#Oh sorry “Brenda”

[teaboot]

Okay so like. You know your own name as a kid, right?

You remember how it sounds, how your parents say it, how your friends say it- you learn how to spell it, and maybe even what it means and why it was given to you, and it's yours.

It's not a tangible, physical thing, like your hair or your fingernails, but it's yours. It belongs to you.

So, like. Imagine there comes a point in life where everyone gets their name tattooed to their forehead, or something.

Could be when they're two. Could be when they're twenty. Hell, it could be when they're eighty, or ninety-nine, or whenever. But it's everybody, and it's inevitable, and it happens.

Now imagine the time comes for you, and you get up after and look in the mirror and realize they spelled it wrong.

And you have to go outside and live your life in a world where everybody is so totally used to knowing people's names on sight that not a single person second-guesses that your parents named you Susam, or Ahley, or Benjabib.

And you know it's wrong, every time you hear it, but you can choose to explain every single time- every time you're called in a coffee queue, every time a teacher picks you in class, every time you meet a new person or bump into a stranger or are greeted on the street, by children and employers and door-to-door salesmen and your fucking waitress- or you can kind of just learn to grit your teeth and ignore it.

You still notice, of course- maybe you learn to accept it, maybe you hate it every time, but whether you do anything about it or not, you still know. You know people have the wrong word for you in your head.

You know they still mean YOU, but it's not you.

So what's your solution?

Do you shrug, decide it doesn't matter, and go about your life?

Do you smear the typo over with foundation, pencil in new letters every morning?

Do you stare into the mirror sometimes and think, "wow, I should really get that fixed"?

Maybe you save up your money and get it removed, or covered up, or changed to something else. Maybe the whole damn thing was wrong, and you've been a Jacob running around as a Hailey this whole damn time.

That's the best way to explain it. It's not an easily-provable thing, or a demonstrable thing, or a feeling I can one-for-one substitute as something else-

but that's what it's like to know you're not a girl.

[prudeau]

BRENDA WALSH looks

in “Class of Beverly Hills”

[urmumissospooky]

i honestly love how different the maze runner movies are from the books because you get two stories with the same amazing concept and characters but with such different plot and scenes.

HOWEVER

i would sell my brain and blood for a movie that just completely recreates the scorch trials book because honestly what the fuck was going on there

[nomaishuttle]

i will not let one bitchy resident ruin my good day . affirmations

[himbosandhardwear]

Eddie has a bad habit of picking at his skin when he's nervous. Not, like, shy nervous or stage fright nervous, but the real kind of nervous, not-sure-I’m-gonna-survive-this kind of nervous. Like while he was alone in the boat house, he'd shredded every one of his cuticles. That time Hopper caught him behind The Hawk, very obviously selling his wares, he'd bitten his lips bloody.

Tonight he's picking a scab off his knee. It's practically healed already, so it won't bleed, he just needs to feel something on his body come loose before he does.

“You good, dude?” Steve asks, so in tune to Eddie's nervous disposition. Such a good guy. What a friend.

Eddie lets his head hit his knee caps with a thunk.

“Yup.”

Steve snorts. “You don't look good. I mean… You know what I mean.”

He smiles, tilting his head to look at Steve, always happy to give him a hard time.

“Oh, absolutely. You think I look good, don't cha, Stevie?”

He gets a couch pillow to the face for that, but they're both laughing so he doesn't think he's crossed the line yet.

Yet, yet, yet.

“Seriously, what's up with you? You've been quiet. It makes me want to call the squad.”

“Har har,” Eddie mumbles, but he does uncurl himself, sitting back against the couch again. “I'm trying to work up the nerve to ask for advice but it's-” Christ, he doesn't even want to admit to being embarrassed, that's how embarrassed he is.

“It's what?” Steve asks, the picture of earnest encouragement. “You can talk to me about anything, man, we're, like, bonded in blood or whatever.”

“Right. Yeah. Except this has the potential to get real awkward, real quick, and I'm not sure we're at that level of friendship yet.”

“Well,” he drawls, “if you ask me whatever it is that's got you all flustered I'm sure that will level us up. Right?”

“I'm not flustered.” God damn his red fucking face. Steve just laughs at him. “It's just, I don't have anyone else to ask about this. Jonathan probably doesn't have this particular problem, cause he's got- Uh. Sorry.” Steve waves it away, so Eddie goes on. “The kids are too young and the band guys don't understand what we went through-”

“Eddie, just spit it out.”

“Fuck! Okay, fine! You asked for it.” He takes a giant breath, steels his spine and just says it. “The Trauma is affecting my ability to get laid and I don't know how to fix it. Every time I get close to it I freak out and have to bail.”

There. All out now.

He looks over at Steve, and it's so much worse than being laughed at or pitied. He just looks sad.

He shakes it off quickly, hair barely moving, Eddie notes. He finds Steve's hair routine both endearing and ridiculous.

“Yeah. Okay. That's super common, just so you know,” Steve assures him first. “Robin says it's all connected, your mind and your body, so trauma can, like, get trapped in weird places like that. I can't play baseball anymore. Cause the memory of beating demodogs to death.”

“As you do,” Eddie quips.

“Right. But your thing. Uh. Yeah, it took some time before I could relax enough to even attempt getting laid, let alone actually do it.”

“So?” Eddie drawls, waiting. “How did you get over it?”

Something is off. Steve's not known for being skiddish about sex, but his hesitation and his inability to look Eddie in the eye is setting off alarms.

“Hey, if this is too weird for you-”

“No, I'm good, it's fine. Just, I'm the only person you have to talk to about this, so I'm gonna try to be helpful but, uh,” he scratches at the back of his head awkwardly, “in all honesty, I haven't been laid since before Vecna either. Way before. So. Yeah. Not sure I should be giving out advice on anything.”

That's crazy. Like actually crazy. He can't even compute Steve Harrington not absolutely dripping in women. He must have some look on his face because Steve gives a dry sort of laugh, self deprecating, and leans back against the couch with him.

“Weren't you on a date with Brenda Mulligan the night- Vecna’s first attack?”

Steve shoots him a look. “Y- Yeah, but that didn't go anywhere. We weren't, like, compatible or whatever.”

Oh, yeah, it was weird that Eddie knew that at all, let alone remembered it nine months later. “That's too bad,” he replies lamely.

“Yep.”

He feels terrible for dragging down the whole night, it would've been better if he'd just kept his mouth shut. But that's never been his strong suit, as evidenced by him blurting out, “If the hottest guy in Hawkins can't find a suitable date, what fucking chance do I have.”

Steve snaps, “Don't say that. What the fuck?”

Great, now he's gone and made it weird. Good job calling your straight friend hot, you fuckin’ dipshit.

They sit in the awkward silence, out of things to say or out of useful things to say. Either way it's them breathing, the clock ticking, and the M.A.S.H. rerun playing softly in the background.

Steve clears his throat. “Whatever, let's get back to the point. You don't have to tell me if you don't want but…what do you think the specific reason is for your…issue?”

He thinks about it. Has been thinking about it, for a while now. “My dick still works, if that's what you're wondering.”

Steve chuckles, high and surprised. “Good for you.”

“Yeah. It's more like, I can't get out of my head. I start worrying about my scars, explaining them if someone asked. I think about how even though I don't want anything long-term, I wouldn't be able to do long-term anyway, because I'm a fucking mess. If it's really bad, I'll get flashes of Chrissy or Patrick's bones snapping, as a little soundtrack to the fun shit happening outside my head.”

Steve looks sad again. Maybe it is pity but it looks more turned inward, like he's dealing with his own shit more than Eddie’s.

“You hooking up with strangers then?”

Eddie blinks at Steve. “Well…duh. Right? Not like I have guys lined up around the block here in Hawkins.”

Steve is full blown scowling at the TV. It's weird.

“What if-”

Eddie waits but Steve doesn't finish his thought.

“What if…what?” He prompts, giving a little nudge with his foot.

He's still avoiding eye contact, not even turning his head to look in Eddie's direction.

In a soft voice, almost too quiet to hear, he says, “What if we helped each other out?”

He must've heard that wrong. Or he's misunderstanding.

“What?”

“What if we help each other out? Like, a mutually beneficial arrangement.”

That can't be right. No fucking way. It's a test. Like as soon as Eddie agrees, Steve yells ‘Aha! I knew you wanted to molest me! Goodbye forever!’ and runs out the door.

“What, exactly, do you mean? Like, what are you getting out of it?”

Steve finally looks over. “Well, I would think that was obvious. If you're willing.”

Eddie's legs are starting to go numb.

“Okay, so I blow you and you blow me, except when you're doing it I have to watch you take it like you're being force fed liver and onions at Grandma's house?”

Steve slowly shakes his head no.

“Oh, okay, so you're going to blow me and enjoy it,” he snaps sarcasticaly.

Steve nods once.

“You want to blow me?”

“Mmhmm,” he hums without moving a muscle.

“Since when!” Eddie brings his octave down from the upper atmosphere. “Since when, Harrington? This is insane behavior. Should I call the squad for you? I'm serious. I'll do it.”

“You don't have to say yes. I was just offering.” He says it like Eddie isn't one green flag away from stomping on the gas.

He starts nervously laughing, which makes Steve flinch unfortunately, but he can't stop.

“It's cool, just forget I said anything.” He moves like he's about to get up and leave, which is fucking insane because it's his living room. Eddie stops him with a tight grip around the bicep.

“Don't you dare. If you're even remotely serious, we have to have a much longer conversation. Sit.”

Steve drops like a sack of bricks. Which is…something.

“Right. First off, this is uncommon behavior in a straight friend. Is there something you'd like to tell me, so I don't think you've been body snatched?”

He pinches at the top of his nose, like Eddie is inconveniencing him greatly. Too bad.

“I'm probably bisexual.”

“Probably?” Eddie asks with a raised eyebrow.

“I'm an inexperienced bisexual,” he amends through clenched teeth.

“Good. Great. Happy to hear it.” His heart may explode from his torso à la Ridley Scott's Alien but sure. “Second on the agenda, what do you mean help each other out? What's on the table? Mutual handjobs and then we never talk about it again?”

“No,” Steve answers immediately. That's good. “I'm open to…whatever you're open to.”

“Steve.” He has to clear his throat. “You dont even know what you're agreeing to.”

“I trust you.”

Fuuuuuck.

“Okay, right, uh, let's circle back to that later. Third thing, what, uh, what is your level of commitment with this?”

He just stares at Eddie, all doe eyed. It shouldn't work, Eddie fucking invented that look. It's gotten him out of more scrapes than he can count. Now it's being used against him but to what end? Does Steve want to get bundled up in a blanket and tucked into bed? Because Eddie can make that happen for him.

“Whatever you want, I guess,” he finally says. “I mean, like I said earlier, friends who help each other out. Casual. I'm not interested in looking for Mrs Harrington anymore and you're having a problem relaxing around guys who don't understand what you went through.” He makes a gesture like ‘Ta da.’

He's not wrong. It makes sense. But…

“Fourth thing. Is this just an experiment for you? Cause I'm all for you exploring your sexuality but, historically speaking, friends are a bad place to start.” AKA ‘it will break my fucking heart if you decide you're not that into it and it's because it's me.’

“Eddie. Look.” He gets more comfortable, facing Eddie straight on finally. “What you're going to provide is practical knowledge on what has only been theoretical up to this point, but the theory has already been well established.” He taps his head. “Understand?”

A smug confidence melts Eddie into the couch. “You liiike me,” he sings. “You think about me naaaked. You wanna-”

Steve lands on him, lacking any elegance or grace, and nearly caves their skulls in with his Jay Garrick approach to kissing. Eddie doesn't say a fucking word. He does wonder at the fucking majesty that is making out sober. What a revelation. Steve keeps making these tiny, almost wounded noises, to the point where Eddie tries to back up and do a check in but Steve doesn't let him, he chases him down and latches back onto Eddie's bottom lip like he's Hannibal Lector. It's stupid hot.

Everything is going great until Steve lets out a sound that legitimately has Eddie worried he's upset about something.

He pulls back and asks, “Are you okay?”

“Oh fuck, I'm sorry. I just can't, I can't believe I got this fucking far. You're so hot I'm losing my fucking mind.”

“Me?” Eddie snaps. “Dude, you're out of your mind.” He pokes Steve in his meaty chest. “Literal. Prom. King.”

“Fucking stupid high school shit, are you kidding me?” He sits up, straddling Eddie's hips, which is boner enhancing to say the least; he's got Steve's thighs in his grasp immediately. “You don't get it, I'm gone on you. I've got it bad, man. I was playing it cool earlier-”

“At no point tonight were you in any way playing it cool.”

“-but, fuck it, guess I'm ruining it, cause I can't be cool about this. I don't want casual. I don't even want to date you,” and before Eddie can even worry about that, he says, “I wanna skip straight to boyfriends, man. I know you said you didn't want long term with anyone but-”

Eddie interrupts again, this time by pulling Steve back down horizontal and kissing him like he just bravely declared himself as all in.

If this is a pod-person, well, that's a problem for Tomorrow Eddie. Tonight Eddie just landed Steve Harrington as a boyfriend.

[m30wk1ttycat]

"i love you," he'd say, awaiting some sort of a response. he'd appreciate anything, as long as it was from you. but no, all he'd get from you was a small smile, and a kiss on the cheek. you could never truly bring yourself to tell him that you loved him. you knew you did, but you never had the courage to admit it. now he's infected with the flare. he didn't tell you - how could he, when you were taken by wckd, along with the other immunes, and were just rescued after six months of absolute torture? to say it was a shock when you, brenda, and jorge helped them when they were about to get ripped to shreds by cranks was an understatement. hands bandaged and healing, you still managed to shoot down way more cranks than you should've been able to. observing your surroundings in the last city, you noticed newt rubbing his wrist as if he was in pain. when you'd question it, he'd just say he got a nasty scrape. when you'd ask if you could see it, he'd say that it was okay, and that the wound was cleaned. not once did it cross your mind that he was infected. not even when he yelled at thomas after discussing your plans. you only found out about it when you and newt were cuddling and you saw the small, but dark veins on his hand. the fingerless gloves doing little to hide it. however, you didn't question it. he wouldn't tell you, anyways. it wasn't that he didn't trust you - no, of course not. he just hated seeing you worried. oh, and worried you were, seeing newt struggle against the virus. and to think you couldn't tell him that you loved him broke you. when you did say it, you were half sure he wasn't even conscious. even if he was, it wouldn't be the same newt that you'd be saying it to. it wouldn't be the newt who'd do anything he could to keep you out of trouble in the glade. it wouldn't be the newt who'd sneak off with you during the bonfires so you could watch the stars and name them, while he played with your hair, and you laid on his chest. it wouldn't be the newt who'd always bring you random flowers from the gardens, just so he could see your sweet smile. no, this was the newt who could barely focus, the newt who was progressively getting worse. it was hard, having to watch the boy you still love fight, when he knows he can't. there wasn't a cure. if there was, it'd still be worthless, since he was now laying in your arms, his eyes glassy, and his breaths shaky, a knife through his chest. you couldn't save him - no one could -, as much as you wanted to. "i'm sorry," you sob, newt interrupting you with a "don't be" just like he always did when you apologized for things he found silly. only that now, he didn't even know why you were sorry. his hand reached up to grasp on your hair gently, moving it behind your ear. "i.. love you, y/n," he murmured, coughing when he tried to laugh. "i love you, too, newt," you whispered, "more than anything." "..i love you more, though." i fucking cried while writing this, but u're welcome.

[ambcass]

ᴊᴀɪᴍᴇ ʀᴇʏᴇꜱ x ɴᴇʀᴅʏ ɪɴᴛʀᴏᴠᴇʀᴛ! ʀᴇᴀᴅᴇʀ (ʜᴇᴀᴅᴄᴀɴᴏɴꜱ)

༊ He always makes sure to include you in things that he knows that you like.

༊ Jaime loves when you talk about your nerdy shit to him. He feels so happy to know that you're comfortable talking to him about your interests

༊ When he has the money (bc yk bros broke asf...) he'll try to buy you merch from your favorite fandom.

༊He encourages you to go out with him because he knows that you have a hard time leaving the house.

༊ He is always by your side when you guys are going out. Whether his hands are on your waist or just simply holding your hand, he is always with you.

༊ Jaime was surprised that you already knew that he was Blue Beetle. You just said that it explained him talking to himself and how he got to your house really...really fast. (#readerpulledatimdrake)

༊ Daily texts or a must!! Jaime always wants to check how you're doing and can't go one day without it. It may be annoying but you're glad there's someone that checks up on you.

༊After an argument, you tend to ignore him for a long period of time but when you do want to talk to him, sometimes he thinks it's a good idea to ignore you... "Jaime, uh- can we talk? Please?" "Reader? Oh uhm...I'm busy right now. Sorry" Sooner or later, Brenda knocks the sense into him (literally KNOCKS the sense into him) and asks him to talk it out with you

༊ Jaime bought you a nerdy hoodie of your favorite fandom and you couldn't start geeking out. He thought it was so cute that you were jumping up and down and shit while wearing the hoodie

༊ You tried introducing him to your favorite fandoms but he had so many questions that you got too tired answering.

༊ He tried using one of a phrase that you'll only get if we're in a specific fandom but he used it in a way he shouldn't have... You looked at him weirdly and he was so confused why you looked at him weirdly.

a/n: I'll write that headcanon thing next week or smth :3

[pinkslaystation]

[Part 3] If I meant something to you.

toxic!Simon 'Ghost' Riley x Reader

Here's Part 1 and Part 2 hehehe enjoy ;> Word Count: 5k trigger warning: drugging. viewer discretion is adviced.

Dating Simon reminded you of the British economy, constant fluctuations.

He would stay over at your flat, shower you with wet kisses, and the next day he'd walk right past you as if you didn't exist.

It felt like at times Simon did really love you. He listened you to, he brushed and plaited your hair post sex, but sometimes it's like his brain would switch and his behaviour would mimic that of a ghost.

Though it been nearly 3 months since he'd popped that question in the car, you often found yourself regretting your decision.

"I do like him...but I mean- it's just, he doesn't like me back you know? Sometimes I wake up and he's just staring at me like I've just told him I've killed his dog. I mean, he doesn't have a dog I don't think, but if he did, he'd prefer the dog over me, y'know.

I don't even know why I said yes that day. I mean, he's the first real guy that's actually shown interest in me. Maybe that's why I crave his attention so much. He makes me actually enjoy being with my family, if that's so hard to believ-"

"With all due disrespect, d'ya know you?" Your neighbour answers finally.

You stare back, blood rushing to your face, "I literally live next door to you. I smile at you before I leave for work every morning-"

"So, there's nothing wrong with your face?

"What? You know me- and I'm talking about Simon, he's next door to me too..."

"What?"

"You know skull face..."

"Who?"

"Tall buff dude, y'know."

"Huh?

"Riley-"

"Oh, the guy with the big dick."

You choke on your saliva, "What- How? Um..."

"Military dude yeah? The fit blonde? Yeah, he's big, if you get what I'm saying, virgin."

You furrow your eyebrows, words trailing off, "No I'm not...I'm sorry, how'd you know..."

"Yeah, he's fucked like everyone in this building, girl. Why d'ya think he doesn't come to the flat meetings? 'Cos then he'd be surrounded by all the people he's stuck his dick in, duh." She states like it was the most obvious thing in the world, "Guy comes in, drinks a bit, and runs out."

"...I thought it was because he was nervous to see....me?" At this point, you don't know if you're telling your neighbour or asking her.

"Oh girl don't be delusional, you ain't no Beyonce. Anyway, been a while since I got that dick. Let 'im know next time you see 'im." She winks at you before, hobbling off with her walking stick.

"Yeah...sure...wait- Mrs Brenda, you're like 65... AND MARRIED-"

When the 3rd month anniversary mark finally reached, Simon decided to treat you to an expensive meal at a luxurious restaurant.

And by that I mean, 6 McNuggets at Maccies.

"They're cold, babe." He complains, slouching across you, one leg bent and propped on his seat.

Yes, Simon. Because you spent 15 minutes arguing with the worker for an extra packet of mayo. But you refrained yourself from saying that, in case you'd anger him further.

"So how's the task force?"

You've learnt very little about Simon, one part that stuck out to you was that the people he was closest to was his team in the military, naming his Captain John Price, who seemed to pop up in every conversation the two of you had.

"You got that 'lil mustache on yer face again."

"Excuse me?"

"Nah babe, it's cute. Reminds me of Captain's."

It hurt even more when he showed you a picture of John Price and you're face to face with a middle aged man with a full grown beard, who's being compared to the peach fuzz on your upper lip.

"Team's good." He sighs out of exhaustion. "Soap's engaged now, y'know."

You smile, mind suddenly racing to the thought of Simon proposing to you, but you shake it away, oddly cringing at the thought.

"'Old man's thinking of getting transferred to the States. Finally..."

The thought of Simon being jealous over his Captain was always a hidden theory for you. He'd mention it so frequently, it was as if he was keeping tabs on his superior, bringing it up at every moment at his signs of weakness. And when he'd compare Price to you, it was never in a positive light, rather one where it felt like he was looking down at Price, but through you.

You wondered if Simon had a superiority complex, and maybe that's why he'd chosen a little naive lamb like you, to project all of his insecurities onto you.

I mean, you're not gonna do anything about it are you? Nah, you're gonna take it like the good little girl you are.

I mean you are right now- literally.

His dick is cramped right in your pussy, his rounded tip rapidly kissing at your cervix. His chapped lips crash against yours, but you can't seem to ignore the faint taste of his Big Mac through his mouth.

"Can tell your cunt likes that, 'lil slut." He seethes out, through inconsistent breaths. You can barely hear him, through the sound of your sweaty bodies colliding and the ringing through your head.

You hum uncomfortably. It was gonna be a long night.

The following weekend, you find yourself spending eons getting dolled up for a get together at the base. You decorated your face with a bold smokey eye, paired with a lined red lip, only to be mocked by Simon.

"Red? We're going to base, not the circus."

So you take off the lipstick. And the eye makeup. In fact, even when you changed from a tight black pencil skirt to a matching sweatshirt and joggers combination, you still find yourself being berated by Simon.

"Getting kinda lazy with the clothes huh, love?" He asks, cocking his eyebrows towards you.

Is he for real?

Grunting in response, you look out the window, shoving your headphones in, grateful for the noise cancelling feature so you wouldn't have to sit through Simon's mouth breathing throughout the journey.

The meeting itself was as awkward as imagined. The moment the pair of you entered the room, Simon decided to detach his arm wrapped around your shoulder and immediately brisk walk to the nearest woman possible. If he was trying to fool his team to thinking he was single...boy was he good at it.

Being left out in an unfamiliar space was unfortunately not too foreign for you, and you quickly found solace by the water fountain, sipping on a plastic cup of lukewarm water.

"Bored, eh?"

You jump, having zoned out.

You turn to a man you've seen oh so many times on Simon's phone.

"Captain John Price?" You smile.

"The one and only, lass. My, a pair of sweatpants. Priorising comfort, are we?" He jokes, lightly.

"Were you expecting lingerie?"

"Pretty either way." He chuckles, and you eye the way his eyes squint as he smiles, and the smile lines painting his cheeks. You shouldn't be looking at your boyfriend's competition captain this way.

You're at peace with John. You find yourself opening up about yourself, something you now know you couldn't truly do around Simon. John cared about what you said, reacting to every joke you dropped here and there, unlike Simon, who plays connect the dots with your forehead blemishes as you rant passionately.

John chuckles, "Oh God. Work sounds intense."

You hum, admiring his laughter, which cuts off to the sound of a loud buzzing (buttplug?) coming from his back pocket. He excuses himself from the conversation, but you can't help but eavesdrop.

"John Price speaking. Yes. Uh huh-what? Another soldier? Same substance? Christ's sake...Doctor's got a name? Succiny- Succinylc- what? Okay, okay. I'm coming, gimme 20 minutes-what, now? I'm...busy" He turns to flash you a small smile, "Okay, fine. Dammit."

"You okay, seemed urgent?"

He dramatically sighs, "We both got work problems...There's been a...how do i say this...another one of our soldiers have been getting drugged?" It sounds more of a question than an answer, "We think it's some sort of new drug on the black market, and now that our enemy's have a hold of it, our soldiers...fuck, getting drugged left, right and centr- Sorry, um, unauthorized information..." He trails off, realising he's said too much.

You're ears perk up, "Drugs? What are the um, symptoms?" You can't help but be curious.

John looks around, as if to check if anyone was listening to the conversation, though most people are hammered on hardcore liquor and cigarettes. He lowers his voice, "Starts off with headaches, nausea, then there's seizures...worst case scenario is paralysis. Gotten 4 of our soldiers already, poor men, had to be medically dismissed...."

You hum, silently and unsure of what to reply with. If you were attempting to flirt with John, the mood had definitely dissipated.

"But hey, listen. You ever need a change of pace, a better job, you can call me." He grabs your hand, and messily writes his phone number with a biro, winking before he leaves.

Maybe you will call him.

As the sky becomes darker and the clock strikes past 9 P.M., you find yourself walking outside the building, searching for Simon.

"...annoying."

Huh? You peer over the corner to overhear the conversation. Was that Simon?

"..follows me around a sad 'lil shit."

Was he talking about you?

You catch a quick glance, confirming that it was indeed a drunk Simon, with who you believe was Soap.

"Her mum's hotter, too. All over me." Simon boasts, whipping out his phone, presumably to show them a picture of your mother, as it sparks a 'milf alert' comment from Soap.

"...nothing compared to her. She's like a doormat."

You look at Simon, and for a second, you swear he made deliberate eye contact with you.

"She's fuckin' spineless."

For a moment, time pauses.

...

Spineless.

You're spineless.

I mean, it may be true. But the truth doesn't always have to come out, no?

After doing so much for this man, you'e still...spineless?

Laying at the comfort of your bed, dragging a tipsy Simon out of the car and him rushing to his flat, you find yourself gazing down at the smudged ink on your palm. Maybe it's time to switch your job.

Who knows who you'll run into...

That night, you rest, dreaming about John Price.

You're in an abyss in your dreams, John's pale muscular arms wrap around your frame, with the faint scent of cigars and whisky wafting around your nose. You blink and you see the bottom of his groomed beard, and small smile resting on his tired face.

You blink once more. But this time, you don't see John Price. This time, you're staring into the sullen eyes of a skeleton-masked man, lifelessly staring straight at you with no emotion. You look down the body of Simon.

The lower half of his body was missing.

By the third blink, you jolt awake and look around, but this time you're on the floor wrapped in your quilt and covered in sweat. Very much alone.

What was this dream trying to tell you?

The jump from retail to cyber-operations was large and challenging. You went from serving customers to quite literally serving the country, from scanning items to defending the weapon's system. But 2 weeks into your new career and you feel like you've actually put your degree to some use.

Your family have been ringing you almost weekly, asking about your new position, although it's mainly your mother interrogating you about Simon.

And to say he was upset with your choice of working with the army, was an understatement, in his words, he felt like you were crowding him in all areas of his life. His home, his workplace, and now his mind.

You'd ask him to drop you off, considering he's going the same way, but he'd come up with unjustified excuses.

"Can't. Need to be there early."

"Nah, gonna distract me, love."

"Can't be seen with you." He mutters the last one, but you're not deaf and Simon can't exactly whisper very well. Sometimes you wonder why you haven't broken up with him.

So you've resorted to the next option.

Public transport. Calling John Price.

"You're not a burden, sweetheart. Who's been tellin' you that?"

You subordinate <3 But you can't say that, so you resort to casually laughing at his question. You can't help but think about the reoccurring dream you've been having, they always start the same.

You're in a abyss, and you're in the arms of John Price, you blink and suddenly face to face with the half-corpse of Simon. You're struggling to work out the deeper message of the visio-

"Love, you there? Went to lala-land or something?"

Think about John Price. Focus on him, why are you still bound to that jerk? You think.

"I'm good. So uh, how's the situation with you? And the um...drugs thing?" You look at him, your words surprising yourself, since when did you have an interest in drugs?

"Oh, uh. We're not allowed to disclose that sweetheart...besides, Simon didn't tell you? Kinda big thing here..."

Of course, Simon wouldn't tell me, why would he? You tell me, John.

You give him your best puppy dog eyes, eyebrows knitting together, "Oh..."

He runs his thick fingers through his brunette hair, adjusting himself in his seat, "Succinylcholine. There's a mixture, but that's the main component. Causes paralysis to the legs and spine...seems like that's what they wanted, to paralyse our soldiers, 7th victim this we..."

Paralysis huh. You turn to look at the passing trees outside the windows. Paralysis to the spine and legs...

By the time you reach work, you're at your computer by your desk, typing away at the lines of code on your programme, once again eavesdropping to the conversations in your vicinity.

"...it's the same location they keep getting deployed, why are they getting deployed there again?"

"Captain Price is going this time..."

"...2nd guy's in a coma now..."

The chatter dies down to the loud slam of the door: Your supervisor.

"People. Come on. Chop chop, we have deadlines to meet. Stop the chatter, fucks sake."

You get back to your screen, but you can't help but shake the unsettling feeling off your mind.

Ding!

11:26 A.M. Si:- Come outside on your break. Need to talk.

I guess you're finally breaking up.

"Getting deployed."

Simon's scarred hands caress yours, gently lifting your ring finger and slotting a shiny silver ring, with a skull stuck in the center. You think back to the times where you told Simon that you preferred gold jewelry over silver, since it complimented your skin tone better. To love is to be seen I guess.

A crowd of soldiers begin whistling at the scene, and Simon retracts his hands almost instantaneously.

"Wanted to give this to you for anniversary...but I ordered it a little late."

You hum, immediately twisting the ring around your ring. It's tight and cramped.

"How's work?" He asks, his eyes roaming around the people behind you, his gaze not falling on you once since the conversation had started.

"Oh it's goo-"

"Cool. So um, here's my key if you need something." He hands you his key, more like shoving it into your chest, before pressing a chaste kiss on your forehead and running off towards the crowd of soldiers that were now practicing drills.

Seems like you've gotten promoted from girlfriend to house-keeper.

By 8 P.M., you and a handful of your colleagues began to go home.

With your 4th cup of caffeine in your hand, you check Simon's text once more.

7:52 P.M. Si:- What time u finish Si:- 8? Si:- Too long to wait, going home

He couldn't wait 8 minutes?

As you trudge past the empty hallway, you're met face to face with the door of the lab, which you notice was half open.

You felt like a character in Alice in Wonderland. Trespassing is a crime, is it not?

A normal person would just inform a staff member and go home right? Definitely wouldn't enter the room. And definitely wouldn't head straight towards the counter that held various labelled test tubes.

Definitely wouldn't snatch a test tube labelled danger, and most definitely stuff it in their bag and run out the door, as if they haven't basically committed a crime.

But it's a good thing you wouldn't consider yourself a normal person.

The wind blows against your skin when you finally make it outside, and it feels like natures punishing you for breaking into the army's laboratory. With your bag clutched tightly against your chest, your mind begins racing - what if someone saw you? What about cameras? What if-

"There you are love. Thought I'd have to come 'n get you myself."

John leans against his range rover, wrapping his large military jacket around your shoulders, and you instantly lean into his towering frame.

"John...didn't you go home?"

He shakes his head. "Saw Simon speeding off the moment we finished, thought you needed a ride, especially at this time."

The wind blows against you again, and your smile falters, remembering the contents of your bag.

"Can we go home now? Please?"

A comforting silence accompanied the drive, with John's palm ghosting your thigh ever so slightly and you had to resist every urge in your body to just lock hands with him.

So you do.

His large hand encompassing yours completely. If his grin could widen anymore, they just did, and you swear you could see faint dimples decorating his cheeks.

But they fall just as quickly, jerking his hand back.

"Nice ring."

You're visibly confused, eyes dragging back to the tight skull band wrapped around your ring finger.

Fuck you, Simon.

When you exit John's car at the entrance of the block of flats, your eyes catch another deep brown pair of menacing eyes, standing at the balcony, hiding behind a black balaclava. You can't see the lower portion of the face, but you'd bet your life that there was a smirk hidden behind the cloth.

You grit your teeth, tossing the ring by the nearest bush as the car drives off. The grip around your bag tightens, and you remember the test tube.

If you're going to ruin my chances of love, I'll ruin your chances of life, Simon Riley.

A week later and the test tube lay aimlessly on your bedside time, alongside a small post card gifted yesterday from your truly. John Price, that is, not Simon.

Leaving soon - If I find something you like, I'll bring it for you :-D - J Price

Even the way he drew his little smiley faces warmed you.

On the other hand, Simon had shot you a single text, ignoring all the spelling mistakes.

Si:- bee home ina mont. by.

When he gets home, you're immediately breaking up with him, assigning yourself mental homework.

But for the meanwhile, you have to decide what to do with the test tube...for now you decide it's too risky to keep it at home, who knows if the wrong people get their hands on it.

So you opt to shoving into deep into your purse.

At work, as you walk back to your team's common room, you hear the commotion coming from the...laboratory?

"Doctor, how careless are you?"

"Sir...I-I-I didn't do anything! The lab was locked, I don't know who would have taken it-"

"And how are we sure you haven't stolen it? I mean for all we know, you might have the drug at home. How do we know you're a traitor and working for the other side. I should have you reported."

"Boss, you've known me for the longest! And why don't you stop shouting me and get these cameras fixed already-"

"Captain Price's gonna flip and fire his entire team when he comes back-"

"If he comes back that is-"

"Boy if you don't shut your mout-"

Scurrying to the common room, you shut the door abruptly. You don't why you stole the drug, but you do know you can't let anyone find out about what you did.

Not Simon.

Not John.

A month had nearly gone by, and a train of gifts has began coming, from small affirmation notes to bags of lego flower bouquets and teddy bears. All of course, accompanied by a small note with the signature smiley face :-D.

Considering the notes weren't hand written, you couldn't tell whether it was from Simon or John, though it was quite obvious. Even though you liked John, you couldn't help but feel some sort of sorrow towards Simon. I mean, who else does he have apart from you?

On a dark Friday evening while you and your team were getting ready to leave, the sound of shouting followed by stampede coursed through the hallway. Screams of terror broke from whom you made out to be doctors and nurses.

"What's happening?" You turn to your coworker.

"More people have gotten drugged, like 7 this time..."

You couldn't help but feel a wave of guilt washing over you, considering a sample of the weapon of the crime was quite literally concealed with your belongings.

"Oh -"

"Apparently, Captain Price and Liutentant Riley were involved."

That was enough to strike a nerve. You don't know which name hit you harder, but before your colleague could even stop you, you began sprinting down the hallway towards the hospital rooms.

By the time you reach though, it's already too late, and the doors have shut, the nurse informing you that surgeries have already begun undergoing. But for who, they didn't disclose.

It didn't matter who it was, you just had a reoccurring thought that if maybe you had left the sample alone, maybe a curve could have already been developed.

Oh God, this is your fault isn't it....?

A person's going to die in your hands, and you're not even a soldier.

With discomfort running through your nerves, you sit by the hospital rooms, your hands feeling heavy under the weight of your head, waiting to hear more from the nurses. But as they rush in and out of the room with urgency, your voice gradually drowns out by the monotonous beeping of the machines inside.

4 hours go by, and you can't tell if it from the lack of sleep or not, but the staff around you shoot you looks of pity as if you're in critical condition. Those hours in the waiting room felt like hell, and you couldn't help but notice the lack security in the building. No cameras again, huh?

"Nurse, is John Price in there?" You ask wearily, the strain in your voice was evident.

The nurse shakes her head, "It's Lieutenant Riley."

Your breath hitches, and unfortunately you can't help but a slight feeling of relief.

"Is he okay? Was he...drugged?"

The nurse clenches her jaw, "That information can't be disclos-"

"He's my boyfriend." You urge, standing up to meet the nurse eye to eye.

The palpable tension in the air was uncomfortable and pervasive, hanging over the room like a heavy fog, and the nurse eventually breaks, slowly opening the door to what looked like a corpse.

"No traces of the drugs were found in his body, but there's no way to really say in the early stages...He is displaying some symptoms however..." She reads off a clipboard.

You nod, though her words aren't really getting to your head, "Like...paralysis?" There's no movement from the bed, just the constant ringing from the machines.

The nurse pauses, "No. Headaches, and muscle pain, just the regular. Bullet shot in the shoulder, but that's been taken care off. We're still monitoring him. I'll be outside if you need anything." With that she leaves, shutting the door behind you. And you find yourself alone with Simon's corpse.

Simon's face looks like broken china, like fine art but damaged externally, yet still holding the essence of its beauty within. His features, usually composed and serene, now bore the cracks of strain and worry. His under eyes were now darker than ever, and you couldn't help but press your now tear soaked lips across his rough cheek, until you stopped.

His neck, though scarred, bore scattered red marks, which you know could be confused with a rash. But it wasn't.

They were hickies.

Fresh hickies.

It's been a month since you've last seen Simon, so you immediately rule out yourself, disregarding the fact that you haven't even been intimate with anyone in a while.

As you sit beside the bed, a surge of anger rises within you, fueled by the betrayal and disappointment coursing through your veins. You want nothing more than to confront Simon, to unleash a torrent of accusatory questions upon him, but you know it would be futile.

His chest rises and falls gently, a stark contrast to the turmoil raging within you.

The situations looks like that particular scene straight from your dreams. Dark room, alone with Simon, him laying there still.

His body is still intact, you think. Intact and littered with marks.

You try to recall what happens in the dreams after this, but you always wake up at the last second.

And you can't help but inch your hand towards your purse., the outline of the test tube screaming at you to finally use it.

Use it for the reason you had originally stolen it for.

Use me.

Drug him. It screams. It's not like he ever loved you? Francesca, remember her? The other women? Your own mother, your own flesh and blood? Think about the times he forgot your anniversary, your birthday, when he insulted you, in front of you, in front of others, hell, even behind your back! You're spineless remember.

I mean you'd be doing the world a favour, getting rid of this from this world, wouldn't you?

Wouldn't you.

John Price would be proud of you wouldn't he?

He finally be with you.

With a steady hand, you reached into your purse and retrieved the test tube, its contents glinting in the dim light of the hospital room. You hesitated for a moment, your heart pounding in your chest, before steeling yourself and uncapping the tube.

The acrid scent of the drug filled the air, its toxic fumes making you gag slightly. But you pushed past the discomfort, focusing all your attention on the task at hand. With precision, you extracted the entire liquid from the tube and carefully poured it into Simon's IV drip, mentally wincing at how effortlessly you had manipulated the situation.

You have to get rid of the drug somehow, and if it means using it against him, then so be it.

The next morning had come and you're awaken by the phone buzzing by your bedside table, the screen lighting up with John's name. You hesitate, your fingers hovering over the screen for a moment before you finally answer, steeling yourself for whatever news awaits you on the other end of the line.

"Hello?" Your voice comes out strained, betraying the anxiety churning within you.

"Hey angel, it's me," John's voice crackles through the phone, the urgency in his tone palpable. "You need to come to the hospital. It's Simon."

Without a word, you hang up the phone and hail a cab, the journey to the hospital passing in a blur of anxious thoughts and racing heartbeat. Did they find out you stole the drugs? No...how could they? The empty test tube is in your bin, at home, not at the hospital and there's no cameras at you recall...

Arriving at the hospital, you're met with a scene of controlled chaos. Doctors and nurses bustle about, their faces tense with worry. You navigate through the maze of corridors, the familiar scent of antiseptic hanging heavy in the air.

Finally, you reach Simon's bedside, and what you see makes your heart drop into the pit of your stomach. Simon manually lies propped up against the pillows, his face pale and drawn, his body racked with violent tremors as he retches into a basin. The sight is enough to make you physically ill, although it slowly dissipates, seeing the now purple marks on his necks darkening.

John appears beside you, and without a word, he takes your hand in his, his grip steady and reassuring, pressing a small kiss at the side of your head. In that fleeting moment, the world falls away, leaving only the two of you suspended in time.

"I'll be outside," he mumbles, leaving with you with Simon.

With a heavy heart, you take a seat beside him. Simon looks up at you, his eyes filled with a mixture of confusion. It takes all your strength to meet his gaze, the truth burning like acid on your tongue.

"Hey." He groans out. He can barely move, as his head painfully cranes to look at you, the effects of the drugs taking effect slowly.

"What happened." But it's more of a demand than a question.

Simon sniffs, "Traces of drugs..."

"No. I meant your neck."

He pauses, like he was trying to carefully choose his words, though he didn't have much of a escape now.

"Don't act like I see you and Price-"

"Don't bring him into this, Simon."

Don't lie to me anymore.

A tear rolls down his cheek, but you can't tell if it's crocodile tears or not.

"They-they... dismissed me."

You hum, a smirk gradually building up on your face.

"Why?"

Simon closes his eyes, "Back. My spine. Can't move it..."

You let out a slow, deep breath, feeling the weight of the situation pressing down on you like a heavy stone.

"I know." Your voice is barely above a whisper, but the words hang heavy in the air between you. "I drugged you."

Simon's eyes wince once again, studying your face silently.

"Excuse me?" He begins.

You stand up, placing your purse back on your shoulder.

"What- what do you mean? You he-heard me? Love. Listen to me-"

You walk towards the door.

"WAIT. Wait. What do you mean you knew? You said you knew. What. What did you do. Sweetheart. Come back. Let's talk. You love me don't you? I love you! Where's that ring I gave you?"

You laugh, twisting the door handle.

"Baby, you better not fuckin' leav- THEY'LL FIND OUT-"

"And who's going to believe a damaged, deluded man, Simon Riley? You were out on a mission, I'll pin the blame on the enemies."

Simon shakes in his bed, unable to control any part of his body now. "WHAT DID YOU DO TO ME- HOW FUCKIN' DARE YOU- After that life I gave you-"

"Life? You call that living?"

"I LOVED YOU WHEN NO ONE ELSE DID-" His voice is painfully loud now, you're wondering how no one's running to his room already.

"Love? You don't know one thing about love, you fucker."

"I should have never fucked you, you- YOU BITCH-" He shouts, his body flailing violently, globes of tears racing down his clenched jaw and red cheeks.

"Rot in hell Simon Riley, I guess we're both fucking spineless now."

And that's a wrap for this mini seriesss - thank all of you for sticking around ;D IM AWARE IT TOOK SO LONG- I KEPT WRITING IT AND FOR SOME REASON IT DIDN'T AUTOSAVE LIKE TWICE??? SO I HAD TO REWRITE IT- Quick Notes: Let's all be real. We wanted reader to get with ol' john boy. But let's also be for real, if Reader was an object, she'd be a doormat. Although I've implied John Price x You, the bitch really needs to focus on herself and sort her shit out right now 💀 in the near future they're together for sure. ALSO the reference of drugs is highly inaccurate but let's all switch our imaginations on <3 lemme know you're interested to be tagged in my future posts! tags -> @lilliumrorum, @kxtz3, @poohkie90, @rainlovesyou12 , @restrictionsapply-blog , @lunamoonbby , @nigthmar3moon , @thychuvaluswife , @itsnourm , @bubusi11, @owkittie, @cheomain , @corvusmorte , @k4es , @mandythemint , @copiasratscheese , @yyiikes , @funkyyysho3s

[itsjustrosee]

Stranded (Minho x fem!reader (one-shot))

pt. 1, Pt. 2

ok so this is my first time writing any sort of fanfic but I thought I would give it a shot!

Warnings: contains spice and mild cursing

Context: high school au with everyone from the glade plus people from the other mazes like Sonya, Aris, and also Brenda. Minho's on the track team (obviously) and reader is on the debate team. Enemies to lovers

Word count: 4.4k

! I proof read but there might still be spelling mistakes !

You were in your junior year in high school, and you had already gotten a couple months into the school year. It was early October and the weather began to change, becoming slightly colder and colder each day. You could feel a cold gust of wind hit your face as you walked out of your school's double doors. You walked over and lent on one of the pillars your school had built in front of the main entrance as you began to slip your phone out of your pocket.

You only had one new notification from Brenda which read,

'sorry girl I won't be able to pick u up tdy. I got an email a couple of hours ago from my mom saying that I needed to pick her up from work because her car broke down, so I wont be able to work on our social studies project. Sry!'

You honestly didn't bother to read anything after the 'won't be able to pick u up tdy' part. What were you supposed to do now? You didn't have that many other friends you could just text and get them to pick you up. It's not like you were unpopular or didn't have many friends, you actually were quite known around school. It would be relatively hard for someone to hear your name and not know who you were. After all you were head of the student council, captain of the debate team and on your way to being valedictorian next year. So needless to say, you were far from being unpopular. Although you always preferred having a small group of really close friends, though you were friends or friendly, with many other people in your grade.

Unfortunately, you weren't quite close enough with any of your other friends to just text them and ask them for a ride out of the blue.

And almost as if being stranded at school couldn't get any worse, you look at your battery percent and see, oh great, 1 percent. You shut your eyes and pinch the bridge of your nose, taking a second to curse at yourself for forgetting to charge it last night while you were sleeping.

But you calm yourself, thinking that it'll be fine. You'll get a ride home someway or another, right?

Well you thought wrong.

Right when you look back at your phone screen, its black. You stare at your phone, jaw dropped, continuously clicking at the power button, but to no avail the screen stays pitch black, leaving you to stare at your reflection wondering, 'how the actual fuck did I manage to be this unlucky.'

You tuck your phone back into your bag and you realize you really only have one way of getting home. Walking.

Wow this is just so amazing because of course this happens the day you get out at 5:30 because of a debate competition. Meaning you had to wear black heals and tights, paired with a tight pencil skirt that only went up to your mid-thigh, and a black blazer with a white undershirt that revealed more of your chest than you wanted it to.

Majority of the outfit was borrowed from Brenda, and you had changed into it at the end of school. Giving the clothes you were wearing the whole day to her because you didn't want to carry them around. The plan was for her to bring the bag of your clothes with her as she came to pick you up after your debate comp and drive you both back to your place to work on your project, where you would swap the clothes back.

Was it a semi overcomplicated plan? Yes. It definitely was, and you were now cursing at yourself once again because of it.

However, right as you come to terms painstakingly long and difficult journey you're going to have ahead of you, someone behind you speaks up.

"Hey (Y/N). What are you still doing here?" A familiar voice says, sending shivers down your spine. You could recognize that voice anywhere and you didn't have to turn around knowing that the person behind you was Minho. Godamint of course it was him, the dude who had been picking on you since kindergarten, the dude who you hated, and also the dude who got surprisingly hot over the summer. He was by far the last person you wanted to run into after your day was already totally trashed.

You turn around slowly so you can face him and as you do, you see him towering over you. He looks like he'd recently stepped out of the shower with his wet and slightly towel dried hair. Minho was on the track team and you were aware that on Friday's and during most days of the week, he would stay at school late because of practice. And based off of his hair, you could assume that he showered in the locker room before heading home. You gave yourself another moment before responding, as you look at the grey sweatpants he's wearing as they lay low around his hips, and at the black compression shirt he had on which complimented his physic quite well by it's ability of defining his muscles.

God what were you thinking? You couldn't help but think he was hot. Even though he had made it his mission to annoy you ever since he laid his eyes on you.

"My debate competition just ended." You say dryly while snapping back into reality, shaking off what you were thinking of moments before.

He checks his watch before responding, "Oh right. But didn't that end like ten minutes ago?"

"Yeah.. it did." You confess, realizing that you had stayed here sulking for ten minutes when you could've just accepted your fate and given yourself a head start on walking home. And maybe then, you wouldn't have had to run into this guy.

"why are you still here then?" He asked in a confused tone that lacked little to no concern.

You glare at him for a second but before you can give your embarrassing answer, he speaks again.

"Hey I'm just wondering, no need to get all mad. I just thought that you would've had a ride by now, princess." He says with a grin forming on his face while he puts both of hands up as if he's surrendering. He's clearly trying to do anything he can to get some sort of reaction out of you, and he knew that by using his little nickname he'd made for you at the start of the year, he'd get just that.

"Well actually if you could just shut up for a second then I would've been able to answer you." You snapped at him before continuing, your voice much softer now out of embarrassment, "I um, I don't actually have a ride. Both my parents are out of town for the weekend and Brenda bailed on me so I'm probably just going to walk."

"Really? Dressed like that?" He questions with a chuckle while teasing you and gesturing to your outfit. However he can't help but blush when he see's you dressed the way that you are. Most of the time you tend to wear sweatshirts and baggy clothing, but seeing you in clothing that complimented you curves- wow- It didn't fail to catch Minho off guard.

"Well, what other choice do I have?" You say as your words come out slightly more desperate then intended.

"I could give you a ride if you want." Minho responded, and Minho shocked himself just as much as he had shocked you by saying this.

You and Minho I have seen each other a lot this year because you both actually shared a decent amount of classes together. Although everybody knew him as being super athletic and really popular, he was a lot smarter than people, (a.k.a, you), gave him credit for. And even since you both had known each other since forever, the sudden offer was still odd. Considering how hostile you were to each other obviously.

"I'm not sure. I bet I can just walk home."

"Seriously? You'd probably give up walking home in those heels a mile in." He said with a chuckle, slightly mocking you but you choose to ignore it.

You roll your eyes at him, "Fine." you say with a huff while you both begin walking into the parking lot. "where's your car?"

"Who said I'd be driving you home in a car?" He responds as he tries to fish something out from his sweatpants' pocket, and when he finally pulled out what he was looking for, you see him hold up a key.

You look at him confused until you keep walking with him and see that you're headed towards a black motorcycle.

"Oh absolutely not." You say as you immediately stop in your tracks and Minho walks over a couple more steps and unlocks it.

"Come on it's just a motorcycle."

"Dude are you serious. Do you know how many people die on those things yearly?"

"No, how many?" he asks while looking at you with a smirk, already able to sense your bluff.

"I don't know- but probably a lot!" You answered because of course you don't actually knowing how many deaths motorcycles cause, but you thought it was safe to assume that they caused many.

"Thank you for the offer, but I think I should just start walking home now if I want to make it before it gets dark out." you say while walking past Minho and his stupid motorcycle. But Minho grabs your wrist before you can walk away any further. Feeling his skin on yours sends a jolt of electricity through your body. You turn around to face him and he keeps his hand on your wrist but his grip softens.

"Do you even know the forecast for today? It's supposed to start storming around six, and I don't think you want to get caught walking home in the rain right?" After he says that you look up at the sky and see that it's already being filled up by dark and angry clouds that could start raining down on you and Minho at any second, then you look back at his motorcycle.

Minho takes in your silence and speaks again, "Look, if you don't make your decision in the next five seconds then I'm leaving with or without you alright? I really can't be driving while it storms so I'll need to drop you off as soon as I can if I want to be able to make it home too."

"Alright fine." You say as you sigh, clearly defeated.

Minho leads you back to his motorcycle and sits down, his bag slung over his shoulders and onto his chest rather than on his back so that you can sit behind him. You tell him how to get to your house and you mutter a silent prayer as you sit down behind him, hoping he doesn't notice how far your skirt is riding up your thighs.

You aren't quite sure where to place your hands so you opt to cross them at your chest. Minho adjusts himself and turns his head slightly so you can here him better, "You know, you might want to hold onto me while I drive."

"I think I'll be fine." you snap at him.

"Suit yourself then." He shrugs as he faces forwards and presses on the gas, much faster than you expected.

You let out a yelp and immediately you wrap your arms around his waist, pulling yourself closer into his back, and you basically cling on to him as if your life depends on it. You dig the side of your head into his back and shut your eyes.

You can already tell he has a wolfish grin spread across his face as he says, "What did I tell you?"

"Yeah, ok whatever I-I get it I should've listened." you blurt out quickly, not trying very hard to disguise the fear in your voice. Minho slows down as he leaves the parking lot of your school and he realizes that he can feel you trembling.

"Hey, hey, its okay. I'll be more careful alright?" He says in a caring tone while he places one of his hands on your knee.

"Just... please go slow Minho." You reply as you hug onto him even tighter.

"I will princess don't worry. I promise I'll get you home safe." He says while thanking god that you can't see how red he's getting. Something about the way you had said his name altered something in his brain chemistry and he would do anything to hear you say it again. And you on the other hand felt that he was being genuine when he said that he'd keep you safe, and it really did sound like he cared. It only took seconds for your face to get as red as a tomato and though you were glad he couldn't see you, you were praying he couldn't feel how hot your cheek was getting on his back.

Your grip on his stayed just as tight and if not tighter for the remainder of the ride home. Although, during every stop you would loosen your grip slightly and Minho would place his hand down by your knee or lower thigh again, rubbing his thumb in circles on your skin which never failed to give you butterflies in your stomach each time he did so.

The silence between the both of you hadn't been awkward at all, if anything, it was quite comforting. Being in each others presence was enough for the both of you. And if anything, the quietness allowed you to think about Minho and how you felt about him now.

Though you didn't really want to admit it, something about the way he was acting towards you now, made you see a very different side of him, and it gave you a reason to like him. But then again this is Minho your talking about. He could have any girl he wanted, practically the entire female population at your school flocked to him. But you are thinking about this as if you don't have boys coming up to you, trying to talk to you at your locker every day. Or like Gally in particular hasn't been begging for you to tutor him since freshman year.

Regardless of the amount of times boys came up to you, you always rejected them, because you had never really felt that way for anyone. Except right now. Because you could practically feel yourself falling harder and harder for Minho every second.

Little did you know that Minho was thinking the exact same way about you, and though he would rather die than admit it to anyone, he's liked you for the longest time.

Do you guys ever remember getting bullied by a guy back in elementary school, and when you told your parents about it they were just like 'oh its just because he has a crush on you!' well that was Minho. Minho was that little boy tormenting you all those years ago because he had the fattest crush on you and just didn't know how to express it. And he never grew out of that habit either. Sure when you guys grew up he would still pick and tease on you but he'd kept getting bolder and bolder, hoping you'd pick up on it one day.

A sudden drop of water on your heads knocked you and Minho out of your thoughts and snapped you back to reality.

"Shit." Minho mumbled under his breath. You finally peaked for head up a bit and opened your eyes to see that he was driving into your neighborhood but it was too late. The light sprinkles of rain soon turned into a downpour after mere seconds. Minho quickly pulled into your drive way and you unbuttoned your blazer and put it over your head to try and keep you at least a little dry until you reached the front door. You got up from your seat and only made it a couple steps forward towards your house until you realized Minho wasn't following you.

"What are you waiting for? Do you want to stay out in the rain and get drenched?" I asked him.

"You don't want me to leave?" He questioned, a bit of hope surged through him, making him think that maybe you didn't hate him as much as he thought.

"Leave? You can't leave now, do you see how hard it's raining? Never mind that, you said that it was going to storm and I can't let you drive home knowing you could just get struck by lightning or some shit." You explain, trying to make it seem as if you didn't care about him, but you definitely did care and you sucked at not making it obvious.

Minho couldn't even respond, he just stared at you, a grin forming at the edge of his lips.

"Can you- stop looking at me like that! Just come inside before I change my mind." You say, turning away and heading straight to the door because you can already feel your cheeks getting red and you don't need to hear Minho's snarky remarks over it.

Minho wouldn't be lying if he said he was a bit flustered too because he hadn't expected you to say what you just said- I mean, inviting him into your house? Minho was absolutely over the fucking moon.

He dashed into the house and got in right after you did, shutting the door behind him. You set down your bag and began taking off your heels before facing Minho. He also dropped his bag and took off his shoes. He looked at you as you cleared your throat.

"Thank you, for um, driving me. Sorry I got kinda freaked out." you say, the redness in your cheeks this time weren't because you were flustered but rather because you were embarrassed. As you looked down, expecting Minho to make fun of you over the way you clung onto him, he takes your chin in his hand and moves it up slightly so that you're now looking at him.

"There's no need to apologize princess."

you just stared at him, too shocked to move because of the contact he'd made with you. Even though you both could've stayed in that position forever, you moved your head to the side, severing the eye contact you and Minho were making, and making him take his hand from your chin.

Immediately Minho began cursing at himself for being so bold. I mean it was amazing enough that you invited him into your house but he totally just ruined it. He just couldn't wait any longer for you, but he got impatient. At least that's what his overthinking ass assumed.

"Minho, I-" you started. You were taken aback by the action but it's not like you didn't like it. In all the years of teasing he had never been that bold or genuine. You couldn't tell if he was still just messing with you for fun.

"No, that was- look I dunno why I did that. I didn't.." He scoffed while looking away.

"Minho look at me." you said while turning your face to look at him again.

He just silently took his hand away from his face and looked at you.

"What's been up with you this year? It's like, you keep teasing me, but then you call me princess and do things like this- It's just- what's your deal? I can't tell if you still hate me, or if you like me or something." You blurt out, way more intensely then you had expected. You couldn't tell if this was just a whole joke or not, like if he really just found pleasure by getting some sort of reaction out of you. Whether that be you getting flustered, or annoyed at him.

"No I don't- I don't hate you at all (Y/N)." He paused while sighing. "This is going to sound stupid but I've liked you since before I can even remember. I just never knew how to tell you, so I just tried to get more bold, and hope that maybe you would catch on, I guess."

You just stared at him with a dumbfounded look on your face, not quite too sure if you were hearing him correctly. But he seemed so sincere, you really wanted to believe he was telling the truth.

"God okay I never should've said anything. I'm sorry, that was all so stupid. I'll leave right when the rain lets up-" Minho barely finished what he was saying as you leaned in and grabbed his shirt, pulling him into you as your lips merged with his.

After a moment of him not reciprocating you pulled away, "I'm sorry I thought-" But before you could say anything else Minho began kissing you again.

You melted into his touch as he slid his arms around your waist and pulled you into him closer. His grip around you was firm as he held onto you as if you could just slip away if he didn't hold on tight enough. You flung your arms around his neck and deepened the kiss between the both of you. It had started out gentle and soft but it only got more and more desperate and passionate as time went on.

"I like you too." You mumbled against his lips between kisses, and at this Minho only became more and more hungry for you. You allowed his tongue to explore every inch of your mouth, and he grew desperate for your taste.

All while holding the kiss he lifted you up by your hips and you wrapped your legs around his waist as he pushed you into a nearby wall in your house.

He kept one of his arms on your waist while the other slid down your shirt and up your back, his cold fingers traced around your spine which only made you arch your back further into him. A slight moan escaped you which only made Minho tighten around his pants. You could feel him harden between your legs, and considering your skirt was far up your thighs by now, and your tights and panties only provided a thin layer of clothing between the both of you. You could feeling yourself throbbing down there as well.

Minho could tell by the way you were fiddling with the hem of his shirt that you were trying to take it off him. Minho pulled away and removed his hands from you and tossed off his shirt, leaving you to stare at his amazing physic.

I mean come on, the guy looked like he had been carved out of stone.

You both took no time at all to crash your lips onto each others again as your hands began to roam all over his chest. He took both of his hands and placed them on your ass in order to keep you propped up on the wall as he continued to pepper your lips with kisses.

He bit against your bottom lip causing you to moan again, but a phones ringtone of the song 'Eye of the Tiger' interrupted you and Minho from continuing.

He murmured a curse to himself and you giggled as he took his phone out of his pocket and answering the call and putting it on speaker. He used one hand to hold his phone as he kept the other on your ass.

You took this as an opportunity to start kissing down Minho's neck, moving down to his collar bone and sucking on it, making sure it would leave a mark. This caused Minho to make a soft groan but since the call was still connecting, the other person wasn't able to hear it.

"Dude where the fuck are you? You were supposed to come over after your practice to help me with our Latin assignment." The very clearly annoyed boy with a British accent questioned. You could tell it was Newt immediately, I mean, not many people have who go to schools in America have British accents.

"I'm sorry I got kind of caught up with something." Minho huffed out. Clearly trying to hide his moans as you continues to leave a trail of kisses and marks along his chest and neck.

"Holy shit you sound like you've just ran a marathon. Wait are you even at home right now?" He asks, this time much more confused then he was before.

"Uh no- I'm not at home right now."

"Then were the fuck are you?"

"At a- friends house."

"Which friends house?" Newt was interrogating Minho as if they were a married couple and Newt caught Minho coming home at 3am smelling of liquor and another women's perfume.

"I'm at (Y/N)'s house.." He said softly, hoping his friend would maybe keep his cool after he said this.

"Hi Newt!" You chime in after leaving several knew hickeys on Minho's neck.

"Jesus Christ I knew it. You've liked her for years! Good job Minho, you finally had the balls to tell her." You hear Newt laugh along with several other people in the background.

"Godamit Newt who else is with you?" Minho says, his face growing redder every second.

"Oh you know, Thomas, Gally, Fry, Alby." He says while trailing off.

Just then you can hear someone grab Newts phone on the other line, "Just letting you know (Y/N) you could do so much better." He says while everyone else with him chuckles, and you can tell it was Gally who said it.

"Oh shut it Gally. Your just mad because she chose me over you. And maybe this way you'll finally get the hint and stop asking her to tutor your dumbass." Minho snaps at him, his protective and jealous tone turning you on way more then you thought.

After Minho says that you can hear everyone on the other line burst out laughing, and even you let out a bit of a laugh afterwards as well.

You can hear Newt take back the phone and say, "Alright we'll leave you to it." as he hangs up the phone.

You look back at Minho as he puts his phone away. "What if I do want to start tutoring Gally?" You say with a smirk as you tilt your head to the side, teasing Minho.

"Oh please. Your mine now princess and I'm not letting Gally, or anyone else for that matter, anywhere near you." He says, and even though he's ginning while he says it, you can tell that he's being completely serious. "Now where were we?"

ok guys this is it!! plz lemme know if u liked it or if theres anything you guys think I should work on/ do better whenever I write these in the future. Also if u guys want to give me any other prompts for me to write, or if yall want a pt. 2 with yk smth a lil more spicy then tell me

[sincerelykarai]

More Incorrect quotes (Maze runner edition!)

Chuck: Dude, you have like; no friends.

Gally: What? Of course I do!

Gally: Newt, Frypan, Minho, Thomas..

Gally: Newt, Frypan, Minho, Thomas...

Gally: Newt, Frypan, Minho, Thomas...

Gally: gasp Why do I only have four friends?! And why is one of them Thomas?!

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Brenda: I'm gay

Chuck: Oh..Newt is gay too you guys should date! :D

Minho: oh my god-

Gally laughing in the background

Newt: ????

Thomas: I- I'm sorry he's new to this-

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Thomas: Newt, are you high?

Newt: Am I wha..?

Minho: high.

Newt: ...Hi :)

[zer0brainc3lls]

Newtmas headcanons perhaps?

Ik my requests are closed but I got this awhile ago and I just decided screw it and ima answer it (sorry I’m so late) but srsly my requests are closed ☹️ also this post is RIDICULOUSLY LONG. BE WARNED.

- when they were in the scorch newt struggled with all the walking and running because of his leg, Thomas would call for breaks saying he’s tired when really he’s fine and just noticed Newt was having a hard time

- Thomas has leg strength, Newt has arm strength

- they silently communicate ALL the time, glances, body language etc. they don’t need to be vocal to know what the other wants to say and it’s extremely annoying for everyone around them 😭 example:

Jorge: *proposes plan*

Thomas: *looks at newt*

Newt: *looks at Thomas*

Jorge: what are you two doing?!

Thomas: yeah ok we’re in

Jorge: what do you mean we? Newt can speak for himself-

Newt: no I’m in?

Thomas: yeah Jorge he’s in what are you talking about?

Jorge: what are YOU talking about??

- Thomas loves to read, Newt loves to write. Newt rarely writes anything fictional, often only writing about his day but likes writing poetry and Thomas loves reading Newts poetry ☹️

- when Newt got the flare Thomas wrote down any symptoms he knew about it and asked Brenda about it as well, even taking posters that were hung up for his own reference.

- when Newt got the flare he would sometimes try to start arguments over petty things that didn’t matter, not realising his anger wasn’t his own and Thomas would just look at him with a sad smile :( example:

Newt: your a bloody idiot sometimes you know that?! WHY would you-

Thomas: *looks away*

Newt: … sorry, I didn’t mean-

Thomas: I know. it’s okay, it’s not your fault.

- Thomas often looks for pain medication on supply runs for Newts leg, he tells Newt he just found it when really he spent ages searching for it

- sometimes leading the group is a lot for Thomas, he turns to Newt to make decisions sometimes. Newt gives suggestions on what to do and how to say it since he was second in command for so long and saw how alby ran the show.

- Thomas LOVES Newts hair, any chance he gets he’s constantly touching it, burying his face in his hair, if it got kinda long he would plait small bits of it.

- despite Thomas’s leg strength he’s a TERRIBLE swimmer, never learnt how. Newt however? Despite he’s leg he’s surprisingly good, he learnt in the lake at the glade and when they got to the safe haven he INSISTED that Thomas had to learn, for his safety of course. (He really just wanted to see Thomas in board shorts but he never told him that)

- Thomas is an absolute SUCKER for Newts freckles/moles, in the glade Newt wore lots of tank tops and shorts since he was out in the sun all day gardening so he developed large freckles and moles alllll over his body and Thomas CANNOT get enough!!! Thomas kisses them all the time and Newt pretends to be annoyed (but he secretly loves it)

- how they got together was a whole gay mess 😭 example:

Newt: *staring longingly as per usual*

Thomas: *catches him and stares back*

Thomas: uhh-

Newt: *kisses him*

Newt: so uhm.. are we-?

Thomas: YES. YES PLEASE.

- they aren’t super massive on nicknames, but they have a few!!

Newt: Tommy, my love (if they are alone), love

Thomas: babe, honey (if they are alone), hun

- they both love their slight height difference, TO THEM ITS NOT SLIGHT OK!!

- in the scorch (after they got together but they hadn’t told anyone yet) they held hands. All. The. Time. If they were outside in the and Thomas would say “I’m just helping Newt through the sand” and if they were inside Newt would say “Tommy here is just helping me with my bum leg, isn’t that right Tommy?” (Everyone knew but said nothing, they thought they were soooo sneaky)

- before they got together they would insult eachother (never going over the line of course) ALL THE TIME. Like playfully, example:

Newt: your a shuckfaced idiot y’know that Tommy?

Thomas: oh really? Well you’re a hotheaded shank!

Newt: me?! Hotheaded?! Oh please- we both know who’s the hotheaded one!

Thomas: I hate you so so much

Newt: I hate you more!

Brenda: do you two need a minute or..?

- I have said this once but I’ll say it again, Thomas is so atrociously down bad for Newts accent. Like DOWN. BAD. Newt is unaware of this because Thomas has made it his own personal mission to hide it but Minho knows and uses it against him all the time 😭 example:

Minho: THOMAS PLEASE!!

Thomas: NO. I WONT DO IT.

Minho: I’ll tell Newt.

Thomas: … wait no-

Newt *walks over : tell me what?

Thomas: NOTHING BABE!!!

Newt: … ok then… bye love :) *walks off*

Thomas: *red in the face* … fine.

- another thing similar to this, Thomas blushes super easily but Newt has no clue for awhile and thinks he just has naturally rosy cheeks, Minho ofc exposes him example:

Minho: Thomas doesn’t have rosy cheeks

Newt: what? Yes he does? *holds Thomas’s face to show Minho, totally oblivious* see! Right there!

Thomas: *mouthing to Minho* Don’t. You. Dare.

Minho: *LAUGHING HIS ASS OFF* Newt.. take your hands off his face and look again!

Newt: *takes his hands off Thomas face and watches as his face goes back to normal* … *LAUGHS WITH MINHO*

Thomas: SLIM IT BOTH OF YOU

- Newt is obsessed with Thomas’s hands, his hands are almost to big for him and don’t fit his proportions but are scar free and much softer then Newts, Newts hands are the right size but covered in scars and calluses and Newt constantly traces along Thomas’s knuckles, palms, fingers you name it. Soft hands are a rarity in the glade and the scorch. Newt tells him how nice his hands are constantly 😭

- Newt is very confident, and is the more flirty one and is a lot more sarcastic Thomas however is a fucking sap but SOMETIMES he matches Newts flirting and Newt is just stunned to silence

- if Newt got the cure he would’ve gained some of his memory’s back, and Thomas still has some of his memory’s from the changing so they piece together story’s that are incomplete in each others heads :) they write it all down in the unlikely case of them forgetting

- picnic FANATICS. Picnics to them is serious business in the safe haven to them and they do NOT PLAY. They have multiple blankets they bought/made made, baskets, they reserve afternoons/early mornings to have them and secret spots they go to

- Newt hates sleeping in a room alone. Absolutely hates it. Like his whole life he’s always slept near another person: in the bunker as a toddler to young child, the massive shared room while with wicked, everyone sleeping close by in the glade etc. so when they made it to the safe haven and he had the option of privacy he was STUNNED. Thomas let Newt share a hut with him and they have lived together ever since

- When Newt got the flare Thomas never changed how he treated him, everyone else got sorta wary but Thomas never doubted his abilities or judgment. Never.

- when Minho was taken Newt and Thomas clung to each other for support, Newt lost his best friend and Thomas learning how to lead on his own and also losing a friend. They’re bond became unbreakable and they learnt to depend and trust each other

- Newt trusts Thomas but as we all know he jumps into plans or ideas with little to no direction and Newt will sometimes have to make Thomas take a step back and think about what they are doing 😭

- as the months went on Thomas got more and more stressed about finding Minho, feeling that it was his responsibility to find him. Often pulling all nighters or not sleeping for days without even realising, example:

Thomas: *in the map room muttering to himself, deep purple eye bags from not sleeping for almost 2 days*

Newt: *walks in* hey Tommy.. do you know what time it is?

Thomas: uhm.. *doesnt answer and continues to do whatever he’s doing on accident*

Newt: What day is it.

Thomas: uhhh Monday? *turns to face Newt wobbly* why are you up so late? Its 1am?

Newt: Tommy it’s Wednesday, and it’s 4am. Come to bed, now.

Thomas: *stunned for a second before turning away* I’ll be there in a minute babe I just need to-

Newt: Thomas. Now. *pulls him out of the map room and forces him to sleep*

- Thomas is Newts human calculator, any math problem ever Newt will just go “hey tommy what’s ——?” And Thomas will answer without hesitation because he’s just used to it by now, Newt could absolutely do it if he paused and took a second but Thomas doesn’t need to pause or think about it he just answers 😭 it’s effortless for him

- Thomas is the worlds biggest book worm, in the glade they didn’t have many books and in the scorch books were a rare find but in the safe haven they had a bit of selection and he was ECSTATIC. Newt got him a bunch of books one time and a week later he had finished most of them

- Newt is super flexible, Thomas forgets this a lot until Newt can fit himself into tight spaces with ease meanwhile Thomas is in no way flexible and Newt also forgets this so Newt will go into a vent or something with no effort meanwhile Thomas is STRUGGLING

- Thomas and newt get into petty arguments (they aren’t actually fighting) on how to say things/spell things 😭 example:

Newt: it’s COLOUR. C O L O U R.

Thomas: ITS COLOR?!

Newt: says the boy that spells mum as m o m

Thomas: THATS HOW ITS SPELT?!

- if they are ever going up onto high places, Thomas always gives Newt a boost and then Newt will pull Thomas up

- Newt makes fires, Thomas gathers the wood and stuff to start it

- Thomas covers for Newt all the time, often forgetting to cover himself and the only reason why he hasn’t gotten hurt is because Newt does exactly the same thing for Thomas

- don’t get me wrong, they are both extremely strong and capable alone but TOGETHER?! ABSOLUTE UNIT. They know each others fighting styles, weaknesses, preferred weapons and where they keep they’re back ups 😭 they both steal eachother back up knives all the time

- they share most of they’re weapons but Thomas never takes Newts machete, it’s from the glade and very important to him and he keeps it on top shape and doesn’t like other people using it

- they aren’t huge on PDA but they 100% gravitate towards each other subconsciously, walking next to each other and holding hands, sitting next to each other, falling asleep on shoulders/laps etc they are almost always within ear shot of each other to the put of people asking one of them “where Thomas/Newt?” Instead of just trying to find them themselves because there’s a HIGH chance they both know where the other is example:

Jorge: Thomas do you know where-

Thomas: he’s getting food from frypan why?

Newt: *walks back over with two plates of food and passes a plate to Thomas* hey Jorge you need me?

- Newt loves giving words of affirmation, loves receiving physical touch, Thomas loves giving physical touch, loves receiving words of affirmation

- Thomas 100% opens and closes doors for Newt, and holds his hand getting out of cars :3 at first it was a joke and sorta teasing but it became a habit over time

- Newts the type of guy to sit as close as humanly possible to Thomas, if they’re with close friends their legs will literally be squished together and Newt will be holding his hand, god forbid they are alone 😭 legs fully draped across Thomas’s lap, tracing lines across Thomas’s palms while absolutely YAPPING. Thomas is just staring at him with big heart eyes going “uh huh” “yeah”

Anyways I hope you enjoyed my yap session

[the-fiction-witch]

The Festival

Media - The Maze Runner Series AU (1967 & 1991) Characters - Newt / Thomas / Gally Couples - Newt X Reader + Thomas X Reader + Gally X Reader Reader - Y/n Rating - 18 + drug use / drug abuse / public / exhibitionism / cuddling / kissing / making out / breast play / nipple play / breast sucking / spanking / fingering / sex / eating out / orgasms / side / missionary / cowgirl / love bites / nudity / Word Count - 5577

I hummed slightly to myself as I flipped through my magazine, glancing at the various articles and sensationalism, briefly stopping to take my tea in hand blowing across the rim before having a small tender sip.

I perked up a little as I heard footsteps rush down the stairs of my little cottage. And soon enough Ellis emerged in a pair of little white wedge heels, a denim skirt with embodied flowers, and a crop top that looked as if someone had run it over. Her Y/H/C hair was in a braid as usual.

"Mum? Opinions?" She asked doing a little turn,

"It looks lovely..." I began,

"And here comes the but."

"But, I think it might be a little... much,"

"I want to look nice,"

"I know you do, but do you really think heels are the best idea, Ellis? White heels? For a festival."

"...True,"

"You're a grown-up. I can't tell you what to wear, I can only advise."

"I know, I just wanna look my best. I spent nine hours shopping today. This is such a big moment."

"I know Ellis,"

"It only happens once every twelve years."

"I know Ellis,"

"The festival has been going on for so long! and I finally get to go!"

"Ellis. I know,"

"Sorry, Mum,"

"It's fine," I chuckled, "Of course you are excited to go. But it's probably not going to be as exciting as you think Ellis,"

I sat at the kitchen table flicking through my old photo album and looking for the pictures, Ellis beside me as we searched diligently until finally, I saw the first few pictures.

"Here we are," I smiled,

'Waterloo Sunset' Plays tentatively on the radio, cutting out ever so often. The single stolen beer was being passed from the back seat to the front seat over and over any time someone wanted a sip, excited shouting and shoving a constant across the car.

"Thomas quit purposely going down the fucking potholes! I'm getting a prostate exam of these tent pegs!" Gally yelled kicking Thomas' driver seat,

"won't be the only bloody thing shove up your ass over the next three days Gally," Newt laughed as he sipped the beer,

"Oh fuck off Newt!" gally shoved him,

I giggled and snapped a picture with my Polaroid camera,

"You gonna be a shutterbug the whole trip?" Thomas laughed,

"I hope so," I giggled,

We flipped through a few of the pictures of the mud, people, drinks and madness that I photographed, till we got to one that made me smile. The picture of all of us who went, together by our tents.

"Who are all these people?" She asked,

"Well, they were my friends."

"Why have I never met any of them?"

"Everyone went their own ways I guess," I shrug, "This was right before most of us went to college, we all got jobs and... drifted apart. It happens, Ellis."

"I still talk to all my friends from that age,"

"Yes well your twenty-three," I chuckled,

"Who were they all then?"

"Well, that's Alby and Brenda and there's zart and fry." I chuckled pointing everyone out, "And there's Gally and Minho. Thomas. and Then newt on the end,"

"...You had weird friends."

"... I'm aware," I nodded,

"Who's the one in the middle?" she pointed, "In the like long skirt and tube top thing?"

"Ellis, That's me."

"What!"

"Yes, that's me,"

she just looked at me rather shocked, "Mum!"

"It was 1967, I was sixteen. " I told her, "It was a different time."

I quickly flipped the page overseeing all the sweet pictures, of dancing, music, the mud, and all the strange clothes of course.

"You were really pretty,"

"Were?"

"You know what I mean, you seemed so happy,"

"I was, it was a fun festival. But... I'm sure it will be even better this year with you."

"Yeah, I'm sure it'll be great." she smiled, "I'm off to bed, night mum,"

"Night Ellis," I smiled,

She hopped off the table and headed up to the guest room,

I stayed up a little longer looking through all the pictures, it really was a fun festival. If I recall I didn't even actually see the Kurinji flower bloom, to busy with everything else. It really was the last big party as my life was changed forever after it ended. I did miss everyone, hadn't really spoken to any of them after it ended.

My eyes lingered a little on a photo of us all together, my eyes went over the three of them and I wondered as I have many times over the last twenty-four years... Thomas. Gally. or newt?

I tried to force the thoughts away, not like I ever needed to know. I did just fine on my own. I flicked through to one of the last pictures that got taken. I laid passed out from exhaustion and I was likely kinda drunk... possibly even stoned, I don't at all remember. I lay on my bed in my tent, and I couldn't help but look down at my exposed stomach and wonder... if Ellis was in this picture too.

"This. Is. So. Much. Mud." Ellis complained as she walked back to our tents from the bathrooms,

"I did try and warn you," I chuckled as I finished setting up, "You having fun through?"

"So far yeah," she nodded, "All though it is six pounds of a bottle of water,"

"Holly hell. No, we're lucky we brought water," I nodded heading into the tent to grab a bottle,

"Uhh sorry... uhh Hi," A voice that seemed familiar spoke outside the tent,

"Uhh hi..." Ellis replied,

"I'm sorry you're uhh-"

"Yeah, uhh no thanks you're like old enough to be my father."

"No! no! I'm sorry I wasn't trying to hit on you!" He defended, "You just uhh you look so much like-"

I went out to see what was going on and immediately my eyes went wide, "Newt..."

"Y/n!" he gasped,

I groaned a little beyond exhaustion the three days of, drinking, drugs, dancing, and food truck food had really gotten to me. and I needed my energy to pack everything up in the morning. So I just laid in the tent almost dead to the world. But I wasn't alone Newt was here with me too laid trying not to die too. I wrapped my arms around his torso my hands on his warm bare chest, I rested my cheek against his back close to his shoulder.

He let out a long peaceful sigh to feel himself in my arms, he wriggled a little but not away from me, back towards me adjusting himself back so we could be closer and he could be held tighter like a sweet little spoon.

I cooed and gave his shoulder a gentle kiss softly stroking his chest and stomach with my hands. We lay like this for a good while just enjoying each other's company,

He turned over to face me his eyes still closed, he came up close and nuzzled into my neck, he wrapped his arms tightly around my waist. I smiled and wrapped my own around him too my hands in his locks, I wrapped my fingers around his hair and kissed his forehead. For a while, we just lay like this very cosy, and comfy together. He lay so happily that the only sounds of sweet fumbles and grumbles in a sleepy state, after a good while his hand moved after it lay on my waist, I didn't mind and just held him close until his hand began to creep up my body taking a soft grip of my breast through my little dress.

I chuckled but didn't argue with him to try to complain and ... not sure I would even if I wasn't tried., as he groped and fondled my breast squeezing and squishing it, pressing and shaking it, compressing and massaging it, the only sound coming from him some low moans and grumbles of enjoyment. I smiled and kissed his forehead as he plaid with my breast slowly but surely getting more aggressive as he got hungrier and more flooded with his desires.

He began to kiss my neck softly and gently pressing a trail of kisses down to my underdress where his hand rested, He tugged down my dress to my waist to expose my bare breast and continued his kiss down my chest and breast slightly biting as he kissed, until he reached my nipple. He clamped his lips around my nipple and swirled his tongue to harden it continuing his circles as he gently sucked, I didn't bother to stop him he was happy and I admit it felt very nice to see him be so attentive, his hand of course left my breast and moved to my ass giving it a firm slap making me jump a little.

He gave my ass a few firm slaps as he sucked before his hand stroked my thigh moving it around his hip and slipping his hand between my legs, his fingers made short work of pushing up my dress and he stroked my mound before giving my clit a merciless rub I did my best not to moan. Still, he just kept rubbing until he forced a moan out of me, as soon as I moaned he pulled back from my breast and kissed my lips with a firey passion, I happily kissed back already excited even if I was amused that he was yet to open his eyes.

His hand moved so he could thrust his index and middle finger inside me making me gasp he used this as a perfect example to add tongue into our kiss, which I happily smiled into and began to battle with him, He thrusted his fingers slowly at first his thumb rubbing on my clit I did my best not to moan but it was very hard to keep quiet his groans into our kisses only fueled us more, I slipped my hand down and began to stroke his already hard erection which made him moan loudly pulling away to kiss my neck.

He pulled his hand away and kissed down my chest, flicking my nipple with his tongue as he kissed down my dress moving me onto my back as he reached my clit, he kissed and sucked my clit mercilessly his fingers slipping back inside me. I moaned trying my best not to be loud feeling the bubbles of pleasure curling my toes and digging my nails into the cheap camping bed, my head rolled back onto the pillow. His other hand came up and squeezed on my breast twisting and tugging on my nipple making me moan loudly.

I tugged him up by his hair, he moved pulling his hand away and kissing my neck. He tugged up my dress to my waist,

"One moment love," He cooed grabbing a condom quickly slipping it on and pulling me back to the kiss. "Come on love." He smirked and quickly wrapped my legs around his waist before slipping inside me, He groaned and moaned loudly as soon as he grabbed my hips and thrusted fast and hard.

I began to scream pulling his lips to my own and kissing him with passion and adrenaline, once he got to a very steady pace his hands left my hips to grab my breast making me giggle a little his other hand on my clit rubbing mercilessly as he thrusted both of us moaning and groaning until my body began to shake and I tightened my legs around him as I knew how close I was, which only made him smirk with a sly smile getting faster and more merciless until I hit my orgasm grabbing his face and biting his shoulder as I felt the pleasure flood from my head to my toes and back again,

I gasped as I collapsed against the bed feeling him keep going letting me ride it out as long as possible, until he buried his head in my neck and his hips bucking like crazy as he buried himself inside me with a long groan before he pulled out and collapsed on the bed beside me as we gasped and tried to get ourselves straight after all that. "Y/n..."

"Yes, newt?" I cooed as we cuddled up,

"I really like you..." he smiled playing with my hair, "do you like me?"

"Of course I do, you're my friend,"

"... more than that?"

"I don't know newt... my brain... very messed up after these few days."

"Okay" he nodded, "But.. if I ask again in a few days maybe once we've kinda got our heads back on. will you answer me then love?"

"I will. I promise."

"It's... actually you?"

"Yeah, it- it's really you?!"

"Oh my god how are you!" I smiled giving him a tight hug,

"I'm great, I'm great how are you," He smiled hugging me back too,

"I'm fantastic, you look amazing."

"Aww thank you, so do you. You've hardly changed."

"I don't know something certainly has,"

"I bet," He laughed, "I've really missed you,"

"I have to," I smiled, "what are you doing here?" I asked,

"I'm actually here with thomas and Gally."

"What?!" I gasped,

"Yeah, we met up again through work last year and we said how cool I would be to come back for the Festival. I mean it only happens every 12 years it would be so cool to come back."

"Yeah, I uhhh..." I stuttered trying not to panic,

"what are you doing here?"

"Here with my daughter." I smiled, "This is my daughter Ellis."

"Oh my god she's beautiful, lovely to meet you, Ellis,"

"Yeah, uhh newt, right?" Ellis asked,

"Yeah, I imagine your mum's probably mentioned me,"

"A couple of times," she nodded,

"Well you lovely ladies have fun setting up, We have to meet up one day for dinner and catch up though." He smiled,

"Yeah of course," I nodded

Before he gave me another hug and headed off,

"...So..." she smirked at me,

"Ellis. You might be an adult but I'm still your mother and I will still ground you."

"We're both adults. Can we... talk like adults?"

"Fine," I sighed,

"Did you and Newt? Use to uhh?"

"It was the sixties and we were sixteen... what do you think? It was a different time"

I headed over to the food truck to grab us some dinner after a long second day of enjoying the festival... and attempting to avoid the guys. I got the very expensive food and began the walk through the mud back to the tent but a voice spoke up,

"Y/n!"

I looked and I saw him, "Thomas! Hi."

"Thomas! What the hell are you doing!" I laughed from the protection of the tent's doors,

thomas stood in the rain and mud, barefoot, shirtless, dancing to the music the stage plaid as the band had gotten rained out,

"dancing!" He cooed,

"Why? it's raining come inside."

"But everyone else is dancing. The water is dancing."

"It's raining."

"The earth is dancing."

"That's mud thomas."

"so I am dancing!"

"...Have you been smoking?"

"Yes! but that seems unrelated."

"thomas come in the tent."

"Come dance with me Y/n." he cooed, grabbing my hand and pulling me out into the rain with him, I chuckled and held his hands as we danced like idiots in the rain, "You're really beautiful Y/n, Have I ever told you that?"

"Many times thomas,"

"Almost as pretty as a flower." he cooed as our dancing grew closer and closer, "thomas... I really like you,"

"... Yeah?"

"yeah."

"Not just the smoke talking?"

"No... I've felt like this for a while."

"That's very sweet thomas." I laughed, "Day one and you're already off your head,"

"We do... have the tent all to ourselves for a while," he smirked pulling my hips closer,

"We do," I smirked back moving my hips against his,

"We should make use of this."

"we should." I nodded grabbing his hand and pulling him into the tent, we quickly fell on the bed giggling away as we began to kiss,

Thomas gently and slowly helped me remove my dress kissing each part of my skin that he exposed fluttering kisses and compliments into my bruised scared skin, "you're so beautiful." he cooed, "So gorgeous, stunning, ravishing, exquisite, captivating, ravishing, attractive, irresistible, Perfect." He muttered until I was laid naked on the bed, "Uhh... Y/n," he groaned "How am I meant to resist you when you look like this for me?" He muttered, "May I?" He smirked eagerly his hands stroked my breasts so I nodded and he wasted no time, he grabbed my breasts squeezing me and fondling my breasts in his hands

"thomas..." I giggled,

"Uhhh! Y/n," he smirked nuzzling close to my chest mostly to have his head in my breasts giving them little kisses, before moving his hand and stroking my mound softly finding every nook and curve I possessed "May I?"

"You may thomas," I blushed,

He smirked before he began rubbing on my clit in soft little clockwise circles as we kissed often stroking my hands across his skin as he worked before his hand slipped down to push inside me,

"Uhhh!" I gasped rolling my head back,

He smiled and gently moved his fingers at a decent pace until he pulled back "May I Y/n?" he gave my lips a soft kiss before moving between my legs and pushing my thighs up until I spread my legs for him as far as they would go,

"Absolutely," I gasped,

"Perfect my sweet," he smiled before he kissed up my inner thigh I blushed a little as he moved closer softly kissing my skin being gentle and soft with his kisses until he reached my clit where he was more than intense at first giving me merciless kisses before then sucking and licking my clit so harshly and passionately I was lost in a world utterly my own holding my hand over my mouth to stop my screams being heard as he worked so hard and so skillfully before I squealed and reacted my orgasm squealing under my hand as I felt the toe-curling wave of pleasure rush over me. Which caused him to pull back "I love making you cum... you're irresistible when you cum for me Y/n," he smirked,

I giggled as I gasped and tugged at his pants undoing them enough to reveal him completely stiff and slender with not much girth to him but his veins desperate for attention, "May I?"

"You don't have to do that for me-"

"I want to,"

"Well.... Alright," he nodded, "who am I to deny what my sweet girl wants," he smirked holding his base and giving himself a few gentle strokes before I moved and gently took him into my mouth "Ohhh fuck-" he groans grasping my Y/H/Chair, "uuuuuuuhhh uuughhhh! Y/n!" he gasped and groaned rolling his head back "Ugghhhh! Ooohhh god! Y/n! Enough enough-" he said as he pushed me away, "May I my sweet?" he smirked gently moving me back to lay flat he grabbed a condom slipping it on and then moving closer and stroking his head against my clit,

"You may thomas," I nodded,

he smirked before moving and gently slipping inside me, "uuuuuuuhhh! Uughh! Ummmm" he groaned gripping my hips hard trying desperately to focus,

"Uuhhh" I gasped holding his hair as I tugged his face into my neck and feeling as each inch of him made its way inside me, he slowly sped up his movements and found a pace and path that seemed to suit him even if he was groaning seemingly uncontrollably only ever stopping to kiss me, He got faster running his hands over me as soon enough his hormones took over his body working mindlessly. I was close it was obvious he was trying so hard just to keep himself contained just a little bit longer wanting to savour this moment even if his hips didn't seem to give a shit and wanted his orgasm as quickly as possible

"I adore you, I worship you, I want you... I need you!" He groaned, "Fuck- fuck- I'm Ughh!" was enough to tip us both over I squealed and held him tightly and he completely lost it moving fast and hard as he groaned before he pulled out and we completely collapsed on the bed beside me gasping hard, "Y/n?"

"Yes, thomas?" I gasped,

"How do you feel about me..."

"I uhh...My head is on too much stuff for a straight answer,"

"That's fair. Will you tell me though... in a few days after all this?"

"I will"

"Hey! Yeah newt said he saw you!" He smiled putting his food on a table and hugging me, so I did the same,

"Yeah, Newt mentioned he was here with you guys,"

"How are you, you look fantastic!

"Thank you, you do too. I'm alright, how have you been?"

"Doing fine you know the world has been turning," he chuckled,

"Yeah, I feel that way too."

"It's great, isn't it? being back."

"it is it's just like I remember,"

"I know right, plus it's nice I barely got to enjoy it all those years ago given I whited out like a bitch on day one" he chuckled, "Such a shame,"

"Yeah," I laughed, "It's been really fun. Here with my daughter. Her first year coming so she's really enjoying it,"

"Aww that's so sweet you came with her," He smiled, "You know I'm just heading back you could come back and we could all catch up?"

"No, it's okay I wouldn't want to impose-"

"It's alright I know Gally and Newt would love seeing you"

"I uhh I need to get back to Ellis, and she has a bad headache so..." I lied,

"Ohh yeah been there." He nodded, "Maybe tomorrow we'll catch up yeah?"

"Yeah, sure." I nodded grabbed my food and headed away doing my best not to look like I was avoiding them.

I walked the festival site doing my best to find Ellis as she'd gone off a few hours ago and I hadn't yet found her,

"Y/n?"

I turned quickly and there I saw him "Gally! Hi!"

"This song sucks,” He told me as he wrapped his arms around my waist, as we sat by the fire everyone else had gone to see the band but we just sat by the fire instead. Slowly he moved closer and peppered slow kisses down my neck,

"Gally we shouldn't they could come back-"

“it's just you and me," he growled, He then pressed one kiss to the crook of my neck, I blushed a little but didn't move, so he tightened his grip on me a little hugging me a little tighter and kissed my neck again only one little kiss but enough to make me feel so happy inside, "come here on" He growled tugging me towards the tent, I giggled and ran in with him, he smirked bringing his face and lips into my neck again,

I couldn't control my playful giggles he merely continued his kisses so slowly and calculated waiting patiently between each one, his kisses slowly grew more intense until as he kissed my neck his teeth graced my skin, not enough to bite me but enough to make me feel his teeth, he repeated this just slow soft kisses occasionally tenderizing my skin by gracing his teeth on it, "Gally!" I giggled,

He chuckled with a familiar sly grin, he continued his kisses now starting little nibbles on my skin pressing his teeth more meaningfully, and continued his bites gently barely anything between his kisses and nibbles which were getting very intense,

"Gally no more," I giggled even if I didn't want him to stop,

He licked the spot he bit before kissing it again he would do this over and over up and down my neck like a vampire to my jugular, He continued with a prideful smirk, getting harder with his nibbles, kisses and bites. He smirked getting even harder "Hmmm..." He groaned leaving a hickey on my neck

"Gally-" I gasped feeling him force a hickey into my skin he continued biting and nibbling my neck around my hickey to ensure my attention for it, "Uhhh! Gally!" I moaned twisting my fingers in his hair, which he took as a sign to get even more intense "Uhhhhh!" I moaned as his hand had been settled on my waist this whole time moved under my skirt to my thigh he quickened his kisses stroking my thigh higher and higher he licked my hickey as he smirked and teased me further stroking my hip under my dress "Ummm..." he groans now all but attacking my neck with kisses, bites, nibbles and licks. I could feel he was hard against my leg I tugged on his hair almost pulling his hair,

"Uhhh Gally" I gasped moving his hand to where I so desperately needed him

He smirked stroking my mound before rubbing on my throbbing clit, "You have to try and be quiet"

"Uuhh uhhhh uhhhhhhh" I whined as he continued with my neck at the same time by now my neck looked as if I had been in a fight covered in hickeys and bite marks all down one side of my neck, not caring the marks he made just wanting to make us excited I moaned as he made a hickey on my most sensitive spot while he slipped his fingers inside me still rubbing my clit with his thumb but I clamped my hand over my mouth to stop my moan even if my eyes rolled back a little

"Ohh..." He growled "Do you want me to stop?" he whispered and I shook my head "I knew it," he groaned kissing down to my collarbone and across my gasping chest giving him more space and more real estate to leave hickeys and bites, "Let me see them." he unlaced the ties on my shirt making sure to be agonizingly slow before he tugged it off me leaving me naked on the bed, he smirked and pulled me to sit naked on his lap my back against his chest as his hand moved hard and fast-moving his fingers rapidly inside me, his other hand cupped my breast squeezing and fondling my bare skin,

"Ahhhh! Gally!" I screamed, "Please..."

He didn't need another word before tugging his trousers down, he stroked his hard shaft a couple of times before he grabbed a condom slipping it on, he held the base and guided himself inside me he groaned as he found his way, he held my hips to guide my riding to ensure the best pleasurable angle as he began his almost violent thrusts but this was normal for Gally, I didn't hold back my screams, he didn't hold back his grunts and groans either which I found sexier then I like to admit, I knew I was close clawing down his legs in desperation for the pleasure that was building and building and building until I hit it screaming and clamping my legs around him my eyes rolling back and my jaw hung open, pleasure rushing through my body but Gally kept going for a while but he was slower sloppier unable to control himself much longer until he moaned loudly and bucked his hips up hard as he came, We both just sat for a moment, gasping. Listening to the waves and to the music outside until he broke the silence,

“That song is still shit.”

“I know,” I chuckled, collapsing down on the bed to get dressed again,

“Y/n?”

“Yes?”

“How do you… feel about me?”

“What do you mean?”

“Like… do you like me?”

“It’s hard to tell… my head is kinda..”

“I get it” he nodded, “But… you’ll tell me soon. In a few days right?”

"Hey!" He smiled hugging me, "So good to see you!"

"Yeah, it's great seeing you too."

"How have you been,"

"Pretty good, just here with my daughter."

"Yeah, the guys said that's really sweet." He chuckled, "Did you wanna come back to our tent? catch up?"

"No, no it's okay I need to find her,"

"Ohh I'll help you look,"

"You don't have to,"

"No no I insist." he nodded,

"Well let's try the tent again," I nodded,

We made our way back to Ellis and I's tents, where I found her sitting by the fire with thomas and Newt,

"Hey! We found a straggler." thomas laughed,

"Why didn't you call me?" I glared a little, "I was getting worried," I sat down,

"I tried my Nokia didn't have a signal."

"Alright so long as you're okay."

"Yeah we all got chatting," Newt smiled,

The five of us sat around the fire chatting and laughing talking about the times we had as teens, and asking Ellis about all the chaos she had too. It was... nice. Admittedly... it felt like nothing had changed in some ways.

But as the night drew in, the conversation changed... I knew it would come up, but... I had no plan for what would happen then it did.

"Ellis, How old are you?" Thomas asked,

"Twenty-three just turned in April,"

"And what do you know... if anything... about your dad?" Newt asked,

"Well... mum, you've never really mentioned anything. I guess for a lot of my life I just didn't question it, too dumb to realize, then... when I knew it was strange I didn't want to ask worried it was a question that would hurt your feelings." she explained, "But... I'm a grown-up. We're all mature adults. and I'm not stupid. I'm Twenty-three. I was born in April 1968. nine months back... that's July 1967. The Kurinji festival you all came too." she explained, "So... Mum, can you tell me about my dad?" she asked,

"Well... it's complicated," I nodded, "And I'm just gonna say it, 'cause it's kinda been eating me these last three days..." I sighed, "Here, at the Kurinji Festival 1967 we all came here with our friends." I began, "... The first night, thomas and I slept together. A few hours later-"

"I got so high I whited out. Packed my bag and got on a bus home." Thomas added,

"Yes," I nodded, "And then on the second night everyone went off to see a band they liked... and Gally and I slept together,"

"And... that night I went and snuck into the VIP lounge with Brenda and Fry. ended up there till the morning we had to leave." Gally chuckled,

"Yes..." I nodded, "And that third night, while everyone was off enjoying the last few festivities... I was so tired,"

"We cuddled in the tent together..." Newt spoke up, "And we slept together. Staid in each other's arms till the morning."

"Yes..." I sighed, "That morning we packed up and all went home, and... a few weeks later I learnt I was pregnant. With you."

"I- with me?"

"Yes... that's why it's complicated. I know I never slept with anyone between the festival and finding out I was pregnant. Realistically. It could be... any of them."

"Was there anyone else?"

"no. Just those three." I nodded, "You probably think I'm-

"Mum," she took my hand, "I don't think you're anything, you were a teenager... it was a different time." She reassured,

"Thank you," I gave her a soft hug, "we all drifted apart after the festival, work, college, and other relationships so we never really spoke."

"Makes sense... I always just thought you stopped talking to me to... let me down easy," Gally began, "I... I remember I asked you if you liked me, you promised to tell me when your head was clear and, after the festival we drifted apart I kinda assumed you were being nice."

"Yeah... me too." thomas agreed,

"I... I thought that too." Newt nodded, "We all said we liked her? Damn no wonder you stopped talking to us,"

"I was honestly just busy I had a fantastic little girl to look after," I explained,

"Makes sense, let's be honest we all drifted apart. No one's fault it just happens" Thomas shrugged, "I'm just happy being back with friends again, and I have no hang-ups Y/n I'm a happily married man."

"I'm glad thomas," I smiled,

"Not married, but very happy. We have two dogs together. and he is a really good man." Gally nodded,

"Aww, that's sweet. I'm thrilled for you gally." I smiled,

"I... I... Kinda have a hang-up," Newt spoke,

"What?"

"Y/n I loved you. I loved you more than I had or have loved anyone else. When... when you stopped talking to me... it broke my heart. Yes, I've had other girlfriends over the years but... I never really settled down, never thought about anyone like I did about you. and still now... in 1991... I still love you."

"Ohh newt," I almost cried, "I love you too!" I jumped and hugged him pushing him into the mud,

"I love you! I love you so so much!" he cooed squeezing me tightly,

"You owe me a fiver," thomas demanded,

"Still? After twenty-four years you want that?" gally whined,

"We had a deal. Without a time frame." Thomas smirked, "Five pounds. please."

Gally sighed handing it over as Newt and I sat up but still cuddled, "You are so god damn slow Newt."

"I know, but I did it... eventually," He chuckled before we shared a tender kiss,

"Adorable." Ellis chuckled,

I hummed as I made three cups of tea, as arms wrapped around my waist,

"Humm hello my sweet little flower."

"Hello Newt," I chuckled, "Tea,"

"Thank you, but I'd much rather have something sweeter," He cooed kissing my neck,

"Morning," Ellis calls as she comes down from the guest room,

"Morning Ellis," I smiled handing both her and Newt a cup of tea, "The letter came today." I told her, "Did you want us to leave you alone?"

"no. It's okay," she said taking it from the table,

"I'll happily go if you want" Newt said, "But no matter what the answer is, It won't change anything."

"I know," she smiled giving him a small side hug, before she opened up her letter, but didn't look. "Mum, can you read it?"

"...Okay," I nodded putting down my tea and taking the letter, giving it a good read, "After several tests, we have been able to determine with 98.9% accuracy that the subject was fathered but sample three." I explained, "Isaac Newton."

"You're first name is Isaac?" Ellis asked,

"Same as my dad, weird family tradition, everyone's always called me Newt." he shrugged, "So... it's true. I'm the dad."

"You're the dad." I nodded,

"Hey Dad," Ellis smiled,

He got a little teary but hugged us both so tightly, "Hello my sweet beautiful daughter." He cooed, "And my lovely wife." 

[intheconflux]

[ CHOICE CONFIRMED — SPARK (Grace) ]

[Grace looks at the three students in front of her. Steph was telling her about their friends' theories from earlier this morning, that glitched people are from alternate universes where things are different. If that's true, then in whatever universe her peers have moved to, Reese is popular and Kyle and Brenda are not.]

[If the status quo was switched for them, it must have switched for Grace, too. Grace, who has been an outcast her entire life, branded a weird, annoying, nerdy prude. If in that universe, she's the opposite of an outcast, then she must be—]

GRACE: Reese! Shut up and GO AWAY!

REESE: Oh, gosh! Yes Grace! Whatever you say, Grace! Please don't kick me off the squad I'm so sorry...

[Reese runs back where she came from, her apologetic babbling growing more muffled as she goes. Kyle and Brenda are already gone— they booked it the second Grace raised her voice.]

GRACE: Woah...

MAX: C'mon Grace, we gotta go.

[Max grabs her hand and pulls her along as the group continues on their journey, more hurried than they'd been before.]

[Pete pulls the pocket watch out and stares at it as they run. Something in his gut tells him that this moment was important. But it wasn't the sole important moment. It's one of many. Is this the right time for the watch's power?]

[ We've seen the outcome if Grace acts on her instinct, but what about Steph or Max? Keep in mind that if Pete uses the pocket watch, he won't be able to use it again, and what is done cannot be undone. ]

[superblysubpar]

We'll Call It Love masterlist | It Had To Be You masterlist

the song: Suddenly I See by KT Tunstall // It Had To Be You playlist

warnings: this story is a part of the series We’ll Call It Love, and much of it would be spoiled if you read this first. It’s linked above, and I hope you love it! | series warnings pertain | mentions of drugs | "illusions" to smut

3k words

Steve always thought he’d meet the love of his life, his soul mate, at a bar. 

Which sounds kind of lame now maybe? It’s just that the movies make it feel like this magical moment - you know, the couple sees each other, the music swells, the lights change - it’s undeniable. 

But that’s not happening for Steve Harrington it seems, definitely not tonight. 

Maybe not ever. 

So here he is, just breaking up with another girl in another random Chicago bar. 

His thumb pulls at the damp paper label, his brows furrowed over hazel eyes girls tend to like to look into deeply from time to time - or so he’s been told. 

“It’s just not working.”

The words taste more bitter than the beer on his tongue because for Steve, that’s quite the opposite of how he feels a relationship should be described. Your relationship shouldn’t feel like a job. It should be easy. It should feel right. It should just work for lack of a better term. 

When there’s no response from the other side of the table he finally glances up from the shredded label to find her typing on her phone, reaching for her wine glass and nodding. 

“Brenda?”

The blonde finally lifts her eyes from the device, smiling under vacant eyes. 

“Sorry, did you say something?”

Steve sighs deeply. He rubs at his temple as he nods. 

“Yeah, yeah I did. I don’t…I don’t think we should…do this anymore?”

Silence. 

She’s typing on her phone again. 

“Brenda?” He blinks at her incredulously before leaning across the table, closer, as he lowers his voice, “Brenda, I’m breaking up with you.”

She snaps her gum, slides her phone into her purse and starts to slide out of the booth. 

“Yeah, I heard you the first time. Listen, I didn’t even know we were dating? We haven’t even slept together and I didn’t think we were, like, an inclusive thing, you know?”

“You mean exclusive?” 

She’s already walking out the door. As Steve watches her go with a disbelieving stare, he sees one of the TVs suspended over the bar has the Cubs game on now. 

Well at least tonight isn’t a total bust. 

“Hey man, ‘nother beer?” The bartender who brought him his first one asks from where he’s collecting empty dishes at a nearby table. 

“Um,” Steve runs a hand through his hair, squinting at the tabletop before he sighs. “Sure, thanks.”

The bartender leaves and Steve rests his chin on his fist, watching the game but not really seeing it. 

He’s not really sure what he’s doing anymore. Is it all just normal? To be this hopeless, to be this unhappy with life, to be this lonely. There has to be someone out there for him right? 

His phone buzzes loudly on the table, stealing him from his spiral only for the dread he was barely allowing himself to dip into, swallow him whole and drown him. 

The contact ‘Dad’ displays with no photo for what feels like forever until it finally stops and the screen goes dark. 

Steve is still staring down at it when a large basket of breadsticks slides under his nose and a cold beer right behind it. 

He glances up and the bartender is taking his empty bottle, smiling in a sort of laid back way that makes Steve envious of his clearly relaxed state and demeanor. 

“On the house. You look pretty down about that blonde.”

“Oh,” Steve sits up, clearing his throat. He feels the warmth under his cheeks as he shakes his head, “No, um, she’s…yeah, I’m not missing her. Just lost in thought I guess. Thank you…” Steve trails off, looking for a name tag.

“Argyle, man,” the bartender slaps his hand out and grabs Steve’s. 

Steve points to the ceiling, smiling. “Like the name of the bar?”

“One and the same my dude. Let me know if I can get you anything else.”

Steve keeps his eyes on the game until he can’t resist the scent of butter and cheese and he grabs one of the breadsticks. He practically moans when he takes the first bite, and his eyes flutter open when he hears a laugh float across the quiet room. 

He swallows around the way too hot to have taken that big of a bite of bread as he sees you. You’re the only girl at the bar, head thrown back in a laugh he swears sounds like a favorite song as Argyle pours more red wine in your glass. There’s pizza in your hand and you’re gesturing to the baseball game. 

He might already be in love with you. 

And that’s before he watches you devour more than one piece of the pizza you’re eating alone and watching the baseball game like you actually care about it. 

Steve clicks his phone unlocked, ignoring the text from his father, and types one to Robin instead. 

Steve: Do you believe in soul mates?

It takes less than a minute for her to respond. 

Robin: Steve, I’m sorry, but I cannot do this. Brenda is NOT your soul mate Steve: we just broke up Robin: oh thank god Robin: I mean, I am so sorry, what can I do? Ice cream? Steve: no, listen… Steve: there’s this girl here Robin: no Steve: I haven’t even told you the best part Robin: let me guess, you think you love her already? Steve: if you’re gonna be a brat about it, I will not tell you that she’s watching the Cubs game right now Robin: wow? Steve: Robs, she’s ACTUALLY watching it Robin: Yeah, and? Do you even know her name yet, Dingus? Have you spoken to her? Dude, I love you, but you can’t keep doing this Steve: what’s a good pick up line?

Steve takes a swig of his beer and chokes around it when Robin responds.

Robin: I might not be a pro player, but when it comes to you, I won't stop until I’ve reached all the bases Steve: absolutely not Robin: I think I glove you Robin: my dugout, or yours? Robin: I’m an umpire. Can I have your number so I can make the call? Steve: I hate you Robin: why don’t you just go with “Hi.” idiot Robin: also, why are there SO many baseball pick up lines on google? And what do they mean? Wtf is a pinch hitter?

Steve rolls his eyes at his screen, locking it closed as he slides out of the booth. He approaches the bar slowly, deciding that Robin is right, he should take it slow, he always does this. 

And maybe he’ll go with the umpire line. 

But when he’s right behind your shoulder, so close he can smell your perfume that makes him want to fall inside the bottle, he sees your pizza. 

And it has fucking olives on it. 

“Shit.”

He didn’t mean to say it out loud, but he clearly did, and when you turn to face him, he sort of forgets how to breathe. 

You’re clearly taking him in just like he is you, and when he sees your mouth drop open a little as your eyes meet each other, he feels like someone is playing a prank on him. 

Because the bar lights dim and the lyrics of As Time Goes By plays loudly. 

And Steve knows, logically, that this is all because it’s the time of night where bars dim their lights and that the song is from the other TV playing Casablanca. He knows this. 

And yet…

“Hey, sorry I’m late.”

Steve kisses your temple as he leans around you and grabs a breadstick on the bar despite your protest. He groans around the bread as you turn to smile at him. 

“I swear, Argyle puts drugs in these.” 

He sighs, pushing more into his mouth as he blinks at you, nodding his agreement. Steve’s eyes roam over the little black dress you have on, stopping appreciatively on the lace neckline that dips nicely and not so innocently. His fist comes up over his mouth, clearing his throat around the bite he shoves into his cheek so he can talk. 

“You look nice.”

“What, this old thing?” You spin on the stool, shrugging your shoulders with a smile. 

“Did you have something going on at work today?” He asks, brows furrowing and at first you think he’s joking, but then he cocks his head, ripping at more of the breadstick.

“Um, no, I-”

“Hey,” Steve waves for Argyle’s attention before he turns to you, apologetic, “Sorry, I didn’t mean to interrupt, do you care if we get the pizza to go? I’m beat from today, and I just need to get into something that isn’t this tie and eat that pizza and pass out.”

“Oh, uh, sure.” You smile, sure it’s not quite meeting your eyes, but Steve doesn’t notice because he’s already relaying the message to Argyle who looks at you curiously, then Steve, then you again before nodding. 

“Sure, man, I’ll box it up right now, it just got out of the oven.”

He walks away and Steve looks at you curiously, “That was weird, right?”

Except it wasn’t, because Argyle and you must see all the couples literally making out over their pizza, or snuggled up on the same side of booths and pressing their noses into cheeks and whispering sweet nothings into ears. Argyle and you must know that today is Valentine’s Day and Steve…doesn’t?

You quickly hop off the stool, grab your thick winter coat and shrug it on, pretending not to notice, “No? It’s busy, maybe he’s just overwhelmed.”

“Yeah, maybe…” Steve trails off, looking around until he lands back on you buttoning your coat, then down at your feet when he smiles. “Hey, you’re wearing the heels I bought you.”

A hum leaves your pursed lips as you roll your eyes. “Well, they’re really nice and they’re not doing anyone any good hanging out in my closet collecting dust on their red soles.”

Steve leans in and kisses you, quickly and subtly before he whispers, “It’s okay to admit you like the fancy things I buy you…speaking of…” He grabs his wallet from his back pocket.

He hands you his debit card, before he nods outside, “I’m gonna go run and pull the car up so you don’t have to walk in those all the way to where I finally found parking.”

“Steve, I can-” He’s already waving it off and kissing your cheek, disappearing out the door he barely just walked through. 

You slump against the bar and pull out your phone, looking around at the packed place with a sour feeling in your stomach. 

Normally, you hate this day. It’s overpriced consumerism at its finest. It's a sickening zoo of PDA everywhere you look, and places like here that normally are your peaceful, quiet spots, are packed. 

But you’d be lying if you didn’t say you were sort of looking forward to the day this year. Because, in all honesty, you’ve never really had someone you’ve wanted to celebrate with or someone who cared to do so until now.

Until Steve. 

Which is what leads you to pull out your phone, open a text to Robin, decide absolutely not because she’d just text him and then he’d feel awful and instead you call Eddie who answers on the first ring.

“What.”

You go to bite at your lower lip at the sound of his curt greeting and think better of it, what with the lipstick you put on for tonight and all. 

“Are you busy?”

Eddie sighs, dramatically, and you hear the distinct sound of a can crushing. “Yeah, I’m fucking the love of my life after we just had a candle lit dinner for two.”

As you look at the window, waiting to see Steve’s car, your eyes roll. Argyle hands you the pizza box with a smile and your voice lowers.

“Steve’s a…has he…does he like Valentine’s Day?”

Eddie snorts as he slurps a sip of a fresh beer into the receiver, “What kind of question is that. Of course Steve likes Valentine’s Day. It’s his shit. One year he took a girl out to like this whole big, fancy dinner and ice skating. Presents, flowers, the whole thing. He even gets Robin flowers and a card every year. He’s always been like that. Got everyone in middle school like the really nice candy and cards. Superheroes and name brand shit.”

“Oh.”

There’s silence on the other end for what feels like forever and you hear his sharp inhale as the car pulls up. 

“I gotta go,” you start to hang up but then think better of it and hiss into the phone, “Don’t say anything to him or Robin or Nancy or I will kill you.”

“But-” You click off the phone before he can say another word and head out the door where Steve is already jogging around the front of his car and opening your door for you. 

The glaring reality of your situation hits you as Steve closes the door.

Steve didn’t forget Valentine’s Day, he just doesn’t want to celebrate it with you. 

You try to shake off the mood, to smile and nod as he talks the whole way to his apartment about the new job, because you are really proud of him and you love hearing how excited he is for this new work he’s doing. And really, isn’t being alone with him, eating pizza, in comfy clothes, a perfect night with him because anything you do with him is perfect? 

It’s just hard to shake the fact that it’s a known fact he’s gone above and beyond for everyone else on this holiday, but not for you. 

Steve grows quiet as you walk inside the apartment building, thumb swiping over your knuckles back and forth gently until you untangle your fingers so he can unlock his door. 

The heels are kicked off and your coat hung as Steve slides the pizza onto the island, turning towards his bar. “I got that wine you really liked, do you want a glass of that with it, or…” he trails off waiting for you to respond.

You nod and head towards his room, but his arm snakes around your waist, tugging you to a stop so you can see his eyes when he ducks his head to catch your gaze. Steve speaks softly, worried, “Hey, what’s wrong?”

“Nothing,” you smile and he frowns and you kiss the corner of his lips, “Sorry, I just had a long day too, I guess. Lady things. Heels hurting, whatever-”

“The heels hurt?” He looks genuinely concerned, and goes to reach for his phone, “I’ll get you a different size, they shouldn’t hurt-”

“No, no, no, I meant like…” you kiss him again, feeling something in your chest ache. 

Steve is wonderful, wanting to buy you new shoes because your feet hurt and here you are sulking because what? He didn’t get you overpriced bad chocolates? 

He kisses you back, hand cupping your jaw until you’re sighing and pulling away. 

“The shoes don’t hurt my feet. I don’t know why I said that. They’re perfect and the wine sounds great. I’m gonna change quick, okay?”

He nods, but he’s still frowning as you turn into his bedroom. You literally shake out your arms as you enter his closet, like you’re trying to rid your body of the bratty feeling as you roll your head from side to side, the tense feeling in your neck making you feel nauseous and guilty. 

You pad over to the tall dresser, pulling at the top drawer that’s slowly becoming yours as your phone rings, loudly, in the other room. 

“Steve, can you grab that? It’s in my coat pocket. It’s probably just Eddie, I hung up on him earlier…” you trail off as you remember what else is in the coat pocket and you race back out to the kitchen, sweats and one of Steve’s shirts in your hands. 

Your tights covered feet skid to a stop in his kitchen at the sight of what Steve holds in his hand. 

His tie is gone, white dress shirt partially unbuttoned to reveal the white tank top underneath with a small glimpse of his chest hair peeking out the top of it. His hair is sticking every which way, like he ran both hands through it several times in less than the minute you’ve been a part. 

And in his fingers dangles a gold chain, his gold chain, with a little ‘S’ hanging from it.

“Steve, I-”

He looks up at you and his cheeks are flushed pink and his eyes look a little glassy and he clears his throat as he holds it up higher. The ‘S’ spins with the movement, catching the light and sparkling as his voice breaks a little when he asks, “What’s this?”

Your eyes close as you groan and drop the items. The heels of your palms into your eyes as you shake your head. The words tumble out of you, unable to be contained any longer.  

“It’s stupid. I’m sorry. I just…I thought…I figured you’re a guy who, like, would eat this holiday shit up, and I don’t know, your chain just…I don’t know. I stole it and I brought it to a jeweler and got the ‘S’ for it and I know it’s technically a gift for me, but I just thought you’d like it if I wore it but it’s fine, I can return it or we can just…I don’t know, I-”

“Hey,” he interrupts softly, now standing just in front of you. He tugs on your wrist, pulling your hand from your face before his fingers tuck under your jaw so you have to look at him. “You got me this for Valentine’s Day?” 

The words of the holiday must make your face aching to be nonchalant twitch or shift or something because Steve leans down and presses his forehead against yours. 

“I didn’t forget. I just assumed you were very much not the kind of girl who would eat this holiday shit up,” he laughs at the parrot of your words as your lips twitch. “I thought you’d hate the fancy dinners and the flowers and chocolate, and just want today to be…normal?”

Your shoulders shrug as you step closer, letting your hands tug at his shirt collar. “I do…normally.”

Steve’s nose traces up yours and back down as he hums, lips ghosting over yours as he speaks, “Yeah? What changed?”

“Are you fishing for a compliment Harrington?” You whisper, heart stuttering in your chest as his lips catch your bottom one and linger, his breath exhaling against your skin warm as he laughs. 

“I wouldn’t complain if I got one,” his lips skim up your jaw, kissing just below your ear before he asks, “Can I put it on you?”

Something inside of your stomach flutters as you nod and spin for him. Steve’s nose follows your ear, down your neck as his hands reach around with the necklace. The cold metal hits your skin, your toes curl and legs press together as his fingertips skate across your collarbones with the ends of the chain, until they’re clasping it closed. 

You spin slowly, bodies refusing to stop touching each other as Steve swallows loudly and you exhale a breath you didn’t know you were holding. His eyes remain on the necklace as you tilt your head back to look up at him. 

Steve’s hand reaches up, fingertips gently brushing down the chain until they’re on the ‘S’ where he pauses, his adams apple bobbing as the apartment grows warmer from the heat of his stare. 

He leans forward, and before you can even naturally follow, he tugs, lightly, on the ‘S’, making your brain buzz and something spark up your spine as the distance between you closes. 

Steve makes a sort of choked noise from the back of his throat, pupils blown wide when he finally looks into your eyes. 

Your lips hover over his mouth, whispering around their smirk, “Pizza’s getting cold.”

Steve groans as you slip out of his arms, spinning towards the food only to be caught around the waist by his arms. He practically drags you to his bedroom, growling, “Fuck the pizza,” around your laughter. 

You’re not sure what you were hoping for, really, with the gift, for your first Valentine’s day together. 

But watching Steve Harrington’s eyes practically roll back in his head with you grinding on top of him, his hands pressed to the mattress with fingers entangled in yours, as the chain and little gold ‘S’ hits his chin is pretty fucking great. 

Oh, and him coming with no warning when you kiss the pair of freckles on his neck and whisper, “Happy Valentine’s Day baby” was pretty cool too.  

[ban-al3x]

For the person that requested this:

Sam Zablowski x Cheerleader!reader

Hope this is good!!

Oblivious

"Okay, class, today we will pair up for the upcoming project!" The teacher started as she walked in. Everyone groaned. We just came back from spring break and we're starting projects already? Sam Zablowski's leg started bouncing. He didn't really know anyone in this class. Except for her.

Y/N L/N, one of the prettiest cheerleaders in the school. He's went to every basketball game just to see her there. He knows it might be a bit weird but he couldnt help it. She was just that beautiful.

"Okay, Linda, go with Jimmy, Tina with Brenda, Jenna you're with Chole..." The lovestruck boy zoned out and couldnt bring himself to NOT look at her. "Then theres Sam and Y/N. Alright go take your seats next to your partner and start planning out your presentation."

Did he hear that right? Him and Y/N? She turned back to look at him then gathered all her stuff and made her was over. 'Shit shes coming. Did she see me staring? No no no shit shit.' Sam thought in worry

"Hey! How are you?" she asked, taking the seat next to Sam and pulling out her notebook. "Uhm I'm good..You?" "I'm doing fine!" She smiled. "Okay so we only have a bit of time left for the period, so I was wondering if you wanted to work on this after-school? We can go to my place?" The oblivious girl offered.

"Sure." "Cool! So what do you think we should do for the project?" As the two teens discussed the topic, the bell rang. "I'll see you after school Sam! Meet me at the bike racks. Bye!" Y/N smiled as she headed to her next class. God he couldnt get enough of her.

♡ Timeskip:) ♡

As Y/N sat there, waiting for Sam to arrive, she was thinking if she should confess at her house or not. The girl was nervous. Very nervous. Finally Y/N saw him making his way to her. She got up and greeted him with a smile, "Hey. How was classes?" 'How was classes oh my gosh y/n be cool.' She thought.

"They were okay, I guess" He said. "Okay, well the walk to my house is like 5 minutes, so let's go." Y/N said as she nodded her head in the direction her house was. "Alright." He spoke quietly as he walked along side Y/N

When they got to Y/N's house, said hi to siblings and entered her room, Sam couldn't stop thinking about how much he wanted to kiss her. Like he should just man up and confess, right?

"You can sit down anywhere, just make yourself comfortable," Y/N said as she took off her jacket and hung it. "If you're hungry or thirsty, let me know, I have some snacks and drinks. Oh, and the restrooms right behind you!" "T-thanks" He was able to get out.

"Okay so I was thinking we should get a poster and decorate it with..." Her voice faded out as Sam admired her. To him, she was perfect. How could she not be? She's pretty, kind, respectful, she's a cheerleader.

That's the reason why he thinks she doesn't like him. She's a cheerleader. She has many other guys wanting to date her. It's possible she could like one of them. Not Sam. He's just there. He's not really special. I mean he's in band. That's really it though. And-

"Sam! Are you even listening?" "Huh, oh yea sorry." "Dude are you okay? You seem to be out of it. And your face is pink. C'mere" Y/N brought Sam closer to her and she laid her hand on his forehead. "I mean, your warm." "I-I'm fine! Don't worry about me." "Are you sure?" She asked Leaning in closer. "Yeah I'm okay"

"Can I tell you something?" Sam muttered as she backed away. "Yea, you can tell me anything." "Ummm, " Oh my gosh, was he really gonna do this? Now? "I like you..." he whispered, finding the floor more interesting now. "What?" "I like you, Y/N.." he said a bit, louder. "And it's fine if you don't like me back, I just think you're really cool an-" Sam was cut off by a pair of lips on his. He was surprised but kissed back and slowly smiled into it.

"I like you too, dummy.", Y/N said as she pulled away. "I have since last year if I'm being honest." Sam looked at her truly surprised. "Really?" "Yea, I just thought you were really cute and shit." Sam blushed and asked, "Can I kiss you again?." Y/N smiled softly. "Well I kissed you but yea, you can."

Word count:761

Published: 04-04-23

[m30wk1ttycat]

angel

pairing: thomas x gn!builder!reader

tw: blood, cussing, mentions of very scary shit that minho drew.

summary: thomas hates not being allowed to do anything in the safe haven - it's been weeks since they arrived, but all he gets to do is lay back and do nothing while the others do everything. apparently, he needs to recover after all the traumatic shit, in vince's words. but why would thomas listen to him?

it had been over a month since you arrived at the safe haven, and thomas, the ever so restless boy, was not having it. he wanted to help out, but each time he asked vince if there were any jobs available, he told him that he still needed to recover, and then, they could discuss it.

so, for now, he was stuck with having to do absolutely nothing.

well.. that was a lie. while he wasn't allowed to work, he still had something to do. that "something" being rating whatever minho doodled in his sketchbook while admiring a certain someone from afar.

minho waved the sketchbook in front of him, grinning proudly.

thomas tilted his head to the side, trying to get a better look at minho's drawing. "dude, what the hell is that?"

"a demon pig, duh."

his lips parted as if he wanted to say something, but he chose not to. even if he wanted to speak, brenda interrupted, sitting down next to thomas.

her eyes raked over the sketchbook in front of thomas' face, trying to figure out what the hell it was that minho drew. "..is that a pig crank with vampire fangs?"

"close enough," he agreed. "so? do you like it?"

"yes, very beautiful," brenda said sarcastically.

minho nudged the boy next to him, waiting for him to answer his question. no reaction.

so, he elbowed him in the ribs. that prompted him to let out a yelp that did not sound very manly at all. "ow! what was that for?"

"my arm, uh, slipped? my bad, sorry," he apologized, though his grin gave it away that he wasn't actually sorry. he made his intentions clear once he asked, "rate the drawing?"

thomas paused, thinking. "like, an 8,5 out of 10? wouldn't want to see that. ever."

if minho didn't look proud before, he definitely did now, hearing thomas' words. he didn't expect an 8,5 out of 10, but he was happy with it nonetheless. even if he was a bit offended that thomas didn't know what his drawing was supposed to be until brenda mentioned it.

"thank you. i feel flattered," he joked, and turned back to doodling something. back in the glade, minho only drew the maps and stuff, but now that he was here, in the safe haven and not in the glade, he actually had time to draw stuff that weren't work-related. like demon pigs and other horrifying shit.

twenty-ish minutes later, minho proudly showed off his drawing of a cute frog. out of all the things he could draw - which was usually satanic looking animals or objects that would forever haunt thomas - he chose to draw a frog. a very cute frog, but a fucking frog regardless.

"nightmare fuel," brenda commented, to which minho scoffed.

"'nightmare fuel'? it's beautiful, what do you mean?" he tsked, turning to thomas, who was not at all paying attention to anything they were saying. "right, thomas?"

thomas blinked, furrowing his brows at minho. "what? oh! um, yeah, it's beautiful."

"see?" minho looked over at brenda, his expression smug. "thomas agrees."

"of course he does," the brunette muttered. "and thomas?"

hearing his name, he turned to her, waiting for her to continue.

"stop staring at the builders."

˚ ༘ ೀ⋆｡˚

later that day, during dinner, he asked gally if he could help them out sometime.

"you want to.. work with us?" he repeated, making sure he heard him right. this was thomas, the guy who the most stubborn and clumsy human being there was - and he wanted to work with them? them, as in with the builders?

he nodded. "yeah..?"

gally paused, looking genuinely confused by his request.

"i'll see what i can do," he finally said, partially agreeing. thomas internally cheered, both nervous and excited for a reason he couldn't quite explain.

minho, meanwhile, chuckled softly. "is this about y/n?" he suggested.

"no!" he said a bit too quickly, prompting minho to put his hands up, as if surrendering. "all right, all right. calm down. sorry."

"i just don't like not working," he explained after a pause. minho nodded, seemingly believing him. gally, on the other hand, looked a bit skeptical.

˚ ༘ ೀ⋆｡˚

in the morning, after breakfast, gally announced that he could choose between sorting screws or helping him and yourself to repair the roof of one of the huts. of course, thomas agreed to help out with fixing the roof, which somehow ended up with thomas dropping a hammer onto his hand while gally was taking a break and you were too focused on the roof you were supposed to be re-doing.

"fuck!" you heard him exclaim from next to you.

"you all right?" you asked, continuing to do the work you were assigned with.

"..nothing," he lied. it was obviously not nothing, judging by how his hand was bleeding, which was something you noticed only after turning around to make sure he was okay - he wasn't.

you took the hammer from him before he could take it back as he reached for it again. "we're getting you to the medics. come on." you grabbed his uninjured hand with your free one and practically dragged him away, gally staring at the both of you in confusion. was he really witnessing this?

once you were at the medics' cabin, you made him sit down on one of the cots as he explained what happened to one of the medics, a woman named stephanie who he recognized from the right arm.

as stephanie tended to him, you leaned on the wall, arms crossed over your chest.

when she was done, she walked away, leaving the two of you alone.

"jesus, thomas," you muttered mostly to yourself. you pushed yourself off of the wall, and sat down next to him, taking his hand into your own, your eyes filled with worry. there was already some blood soaking through the carefully wrapped bandage, you noticed.

he had the expression of a kicked puppy, embarrassed about this whole situation. maybe he should've listened to vince and this wouldn't have happened. maybe he wouldn't have embarrassed himself in front of his crush if he didn't ask gally if he could help with construction and crafting related things, knowing full well that he was the definition of a klutz.

a knock came at the door, gally and minho standing there in the doorway, brenda in front of both of the boys.

"what happened?" brenda asked. much like the others did, she eyed his hand, worried.

"i was hammering something," he mumbled. "got distracted, i guess."

minho raised a brow. "distracted, huh?

"by what?" gally asked. a look of realization appeared on his face, and he internally facepalmed. minho and brenda, meanwhile, were snickering.

"oh my god," minho laughed, "dude.."

"what??" he exclaimed. "i didn't even say anything!"

he, gally, and brenda exchanged a glance.

"right, um," brenda spoke up through her laugh. "don't do stupid shit, all right? we gotta go. heal or something, i don't know."

thomas nodded, pouting as brenda ruffled his hair on the way out. after they left, he ducked his head down as an attempt to keep you from seeing the blush on his cheeks after basically getting exposed in front of you, the person he was convinced he was only slightly crushing on - little did he know that he was not only lying to everyone else around him, but to himself, too.

"you okay? does it hurt?" you inquired, genuinely concerned about him.

"only when i move my hand," he answered, to which you nodded in acknowledgement.

a beat. "i'm sorry."

your brows pinched together at his random apology. you had no clue why he was sorry. things like that happened all the time, and he definitely wouldn't the first person to drop a hammer on their hand. you guessed he wouldn't be the last, either.

"it's okay, don't worry about it," you reassured, your voice soft.

he frowned. "what about the roof?"

"it's fine, i can always finish it tomorrow with the others."

"am i a part of 'the others'?" he asked, voice hesitant like he was worried what your response would be. he didn't even know why he asked that or why he was worried - him being a builder was not something that would have a good impact on the safe haven.

"no, angel. not until your hand heals," you answered truthfully.

"angel" just did it for him. if his face wasn't as red as his bloodied bandages were before, it certainly was now.

he nodded, still trying to process something. whether it was the pet name, the fact that you were still holding his hand (not that he was complaining about that or the way you so effortlessly called him "angel"), or that you said that he could help out the builders once his hand healed, he had no clue. probably all at once.

"..and next time, you're not touching a hammer or getting near a hammer," you added.

"mhm, okay, got it," he agreed, and leaned his head on your shoulder. "no hammers in the future."