#Junior excited to become a big brother

[palskippah]

Hi! This is a compilation of Luigi and Bowser expecting a baby jsj

@penbwl this one’s for you! For opening my eyes to this idea ajksdjasd also your art of Luigi is so cute!! :’v

[skygemspeaks]

Brainrotting over a very cute no angst au today

AU where jun wu really is a good guy and white no-face doesn't exist so xianle doesn't fall, but when xie lian ascends, his parents have another baby in order to secure the line of succession (because no one in their right mind would put qi rong on the throne)

And hua cheng, who's been steadily making his way through the ranks of the royal guard, ends up being hired as the new crown prince's bodyguard

This little prince grows up hearing so many stories about his big brother and is his biggest devotee because hua cheng is always telling him stories about how amazing xie lian is

Every time the prince goes to his brother's temple with their parents to pray, instead of asking for anything he just rambles on and on about how amazing san lang-gege is and how "lian-ge you have to appoint him as your general, he's the BEST"

Xie lian loves his little brother and through his little brother's stories, he becomes rather fond of hua cheng as well

So when mu qing and feng xin eventually ascend and become gods, xie lian needs to appoint new junior officials anyways, so he decides to take his little brother's suggestion and appoint hua cheng

Hua cheng is sure he must be dreaming, and the little prince is giddy with excitement and triumph because now his two favourite people are together (though he is rather sad he won't be able to see san lang again)

[corroded-hellfire]

Jitters - Eddie Munson x Reader

An As You Wish story

Collaboration with my darling @munson-blurbs

Summary: It's the first day of school for the Munson children--ever for Eliza, but their dad is being the biggest baby of them all.

Note: With all the back-to-school excitement going on I thought, "What would Eddie be like when Eliza first starts school?" So, voila. As always, I am so thankful for all of you who read and have the loveliest things to say 💕

Words: 3.2k

[As You Wish masterlist]

If someone were to take bets on which Munson is the most miserable on the first day of school, they might pick Ryan. Sixteen years old, starting his junior year, and seemingly irritated by every move someone makes. 

They might pick fourteen-year-old Luke, the Tasmanian Devil himself, constantly lamenting about how boring his teachers are. 

Or they might pick Eliza, no longer getting to be the big fish in the daycare’s small pond, but now a full-fledged preschooler—one who is not happy about getting up early. 

Any of these would be fine guesses. But they would also be dead wrong. 

“My babies are all grown up!” Eddie bemoans, watching Eliza slide a comically oversized Little Mermaid backpack over her tiny shoulders. He stares at his sons as they shove their feet into their new sneakers, conveniently ignoring the repeated warnings not to break their shoes. 

Ryan catches his dad looking at them and rolls his eyes. “Take a picture; it’ll last longer,” he quips, groaning when Eddie dashes into the bedroom to grab his camera. “Crap, I didn’t mean literally.”

“Swear jar!” Luke chirps, all-too excited to catch his big brother slipping up. 

“‘Crap’ isn’t a swear word, dumbass.”

“Another dollar in the swear jar!” Luke roars, nearly colliding with the wall as he darts away from Ryan before the elder boy can get his hands on him. 

You give the two boys a biting glare from across the room. If you can't keep them from using bad language all the time, they at least need to adhere to the rule when their little sister is in the room. Luckily, Eliza is currently admiring her new black Mary Jane shoes and was paying no mind to what was happening around her. 

Before Ryan and Luke can start bickering again, you herd them over to the side of the living room where the lighting is the best for pictures. 

“Come on, come on,” you say as you practically push them across the space. “Dad’s getting the camera, let’s get this show on the road.” 

Ryan groans and drops his head back in irritation. “Can’t you just take some of Eliza? You have enough of us.”

“We never have enough of you,” you tell him, moving towards him on instinct to press a kiss to the top of his head—only to come face to face with the reminder that he’s taller than you now. “Eliza, come on over here, baby girl.”

Eliza looks up from where she’s now inspecting the pink overall dress she’s wearing. Her two curly little pigtails bounce with every motion. She hikes up her green sparkly princess backpack as she skips towards you. She becomes derailed, however, when Eddie walks back into the room. Eliza diverts her attention and makes a not-quite-a-surprise attack on his legs.

“Rawr! Gotchu Daddy!”

“Oh no!” Eddie feigns, clasping the camera to his chest. “I guess I can’t take you to preschool then, huh? Such a shame.”

“Nice try,” you tell him. “She’s still going.” 

Eddie’s brows furrow together in another one of the little pouts he’s been giving you for the past few days. He thinks his baby girl is growing up too fast—does he think you don’t feel the same way? You just don’t show your emotions as expressively as your husband does. 

“She’s only three,” Eddie says about your daughter. “Shouldn’t we wait until she’s at least four?”

“She’ll be four next month, Eddie,” you remind him. “This is when she’s supposed to start preschool.” 

The sullen father has nothing to say in response to that, so he just looks down at the camera and fiddles with it, making sure there’s enough film and that it’s on the right settings. You take the opportunity to walk over towards Ryan.

“Was he this bad when Luke started school?” you ask in a hushed voice. 

Ryan considers it for a moment before shrugging. “In my childhood mind, no. But I also used to believe it when Dad told me I’d look like Popeye if I ate my spinach, so who knows?”

“I can only imagine how he was with you.” With a small smirk, you grab Ryan’s arms and give him a small shake from side to side. “His first born,” you coo in a sickeningly sweet tone. Ryan shoos you away from him, but you can see the smile on his face that he’s trying his damndest to hide. 

In the meantime, Luke grabs a Kleenex box from the kitchen counter, lowering onto bended knee and presenting it to Eddie. 

“A gift for thou, Sir Sobs-a-Lot,” he says, adopting an exaggerated British accent. 

Eddie thumps him on the back of the head, but takes a tissue regardless. 

“Wayne always said I’d be screwed if my kids were as weird as me,” he muses. 

“Dad,” Luke fake-whines, “don’t say that about Eliza!”

Eliza furrows her little eyebrows and makes a run for her brother, charging towards him like a provoked rhinoceros. 

Luke is quicker, though, and holds her prisoner against his chest with a menacing cackle.  

“Mean brother,” Eliza mumbles, face smushed against him. 

He grins triumphantly. “That’s why you love me so much.” He presses a big smacking kiss to her cheek and lets her go, gasping in feigned offense when she wipes it away and wanders back to Eddie.

“Time for school! Let’s gooooooo, Daddy!” She takes his hand and tugs him towards the door, equal parts eager and exasperated. 

Eddie obliges, but you can tell that this isn’t easy for him. “Why is she so eager to leave?” he asks you under his breath. “Ryan and Luke were practically wrapped around my ankles begging me to let them stay home.”

“I think she’s just excited to meet new friends and learn new things!” you say with a smile, trying to hold back your own tears. “Isn’t that right, Liza Bean?”

Eliza nods vigorously. “Luke says I get Play-Doh!”

“Remember,” Luke crouches down to tell her, “it’s important that you taste the Play-Doh before you use it.”

The comment earns him another thump to the head from Eddie. 

“Please don’t eat Play-Doh,” you beg your daughter. Or listen to anything Luke says, you silently add. 

“Yeah, just stick to your lunch,” Ryan offers, always the voice of reason. 

“Lots of fruits and veggies,” Luke jumps in. “Remember why?”

“SCURVY!” Eliza proudly shouts, beaming from ear to ear. 

Eddie exhales and rubs the bridge of his nose, at a total loss for words. “Can you crazy children just take the pictures so we can go?” he finally manages, patience sufficiently worn thin. 

“Sir, yes, sir!” the boys salute in unison. 

“Yes, sir!” Eliza chimes in, happy to emulate her big brothers. 

You take the camera from Eddie when you see his jaw clench. You’d been afraid of your daughter having a meltdown today, but you obviously should have been worrying about her dad. 

“Okay,” you say, nodding for them to arrange themselves in front of the wall for a picture, “all three of you, first.” 

Begrudgingly on the part of the teenagers, and happily on the part of the little girl exiting toddlerhood, they come together and manage to stand still while you grab a few shots of them.

“Now just Ryan, then Luke, then Liza,” you instruct. Ryan rolls his eyes as his two younger siblings step away from him.

“This is never going to end,” he mumbles. 

Figuring it’s just easier to ignore him, you get your pictures of Ryan before moving on to solo Luke and then Eliza. “Now get in there, Dad,” you tell Eddie, gesturing him over to join the kids.

The moment Eddie is within reaching distance of her, Eliza raises her tiny arms to her father and insists that he holds her in the picture. Eddie, unable to deny her anything as always, complies. 

“Just me and Daddy!” Eliza says.

“Eliza’s will be done,” you say before snapping one of just the pair of them.

“All right, all right,” Luke says, motioning for you to give him the camera. “You get in there, too. We’ve got a monumental day here. Another Munson in the school system.”

As you pose next to your daughter and husband, you see Ryan out of the corner of your eye. He leans in behind you and holds up two fingers as bunny ears behind Eliza’s head. His little sister didn’t see him, but she was going to get a kick out of that once you got the pictures developed. Luke also noticed the photobomber, so he takes another nicer picture. 

“We ready to go now?” Luke asks. “Big day for me too, ya know. Starting high school and all. No one’s all fussy over me and I bet it’s because I don’t have pigtails. Damn.”

Eddie claps Luke on the shoulder as you take the camera from your son. “Didn’t wanna make ya nervous, kid,” Eddie says. “Also, dollar in the swear jar.”

Luke scoffs and presses a hand to his chest. “Have I ever been nervous a day in my life?” 

“Well,” Ryan starts with a smug smile, “that depends if you count the time that you got paired up with Missy Collins for that science project.”

Luke’s face turns pink and his nostrils flare. You’re almost taken aback because you think this is the most flustered you’ve ever seen the usually cool and mischievous boy. Luke goes from standing perfectly still to lunging toward his older brother in milliseconds. 

Ryan just lets out a whooping laugh and dodges him by heading outside. Luke is hot on his tail.

Eliza looks up at you and shakes her head, little brown pigtails swaying with the motion. 

“Boys,” she says, an air of sophistication older than her three years in her tone. 

“Boys,” you agree, offering her your hand. Her little fingers slide into your own and you head out the front door behind the two teenagers. Eddie grabs his keys and follows his family out. 

The keys jingle in your husband’s hand, a nervous tic as he walks over to the car and unlocks it. The three kids pile into the back and Eliza and Luke bicker over buckling her car seat as you slip into the passenger’s side.

“Everyone have everything?” Eddie asks as soon as the arguing stops. “Backpacks? Lunches? Or lunch money?”

A chorus of “yes” comes from the backseat so Eddie starts the car and pulls out of the driveway, instantly wishing he could turn around and take everyone back home.

You, Eddie, and Eliza somehow arrive at the preschool on time, but not before your daughter had thoroughly embarrassed her brothers on the high school drop-off line. She’d begged Eddie to roll down her window so she could yell to them as they joined their friends. 

“Bye, Ryan! Bye, Lukie!” she’d shouted. “I love you!” 

You and Eddie thought it was hilarious. Luke and Ryan? Not so much. 

But now, your husband is a total wreck as Eliza marches full steam ahead towards the school’s doors. Truthfully, you’re almost as bad as he is, but you’re trying to keep it together—for Eliza’s sake and for Eddie’s. 

“You ready, Eliza?” You crouch down and place your hands on her shoulders. 

“Yep!” She nods, baby teeth on full display when she grins excitedly.  

Eddie narrows his eyes in disbelief. “Are you sure?” he asks, making you roll your eyes. 

“Yep!” Eliza repeats; thankfully, she’s oblivious to his inner turmoil. 

“You’re going to have a great time and make lots of new friends,” you tell her. 

“And I’ll be right here, ready to pick you up when it’s over,” Eddie adds as he crouches down next to you.

It takes all your strength not to roll your eyes again or elbow Eddie in the ribs.  

Eliza nods her head, little pigtails bouncing with the movement. She hikes her backpack up higher and gives you both another wide smile. 

“Ready to go in?” you ask. 

“Uh huh.”

You take her hand and she leads you into her new classroom, Eddie following along behind you. He’s quite literally dragging his feet, a human version of Eeyore the donkey. 

A teacher, not too much younger than you, comes up to greet you all. “Hi, everyone!” she chirps in a tone that signals over-caffeination. “Welcome to preschool! I’m Miss Riley, your teacher.”

For the first time this morning, Eliza seems hesitant. She looks up at you for approval and you nod your head at her. 

“I’m Eliza Marie Munson,” she announces, and you bite back a laugh at her formality. 

“It’s very nice to meet you, Eliza,” Miss Riley says. “You’ve got both Mommy and Daddy with you here today, huh?”

“Yep! Was just gonna be Daddy but then Mommy said she didn’t think he’d really take me here.” 

You squeeze your lips together as your daughter calls out your husband’s behavior; Eddie closes his eyes, a small smile appearing on his face. Both of you know (partially due to your experiences with Luke and Ryan when they were younger) that anything that went on in your house that Eliza knew about would be fair game to be shared with her whole class. 

“Well, I’m very glad you’re here,” Miss Riley replies, holding a hand out for a high-five that your daughter eagerly returns. “Would you like me to show you where your cubby is?”

“Okay!” Eliza turns around and waves to you and Eddie.  “Bye Mommy! Bye Daddy!”

“No hugs?” Eddie asks, a pout forming on his plush lips.

Eliza rolls her eyes as if this is the most unreasonable request she’s ever heard, but obliges. 

You give her a tight squeeze, pressing a kiss to her temple. “You’re gonna have an amazing day, baby girl,” you remind her. 

“I know, Mommy.”

Eddie’s hug can only be described as bone-crushing, with Eliza letting out a dramatic grunt as he holds her. 

“Eliza Munson, you are the smartest, bravest little girl I know,” he says, voice catching in his throat. “I want you to go out there and kick some a—butt,” he hurriedly amends, but not before earning a glare from you. 

“Most importantly, be nice,” you emphasize, hoping your advice trumps Eddie’s little half-time pep talk. 

“I will!” Eliza happily declares before following Miss Riley over to the cubbies.

Eddie looks back and forth from her to you. “That’s it?” he asks. “That’s all we get?”

“What did you want?” you ask as you slip your hand into your husband’s. “Want her to cry and beg you to take her back home?”

“Well, no.” At your disbelieving eyebrow raise Eddie shrugs and amends his statement. “Not entirely.”

“We got hugs and goodbyes,” you point out. “Ryan barely acknowledged us, and Luke gave you a Wet Willy. I think we should cut our losses.”

“I know,” Eddie says, letting out a defeated sigh.

You gently tug him in the direction of the door to exit. “She’ll be fine,” you reassure him with a whisper. “And she’ll be so excited to tell you all about it later.”

Eddie nods, and just as the two of you are about to walk out the door, something rams into Eddie’s legs. He looks down to see Eliza grinning up at him, little arms wrapped around his knees.  

“What’s up, Sweet Pea?” he asks, suddenly worried that something’s wrong. Was someone mean to her? Did she forget her lunch at home?

She jumps like a little jumping bean until she’s right in front of the two of you. 

“I love you!”

Your heart swells and the pressure of tears is heavy behind your eyes. There’s no way you can look at Eddie because clocking his emotion will absolutely send you over the edge. 

Eddie’s already tearing up though and has a bright smile on his face. “We love you too, Liza Bean,” he tells her. “So much.”

She giggles and you scoop her up in your arms. “We love you more than anything.”

You and Eddie press kisses to her cheeks at the same time, and Eddie blows a raspberry with his, making her giggle. 

Once you set her down, Eliza blows you both a kiss before skipping over to a table where a few kids are drawing, already settling in. 

Eddie wipes at his eyes as the two of you step out of the classroom and into the hall. “That’s what I wanted,” he admits with a tearful chuckle. 

You wrap your arms around one of Eddie’s and lay your head on his shoulder. “You okay?” you ask him.

“No.” He sighs when you press a reassuring kiss against his shoulder. “I’m just trying to keep it together for your sake,” he says.

At his words, you pull away to look at him, eyebrows raised. “This was you holding it together?” you ask. 

“Oh, this could’ve been way worse, babe.”

You chuckle as he slips his hand into yours, knowing that he’s likely telling the truth. 

The two of you take one last look inside the classroom and see Eliza talking and laughing with a little girl and boy at her table. 

“Come on,” you say, patting the back of Eddie’s hand with your free one. 

With a reluctant sigh, Eddie starts to walk with you towards the exit. 

“And I know Miss Riley is younger than me but don’t get any ideas.” You smirk and nudge his shoulder with your own, trying to joke around and cheer him up a bit.

Eddie puts his hands up in defense. “Hey, she’s a teacher. I only go for babysitters.”

The late summer morning is hot as you make the journey back to your car. Still the gentleman as always, Eddie opens your door for you. 

“Man,” he shakes his head as you slip into the passenger’s seat. “I can’t believe my baby is in preschool.” 

He closes your door and walks around to his side, giving you time to open your purse and pull out a small object, hiding it beneath your hands in your lap. He starts the car, though you’re fairly certain your heartbeat is louder than the engine. 

“Well,” you start before clearing your throat. Eddie looks over at you and there’s suddenly a million butterflies not only in your stomach, but throughout your whole body. “She’s not going to be the baby for long…”

You hand Eddie the test, watching as his expression shifts from sadness to confusion to awe as he stares at the two pink lines. 

“You’re pregnant?” The excitement in his voice rivals that of a kid on Christmas morning.

“I’m pregnant,” you confirm, grinning with your own excitement. The emotions that you've been trying to corral all day finally come out, relief and giddiness flowing through you as you tell your husband what you've been dying to amongst all the other chaos of the day.  

Eddie lunges across the center console to wrap you up in his arms, letting the positive test drop into his lap. “Holy shit, princess.”

“I know,” you say with a giggle.

Eddie’s still in shock, grinning from ear to ear and rubs his hands over his face. “We’re gonna have another baby,” he says, just to hear it aloud. 

“And just think,” you say, “you get to do this first day of preschool thing again.”

His nose wrinkles at that prospect. “Maybe I’ll just homeschool this one.”

[panickingartist]

Mdzs Actors AU

All of the characters are actors (obviously). It’s not the normal actor AU where they are all working on the same movie/show. They have all mostly worked together at different points in their careers though.

(Wen’s were a big media company but ended up being pretty hated for how they treated actors and crew. And eventually were shut down)

-Wei Wuxian-

WWX isn’t an orphan (cuz that’s sad) but he did spend a lot of time with the Jiang family because 1)his parents are friends with Jiang Fengmian 2)Jiang Cheng and Yanli played his siblings on a show when they were all really young so they pretty much spent most of their childhoods together at work or just being friends.

WWX met LWJ on set of a show they both guest stared in when the were teenagers. WWX annoyed LWJ a lot because of constantly being late for rehearsals and always improvising lines.

Goes on a career hiatus for a bit in his early twenties 1)because he had some media backlash for being friends with the Wen’s. 2)he adopted a-yuan. During his hiatus him and LWJ get together and start raising Lan sizhui together.

When Jin Ling is born WWX and JC spent spoil him rotten. Yanli and WWX also like to set up play dates for JL and LSZ.

Later after a-yuan is about 10 WWX goes back to acting. Lan Sizhui also starts his career around the same time.

-Lan Wangji-

Started of as a musical child prodigy. Got into act because of LXC. (LWJ is a good actor but very much sticks to the script).

During WWX’s hiatus he goes back to a music career and less acting.

-Jiang Cheng-

He didn’t start of his career as well as WWX and for a bit he held a lot of resentment (kinda pushed it down a bit and continue being best friends with WWX). JC’s career really started to pick up in his late teens right before WWX hiatus. Once he is in the spotlight more he is the actor the fans are always shipping with other celebrities (probably because he is so quiet about his private life) but fans have narrowed it down to a couple of celebrities that he could potentially be secretly dating (LZC, NHS, and WQ)

-Jiang Yanli-

Was a child actor but gave it up after she got married. She now mostly works on cooking shows. She mostly wanted to focus on her family though. She as also written a couple of books (mostly cookbooks, except for her autobiography about growing up as a child actor)

She was also super excited when WWX adopted a-yuan, she is a great aunt and spoils Lan Sizhui a lot.

-Jin Zixuan-

He still acts unlike Yanli but he doesn’t take on to many roles that would lead him to being away from home for to long.

-The Nie brothers-

Both were child actors but NHS quit in his twenties to become an artist and photographer. Nie Mingjue stayed with acting and became the “it” action movie guy.

NHS was close with WWX and JC during his acting days and continued to be friends after he left acting.

Nie MingJue became friends with LZC and JGY while acting. (They are still all pretty close because I say so and because JGY didn’t kill anyone (no sadness in this AU))

-Wen Siblings-

WQ and WN met WWX while working as extras on a show WWX was in in his teens, they were fast friends. After the collapse of the Wen’s they became doctors and lived a quiet life, they often have dinner at WWX and LWJ’s place and spent lots of time spoiling their nephew (they were so happy that WWX adopted LSZ so they could see him all the time)

-The Juniors-

Lan Sizhui Grew up with Jin Ling as his cousin and also grew up with Jingyi as a distant cousin.

After they all started acting they all meet Ouyang Zizhen and became the golden group.

[taexbankai]

I only want you

This is chapter 4, the other 3 chapters are on my page!

Hello everyone! so just a caution of warning for this chapter, there will be the mention of drugs, alcohol and mature themes

—— time skip a few years——

“y/n you’re going to be late!!!”

“coming mom!” i yelled and quickly finished putting on the last of my makeup. I looked at myself one last time in my full body mirror

“my senior prom.. i can’t believe it” i said to myself, looking at my prom dress making sure it looked nice. I grabbed my phone and my purse and made my way downstairs

“mom you have my new heels right? I think i left the box in your room” I asked my mom as i reached the bottom of the stairs

“yeah honey they’re right here” she said as she handed me my heels

“thank you” i said as i bent down and began putting them on

“you look beautiful” yuta said to me as he helped me stand back up

“thank you babe” i said as i smiled at him. Yuta asked me out last year at the beginning of our junior year. We got close because he was already friends with yuji and megumi. we all starting hanging out a lot because yuji said i was going to “die alone” and “rot away” in my room after satoru rejected me. Once suguru, satoru and shoko all graduated and moved into the college dorms i became even more depressed because i wasn’t able to see my brother, my best friend, or my first love very often anymore. So in order to get me out of my depression i started going out more with my group of friends and tried not to focus only on satoru, yuta and i started to become closer and closer and before i knew it we had caught feeling for each other.

“okay let me take a few pictures of you two before you leave!” my mom said excitedly as she looked for her phone

“I’ll take a few polaroid pictures” my dad said, grabbing his camera

“the matching colors look great on both of you” my mom stated

“look at my babygirl all grown up! can you believe it honey? our last baby is a big girl now!” my mom said, tears starting to form in her eyes

“i know! i can’t believe it” my dad said while hugging my mom

“okay! we have to get going now or we’ll really be late” i said, grabbing yuta’s hand and walking towards the door

“what time will you be coming home?” my dad asked

“i don’t know just yet but i’ll let you know dad” i told him

“okay, be safe i love you… take care of my babygirl yuta” my dad said as he gave me a hug

“of course sir!” yuta said as we walked out the door

——————

The prom was going really well. Nice food, drinks, dancing with friends, just everything a typical highschool prom would have

“okay i’m ready to turn up, y’all wanna get out of here?” nobara said as she came up to the table i was sitting at with our friend miwa

“where we going?” i asked

“back to my house!, my parents are gone for the rest of the week so we can have an after party there” she said while jumping up and down in excitement

“just us girls?” miwa asked her

“no what the hell, i’m inviting boys. It’s prom night and i want to get laid” she said as she sat down next to me

“okay so who’s all coming?” i asked

“me, you, miwa, maki, mai, kokichi, yuta, yuji, megumi, inumaki, momo, and ino” she said while counting on her fingers to make sure she didn’t forget anyone

“i only invited people we all know and trust since i plan on getting completely wasted and even fucking someone tonight” she continued

“who are you trying to fuck?” i heard maki, another one of our friends ask. I turned around and saw maki, momo and mai walking up to our table and sitting down

“ino, he’s so fine. He asked me to prom so i’m sure he likes me” nobara answered while giggling

“i…. want to get laid tonight too” miwa said and shyly put her head down

“great! let’s all let loose tonight. We’re all 18 after all, why not?” nobara said as she stood up.

“i’m gonna go find the guys so we can leave” she said and walked away

“have any of you smoked weed before?” i asked the girls. They all shook their heads no except for maki who said yes

“we’re leaving now?” yuta asked me as he walked up to me

“yeah, we’re all going to nobara’s house to get drunk, high, and all the other crazy shit she wants to do. Is that okay?” i said, standing up

“sure i don’t mind! lets walk back to my car now then” he said. I turned and told the girls i’ll meet them at nobara’s house and walked out of the prom with yuta. Once we made it to the car yuta opened the door for me as usual and then got in the drivers seat. He started the car and turned on some music, but he kept the volume low enough so that it wasn’t blasting.

“babe.. can i ask you a question?” i asked as i turned my head slightly and looked at yuta

“of course” he said as he began to drive the car

“have you ever smoked weed before?” i asked him as i looked outside my window watching the buildings go by

“no, i’ve never smoked weed. have you?” he asked as he stopped at a red light. I felt his gaze turn on me

“yeah, one time at my 15th birthday party. my brother let me try it” i told him

“oh really? how was it?” he asked me as he began driving again after seeing the light turn green

“it was hard for me to hold the smoke in my chest” i said, a smiling coming to my face thinking back to that night

“my brother’s friend actually had to teach me because i felt like i had almost died from all the smoke. But his friend was really nice and his other friend named nanami gave me water because i couldn’t stop coughing. I took another hit after that and it was much better than the first but it had still hurt my chest a little bit. I passed it back to suguru’s friend named choso because they had a rotation going on. I was a little upset though because i actually wanted satoru to teach me but when i looked for him he was….” i stopped mid sentence. suddenly my smile faded… the feelings i had felt from that night slowly making it’s way back into my body

“y/n… why’d you stop? you okay?” yuta asked me which snapped me out of my thoughts

“yeah! sorry, i didn’t mean to randomly start ranting like that. long story short, it was definitely an experience i’ll never forget” i told him and tried to smile so he wouldn’t worry. I didn’t want him to ask me any questions about satoru

“okay.. now it’s my turn to ask a question… but you can’t get mad okay?” he said to me. I turned and looked at him

“okay”

“promise?”

“yes i promise”

“pinky promise?”

“yuta!” i said and started laughing

“yes i pinky promise i won’t get mad” i told him

“okay good” he said as he pulled up in-front of nobara’s house. We stayed in the car waiting until the others pulled up

“you never told me what happened between you and satoru” he said

“yes i did. he rejected me, you know that ” i said and looked down at my hands in my lap, not wanting to make eye contact with yuta anymore. I had a feeling he was going to eventually bring up satoru but i felt like i brought this conversation upon myself for accidentally mentioning him

“do you still love him?” he asked me. I immediately looked up at him, eyes wide at his question

“what?! yuta i love you-“

“that wasn’t my question y/n” yuta said, suddenly really serious. I looked back down at my hands

“yuta…”

“babe, i won’t get mad, trust me. I knew how fragile your heart was when i asked you out. I completely understand if you do still love him, i just feel like we never actually spoke about him and it’s obviously something that you’re still sensitive about. I just want to know the deeper details that you haven’t told me yet” yuta said as he grabbed my hands

“yes… but i love you more” i said as i slowly looked up at him

“i love you too babe” he said and gave me a kiss

“you know you don’t have to hold things in or avoid talking about him when you’re with me right? I’ve never met him but i’m sure he’s a cool guy and if you don’t hate him then i don’t hate him” yuta continued

“okay!” i said and smiled at him, really just trying to be done with this conversation. i looked outside my window and saw that nobara and the others were pulling up in their cars

“are you going to drink and smoke tonight?” i asked him

“if nobara doesn’t mind us crashing on the couch then yeah, if not then no cause i have to drive home” he told me as he took off his seat belt and started to get out the car

———————

“okay so who’s all getting lit tonight?!” nobara shouted from the kitchen

“how do you expect us to “turn up” when we all have to drive back home later?” inumaki asked her

“everyone can stay the night here. I have like 3 double blowup mattresses and also a spare room. plus i already bought everyone matching pjs to change into” nobara said as she walked out of the kitchen with 4 different alcohol bottles

“where did you even buy all this shit from?” megumi asked her

“i had my cousin buy everything, now enough with the questions, who’s taking a shot?” she said as she sat the alcohol bottles down on the coffee table. Everyone agreed to sleeping over and getting drunk for the night

“okay great! before that though… i have edibles! who wants one?” nobara said excitedly as she took out a bag of weed and another separate bag full of edibles

“fuck it, i’ll take one” ino said as he sat down next to nobara on the couch

“me too!” i said

“give me 2” maki said

“i’ll eat one too” momo said. everyone else all agreed and ate an edible

“ino can you roll up the weed? i’m gonna turn some music on and go get the shot glasses” nobara said to ino. He nodded his head and grabbed the bag of weed from nobara and began rolling it up with some wraps he had

“maki and miwa can you come with me in the kitchen and grab all the food, snacks and regular drinks please?” nobara asked them as she skipped to the kitchen. They both laughed at how happy she was and followed her into the kitchen

“do you smoke a lot?” i asked ino as i watched him break up the weed and get it ready to be rolled

“kind of, but not as much as some of my friends” he said and laughed. I laughed with him and continued watching him roll the weed, trying to take a mental note on how to roll it

“so how long does it take for the effects of the edibles to kick in?” yuta asked ino

“for those edibles, usually about 30 minutes to an hour. really just depends on your body” he said as he finished rolling the first blunt and started on the second one

“will i start acting crazy?” yuji asked ino, eyes wide and full of excitement. i couldn’t help but laugh at him

“some people laugh alot, others get paranoid. I’ve met a few people who get sleepy after taking an edible. We really won’t know until the edible kicks in” ino said, laughing at how excited yuji was

“others get horny” mai said, everyone looked at her for a few seconds in silence, ino even stopped rolling, everyone then bursted out laughing including mai

“i guess we’ll see” i said. Nobara finally had came back in with miwa and maki

“damn nobara, that’s a shit ton of food” megumi said as we all turned around and looked at all of the stuff the girls brought out

“we’re gonna need it once the weed starts to kick in. Now let’s start taking shots!” she said

—————

it’s been almost 2 hours since we all took those edibles, smoked the blunts and started drinking the alcohol and it’s been crazy. me, yuji and yuta has been laughing at everything for the past 30 minutes. maki and megumi has been arguing over nothing, barely able to form full sentences. Nobara and ino has been making out for 5 minutes striaght. Inumaki, kokichi and miwa has been extremely paranoid thinking that something was wrong with their arms and that someone was going to trust through the door and kidnap all of us, and lastly mai and momo has been chill just eating tons of snacks.

“wow this is one hell of a senior prom. I’m going to remember this for the rest of my life” yuji said as he smiled looking at everyone

“i know right, i’m having so much fun” i said to him

“hey lets play a game” nobara said excitedly as she sat down on the floor by the coffee table. We all followed her and sat down around the coffee table

“we’re obviously gonna play…. truth or dare!” she said and started laughing.

“here, we’ll use this empty alcohol bottle since it’s the smallest one. We’ll spin the bottle and whoever the pointy party lands on has to pick truth or dare. The person who spins the bottle has to ask the question or pick the dare for the person it landed on. If you don’t want to do the dare or answer the question you have to take a shot. no buts or ands about it” she said as she put the bottle in the middle of the table.

“everyone okay with that?” she asked. Everyone nodded their head and she excitedly started the game

“okay i’ll go first” she said. Nobara was directly across from me, on her right was ino and then inumaki, momo, megumi, mai, me, yuta, maki, miwa, kokichi and then yuji. Nobara spun the bottle and it landed on yuji

“okay yuji, truth or dare?” she asked him

“truth. I definitely don’t want you choosing any dares for me” he said and laughed

“Boring, but fine. If you had to pick a girl from this table to kiss who would it be?” she asked him

“hmmm… probably mai” he said. everyone looked over at mai to see her reaction

“What? I’m not even your type” she said which made everyone start laughing

“yeah but you’re still cute” he said and grabbed the bottle

“Okay my turn” he said while spinning the bottle. The bottle landed on yuta

“Truth or dare?” Yuji asked him

“Truth” yuta said

“Okay… are you a virgin? I’ve been wondering about this for forever now” yuji said and chuckled

“no” yuta answered

“What really?! I didn’t know this. you’ve never told me you weren’t a virgin” i said and turned to face him

“You never asked me” he said and grabbed the bottle. When he spun the bottle it landed on miwa

“Dare” she said before yuta could ask truth or dare

“Okay…” yuta said while laughing

“I dare you to… sit on kokichi’s lap for the rest of the game” yuta finished and smiled at her

“W-what?!” Miwa said, her face turning a bright shade of red

“Yeahhh let’s bring on the dares!” Maki yelled

“Sit on him or drink!” Nobara also yelled

Miwa quickly sat down on kokichi’s lap. Kokichi wrapped his arms around her waist to help her get comfortable before he quickly gave yuta a thumbs up which made everyone laugh except miwa who didn’t see it

“Okay miwa, your turn to spin” momo said. Miwa grabbed the bottle and once it finished spinning it landed on me

“Ouuuu y/n’s turn. don’t be a pussy y/n, you better answer the question or do the dare!” Nobara said, excited it landed on me. I playfully rolled my eyes at her as everyone started laughing

“Truth or dare y/n?” Miwa asked me

“Truth” i said

“okay let’s see…” miwa said as she thought of a question

“Ooh i know… why haven’t you tried to contact gojo since he left?” She asked. I remained silent for a few seconds before mai spoke up

“You have to tell the truth y/n don’t forget. All of us girls have been wondering this for a while now but you always avoid talking about him” she said

“Yeah and we still never met him so we don’t know what kind of guy he is. I thought you said you both ended on good terms so you should be able to talk to him right?” Maki said

“I want to see what he looks like too, how about you facetime him right now so we can see him?” Momo said. I started to feel overwhelmed with everything the girls were saying

“well.. i…” I wasn’t able to find the right words or where to even start. i took a quick glance at yuta, i was hoping this topic wasn’t making him uncomfortable but he was also looking at me waiting for my answer

“y/n if you’re not comfortable answering the question you don’t have to” nobara said which pulled me out of my thoughts. yuji, nobara and megumi were the only ones who’s met satoru, and they’re also the only ones who truly knows just how much pain and depression i was in when he had left. nobara and i became really close after he left along with my brother and shoko, so she understands why the topic is sensitive to me. But at the same time, they were right. I needed to stop avoiding the topic.

“No it’s okay, i’ll answer” I said, silently thanking nobara for looking out for me

“one of the reasons why i don’t try to contact satoru is because of how busy he’s been with school and enjoying his college life… I have him on Instagram though! He mainly just post silly pictures with my brother or his other friends. Sometimes he posts his girlfriend….” i said, trailing off remembering the last post he has posted of him and Riko a few months ago

“anyways, enough of my ranting, my turn!” I said, desperately trying to change the topic. I spun the bottle and it landed on nobara

“Truth or dare?” I asked her, already knowing what her response was going to be

“Dare” she said. I laughed and already knew what i was going to dare her to do

“I dare you and ino to be locked in your room for an entire hour” i said and smirked at her

“okay!” She said and stood up immediately, grabbing ino and forcing him to stand up too. Everyone started laughing at her excitement

“While we’re gone you guys can continue the game” she said as she started walking towards her bedroom with ino. She looked at me and mouthed ’thank you’ i mouthed back ‘you owe me’ before she disappeared up the stairs

“okay i’ll just start the next round then” momo said as she spun the bottle. It ended up landing on yuta again

“truth or dare”

“truth” he said as everyone playfully boo’d him for picking truth again

“who was the person who took your virginity?” momo asked him. everyone turned their full attention on yuta as we waited for his response…but we never got it. instead of responding, yuta picked up a shot glass and took a shot. everyone gasped in surprise

“wow you won’t tell us who?!” yuji said

“nope” yuta said and started laughing as he grabbed the bottle and spun it. the bottle landed on megumi and yuta began asking him truth or dare. but i wasn’t paying attention to them because i was too busy wondering about who the girl is that yuta had sex with and why he didn’t want to say her name. ‘was he uncomfortable answering that in front of all his friends?’ i thought. I was also a little upset that i was still a virgin and most of my friends (and now even my own boyfriend) wasn’t.

“y/n?….y/n?” i heard mai calling my name. i looked up and everyone was looking at me

“huh?” i asked

“it’s your turn silly, truth or dare?” she asked

“ummm… let’s do dare this time”

“yay! omg wait mai, i have the perfect dare to ask her!” momo said excitedly as she got up and whispered something in mai’s ear, which made mai start to smile

“okay!.. i dare you to…. facetime your brother” mai said

“what?! i told you to have her facetime gojo” momo said, a pout forming on her face

“i wanted to go easy on her” mai said in which everyone started laughing

“okay, i don’t know if he’ll pick up though, he might be busy” i said as i took out my phone and went to my contacts to find my brother’s name

“wait! screen mirror your phone to the tv so we can all see him! nobara said he was hot so i definitely want to see” momo said as she turned the tv on. i screen mirrored my phone and watched as everyone turned their attention to the tv, now being able to see everything i was doing. i went back to my face time call log and clicked on my brothers name as it started ringing

“i’m nervous omg” miwa said which made everyone laugh

“wait, turn the music down some” inumaki said. yuji immediately stood up and leaped to the music to turn it down. the phone had rang for a third time before i said the words ‘connecting’ at the top of my screen, one second later i saw my brother’s face

“hey baby sis what’s up?” he asked me. i heard mai and momo quietly gasp at the same time

“holy shit he’s HOT” momo whisper-shouted. i had to bite the instead of my mouth to keep myself from laughing at their reactions

“hi suguru!, i just wanted to see what you’re doing” i said as i smiled at him, happy to hear his voice after so long

“nothing much, just chilling at nanami’s house. I’m probably gonna leave soon though satoru is pretty drunk” he said as he laughed a little. my stomach did a little flip at the mention of satoru’s name

“oh my GOD! did you heard that?! gojo’s there” mai said quietly as she excitedly slapped momo on the thigh

“i thought satoru didn’t like to drink?” i asked him

“he doesn’t but nanami gave him a drink and said it was ‘juice’ satoru drunk the entire cup without even realizing it was alcohol” suguru said as he shook his head in disappointment

“anyways, where are you right now? it doesn’t look like you’re at home based on the background” he asked

“oh i’m at nobara’s house right now. Our prom was tonight” i said to him

“ahh okay, i was wondering why you had a full face of makeup on” he said and laughed

“who did you go to prom with?” he asked me

“my boyfriend” i said

“your WHAT?!” he yelled, completely shocked

“you never told me you had a boyfriend!, what does he look like? how old is he? where does he work at? is he treating you good? is he-“

“i’ll tell you about him later” i said, cutting him off and laughing at his over protective behavior. my friends were quietly laughing too, including yuta

“yeah you better or else imma-“

“who has a boyfriend?” my heart dropped. i could recognize that voice from anywhere

“y/n does, she just told me right now on facetime” suguru said

“really? let me talk to her” suguru passed the phone over and satoru was in the frame

“hey y/n!” satoru said to me, a big smile on his face. i could definitely tell he was drunk

“hi toru” i said while smiling back

“oh my FUCKING- WHAT THE HELL.. HE’S HOT” mai yelled

“THAT’S GOJO?! HE’S SEXY AS-“ miwa covered momo’s mouth before she could finish yelling

“shhhh” miwa said as she looked at mai and momo. everyone couldn’t hold in their laughter after that

“who was that?” satoru asked me

“my friends, sorry.” i said to him, still trying to stop laughing

“why do you have makeup on? someone’s birthday or something?” he asked me

“no it was prom night tonight” i told him

“oh okay. i remember my prom night… it was crazy. you look beautiful though” he told me with a smile. i almost dropped to my knees right then and there but i had to remind myself that i have a boyfriend now

“t-thank you” i said shyly to him. he opened his mouth to say something but before he could finish i felt my phone being snatched out of my hand

“hello! i’m mai and i’m very single and you’re very hot. nice to meet you” mai said to satoru on the phone

“and i’m momo, marry me please?” momo said as she snatched the phone from mai. I shook my head and laughed at them. everyone in the room was laughing.

“nice to meet both of you” satoru said and laughed

“okay toru i’m gonna hang up now, i just wanted to call suguru to see what he was up to” i said as momo handed me my phone back

“how come you never call me? you only ever call suguru” satoru asked

“because… you’re usually busy” i told him

“yeah but i would still answer the phone and make time for you” he said to me, suddenly very serious. my heart skipped a beat. This was the real reason why i avoided talking to satoru, yeah one of the reasons was because he’s always busy but the other reason… the main reason… the real reason is because i was scared of falling deeply in love with him again. I’m with yuta now, i’m trying to move on, but satoru doesn’t realize that his words affect me a lot

“wow….i see why you were in love with him” mai whispered, loud enough for everyone except satoru to hear

“ next time i’ll call you first okay?” i told him

“oh wow” i heard suguru said. i saw satoru smile before suguru took the phone out of satoru’s hand

“you’re so fake” suguru told me

“anyways baby sis i’m going to hang up now, we need to get back to our apartment before satoru grabs anymore to drink. i’ll talk to you later, love you” suguru said to me

“okay, later love you too” i said to him before i hung up. it was silent for a few seconds before mai spoke up

“well… let me just say…. this was the best dare i’ve ever asked anyone before in my life”

“thanks to me” momo said

“the nickname you call him is so cute. every time you said toru i could help but smile” miwa said

“he doesn’t let anyone else call him toru except for y/n, it’s her own personal nickname for him” yuji told miwa

“omg really?! that makes it even cuter” she said

“that gojo guy really is attractive” Inumaki said which made everyone laugh

“your brother is too” kokichi said to me

“okay, okay lets get back to the game now” i said while laughing. i disconnected my phone from the tv and everyone sat back down around the table, yuta didn’t’t sit next to me this time though, he sat down next to maki. For the rest of the game yuta and maki were laughing and play fighting but i chose not to pay any mind to it and continued having a good time with my friends


—————

We continued playing truth or dare for about another 30 minutes until we got bored of it

“okay i’m done with this game, let’s watch a movie” inumaki said as he stood up and stretched

“Me too” megumi said

“Okay, let me text nobara and tell her that we’re gonna watch a movie once they come back down” i said as i took out my phone and began typing out a message to her

Everyone stood up and stretched while looking for movies to watch on their phones.

“You guys, we should take one more edible before we start the movie!” Yuji said. Everyone all agreed and yuji went to grab the bag of edibles off the couch

“I heard we’re taking more edibles ?” I looked towards the stairs and saw nobara coming back down, ino closely behind her. She looked a mess, hair disheveled, a dark purple hickey on her neck and her face was flushed a little red.

“Enjoyed your hour i see” i said and walked up to her laughing

“I sure did… now where’s the edibles? i want another one too” she said as she smiled at me. Yuji gave her the bag of edibles and she took 2 out, one for her and one for ino. I turned around looking for yuta to see if he wanted to take another one but i couldn’t find him

“hey, do you guys know where yuta went?” i asked inumaki, megumi and yuji

“yeah he went to the back with maki” megumi said

“okay thank you, i’m going to go ask them if they want their edible now” i said and started walking to the backyard. once i made it to the door i overheard maki’s voice

“but what if she asks you about it?” she said

“she won’t don’t worry” i heard yuta say. i didn’t want to eavesdrop but i was starting to get curious about what they were talking about

“but if she do then what are you going to say?” maki asked as she let out a frustrated sigh

“i’ll just tell her the truth” yuta said as he turned to look at maki

“hey just calm down, it’s gonna be alright maki” he said as he pulled her into a hug

“y/n’s my friend though, what if she hates me?” maki said. after hearing her say that my interest really was peaked. Something was obviously going on between them. Was he cheating on me? was he in love with maki? i couldn’t handle all the guessing anymore so i walked outside and up to them. Once they saw me yuta immediately let go of maki

“why would i hate you?” i asked maki

“y/n-“

“i’m asking her yuta” i said, cutting yuta off. The longer maki took to respond the more irritated i became

“well?” i said while impatiently tapping my foot on the ground, crossing my arms over my chest.

“i…. i have a crush on yuta” maki said. I stopped tapping my foot and looked at yuta before i looked back at her

��really?” i asked

“yeah. I… was scared to um.. tell you because i didn’t want you to be mad. But when i confessed to yuta he rejected me of course but tried to make me feel better” she said. I could tell she was lying, she wouldn’t look me in my eyes and yuta was also standing really stiff. Something was going on and she wasn’t telling me the entire truth. I stayed silent for a few seconds but i decided to let it go… for now

“i wouldn’t hate you for that” i said to her. both maki and yuta had a slight smile on their face, almost like a smile of relief

“i would hate you if you did something with my boyfriend behind my back and decided to lie about it to my face ” i said and put a fake smile on my face. yuta awkwardly laughed before he pulled me into a hug

“i think the weed is making you a little paranoid babe” he said. i didn’t hug him back, instead i pulled away and handed him the bag of edibles

“mhm, here’s the edibles if you didn’t already take one” i said before walking back into the house. i walked up to nobara and whispered in her ear to meet me in the kitchen. I turned around and started walking towards the kitchen. i could see maki and yuta coming back in from outside from the corner of my eye. Once i made it into the kitchen i turned on the faucet and splashed my face with water. tears started to swell up in my eyes

“hey girl everything alright?” i heard nobara ask me. i turned around and couldn’t hold my tears in anymore

“what happened y/n?! i told everyone to start the movie they found so you don’t have to worry about anyone walking in” she said as she walked up to me and hugged me

“i think… i think yuta’s cheating on me” i told her through my broken sobs

“what?!!!” she whispered-yelled

“him and maki were acting really weird, i don’t want to accuse him but i can tell something is going on. why is my love life so terrible” i said

“wow, i can’t believe that. I’ll make sure to keep an eye on them and listen out for anything suspicious. But y/n if i’m being honest… i never really thought yuta was made for you. honestly i feel like you only started dating him because he was there comforting you during your heartbreak. you mistook comfort for love, and he took advantage of your vulnerability. you still have feelings for gojo y/n and that’s fine you don’t have to completely forget all your feelings for him overnight, and jumping into another relationship won’t make you forget about gojo if you’re not truly happy. when my ex broke up with me it took me forever to get over him. i tried dating tons of different guys and even slept with a few but i was still numb until i met ino” nobara said trying to comfort me

“moral of the story is don’t let these little set backs break you down honey. If we do find out that yuta is cheating on you then we’ll kick his ass! but for now just try and enjoy the rest of your night okay? i hate seeing you sad” she said as she rubbed my back

“okay” i said and wiped the tears from my face. once i calmed down enough to make it seem like i wasn’t just crying, i walked back to the living room with nobara

————————

hey readerssss, i had to make my sweetie pie yuta be the bad guy. but the next chapter is going to have a lot more event’s going on! also satoru, suguru and shoko will be making a comeback to the story in the next chapter. thanks for reading, see you all in the next chapter!

[tinytinyblogs]

It's him, always him

Your brother's best friend appears unable to take his eyes off you.

(Brother bestfriend!Han, Mention Minho as your brother, She/Her) 2,6k words

💬My muse @sta4 just sent me some awesome inspiration, and I'm buzzing with creative energy! Hope this one is alright✨ Open season on my request box! I'm a sponge for ideas, so drench me with your wildest, weirdest, most wonderful prompts!

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Your insights and reactions make these posts come alive. Love reblogs, comments, and all the good vibes welcome ✨

Han Jisung, your brother's best friend, as a constant presence in your everyday life, like a star that's always there on the edge of your vision. He's part of the familiar scenery in your home, orbiting around your brother like a planet around the sun. Even though he comes and goes, your eyes always seem to find him. Your interactions with Han are like small moments painted on the big canvas of unspoken words. You feel like you should reach out and become friends, but something holds you back. It could be the fear of being rejected, the fact that your social circle is already pretty full, or the mystery in Han's gaze that intrigues you. Normally, you stick to your established social connections, but Han is like a comet that shakes things up. There's this pull towards him, making you consider breaking out of your comfort zone. It's a bit like a cosmic struggle between what's familiar and the excitement of something new as you navigate the challenge of building a connection beyond your usual social circles.

He might not be a close friend, but there's a certain magic in the way he looks at you that quickens your heartbeat. Over the years, you've shared the same space, navigating the gravitational pull from junior high to senior high, always in the orbit of your brother. Be it in school or living rooms, your eyes consistently lock, creating an unspoken language of stolen glances and unanswered questions. Is this cosmic dance just luck, or is there a hidden force drawing you two closer? There's an undeniable connection between you and your brother's best friend—a subtle attraction that gracefully dances beneath the surface of your conversations. It's not an explosive sensation but rather a slow burn, a gradual collection of moments that leaves your heart humming with a peculiar, electric energy. Sometimes, this spark comes to life in simple ways, like a casual phone call that extends far beyond discussing your brother's whereabouts, filled with laughter and serene pauses, creating a space for something more.

Then, there's the moment he arrives, a subtle smile playing on his lips as he enters, silently acknowledging the connection between you. In his presence, time seems to blur, and you find yourself longing for more. He goes out of his way to ease any awkwardness, offering small gestures like your favorite snack or a surprise iced coffee on a hot day – seemingly innocent acts of kindness directed through your brother. However, you sense more than meets the eye. It's not just the gifts; it's the lingering gaze and the gentle touch of his fingertips against yours as he hands something over. The electricity intensifies when he inquires about your brother. "Oh, this is for you," he says, his voice carrying a hint of nervous laughter, "Minho mentioned you really love this." Even though he's looking for your brother, his gaze lingers on you, searching for an unspoken reaction, a confirmation of the invisible bond that ties you together. It's in these moments that you feel a magnetic pull, a connection that goes beyond the surface, and the unspoken understanding becomes more palpable.

He is consistently the one who actively seeks your presence, as if you are the sole constellation that captures his attention in the vast expanse of his world. Whenever Han's eyes lock onto yours, an unmistakable energy permeates the air, creating an aura as if a spotlight were cast upon the two of you. This effect remains undeterred even amidst the chaos of a crowded room, almost as though an invisible force highlights your connection. His joy is evident in the way his smile widens upon noticing the nuances of your appearance – be it a new hat, the playful tilt of your hairstyle, or any garment you adorn. It becomes a silent language, with his eyes softly whispering, 'You look good in that.' On the other side of this dynamic is your brother, Minho. Engaging in a curious game of feigned ignorance regarding Han's affection, he revels in teasing you, peppering your interactions with playful jabs for every minor detail. Yet, a peculiar hush befalls him when the subject turns to Han.

Even as Han's gaze shifts from the flickering TV screen to capture your graceful movements as you fetch a glass of water, momentarily suspending their game for the sake of your elegance, Minho maintains a quiet demeanor. Then, there comes an evening – an ordinary moment, yet laden with unspoken tension. As you quench your thirst with a cool glass of water, Han materializes behind you, also seeking the kitchen's watery refuge. The air is charged with unspoken sentiments, and the kitchen becomes the stage for a silent interplay of emotions, leaving the audience to anticipate the unfolding of this subtle drama. "Did you not go out to meet your friend?" he nonchalantly tosses the question your way, a casual demeanor tinged with a hint of genuine curiosity. "No, it feels better to remain at home," you respond, a smile playing on your lips. "Funny, I can relate," he chuckles, reaching for a glass. "This place practically feels like my second home anyway."

Your laughter fills the air, creating a warm atmosphere, and his jest adds a pleasant touch to the exchange. Amid the camaraderie and the brotherly bond shared with Minho, there's an unspoken truth you both understand. Han isn't merely present for the friendship; he seeks solace, yearning for the chance to witness the sunbeam smile that lights up your face. As you laugh, a subtle satisfaction flickers in him, considering it a triumph to bring joy, even through a lighthearted joke. Although he claims Minho as his closest friend, Han's footsteps lead him here, drawn by an invisible string to the place where your laughter rings in the air. His gaze lingers a bit longer than social norms dictate, revealing a connection that goes beyond mere camaraderie, hinting at a deeper sentiment that he may be reluctant to articulate. For some reason, he discovered himself drawn to your smile and laughter, eagerly anticipating the chance to see them more often from you.

It's an unwavering constant – him, always finding his way to you when the shadows drape across your heart and clouds dim your sunny disposition. Han possesses an uncanny radar for your emotional weather, as if Minho, a concerned brother, whispers to him about your momentary downpour. Oddly, you may wonder, why burden Han with your gloom? Yet, there he is, a beacon in your storm. Even when he's unsure of the right words, he navigates the choppy waters of your sadness with a slight raise in his voice, ensuring his presence pierces through the fog like a lighthouse guiding you back to shore. Amidst the remnants of your emotional storm, you emerge from your bedroom cocoon, When you stroll to the kitchen to check if there's anything you can retrieve. On the table, amidst the familiar clutter, sits a vision – your favorite pudding, adorned with a whimsical keychain, a silent poem of kindness. Attached, a note unfolds, penned in familiar, looping script: 'For you, don't be sad. You look cute when you smile.'

It's not your brother's usual scrawl but bears Han's gentle touch, a reassurance that you're not alone in your struggles, and a reminder that joy can be found even in the aftermath of emotional turbulence. A seemingly simple gesture unfolds like a beautiful symphony, resonating deep within your heart, casting away the lingering shadows of a challenging day. With the dawn of a new day, the familiar sound of the school bell echoes like a distant chime, signifying the return to normalcy after the storm that characterized your previous day. Amidst the bustling crowd of familiar faces and animated chatter, your senses remain attuned, seeking a particular warmth, a specific smile. And then, there he is – Han, materializing beside you like a ray of sunshine piercing through the clouds. His gaze meets yours, silently inquiring, "Feeling better?" His voice carries a genuine concern, sending a gentle flutter through your stomach.

With a nod and a heart heavy with gratitude, you manage to express your thanks for the thoughtful pudding "Thank you for the pudding," Han, with a nonchalant shrug, dismisses your appreciation, saying, "It's fine, really. I happened to buy too much at the store yesterday; you're welcome to it." His words are as smooth as spun sugar, yet beneath their surface lies a different truth, hinting at a deeper sentiment or perhaps a hidden motive. Unbeknownst to you, when he casually referred to 'that store,' it remained a puzzle for him, and the story behind the pudding was a cleverly orchestrated ruse. Minho, the ever-watchful puppet master, skillfully transmitted your dessert desires to him, recognizing the comfort it would bring you. His emotions, a complex web even for himself, found expression in subtle actions, like the instance when the sun's rays began to sting your eyes, casting a shimmering haze on the sidewalk.

Squinting for shade, a hand materialized, shielding you from the glare. As you looked up, his face was just inches away, framed by the hand that protected your gaze. A surprised smile mirrored across both your lips, and in that unforeseen moment, sunlight evolved into a shared secret—an unspoken language conveyed through smiles and the tender touch of his hand. Always him, a bit like a shooting star streaking across a sky you know well, his presence sets off unexpected sparks. Even after all these years, he manages to sprinkle surprises throughout your day. Sunlight spilled into the room through the porch door, casting a magical glow on your face. There he stood, Han, outlined by golden rays, your brother's best friend, but today, something felt different. A sense of nervous anticipation clung to him, like the shadow of his ever-present black hoodie.

His hand rose to scratch his nape, a familiar move now carrying a hint of newfound vulnerability. "Minho's heading to grandma's, didn't he tell you?" you inquired, a touch of surprise slipping into your voice. The question lingered, forming a connection between the familiar and the unknown. He chuckled, a nervous dance in his eyes. "He mentioned it yesterday. Said you'd be buried under textbooks, lost in the maze of some school assignment." His gaze held yours for a moment, then shifted away, as if gauging your reaction to this unexpected revelation. A thick silence settled between you, heavier than the summer sun hanging low in the sky. The air carried the weight of unspoken words, and you could sense something new lingering just beyond reach. Then, he finally broke the silence, his voice barely audible. "I came here to see you," he confessed, his words gently tumbling out like pebbles into a calm pond.

His once shy gaze now met yours with newfound intensity, and the unspoken emotions within seemed ready to spill over. Tension crackled in the air as Han revealed his secret to Minho: a massive, heart-pounding crush on you. It wasn't news to Minho, though. He had noticed it in every glance Han directed your way and in the way your name lingered on his lips. Now, Han sat beside you, nervously navigating the conversation, leading to the weighty question hanging in the air: "Do you want to go out with me? This place must be drowning in solitude. We could visit that new cake shop Minho mentioned you love – those sugar swirls you crave." The atmosphere held the anticipation of a new chapter, with emotions swirling around like uncharted territory waiting to be explored. A chuckle bubbled up inside you. "Minho sure loves to spill the beans, doesn't he?" you playfully teased, a smile dancing on your lips.

"Well, I might have pestered him a bit about you," Han confessed, his cheeks turning warm. "Why?" you inquired, intrigued by the unfolding story. "Well, initially, I thought it was because you're Minho's sister, my best friend's sister," he admitted, his voice dropping lower. "But then, I realized my feelings go beyond just looking out for Minho's sister." In the busy world around you, Han, your brother's best friend, possessed a special power – he could make your entire universe shrink down to the tiny space he occupied. His presence acted like a magnetic force, stealing your attention and blurring everything else into a fuzzy background. His words, filled with a genuine admiration, weren't empty flattery but heartfelt confessions. "You know," he'd admit, his voice slightly husky, "I can't seem to stay away. Coming here isn't just about hanging out with Minho, it's about catching a glimpse of you, about basking in the sunshine of your smile."

The connection between you and Han wasn't just brotherly loyalty; it was a captivating force that had pulled him in, leaving him unable to resist the enchantment you seemed to cast effortlessly. It felt like a gentle waltz, this journey towards your heart. Han, displaying the patience of a seasoned gardener, cultivated a connection with careful, small steps. On a sunlit afternoon, he opened up, saying, his heartfelt confession lingered, creating a bittersweet melody resonating deep within you. Han, the guy who turned the world into a smaller place and made the stars shine brighter, was gradually securing a spot in your heart, building it brick by patient brick. His voice, a gentle murmur, carried a weight you could almost touch. "If you let me," he continued, turning to meet your gaze with an intense sincerity that momentarily stole your breath. Even in the comfort of your home, dressed in casuals with a messy bun, you found yourself blushing under his gaze.

The dance towards your heart was unfolding slowly, with each moment adding another layer to the captivating rhythm of your connection with Han. His carefully chosen words unveiled a future you hadn't dared to dream of. "If you let me," he repeated, his voice filled with emotion, "I'd like to take you on a date. Not as your brother's best friend or you as my best friend's sister." The world may present a multitude of faces, but your heart recognizes only one. It's the hand that seamlessly fits into yours, the laughter that ignites your soul, the smile that paints your sunrise – all him. He's etched in the lines of your laughter, in his quiet moments, woven into the very fabric of your being. Once again, it's him and always will be. His presence acts as a whisper of sunshine, dispelling shadows and coaxing a genuine smile onto your face. His grin mirrors yours, creating a silent symphony of shared joy that sets your heart into a gentle dance.

In his company, butterflies pirouette in your stomach, expressing a secret language known only to your souls. Each word he utters paints a beautiful picture of a future that now seems not only possible but enchantingly real. If the flicker of connection between you, often labeled as love, burns in his heart too, and if your dreams align with his wishes, then there might be a path ahead, and you're perfectly fine if it's always him. "Then I want a cheesecake," you playfully declared, a challenge gleaming in your eyes. It was bold, asking for the impossible, but you knew he wouldn't hesitate. He was that kind of person – someone who built castles out of daydreams and crafted constellations from wishes. And just like that, his lips curved into a smile so warm it could melt glaciers, a symphony in itself. "Sure, cheesecake for our first date," he promised, his voice as smooth as honey dripping off a honeycomb. But it wasn't just the words; it was the way his eyes crinkled at the corners, the mischief echoing like a playful puppy in his tone. It was an unspoken assurance that even in this vast, swirling cosmos, your whims were his constellations, your desires his guiding stars.

©Tinytinyblogs

[decentishoutsidersthoughts]

Ponyboy college headcanons please??

Here you go!

Ended up at University of Oklahoma on a track scholarship that wasn't a full ride but was still decent. It’s about two hours away from Tulsa which is a bit closer than he wanted but he’ll still take it (he wants to get as far away as he can eventually. He majors in English and wants to become a high school English teacher. 

In a modern AU he would’ve filled out the FASFA and it would’ve said he was like- horrendously in need. Like expected family contribution zero. He’d laugh really hard at it and then cry a lil bit. (Him and his brothers all worked together to pay the tuition in the end)

Darry and Soda drove him there on move in day. Soda bawled like a baby the whole time and Darry even shed a couple tears before they left. Ponyboy acted like he was excited to leave and it didn’t bother him, but the second they left he definitely broke down sobbing in his bed for like an hour.

He calls them once every couple days and visits on some long weekends and most of his breaks. Whenever he visits it’s like a big deal there because he’s the first person to go to college in like forever.

He actually does make a lot of friends in college, especially the track team. He goes to a lot of parties and does a lot of stuff he was never allowed to do at home for his first semester. After a bit the excitement wears off though and he mellows out and finds a balance between the two.

He gets along with his roommates fine. One of them becomes like his best friend, the guy reminds him a lot of Soda. They don’t see the other roommate very often because of their schedules but when they do he’s polite and fun to be around.

He gets a job at a pizza place and at first it was really great because they’d let him take the leftovers home so him and his roommates didn’t have to worry about food much. But then he very quickly got tired of eating pizza four days a week. 

During his freshman year he gets a girlfriend. She’s really a sweetheart and her parents love him. They broke up during his sophomore year and he was heartbroken.

He will call Soda and Darry crying during finals week at least once. Every single time, without fail. At this rate they’ve learned to expect it and it doesn’t phase them.

One time the gang all went there to surprise him and he was so excited. He showed them all his favorite places and they met his friends. It’s still one of his favorite days to think about.

During his junior year he decided he wanted to try and live in his own place. He found this one bedroom apartment that was really cheap and went ‘oh my god this is awesome’

He learned very quickly why it was so cheap. He only lived there for like six months before Darry was like ‘absolutely not-‘ He went back to the dorms after that

One time him and his college friends went on a road trip during the summer for a few weeks and he absolutely loved it.

Ponyboy went to the NCAA and all the Greasers rode that high for years. The Socs are pissed tf off by this entire situation btw.

That’s all I have for now but I may have more later idk

[elisysd]

1. Guess my childhood is over

Masterlist - Previous - Next

Chapter soundtrack: Older - Alec Benjamin

She will miss her room. That’s what Julia thought as she was finishing packing. Today was her last day in her childhood bedroom before leaving to pursue her dreams. A few months ago, she finally achieved one of her biggest life goals. Well, at least she was one step closer to it. After a lot of interviews and tests she had gotten a job as a junior engineer for the F1 team Skoda. It was a team from the back of the grid, with almost no budget even though they were helped by Ferrari, especially with the engine. But still, she was so damn proud of herself. All those years of sacrifice finally paid off. She would work on the tracks with the team for the whole season. It was a one-year contract for now, but they had made it clear that if they were happy with her, they would gladly keep her. She was excited and she couldn’t wait to start. From a very young age she had always been passionate about how cars were working, how they could be improved to be faster. And that’s what she was about to do. With enthusiasm, she locked her big suitcase and put it in the corner so her dad could bring it downstairs later.

Stepping out of her room, she was welcomed by happy barks and a fluffy Australian Shepperd. Bailey was the family dog that Charles got them almost ten years ago. Even if originally, Bailey was a dog for her little brother Louis, she had quickly taken a liking for Julia and at some point, she became more like her dog than her brother’s. Not that he minded, he didn’t care much about her.

“Hey my girl! Let’s go eat. Come on.”

The dog began to turn around her, wiggling her tail.

“I’ll be playing with you later, I promise.”

Bailey barked again and Julia rushed downstairs. Her mom was in the kitchen, finishing to prepare the lunch as her dad was reading his notebooks and taking notes. She took the plates that were on the kitchen island to put them on the table and on her way, she took the opportunity to kiss her dad’s cheek, taking him by surprise.

“Ready for the season, princess?” Charles Leclerc asked his daughter.

“I can’t wait to be the one who will bring the ideas to upgrade the Skoda and make it faster than your Ferrari!”

“Don’t think I’ll make it easy for you. We worked hard on the car and I have the feeling we will be very competitive this year!”

“More competitive than Lamborghini?” asked Julia to tease her father.

“We hope so.”

A few years ago, Charles had taken the job of Team Principal of the Scuderia. Julia remembered how they came to their door one day, practically begging her dad to work with them. She was nineteen at the time and had only started her college degree, but she remembered how her dad hesitated a lot before finally agreeing. He didn’t want to leave his family behind again, knowing that it was what had almost cost him his marriage a few years prior. But her mother had insisted, saying that he would regret it if he were saying no. It took time to bring back Ferrari at the top. Three years. Three years of hard work of intense recruiting and negotiations but they finally managed to become vice-champions in the constructor’s championship twice in a row, behind Lamborghini. Not where they wanted to be of course, and Charles was hoping that this year, they would finally be on top.

“Ju? Can you go tell your brother that lunch is almost ready?” told her Lyanna, making Julia stood up and go to her brother bedroom.

She knocked on Louis’ door but heard nothing. Slowly and softly, she opened it to see him lying on his bed, reading a comic book, his headphones securely put on his ears. She stood in front of him so she would be in his field of vision before waving and taking away his comic book.

“Lunch is ready.”

He nodded and stood up before leaving the room closely followed by his sister. When seeing his kids back, Charles smiled and put away his notebook as Lyanna was coming with a plate for Louis where she had separated the vegetables by colours and size. Louis also took a little bag of potato crisps and made sure to make two sides: one where the crisps were full and one where they were not. It was always like that he always had to separate everything before eating or it was triggering him. No one was paying attention anymore to his little quirks that Julia found endearing.

“What were you doing, Louis?” carefully asked Charles.

“Reading.”

“Yeah? And what are you reading.”

“A comic book about Spiderman that mom bought me, yesterday.”

Julia was seeing that her father was struggling to find ways to make him talk. For as long as she could remember the relationship between her father and her little brother had always been weird, often uncomfortable. Not from Louis’ side, but from Charles’. He never knew what to say or how to say things.

“Do you have any fun facts about him to tell us?” asked Julia, knowing very well that her brother was a mine of information when he loved something.

“Oh yes. Did you know there is an alternate version of Spider-Man where Peter is an anthropomorphic pig. His name is Spider-ham.”

“No way! That’s so cool!” exclaimed Julia.

“How did you learn that?” said Charles.

“I don’t remember.”

Charles sighed. It was not today, again, that he would achieve a more than two sentences conversation with his only son. He looked down on his plate as Julia saw her mom scooting closer to him and put a hand on his thigh.

Louis didn’t talk much during the lunch, not that he talked a lot anyway but usually, when Julia was giving him the opportunity to talk about things he loved, whether it was Marvel, animals (insects in general) or music, he was unstoppable. But not today. He ate in silence, with his noise cancelling headphones that he didn’t put away and when his plate was empty, he left the room to go back to his bedroom.

“I’m going to see him.” Julia stood up as well and followed him. When she finally caught up to him, he was already back on his bed and with his book. “Louis… talk to me.” she pleaded him.

“You’re leaving me.” he said as a matter of fact, but Julia could hear an ounce of sadness in his tone.

“You know that I have too…”

“You always promised me you would be there for me.”

“And I’m not backing down on that. You know that if I could bring you in my suitcase to have you with me I would.”

“You will be all over the world. You won’t have as much time for me as you have now. You will have new friends and you will forget about me.”

“That’s not true. I will call you every day. And you can text me whenever you need someone to talk to or to help you with your homework.”

“I don’t need help with my homework.”

And Julia knew it was true. Her brother was a little genius. A little genius that her parents didn’t want to put to school, preferring to have him studying at home. Julia sometimes felt guilty about that. She didn’t have the most amazing school years, being bullied because of her last name. People always liked to reject her or to use her in order to have access to privileged places. It was something she didn’t like to think about as it was always bringing back bad memories.

Sometimes, the insults, the pulled hair and the nasty remarks were coming back haunting her. If she had a hard time trusting people, it definitely came from that time of her life. She still remembered vividly the pain it caused her when her first boyfriend, when she was fifteen, played her and made her believe he loved her only to find out later that it was just in order to meet her dad. It had been a hard pill to swallow and since then she had been careful around men. She never really had a boyfriend since that time. Of course, she had a couple flings and one night stands, but it was never serious. She didn’t let anything be serious. Her only focus was her career and her dream to work one day alongside her dad at Ferrari.

Her parents didn’t want Louis to go through what she had gone through and had decided to let him be homeschooled. They knew how cruel people could be and since he had been diagnosed with autism, it was less frightening to keep him sheltered. Julia was not always sure it was the best idea. Louis would have to face, sooner or later, the world and how cruel it could be.

She looked at her little brother and couldn’t help but feel guilty. He would be alone. Sure, he had their mom, but Julia was the only one Louis would willingly confide in. She was his pillar. And Julia was scared that without her here, he would crumble. She tried to think that it was not as different as when she was away for college. But still, she was coming back home whenever she could, and she was in Switzerland so not far away from home. Now, she would be all around the world, with messed up time zones.

“Are you hating me for leaving you?” she asked seating on his bed.

“I’m not angry to see you leave, just sad, I guess. You are the only one who understands me here.”

“You know that’s not true; you have mom too. And Bailey. You will take good care of her for me, right?”

“Mom is mom. It’s not the same. And I’ll take care of Bailey. Australian Shepards need a lot of attention. So, I will try to play with her twice a day for an hour.”

“Thank you, Louis. Can I hug you?”

“Did you wash your hands before?” he asked seriously as Julia rolled her eyes.

She stood up and went to the bathroom before coming back showing him her clean hands.

“Done. Can I have my hug now?” she insisted.

Louis went to her and threw his arms around her clumsily. He hated social contacts. He could barely tolerate his mother’s kisses. But Julia was not the same, she was his favourite human being.

“I love you. Always. Whether I’m three meters away from you or on another continent, I love you.”

He sighed and she felt him nod. He pulled away from her and put back his headphones, letting Julia know that he didn’t want to talk anymore. She left his room to face her dad that had probably heard their conversation. He was not trying to be subtle about it.

“I wish I was as good as you with him.” he told her.

“You’re trying, dad. That’s what matters the most.”

“That’s what your mom said as well.”

“Well, listen to us then.”

“Like your uncle Arthur would say, Leclerc’s women know best.”

“And he is absolutely right.”

Charles threw an arm around his daughter shoulders and kissed the side of her head. They soon joined Lyanna in the living room who is petting an enthusiastic Bailey.

“So, how are you feeling about everything?” asked her mother.

“It’s strange. It’s a mix between excitement, nervousness, and fear of failing.”

“It’s normal things to feel, princess. I was the same.”

“It’s going to feel weird to have you both away…” confessed Lyanna.

“I’ll take care of her, Lya.”

“Oh no! Please don’t embarrass me!” groaned Julia.

“That is basically my job as your father. That and scaring boys away from you.”

Lyanna and Julia both rolled their eyes making Charles laughed. It was always amusing to him to see that his daughter had similar if not identical expressions to his wife.

“And about Ethan… how do you feel about that?” asked Charles.

Ethan was Julia worst enemy since kindergarten. They never got along, nor did they really try to. Fortunately for her, as Ethan started to get really good with karting and later made his way into F3, then F2 to end up finally in F1 three years ago, in Maserati, a midfield team affiliated to Lamborghini, the new name of Red Bull, she didn’t have to see him or interact with him more than necessary.

“I’m not going to work for him or with him for what matters, so I won’t see him much. And as long as he is not acting like a dick, everything should be fine.”

“I hope so. You are both adults now, surely you can act like civilized people.”

“I know I can. The question is, can he?”

“Julia… He is not that bad you know. He is a bit of an idiot sometimes, but who wouldn’t be considering how he grew up.”

“Dad, I know that you like him. For unbeknownst reasons. But using his childhood as a way to excuse his behaviour is just not it. I think Louis and I are the perfect examples of growing up privileged but not being pretentious assholes. You and mom did a pretty good job raising us to be humble and hardworking people.”

“Julia, he is not that bad. He is actually a very focused driver, always asking questions, always wanting to learn. always trying to get better. It’s admirable. He is going to get big.”

“That’s just a facade, dad! That’s a mask he puts on to make people like him. Why can’t you see that? Don’t you remember how ruthless he was with me? Like the one time he stuck gum in my ponytail and mom had to bring me to grandma so she could cut my hair? Or the one where we had this school trip and he just decided that it would be funny to hide my lunchbox somewhere and I couldn’t eat. And I have tons of other examples!”

“Now you are being dramatic.”

“I’m not! I know exactly who he is deep inside. He is rotten. It’s crazy that you can’t see that!”

Her parents smiled at her. They were used to it by now and were not taking it seriously anymore. It was a rivalry that was lasting for more than twenty years now. With an angry gesture Julia left the room. She had a few things to check before being sure that she would not forget anything.

In her room, she took her time to print every corner of where she grew up in her mind. She looked around and went through the mess she accumulated over the years. Her eyes found a vision board, made when she was 12. She smiled when she saw written in bright red capital letters, in the centre of the board, almost taking up all the space “WORKING FOR FERRARI”, and next to it between parentheses with her adult writing “with dad”. In the box under the board, she found pictures of her, her mother and her father, on racetracks, when she was young, before Louis’ birth. She found her favourite one from Le Mans where her dad participated along with Max. It was a bittersweet day, she had to spend it with Ethan, but seeing her dad accomplishing one of his dreams was a wonderful experience to witness. One they shared just the two of us. She folded the picture and put it in her purse.

As she was sitting on her bed caught up in her memories, she didn’t hear her mother coming and taking place next to her.

“I remember this picture. It was maybe your third or four Monaco Grand Prix. You were five years old, something like that. Your eyes were glued to the cars, nothing could make you look elsewhere.”

“Yep, that’s sound like me.” smiled Julia.

“I don’t tell you this enough but, I’m proud of you. I know how far you’ve come, and I know how hard your worked to be able to be where you are today. I’ve never doubted you. Not once second. You have the stubbornness of your dad.”

“Dad would argue and tell you that it comes from you.”

“Your dad is an idiot.”

Julia laughed.

“I wanted to give you this. So, you have something from home when you miss us. Whenever you feel blue, you just have to hold onto it, and it will be like I’m right by your side.”

Lyanna took out of her pocket a black velvet box. When Julia opened it she found a red bracelet with a little horse on it. It seemed old and the iron was slightly rusty. Beside the horse, there was a movie clap next to the Monegasque flag. Two wedding rings circled around each other and two baby socks, one pink and one blue were completing the bracelet. Julia recognised it and knew the importance it held for her parents; it was a perpetual reminder of their story. Julia put it around her wrist and hugged her mom.

“I promise I’ll never take it off and I’ll take care of it.”

“I have no doubt you will. I want you to add things to it. It is yours now, Julia. It is your story to write. But no matter what, your dad and I will be by your side. Forever and always.”

The next morning, she was boarding the private jet that was bringing her to Bahrain for the pre-tests and her first GP. She would stay on the side for starter, just the time for her to adjust, and then progressively she would get tasked on specific things to look at on the car.

“I know that being Ferrari team principal comes with some perks, but it always shocks me. It shouldn’t, but it does.” she said, moving awkwardly in the alley of the plane.

“Technically, it’s supposed to be for Ferrari team members. And since you are working with Skoda, you shouldn’t be here. It’s a favour, I give you Julia.” joked her dad.

“If you want to get into technicalities, Skoda uses your engines so… we are allies.”

“There are no such things as allies in F1, princess.”

She sat opposite to her father and looked outside the window. It would not be long before they took off. A few hours later, as they were both bored to death, Julia looked at her father pensively, biting her lips as if she wanted to say something but didn’t dare to, something her dad caught.

“What is going on in this little head of yours?”

“Can I ask you something?” she asked with hesitation.

“Anything. You know that Ju.”

“Why don’t you want me to work with you?”

He put down his notebooks and crosses his arms against his chest. He took his time to answer her.

“I’m not going to teach you how F1 is a make-or-break kind of world. You know that. I don’t want to people to think that you are where you are only because you are my daughter. They will look down on you. I want you to prove them wrong. And you can’t prove them wrong if you are already with me. You are talented Ju, you have an eye for details, you are smart. I want you to show them that you are a fighter and that you deserve to be there. I would love to have you working with me, it would be a dream. But before, show them all what you are made of.”

“And what if I fail?” “I’ll have your back. I’ll always be there if you need me. For whatever reasons. But you are my daughter, you are a Leclerc, and we don’t give up when things go rough, we fight with all we have until the end.  And that’s what you’ll do.”

Author's note: And let me introduce you to miss Julia and her family that you already know!! I love her, she is amazing and you have seen nothing yet hehehe. I hope you caught the little Cruel Summer reference that was there.... 👀 let me know in the comments.

I can't wait to read your thoughts about it, so don't hesitate to leave a comment or an ask, as well as reblogging and leaving a like. It helps a lot for the story to find its audience. I also have a taglist for this story, so if you want to be added so you never miss a chapter, let me know.

Taglist:

@herondalism @aundercover @musingsbyshreya @karmabyfernando @reengard @mycenterfold @smoooothoperator

[luke-hughes43]

palm trees and snow angels | cutter gauthier x eden hughes

originally i was planning on doing just readers for all of my HHH works but the opportunity was here to talk about cutter and eden again and i had to take it so enjoy!

~

eden's pov

having grown up in toronto and then michigan, snow at christmas was normal. like giving out candy at halloween. but this year, christmas is going to look different.

this is the first time i'm spending christmas in california, with cutter. the last three years, i went to wherever world juniors was which usually had snow. but now, i just have the palm trees outside our orange county apartment, 5 minutes from the beach.

it's weird.

me and cutter have our tree up and decorated the apartment as if we'd be getting snow, even though we aren't. it's kind of comforting a little bit. he can tell that i'm missing the snow and cold weather even if i hate the cold. it's just a christmas staple.

he comes home from practice and says, "hey angel. how was your day?"

i smile, "fine. boring to be honest. i went on a run and hit the gym but other than that, nothing. missing home to be honest."

"me too. so, gudas is throwing a big dinner on christmas night since most of us can't really go home for christmas, what do you think about going?"

"that sounds nice. it'll be nice to get to know your team a little better since i haven't been to many games with soccer." i say as he pulls me in for a hug. he kisses my head and says, "i'll text him to let him know we're coming."

~

the night of christmas has finally come. we spent most of the morning calling our families and watching world juniors since some of our friends are playing.

i get ready to go out and cutter is just waiting on me at this point. he usually is, i take at least an hour to get ready. i'm also trying to put in more effort since this is the first time i'm really meeting all of his teammates and their significant others.

cutter calls out from the living, "angel, are you almost ready?"

"yea i'm coming cut! one sec!"

i finally get my other shoe on and meet him by the door. he leans down and kisses me softly, "you look gorgeous."

i smile, "such a charmer."

he smiles and nudges me out the door. he opens my door and helps me in the car before getting in himself and driving towards his captain's house. as we approach the gudas residence, i can't help but notice the absurd amount of cars and how well decorated it is.

cutter helps me out and guides me to the door. he gives my hand a reassuring squeeze and says, "everyone is extremely welcoming. you'll fit right in, i promise." he drops a kiss on my lips before heading inside. he brings him into a room full of his teammates.

trevor jumps up first and says, "lady hughes! so glad you could make it!" he basically runs over and tackles me into a hug. he's acting like he hasn't seen me in years when he saw me last week.

when your brother is best friends with the worlds biggest extrovert, it's hard not to become friends with him. cutter introduces me to everyone that i haven't met and then troy terry says, "hey i'm troy. i'd apologize for trevor but i'm assuming you already know how he can be. my wife, dani, is in the kitchen with the other wives and girlfriends, she'll be quick to introduce herself."

i give him a small smile, "thanks. it's nice to meet you."

cutter guides me to the kitchen and i'm immediately bombarded. a woman with a kind smile comes over instantly and hugs me, "hi! i'm dani, troy's wife. i was so excited when i heard that you were coming. come sit, we were just talking about how great it's gonna be to meet you!"

i look up at cutter and he smiles. he says quietly, "you gonna be ok?"

"yea. go hang with the guys. i'll be good. i love you and i'll find you if i need anything." i say. he nods and kisses me before heading back to the boys. dani smiles, "come sit. we wanna know all about you. and you and cutter!"

i sit at the island and get handed a drink and start talking to all of the wives and girlfriends. they are so incredibly nice and welcoming. i say, "cut and i have been together for almost 3 years. we went to high school together in michigan while he was with the ntdp. i grew close to a lot of those guys through my brother luke and cutter and i had always been really close and flirty. there were several drunk kisses and make outs before actually dating. all of our friends had bets on when we would actually start dating."

"that's adorable." radko's wife says smiling. another woman, who's name i can't remember asks, "so what's bring you to california? we don't actually know."

"i play soccer at uc irvine, studying criminology. i'm a junior so i've been here for 3 years now and i love it. so i was ecstatic when cut was traded here and we'd be close. his two years in boston was hard, and it's so fucking cold there. i'm enjoying the warm weather."

"yea, SoCal weather is nice. so what are your plans after graduation then? grad school, pro soccer, or just living the wag life?"

"i honestly haven't thought that far yet. and cut and i haven't talked about it. i think i'm gonna cross that bridge when the time comes and just enjoy this journey with him." i say smiling at the idea of spending my future with cutter.

us women talk more about everything and anything in our lives and it's nice to meet and talk to other women going through a similar life as i am. dani gets it the most, being my best friend and wag/student athlete herself but there's so much i get to talk to her with our season being opposite of each other.

as the night winds down and cutter and i head home, i feel much better about being brought into a group of wives and girlfriends that are navigating a similar way of life of your significant other being a professional athlete.

i ask cutter in the car, "do you think we could take a walk on the boardwalk? i wanna see the palm trees with their lights?"

he smiles, "anything you want angel."

we park at the beach and starting walking through the trees covered in the festive lights. he wraps his arm around my shoulder and holds me close. he asks, "so how was your christmas angel?"

"different than usual. new scenery and new traditions but i enjoyed it. i enjoy anything i get to do with you. even if my christmas means more of palm trees covered in christmas lights than making snow angels with you and having snow ball fights with my idiot brothers. to the future cut."

"to the future eden. and i'm sure, we could make some snow angels or snow ball fights with your brothers happen during the break if you really wanted."

"maybe next time." i say smiling up at him. he stops walking and pulls me in for a sweet kiss. i smile the whole time and let him take me home where we just sit on the couch admiring our tree and looking at old photos of our past christmases.

christmas might've looked different this year, but i could get used to it if it means a life time of christmases with cutter.

~

_edenhughes_

📍Orange County, California

liked by cuttergauthier_, lhughes_06, and others.

_edenhughes_ christmas has changed from snow angels to palm trees but i wouldn't change it for the world.

merry christmas cutter, i love you and our new life together🤍😘

Tagged: cuttergauthier_

Comments (Limited by User)

cuttergauthier_ merry christmas angel. i love you🤍

_edenhughes_ i love you too.🤍

[lazypanartist]

Chapter 3

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A Rose By Any Other Name

Would Feel As Frigid

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Warnings: mentions of violence, other questionable activities, theft, and the American school system

Notes: a little over half of you said to name Reader, so that's what we'll do!

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Previous

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SO chapter 2 finished up the 1st Belle Reve visit. Here we're starting round 2!

---

"And all you did was interview them."

Adam, our yearbook drag-along, seemed annoyed. "Some psych kids can only DREAM of seeing into thoughts of criminals like these!"

Rachel bumped her brother's shoulder, setting her lunch tray down next to his. "Big whoop. The staff, here AND at Belle Reve, don't want us to keep being delinquents or whatever."

"They're sick of us already," I offered. "Guards don't wanna see us, school doesn't want to deal with the fallout if we get arrested. And the inmates probably don't want us locked up with them, for the most part."

Adam scowled at me. Typical maneuver from him, really.

"Yeah? I'm sick of seeing you, too."

I smiled at him, watching as his scowl deepened.

"Feeling's mutual, A. Get any good pictures of Ray and Shimmer? Or did you get to everyone but me?"

"I'm getting student-inmate interactions next time. The guards gave me a small tour of the prison yesterday - it's massive!"

"No kidding.." My mind floated back to the giant gate we had gone in by. "Absolutely huge."

"Next visit's next Thursday." Rachel reached across her own tray, grabbing something off her brother's. He gave her a withering glare, but she only smirked in response.

Adam sighed, turning his attention back to me. "The guy in charge - Mister Strange, I think - said that you guys are doing something a little different next week. Apparently everyone's getting a guard this time around.. not just everyone but you."

"Huh." It was the only intelligent response I could find.

"Yeah," he filled in. "Must be bad if there aren't any exceptions."

I nodded. "What do you think it is? Pairing us off?"

He shrugged. "Good question. Whatever it is, it'll probably get into the school paper."

Rachel sighed. "So everyone knows how much trouble we're in?"

"Nope." Adam nudged his sister's arm gently. "Not if they don't already, of course. School's painting it as an excursion for the inmates to get outside interaction."

"Oh." Rachel perked up slightly. "Because they don't want to spoil their own name?"

"Probably." Adam shrugged. "If it was up to me, it'd be a chance for you guys to learn from your mistakes and see what you could become. Which it is, of course, but that's not what the school's saying."

"Right." I nodded. Rachel copied the action, grinning when our eyes met.

"Good thing, too," she giggled. "I'd hate to have everyone know my sins or whatever."

Adam rolled his eyes. "You were just dragged into it, Ray. You'll be fine."

"Yeah.." Rachel mumbled. All I could do was silently agree with her hesitation.

–

Cameron seemed excited the next time I went into the interview room. I noted in the back of my mind the lack of cuffs, and Bob stepping into the room behind me.

"Casey! Welcome back."

"You seem.. hyper?" I was wary, of course. He hadn't seemed this openly emotional the last visit, and the sudden presence of his demeanor..

His eyes widened, and he looked past me to the guard. "You didn't tell them?"

Bob huffed in what was probably contempt. "Nope. Get up." And with that he passed me, heading towards the door behind Junior.

I eyed the inmate questioningly, and he grinned.

"You're getting a tour! Of course you probably don't want to, but if you keep on your "current path" or whatever you're here for.." he trailed off with his air quotes before motioning for me to follow. Bob was holding the door open on the other side, a similar hallway to the civilian side laid out in front of me. I could see Lainey and Devastation, flanked by two guards, down the hall already.

"Psst."

She glanced back, and I waved. Lainey smiled, returning the gesture before rounding a corner I hadn't seen previously.

Oh.

"So, today's agenda." Junior slowed down, walking next to me in the hall. "Is of course, the tour. From what I hear of my dad's chat with the director, Strange, you're sticking with me all day." He put emphasis on the "all", dragging it out. "That means bunk check, lunch, rec time, everything."

"Fun," I offered. "So, like 60 days in without the jumpsuit."

"Exactly!" He grinned, nudging my arm. I could hear Bob huff in front of us, but he obviously wasn't bothered enough to react further.

We rounded the corner, passing through a door (Bob was behind us now, holding it open.)

I must have gasped. All I know for sure is that the size of the intake was massive - probably to contain some of the larger incoming inmates.

We ventured through a few more hallways, Junior talking the whole way. Things about "two inmates per room", "twenty rooms per side of the hallway", "two sides per hallway", and a few more things about the bunk check. Something about the lifting and shaking of mattresses and bedding to check for stashed contraband.

It's been a while, so I don't remember for sure. I wasn't listening much anyways, instead taking in the concrete surroundings.

It took a minute before I noticed that we weren't following Lindsay and Devastation anymore.

"Hey, Junior?"

His nose wrinkled. "Please, Cameron's fine."

"Sorry.. Cameron. Where'd the girls end up?"

"Oh!" He gestured towards our left. "They took the left hall in intake. Whole place's segregated by gender except intake, outgoing, and interviews. I don't know why we took the long way to bunks.." he glanced back at Bob, who merely huffed as his answer. Cameron turned back to me and shrugged before taking an abrupt right, down another hallway.

"And.. here!" He stepped into a cell, turning around and spreading his arms. "Ta-da!"

I glanced around. It was.. space. Four concrete walls, a metal bunk bed that looked older than Bob.. there wasn't much bedding either. A small toilet took its place in a far corner, a blanket strewn beside it.

"Huh."

He glanced behind me before chuckling, eyes falling slightly. "Yeah. It's not much, but until I'm 25, it's home."

My eyes widened. "Oh, wow."

He nodded before motioning me closer. I hesitated and he rolled his eyes.

"He can't check my bunk until one, you're out of the doorway." I stepped to the side, and Bob walked past me. "And two, my bunkmate's here."

I blinked before taking a step towards Cameron and the bunk. "Who's your bunkmate?"

"Oh, not a big name or anything." He smirked. "Just Mister Freeze."

I blinked. "Oh."

He looked quickly between Bob and I before rolling his eyes. "Oh, come ON! Do we even really have to wait for him?" When Bob didn't answer, he sighed. "He's still shadowing my dad! There's no way he'll get here in time for Case and I to finish the tour!"

Bob thought for a minute before huffing again, passing between Cameron and I. The other teen's eyes widened before meeting mine again, flashing a grin and thumbs-up as Bob struggled up the bunk's ladder.

We kept glancing between Bob and one another while we waited, Cameron offering a smile every time our eyes passed. I started returning them after the third.

Finally Bob came back down the ladder. I could hear footsteps coming down the hall as he painted quietly.. quite a few sets, actually.

"Congratulations, Junior." Cam's nose wrinkled again. "You're set. I'll walk you 'n Casey back t' the chow hall - if it 'as up to me, they'd fully integrate for the tour." He rolled his eyes before turning. "You two'll have plenty of supervision without me there too, but Director Strange made it clear that you," he turned momentarily from the door, pointing at Cameron, "should have another set of eyes on you."

Cameron chuckled. "Thanks for the vote of confidence."

"Like I said." Bob finally got the door back open - he must have jammed the lock - and started back down yet another hallway. "If it 'as my choice, they'd all be in suits with the same restrictions as you inmates. If the school's plan is to scare you kids straight, they need a better strategy!"

I sighed, rolling my eyes when Cameron shot me a confused look before smiling.

"Right. Guards want us here for real? Can't blame you."

I could tell that the previous day's sentiment was true - most people at Belle Reve were sick of us already. Cameron, though?

He offered me another smile in return, nudging my arm. "Please. It might actually be bearable if you stick around."

"For eight years?!" I laughed. "I don't think I'd make it!"

He shrugged. "Hey, if you and me stick together, you'll be okay."

I could tell, even back then, that he was right. Even if I didn't know what it was about..

---

WHOOH finally finished this chapter! So much brain fog rn! Chapter 4 coming asap, love y'all, ciao!

Next

[glitterslittleuniverse]

LUMINA and the HYBE FAMILY

TOMORROW X TOGETHER

It’s pretty obvious that the people she’s closest to in the company would be the members of TXT. She met them after she joined the company and although some of the boys were a little shy and awkward at first, it didn’t take long for them to warm up to her and become good friends. She’s around their age which made it easier to connect with them and they treat her like a little sister. She’s the biggest MOA out there. She always attends their concerts and promotes their songs like no one else. They’re her number one support system. When she feels lonely she goes straight to them and they provide her with all the comfort and cuddles she needs. She adores them like they’re her real big brothers, she doesn’t know what she would do without their support.

BTS

Eunbyeol doesn’t see very much of her Big Hit seniors. She’s met them a few times but things don’t usually go further then polite greetings and formal conversation. She may be a little shy around them because they are her seniors and are so much more experienced then her that she just doesn’t know what to say to them. However the member she’s most comfortable around is j-hope. He was the first to reach out to her and tell her she could speak comfortably around him. The two of them have very similar personalities and get along well despite their almost ten year age gap. The other BTS members may be a little jealous of j-hopes friendship with Eunbyeol. She’s Hoseok’s baby, nothing can change that.

ENHYPEN

Such a sweet sibling relationship. They debuted in the same year so they’ve always been supportive of one another. She’s always so excited when she runs into them at the company. They drag her places like the arcade because they know she hates feeling lonely, she’s always grateful they remember her and include her. She’s good friends with all the Enhypen members but the one’s she’s closest to are Sunoo and Jungwon. She talks to them a lot and they confide in each other. They just need to call her and she’ll come running, ready to encourage and cheer them on. 

SEVENTEEN 

Eunbyeol aka luckiest Carat on the planet. She’d been a big fan of theirs for a long time before meeting them in person. You can imagen how nervous she was. She was so shy, there’s so many of them she didn’t know who to look at but the members all found her super adorable. The Seventeen members were very welcoming and kind to her that they became closer very quickly. They know she’s a fan of theirs and now they’re her biggest fans too. They fuss over her and praise her whenever they see her. They’re her big brothers now and they’re proud of it. 

fromis_9 

The big sisters she’s always wanted, she loves fromis and they love her. Whenever she meets the members they treat her so sweetly and always ask her how she feels, if she needs anything etc. They spoil her by sending her food or taking her out to eat with them. Eunbyeol became especially close friends with Jiheon, who is the same age as her. The two of them like to hang out whenever they have the chance. 

LE SSERAFIM

Wherever Le Sserafim is Eunbyeol can usually be found too. The biggest supporter of their debut ever. She was so excited and happy, they’re her first junior girl group and she’s gonna take good care of them. Closest to Kazuha, as they are the same age. She is also particularly soft for the groups Maknae Eunchae. Eunbyeol and Eunchae are like magnets, she lives for doting over the younger girl. Her favorite junior group #1. 

NEW JEANS

Her favorite junior group #2. She just adores them so much. The only group with all members younger then her, Eunbyeol is determined to be a big sister they can rely on. She isn’t super close to the members as yet but she’s seen them a hand fall of times. She always praises their good work and encourages them. 

LEE HYUN 

Eunbyeol met him right after she joined Big Hit and the girl was pretty much starstruck. They talked for a while and after that he treated her to dinner. Ever since he’s taken up the role of her uncle, always checking up on her to make sure she’s doing okay and eating well. She has such a massive amount of respect for him as an artist, being under the same company as him feels so surreal. She can talk to him about anything and he’s always willing to listen. They have such precious friendship that Eunbyeol cherishes deeply. 

BAEKHO

Sunshine and sunshine's protector. Baekho is so fond of her and she’s super fond of him too. They’re both really friendly and bright people so it didn’t take long for them to become friends. He acts like her older brother and spoils her more then anyone. Being with Baekho just makes her so happy and he’s one of the people that makes her feel safe and secure. She greatly admires, respects and appreciates him.

HWANG MINHYUN

Someone she’s not very close with but wishes to get to know better. They’ve met a bunch of times but Minhyun’s usually very busy so they don’t see each other much. He’s one of the artists she wants to collaborate with most because she loves his voice a lot. She really looks up to him and hopes they can be good friends one day. 

[nifemisdistortedramblings]

THE CANON EVENT

(A Short Story About COVID-19 From The Eyes Of A 13 Year Old Nigerian Girl)

Tuesday, January 21 There’s nothing particularly special about the day. I wake up to the disharmonious sound of my sister, Kiki’s snoring. The shrill cry of the kettle pierces the otherwise quiet morning and scares away any sleep left in me. I sigh. I have to stand up now.

Mother is in the kitchen making our breakfast for school.

“Mide.” She frowns, her hand subconsciously placed on her pregnant belly. She‘s surprised that I'm awake this early.

I greet her and surreptitiously grab one slice of bread to toast. I go to the sitting room and turn on the TV.

Lately, I’ve developed a fascination for CNN, my attention drawn to the 7 o’clock News. Today it's about China, a country I’m gradually learning is outstanding in the technology field. I stare at the headline: NEW VIRUS OUTBREAK IN WUHAN, CHINA. The reporter is talking about a state of emergency in ‘affected areas’, travel restrictions, and other vague words. The toaster pops. I take out the bread.

Mother walks in, Bible in hand. It’s time for our morning devotion. She glances at the TV and tells me to turn it off. I do so and go to wake my sister up. Just as we begin to sing, a phrase the reporter said flashes through my mind. This could become a pandemic.

Tuesday, March 24 Mrs Abu walks into the class. Everyone goes quiet. My friend, Daniella, slips me a note.

Eze is looking at you

I turn to where Eze is. He glances away, smiling unabashedly. Daniella giggles and starts to say something but Mrs Abu cuts across her.

“The closing bell will soon be rung. As soon as you hear it, pack your things and go home.”

The class remains quiet for a millisecond until Chisom, the Class Captain, asks, “Why are we going home, ma?”

Mrs. Abu sighs and says in that you won't understand anyway tone, “Mr. Luke just said you all should go home.” The closing bell rings, reverberating throughout the school. “I'm sure you'll come back tomorrow or maybe next week. Now, put down your assignments.”

Daniella whispers, “It‘s because of that coronavirus. My daddy told me about it.”

I don't say anything. My mind is preoccupied with thoughts of Eze. He likes me back. I make a mental note to talk to him tomorrow.

Wednesday, March 25 I leave my bedroom, fully dressed for school. I catch a glimpse of the time and my heart skips. As I reach the front door and am about to open it, Father opens it from the other side. He‘s in his work clothes, black suit and tie. He must be returning from his workplace.

“Where are you going?” He asks.

I stare, my mouth suddenly dry. “I'm going to school.”

He steps in, closing the door behind him. I edge back to let him enter. He says, “Your school said you shouldn't resume yet. Come back inside.”

The words hit me, a roiling wave of confusion mixed with dread mixed with anxiety.

No school.

No Eze.

No Junior WAEC.

I turn around and go back inside.

Thursday, March 26 Father peers above the Punch Newspaper he’s reading and tells me, “The Ministry of Education said all the schools should close. There's no school until further notice.” He then murmurs something about telling my brothers to return home.

I don't bother to dress up for school. After breakfast, I join him in the sitting room. He‘s reading the Sports section. He smiles at me and we remain in mutual silence for the rest of the morning.

I notice an amusing article about Edo State saying it’s prepared to host the National Sports Festival despite the coronavirus outbreak. I instantly know that wouldn't be possible. This coronavirus is getting serious. Schools are closed. The country’s borders are closed. Over 40 cases have been reported. I can feel this…shift in the atmosphere. Something big is happening and I’m almost giddy with curious excitement to see how it’ll play out.

Later That Day My two brothers, Timi and Jimi arrive from university. We all go out to welcome them grandly, complete with Kiki climbing on their backs, squealing delightfully. I can sense something amiss when my mother doesn't ask as she usually does, When are you two going back to school?

Monday, March 30 Yesterday, our parents took us to that new ShopRite Mall.

“We need to buy food,” was all Father had said.

And buy we did. Everything from cereals to the packaged garri that Mother hates (*those things are swarming with cancer *were her exact words) to several packs of Coke. I later noticed that we weren't the only ones doing this. The line at the counter was long and unending with people who had bought loads of food. I asked Mother why everybody was doing this. She averted her eyes and murmured, “We have to be prepared.”

On the ride back home, I heard a phrase on the car radio: Panic Buying. The woman reporting said people were Panic Buying when it wasn't necessary. Father got livid.

“How can they know it isn’t necessary? Countries are already going on lockdown! Nobody is leaving their house! Before you know it, our government too will go on lockdown! We should be prepared!”

No one else spoke. Not even Kiki, who was just glad not to go to school. I watched the roads become more and more deserted.

Today, I wake up and go straight to the TV for updates as I now usually do.

Lagos State has gone on lockdown.

Monday, April 13 Today is Easter Monday. We watch the Easter service on our church’s TV channel. This is what it has come to. Online church services. Father says he likes it.

“This is like an eye-opening event.” I heard him telling one of his friends on the phone yesterday after the Sunday Service. “Church meetings don't have to be physical. God is everywhere.”

I don't care much about the televised services. I care more about the rising numbers of coronavirus deaths. Thousands and counting.

Then, the news comes around noontime just after I finish reading my schoolnotes.

Nigeria extends lockdown.

The mood becomes sour for the rest of the day. Father, who had planned to go out today in search of things we need at home, just stares at the television screen for a long time before his phone begins to blow up with phone calls from work and he retires to his bedroom. Kiki goes on playing with her toys, oblivious. Timi and Jimi also don't seem to care, the former always scrolling through social media, the latter always playing games on his phone. Mother doesn't get out of bed. When I go in to see her, she tells me, “I’m just tired, Mide.”

I wonder if she means that she’s tired of the coronavirus pandemic or of staying in the house all day.

Monday, April 27 Things are getting boring. I’m not enjoying this lockdown. There‘s nothing to do. Well, there‘s always an electricity supply - which is a first - so I spend the whole day in front of the television. I‘ve stopped reading my books. What’s the use, really? The lockdown doesn't look like it’s ending soon.

My father and I binge-watch movies, stopping to tune in to the news channels for daily updates on the coronavirus.

My mother stays in her room, her stomach now bigger.

Timi and Jimi only come out for food and sometimes church services. The other day, Father and Jimi argued over something so trivial. Jimi talked back at Father and stormed off into his room. Father banged and banged on the room door but Jimi didn't come out.

Tuesday, April 28 The weather is warm today. Father wakes up in a good mood, pretending to have forgotten yesterday’s event. He takes one look at me where I am sitting before the TV and says I have to “begin schooling again.”

He pulls out our old radio which surprisingly still works and that’s how I find myself having a virtual class one hour later. The teacher’s voice crackles a lot but I jot down notes, whilst wondering if Father‘s transferring aggression from Jimi to me. Father stays beside me, occasionally leaving to answer phone calls from work. Mother comes out of her room, sees me sitting studiously beside the radio, and pats my back.

“Well done,” she says, and I convince myself that I just made her day.

Tuesday, May 5 Today is Mother’s birthday. We sing the Happy Birthday song and she laughs wholeheartedly even when Kiki showers her with confetti (it's just bits of paper that I suspect were torn from her schoolnotes). Father hands around bottles of Coke and slices of Mother’s homemade cake and we all sit and eat and go on with our daily activities; I, radio school, Kiki, less radio school, more playing and scattering the whole house, Timi and Jimi, well, just staying in their room.

Oh, I almost forgot. Yesterday, Nigeria relaxed the lockdown! It’s about time!

Monday, June 1 Oh My God. Guess what I just saw on the news? Nigeria has lifted the ban on religious gatherings!

You know, I had a weird dream two days ago. I dreamt that I was back in school and I could see my friends and I was so happy. But then I woke up to reality and felt like going back to sleep. The thought of school makes me excited. I haven't left this house in months. Months!

Wednesday, August 19 Things are looking up. Other countries are ending their lockdowns. I can sense our lockdown ending too. You won't believe how thrilled I was today when I heard an okada outside.

Tuesday, September 22 Mother went into labour today. I'm hoping for a safe delivery.

Friday, September 25 I now have a baby brother. Father can't decide on the right name. Kiki suggests ‘Coro’ as in the coronavirus, but Mother just ignores her.

Thursday, October 1 The curfew has been lifted! I feel a bit dizzy with disbelief. I survived the coronavirus pandemic. My whole family too! What now? What next?

One Month Later I’m back in school. Everyone is happy to see each other even though we have to go over all our work again. I hug Daniella and I feel…tense. Father has warned me about social distancing but here I am hugging my best friend whom I haven't seen in several months.

All that radio school helped, though. The teachers are saying we’ll still have to sit for our Junior WAEC.

Mother has begun working again. Father too. Mother sews nosemasks and gives some to Father to sell at his workplace. Well, business is booming.

Wednesday, December 2 I keep thinking I have COVID. Nobody at school is strictly following the safety rules, not even the teachers. Everyone dons the nosemasks but ignores the social distancing rules. Maybe I have the virus and am asymptomatic like that State Governor. I'm afraid my whole family has caught it from me too. Really afraid.

Thursday, December 24 Father is sick. So sick. Today, he and Mother went to the hospital. I'm still waiting for them to return.

Thursday, December 31 Father hasn't returned from the hospital. Mother came home today and broke the sad news. He has COVID.

Friday, January 1 There‘s no school today. Kiki and I are talking in our room when they come. Our aunts. My grandfather. The pastor. Instinctively, I know. Before they tell us.

Father is dead.

For a brief second, I think the tears won’t come. But they do. There’s a pain in my chest. A ringing in my ears. Kiki is tugging at my skirt, asking why I’m crying, her voice a faraway sound. At some time she leaves. I stay where I am, standing alone in my room, listening to my mother’s wails.

I can't believe I thought I was lucky.

[siennasstore]

Day 1 Intro And Very Short Term Plan

Day 1 (January 23, 2024)

To be honest I don't know if anyone will read this but I've decided to start this lil blog to document my journey or trying to start my own business. Maybe (hopefully) one day I'll look back on this from my big top floor office and smile at how far I've come. 

For a short intro- my name is Sienna Rosales, I'm a junior in high school and am enrolled in my city's vocational school for esthetics, my birthday is January 13, I  hope to go to college and get my cosmetic science degree and one day become a practicing medical doctor of Dermatology. 

Back to the business tho. I would like to create an "all things beauty" type store. More than likely starting with makeup and skincare and then later branching out into hair, teeth, glasses, fashion, ect. Really just anything you can think of when it comes to appearance. I don't mean to sound vain but seeing how someone's mood can change when they think they look good is really why I want to do this. I want everyone to be able to use/ find a product that works for them in my store no matter their background or anything. I also think it would be cool to have a brick and motor shop one day that doubles as a safe space- and a cafe. 

My parent's are supportive (tho it seems one more so than the other tho that's neither here nor there because they love me and I love them) and my older brother agreed to talk to a friend of his who he models for that runs their own business, I will be sure to nag him about that. I have lots of concept ideas on my tablet: I suppose I may have got tired of just concepting and keeping them to myself and hence we ended up here. I have some money saved up from when I was able to work although I suspect it is not enough. 

I have no clue where to start. At the moment I am signing up for free versions of website builders (Wordpress, Wix, Shopify, and Squarespace) to try and catch the vibes of them. Either later tonight when I am undoubtably up even tho I should be sleeping-shh don't tell my momma- I will start looking up how to start a business, what you need to start a cosmetic business, ect ect. I will try to update tomorrow/ whenever I work on this new big project of mine. I feel like this is something to big for me to do (especially mostly on my own) but the thought of having this come to fruition brings an excitement to my heart that I have truthfully not felt in years. If someone is reading this I would really appreciate any advice you can give. Maybe one day I'll even post some of my concept drawings here. 

-Thanks, Sienna R.  

(there's also a google blog version of this also under Sienna's Store)

❤️

[themuse-if]

DEMO- September 29, 2024 | Cast Profiles | Cast Interviews-Round 1 | Cast Interviews-Round 2 | The Muse: Spotify

The Muse is a 18+ slice of life interactive fiction novel set at NYU focusing mostly on the art departments in the Steinhardt and Tisch schools. Inspired by my love for shows and movies like Felicity, Fame (the show), Skins UK, and Center Stage. This will not be an accurate depiction of school life at NYU, I'll be taking lots of creative liberties.

Content Warnings: explicit language, sexual themes, substance use, violence, mention of SA

You come from a family of artists and art lovers. Your mother is a passionate curator for a small gallery in the city and your father is a sculptor and painter with a very dedicated cult following. They met when they were just starting out and have built a lovely life for themselves and their two children, you and your older brother Cameron.

Your parents have always been super supportive of you and your brother’s dreams and ambitions. They were a great source of encouragement and guidance for your brother on his path to discovering his goal to become a game designer and you on your path to become whatever you choose.

Growing up surrounded by such creativity just so happened to inspired you to want to create something of your own.

Now that you’ve graduated high school it’s time for you to head off to university! You’ve decided to leave the mid sized city that you call your hometown, and go to the big city NYC! You’ll be attending NYU more specifically, but you won’t be making this move alone you’ll be attending with your best friend Maxine!

What will you discover in your university life?

Will you solely focus on schoolwork or wind up in the raging party scene?

Will you explore new creative endeavors or solely focus on honing your craft?

With so much going on will you even have the time to possibly find your muse, or maybe even become someone else’s?

Design your mc from clothing style to physical appearance to pronouns, gender identity, name, looks, and more.

Choose 1 of 6 majors that grant you different classes with new students and professors: (Studio Arts, Dance, Drama, Photography and Imaging, Songwriting, Recorded Music)

Curate your MCs personality and how they react to all the drama and excitement university life has to offer. Style your MC’s dorm room and their aesthetic style.

Navigate the cliques and scenes to figure out where your MC fits in. Maybe you're a social butterfly and you just float from one social group to another!

Engage in a romance with 1 of 10 characters. 5 female/male gender selectable and 5 gender set characters. And 2 poly routes one with The Rebel Rejects and one with The Exes (Faye and Karla).

Choose one of three part time jobs to give you a little extra spending money for things like spring break and birthday gifts for your new friends.

Follow The Muse through your MC’s freshman and sophomore years. Junior and senior year will come much later in Book Two of The Muse. The third and final book in The Muse series will cover the start of MC's new life after graduation.

Roxanne/Robbie Sawyer: (f/m) The lead singer and guitarist of The Rebel Rejects. Ro is everything you would want in a lead singer cool, charismatic, and super talented. Don’t let their dazzling aura intimidate you though because though they may have a raging wild side they can also be extremely down to earth.

Joleen/Johnny Nielsen: (f/m) The drummer of The Rebel Rejects. Jo is the oddball of the band with a sunny exterior and twisted flower child past. They may be a sweet boho bimbo with a heart of gold, but there’s a lot more that lies behind those blue green eyes.

Delphine/Desmond Hartley: (f/m) The bassist for The Rebel Rejects. De is the super glue propelling the group forward. With high expectations from their parents, and dreams that soar even higher, success is the only option.

Rina/Ren Fukushi: (f/m) R is the best ballet dancer in this incoming freshman class, and no one would ever think to say otherwise. They’re cold and closed off, if it isn’t about ballet then they don’t want to hear it.

Everly/Everett Thompson: (f/m) Eve is a triple threat. Singing, dancing, acting they can do it all. They hope to complete their EGOT before they turn 40.

Karla Reyes: (she/her) Karla is a sophomore at NYU studying Studio Arts. Her favorite medium is watercolor on canvas. She dabbled with sculpting and ceramics...until she broke up with her ex, Faye, and can’t stand to be in the same studio with them.

Faye Winters: (she/they) Faye is every bit the ethereal being they seem to be, and just as flighty. She is a sophomore majoring in dance with a minor in studio arts. She has this effortless charm and beauty that extends to her art whether its her dancing or her sculptures.

Sebastien Auclair: (he/him) Sebastien is in his third year of university, he’s an exchange student from the Paris College of Art. He is studying photography and imaging. Sebastian loves Paris, but he is excited for this change of scenery.

Maxine Matthews: (she/her)Max is your best friend in the world! Your parents are friends so you were destined to best pals since birth, thank god you actually like each other or all those shared family functions would have been really awkward. Max is funny and always has great commentary for every show or movie that you watch together. Which is why you weren’t surprised when they decided to major in dramatic writing. Some people think that you’re too close. They wonder how is it possible that you could be just friends.

Silas Walker: (he/him) Silas is your RA. As your Resident Advisor he's super helpful and friendly. You have a question about the best study spots, bad professors, how to use the subway, well he's got answers. He keeps all his advisees at arms length because everyone knows RAs can't canoodle with their advisees. And that just makes it all the more enticing.

[lovefromskyee]

31/12/23

I'm writing this on the first of January, and I have walked home from my classes. I know that doesn't really seem like a big thing considering that it took seven minutes, but for someone who hates going outside as much as I do, it was probably the biggest accomplishment of my life. It was genuinely kind of nice though, because I had my headphones so it was like me time (but with exercise, euck).

We went to a new year's eve party yesterday, at this club that I thought was supposed to be super formal and intimidating, but apparently not. The event did nothing but remind me about how much I like to be alone, however, but it was fun nonetheless. Me and my brother spent most of the time making fun of the performances that were put on, and I know that may sound mean, but I don't think I care much at this point.

This whole entry sounds apathetic, I KNOW, but stay with me, alright? Because I genuinely am extremely excited for this year, even if I might not show it.

I had one vague resolution for 2023: Become an it girl. Don't ask me what past-me meant by that, because I'm not sure I understand it either. But I think I did partially work towards it? Because I exercise almost regularly now, I have better hair and better grades, and a better music and fashion sense, and a more closely-knit social circle, which has to count for SOMETHING, right? Obviously, my life isn't the most pinterest-perfect thing, but it's so perfect to me that I can't really complain about it.

I'm going to enter 11th grade (junior year, for the americans) this year, and it sounds so daunting but also... not? The only resolution I have for 2024 is to get better grades and better health, which is much easier said than done. I think, to some extent, I am scared that my life has peaked in the last few years considering how happy I was in them, but I just have to remind myself that I say this every year and it always turns out just fine. Maybe reminding myself of that more often should also be a resolution of mine.

I have two piercings in my ear this year, and I hope to convince my mother to let me get a third one this year. The chances are low, though, considering how traumatic the experience of getting the second one was (I was almost in the hospital). But I fear I may have already forgotten about the consequences of my actions, which is just so fun, by the way.

I think for resolutions, it boils down to five main things: Improve my grades, start walking more regularly, get more sleep, drink more water, and get a third ear piercing.

I'll just keep my fingers crossed for these ones, but I don't have too high hopes for myself. I know younger me would be so proud of where I am, though, and that might be the only thing keeping me going.

Anyways, that's it for today <3 I'll see you guys tomorrow for the second unsolicited dump of 2024.

Love from Skye <3

[boldlyvoid]

Princess Hellfire | e.m

Part 1 | Masterlist

Summary: in Junior year, Eddie sits beside the new girl in his Science class not expecting her to become his best friend in the entire world

Warnings: flirting, teenage romance, mentions of bullying, readers older brother is kind of an asshat, Wayne gives Eddie 'the talk'

Word Count: 6606

It starts Junior year in the back of Mrs. Bradbury’s science class, they shared a desk which meant they had to be partners all year and neither one of them really minded. He changed a lot since middle school, so she's been told, darker jeans, a leather jacket that was a bit too big for him and 2 rings on his left hand. He looked a little scary, but Eddie Munson was anything but the sort. 

Slowly over the semester they learned more and more about each other, he made her laugh and she reacted to his stories as if he was cool. He showed up to class every day, he tried his hardest and at the end of the semester it ended up being his best mark. 

“Do you think we could maybe, I don’t know, get lunch together sometime next semester?” She asked during their last class together, not knowing when they’d be fortunate enough to be placed together in another. 

“Yeah,” he’s shocked but really excited, “you could always come and sit with me at my table? I don’t think I’ve ever seen you in the cafeteria?” 

She shakes her head, “I sit in front of my locker usually.” 

“Alone?” He asks, only getting a nod back from her. “Why?”

She shrugs, “I don’t really have any friends.” 

“That’s a lie, I’m right here?” 

“I’m serious,” she can’t look at him. “This is the only class where I have to talk to someone, if we didn’t sit together we wouldn’t be friends.” 

“So you isolate yourself on purpose?” He tries to understand why she wouldn’t have friends. “Cause like, I’m weird as fuck but Gareth and Jeff still sit with me…”

“What would I even say to someone to become their friend?” She asks earnestly.

“You—“ the end of class bell cuts him off and he gets an idea, “come with me, I’ll show you.” 

He grabs her books and extends his elbow, royally asking her to join him for a promenade around the halls. She takes it without a second thought and follows him, even with the anxious bubble boiling in her gut.

He leads her down the staircase and around the landing to the next, walking faster than she normally did to keep up and feeling a bit winded. On the first floor, he brings her over to his collection of friends, “boys, I’d like you to meet someone.”

They all turn to him, astounded to find he’s brought a girl back with him. A pretty one at that. 

“This is Y/N, this is her first year in Hawkins and she single-handedly helped me pass science, so I figured I owed her… have you ever heard of Dungeons and Dragons?”

She shakes her head, “no?” 

The boys gasp, dramatically, Eddie pretends to faint and fall into them, “oh, the fair lady hath broken thine heart.” The boys fan him off and set him back up on his feet. “How could you expect to be friends with us and not know about the best game ever made?” 

“Well… I did teach you most of the science myself, so, It’s only fair if you teach me how to play this?” She offers, finding it incredibly easy to keep him in her life.

“We have a game tonight after school,” one of his friends adds with a lisp. “You can come just to watch and see if you like it?” 

“Yeah!” The other boys agree. 

She nods, “I can ask... is there anything I need to bring?” 

Eddie shakes his head with a smile, “just yourself, princess.” 

—

She takes the bus home for dinner with her family and anxiously brings up the fact a friend invited her back to the school at 7 to play board games… and they actually think it sounds like a good idea for her. Her parents smile at each other from opposite ends of the table, almost proud that she’s finally made a friend who was getting her to do things out of the house.

“Can I just ask who you’re going to be with?” Her dad asks while cutting into his dinner, trying to keep his cool.

“Um, Eddie, my science partner… Remember you know his uncle Wayne at the plant?” 

“He’s a good kid, I’ll drive you over after dinner,” he doesn’t ask much else. Just what time she’ll be done so he can pick her back up. 

“I made a bunch of cookies today,” her mother adds, “I can dish up a few things for you and your friends if you’d like?” 

“That sounds great mom,” she can’t help but smile. 

Over the course of the semester, she’s brought in a few snacks, even though she wasn’t supposed to have food in the lab. Eddie was always hungry, so they always split whatever she brought. It became a regular thing for them to share every day, to the point where she started asking for a second cookie in her lunch just for him.

“Why don’t you go and get ready,” she offers with a knowing smile, it was a big deal getting to go out with friends in high school, and she needed time to prepare. “I’ll clean up the table tonight, you just go have fun.” 

“Thank you, mom,” she stands from the table and walks over to her, she wraps her mother up in a hug and holds her tight.

She gives her dad a hug for good measure as well, “I’ll be down soon, can we leave a little before 7?”

“Yep, just come get me when you’re ready,” he pats her back and lets her go from the hug.

She thanks them as she runs up the stairs and straight into her room. She changes into a black dress and nylons, her regular converse and her brother's old jean jacket. She takes a black ribbon and uses it as a headband, she ties it in a bow and then rotates it so the bows at the nape of her neck. With some bat earrings she got for Halloween last year and a darker blue eyeshadow, she feels like she fits in with Eddie and the boys just a bit better this way, instead of her preppy bubblegum everyday look. 

When the time finally comes to leave, she sits in the passenger seat of her dad's car, a tray of baked goods covered with foil on her lap, she can’t sit still. Fiddling with the foil, anxiously, her dad finally gives in and asks the question he’s been dying to know since dinner, “you got a crush on this boy or something?” 

She nods, “is that okay?” 

“Yeah,” he plays it cool, “sure. I’ll kill him if he hurts you. But yeah, it’s good to have a crush at your age.”

He carefully pulls up to the curb of the school to find Eddie waiting by the doors for her. He runs out and over to them, opening her door, “m’lady…” 

Her dad gets out too, walking around the car to make his acquaintance. “Mr. Munson,” he sticks out his hand. 

Eddie takes his hand and holds it firmly for their shake, impressing her father as he makes eye contact with him. “Thank you for letting Y/N come and play with us tonight, sir, we’ll be done at 9, no later. I promise.” 

“Alright,” he approves of him easily. Turning to Y/N, “have a good time, sweetheart. Use the school phone to call us if you need anything?” 

She nods, “thanks, dad.” 

He gives her a wave and then he’s back in his car and driving away. 

“What did you bring?” He enquires, offering to take it off her hands but she keeps them. 

“It’s okay, uh, my mom kinda bakes all day cause she’s bored so I brought some cookies and things,” she explains.

“You’re the best person in the world,” he pulls her in for a side hug and starts walking with her towards the doors and inside. “Like seriously, you know how much I love your mom's cookies. You’re going to be my best friend in no time with these.”  

“Really?” She lights right up. “Cause if it's sweets that will win you over, there’s more where these came from.” 

“It’s just you,” he admits with a smile. “Hopefully you still feel the same after you see how much of a nerd I am…”

“Is this game nerdy?” She had no idea what to expect. 

“Yeah… basically it’s a fantasy game where we all pretend to be different characters on missions to save our town… I’m the dungeon master, so basically it’s my job to come up with the story for the campaigns.” 

“And yet you’re failing creative writing?” 

“No, I finished with a C-, actually,” he corrects her. 

“I’m proud of you,” she genuinely was. 

“Thank you,” he gives her a smile, big and toothy, making his dimple pop. 

He stops at the theatre room door, “ready?”  She nods and he swings the door open, “welcome to Hellfire.” 

The room is dark, lit with candles and completely empty. He leads her inside and pulls the crown forward from the table, “take a seat, there’s a lot I need to teach you before we start.” 

“Where are the guys?” 

“They’ll be here soon,” he explains but quickly changes tune. “So this is my kit, I’ve made photocopies of the guidebooks, but you’re going to have to invest in some dice and cards if you want to continue playing… with us or another party one day.” 

“Okay,” she nods along and starts to flip through the player's manual, “so, can I be a fairy or do I have to be like an ogre or something?” 

“Yeah actually, can I see that?” He asks for the manual and flips her to the correct page, “right here it explains how we build the character, I don’t have any of the fairy stats yet… they’re not in this edition, but I know they’re like tiny elves, they can speak elvish or goblin, but most speak Sylvan which is the language of all nature spirits.” 

“Wow, you really do know a lot about this?” She’s blown away. “This is so cool, so you like write a whole story and we act it out?” 

“Basically,” he can’t stop smiling, and it’s a beautiful smile. “Um, so do you want to pick Fey as your character?” 

She nods, “is that okay?”

“Yeah, that’s fine, we’ll just wing it for this game and then we can go to Bradleys and order in the other edition with the fairy information and get you started for real,” he takes out a brand new notebook and starts writing down the information she’ll need to keep track of. “Do you want to turn to page 43 and pick from one of the special characteristics, or you can roll for it with this—“ he reaches for the 8-sided die, “or even make it up yourself…” 

“Okay…” she takes a second to scan the list. “I like the idea of having bird wings, like a hummingbird maybe? So they shimmer and I can fly but stay in one spot.” 

“That’s sick!” 

“You think?” She feels bashful all of a sudden.

He nods, taking a moment to look at her lips, “yeah… sorry, uh, so next you should really come up with a name for your character and start to think about what she’ll look like.” 

“I’m not really creative like that,” she honestly just don’t know what would be cool enough to be acceptable… and the last thing she wanted was to embarrass herself in front of him. 

He looks away from her and bites his lip, his face scrunches as he thinks, tapping his pencil on the table. “Princess Hellfire would be pretty cool,” he shrugs, trying to play it off as if he hasn’t been thinking of that since he met her. 

“You can’t be serious?” She knows thats a big deal, to be named after his party, to have such a big role like that meant she must’ve been really important to him. “Shouldn’t the rest of the guys approve of that?” 

He shakes his head, “I’m the dungeon master, I have the final say and I think it’s perfect for you, especially cause you’d most likely be starting at level three and that means you can cast the Faerie Fire spell.”

“That sounds so cool,” she gets giddy, bouncing on the thrown a bit and moving closer to him. 

His handwriting is rather pretty, for a boy, but it also looked like he was trying a lot harder than normal. And he has a lot to write. 

“I printed out a character sheet for you too,” he remembers in a panic, searching the table for it. He hands her the paper, “you can write down your name here, and your real human name here, and then your race is fairy but spelled f-a-e-r-i-e.” 

“Okay,” she does exactly as he says, adding a cute little flame to the I where the dot is supposed to be in Hellfire. 

“That’s cool,” Eddie watches her do it with a smile. “Um, next we need to pick your class… but I think the best class for you isn’t in this edition either.” 

“What would it be?” 

“The Artificer, but with the subclass of Artillerist to make your faerie fire even more powerful,” he explains as if she knows what any of that means. “Okay, so basically,  the Artificers use a variety of tools to channel their arcane power. When they cast a spell, an artificer can use an alchemist's supplies to create a potent elixir, a calligrapher's supplies to inscribe a sigil of power or a tinker's tools to craft a temporary charm. The magic of artificers is tied to their tools and their talents.”

“Wow,” she’s blown away by him. “You’re like a walking encyclopedia for dungeons and dragons…” 

He laughs, “well, yeah… I went to a convention with my uncle, and basically dragged him all the way to Indianapolis, but I wanted to sit in on some other high-level dungeon masters panels and learn how to improve my game. There’s a lot of stuff you can add as a dungeon master that’s not in the actual game, I can literally make whatever I want and lead you guys in a million adventures, the possibilities for us in this room are endless.” 

“So you’re all friends because you need this escape,” she catches on, the same way he called her out for isolating herself earlier. “I guess it’s easy to make friends when you’re pretending to be someone you’re not.” 

“I find that in here, you learn a lot more about a person based on who they pretend to be when they’re comfortable around the people they’re with,” he shrugs as he thinks about it. “Like, no one really takes me seriously out there. But in here, I lead my men into battle, I make sure they get out okay, and I always ensure they have the best time possible. I can’t always do that out there.”

“Thats why I like you,” she finds a small amount of courage in their moment of honesty. “I know you don’t like to show it, but you might as well be wearing your heart on your sleeve.”

“Did you know, that phrase comes from medieval jousts… yeah, knights used to wear a lady’s token on their sleeve of armour during their fights, as both protection and to show the enemy they were fighting for someone.” 

She takes the black ribbon out of her hair and pulls him in closer by his jacket, “do you have your knife on you?” 

He nods and pulls it out of his sock, “here…” 

She cuts a bit off the ribbon and uses one of his strategically placed safety pins on his jacket to fasten it in place. “there. Now when you brave the hallowed halls here at Hawkins High, you’ll be protected by the honest honour, bestowed upon you by Princess Hellfire herself.” 

He’s speechless, he just looks at her with this look of awe that makes his doe eyes glisten. “How are you real?” 

“What?” She laughs, “of course I’m real, see?” She takes his hand and places it on her cheek. “Super real.” 

“Super cute,” he whispers, leaning in close enough to almost kiss her when the theatre room doors fly open, causing them to retreat away from one another. Eddie almost falls off his chair, he tumbles to the ground and then stands, “welcome, Lads!” 

“Y/N, you made it!” 

“I did,” she smiles at them. “Um, I didn’t quite get all your names earlier… I know two of you are Jeff and Gareth…”

All the boys introduce themselves to her, and she learns the other two are Kevin and Gene. They’ve been playing together since freshman year, all with really high levels and very excited to finally have a Fairy on the team.

She’s pretty sure she’s a goner for him when he starts the campaign up. His voice changes, he gets into character and it’s honestly one of the coolest experiences of her entire life. He leads them all through unpredictable battles with mysterious enemies and even stranger allies. It’s one of the best games in the world, she could agree with him on that now. 

She walks up to his open study and peers into the room, “dad?” 

“Yes, sweetheart?” He waves her in, “is something the matter?” 

“Um, you know how I went to play board games with my friends?” 

“Yes?” His brow raises, suspicious as always. 

She takes a seat at his desk and starts her over-rehearsed speech. “You know how you read me, lord of the rings, when I was little and you did all the voices and it brought me right into the world and I always wished that I could take part in a journey like that?” 

He nods along, “your mother wouldn’t let me read it to you before bed because you got way too excited thinking about the next chapter that you laid awake all night.” 

“So this game we played is like that,” she bounces in her seat, reaching for his hands to hold them, “dad, Eddie is so cool, he plans these elaborate journeys and we all have to use our skills to band together and save the day— I’m Princess Hellfire, I’m a fairy and I throw fireballs. How cool is that?” 

“Sounds like a lot of fun sweetheart, is there another game soon?” 

She nods, “yeah, it’s every Friday night… but I need to buy some dice and cards and stuff to be able to play properly.” 

“How much do you need?” He lets go of her hands to reach into his desk for some money, pulling out a $20. 

“I think that’s good, Eddie said he’ll take me to Bradley’s to get some, he said Mrs. Byers can order in anything we need for the game in the future too,” she can’t help but share how many plans she’s made with this Eddie boy. 

“Then here,” he hands her a second $20. “You buy whatever you guys need for the next big journey to Mordor.” 

She runs around his desk and jumps into his arms, “thank you, thank you, he’s going to love this!” 

“Bring him over for dinner,” he insists as he holds her in a hug, rubbing her back gently, taking in all he can get before she’s too old and cool to hug her dad anymore.

“Okay,” she pulls away with a nervous smile. “I’ll see when he’s allowed to come over.” 

“Tell him to bring Wayne too if he’s home,” he sweetens the deal, it would be less nerve wracking for both of them if it was just mutual friends and their kids having dinner, and not her dad meeting the guy she hoped would become her boyfriend.

She takes the $40 and puts it in her fanny pack, she straps it to her waist and slips it into her jean jacket. She had a plan, she was going to use her old bike and ride over to the trailer park, then the two of them could go to Bradley’s Big Buy together. She tells her mom where she’s going, she grabs the bike from the garage and then she’s off— mumbling that it’ll be fine the whole way there. 

She’s never been to his trailer before. She had no idea which one was his, but she wasn’t stupid. 

After 2 miles, she turned from Cornwallace onto Kerley and followed the signs into the trailer park and follows the absurdly loud rock music coming from the trailer in the back. All the blinds are closed, he’d never know she’s outside as she catches her breath and attempts to fix her hair in the reflection of the doorknob. 

She knocks once, and then a second time, waiting for the song to start to fade out before she banged her fist against the door.

“Shout! Shout! Shout!” Eddie played the sound out, and then she gave it her all. “Coming!!” 

The inside door swung open and he looked at her through the screen, a smile slowly growing as he realized it was actually her. “Y/N?” 

“Hey, I thought this was yours,” she laughs, “music loud enough?” 

He shakes his head and pushes the other door open so she could come in, “never, Princess, it can always be a little louder.” 

“What is this…” 

“Motley Crue…” he stared at her like she had 3 heads. “Come on, you’ve gotta know this one.” 

She shakes her head and Eddie grabs his guitar, following along with the song, “she’s got the looks that kill! That kill! She’s got the look,” he sand along, fingers following the song perfectly, adding an extra level of sound to the already too loud trailer.

Her jaw slowly dropped as he was able to do the solo. His fingers moved so incredibly fast, she’s never seen someone play in real life before. “Holy shit!” She starts to headbang, loving it with all her heart. 

Eddie can’t stop smiling, singing it back to her, as if it was about her. When the song comes to an end, it fades right into another song that he knows how to play, if not better than the last, but he quickly stops and turns the music down. “Sorry… did you come here for something specific? I didn’t mean to show off.”

“It’s fine!” She doesn’t mind, actually getting closer to him to look at his guitar and carefully strum it once, “that was the coolest thing I’ve ever seen.” 

“You think?” 

She stands on her tippy toes and moves in just a little closer, bracing herself with a hand on his shoulder, she kisses his cheek softly, “you’re the coolest, Eddie Munson.” 

He laughs, trying to stay calm and cool and collected, but he blushes pinker than a prized winning pig at the state fair. “Th-thanks, really.” 

“Um, so my dad gave me some money,” she explains as she backs up a bit, reaching into her fanny pack she holds the $40 up, “would you want to go to Bradley’s and order in the dnd stuff you want?” 

“Holy shit!” He takes his guitar off and places it down on his bed, “he just gave you that?” 

She nods, “I gave him a speech about how much I loved lord of the rings when I was little and this was like that but I got to be a part of the ending, and I got a bit emotional so he handed me this and said he wants you to get whatever you need for our next campaign to be awesome.”

“But?” 

“He wants you to come over for dinner sometime,” she presses her lips together awkwardly. “I know, it’ll be a little weird, but he also invited Wayne!” 

“Wayne works nights, I eat dinner alone usually,” he admits. “I’d love to come over for dinner… do I have to dress nice?” 

She shakes her head, “I don’t think so, plus they want to meet you, and if I like the real you then they will too.” 

“You’re too sweet to me,” he brushes it off with a laugh and walks over to the other side of his room to shut off his stereo and put his stuff away. “Seriously, I don’t get what you see in me.” 

“What do you see in me?” She bites back, feeling a little insulted for her feelings.

He turns to her with an exasperated chuckle, “everything? You’re beautiful, you’re smart, you like lord of the rings, you think it’s cool that I play guitar and annoy my neighbours, you bring me cookies and—and—

“And what?” She had no idea he had all these feelings, but she was some glad they fell out like this. 

“And for the first time in my entire life I feel like going to school is benefiting me. You don’t make me feel dumb, you explain things to me in a way that you just know I’ll understand as if you know me better than I know me! And believe me, I’ve tried, I’ve tried so god-damn hard my whole life to make people proud of me, and you just say it all the time. I could spell my name right and you’d say it.” 

“You’re someone I’m very proud of, and I’m even prouder in myself that I’ve managed to keep you around this long,” she admits, giving him as much sincerity as he gave her. 

“You’re the best person I’ve ever met.” 

“You’re my favourite person in the world,” she shoots back with a quick shrug, not even noticing she felt that way until she said it. “You really are.” 

He walks over and wraps her up in the tightest hug she’s ever received. Close to his heart, she can feel how fast it beats through his shirt. “You know,” she whispers against his neck, “we don’t have to go to Bradley’s today… do you want to show me some more of your music?” 

He nods, resting his chin on her shoulder, not yet ready to pull away. 

“Do you not get a lot of hugs?” 

“Nope,” he whispers. “This is nice.” 

“So I guess you’ve never cuddled with someone either?” She asks in a moment of bravery. 

He pulls away and shakes his head, visibly nervous. 

She takes off her jacket and her fanny pack, setting them down on his dresser and then plops herself down on his bed beside his guitar, “put something on, show me something you think I haven’t heard.” 

“Okay,” he picks a tape from his collection, stumbling around with it in his hands, he’s able to switch tapes and hit play and turn back to her. “Have you ever heard of Metallica?” 

She nods, “I’ve heard them on the radio.” 

“Good,” he wanders back over to her, picking up his guitar and hanging her back up where she belongs. “They’re my favourite band in the world.”

“I like most music,” she doesn’t really have anything specific to consider a favourite. “Especially if it has drums, I wish I could play.” 

“I’m sure Gareth can teach you, he has a set, we practice in his garage,” he casually drops that. 

“Wait, practice? As in you’re in a band?” She had no idea. “Why didn’t you tell me?” 

“Cause we don’t play anywhere yet, the armpit that is the hideout won’t let us play till we’re all 16 and get our parent's permission, so we’re just waiting for Jeff’s birthday right now.” 

She tugs him into his bed and pulls him back in close, the both of them settle down as best as they could, trying to fit side by side in the small twin bed. “You get cooler by the minute, Munson.” 

“Yeah?” He can’t think of any other words when he’s looking into her eyes, he turns to his side and faces her. “Tell me something no one knows about you.” 

“I have every Styx album there is on cassette…” 

“No fucking way?” He laughs, not taking her seriously. “Are you kidding?” 

“The Grand Illusion is my favourite, Man in the Wilderness is the best song they’ve ever made,” she goes into detail. “Most people expect me to like come sail away, but it’s too slow for most of it.” 

“I would’ve never guessed,” he’s genuinely shocked. “Who’s the cool one now?” 

“Us,” she smiles, “no matter what anyone says, we’re the coolest.” 

“You know, I have The Grand Illusion…” 

“Oh my god, put it on,” she urges, all but pushing him off his bed and towards his collection. “I always skip the first track…” 

“On it,” he fast forwards, moving to Fooling Yourself. 

She stands, pumping her fist in the air as the synth starts.

“You’ve gotta admit, this opening sounds like a kid's tv show,” Eddie teases. 

She grabs him and spins him around, dancing to the music as best as she can without embarrassing herself, “and you love it.” 

“Relax,” she sings along, “take it easy…” 

“Oh no,” he watches as she goes into a full performance” 

“You see the world through your cynical eyes

You're a troubled young man I can tell

You've got it all in the palm of your hand

But your hand's wet with sweat and your head needs a rest!” 

He joins in, dancing and singing along with her, feeling akin to the words. 

“And you're fooling yourself if you don't believe it

You're kidding yourself if you don't believe it

Why must you be such an angry young man

When your future looks quite bright to me”

He’s so joyful, he dances around with her, taking her hands and twirling her around, making her laugh as he continues singing along. She melts into his chest, holding him in a hug as they sway around the room. His hands soothe down her back, and he presses a kiss to the top of her head, “thank you.” 

“For?” She pulls away only a little to look up at him. 

“Making me feel normal,” he’s as honest as he could possibly be, something he’s really not used to being. 

“You are?” She giggles, not thinking of him as anything but. “You’re cool and nice and funny and very, very handsome.” 

He blushes, his eyes twinkle and his dimple pops as he tries ever so desperately to hide his smile, “you keep saying that…” 

“So start believing it,” she whispers up at him. 

He cups her face in his hands and kisses her right in the middle of her forehead, not just once, but twice. It’s such a rare act of intimacy for Eddie, it makes his cheeks heat up to a beautiful red. 

She pulls him back in for another hug, resting her cheek against his chest and breathing him in. He smells like a sweaty teenage boy, a smell she normally tries to stay away from due to her brother being such an athlete all her childhood. But Eddie smells different… he smells good in his own Eddie way. 

She drags him back over to the bed shoves him down and cuddles in with him over the blanket. She rests her head on his chest with an arm swung around his waist. Eddie lays one hand on her head, petting her like a cat a few times before his fingers start to play with her hair. 

It's so calm and quiet, just the music in the background and nothing else… it’s something she never thought would happen between the two of them. 

But there they were, two best friends cuddling all alone in his uncle's trailer… they cuddle for so long that the record stops, the room goes silent and they both fall asleep like that. 

“Hey, Eddie!” His uncle calls as he pushes the door open, waking them both and startling them into a sitting position. 

“Yeah?” 

“There you are,” his uncle says to her, holding the phone in his hand, stretching the cord all the way down the hallway, “yeah, Rob, she’s here. I’ll bring her home, don’t worry about it,” he explains as he walks back down the hallway and eventually hangs up the phone. 

Y/N gets out of his bed and rushes down the hallway to Wayne, “Mr. Munson, I am so sorry, we were just listening to music and then fell asleep, I swear, I didn’t mean to get either of you in any trouble!” 

“You’re fine, sweetheart,” he taps her shoulder gently with a smile. “They just hadn’t heard from you since lunch…” 

“And we have a porch light rule,” she presses her lips together awkwardly as she looks out the window at the now darkened trailer park. “crap… I’m going to be in trouble.” 

Eddie comes stumbling out of his room with her fanny pack and her jean jacket, placing it over her shoulders carefully, “can I come too…” 

“Yeah, you better walk her to the door and apologize for keeping her out so late,” he points a finger at Eddie. “Grab your things, let’s get going.” 

The three of them sit all side by side in the cab of Wayne's truck, it’s awkward and she’s squished but it’s nothing compared to how she’ll feel when she tells her dad she wasn’t home cause she fell asleep at a boys house… all alone with him. He was never going to believe her that nothing more happened, they were 17 and alone, and she wouldn’t expect anything less.

The walk up the driveway to her front porch feels 10 times longer than normal. “It’s going to be fine,” Eddie whispers, placing a hand on her back as they walk up the steps. 

To Y/N’s surprise, her dad isn’t the one who opens the door, it’s her mother. “There you are! Where have you been?” 

“I’m so sorry Mrs. Y/L/N,” Eddie apologizes before Y/N can get anything out. “We were listening to music and I was showing her my guitar and the next thing we know my uncle Wayne is telling us we’ve been listening to music all day long and the sun had gone down, and I know she’s supposed to be here before the light goes on, so it’s completely my fault.” 

She folds her arms, staring at him with a growing smirk, “well… okay then. Y/N, honey, can you go wash up for dinner?” 

She nods and pats eddies shoulder, “I’ll see you on Monday?” 

He nods and pulls her into a hug, “have a good night.” He kisses her head before she pulls away, “again, I’m sorry, Mrs. Y/L/N.” 

“Have a good night, Mr. Munson,” she lets Y/N pass and go inside, giving her a second to go upstairs and be out of listening distance. “You be good to her, she’s too special to not be treated as a prize.” 

“Oh, Mrs. Y, believe me,” he chuckles a bit, “she’s one of a kind. I’m going to give her the world.” 

She gives him an approving smile and backs up into her house, with one hand on the door, she lets out a deep breath, “good. I hope we see you around more?” 

“Me too,” he gives her a wave a heads down the steps. “Have a good one, Mrs. Y!” 

-

The drive from Y/N’s back to their trailer is quiet and weird. 

“I didn’t do anything with her,” he feels the need to clarify. “If that’s what you’re worried about…” 

“Oh, god no,” Wayne pats Eddie’s knee, “I’m not worried about that, but I am glad you didn’t… but if you ever did want to, and she has to want to as well. You hear me? Verbal yes, no drinking or drugs or nothing, she has to be there, all there, and want it.”

“Are you trying to give me the talk?” Eddie laughs, “Wayne… really?” 

“I don’t see anyone else around to do it?” 

It stings, but it’s true. “Dad already told me when I hit puberty, I know all about the swimmers and the eggs and how even if you wrap it before you tap it, sometimes the suckers still get through.” 

“As much as I loved my brother, he wasn’t the smartest when it came to, well, anything?” Wayne remembers fondly. “He’s right, you should wear condoms, but the most important part is that you’re safe and comfortable and happy. Both of you’s.” 

He nods, “yeah… I know. Um, thanks, really, for everything. And for being so cool today.” 

“Thanks for being the good kid I know you are,” Wayne always reminds him that he’s a good kid, making sure he never forgets it. 

—

No one says anything to her about it. Her brother is even home for the weekend and doesn’t say a word about the fact she was out all day with a boy. She’s almost begging for someone to ask so she can talk about it, the anxious knot in her stomach makes her push all the food around her plate, staring off as she thinks about him. 

When her father finishes his dinner, he gets up, puts his plate away and heads off to his study. Her mom finishes and gets a head start on the dishes, leaving just her and her brother. 

He kicks her leg, making her look up at him, “you okay?” He mouths, brows raised, his face still innocent and kind like when he was younger. 

She nods, “I feel like I should be in trouble?” 

“Why?” 

She shrugs, “cause I didn’t come home on time, I was listening to music with Eddie… which sounds like a total lie, like something you’d say when you were actually out screwing around with your friends.” 

“Dad said you both like lord of the rings,” he bites back a laugh, “no offence, but none of us really expect you to go off and do anything reckless…” 

“Cause I’m a nerd with no friends?” She knew that was coming. 

“I didn’t say it,” he laughs, which just makes her madder. 

“You know, I thought you were going to be nice for once,” she grabs her plate and brings it into the kitchen, angrily scraping it into the garbage and handing her mom the plate to be washed.

“Kyle said he’s going to do the table tonight, seeing as he hasn’t had a chance to really talk to you yet.” 

“Awe, Ky! That’s so sweet,” she calls out to him, and before he can protest, Y/N’s gone, rushing up the stairs and into her room. 

She locks the door, sits on her bed and she lets all the feelings catch up to her. 

This was a boy she felt so much for… so much more than she’s ever felt for anyone before, and he seemingly liked her back. This was something that could change the course of her life. Eddie was someone she could spend the rest of her life with.. which is all so silly to be thinking at 17, but it’s how she feels. 

She loves him. 

And the tears fall. 

They’re happy, they’re overwhelmed… she can’t really tell the emotion that comes with the tears but she knows she’s not sad. It was as if everything she’s hoped for, everything she’s been so jealous of, was finally coming to her. She was going to have a boyfriend, and that boyfriend would be Eddie Munson.

Eddie Munson taglist

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