was looking at it. Drautos has a wife out there somewhere, mark my words.” Luche finished, relaxing now that his story was shared.

The group grew quiet. If what Luche said was true, that meant that Drautos had a family. A humanizing factor that was, simply put, strange.

~

The news was sent through the Glaive, a buzz taking over them all with that little fact being the only topic of conversation. Bets were being made frequently, with higher stakes and bigger consequences. Everyone wanted to know if the rumor was true.

“All right, all right, all right!” Tredd called out in the locker rooms, all eyes turning toward him. “I’ve got a dare,” a smile curved across his face, “and the person that takes it will be recognized as the ballsiest of all Glaives.”

A ripple of laughter moved through the crowd, someone calling out for him to get on with it. 

“First person that can steal the ring from Drautos--without getting caught!” He paused for effect. “Gets the title, and a pretty sum of gil.” 

Amusement no longer hung heavy in the air, the other members silencing as they weighed the stakes of the bet. Stealing something from the Captain? Especially something that seemed to hold such significant value? If the person was caught there was no telling what would happen to them.

“I’ll do it.” All eyes turned toward Nyx, who was resting against the wall with an easy air about him. Already cocky in his ability, this was just another thing to add to his list of feats.

“All right, hero,” Tredd’s eyes narrowed, “you’re on.”

~

Luche had told Nyx that on occasion Drautos would leave his office. The ring would most likely be kept inside, but these periods were brief and far in between. The amount of late nights Nyx had spent at the Glaive Headquarters under the pretense of extra training was ridiculous. He was certain that Drautos was beginning to catch on, but he never said anything. 

Each day Tredd would come with that easy smirk, inquiring about the ring and laughing when he heard that Nyx hadn’t gotten it yet. “Careful, hero, might have to renounce that title of yours.”

Nyx gritted his teeth as the redhead walked off, self-assured that his bet would stand and no one would be able to get that ring.

But now, as Drautos left his office, and Nyx was slinking in, he found himself with the ring at his fingertips. Exactly as Luche described, it was in impeccable condition, polished to a shine, smooth to the touch. His fingers enclosed around it. 

“You took up the bet?”

“Sir!” Nyx startled, almost flinging the ring across the room.

“Doesn’t answer the question.” His voice was unusually gruff, and he looked drained as he walked around the Glaive to his chair, taking a seat.

“I… How did you know about that?” Nyx slowly turned to face him, finding himself relaxing now that he wasn’t immediately receiving Drautos’ sword through his gut. 

Drautos gave him a pointed look. “You think I don’t know about all of you prying into my private life? Hard to ignore, especially when you’re all obnoxious about it.”

Nyx winced, a forced chuckle coming from his lips.

Drautos opened a drawer and pulled out a picture. The colors were fading and the folds over it indicated just how long he had been holding onto the piece for. He laid it bare on the desk, tapping the corner with a grunt.

Nyx’s eyes glanced up at his captain’s almost as if asking for permission before they peered over at the photo, greedily drinking in every scene. He couldn’t wait to tell everyone about this.

A smiling Drautos stood next to an equally elated woman. She was holding tight to his torso in a half hug, eyes bright and hair that was touched by sunlight, almost giving her a halo.

“This is…?”

“My wife.” He finished with a nod. The usual gruffness had left his voice, and Nyx found himself watching his captain as he traced a gentle finger over the face of the woman.

In the presence of the photo, he was a softer man, something Nyx had never seen before. 

“Lost her when the wall went away.” Nyx almost didn’t hear the whispered words of Drautos, they were so soft. He looked up. “We know what it’s like to lose people.”

Briefly, in his mind’s eye, Nyx could see Selena, the photo of her on the corkboard in his run down apartment, smiling as bright as the woman in the picture before him. 

“Do with this as you will. Couldn’t care less.” There was that usual hard-shell exterior he was used to. The picture was folded up carefully, tucked back into the drawer. The wedding ring was picked up in his hands, and he offered it to Nyx.

“You’re just going to hand it to me?” He asked.

Drautos arched an eyebrow. “That’s what this is about, right? I know about the bet. Just take the ring, Ulric.” 

Nyx took it, caught in a daze as he walked out of the office and back home. 

The ring found it’s way onto the desk, just below the picture of Selena, and as he picked it up to inspect it the next day, his eyes briefly traced over hers.

~

“Well, Nyxie, you get the ring, yet?” Tredd called as he spotted the hero stepping into the training room.

Nyx just smiled and shook his head. “Callin’ off the bet, Tredd. You win. The ring’s security is too tight and I’m not about to skin myself to get it.”

Tredd laughed in giddy glee before shouting out to the rest of those present, “You hear that? Hero isn’t nearly as ballsy as we all thought!”

Nyx shrugged.

When Drautos returned back to his office in the morning, he found the golden ring sitting on the center of his desk.

~

He never expected to go out this way. But he couldn’t say that it was all that bad. The sun was rising, and for the first time in a long time he was free.

Nyx had already crumbled to dust, fragments disappearing on the horizon, taking the stories that Drautos had shared with him. Once he himself was gone, there would be no one left to recount who he was. And that was liberating.

He let himself fade, and swore he felt arms wrap around him, a chaste brushing of lips over his brow.

Did you run away?

Did you run away? I don't need to know

If you ran away

If you ran away, come back home

Just come home

[shesawriter39049]

“We all have needs part 2 Sneak peek”

* Disclaimer This fic does contain sex*

“Trust Nobody “ ( Song Reference Selena Gomez Cashmere Cat Tory Lanez ) -In the future I’m changing the name of the series if it continues the song fits perfectly ! “

If we can get part one up to like 50 or so likes and there seems like there is enough interest I will post the full part 2! Also again typed on my phone so ignore any punctuation issues !

 “Oh for fucks sake ! “ I slid my phone off the bed in frustration! My eyes still felt a bit hazy ….Thank god my body barely knew what a hangover was . But fuck was I running behind ! We had the AMAs tomorrow which meant I should’ve started my fittings hours ago . My phone kept buzzing from under my bed until I rolled my lazy ass over and answered it “yeah …I know I just woke up ! I’m sorry !” Spitting it out before my business partner Jeremy had a chance too ! I heard him huff and could already feel his sass through the phone.  “Girl ! Your going to give me gray hair AND more importantly ...you’re  ruining my Botox …Miles and Jordan will be over in 30 with racks ! … I also sent you some ideas for our live stream pre-show .. I need you to look over and send me back confirmations before 5 o’clock! Oh and I -“ I have known Jeremy for almost 10 years he’s is a Spitfire and a ball of energy and always sounds like he’s had three red Bulls and six espresso shots no matter what time of day ! But I wasn’t even anywhere close to being alert enough to handle everything he was throwing at me.

 “ OK! Okay! okay! Jeremy.. baby ..I love you but I just woke up just send me all this in a voice memo and I swear I will handle it!” He growled in frustration before hanging up on me “yeah love you too … “ I scoffed under my breath sarcastically before dragging myself out of bed he was right though I had way too much to do today and I actually honestly didn’t have time at the moment to look at my phone. After everything he threw at me it kind of slipped my mind that Tae had possibly texted me after hopping in the shower and going to all my meetings it wasn’t till around 6 o’clock my time until I actually had time to sit down and look at my phone.

 I plopped back on my bed eating my sushi and nothing but an oversized T-shirt finally getting to my messages and looking through all of my tagged photos from the night before confirming the ones I did or did not want to re-share. I noticed the text was actually a picture message and I was right it was him he took some of the photos that we did last night and added some really cool filters and effects on them . It kind of slipped my mind while in the moment that when I was doing my research on the boys I did read something that noted that he was actually really into photography. I could feel myself blushing as I looked down at my phone “Holy shit these turned out dope as hell …but I mean not surprising considering what you were working with ;)” after I sent that message actually immediately after I started texting another one feeling the need to apologize since it was damn near eight hours before I responded to him. I saw his text bubble popped up but he stopped typing once he saw mine “Also my bad ! Today’s been hectic And I completely overslept ! This is the first time all day I’ve had to just relax!”

 But to my surprise instead of a text my phone rang . And my heart dropped into my pinky toe ! I took in a deep breath gathering myself together before I answered the phone. “Hello….”

 I could hear a low chuckle on the other end of the line before he responded “Hey …” God this man's voice ! It sounded huskier them usual though so he was either tired or maybe just performed? “Again I’m sorry I -“ “No you’re good no need to apologize . we all get busy plus you don’t owe me anything so it’s not even like you had to respond to begin with! “

 “ Well actually according to the terms of your drunken proposal I do kinda owe you something don’t ? “ I could hear him Scoff on the other line before he responded clearly he didn’t like that too much .

“ It was in a drunken proposal it was just a proposition... like we talked about we’re both busy we both have issues trusting people but we still both need things . I like to think I’m a pretty decent judge of character that’s why I don’t have many friends…And from talking to you it feels like we’re both in the same boat … your body really ..really liked me last night -“ he let his words trail out slowly and I could literally feel myself getting turned on just thinking about last night . “ all I’m saying is we’re both in a position of have plane will travel …but it’s only if you want to you don’t owe me anything ! Last night happened because I wanted to I mean let’s be real if I wanted it last night you were you were definitely willing and I could have had it . But I chose not to ..and just give you what you needed . Because fuck did you need it ! “ he chucked low and dark and I just rolled my eyes … I was annoyed but he was right ..” oh don’t act like you Didn't need it …or that you didn't finish once you got to your room “

 “Mmm I never said I Didn't ….” his tone changed it was like I could feel him get hard over the phone . “Did you think about …me coming all over your face ..while you got yourself off ? “ I heard him inhale deep and slow over the phone …hell I was working myself up while teasing him . “Mmm..I did …I could still feel your nails clenching my hair as you came…” my whole body was getting hot at this point ..all I could see at this point is him between my thighs ..” OK so back to this proposition…”

 “It’s simple …when you need me … you can have me ..and when I need you…”

 “Andddd when …do you need me ? “ I almost Didn't wanna know the answer to that, I actually wanted to kick myself for splitting that out.  . I could feel myself running down my thighs the more he talked. “ Well I’m in London right now …But I mean …I could use some company this weekend while we’re in Amsterdam for 2 days ..” The fact that he was in another country kind of threw me off for a minute the fact that he was able to fly overseas and still have time to text me while my ass took eight hours to even get my day together was mind boggling! But that also meant I wouldn’t see them at the AMAs tomorrow. “Wait …your in London ? ..you guys aren’t going to the AMAs?”

 “Nope ..which kinda sucks because we haven’t been to a lot of American award shows. Buttttttt we have 2 shows at the O2 Arena which is pretty badass ! “

 I could feel him smile through the phone so it was clear he was very proud of himself. But he should be “ Hell yeah that is badass! God I love London ..and the O2 is a hell of a venue …sooo Amsterdam huh ?”

 “ I mean yeah ..if you want …are you free this weekend ? If so I’ll fly you out likeeeee…Friday and -“ The minute I heard that I was not having it …I’m more than down to have a exclusive fuck buddy . But I’m not letting him pay for my flights I’m more than capable . “Ugh nooooo, I don’t need you to pay for me I -“

 “ Stop, it’s not like that ! Trust me I know you can pay for it …but this situation was my idea . And I’m the one initiating the first time so I think it’s only fair that I pay for your flight and hotel ! ..You can buy me Sushi or something ! “ we both laughed but I still wasn’t fully comfortable with him paying for my stuff . “I don’t know Tae , I’m not -“

“Chris..as long as your comfortable with the situation ..I don’t give a fuck what you say I’m not asking if I can pay for your flight and room I’m telling you ! Now let’s try this again…would you like to come down to Amsterdam this weekend and ride my face again ?”

[lageniuswannabe]

Olicity Hiatus Fic a thon Finally catching up hope to finish the whole thing by next week

Read it on AO3 here---- https://archiveofourown.org/works/14881931/chapters/37231985

Prompt - SurroundedSummary:

surrounded; be all around (someone or something). (Of troops, police, etc.) Encircle (someone or something) so as to cut off communication or escape. Be associated with. "The killings were surrounded by controversy"

I do not own any of the characters they belong to DC these stories are my creative out take on what is presented

Notes:

(See the end of the chapter for notes.)

Chapter Text

They had them surrounded on all sides’ one last com check and Overwatch gave them the go signal. Green Arrow approached from the front with the FBI, John and Lyla from the west side of the building with ARGUS agents, The Black Canary as Dinah approached from the rear with a few select SCPD cops and then from the East Wild Dog and Terrific and Nick. Nick a new addition to this all Felicity could think is she hoped he worked well with them. They had gotten intel from Nyssa that the Long Bow Hunters had three places they operated out of in the western United States Thea had sent Roy back to help with the operation but he wouldn’t get there in time and they had to move. After days of satellite surveillance and sending in an operative to a few locations they determined this was where the “Dragon” was holed up with his goons healing after that loud mouth bitch sent him flying into the river. Roy was told that if he arrived in time that he was to shore up the east side with the two losers and the boyfriend, Felicity decided that was a better name for them. As they were approaching all hell broke loose. The Long Bow Hunters appeared and were engaging on three sides as the Dragon and his crew tried to escape through the week link the two idiots and his boyfriend. Just as Felicity thought they were going to lose them again Roy fired an Arrow hitting the Dragon in his right shoulder. Looking up surprised the Dragon started firing at everything and nothing all at once. Roy fired a grappling arrow trapping his one arm to his side and then Terrific sent a t-sphere at him and shocked him with an electrical current causing him to go unconscious. The FBI agents that were waiting on the perimeter engaged and took Dragon into custody. Not without the Long Bow hunters evading capture however their number of followers were now dwindled as the rest were surrounded a rounded up.

“Damn it, Overwatch make sure a couple of ambulances come in Terrific and a couple of agents need attention.” Green Arrow growled into his com.

“They are on their way, now come home. Overwatch out.” Felicity turned off the coms and walked into the living room and shook her head.

They didn’t get the Hunters but at least “Dragon” was captured and they could breathe a little easier. Tomorrow hopefully they can go back to some semblance of normal. The whole damn world knew Oliver was the Green Arrow, what happens tomorrow won’t change everyone’s opinion but it will give them back their lives. New jobs and new lives.

“Felicity, is dad on his way back?” William asked coming up from behind her.

She turned and patted the couch next to her, “Yeah he is on his way back, sweet boy. Have you worked on your next lesson for school?”

“No, not really I couldn’t concentrate I just kept sending out thoughts about not losing my dad again.” William leaned over as Felicity pulled him in for a hug.

“We are definitely not going to let that happen ever again.” Just then her phone chimed.

BW- Ms. Smoak I hope that we can set up a meeting between us Selena was very impressed with the implant and now that you are no longer in hiding so to speak would that be possible.

She turned her phone back over, William looked at her. “I’ll answer him later you are more important to me right now. William with this new deal it means we will be working with the government so that they can learn how to do what dad does and at least finally be able to capture these criminals. Plus that means that Dad doesn’t have to be the Green Arrow forever so we can be a family more. I loved doing this when we were both younger but now after having to deal with Immortals, Aliens, Nazi Doppelgangers and Meta Humans I think we are both getting to that point when we want to step back and be a family and see where that adventure takes us.”

“Well I hope that means I get a brother or sister from that.” William smiled at his Step-mother a woman who has become so much more than that to him.

“Hey,” Oliver walked in just then. “So do I William.”

“You have like super hearing or something?” William asked.

“No, but if you only have the screen door closed I can hear through that.” He leaned over and kissed Felicity on the top of her head. Felicity smiled and stood up. Walking around the couch she grabbed his face in her hands and pulled him to her, Oliver wrapped his arms around her and kissed his wife properly.

“Before that happens this little monster on your face has to go.” William laughed and Oliver groaned.

………

The next morning as she was getting ready for the ceremony Oliver called her into the bathroom.

“Do you want it completely gone or what?” Oliver looked at Felicity.

Felicity took the scissors from him and put the lid of the toilet down instructing him to sit. She moved the trash can more into view. She started taking the biggest chunk off first then she started clipping closer to his face. The whole while Oliver was drawing circles with his thumbs on her hip, it was becoming distracting. She leaned in and kissed him then stepped back, She brought the scissors back up and trimmed a little bit more until it was perfect nail scratching length. “There’s my husband, perfect.” She leaned in and kissed him again. “Now we need to get ready to go.” She backed up and went to finish getting ready.

She had laid out his grey suit with a blue tie that matched his eyes and Felicity was wearing the black dress with the cut outs in them. William knocked on their door.

“Do I have to wear a tie? I can’t figure it out.” William looked at his Dad and Oliver took the tie from him motioning for him to stand in front of the mirror.

“My Father had all these meetings and Gala’s to go to where the family had to go with him and he taught me how to tie my tie this way.” He showed William in the mirror how to do it and then he undid it. “Now you try and I will tell you the steps.”

Felicity watched this unfold in front of her and she had small tears in her eyes. Thank God her mother taught her what make-up to buy that wouldn’t run everywhere. When they were done the little family stepped into the living room.

“We ready to get going?” John asked.

The family nodded, they climbed into the waiting SUV’s and drove back to Star City for the first time in months. The city that they had started trying to rebuild was in chaos again and it felt like there was nothing they did that changed anything. Then they passed a park and a group of citizens were there wearing green shirts and cleaning and fixing the park, a little further on there was a group of kids wearing green shirts cleaning graphite off a building. Felicity smiled as the further they got to city centre they saw more and more groups doing something to clean up the city, maybe they did inspire some. She turned and looked at Oliver, as tears were coming down his face she cupped his cheek and kissed him. ”Your sacrifice was appreciated be proud Oliver I love you so very much.”

“Thank you.” Was all he could manage?

“We’re here.” John said from the front, “looks like the press hasn’t forgotten you.”

“Vultures!” William snarled.

Felicity looked at him and said. “We just smile and say nothing; they will only get what is being said at the ceremony. We do not need to add anything to their by-line, okay?”

“Okay.” William nodded.

John stopped in front of City Hall, a place Oliver thought he would never see again. He hoped that some of what he had done as Mayor had made changes to the city. Standing on the steps in front was the President of the United States several secret service people and Laurel, What the hell he looked at Felicity. “What is she doing there?”

“That’s right she is the new, old District Attorney, there is still no Mayor so she has been influencing council from behind the scenes. We can’t really expose her because that would completely ruin our Laurels reputation. I cannot believe no one has discovered she has no idea what being a lawyer actually entails. But no one said the citizens of Star City are the sharpest tools in the shed.”

“Oh dear lord, what has she done?” Oliver groaned and ran his hands over his face.

“Let’s go.” John said as he stepped out of the car and came around to open the door for them.

Notes:

Thank you @thebookjumper for doing this I am sorry I did not keep up hope to finish all the prompts by next week.

Much love Olicity Fandom

Actions

[sienna-walsh]

[saeranlover]

Ah yes focusing on Chrys and his unfortunate confrontation with vampires... This is only the first part though!

---------

“You know... I miss you when you sleep at your own apartment at night. You're... Comfortable. Not anything else feels so nice by my side at night...” Chrys was sat in his apartment – situated above the café which he was instructed to run as a cover for angels as they did their jobs in the human world. It was essential for him to live there, as he was in charge of all angels in the area . “Won't you consider moving in with me? I don't like you going out into the dangers of the world at night because you don't have a guardian angel of your own...”

“Oh Chrys, you know I’d love to, but I'd annoy you a lot at night... Unfortunately, being part wind elemental means that I snore pretty badly... Oh, and you've not seen what I'm like when I have a cold yet. A sneeze could probably bring your home and the café down...” Hearing Selena give out her perfectly valid reasons made Chrys furrow his brow and stick his bottom lip out. “Maybe if we manage to find a way to deal with that, which probably would be easy enough with some advice from my dad next time he decides to visit town...”

Hearing her reassurance about her reasons though... Made his facial features soften as he leaned against the window and adjusted his phone against his ear. “Right... It's just that...”

A sudden quiet gasp down the phone made his face return to concern again.

Selena... She didn't half make his emotions go all haywire.

“S-So, um... I think there’s been two people following me for a few streets now... A r-red haired woman, and a man who I can't see too well without making it obvious that I'm looking...”

Only one thought was going through his head now – this was exactly why he wanted Selena to live with him. He wanted to keep her safe from the dangers on the streets at night when she returned to her own apartment!

“Right... Listen to me. I'm going to use my powers to go to a road near to where you are. I won't meet you, but I'll keep an eye on those people to make sure that you remain safe on your way home. Text me when you do get back though... Please. I don't want to panic about you, even though I fucking am already.”

“... Okay... I'm at, uh... Where is there a street sign... Ah... I'm at Hazel Street. It's near to where Lucas works, if that means anything...”

“... Right... Take care. Please. I love you, Selena... Please stay safe...”

“And I love you too, honey... Mwah!”

He laughed at the kissing sound, before he did the same back and hung up the call. He needed to keep Selena safe... She didn't have full control of her powers yet, after all.

With a snap of his fingers, he went to near where she had mentioned with his powers, before leaning against a lamppost to keep an eye out for the suspicious people.

At first, there was absolutely nobody about, except for the occasional car which drove past him. None of those people matched the description... At least until he watched two people emerge at a side-street, looking hungry... But also matching Selena's description.

A woman with red hair, with a man...

“We lost track of our food thanks to you, Morana! Or should I call you Morona?!”

“Oh quit your whining, Phobos... Something smelled much better in this direction! Besides, with fucking Prince-y prince of the demons threatening to have my sister have her mind completely destroyed if we feed off a human or animal, we gotta find good sources of food! It's about quality!”

“... Whoop de doo. I honestly don't care what Prince Seth does to Anima? One less vampire to take food from us!”

Chrys couldn't quite believe what he was hearing here... He knew that about 50 human years previously, so when he was about 12 or 13 angel years old... There had been some sort of mass-death event which resulted in vampires being wiped out... But from what they were saying... there had to be at least 3 still living.

“Hmm... I think I know what blood I can smell now, Phobos... It's not dirty elemental blood like before... It's... It's...!”

He had taken it upon himself to confront the pair on the second that he heard the woman say that Selena's blood was dirty. To him, Selena’s blood was pure, similar to her personality... He wouldn't dare take that. Ever.

He cracked his knuckles, ready to throw a punch at either one of the pair. “You bastards can smell angel blood... And in a way, I'm glad that you didn't go after the 'dirty' elemental... The only person who can bite my girlfriend is me.” He stepped forward, his wings slowly appearing from behind him as he braced himself for a likely retaliation. “Now... Why don't you two go back to the hole that you crawled out of, and leave innocent beings alone?!”

The man scoffed, and began to approach Chrys add he hates his fangs. “No can do, angel. We have nowhere to call home until we provide King Lovell the head angel heir, and the bitch who decided to ruin his daughter's development into a future queen of hell...”

Ah. So on top of previously wanting to feed off his lover before calling her dirty, they wanted to capture his former crush/obsession, and his sister!

Those vampires were seriously on his bad list now.

“Listen here... You're not going to lay a finger on Ciel. And you’re certainly not going to speak down about Selena... But threaten my sister – the one person left in my family?! You're fucking dead!” His need to be the best older brother to Nari had been enough to send his anger over the edge.

But... He had been too busy concentrating on the one vampire who had been taking to him.

He hasn't been watching that 'Morana' lady.

The mistake was unfortunately only realised when he felt a sudden pain on the top of his right wing. He shouted in pain, and had to force the woman's fangs off the delicate limb. He instantly knew that he wouldn't be able to try and avoid the vampires through flight now... Even the slightest bit of wing damage left any angel unable to fly.

“Oh man, I'm actually thinking that you’re not that much of a moron now, Morana... This is going to be a feast. The more that the prey fights, the more delicious the meal becomes!” Phobos was laughing now, before he snapped his fingers and was enveloped in a dark mist. Once the air cleared, a small swarm of bats flew directly at him.

Vampires fought dirty... Trying to weaken him with small injuries before they could attempt to feed off him properly! He couldn't let that happen though!

Especially because...

A text came through at that moment, with Selena telling him that she was home safe.

Because he needed to be there for Selena and his sister.

[taylorfiction]

Reunions

Taylor’s POV

HSBVPSRV No jokes, this is the edgiest thing i’ve ever written. Also the longest thing.

Everyone was extremely thirsty for this fic so i decided i would write it before any of you started begging// suing ;)

I wrote this while listening to Melodrama so of course i enjoyed writing it...

We sat on the sofa, nail varnishes spread across the coffee table our favourite playlist blasting music through the house, we were chatting about nonsense, as usual. Nonsense about boys. Nonsense about how our years had turned out. Nonsense about what next year would bring.

I had been spending my days alone, wandering around my house ever since Joe had to go off filming for a month, working hard, while I was lounging around singing to myself, trying to make cool tunes with the utensils in my house. It had only been a week and a half but I missed him like crazy, my body craving his gentle touch and my lips missing his passion and intensity. We messaged every night saying I miss you or I wish you were here and other such texts, we called when we could but I knew some call times made that difficult for him.

Yesterday was the fourth day of having the house to myself since my mom had visited and I was sick of it. I called my best friend. The one I could rely on if I needed to talk about anything, who knew what the constant click of cameras felt like. Who always knew what I was thinking.

Selena.

She had arrived at 11 and we had planned on spending the whole day together, having lunch, dance-parties, general gossiping and watching ‘friends’ episodes.

‘So,’ she started a smile spreading across her face, ’How’s Joe doing?’ She leaned back blowing on her fingernails trying to persuade the mint green shade to dry.

I shook my head at her and laughed a little, ‘Joe is doing fine’ I couldn’t help but smile every time someone mentioned his name, the way he made me feel was so different to how anyone else had ever done before.

‘Look at you smiling! You’re so smitten with him’ she hit my shoulder lightly, in a teasing manner, careful not to smudge anything.

‘Umm, you’ve met him, right?’ I said my eyebrows raising and a smirk plastering itself on my face, ‘I have every reason to be smitten.’ I stuck my tongue out at her before I realised that she was distracting me with the idea of Joe so she didn’t have to talk about her love life.

‘Hey! You’re avoiding a specific conversation, aren’t you? I narrowed my eyes at her, scrunching up my face, I knew her too well.

‘No!’ She said looking extremely guilty, gazing down at her nails again, she smiled slightly.

‘how’s your boyfriend��doing’ I raised my eyebrows, ‘Has he taken you places you’ve never been before’ i finished dramatically, a specific reference to one of his songs.

She gave me a look that said ‘I can’t believe you just did that’ before answering, ‘Justin is fine, I’ll have you know he is a lot better than he used to be.’ She finished, a proud look sweeping across her face.

I smiled at her, glad she was happy, ‘He better be’ i gave her a warning look then i continued to waft my hands in the air trying to get my decorated nails to dry.

‘Anyway, we were talking about your man not mine, what’ve you guys been up to?’ she smirked, turning the conversation back to me, she never liked talking about herself, she would prefer to hear other people’s voices than her own.

‘Oh, ya know, not much, just doing couple-y things which is nice and we do date night,’ my voice was excited as I told Selena this, the expression on her face almost as happy as mine, suddenly I remembered, ‘which is actually normally tonight, but, he’s away, so we won’t’ my mood had changed, and I looked around the room, wondering if I could see one of the cats anywhere.

I looked back up at Selena and said sheepishly, ‘I miss him.’

‘Oh, hun’ she sighed slightly, ‘I can guarantee that he misses you too especially all the date nights you have and all the sex and all the meals you share and movies you watch.’ She smiled at me, waving her hand around as if implying he missed everything about me. She then brought me in for a very awkward hug as we tried not to mess up the paint that was so close to being fully dried.

I laughed at her slightly, ’Is it wrong to say I hope so?’ I asked, the worry evident in my voice.

‘It is the most normal thing in a relationship like yours’ she put her hand on my knee rubbing it slightly in comfort and reassurance.

‘Oh, and uh, who said we have a lot of sex?’ My mind only just realising what she had said, I raised my eyebrows at her, waiting for an explanation.

She laughed at this, ’Sweetie, you’re obsessed with touching him, every time I see you you’re playing with his hair, you have your hand on his knee, who knows what you do when no ones around! Helped by the fact you’ve been radiating happiness, which only comes from good, frequent sex, ever since you started dating.’ There was silence as she stopped talking.

My mouth slightly open, I could feel my cheeks reddening slightly as I smiled.

‘But he’s just so good!’ I whispered even though it was only us there, we both laughed at this, enjoying how our conversation was just so easy and honest all the time.

As time went by, we continued chatting and I couldn’t help but miss the times when we would catch up every weekend. I missed being closer to her, I missed having conversations all day long about the same topic and never seeming to get bored.

I looked at the clock as It said 5, ‘Shit, it’s already 5. Do you want me to make dinner or shall we just order pizza as usual?’ I asked, hoping she would just want pizza so we could continue our conversation.

She smiled at me, knowing what I was thinking, ‘Pizza is good.’

I ordered 2 pizzas, margarita and a ham and pineapple. We sat on the sofa, the boxes on the coffee table, enjoying the stringy cheese and doughy base and crust.

Half way through my third slice I heard the familiar sound of the key in the door.

We looked at each other, frowns visible on both our faces as we wondered who that could be. The only people who had spare keys were my parents, security and Joe…

Both my parents and security would’ve called first, which could only mean one thing.

As I realised, the door opened and a smile spread across my face, I ran to him, I ran into the arms of my flawless boyfriend who I hadn’t seen for a week and a half.

‘What the fuck are you doing here?’ I asked, my voice muffled as I buried my head into his neck, hugging him as tight as I could.

He laughed and leaned back, ‘I thought I’d surprise you’ he smiled before leaning into kiss me. I could taste the longing on his lips. He deepened the hello, placing his hands on my waist and pulling me towards him. It was slow and calm yet still held all the intensity and passion I needed. Just as we were getting excited, we heard a cough from behind us.

I turned around smiling, my back leaning into Joe’s chest, I saw Selena, leaning against the door frame, arms folded, eyebrows raised.

‘You can reunite, and I’m sure you will, later, but we have unfinished girl talk,’ the smirk on her face was obvious as she knew that we knew what reunite meant. She stepped forward and grabbed my hand leading me back to the sofa.

‘Good to see you too Sel.’ Joe winked at her and laughed as he took his coat off and walked into the living room behind us. I was sitting on the sofa, my back leaning against the cushions, as Joe came up behind me and put his hands on my shoulders, ‘Ooh is that a margarita?’ he said cheerily, squeezing my shoulders.

He walked over to the coffee table and picked up a slice fitting half of it in his mouth at once, I laughed shaking my head.

‘Are you laughing at my eating?’ he raised his eyebrows at me, pretending to be offended, a hurt look on his face.

‘I have no problem with your eating’ I retorted smiling innocently at him.

‘Yeah, no problem when I’m eating you’ he smirked at me, a cheeky look in his eyes.

‘Okay, that’s enough of that!’ Selena exclaimed, her eyes widening and her hands covering her ears. I laughed at her reaction and smirked at Joe.

We continued the banter-y conversation as the minutes ticked by and at around 9 pm Selena suddenly exclaimed,

‘Shit, is that the time? I should go and leave you two to… yourselves… This was lovely T, we need to do it more often’ we got up and made our way to the door, I gave her a tight hug after she had put her coat and shoes on and she gave Joe a brief hug as well.

‘Look after her’ she pointed at him, raising her eyebrows.

‘Oh, I will.’ He winked and smiled, an arm encircling my waist bringing my side into his.

‘Ew,’ is all Selena said in response and laughed before we said our final farewells, promising to text each other later.

I shut the door behind her and turned around to see Joe smiling at me.

‘Hey,’ he said as he took a few steps towards me, his hands instantly going to my waist, ‘I missed you,’ he smiled before taking my lips in his.

‘mmm’ I murmured as I smiled into his kiss, ‘I missed you too’ my hands went to the back of his neck, tugging at the blonde strands.

‘It’s date night’ I whispered as I pulled away and let our foreheads touch gently, ‘what shall we do?’ I bit my lip and smiled at him. God, I’d missed this.

‘I have a pretty good idea of something we’d both enjoy.’ He smirked and once again caught my lips in his, as though he wanted to trap me in his web, as though he never wanted to let me go.

We spent the night intoxicated with each other, focused only on the other’s presence. The night felt endless but we knew it would come to an end at some point and he would have to go back to work and I would go back to being alone. But that was the last thing on our minds that night.

[5hfanfiction]

We Might Be Like Spaghetti

There are so many things about Camila that no one understands. Like the fact that she can’t walk a straight line properly without falling. Or that she can be a confident little vixen one second and a timid, awkward girl the next.

So instead of wasting her time trying to come up with a reason why she is how she is, she’d rather use a vague definition if they ask her to describe herself.

Weird.

Not like, weird to the point that she has to go to a mental hospital (despite what her friends say), she’s just… different from other people.

I mean, for one, she has an obsession with bananas. And I guess, at one point in life, we all do get obsessed on something. But this is different, she just loves them too much that her parents literally had to pry the fruit away from her grasp. They’re just scared that she might have potassium poisoning (and by the amount of bananas she eats, they’re actually surprised she’s still alive).

She’s also dorky. A cute one though, not the annoying one. Well, maybe she does get on someone’s nerve at times, especially when she wakes people up with her annoying little random facts. A recent one was when she told Dinah facts about saliva.

Chancho [3.26am]: dinah

Chancho [3.26am]: dinah

Chancho [3.26am]: dinah

Chancho [3.26am]: china

Chancho [3.27am]: did you know that in our lifetime, we could produce enough saliva to fill 2 swimming pools?

Chancho [3.27am]: lets dig a hole and fill them up using our saliva. our verY OWN SALIVA POOL.

Cheechee [3.28am]: Bish, why you disturbing my beauty sleep? Go disturb someone else.

Cheechee [3.29am]: And why the hell would you wanna make a swimming pool with our saliva. You know we could use a hose or some shit right?

Chancho [3.29am]: that’s not the point Dinah.

Needless to say, she’s pretty weird.

That same night, she also texted her other friends with other facts. (She likes to spice things up, she doesn’t repeat what she tells the others)

Camila is also a bit artsy fartsy. And sure, in this world, a lot of them are. But this is different (Not really).

She’s always on tumblr, saving aesthetically pleasing pictures of the cloud or some shit and poetic excerpt Tumblr users post. She sometimes even sends them to Lauren after, probably cause she’s, too, artistic and she always treasures whatever Camila sends her.

An opening to talk about what really matters now.

Lauren. (Well, Lauren and Camila)

Lauren has been Camila’s best friend since middle school. She’s cute, loud, funny, irritable and just, weird, I guess.. A different kind but all the same length.

How they first met was a bit cliche, but hey… Cliche are cliches for a reason, they attract readers.

Lauren was in all of her class in 7th Grade, including homeroom. Camila didn’t think of anything at first. Just a girl with an inviting smile who is oddly alone in the corner of the class.

Why odd? Well, for one, Lauren is pretty. And when Camila thinks she’s pretty, it really means that she is. Trust her.

She’s the kind of pretty that makes her seem approachable. Her skin is soft and it looks beauteously white. Definitely a huge from Camila’s tanned skin tone. Lauren also seems social; Camila has heard her talk in front of the class before and she knows from there that Lauren isn’t a shy girl.

Secondly… honestly, I don’t even need to explain why it’s odd that’s she’s alone. The fact that’s she’s mesmerizingly captivating is enough.

Camila even knows that it’s not just her who finds her attractive. She’s heard boys in her class and even in the hallway talking about how they wanna ask her out. It never happens though, they’re too much of a pussy.

Except that one time when this guy Keaton asked her out and she said no in front of the class, making all the other guys immediately back off in fear of rejection.

That stunt intrigued Camila, if she’s being completely honest. No girl has ever said no to Keaton before.

Since then, Camila has always wanted to talk to her. But she’s too much of an introverted wuss to even look her way for more than 10 seconds. So they don’t talk.

Until one day, their science teacher put them as lab partners.

During the first 30 minutes, they didn’t talk. They either listened to the teacher –mostly Lauren cause Camila felt like she was deaf, she could only hear her heart beating loudly she’s surprised Lauren didn’t make a comment on it– or copy what the teacher had written on the whiteboard in front of the lab. Again, mostly Lauren because Camila’s hand is shaking as she wrote a simple P for the word Penis.

(No, she wasn’t shaking because of the word, penis. In fact, she flaunts that word a lot to her friends because her friends are still uncomfortable with the word and she likes to make people uncomfortable… See. weird)

“Are you okay?” Lauren’s sweetly raspy voice traveled through Camila’s ear and into her… well… whatever her ear is connected to and into her brain.(Can you blame her for not knowing though? Biology sucks)

“Uh.. Huh?” Camila jumped at the sudden noise, causing her pen to slide down the table. Camila’s reflexes kicked in and she frantically (and awkwardly) tried to grab the pen before it hits the floor.

She caught it and that’s when she noticed that she was awfully close to Lauren since she had to lean to her side.

She cleared her throats and studied the porcelain skinned girl. And again, she wasn’t joking when she said Lauren was really pretty. She feels the need to push that fact.

“You’re kind of shaking..?” She smiled worriedly a bit and it made Camila’s heart swoon at how Lauren seems like she genuinely cares for Camila.

Lauren doesn’t seem intimidating at all, Camila thought.

Psyche, Camila is still scared shitless.

Camila moved away and straightened her back. She looked over to Lauren’s hand and tilted her head when she noticed how it was trembling too.

The green eyed beauty followed Camila’s gaze and laughed. A really melodic one at that. It sounded soothingly cherubic to Camila. “Yeah, I shake too. But it’s more because of my genetics than anything else. My hand can never stay still.”

Camila nodded and smiled nervously.

“Do you talk?” She asked, just at the same time Camila realized that she hasn’t said one word to Lauren.

“Uhh.. Yeah,” Camila croaked out, internally hitting herself in the head for not clearing her dry throat first. She swallowed her saliva (damn it, she wasted that when she could’ve collected that for the swimming pool) and repeated what she said. “Yes.”

Lauren laughed once more and that’s when Camila begins to smile as well. She also thinks that it should be a good idea to record it and play it before she sleeps, just so she could have a good night rest.

“I’m Lauren,” she introduced, smiling cheekily with her hand extended for Camila to shake.

“Camila- Karla- I mean- Some of the teachers still call me Karla but I prefer Camila- And my friends call me Camil- But you can call me Karl- Or anything really- I don’t mind. Actually, scratch that, Kar-” Camila started rambling.

Fun fact; when she’s nervous, she tends to ramble and stumble onto words.

“Camila? Breathe.” Lauren grabbed both of Camila’s shoulders with her hands and stared at her brown eyes with her green ones.

“I like your eyes.” Camila pointed out without a second thought as she continued to stare at Lauren’s mesmerizing eyes.

“Thanks… I like yours too. It looks warm and welcoming.” She smiled bashfully.

After that, they started to actually warm up to each other through the next few hours in class. They realized that they have a lot more in common than they thought they would’ve, and it immediately made Camila like Lauren more (platonically of course). When lunch rolled around, she invited Lauren to eat with her other two friends, Taylor and Selena.

They instantly clicked with her, just as she had with Camila. And that made Camila’s heart swell.

So okay, anyway, their friendships started getting stronger then and they soon became the best of friends.

They hung out a lot and Lauren later revealed that her friends had, for a lack of a better word, dropped her the second they found new friends.

And Camila immediately despised Alexa (her current bestfriend’s ex-bestfriend). No, not because she’s jealous or anything, it’s just that she hates how she’d unfriend a girl like Lauren without actually having a reason to.

Okay, who is she kidding, maybe she is a bit jealous. Can you blame her though? They were childhood bestfriends and from the sounds of it, Lauren still treasured her like Alexa did nothing wrong. Alexa has done nothing to gain Lauren’s trust and yet, she still trusts her the most. Camila, however, worked hard for it.

The next year, Camila got lucky when she found out that she’s gonna be in the same class as Lauren again. It sort of calmed her anxiety since she was scared that Lauren might find a better friend than her if they’re not together 24/7.

And yeah, Camila got territorial there, but it was purely platonic. Definitely.

When they were in 8th grade, Lauren started dating this guy, Luis. He was very shy and they barely talked to each other during the first few months into their relationship. Camila was surprised when the raven haired Latina told her that they’ve went on 5 dates already and got official.

Camila was a bit tilted at that. But, it was mostly because she doesn’t trust Luis and she doesn’t want him to break someone as perfect as Lauren’s heart. It wasn’t because of the fact that she might’ve liked Lauren just a teensy bit.

It also didn’t help Camila to feel better when she found out that Alexa was the one who set them up. But what could Camila do, honestly?

After they got official, the whole school found out about it. While the others swoon at how sweet they seemed, Camila spent her time watching out for Lauren by stalking him in every social media he has. Just to make sure he’s not a dick.

And while they were together, Lauren still had a lot of time to spend with Camila. Camila loves the fact that she does. Really, she does. But she doesn’t like the fact that Lauren’s always talked about Luis this and Luis that. Never really about weird things like they usually talk about.

((Camila doesn’t really remember most of the contents of what they usually talk about before Luis came into their life, but one of the discussion Camila vaguely remembers was when she articulately described what would happen if she could jump high that she could just jump to the moon. And Lauren laughed hard at that, that was why Camila remembered it most amongst the rest. (She’d like to take a trip to the cloud to say hi to Jesus before continuing her journey to the moon)))

But yeah, ever since Lauren started dating Luis, every odd conversation they had was replaced by that ugly ass excuse of a human being.

So okay, maybe Camila does loathe him. But Lauren doesn’t know that and Camila is convinced that it’s better that way. Less questions to answer, she thought. She also feels like it’s better if Lauren talked about him rather than them not talking at all.

They didn’t last long though. If Camila remembers correctly, they lasted for about 3 months. (She forgets why, mostly because its irrelevant to wherever this story is going)

When they broke up, Lauren was a bit down. Not because of him per se, just the fact that she never get to have someone to text and call to everyday anymore. And yeah, Camila’s heart broke a bit because Lauren didn’t see Camila as a candidate to have her sole attention.

But nevertheless, Camila took it upon herself to actually text her goodmorning and goodnight everyday and in between, she’d send weird memes when they weren’t together. You know what, we’re all honest here, Camila even sends them when they’re basically hip to hip. Camila’s weird like that.

Okay, so they do text, and although Lauren hardly replies, it doesn’t stop making Camila to hyperventilate when she gets a notification from Lauren.

But again, they’re all very platonic feeling. Camila isn’t into girls, and as far as she knows, Lauren isn’t too. She just feels some sort of a connection with Lauren, like they’re always on the same wavelength.

The next year though, it was very different, to say the least. For one, Lauren was no longer her classmates. Like, at all. In fact, she was on a different building from Camila’s classes. She should’ve seen this coming though, especially since she got lucky the year prior. The universe likes to fuck people up by giving them hope, only to disappoint them after they’re in Cloud 9.

Okay, well, at least Camila still had break and lunch with her right?

WRONG.

At the very beginning, they did hang out. But just like any normal friendship, they didn’t have time for each other anymore.

Well, that was quite dishonest if you ask me.

It was more like Lauren didn’t have time for Camila anymore, especially since Lauren got in the same classes with Alexa, making them bestfriends after only a month of being classmates. That sort of sucked for Camila because she had grown attached to Lauren. I mean, a year and a half of being together and basically inseparable, it’s hard not to.

To Lauren though, she thought that she did nothing wrong. Because to her, Camila was just another girl from her class.

So yeah. It sucked but whatever.

Lauren even started dating someone from Camila’s class, Brad Simpson. Quite attractive, Camila figures.

At one point, she actually tried to be his wingwoman.

Brad knows how close Lauren and Camila were once upon a time and one day, he came up to her and asked about Lauren. He seemed genuine about how he feels for Lauren, so she decided to give him a helping hand.

A mistake on her part.

She went to Lauren during lunch one time and she said nothing but good things about Brad, hoping that she’d buy all that crap.

And she did.

They went out and started dating. Again, everyone envied their relationship and to Camila, even if it kinda sucked, she was happy that they were happy.

Why it sucked? Well, they never really thanked Camila or anything to show gratitude about setting each other up.

But Camila’s not that petty, she really didn’t expect anything.

So fast forward to High School.

Oddly enough, Lauren, Brad, Alexa and I went to the same school. But still, Camila wasn’t lucky enough to be in the same class as her again.

Brad and her even stayed together through their high school years. Until the day before their senior year start that is.

This is when it gets sorta depressing.

Camila never really knew how their relationship were like. So she lacked the details and she might mess up a few storyline. And yeah, fun fact; this is based on true events.

So, some time during Christmas, Lauren and Brad had a huge fight. And when Lauren’s mad, she tends to say (aggressive) things that she doesn’t really mean. And well, needless to say, she said pretty mean things to Brad.

He took it to the heart and eventually broke it off on text. Yes, on text. Not even a phone call goddamn.

The sad thing was, she got too attached to him already. And they’ve been together for fairly a long time for someone so young. It almost felt like forever to her.

That was what she thought. She thought they were gonna last forever.

Unfortunately, when something doesn’t go her way, she gets sad. The kind of sad that makes you wanna hug her until she’s happy again, no matter how long it takes.

Of course, Camila didn’t know how bad their break up at firs, it wasn’t like they were close that time, so she assumed that Lauren was fine.

What she found later though, it was the opposite.

In New Year’s Eve, Brad went to a party while Lauren was bawling her eyes out in her room. She saw him drinking and partying and flirting with other girls through a video her friend sent.

Trigger warning… She eventually got depressed that night and cut her wrist with a razor.

That’s not the worst part though. What’s worse was the fact that she actually took a picture and send them to Brad.

No.

Actually, the worst part was the fact that Brad showed the picture to his friends. How she knew? His friends actually texted her and asked if she was okay. Brad, however, told her to stop it. He told her to stop trying to make him pity her.

(When Camila heard this, she regretted ever trying to play matchmaker with the two)

So of course, what Brad said stung Lauren and it only made her more depressed. She barely ate. She stayed at home, juggling between crying and sleeping in her room. She wasn’t as social as she had gotten during the first few years in High School.

She was a big ball of mess.

Alexa, her so called bestfriend, was never there for her. In fact, she actually sided with Brad, saying that even if she and Lauren are friends, Brad is still her friend too. Which is totally malarkey because the only thing mutual they had was basketball.

Camila hasn’t even seen them talk.

It was just the fact that Brad was popular and Alexa have an obsession with climbing up the ladder, not caring about who she steps on along the way.

So while Lauren was blamed for their breakup, Brad was given the crown for ‘trying’ to stay 'cordial’ with Lauren (fun fact; she never told anyone except for Camila about what he said to her that night). Why she was blamed, you ask? Well, it was originally because of that one simple slip up on Lauren’s part about how stupid Brad is. Only that it had more colorful vocabulary than that.

Through senior year, Brad eventually got a new girl and Lauren was still struggling to look happy for her friends, not wanting to seem like a downer to them. (Seriously, what kind of friends are they?)

Senior prom came and Lauren got asked by Brad’s best friend, James. She reluctantly said yes at first, but she thought, 'Hey!! Why the fuck not?’ So after a few days, she gave in and they actually started talking.

But sadly, Lauren and dating never really go well, do they?

She found out that James was talking to another girl and they fought. James broke it off just a few days before prom and asked a different girl, a girl that Brad was dating no less, as his date.

James’ date was stupid to accept James and not Brad honestly, seeing as Brad was the one she’s dating with at that time. Wait, you know what? I’m bitter, it’s just plain stupid of her to say yes to any of them.

So Lauren, once again, got fucked over by two douches. But she’s hopeful. Too fucking hopeful.

Brad was baffled too. His bestfriend literally went under his nose and got the girl he was in midst of courting.

So he made a ridiculous plan. A plan that included Lauren. He asked Lauren if he wanted to go fuck James over by going to prom together.

She said yes.

And there they went, Lauren looking beautiful in a blue dress while Brad wore a matching tie, surprising everyone at the event.

Camila was also surprised, even if she wasn’t there. (Camila actually had a date and she sort of canceled on him last minute)

After prom, Lauren and Brad started talking again. And Lauren was stupid enough to think that it might work out again.

A few months later, college days came.

Coincidentally, Camila and Lauren went to the same college, Lauren bringing Brad with her.

And that was how their friendship starts to blossom once more.

During orientation, they sat next to each other and just talked and laughed together, mocking everything the people did on stage. They also started to go out together. (Of course, Brad was there and Camila became the professional Third Wheeler)

One time, they went to this resort, only to find out that it costs more than their budget. So since they couldn’t stay there, they opted to at least watch the sunset before they go, only to groan in frustration when rain started pouring down at the same time they sat down.

It was quite a shitty day for all of them, but Camila wouldn’t trade that memory for anything. Lauren looks cute when she whines.

((And it wasn’t like Camila was lonely. Actually, she started dating quite a lot of guys since they started going to college. But unfortunately, no one really caught her eye to make her stay))

Camila and Lauren, once again, became inseparable.

And through those first few months, nothing really sparked Camila’s feelings towards Lauren.

Well… actually, one time, Lauren stripped to her underwear when she was in the same room and it did make Camila internally gasp as she subtly watched her through the corner of her eyes.

But that was about it, Camila felt nothing towards Lauren. And maybe the fact that Brad and Lauren were always attached helped her a bit.

Until, of course, Brad decided to move to U.K. to study there.

It broke Lauren into pieces, but this time, Camila was there for Lauren.

Camila was there when Lauren ranted about how much it hurt.

Camila was there when Lauren got depressed. But before she did anything, Camila is already outside her door with fastfood and Ben & Jerry’s on her hands.

And since Lauren and Brad already broke up, her friendship with Camila got tighter. (It’s not that it wasn’t at first, it’s just that Lauren had to share her attention to two of her favorite people before that. And now, it’s solely on Camila)

After class, either Lauren or Camila would drag the other to watch a movie together. Just the two of them.

One of the memorable one was this Korean zombie movie. Camila complained about how she’s not up for reading subtitles throughout the movie. But Lauren gave her one puppy look and Camila melted.

Camila also hates ghost movie and she promised herself to never ever watch it. But alas, Lauren made her change her mind.

Yeah, Camila becomes a weak ass bitch when it comes to Lauren. Or you know… whipped.

So okay, everything was fine and dandy as Camila and Lauren battled college education together, studying (more like gossiping) in a local cafe when their exams are around the corner, eating junk food in Lauren’s apartment when the both of them are free. They practically did everything together.

But what Camila never really noticed (or she does but refuses to acknowledge it at first) was the fact that she might have felt something for Lauren. Something that isn’t platonic.

That didn’t last long though.

She first noticed that something was different when she slept over at Lauren’s one time. They just finished watching The Notebook and were lying idly on the bed. The 1975 were playing in the background as they stared at the ceiling, a comfortable silence encapsulating both girls.

It might be nothing, they’ve done it countless times after all. But something about the sudden intimate atmosphere made Camila notice just how much she loves doing this with Lauren. 

She then realize that she wouldn’t mind spending all her life with Lauren like this.

Inevitably, she began to question why all she needs is Lauren. All her life, she had always wanted a romantic partner to accompany her as she grows up, but why does Lauren makes her feel… complete.

And that’s when she begin to register that maybe she wants that so called romantic partner to be Lauren.

Of course, being in denial, she shrugs it off at first.

But ever since that thought crossed her mind, there is this nagging voice at the back of her mind everytime she gets close to Lauren. It was like her mind, body and heart subconsciously want Lauren.

She starts pictures having dates with Lauren. She starts imagining how it would feel to kiss Lauren. She starts to think about how it would be living with Lauren 10 years later, doing domestic stuff at home like cooking and cleaning. She even begin to envisage Lauren walking at the altar towards her.

She realizes that she wants Lauren, not just as a friend. 

And it scared her. There she is, 18, and turning 19 soon, when she found out that she might be falling for her bestfriend.

Another fun fact; Camila likes to run away from her problems.

So quite inevitably, she ran. Not literally of course, she doesn’t wanna fall just yet. But she starts to distance herself from Lauren. Not quite far, but enough for Lauren to make new friends.

Being the greatest friend that Lauren is though, she introduced them to Camila.

And gradually, they subconsciously formed a group amongst themselves. Lauren, Camila, Dinah, Ally and Normani.

But still, no one could beat Lauren and Camila, and that made Camila glad. At least she didn’t push her too far.

Camila eventually got comfortable with Lauren again later that year.

That wasn’t the only thing that changed though.

Lauren also started dating this rich prick, Noah. Noah was in her Art class and one day, he asked if she wanted to go out. Seeing nothing wrong with him, she accepted it.

Don’t worry though, her heart by then was guarded with millions and millions of bricks.

And ironically, that was epitome of their relationship problems.

She never really opened up to him like she should and it frustrates Noah to no end. Then, everything seems to trigger him. Like the fact that she always cancels their plans to go out with Camila. Or the fact that Lauren has a lot of guy friends. Or even the fact that she never really introduced him to her friends.

Can’t really blame him though, it’s true.

(Of course, Camila knew everything about their relationship. But the other girls.. they knew nothing of him, just that they were dating.)

While they were having problems, Camila was able to suppress whatever she was feeling towards the green eyed girl.

Barely.

Being the naturally possessive girl that she is, she starts to claim Lauren. Subtly, of course.

It starts from holding hands with Lauren as they three walk around campus. Then, it escalated to Camila claiming the seat next to Lauren everytime they all have lunch (Lauren always brings Camila to their date, for some reason). She does everything Lauren wants; giving her flowers whenever she finds them, knowing just how much Lauren loves a single rose instead of a bouquet (she chokes back a laugh everytime  Noah brings Lauren flowers). She also knows that Lauren hates chocolate and with that, she couldn’t hold back the laugh bubbling on her throat when she sees Lauren’s nose scrunches subtly when he gave her just that. 

“Why are you laughing?” Noah asks Camila with an annoyed tone.

“Nothing.. Its just that.. You know that Lauren doesn’t like chocolate right?” Camila says mid-laugh. 

Noah looks back at Lauren expectantly and was irrevocably humiliated when he sees Lauren nod hesitantly. 

Needless to say, they had quite an interesting screaming contest when he called her that night. What he didn’t know was that Camila heard everything he said to her.

It made her pissed but she couldn’t do anything.

But all that was temporary. After some time, she realizes that she couldn’t destroy their relationship. What she was doing was selfish and despite how shitty he is, he does make Lauren happy sometimes.

So she also started dating to this guy, Austin. If she can’t get the person she wants, why not move on and date a guy she assumes is the best for her.

Get ready to more confused, probably.

She first met him through a mutual friend’s birthday party, Zara Larsson.

The two immediately hit it off since they kind of have the same kind of humor. He was dorky and playful and it made Camila feel like someone finally gets her. 

Don’t get her wrong, she knows for a fact that Lauren gets her. Its just that its mostly because they’re used to each other. In fact, in more ways than one, they’re quite different. But their kind of different is a positive one because they complete each other. What Lauren lacks, Camila fills and vice versa.

(Lauren, frankly, lacks sympathy while Camila has more to a fault. Camila teaches Lauren to take people’s feelings into account while Lauren teaches Camila to not let everyone in because most people are shit)

Theyre kind of like Yin Yang in a way. Or you know, the moon and the sun. 

Anyway, Austin was nice and that definitely helped Camila’s decision to try dating him.

When they first interacted, Lauren was there. She saw how Austin was basically attached to Camila throughout the night. Like, one time, when they were all in the dining room, Austin actually came up to Camila and sat on the same chair she was sitting on.

While Camila send him a inquisitive look, he shrugs and smiles.

“There aren’t any more chairs to sit on,” he said.

“There’s a chair beside me Austin,” Dinah pointed out. 

And if Camila looked at the right person clearly that time, she could’ve seen the person she’s in love with sigh in relief when Austin was basically forced to sit on the vacant chair.

But it didn’t mean that Camila wasn’t looking at Lauren. Hell, she probably looked at her more that a bestfriend should. She was always there next to Lauren, she remembers listening to Lauren laugh when she whined as her drink spilled because she danced around Lauren a tad bit much. She remembers Lauren dragging her to the toilet because she felt like it (she didn’t even pee).

But that night was apparently a long one. Because even if they were attached, Camila still had time to be singing in the karaoke room with Austin. She remembers walking to a vacant couch at a secluded area and Austin following after her (even if there were millions of seats he could sit on. Thats how she knows that Austin was somewhat interested in her). She remembers singing All My Life by K-Ci and Jojo with Austin and him looking at her as he sang. She remembers that it was pretty cliché and very High School Musical of them. 

Two days after the party, Camila received a text from a random number in midst of texting Lauren.

(Camila was sending her this cute ass joke that made Lauren laugh harder than she should.)

Unknown [7.03pm]: Hey, it’s Austin. Ummm, from Zara’s birthday party. 

Unknown [7.03pm]: I got your number from her. I hope thats okay?

Unknown [7.04pm]: I was just wondering if you want to go out with me sometime.

After she reads the text thoroughly for 10 minutes, she does the thing any normal girl does.

She asks her bestfriend.

Camz [7.16pm]: Remember that dude that sat next to me in the dining room for a sec?

Laur [7.20pm]: Yeah… Why?

Camz [7.22pm]: Well, he texted me.

Camila waited for a reply from Lauren, and she could see that bubble popping in and out when she did. But the text never came after ten minutes. Camila got tired of waiting so she called Lauren instead.

“Laur, what should I do?”

“Why are you asking me? He’s your problem, not mine,” Lauren says sharply, making Camila frown immediately at her shift in mood. Lauren seemed happy when they were texting.

“Are you okay?” Camila asks, and Lauren sighs defeatedly. 

There were shuffling sounds before Lauren answers. “Nothing, Noah’s just pissing me off.”

“Oh,” Camila say, buying the excuse immediately. Though she was just hoping that Lauren was annoyed at the idea of Austin and her and little did she know that it was completely why. 

(The difference between Austin and the rest of the guys she temporarily dated was the fact that Austin was the first guy Lauren knows Camila was mildly interested in after Brad left to go to UK.)

“Do you wanna talk about it?” Camila asks.

“It’s okay, it’s nothing you don’t already know,” she answers dismissively. Camila didn’t question it because she knows that Noah and Lauren always argues about the same thing.

“Okay well, since you clearly don’t wanna talk about him, what do you think I should do with Austin?”

Camila swears she can feel Lauren’s eye rolls through the call.

“What do you want?” Lauren asks. Camila could hear how strained her voice is, but she decides to not point it out since she doesn’t want to push her buttons.

“I don’t know. What do you think?” Maybe, Camila wants Lauren to convince her to not to associate herself with him. (And maybe admit that she wants Camila like she wants the older girl, but Camila shakes that thought off fast since she thought it was impossible)

“I don’t know Camila,” Lauren replies. Camila knows that she only says her actual name when she’s unhappy with her, “I mean, it’s not like you have feelings for somebody else, right?”

“Well… Um…,” Camila stutters, caught off guard with the question. “No.”

“Then why not?”

She hung up immediately after. And to say that Camila was hurt would be an understatement.

What she thought was that Lauren didn’t care about her. Not enough to talk about her current predicament with Austin. She’s been with Lauren through thick and thin. She had even gone as far as to drive her around in the middle of the night when she was sleepy as fuck because Lauren couldn’t sleep and was still hung up on Brad.

Anything that Lauren has a problem with, especially in terms of boys, Camila was always there to try to give her unbiased opinions, even if it kinda killed Camila a little bit.

She’s also selfless when it comes to Lauren’s happiness. For example, during Lauren’s birthday, she actually had a plan to surprise Lauren but last minute, she received a call from Noah that he already had a plan for her. Camila accepted defeat and took down everything she did. She even went as far as to help him surprise her.

Even if it hurt her.

Hell, she even canceled on a date she had with this random dude because Lauren wanted to watch a movie with her.

And now that she has something a dilemma she wants to fix, Lauren hung up on her.

It just sucks. So fucking bad.

At that time, she feels like Lauren doesn’t care about Camila like she does for her. Not gonna lie, even if it was improbable, Camila still lowkey hoped that Lauren has feelings for her, even if it was only a fragment of she feels for the older girl. But that idea was soon out the window and so, she accepted Austin’s proposal and they went on a date.

He was really sweet. They went on this Cuban restaurant and he did everything a normal gentleman would. They even walked around the streets for a couple of hours to talk about nonsensical things after dinner.

And for once in a million years, Camila finally felt like she could open up to someone romantically again.

So she went on a couple more dates with him.

Lauren… Lauren was somewhere. She sort of dropped from the face of the earth and if sort of made Camila worried.

Actually, she was more than worried.

She texted a couple times, only to receive nothing in return.

Just when she was walking to her car in campus, planning on going to Lauren to check up on her, she saw her walking with Noah with their hands intertwined and a huge smile plastered on both their faces.

It further aggravated Camila. While Camila was worried sick, Lauren was happy and having fun with Noah. She didn’t even bother trying to reply an “I’m okay” to her.

(And maybe, just maybe, she hated the fact that Lauren looked happy without her)

She wanted to talk to Lauren, but she didn’t want to cause a scene so she decided to wait for Lauren outside her apartment building.

You might be asking why Lauren has an apartment to herself and why Camila’s not actually living with her. It was actually because she already paid for my dorm room and she didn’t know that Lauren actually rented an apartment for the both of them.

She did say that Camila should make good use of the dorm that she paid for for a year and only then, she could move in with her. I mean, she didn’t oppose if Camila moved in early, but the campus didn’t accept refunds and the least Camila could do was try to stay there for her parents.

Camila waited for around two hours or so before she saw Noah’s sports car (he’s so flashy it’s annoying) stop in front of the building. Camila should’ve opted on texting her so she didn’t have to wait that long, but I guess she needed time to recollect her thoughts.

When Lauren climbed out of the car (he didn’t even get out of the car and open the door for her), her gaze immediately fell to Camila and to say that she was surprised would be an understatement.

“Cam-”

“I wanna talk to you,” Camila cut her off.

“Um, yeah sure. Hold on.” She turned around and waved at Noah before he drove off. “Let’s go up first.”

They rode up the elevator and into her home in silence, not sure of what to say. Camila wanted to talk about why Lauren seems to avoid her while Lauren didn’t want to talk at all, period.

But apparently, Lauren’s wish wasn’t granted when Camila asked her what’s going on the second they walked inside.

And Lauren being Lauren, she didn’t give in immediately.

“Lauren please, what’s going on? Did I do something wrong? I’m really sorry if I did. I just really miss you Laur.” Camila practically begged.

“It’s nothing about what you did. I promise. It’s just that I needed time to think about stuff and it just… I don’t know Camz. But I promise it’s not about what you did.”

“Do you wanna talk about it? You know, whatever it is that’s going on in your head.”

But for the first time, Lauren didn’t want to open up to her. And it bothered the brown eyed girl to no end.

But at least Lauren had the decency to try to divert the topic and just like that, it was enough to distract Camila from the tangible tension between the two.

And so they’re back to normal.

Only now, Lauren has Noah and Camila has Austin.

You see, Camila isn’t an oblivious girl like Lauren is in typical Camren fics. She knows that something’s going on in Lauren’s head.

Like, she knows that Lauren is annoyed whenever Camila starts talking about Austin. She also knows that Lauren hates it when Camila has to raincheck their plans because she already made one with Austin. Anything related to Austin just pisses Lauren off.

She is also almost certain that Lauren hates Austin.

But she doesn’t know why she does. She doesn’t know why Lauren always clings on Camila almost everytime now and when Austin is there, she doesn’t know why Lauren suddenly has somewhere to go or something to do.

Okay, so maybe Camila is a little bit oblivious. But hey, it’s kind of refreshing in a way, isn’t it? I’m putting an end on Lauren’s oblivious streak.

Anyway, Lauren had gotten quite hot and cold with Camila lately.

It gets weirder though.

Sometime in August, they were calling to check up on each other and Lauren pointed out that she doesn’t like it when Camila calls her by her name.

“I hate it when you call me Lauren or Laur.”

“What? Why?”

“I don’t know, it seems too formal. Like we’re close, why call me by my name?”

“But the girls call you by your name,” Camila reasoned.

“I know.. But you’re you. And they’re them. You’re different from them.”

“How?”

“I don’t know Camz.. I just don’t like it when you call me by my name.”

“Well, what do you wanna be called then?” Camila asked.

Lauren pauses.

“Baby,” she said cheekily, even giggling towards the end.

“What?” Camila said, a bit baffled.

“Baby, I want you to call me baby.”

“Why?”

“Cause I like it. It sounds cute. So why not?”

“Uhh..” Camila trailed off, not really convinced that she was serious. But for the heck of it, she said, “right, sure.”

“Say my name,” Lauren said suddenly.

“Uh- What?”

“Say my name.”

“Lauren?”

“No, not that. Say my name.”

“Umm.. Baby?”

Lauren giggled again when she heard Camila say it.

“Yes baby?” Lauren replied.

“You’re acting strange, but okay,” Camila deflected, a little bit uncomfortable. Sure, then flirting is a common occurrence, but this is just… weird. It’s making Camila’s heart beat faster than when Austin calls her baby. It’s making her stomach hurl because the butterflies are just flapping around the small space in her abdomen.

The next day, she didn’t think that Lauren would remember the conversation they had prior.

The girls, along with Ally, Dinah and Normani, had decided to have a study session in Starbucks after lunch.

Austin wanted to go out too that same day so Camila compromised by having lunch with him first then study with the girls after.

But then, she sort of lost track of time a bit and Camila realized that she was really late at the end of the lunch date.

So she opted to text Lauren.

Camz [3.52pm]: are you there already?

Laur [3.54pm]: I was, but since you’re not here yet, I decided to go home to change.

Laur [3.54pm]: I miss you :(

Camz [3.55pm]: Hehehehe, I miss you too.

Camz [3.56pm]: I’m on my way there though.

Laur [3.59pm]: Alright, Ill be there soon.

Again, it’s not that they’ve never flirted before. In fact, they do it so much that at one point, the three girls have asked them whether they were together or not.

They even joked about how hot they would be if they were 'lesbian-ing together.’ Their words not mine.

So the fact that Lauren just said that she missed her shouldn’t make Camila feel weird. But it does. Her heart did somersaults while the butterflies in her stomach for the same thing the day before.

30 minutes after Camila settled down and Lauren walked in with the brightest smile she has ever seen.

“Camziii,” she squealed, putting down her books to the table and hugged her.

“Lauren.”

“Wait, that wasn’t what you promised,” Lauren teased.

“Promised what?” Dinah decided to butt in, looking at both girls expectantly.

“I asked her to call me baby last night,” Lauren replied, her confidence unwavering. My heart started speeding up when she had confirmed it once again.

“Yeah, well then, hi baby..” Camila said awkwardly as she hugged Lauren again, still confused at what was happening with her bestfriend.

She just giggled in response and sat across from Camila.

That wasn’t the only weird situation Camila was put in that day. That same fateful night, Lauren asked something weird.

“If you were lesbian, would you stay in the closet?”

“Come again?” The pen cap Camila was biting prior flew out of her mouth. She thought she wasn’t hearing Lauren correctly.

“If you liked girls, would you stay in the closet?” The raven haired girl said slowly, making Camila’s eyes grow bigger.

“Oh.. Uhh.. Would you?”

“No.. Yes.. Honestly, I don’t really know.”

“Well, umm, I don’t think I’d hide my relationship. I think I’d actually flaunt her in front of everyone.”

Lauren smiled in response.

“If you could date any girl in your class, who’d you date?” Lauren inquired once more.

You, Camila thought. “Oh. Umm.. I can’t think of anyone right now. You?”

“Probably Ashley, she’s so artistic. It’d be cool.”

Literally, Camila could hear her heart breaking when Lauren said it. There goes her hope again.

Nothing weird really happened that week. And honestly, I don’t think Camila could handle it if Lauren were to continue whatever game she was playing.

The next few weeks, Lauren and Camila started being normal again. Maybe not normal like how usual bestfriends are, considering the tension, but it’s their kind of normal and that’s all that matters. They even continued on talking about boys again.

And then, she broke up with Noah.

That’s when shit started getting weirder between Lauren and Camila.

When Camila asked her why they broke up, Lauren vaguely answered the fact that she didn’t make time for him, and he got tired of it. (He actually noticed just how close Camila and Lauren were and he hates being out second)

Camila bought it.

Then, one time at lunch, the 5 girls went to this restaurant and they were getting quite rowdy.

Normani pointed out that she misses making out and that she’s desperate to find a companion.

“Since you miss making out so much, why don’t you make out with me?” Camila flirted with a wink.

That time, she and Lauren were holding hands under the table, and she could feel Lauren’s grasp getting firmer.

“I love you Mila, but I’d rather kiss Lauren.”

“Sori Mani, I wouldn’t kiss you if you were the last person on earth.”

Normani gasped and playfully threw a napkin to Lauren.

But the fact that Normani wouldn’t kiss her offended Camila, she pouted throughout the lunch time, not caring about what they were talking because she was disappointed. And that her ego was greatly bruised.

The desperate didn’t even want her, she thought.

Lauren saw Camila’s shift in mood and squeezed her hand to gain her attention.

“I’d kiss you Camz..” She whispered, making Camila’s body tingle with anticipation.

But lol, Camila was still with Austin.

A few days later, when Camila told Lauren about how she almost did it with Austin, Lauren literally said that she couldn’t handle looking at Camila and went off, leaving Camila alone.

Shits like that kept happening until at one point, Camila felt like she needed to talk to her about it. She was just so fed up with how Lauren was acting.

Even Austin mentioned about how flirty Lauren is to Camila. He asked her if Lauren was into girls or not. Camila asks why he’d think that and he said that he’s almost sure that the gazes Lauren throws at Camila was love.

Camila didn’t believe him.

Eventually, it caused them to argue. Camila argued that Austin was irrationally jealous and he got pretty pissed about that.

Then, they argued at the fact that Camila always sided with the raven haired girl if Lauren and Austin had were fighting.

Austin eventually gave Camila an ultimatum; Austin or Lauren. And Camila almost laughed when he asked that. Just thinking of choosing him over Lauren made her stomach hurl.

So they broke up after 5 months of dating.

And just then, Camila finally moved in with Lauren.

Throughout the week after Camila and Austin broke up, Lauren did the same thing Camila did to her after Brad. She brought back food and Ben & Jerry’s as Camila got sad over her break up.

(She wasn’t really sad, she just liked the attention Lauren was giving her)

Everything turned back to normal after. Camila being tortured by Lauren’s indirects and flirty comments.

And it throws Camila on a loop.

One minute, Lauren is talking about this cute guy she saw somewhere, the next she’s cuddling and saying cute shit like how she wants to live with Camila forever.

She was convinced that Lauren was playing with her heart. She thinks that Lauren knows how she has feelings for her, and now she’s just having fun toying her around.

So she decided that enough was enough.

“Laure-”

“Say my name,” Lauren cut Camila off with a smirk.

“Lauren.” Camila stood her ground. “What is going on with you?”

“Whatever do you mean?” She finally saw how serious the younger girl was and stopped reading the book that was on her lap.

“What’s going on with you?”

“What did I do?”

“You.. excessively flirting with me. What’s up with that?”

“I-” Lauren started. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“Yes you do. I know you’re doing this on purpose. I know that you know that I have feelings for you. But you don’t ha-”

“Wait. Wait what?” Lauren perked up.

“I know you’re doing this on purpose?”

“No the one after that.”

“You don’t have to toy with my heart?” Camila asked questioningly, not sure where Lauren is getting at.

“No… no. Before that,” Lauren stood up then, walking over to Camila. Not that close, but close enough to hear Camila’s gulp.

“I have feelings for you.”

“Oh my God,” Lauren immediately wrapped her arms around Camila and hugged her for dear life.

“I’ve wanted to hear that since forever Camz.”

“Wait what? Really? When?”

“Uhh, I’m not so sure really. But after Brad, you were just so sweet to me and I couldn’t help but fall for you.”

“Hey hey now. No one talked about falling here,” Camila smirked. “I didn’t say that.”

Lauren laughed and she grabbed Camila’s face with her two hands, immediately planting a kiss on her mouth.

“I like you Camz,” The older girl admitted.

“I like you too Laure-”

“Ah! Say my name.” Lauren cut her off once more, the most cocky smirk plastered on her face.

Camila playfully sighed. “I like you too baby…”

Lauren immediately squealed and kissed Camila.

Finally, after years of trials and error, Lauren finally found the perfect guy for her. Only that it wasn’t a guy.

Sure, Lauren had her fair share of dating stupid boys. But needless to say, she wouldn’t change anything if it meant that she’d end up with Camila in the end.

And yeah, sure, there are still many things about Camila that they don’t understand, but at least now she can be sure of one thing.

It’s the fact that she’s not straight.

—

A/N

Lol. Idk.

I rushed the ending. Sors. But tell me what you think about the two.

It’s somewhat based on true story.

[sensc]

░ ✧ ❝ — plots based on [ SONGS ] ❞

here’s a list of random plots inspired from various songs on my spotify! they’re written out as m & f ( all muse a as the female & all muse b as the male ) but they can obviously be altered to your preference!

( # 01 ° * ) —― we own the night , selena gomez & the scene ; ❝  is it alright if I’m with you for the night? hope you don’t mind if you stay by my side. ❞

muse a and muse b were not only next door neighbors while growing up, but they were also the best of friends before inevitably drifting apart once high school began. muse a eventually left town to attend a university miles away while muse b stayed home to attend a local community college. now, almost a semester into their sophomore year, muse a is back in town without giving anyone a warning or reason. muse b isn’t even aware of her homecoming until muse a climbs the tree between their houses in the middle of the night and taps his window until he wakes up. it’s only then that muse b finds out the truth behind muse a’s reappearance.

... muse a is back home because something life-changing happened to her ( maybe she witnessed a crime, someone broke into her dorm, a friend passed away, a video/picture of her got around school, etc ) (( just something impactful ))

... as a result of the incident, muse a always visits muse b at night because she can’t sleep & refuses to be alone because she’ll start thinking about *the incident* all over again

( # 02 ° * ) —― colors , halsey ; ❝  you’re ripped at every edge but you’re a masterpiece and now you’re tearing through the pages and the ink. ❞  

since kindergarten, muse b has given muse a drawings. although they were mostly scribbles and shaky shapes, muse a was always grateful, unfailingly responding with a smile. this exchange continued throughout elementary and middle school, the scribbles transforming into sophisticated portraits and illustrations that showcased muse b’s artistic talent. however, during the duo’s first year of high school, muse a’s friends caught wind of the drawings and teased her endlessly. out of embarrassment, muse a stopped accepting muse b’s art and promptly told him to leave her alone. they haven’t spoken since. now, 10 years later, muse a is a small-time reporter struggling to find the story that’ll finally launch her career while muse b is a prestigious artist whose work sells for millions to culture-savvy socialites. after muse b shockingly announces his early retirement, every news outlet is dying for an interview. however, he’s always kept a low profile in the public eye, which is why he’s only allowed one network to interview him — muse a’s network.

( # 03 ° * ) ―― real , years & years ; ❝  i think i’m into you, how much do you want it too? i think i’m gonna make it worse, i talk to you but it don’t work. what have i been doing wrong? tell me what it is you want. ❞ 

muse b is an illustrator for a popular graphic novel. after struggling to find inspiration for his latest assignment, he wills to life a drawing of his dream girl — muse a. she becomes the muse that he’s been needing, even earning him a promotion. however, after muse a finds out that she can be seen by everyone and not just muse b, her desire to live a real life in the real world is ignited. now, muse b has more to focus on than just his work — the obligation to watch over the person he created, the need for her presence in order to complete ( what were once simple ) tasks, and the jealousy as muse a’s world become more than just muse b.

( # 04 ° * ) ―― r u mine , arctic monkeys ; ❝  i go crazy ‘cause here isn’t where i wanna be and satisfaction feels like a distant memory. i can’t help myself, all i wanna hear her say is are you mine. ❞ 

muse b always goes for a run at 2 am because he has trouble sleeping and every time he comes back home, muse a ( his next door neighbor ) is drunk and either fumbling with her keys or stumbling through the front door. muse b always helps her get in safely then leaves some water and advil by her bed and muse a always responds with drunken rambles of appreciation. the duo constantly exchange fleeting glances during the day, but muse b never initiates the conversation in fear of muse a being too drunk to remember his assistance while muse a never initiates the conversation due to being embarrassed by her frequent drunkenness.

( # 05 ° * ) ―― strangers , halsey feat. lauren jauregui ; ❝  we’re not lovers. we’re just strangers with the same damn hunger to be touched, to be loved, to feel anything at all. ❞

muse b has it all — a successful business under his thumb, millions of dollars that’ll sustain him until his dying day, and people who take his word as law. the only thing he’s missing? love. but unlike the age-old saying, money can buy everything. enter muse a, a high-charging escort who earns her living by sleeping with some of the world’s most wealthy men. after being setup by friends, a night is arranged between the twosome. however, unlike muse a’s regular customers, muse b wants to pay for her time instead of her body. they strike up one of the most profitable deals of muse a’s career, a deal that essentially turns her into muse b’s significant other once the moon is out. this includes spending the night, eating dinner together, late night talks, and ( most importantly to muse b ) affirmations of love. but it all ends once the sun is back in the sky and doesn’t begin again until it goes back down.

( # 06 ° * ) ―― down for me , g-eazy feat. 24hrs ; ❝  she was the only one down for me. had a hard time adjusting to new fame, my life ain’t the same since the day that you came. ❞

muse a and muse b only met once ― the first day of their junior year of high school where they crossed paths after both reaching for the last pamphlet for a local college of the arts. after a short ( and competitive ) conversation, they each swore that they would make it big. years later, muse b lived up to his promise and is now a famous rapper/musician whose name is synonymous with money, fame, and success. muse a is a college student who is struggling to get her degree and pay her student loans while still pursuing her dreams of being a dancer. muse a’s first public performance is at a small art show where a typical audience is around twenty people, which is why she’s dumbfounded when she’s in the middle of her routine and sees muse b sitting in the front row. before her set is even finished, muse b is bombarded by photographers and fans who are dying for a moment of his time, causing everyone’s eyes to shift away from muse a. while muse a is livid, she can’t help but wonder what the hell muse b is doing here.

( # 07 ° * ) ―― déjà vu , post malone feat. justin bieber ; ❝  now, tell me, is that déjà vu? ❞

muse a and muse b were childhood best friends but drifted apart ( for some reason ) and haven’t talked since they were kids despite growing up in the same town and attending the same university. recently, a group of amateur hackers have gotten into numerous people’s phones with intentions to steal and sell people’s nudes. muse a was the most recent victim and muse b bought her nudes so no one else would see them, but she found out and now thinks that he’s some kind of pervert… great! 

( # 08 ° * ) ―― if you can afford me , katy perry ; ❝  if you wanna ride, just name your price. don’t play cheap with your heart. don’t make a bet if you can’t write the check. ❞ 

muse b has always been overlooked and underappreciated, his eternal label being ‘the brain’. muse a is the complete opposite, an absolute bombshell who always has eyes on her. when their university has a bachelor auction for raising money for the end of year mixer, muse a places the highest bid of the night on muse b ― $1,000. while muse a tells everyone that she placed her bet out of pity, behind closed doors, she explains to muse b that she needs him to tutor her so she can pass her final exams. muse b, both offended and embarrassed for being naïve enough to think that she was actually interested in him, refuses to do anything more than what she paid for ― be her date. it’s only when muse a offers to double the money and pay muse b his own personal $2,000 ( alongside the school bid ) that they reach an agreement..

( # 09 ° * ) ―― the love club , lorde ; ❝  i’m sitting pretty on the throne. there’s nothing more i want, except to be alone. ❞

muse a’s life has been a whirlwind since becoming a seemingly overnight success a few years ago. although she appreciates her newfound fame and millions of fans across the world, it’s all become too much to handle. she drops everything and catches the next flight to her childhood best friend’s university ( wearing oversized sunglasses and a floppy hat to lay low ), wanting to surprise the person she hadn’t gotten the chance to speak to in months. after landing, she knocks on their dorm door but is instead met with her best friend’s roommate, muse b — a stranger. as luck would have it, her best friend has unexpectedly taken a semester off to travel ( a not-so-minor detail that she probably would have known if she hadn’t ignored their texts after her ego schedule blew up ). unfortunately, the media finds out that she’s in town and both college kids and the paparazzi are wanting a visual of muse a’s apparent breakdown. with no other option, muse a begs muse b to let her stay in his dorm until the attention dies down... to which muse b reluctantly agrees.