#Prom Party Flyer | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

mochinek0 · 3 years ago

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2021:11-Fancy Occasion

Bustier's class was so excited. There had been flyer's all over Paris, about a fancy party that would be open to the public. Instantly, they thought of their friendly class president who was always ready to help them. As soon as they got to class, they turned to Marinette and asked her to make their clothes for the party.

"No." Marinette decided, not looking up from her sketchbook.

"Why not?" asked Ivan.

"I'm already making other people's clothes." Mari answered

"But we're your friends." smiled Lila, knowing it would only make the situation worse.

Bustier sighed, "Marinette, isn't rude to make your friends wait and beg?"

Marinette closed her sketchbook and put it away before glaring at her teacher, "I think it's ruder to expect free clothes, especially when I'm told we're not friends."

"Not after this we're not!" shouted Alya.

"Alya, you've been telling me for three weeks we're not friends. I've moved past it, so should you." the designer declared.

"Marinette, don't you think-"their teacher began.

"I'm sorry, but I'm not budging on this matter and frankly, I don't like that a teacher, who is suppose to resolve issues, is leading the charge in bullying me to do something." Marinette explained.

Caline paled. She wasn't bullying her student. Yes, teachers are suppose to stop the students from fighting, but hers were better then others. She knew they could work everything out.

"We're not bullying you!" shouted Kim.

"Harassing me? Forcing me against my will? Guilting me? Oh, I know, forceful persuasion!" Mari smiled, "Take your pick."

Marinette stood up from her seat and walked down the steps to the front of the class.

"Marinette-" began Rose.

"I'm going home and I'll be speaking to my parents of this injustice." she stated, before walking out the door.

No one knew what to think. They hadn't bullied her! They did they same thing they always had done; how was this time any different? She had always made their dresses for things like the prom. The class didn't think to much of it; her parents would help her see that she was wrong. Come tomorrow, Marinette would walk into class and apologize, offering to make their close, but the were wrong. The next day came and Marinette didn't show. By the end of the week, her name had been removed off the roster.

Filled with dread, Bustier was on edge. She couldn't have been wrong in how she handled everything, but that little doubt in the back of her mind began to dig it's way deeper to the forefront of her mind. It had gotten to the point where Lila had interrupted class, yet again, and Caline had snapped.

"Lila Rossi! Go to the back of the class, now!" Bustier shouted, silencing the class, "If you can't keep your mouth shut, then you don't deserve to sit with anyone! You're interrupting the class and my teaching. Talk to your friends at lunch or not at all!"

No one could believe that their teacher had shouted at one of them. She was usually so calm and friendly. They all watched as Lila grabbed her things and slowly moved to the back of the class, where Marinette use to sit. The class remained silent for the rest of the day.

The class decided the best thing was to wear the old clothes that Marinette had made them. They hadn't wanted to at first, but their parent's refused to give them money, they didn't have money saved up, and it was undoubtedly the best thing in their closest. The girls wore prom dresses from last year and the guys went semi-formal.

It was easy to spot Adrien and Chloe, all dressed up with their parents, and ever since Juleka and Luka had been outted as Jagged Stone's kids, Juleka had easily come as one of the best dressed. Lila had revealed she wasn't able to attend; her mother was taking them on a trip, but in reality, Gabriel had refused to gve her anything from one of his collections. Gabriel had brushed her off by saying that he paid her well enough, she should be able to afford soemthing on her own. Unfortunately for her, she had spent it on attempting to make her lies more believable to the class.

It was shocking to say the least, when Marinette walked in with the Wayne family. She wore a lavender ballgown with jewel embellishments, her hair down in waves, and on the youngest Wayne's arm. He quickly guided her to the floor and into a waltz. She stayed on his arm, all night.

"Look, Chloe." Luka pointed out, "Our 'lil Mari is all grown up now."

"She is blossoming beautifully under Wayne." Chloe replied.

"I heard someone tried to break into her room, again." Kagami spoke, walking up to the pair.

"She found lock pick scratches." Luka answered, "Thankfully, Damian paid for a studio, as a safe haven for her. All her designs and work is somewhere else as a precaution."

Chloe scoffed, "Honestly, he would do anything for her. I'm surprised he hasn't committed murder for everything Rossi has done to bully her."

"I think they fought over it and settled with giving her mother lawsuits." Kagami sighed, "Do you think she'll be happy there?"

"Yeah." Adrien answered, walking up to the group, "I haven't seen her this happy in a long time."

Come Monday, the class decided they needed answers to what they overheard.

"Adrien, what did you mean?" questioned Nino, "About what you said at the party."

"Well, Mari has been dating Damian Wayne for a long while. She told him about what was going on in the class and he insisted that she move in with him." he answered, "He bought her a studio for her months ago when he found out her room had been broken into before and added security to it."

"But her parents-" began Alya.

"Agreed." the Agreste heir growled out, "They were against it at first, but after learning how you all expected her to do everything for free, they changed their minds. The cheapest bolt of silk, one color, costs $6000, alone."

They hadn't known that. They didn't know how much fabric costed; they always left that up to her.

"My tux was $68,000. Chloe, how much was your dress?" Adrien asked.

"$75,000." Chloe smiled.

"Juleka?" the heiress questioned.

"Jag, uh, Dad commissioned someone." Juleka answered.

"And you looked beautiful." Adrien spoke, "So did Luka. Quite handsome; don't you all think?"

Several of their classmates nodded.

"Jagged Stone commissioned Mari for their three outfits, totaling $376,000." Adrien declared. He smiled as their classmates jaw's dropped, "Sounds like an average week for my father." he smiled.

"She should ask people for more, but she's just too nice." Chloe added, "The Stones, alone, should have costed her half a mil."

"And you know she gave the Waynes a discount." Adrien chided.

"Five, over the top, tuxes. Mari became a millionaire, in a week, with her designs, not that it matters." Chloe laughed.

"Oh, please, they're gonna pamper the shit out of her as revenge." Adrien laughed.

"When do you think she'll call?" Chloe asked, "I give it a week tops."

"I give it three days." Adrien answered, "I think I know my best friend."

"Be-Best friend?" asked Alix.

"Yep." he smiled, "Marinette is my best friend, after setting me up with my girlfriend of two years. She's been so helpful with coming up with ways to surprise Kagami."

"Well now that she's gone, you'll have to take the reigning seat next to me." Chloe smiled.

"Of course, what else are childhood friends for." Adrien answered and followed Chloe to his new seat, far away from Lila.

@maribat-calendar-events

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beepboop358 · 3 years ago

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How I think the Prom in S4 Will Go (Ask)

Someone sent me an ask about this but my Tumblr glitched and I cannot find it anymore so I'm just making a post about it, anon I apologize!

The prom will probably be towards the end of the season, like the snowball in s2, and considering the leaked pic of the prom flyer came out in August, and they just wrapped filming last week (Noah stated in a fanmio) I don't know if it will close the series like the snowball did, I kind of doubt that it will actually, because when it ends in disaster there's something else to be done before closing the season, but it will definitely be in the last episode, or one of the last episodes. I think we'll get some lead up to the prom during the season of who's going with who/who's asking who, and all that fun teenage drama ;) At there beginning pf the prom sequence, we'll most likely see our characters having a "prom experience". We'll see some scenes of the whole group at prom, and of the couples together, which is where I think we'll get all of the byler at prom moments and music coding, and other moments between the kids, but I think the main focus of the prom will be the event that ends it in disaster to make a reference to Carrie, which is on the st4 movie list. If you're unfamiliar with Carrie, here's a brief summary:

Carrie White suffers bullying and teasing from her classmates at school, and abuse from her mother at home. Strange things begin happening to and around Carrie, so she begins to suspect that she has supernatural telekinetic powers. Someone sees Carrie's Supernatural telekinetic powers and calls her a witch. (The Blair Witch Project is also on the st4 movie list) Carrie is invited to prom as a pity ask. During the prom, 2 classmates rig the ballots to ensure she wins prom queen. When Carrie accepts her crown, a bucket of blood is dumped on her and she kind of looses control and "kills many of her classmates by willing their bodies into walls, and sparking electrocutions and fires with her brain."

They're obviously referencing Carrie for something to do with Eleven's storyline, and the part about fires makes me think of Will, and that his powers may come into play for this scene also.

El and Carrie have a lot of similarities:

El is also somewhat withdrawn

Carrie is bullied at school, We know Eleven will be bullied at school from leaked audition tapes

Carrie has an abusive mother, Eleven has an abusive father figure "Papa" (Dr. Brenner)

They both have supernatural telekinetic abilities

Carrie gets covered in blood, and Eleven's powers make her nose bleed (and her ears in s2 when she closes the gate)

There's a few possibilities from there:

Either the gang or just a few members of the party will realize something is up (whether that's something to do with the upside down or the lab), and they will spend the rest of the prom after our typical "prom opening", trying to stop whatever is about to happen.

Or the event could be entirely Eleven-centric. It could be something to do with her powers coming back and blood goes everywhere due to people teasing her or something, and she has an emotional response and "loses control" of her powers and lashes out since we know the strength of her powers is related to what she is emoting.

Regardless of those possibilities, the prom's gonna be gory and very bloody. Eleven will probably end up covered in blood, and most likely everyone else too.

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hotchkiss-and-tell · 4 years ago

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Dates or Time of Year for Each Nancy Drew Game

whatamagicalplace made one of these charts last year. Those efforts gave me a starting point but I wanted to tweak it after doing my own research. I decided to share my final result since my version differs from hers in several ways. My reasoning for each game is discussed below; but if you have any evidence to add, feel free.

SCK: Nancy says in the opening letter she took a semester off school to visit Eloise in Florida. The banners for Senior Prom are still prominent throughout the school and the event is scheduled for May 23. Game takes place in a single day but that day could be any time in late spring semester prior to May 23.

SCK2: Homecoming banners are prominent and the event is scheduled for Sept 23. A flyer with Jake’s secret messages has a date of Sept 05, so let’s assume Jake was still alive then. The game says Nancy is there to investigate after Jake was murdered “last week.” That could mean three to seven days after the murder since it happened on a Thurs. Thus Remastered takes place in a single day but that day could be anywhere from Sept 08 to 22.

STFD: Nov 13 (confirmed with calendar). Game takes place for as many days and nights as player needs.

MHM: “Winter Festival” and Charlie studying for finals indicates late Nov to early Dec. Newspaper about the lost gold at the end is dated Mar 03; it could’ve been published after money settlement and the renovations completed though. Game takes place for as many days and nights as player needs.

TRT: December. The Spanish letter from Lisa’s friend is dated Nov 30 and acknowledges that Lisa is already in Wisconsin. By now, time should be well into Dec.

FIN: Possibly Nov (game’s release) but there are no confirmed dates on anything. It’s likely during the school year since Maya is doing the interview for the student newspaper. Game takes place over three days.

SSH: Calendar on Henrik’s desk is for the month of April. The book version takes place during the DC Cherry Blossom parade which usually occurs last week of March or early April. Game takes place for as many days as player needs. (Early April timeline would match with end of game trailer and dates for DOG.)

DOG: Jeff’s calendar is open to April. Culprit’s log book says Sally is due to move in to the cabin on April 19. Sally says she spent four weeks at Moon Lake, implying the game starts May 18. But I really don’t see Jeff’s character forgetting to change the calendar, so either Sally moved in early or she means four weeks total including seeing the property, bidding, and the final sale plus moving in. And let’s remember there’s no safe water source, so it’s unlikely Sally could live there for four weeks straight. Sally says the dogs howled a full week before they attacked the house and then they appeared every night since; maybe Sally lasted 9-14 days with the ghost dogs. The game could likely begin anywhere between Apr 28 and May 18. Then continue for as many days and nights as the player needs.

CAR: Culprit’s emails with black market dealer date from May 23 through June 04. Harlan’s appt book opens to June 09-13 with the significant clue on June 10. Game is a single day, likely on June 10, but could be as early as June 05.

DDI: June 17 (confirmed with calendar). Single day of gameplay.

SHA: Sept 15 to 17. Nancy’s airline ticket confirms arrival date in AZ. Timeline of the game takes place in three days. (Tex’s b-day is Sept 16!)

CUR: This is anybody’s guess. Hugh and Linda were married Aug 22. The lawyer’s letter to Mrs. Drake states Linda must live at the manor for another three months to fulfill the “six-month-habitation-clause” and those six months must be consecutive in the first year of marriage. Game could be late Nov at the earliest. However, frogs are chirping when Nancy arrives at the manor which is a spring thing and Bess and George say they are attending sailing camp. The fact that no one is suggesting that Linda can leave due to health reasons and start the six months over when she’s well again makes me think the year is half gone already. So the game could also be taking place in April or May at the latest.

CLK: May 07 (confirmed with calendar). Single day of gameplay.

TRN: We see snow in Copper Gorge, but it’s in Colorado and snow can be any time of year there. Frank and Lori are wearing the puffy vests and everyone else has jackets and sweaters. Fatima says it’s the off-season now and summer is the busy season. Makes me think winter is my best guess.

DAN: Game takes place for as many days as player needs. The newspaper on Day 1 is dated Aug 28. Newspapers continue to appear through Sept 06, which publishes that the journalists are negotiating for raises and the sounds of the impending strike are occurring outside JJ’s apartment. Day 11 (Sept 07) and onward have no more newspapers appear on the kitchen table. Let’s say Aug 28 to Sept 07 for simplicity.

CRE: Mike’s calendar is set to March. Quigley’s tape recorder log updates as of Mar 28. Craven’s shipping records say his latest sample was sent to Aikens Biotech on Apr 09. Game takes place in a single day, probably Apr 09 or 10. (Mike just hasn’t turned over the calendar yet)

ICE: Newspaper in the lodge is dated Jan 13. Elsa’s resignation letter is dated Jan 15. Lodge computer says Lupe checked in on Jan 15 and she noticed the lack of maid services for days. Game likely takes place that same week, starting maybe Jan 18 at the earliest, and lasts over several days and nights.

CRY: May 31 (confirmed with calendar). Single day of gameplay.

VEN: Newspaper in the Ca’ terrace says chalice was stolen “this morning” and the police records say the theft happened Jan 25. When Nancy nabs Nico on the stakeout, the next day’s newspaper is dated Feb 03. Since game takes place over several days, it likely plays from Jan 25 to Feb 03.

HAU: Night of May 28. The wedding is set for June 01. The end dialogue says Kyler and Matt couldn’t stop saying “I love you” from when the rocket launched to four days later, which was their wedding day.

RAN: The float plane pilot says resorts like Dread Isle shut down in the summer for “hurricane season” in the Bahamas. And the game was released in July. Since we see the map that charts all of Nancy’s past cases (including HAU) so the game is after the wedding on Jun 01. But there is no reference to the current date aside from “summer.” Single day of gameplay.

WAC: The essay Mel receives from her teacher with the plagiarist comments is dated Nov 21. Since two more nights of sleep are required to trigger events in the game, we can figure that the game takes place from Nov 21 to 23.

TOT: Scott’s calendar is open to May and filled in with code until the 19th. The log book of precipitation is filled out until May 24. Game likely takes place from May 20 to 25.

SAW: The TE-Japan brochure in Nancy’s teacher tote says her exchange program runs from Jun 01 to Sept 15 with different durations of 2 weeks, 3-4 weeks, and 5-8 weeks. With no specific date in the game and the player taking as many days and nights as needed to solve the mystery, we have to settle for saying it takes place in “summer.”

CAP: Karl’s daily calendar is on page March 12. When Nancy finds the final forged email from “Markus” she remarks that it has tomorrow’s date, which is Mar 13. Game is a single night of play on Mar 12.

ASH: Newspaper and police report of Nancy’s arrest say the game is done in a single day of August 18. The fire took place on Aug 17.

TMB: It’s the desert and there are no dates on any clue in the game. Since Lily is a student and Abdullah and Jon are professors, perhaps the game takes place in summer between any busy semester/class schedules.

DED: Ellie’s notepad in the control booth says she gave the coil demo to Nancy on Oct 29. Nancy arrived in daylight hours but since Ellie is on the night shift, the demo could have taken place on either side of midnight which means the game could start on either Oct 28 or 29. (Nancy arrived 10/28, night fell and midnight passed, then Ellie gives demo 10/29 OR Nancy arrives 10/29, night fell and it’s not midnight yet, then Ellie gives the demo still on 10/29.) Game continues for as many days and nights as the player needs.

GTH: Jessalyn’s phone recorded her bachelorette party antics from the night of Oct 27 to early morning of Oct 28. Addison says Jess had vanished for the second time after sun-up. It is unclear how many days Jessalyn has been missing before Nancy arrives on the island. Nancy was deep asleep when Savannah calls her for help, which means Jess has been gone at least a full day. Then Nancy arrives on the island at night which either means it’s evening on the same day of Savannah’s call or another day has passed by the time Nancy gets there. Oct 29 is the earliest possibility. Game takes place over three nights. Likely set between Oct 29 and Nov 01.

SPY: The newspaper reports that July 14 is near and it will be the eighth anniversary of Revenant’s first attack. Alec’s letter documents that his sister was kidnapped on the first of the month and has not been seen since. Game takes place between Jul 02 and 14. While Nancy cannot sleep or change the time of day, it is hard to believe that traveling back and forth throughout Scotland’s towns and the different phases of the spy operation all take place in a single day.

MED: Summer in the southern hemisphere, so datewise it’s set between Dec and Feb. Again there’s no sleep or time of day transitions but the elimination rounds likely take place over several days.

LIE: Employee timecards are recorded through July 05, the artifact exchange log is filled out through July 06, and the packing slip on the open crate says received July 06. Game is a single day of play, likely on July 06 or 07.

SEA: Soren’s winter guest log says Nancy is visiting in January. Game takes place for as many days and nights as player needs.

MID: Minion’s plane ticket TO Austria where the game begins is dated Oct 26 and the game goes into Halloween.

#all games #chart #Nancy Drew #look what i made

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purple-krystie7 · 3 years ago

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A Night to Remember

Glamrock Freddy X GN Reader Fluff fic

The Pizza Plex has it's annual Prom Night, and you are both nervous and excited to see someone special.

Ah prom night, a time you remember fondly as you look at the flier in your hand. Pretty dresses, fancy suits, nice music, great food, and fun times. Being the biggest and bestest place in your town there was no doubt the Mega Pizza Plex wasn’t going to let an opportunity like this slip away. They advertise a huge prom party extravaganza for the teens every year, and this is the first time you are experiencing it in your first year working there. You would love to join in if you can, hoping speeding up your work gets you to be off early.

“Hello? Earth to y/n?”

You’re snapped out of your daze by a female voice, Vanessa, the nighttime security guard is waving her hand in front of you.

“Oh I'm sorry, ness!” You quickly fold the paper and put it in your pocket.

“No problem, just try not to daze off too much” she chuckles “you going to the party tonight?” She nods towards where you stashed the flier. You nod back in response.

“I’m hoping to, if I can get everything done in time to get ready.”

“Huh, didn’t take you for a person who liked to party, no offense of course.”

You snort, “pff none taken, I am more of an introvert as they say, but it sounds like fun! Plus free food, drinks and candy? Hell yeah!”

You both laugh

“Well, I'll be there monitoring so no funny business, you know what I mean” she winks at you and nods towards Freddy, who is across the main floor helping with decorations.

“I have no idea what you mean!” You tease back, slightly blushing.

You both chuckle once more before parting ways, you continue to set tables, put up decor and what have you, checking your faz watch for the time every so often. It’s a pretty tedious job with how big the place is, but with the many staff you are sure it will be done pretty fast.

A couple hours later, while on a ladder finishing up your area, you hear large footsteps come up behind you.

“Great job y/n!!” A familiar sweet voice cheers.

“Thanks fre-'' while trying to turn around on the ladder you lose your footing, starting to fall. Thankfully you land in the arms of Freddy.

“Oh dear! Are you alright y/n?” You look up at him a bit dazed and he tilts his head “Good thing I was here!”

He lets you down, letting you gain your senses

“Oof sorry there fredster, that scared me, thanks for catching me!” You see a look of relief on his face.

“Of course superstar! Anyway, are you all finished?”

You nod and look around. The place looked amazing. Sparkly stars in gold and silver hanging everywhere, beautiful lights, balloons, it was perfect.

“Oh, what is this?” While you are still admiring you and your coworkers' hard work, Freddy bends down to pick up a paper. Finally turning back to him you realize it's the folded up flyer you stuffed away.

“Oh! That's mine! Was keeping it”

Freddy nods and hands it back.

“Does this mean…I will be seeing you tonight?”

Your face slightly flushes, “uhm..well yes, i’ve gotten all my work done for the day so..”

His face lights up, beaming at you and ears wiggling.

“That's great superstar!! I can’t wait to see you!”

He puts his hand on your shoulder, patting it, then turns around and heads for his room in rockstar row

Your heart pounds from the interaction but you try and shake yourself out of it.

You pop your earbuds in and clock out, pack your stuff and head home to get ready.

Parking into your spot later that night, you see all the giddy teens laughing and cheering as they enter the plex. You take a big breath and flip your mirror up to check one last time. It wasn’t the party in general you were worried about. It was Freddy. Ever since you started working with him, you got pretty close. You hate admitting it to yourself but you fell hard. Vanessa was the first to point out your blushing, giggles, and daydreaming, though you always jokingly denied it, at first you did eventually let her, and only her, know how far your feelings went. You both got closer after that and she would always give you info about what she observes of him during the night. Freddy’s mannerisms and charm were so entrancing to you, despite being an animatronic bear, you looked past it and saw almost a real soul behind his bright beaming blue eyes.Of course being both a coworker and human, you resigned yourself to the fact that he most likely would not feel the same way about you, which while making you ache, you came to deal with.

Realizing you again, were fantasizing about him, you shake your head. “Man…I really have it bad for a damn robot..” you murmur. Finally opening your car door you step out, slowly walking towards the building's entrance.

Upon entering lots of people turn their heads, making you freeze. “Oh no..did I over do it?”

As Vanessa had commented on earlier, it was true dressing up for something fancy wasn’t something you do overly often, not wanting to stand out in a crowd.

“Hey y/n! You made it!” Vanessa walks up to you, slightly dressed up herself to match the attire, but still branding her signature badge.

“Oh, y..yeah I did haha!..” You stutter as people turn their heads back to what they were doing prior, you let out a breath.

“man…you look great, no wonder people turned their heads, I thought some kind of royalty walked through the door or something!” She teased, nudging your shoulder.

“Ness c'mon…” You blush at the compliment as you both walk further towards the main atrium. The decor is even more beautiful at night with the lights illuminating the decor.

You see Monty, Chica, and Roxy all dressed up nicely and talking, and decide to walk up and chat.

“Hey guys! You look great!” They turn their heads towards you and all smile back at you.

“You look amazing as well y/n!” Chica beams “I'm so surprised! You need to share your tips with me!”

You chuckle and nod your head “Thanks Chica.”

After a bit of small talk you decide to brave yourself and ask the question that’s been on your mind since finding them.

“So…where’s freddy?” You tilt your head slightly trying to just appear ‘normal’ with the question instead of desperate .

“Oh, I think he will be out soon, said he had some more things he needed to finish or somethin” Monty responded. “Said it was important.” You nod, and Vanessa winks and giggles at you from the corner of your eye, causing you to nudge her to shut her up.

Suddenly spotlights from above aim at the stage as the announcer voice booms over the speakers.

“Ladies and Gentleman, boys and girls! Freddy Fazbear!”

The stage rises from below and from behind the lights and smoke appears the man himself. He is decked out in a nice black vest suit,with red accents, and a spiffy tie adorning his signature lightning bolt. All you can do is stare, of course he is usually attractive but hot DAMN did he look good. He steps towards the front of the stage, waving at the teens cheering and clapping, mic in other hand.

“Hello superstars! How is everything going so far!” The crowd cheers and he chuckles

“I am so glad you are enjoying yourselves! Prom is a very special event for you guys, and I’m so glad we here at the Pizza Plex can offer our services to make it the best prom ever!”

A spotlight appears on you and the group.

“Of course, it wasn’t done alone! Please give it up for my friends Roxy, Chica, Monty, Vanessa…and y/n!”

Your heart was racing as attention was brought on yourself again. You wave shyly with them as the crowd yells out ‘thank you’s’ and ‘you rock’s’.

The light finally disappears and aims back onto the bear. “Alright, that’s it from me! Please enjoy the rest of the night!” He places his mic back into the stand and heads down the stairs, heading towards your group. The first person he gets his eyes on is you, you are sure of it, he is staring directly at you and you could just melt.

“Y/N…I’m so glad you could make it!” He puts his hand around your waist and you are internally screaming. What’s with the close contact all of a sudden? You aren’t complaining but it was certainly unlike him.

“Oh..y..yeah! I couldn’t miss it for the world!” You grin up at him nervously.

The energetic music calms and a slow dance song follows after.

“Ah…perfect..” Freddy silently says then turns to you “y/n…may I have this dance?”

What?! Did he just..ask me.. You almost blurt out your thoughts, but thankfully it stays in your head. You of course take his hand and walk towards the floor nervously. Some kids let out awws as you are led by him.

Placing his hand on your hip, you follow suit and put your hands on his shoulders.

“So…y/n..how are you enjoying the party?” He softly says to you with a sweet smile on his face. You are pretty sure your face is full red at this point, but he doesn’t seem to notice.

“Ah, well it’s been quite fun so far! I’m not quite a party girl as it were but…it’s nice…this is nice.” You smile back at him. Swallowing hard, you decide this may be a good time to just tell him.

“I wanted to ask you something..”

Both of you say the same thing, causing a pause then big laugh from both of you.

“You first..” You nod to him. He spins you around effortlessly and dips you, shocking you but making you giggle as well.

“Well…” He brings you back up and takes a breath “Y/n, I…Think I may be In love with you.”

Your eyes widen. Did he just say that? No way am I dreaming?? Your silence concerns him and he furrows his brows. “I..I’m sorry, that was quite sudden, and I understand if you-” He looks back towards your face. “A..are you ok?”

Tears are starting to form in your eyes and you are smiling wide.

“Freddy…funny thing. That is exactly what I was going to tell you..”

Now his eyes are wide.

“R..Really?” You nod and look down.

“I’ve been feeling like this for a while now. It was something I tried to just keep to myself as I thought you would never feel the same so..”

He brings his hand up to cup your cheek, wiping a rogue tear. “Oh starlight, I do feel the same, it took me a while to think about it as well…I am me, But I do love you.”

You hug him hard, and he picks you up, twirling you around, both happily laughing. Some of those around you have stopped to watch and clap. Then chanting starts to erupt.

“Kiss! Kiss! Kiss!” you and freddy are both blushing at this point, but look at each other, and finally, you kiss. It’s electric and just as amazing as it had been in your dreams. It feels as if you are both floating. As you separate the crowd cheers, joined by the group.They congratulate you both.

The night continued on, you and Freddy having the time of your lives. It was sure a night to remember.

#Fnaf #fnaf security breach #security breach #glamrock freddy #gn reader #gender neutral reader #glamrock freddy x reader #fnaf fanfic #fluff

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sunshinebillyhargrove · 4 years ago

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You Belong With Me (a billy hargrove x oc fic)

Note: I’ve been writing so many things and I’m excited to share one of my new fanfics to this blog. This is a small opening to a fic I want to get into this coming month. Billy Deserved Better. Tw for bullying and eating disorder. This is kind of an enemies to lovers fic but like 10 things I hate about you with a lot of Tswift inspiration. I hope you guys like it!

--Alison Gilbert wasn’t popular like the other girls at Hawkins High. Invisible actually. A careless single mother and a stuck up best friend made that much easy. Everything changes when the new King, Billy Hargrove, sets his sights on her. A secret prank tears them apart but it might be what brings them together too. Will love conquer all?--

prologue/one.

“Alison, over here!” A small hand rose across the school cafeteria. The blaring bell trilled loudly. It was lunchtime. Alison wanted the day to end. Her black Converse moved across the floor to her best friend. Many students moved like zoo animals into the big room to start eating. All of them talking about the upcoming prom.

Heather looked cute as a button with a big smile to match and lots of pink make up. Maybe a little fake. She was too popular for Alison. She dressed all in girly prep colors and was rich. Alison lived on Cherry Lane and just wore band teeshirts with ripped jeans.

“Hey.” Alison sat down and didn’t touch her meal. She didn’t want Heather commenting on how much she ate or the fact that she liked to wear dark colors. The two couldn’t have been any more different.

“There’s a huge party tonight.” Heather gushed excitedly. Alison shrugged. “We’re going. I’ll let you borrow something of mine...that fits.”

“Fine.” Alison picked at her lunch but wasn’t interested in it. Heather slid a flyer over.

“Prom is coming up. I’m going with Steve Harrington. Is that a problem?” Heather sipped a diet coke. “He asked me.” Alison hid the pain because she had a huge crush on Steve once and Heather knew it.

“No, it’s fine.” She got up with her lunch. “I have to go to the library.” Alison got a few steps and tripped, landing with a thud. Students laughed hard at that fall. She was so unpopular and they liked to pick on her. Heather peeked behind her shoulder but pretended she didn’t see anything. She didn’t want to be seen helping her loser friend.

“Tommy, you asshole!” Alison swept her tray up and food splashed everywhere. “You’re such a jerk.” Tommy and Carol laughed with the other people in the popular click. They always bothered her for no reason. She was never mean to them.

“Watch where you’re going, fatass,” Carol retorted back. “Go cry about it.” Alison sniffled her tears and ran away. She went into the bathroom and made herself throw up after Carol’s words. Already thin but she didn’t know it. She wanted to be pretty like Heather. Alison pretended she carried herself too high to be bothered with comments. She just wanted to fit in.

Back in the cafeteria, Billy Hargrove came into school late and saw his friends still laughing at their table.

“What’s going on?”

“Talking prom.” Tommy winked and another popular boy laughed. “You going?”

“It’s stupid.” Billy flicked his lighter around.

“We’ll give you forty bucks to make Gilbert go. Your neighbor. Ugly dork.” Tommy smiled with a mean look. “They say the bookworms are wild in the sack.”

“That’s dumb, dickweed.” Billy shook his head.

“A hundred.” The other popular boy sprang up. “Take Gilbert to the prom and show us your Hargrove charm. Show us how cool you are, B. Kiss her before they announce prom king and queen. And then dump her for whoever is queen.”

“Hey, uh, it might be me dummy.” Carol started to file her nails and got all prissy.

“Could be Heather.” Tommy chuckled. “Just ask her, B, and get paid for it. It’ll be so hilarious.”

“Yeah, whatever, I’ll think about it.” Billy got up and left

Alison and Billy were neighbors on Cherry. Their windows even faced each other. Alison liked Max and Susan but hated Neil. He was such a creep. She heard him fighting with Billy a lot.

Her mom wasn’t home because she was never home anymore. Always going out with guys and not caring about her daughter. She worked at the new mall that just opened in the makeup section of JCpenney. It didn’t matter. Alison liked to be alone mostly. She could just play piano and sing wherever she wanted. Alison always wanted to be on Broadway. She got all the choir solos which made Heather jealous. Her mom was a beauty queen and always mad her daughter didn’t want to be in pageants. Alison was just a theater dork.

Alison went into her house and ate a banana because it was easy on her tummy. The doorbell rang so she groaned and got it.

“Hargrove?” She made a face at him because he was such a jerk like Tomy. He didn’t pick on her as much but he ignored her a lot. “What do you want?”

“Hey, Gilbert. Alison.” He seemed shy all the sudden. Her blonde hair flowed in the wind against pale skin. She was actually really pretty. Especially since she got her braces off. Even with the big reading glasses she wore in class, she was beautiful. Big teeshirts hid her figure. “I was thinking about prom and wondered if you wanted to go with me.”

“Uh no...” Alison shuffled. “But thanks.”

“Come on, it’ll be fun. I want to ask you.”

“Ask one of those other popular girls you like. I’m not interested, Billy.” She moved to shut the door and his foot caught it.

“You mean, sluts? I don’t want other girls. Sorry, Tommy’s such a jerk. He and Carol are just stupid.” He explained and got charming. “I wanted to make it up to you. Go with me.“

“Maybe,” she said shyly. Billy was really cute and he seemed genuine. He bit his lip and looked so good. Things were better after he and Max started to get along. Alison had a crush on him but he was such a jerk to everyone. It felt like he might be tricking her to and she didn’t want to be hurt again. “I’ll think about it. You can still ask someone else though.”

“You know where to find me, Ali. I’m asking you so just deal with it. I only want to go with you.” Billy winked at her which sorta made her melt. “I’ll see you around and all you gotta do is nod that pretty blonde head of yours. Okay?”

“Why are you asking me?”

“Well, I always thought you were cute.” He touched her chin and her heart stopped. “I’m not interested in any other girls. We should hang out. It’ll be fun. I could show you a really good time.”

“I’ll think about it Hargrove.” She tucked some hair back. “I’ll have to get a dress and everything.”

“You’ll look beautiful in anything you wear so get a dress and we’ll go. I can pick you up at 7 on prom night.” Billy winked. “Just say yes, Ali, live a little.”

“Yes, okay, I’ll go with you.”

“Awesome.” Billy smiled and turned to go. “Don’t be nervous, we’ll have fun.”

“Your friends won’t get mad?”

“Ah, who cares about them.” He walked off and lit up a new cigarette. “See you, princess.”

“Bye, Billy.” Alison sighed against her door and locked it. She had a date with a boy.

Billy felt kinda guilty after he walked off. He could just be nice and get paid. What Alison Gilbert didn't know couldn't hurt her. But, the guilt still ached at him. He realized he might have actually liked this girl.

I hope you liked it! I try not to picture young Tswift as Ali but I can’t help it.

#Billy Hargrove x oc #billy hargrove #billy hargrove headcanon #Stranger things #Stranger things fanfic #Billy x oc #billy hargrove fanfic #my fanfic #steve harrington #heather holloway #my oc ali

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blueberrypossum · 4 years ago

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A Bad Romance

Loathsome Leonard x Reader

Another Mud Dogz fanfic? Who would've guessed! I’ve had this idea for a long time but I never could place it with a certain character until Leonard came along and boom! Perfect time to write it! Hope you guys enjoy it!

⚠️WARNING⚠️: This fanfic contains inappropriate language and love tension!

(To make it clear, the reader will be wearing make-up, and anyone can wear make-up! Not just girls!)

Groundhog’s text will be colored pink

Honey Badger’s will be colored green

“What do you mean Prairie Dog is sick?!”

You stood next to Leonard and the rest of the members of the Mud Dogz as you stood outside the DIGG’s apartment, Groundhog and Honey Badger being the ones to answer the door.

“Well we were digging and digging, and did I mention digging?” Groundhog chipped and the three yokai’s next to you death eyed her.

“We dug over a hospital.”

The Mud Dogz let out loud groans and turned to each other, huddling into a tight circle as they tried to come up with another idea to sneak into the banquet. You had told the Mud Dogz a week ago about one of the top aresticats in the Mystic City was coming to their part of town, and that the woman in charge, Miss MacQuoid, a highly sophisticated bird, was in need of entertainment. With the flyer of wanted musicians in your hands, you gave it to Leonard and you both came up with the plan to ask the DIGG band. They got to play and you four got to steal all of the riches that Miss MacQuoid brought with her, it was a win win, until now.

You leaned against the doorframe as your friends continued to chat behind you, their brash and tangled voices barely made it to your ear as another idea cracked inside your head.

“Will you two still be up to perform?”

Groundhog looked up at the grey mutant next to her, her purple eyes wide as saucer pans as if she was trying to make her eyes form the word please. Honey Badger looked down at her friend and then over to you, her claw scratching the back of her hand before she gave a light nod, sending the small groundhog into a fit of squeals.

“Part of DIGG is on to do the gig!”

While the two members of DIGG went back in to tell their lead singer about the situation, you walked back over to the Mud Dogz, a little shock zipped through you to see that they were still trying to come up with a new plan.

“Hey! Why don’t we just make our own band?!”

“Oh sure, while we’re at it, let me just revisit my old High School and go to prom. That rich pigeon would kick us out in a heartbeat.”

“Why do we even need a band, Len?”

“We gotta make sure we have a distraction that won’t stop midway, along with making sure that bird stays in her seat while we’re cracking into her safe.”

“Hey, The DIGGS are doing it.”

The three males looked over at you as you picked the dirt from under your nails, the nonchalant look you gave them created more confusion between them.

“Is Prairie Dog doing it?”

“Nope.”

“But they need a singer.”

“I know, and they got one.”

“And who would dat’ be?”

“Me.”

Leonards’s eyebrows furrowed in disbelief when you announced that you would be the one singing to Miss. MacQuoid. Quiet and timid you, barely saying a word to yokai’s you didn’t know, and didn’t like the attention from a crowd. At least, that’s what the ogre thought you were like, but now, with your arms crossed over your chest and a smug smile molded onto your face, he believed that he was seeing you in a different light.

“You sing, sweetheart?”

You gave a stiff nod and rolled your shoulders, the jacket you wore shifting under the movement.

“Like a canary.”

“Ha! Good one.”

“Look,” you sighed, your hands raising up against you.

“I can sing with Groundhog and Honey Badger while the rest of you do what needs to be done. Got it?”

Leonard was never the type to take orders from anyone else, he could barely take any from Danny or Mickey. Yet you stood proud next to him, your quick mind already working out ideas to help the gang more than he could, but even with all of that self-confidence you had possessed at that moment, you still looked up at him for the go-ahead. And with that, he gave you the nod to continue and you both started to build up a plan.

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

Leonard took his seat at one of the multiple dining tables, the suit he wore was rigid against his skin. It was a few days after making the plan and tonight was the night to execute it. While you and him made sure the fancy bird was distracted, Danny and Mickey would sneak into her private room and take every last piece of gold and money she had.

Different species of yokai surrounded Leonard as he took a swig of one of several options of alcohol at the table, his fingers working against the glass as he awaited for Miss. MacQuoid. A large stage stood in front of him, the black floor being leveled a little higher than the tables and the stage extended outward until it was in the middle of the ballroom. The dinner hall was dimly lit with golden lanterns hung on the wall and sat at each table. Voices buzzed around him like flies as he continued to check his watch, his mind accidentally going to you.

He had never heard you sing, not even hum with a tune of a song, and he wondered if you were bluffing or not, but you wouldn’t be the type to put any of them in danger. You were very protective of them once you joined the Mud Dogz, even with you being barely younger than them, you almost took the parent role and made sure that they took care of themselves. The ogre pinched the bridge of his nose as he once again tried to admit to himself that he slightly, barely liked you. He had grown fond of you after getting close, and you somehow got under his shell, and then under his skin like a love virus, taking control over his emotions and his instincts.

What you did to him almost made him angry, because he’s never had these sensations before, even when yokai tried to flirt with him, he just couldn’t do it.

But with you? Maybe.

The congested room of yokai went silent and Leonard looked up at what seemed like a theatre balcony, only that it was barely above the stage or table level. A large and feathery bird strolled into it from its only entrance, her feathers painted different variations of colors that Leonard believed she could be her own rainbow. The elegant dress she wore reeked with vintage and by the boastful bows and string attached to it, Leonard wasn’t surprised at all to find out that she was a hopeless romantic.

Oh jeez you were going to sing a love song to this crowd and he got to watch? He couldn’t tell if he was nervous or amused for what was about to happen.

The buff guards next to Miss. MacQuoid were stern next to her, and Leonard could see they had handguns strapped against their sides. He hoped that she didn’t have those types of guards at her private office and his mind drifted to worry for Danny and Mickey, but his job was to stay here and make sure the parrot watched you perform; he would just have to trust that everything went fine.

The parrot yokai lifted up her left wing, the rows of colors on her feathers were blinding against the light as that one move ordered for the band to begin, disinterest already crossing her face as some of the launters were blown out and the room went dark.

Leonard prayed that everything was fine with you backstage as Honey Badger and Groundhog walked out, their instruments in hand as they got settled on stage.

Groundhog got herself settled behind the drum set while Honey Badger got her electric guitar ready, the usual bass guitarist having to change due to the song and the lead guitarist was sick.

And then the music started.

The dark yokai slammed on the guitar and soon her hot pink-haired friend joined in, her drumsticks beating against different ones that sat in front of her.

A spotlight was turned to the opposite side of the stage and a hooded figure was caught in the dazzling light. Their body was covered with the black cloak as they slowly made their way towards the stage, their figure easily passing the tables as Groundhog and Honey Badger loudly sang the beginning of the chorus.

“Want your bad romance!”

And right after the strange hooded figure started to sing, a mic now in their hands as they continued to walk past the party guests.

“I want your ugly, I want your disease, I want your everything as long as it’s free,” the stranger sang out, almost making every yokai in the room lean back in surprise at the voice behind the hood. Leonard watched as the figure strolled by him, his leg raising up until his ankle landed on his knee, in a comfortable position. Where were you?

The stranger continued to sing to the crowd as they made their way upstage, the cloak they wore barely showing the black boots that they wore that slammed against the plastic material of the stage.

“I want your love.”

“I want your love!”

“Love, love, love, I want your love.”

“I want your love, I want your love!”

The singer grabbed a mic stand that stood near the back of the stage with the other band members, their fingers carefully wrapping around the jet-black pole as they brought it with them to barely stand in front of Groundhog and Honey Badger, dragging it behind them like a limp leg.

“I want your drama, the touch of your hand. I want your leather-studded kiss in the sand.”

The mystery person then pointed out towards the crowd, their finger aiming towards Miss. MacQuoid, who raised a feathery eyebrow in interest.

“I want your love.”

“I want your love!”

“Love, love, love I want your love.”

“I want your love, I want your love!”

The singer still remained a mystery as they placed the mic into the slot of the stand, their voice becoming raspy and on edge as they sang:

“You know that I want you, and you know that I need you. I want it bad, a bad romance!” And right before the singer could get to the screaming continuation of romance, it seemed like Honey Badger had enough of their singer teasing the crowd and pulled the hood back to reveal you.

Leonard felt his head tilt downward in shock at the sight of you. Make-up decorated your face in a stylish manner, your hair done up in a crazy yet slick style to represent a rockstar. Your outfit was still covered by the cloak, but the blank blanket hugged your figure as you strolled closer to the guitarist and the drummer, your voice steadily rising with confidence.

I want your love and I want your revenge, you and me could write a bad romance!”

Soft ‘oh’s’ from the two band members echoed throughout the room as your voice rose with the music.

I want your love and all your lovers' revenge, you and me could write a bad romance!”

And that’s when you hit the long note, your voice blearing into the microphone as the crowd started to cheer, male and female yokai hollering with the bass of the song.

Leonard was still trying to take this all in as he watched you prance around stage, as if you were born to rock. To see you singing one his favorite genre of music and being good at it, he double-checked his drink to make sure it wasn’t doused with something extra. He looked back to fint eh aristocrat leaning forward, her feathers under her beak as she watched you perform with amusement. With the music starting, Danny and Mickey would be breaking into her private office right now, and deep inside of Leonard knew that he was no longer upset that he wasn’t a part of it.

You finished the first part of the song and let the music thunder around you like a storm as the nerve sweats started to be replaced with excitement and the pounding in your body no longer heart. It was actually your idea to come in from a different area than the stage to give the element of surprise, and it seemed to work on the pretty parrot that now stared at you. All those years of choir and going to concerts seemed to pay off as you chanted into the mic you held.

You had spotted Leonard right when you walked into the entertainment room, and the bewilderment on his face was something that will stay with you for the rest of your life. Maybe you should start surprising him more often.

“I want your horror, I want your design, cause you’re a criminal as long as you’re mine” you purred to the crowd, your legs taking you down the long stage. The smoke machines the stage workers had placed around the stage started to spill out grey pools of clouds, the fog swimming around your feet as you made it to the end of the stage.

“I want your love.”

“I want your love!”

“Love, love, love, I want your love.”

“I want your love, I want your love!”

You bent down and leaned in close to the neared guest, her face going beat red as you continued without missing a beat.

“I want your psycho, your vertigo stick. I want you in my room when the baby is sick! I want your love!”

The female yokai rapidly fanned herself as you continued the chorus, the DIGG members behind you pouring their soul into the background verse as they continued to play their instruments, Honey Badger’s tongue was sticking out as she shredded the guitar.

You looked up at the bird yokai and saw that her face was leaning on one of her arms, her other claw playing with her drink with boredom.

Alright, time to crank this up a notch.

“You know that I want you, and you know that I need you. I want it bad, a bad romance!”

And with a loud yell, you ripped off your cloak, revealing the outfit you choose for this concert. The goth-like outfit that covered you shined in the spotlight and the golden gleam of the lanterns, the black and leather almost gave an edge to your demeanor as you raged out the rest of the chorus.

“Caught in a bad romance!”

The ogre’s fingers were tapping against his thigh as you continued to dance on stage, and then his eyes were taking in every detail of your body and clothes as you revealed yourself under the dark cape and now the guests were roaring your name, well the DIGGS name. But they reached out for you as if you were famous, and the way you performed as if it was a walk in the park almost made him laugh. He had to keep himself still so he wouldn’t stand with the rest of the yokai, but it was difficult for him not to join the raised hands of ‘rock and roll’ symbol and to join the entertained crowd. Danny and Mickey would never believe that this way you on stage, Leonard still couldn’t wrap his head around it even with you being at the climax of the song.

The green yokai turned just in time to see Miss. MacQuoid let out a yawn and she whispered something to her bodyguard. Leonard quickly looked back at you, his hands already raising up to grab your attention.

Your eyes rolled over to him and followed his concealed signal up to the theatre balcony, your eyes growing wide to see the rich yokai getting her things ready as if she was leaving.

Crap! Crap! She isn’t entertained, she’s not into the performance! There’s got to be something I could do?! She’s into romance, what else would she want?

You turned back to Leonard as Honey Badger and Groundhog continued to growl the harmony, your mind traveling to an idea that could end horribly, or might end up saving you all.

Alright, Leonard, get ready to have your world rocked.

You kicked one of the small spotlights that were screwed into the stage onto Leonard, his eyes squinting against the bright blaze. Your hands worked against the microphone and pulled the mic out of its hold, your eyes on target as you jumped off the stage.

“I want your love, and I want your revenge. I want your love- I don’t wanna be friends.”

Your hips slowly twisted back and forth as you were inches away from the leader of the Mud Dogz, his eyes expanding in panic. Your hand then hooked under his tie and you lightly pulled him up from his seat, your fingers digging into his tie. You didn’t know if it was the vibration of the music but your body was trembling, the end of your nails clawing at his suit as he towered over you.

“Je veux ton amour, Et je veux ta revanche, J' veux ton amour,” your voice curled with yearn as you released his tie and started to circle him, your eyes looking over at Miss. MacQuoid for a split second, and relief flooded over you to see her eyes locked on the both of you, enjoyment flushed over her face.

“I don’t wanna be friends.”

“I don’t wanna be friends!”

You were twirling around him now, your body pushing into his as you made eye-contact with him and couldn’t help but feel pride rise in your stomach at the red that crossed his face. The fear, and confusion, and the arousal that boiled in Leonard’s stomach was almost too much to bear. Was he supposed to go along with this? Or act dumbfounded? Or kiss you right then and there?!

I don’t wanna be friends.”

“I don’t wanna be friends!”

The perfume/cologne you were wearing was overpowering as you continued to circle him, the leather and rough patches of your clothes tingled against his bare skin and he had to ball his hands into fists to stop them from going to you. Your mouth was agape to sooth out the words of the song and to even think about those lips being against his- wait what were the lyrics to the song again?

“No, I don’t wanna be friends!”

“I don’t wanna be friends!”

I don’t wanna be friends?

You were in front of him now, a seductive smile on your face as you inched yourself closer to him, the smell of mint and sweat lingered on your breath and Leonard couldn’t help but shiver as if it was only you two in the whole room.

“Want your bad romance.”

“Want your bad romance!”

You slipped yourself away from him as you said it, your eyes cutting holes into him as you turned back, as if what you were doing to him didn’t satisfy your appetite.

And as the next lyric was about to slip out of your mouth, he finally saw it. Your make-up, the eyeshadow that was brushed against your eyes was blue, the sapphire was stripped with black of your eyeliner.

“Want your bad romance!!”

“Want your bad romance!”

And with the edge of your fingers you pushed him back into his seat and raced away, your voice now echoing through the crowds, the rich yokai’s were screeching the band name, some were even whistling and letting out holliers as you leapt onto one of the tables, your knees hitting the wooden desk as you cried into the mic. Leonard half-heartedly looked up to find Miss.MacQuoid leaning out of her seat, red blush marking her face as she clapped, her beak opening up to let out cheers as well.

Was..was that part of the act? Or was it a confession?

The “Oh’s” of your song spilled into the dimly lit room, the two otherband members were literally jumping in their spots, their rockstar hearts seemed to play the instruments in their hands as you got off the table. With lustful eyes, Leonard watched as you got back into stage, the music ever so slightly deceased as the smoke started to consume you. Before you could disappear under the silvery clouds, you pointed a finger up to the rich parrot and yelled along with the band.

“Want your bad romance!”

And the stage went dark, the spotlights being turned off by the stage workers and the guests of the party were calling for an encore from the band, and Miss. MacQuoid threw a rose down towards the stage.

The leader of the Mud Dogz swayed back into his chair, his fingers running through his fingers, his lungs were having trouble creating breaths and it seemed that his body couldn’t cool down. He barely felt his phone buzz in his pocket until it happened repeatedly.

His green hand pulled it out and saw a text from Danny, confirming that they had successfully looted the vault and were heading back to the apartment. The last thing to do was to get you and the two other mutants out of here.

Leonard got himself out of his seat and started to prowl past the other guest members, their voices still rising due to the performance. The ogre listened to the rich civilians talk about you, some wanted to meet you, some wanted your autograph, but some were envious of you, some thought you were a sleeze.

A growl built in Leonard’s throat but he continued to the door that led to the backstage. He was glad to find that he had beat any of the yokai’s or Miss. MacQuoid there. He opened the door and snuck past a few of the bodyguards that were stationed back there and he briskly found your changing room and barged in, the door slamming behind him before one of the henchmen could find him.

“Be glad I wasn’t changing.”

Leonard turned to see you sitting in front of a massive mirror, collections of make-up and clothes spilled over the vanity and a tray of water was next to you. Half of your make-up was off, a wipe sat firmly in your hand with the aftermath of it.

“Be glad that I didn’t get caught trying to find you. Where are Groundhog and Honey Badger?”

“I told them to get out while they could, I wanted this off first. I don’t understand how those girls wear it all the time.”

You were out of the strapped leather and back into your regular clothes and familiarity drowned over the ogre to see you back in your style. He eyed the blue that lingered on the other half of your face and he looked down at his wrist, where he had wrapped his bandana that was usually around his head, the blues almost identical.

“Did you have fun singing?”

You turned back to look at him, a smile on your face. Strong, silent, and cautious Leonard now looked like a little boy asking for your autograph. You messed with the make-up that was in your hands as you got up from your seat, your feet taking you over to him.

“Did you enjoy the show?”

Who was this new you? And why did he crave more of it?

Even with the expensive scents this place gave you, he could still make out your scent that he held dear. Your now natural and soft face was close to his, your skin shined with the cleaning wipe and the overshadow of black still lined against your eyes. The lights that hung around the room and the one that collected around the mirror brought out features that Leonard found most endearing about you.

“Yes.”

And then he kissed you.

#rottmnt #rottmnt mud dogs x reader #rottmnt mud dogs #rottmnt mud dogz #rottmnt loathsome leonard #tmnt #rottmnt mud dogz x reader #rottmnt leonard x reader #rottmnt loathsome leonard x reader #Spotify

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writersarea · 4 years ago

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An Incomplete List of Incredibly Racist Things in the South

(This post is brought to you by a conversation I just had with my roommate)

This is specifically for my northern United States white friends who’ve never spent substantial time in the South from a white person that grew up off and on in the Deep South. Alabama, Texas, and Louisiana. I’ve been to Mississippi and Florida regularly. I realize y’all might not know these things, so I want to share them so you can know what is going on in your own country and what still exists here.

Segregated proms are still a thing. They’re usually called private events and the school won’t have an official prom, but it’s a thing. (Wilcox County had them until 2014, for example)

If my non-white friends have a car breakdown, we keep an ear out because we have no idea what’s going to happen. It’s not really safe. Sundown towns are definitely still a thing, though I can’t name any off the top of my head.

In sixth grade, my mom had to stand outside of a bathroom marked whites only because a little black girl on my team had to pee. I’m 25, so I’m talking mid to late 2000s. A twelve-ish year old girl almost couldn’t use the restroom and there had to be a conversation on what to do.

My undergrad was in southern Alabama and we regularly saw instances of the KKK dropping flyers in neighborhoods around us. This was between 2014-2018, it happened several times. I can think of a specific instance of the KKK gathering my senior year.

The Civil War is often taught as the war of Northern Aggression.

Old Plantations are treated like tourist stops, party and wedding locations. The slave shacks are often still in the back.

This is on top of the Confederate flags, the use of racial slurs, the hiding of interracial relationships, etc. These are things that very much exist in 2021.

P.S. I would like to remind the northerners that this does not mean racism does not exist in the north. These are just things that I want to tell you definitely exist in the South based off of my experiences living there for a good portion of my life and have not seen in the north, so you very well might not be aware. But do not think that racism is confined to the South.

I did my best to tag this, but if I missed something, send me a message.

#tw #tw: racism #tw: racial violence #racism #the south #the united states south #sourthern states #south #segregation #racists #racial violence #kkk #alabama #louisiana #texas #florida

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blog-sliverofjade · 4 years ago

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Hearth Fires 5: Waking Up

Pairing: Remi Denier x OFC

Summary: Lorel Maddox just wants to live as a human, run her bakery in peace, and forget. Unfortunately, the alpha of the local leopard pack has very different ideas.

Remi Denier doesn’t know what to make of the female Changeling who wants nothing to do with him or the RainFire pack. He does know that he has a driving need to protect her. Even if it’s from herself.

While they’re embroiled in a battle of wills, there’s a war brewing on the horizon. The outside threat could not only destroy everything they hold dear, but tear apart the fragile new bonds of the Trinity Accord, plunging the world into bloodshed to rival the Territorial Wars of centuries past.

Word count: 2363

Content warning for canonical fantasy racism. When I started writing this, I hadn’t realized that fantasy racism can be problematic. I based it on real world examples so it’s a weird mix of actual peoples’ experiences atop a fictional shifter race.

As you read, try to remember that these aren’t instances I dreamed up in my head, they came from authentic occurrences in the US. The excerpt before the second part? Taken from flyers posted in 2019. This is reality for actual, living, breathing people to this day.

Hearth Fires Masterlist

Beta read by the stupendous pandabearer

Remi’s cat crouched in preparation to battle with the strange predator in sheep’s clothing in their midst; pinpricks in his bottom lip were a sure sign that his teeth were more feline than human at the moment, and his claws itched to unsheath. How could he have been so blind? He needed to eliminate the threat before anyone could question his leadership, a lethal strike to prove his dominance.

That thought wasn’t him. It was an echo of another alpha from another time and brought him out of the homicidal haze with a cold splash of dread. He had to shove the memories and the associated sick feeling in his gut into a box in order to concentrate on the situation at hand.

Holding himself with a predator’s stillness, he studied his prey. Whenever one of his packmates was unduly intimidated by someone, outsider or not, he and the pack kept a close eye on that individual. He didn’t haul off and rip their throat out. He could hardly bring her down in front of their youngest in the middle of what was meant to be a celebration. Such casual exposure to violence could damage young psyches, as well he knew. Yet, it was all he could do not to charge over there and tear the ocelot away from the little family. Unlike that other alpha, he couldn’t act upon suspicion alone.

The baby hunter had no compunctions about cuddling up to Lorelei, something she would never have done if Lorelei was even close to going rogue. Moreover, several cubs surrounded her now, curious about the visitor. Their youngest, hunter or otherwise, were some of the best judges of character and the best litmus test when it came to the health of a pack. It was when the adults didn’t pay attention that problems arose.

“He’s different.”

“Oh sweetie, of course he is. He lost his mate. You’ll understand when you’re older.”

He shook off the echoes of the past like his cat shook off water and shoved them back in the box.

The music had switched from general background party music to a dance mix, which made overhearing their conversation difficult even with his superior hearing. Moving closer, he stopped at one of the tables of food so he could eavesdrop without being noticed. Staring at the ocelot would only put her on her guard.

Lorelei didn’t appear on the verge of a rampage; rather, she seemed overwhelmed. Then again, who wouldn’t be when surrounded by the cubs who were peppering her with questions? His tension eased a fraction when he saw that none of them appeared scared of her.

“Just you and your nana and papa?” Remi couldn’t help a small smile at Jasper’s wide-eyed incredulity. Most of their little ones had grown up in packs or in extended family units at the very least. Such a small family without ties to dozens of “aunties” and “uncles,” as well as numerous friends of all ages, was an unthinkable concept to them.

The interrogation wandered into what type of cat she was since she smelled different and, to his knowledge, none of them had met an ocelot. They were much smaller than leopards and the children would probably be delighted at having a grown-up playmate their own size. She was actually rather good with them once she relaxed, and he wondered how she’d handle being swamped by them when they were the same size. He grinned at the thought of little cats ending up in a wrestling pile and the knot in his chest eased.

Elias waded through the throng to speak to Lorelei. What came out of his mouth must not have been his usual bullshit because she didn’t slap him. He seemed downright courteous, which was unnatural and creeping Remi out more than a bit. Lorelei only nodded to him after Tien gave her an encouraging smile.

The senior soldier pulled Lorelei to join the growing cluster of dancers. While she was willing, it was painfully obvious that she was far from comfortable in her own skin, moving stiffly and keeping her head on a swivel to look for anyone staring. Elias, picking up on her discomfort, shifted to hide her much smaller body with his own. In thanks, she smiled up at him and shifted slightly closer.

His cat wanted to be the one to crack open her prickly exterior and unravel the mystery of her. The only problem was after seeing her interactions with the pack, Remi seemed to be the only one she wanted to swipe a claw at.

The rancid emotions he had stuffed down sprang back with a vengeance, sending irrational jealousy spiking through him. For some reason, she brought out his inner psychopath, all the dark urges and instincts that he kept chained within. Very few knew about them, and he intended to keep it that way.

With a sigh, he rubbed at his temples to ease his pounding headache. If only he could place the blame on the recent circulation of human supremacy rhetoric, but that would merely be an excuse for his own lack of control. He told himself that things would be better once she was pack since he disliked having an unprotected submissive female in his territory, which was true, especially with the possibility of active anti-Changeling groups in the area.

He felt scraped raw on the inside. It had been a while since he’d been this spun up in his head and he needed to get that sucker back on straight. This was a time for joy, not the shadows haunting him.

“Leaving already?” Lark asked from behind him. She had managed to sneak up on him, which was a sure sign that he was off his game.

“If you feel the need to babysit, go chase after the cubs,” he growled over his shoulder.

“I’m doing my job.” She let his temper roll off her. “Need someone to run with?” He shook his head. He’d prefer a good fight, but in this mood he was likely to shred even a sentinel. “Remember you have to be back in time to help judge the costume contest.”

An affirmative grunt. Pack bonds were important, especially in such a young pack, but he had to vent this before his attitude began to affect everyone else.

WAKE UP HUMANS!

Our children deserve a future free of Changeling violence. These animals come into our communities with their drugs and violence, lowering property values, living off welfare, and preying on hard-working humans. In the name of “political correctness,” we the taxpayers are prevented from standing up to these parasites.

DON’T BE DELUDED BY A “BRIGHT NEW FUTURE”

We need to change the country’s liberal policies that are eroding our values. It’s alright to be human and we need to stop being ashamed of it. Changelings want us afraid and divided to prevent us from having a group identity. We have been the victims of the other races for too long. They try to divide us, take away our rights, and plan to eliminate us because they fear us.

STOP CONTRIBUTING TO HUMAN GENOCIDE!!! KEEP THE HUMAN RACE PURE!!!

-Excerpt from letters sent to residents of Sevier County, Tennessee September 2083

Lorel hummed and swayed along to music while she piped bright pink rosettes onto the rows of cupcakes in front of her. The radio was set to the show of the DJ from the party, a pretty human packmember by the name of Aoife. Country wasn’t her typical choice of genre, but it reminded her of dancing at the party. She hardly knew anything about Elias, and therefore had no feelings about him one way or the other, yet she couldn’t get the other night out of her mind; not that she was dreaming of the soldier or anything.

She had been completely dumbfounded; no one had ever asked her to dance. Well, not since that horrible prom night in high school, anyway. While she’d doubted that the leopard would try to pull what her teenaged date had, she had looked to Tien and gotten reassurance. She barely knew the other woman but trusted that Tien wouldn’t knowingly put her in danger.

It had been a long time since anyone other than her aunt had touched her, and far longer since she’d had any physical contact of a non-platonic nature. Elias had made it clear that he found her interesting and attractive, which she could have chalked up to the promiscuous nature of Changelings. But he had also been respectful of her boundaries even though it was obvious that her limits were far more stringent than that of a Changeling’s, and possibly those of many humans.

She kept her distance not just because she didn’t want them to assume she was easy, or that she was going to join the pack, but because it simply felt too good and not even in a sexual way. At first, Elias’ touch was nearly painful, like her skin was so focused in its need that every sensation was heightened ten-fold to absorb everything at once. Startled by the sensitivity, she had been about to retreat when the song ended, but the ache of the loss had her saying ‘yes” to the next person who approached.

The sun had set and red, yellow, orange, and white fairy lights strung between the trees had lit up. At that point, she’d called it a night with the excuse that she had to work in the morning; while that was true, she had worried that she’d be tempted to go exploring the woods in animal form. Even if they’d allowed her, she couldn’t permit the cat to take over.

Tien had approached her with arms wide in expectation of a hug. Unsure of what to do, Lorel did her best impression of a statue as the other woman’s arms had folded around her. It wasn’t a brief embrace, either. It was strong and warm and all-encompassing. Maternal. And she soaked it up like rain after a drought, her skin still starving even after all the dancing. Although her aunt had lavished affection on her before going travelling, as if she’d tried to compensate for the lack over the years, there was a quality among the Changelings that felt like she was finally coming home.

Lorel had let herself relax into the hug and had, had to force herself to pull away, fussing with her clothes to keep from reaching out to the other woman again. Her cat’s tail had lashed in irritation at the denial, but didn’t act out in any other way, thankfully.

At the sound of the door opening, she set the bag of frosting down and headed out front while wiping her hands on a clean, damp cloth. A woman looked at something on her phone as she approached the counter.

“Good morning,” Lorel greeted her. The customer held up a finger while she tapped something into her phone. Lore’s customer service smile grew strained while she waited. When she finally looked up, her scent soured before Lorel could offer a sample of berry crumble cake.

“Where’s Nora?” she demanded.

That was a question she’d heard far too many times, but this time the edge to it had her ocelot’s upper lip curling away from her teeth.

“My aunt’s currently on a beach enjoying her retirement.” The mask wavered as Lorel fought against mirroring the sneer of her cat.

“Is there someone else who can help me?” she frowned.

Okay, that was a new one.

“Just me, I’m afraid,” shrugged Lorel. “Is there a problem?”

“Don’t snap at me.” Lorel swore that the other woman was two seconds away from clutching her pearls, if she’d worn any. “I just want to know when someone else will be in to serve me.”

What in the name of all that was good and holy?

“Ma’am, I’m the owner,” she said through gritted teeth.

“Right,” she rolled her eyes, then muttered, “I just don’t know where this country is headed. Animals like you taking jobs from good people.”

In an instant, her cat went from unamused disdain to homicidal rage. Lorel throttled it back, but her eyes flashed yellow-green if the sudden ashen hue underneath the woman’s spray-on tan was any indication.

“Ma’am, I’m afraid I’m going to have to ask you to leave.” Lorel didn’t bother with the fake smile this time.

“How dare you!” Her colour returned, going straight to red. “I’m going to sue for intimidation.” Her shrill voice grew louder and louder until Lorel’s ears protested the abuse. She stormed out, entering a code into her phone.

She released the breath she’d been holding only to inhale a lungful of perfume strong enough to make her eyes water. Her ocelot wanted to hunt her down like a rabbit, but she convinced it that the meat was bad. She propped open the door to air out the store and the obnoxious woman stood in front of the yarn shop next door. Still on the phone, she turned and the blood drained from her face when she saw Lorel.

“Oh my god, she’s following me!” she shrieked.

Lorel rolled her eyes and decided she’d go put her irritation to good use by kneading dough for cinnamon buns. As much fun as decorating cupcakes for a little girl’s birthday party was, that required a steady hand and hers were shaking with unexpressed anger.

The butcher’s block was barely floured when the sounds of sirens pierced her eardrums. She dusted off her hands and returned to the front to find four cops standing there, each with a hand on a weapon. Blinking, she froze mid-brush. I probably shouldn’t offer them doughnuts, she thought.

“Good afternoon, officers. Would you like to try the berry crumble?” She gestured to the silver tray with the samples and bit back a laugh at their bewildered expressions. Evidently, they’d expected to find her frothing at the mouth from the way the blonde was still carrying on outside to a fifth cop. They probably hadn’t anticipated a woman who more resembled a librarian than a murderous beast.

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totally-incorrect-theatre-quotes · 5 years ago

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The Dance (fanfic)

Hey! As promised here’s that fanfic I said I would write. It’s a doozy, it’s long, it’s angsty. Grab your tissues. :)

TW: homophobia

Lydia wasn’t expecting much during the fall of her sophomore year. She’d adjusted pretty well to her new school and new life here in Connecticut. She even found a friend group she liked to hang out with during lunches and study halls. She wasn’t popular by any stretch of the imagination but she was content where she was. Flyers for the Home Coming dance were being passed around and posted on the walls of her normally dreary High School. All the underclassmen were chattering away about it while the juniors and seniors laughed about how lame those dances are. Lydia didn’t like parties all that much, the idea of being stuck in a cramped room filled with all her classmates while deafening music was playing wasn’t exactly her idea of fun but it suddenly sounded like the most fun thing in the world when Claire Jones asked her to go to the dance.

Lydia had had a massive crush on Claire since freshman year, and while they weren’t exactly friends she thought that the two of them had a lot in common despite their very different personalities. Claire was like sunshine, with her blonde hair always done up nice with a scrunchie on her wrist matching her outfit for the day. She on the cheerleading team and in the chorus at the school, but she wasn’t one of those bitchy popular people. She was really down to Earth and even complimented Lydia’s doodles on her history notes. Claire asked her to the dance between classes in the hallways. Lydia had been so shocked that she didn’t even know how to respond but with an excited nod. She left school that day on cloud nine, and skipped into the house to tell everyone the good news. She told Delia and Barbara first, she loved the guys but they didn’t understand this kind of stuff. Her dad wasn’t good with feelings, Adam would probably embarrass her, and Beetlejuice...well he was too everything.

Without any hesitation, Delia whisked Lydia away to go looking for the perfect dress that would wow Claire at the dance. After an hour or two of trying on dresses, they hadn’t found anything yet that they liked. Delia told her to sit down and that she would be right back. When she returned she had a beautiful navy blue dress with lace sleeves draped in her arms. The bottom till of the dress shimmer with specks of glitter that made it look like she had a galaxy on her skirt. When she tried it on she twirled around in it and felt so beautiful. She didn’t mention it but she was the tears welling up in Delia’s eyes. The two bought the dress, put it in the back of their car, and sat in the parking lot for a little while before heading to their next stop.

“Do you want to know why I picked out that dress?” Delia asked, Lydia, nodded in response and Delia pulled up a blurry photograph on her phone, “I was looking through some of the old books that you and your dad had laying around and I found this old picture of your mom when she was going to her senior prom. I know the dresses don’t look exactly the same, and I wish she was the one taking you shopping for your first school dance, but I thought you might like to wear something you can remember her with.”

Lydia gazed at the photograph of her mother. She was so pretty, a few years older than she was at the time, and she stood at the top of her staircase wearing a floor-length, lace, navy-blue dress. Her hair was done up in brunette braids and a blue flower sticking out behind her ear. Even if it hadn’t been for the fancy dress and hair she still would have looked beautiful. Her smile, even in picture form, warmed up the room. Lydia was crying now, a stray tear falling on Delia’s phone screen. Without saying a word Delia reached over the console and pulled her into a tight hug, both of them letting the tears roll down their cheeks.

“I know you know I wish my mom were here, but I am really glad that you took me today.”

Delia tilted her head and smiled, “Any time kiddo. I’m always here for you.”

“Thank you, and we really did find a pretty dress. Anything was better than that yellow monstrosity you tried to make me wear last year. I still haven’t forgiven you for that one.”

“Dutifully noted.”

The days leading up to the dance Lydia could hardly contain her excitement. BJ was extremely confused about what had gotten into that kid, she’d been married before it wasn’t like this was her first time in a relationship. Adam punched him pretty hard for making that remark and told him to just leave Lydia alone about it. Charles tried his best to figure out what his daughter needed but really Delia and Barbara had it all covered. Charles really just needed to drive her there and pick her up after the dance was over.

The night of Delia offered to do Lydia’s hair but she politely declined. While she didn’t exactly hate her fashion sense, Delia’s hairstyles were another question and she would much prefer Barbara’s minimalist style than the fancy updo that Delia had suggested. She slipped into her dress, letting herself twirl around in it like a Disney princess one more time, before heading downstairs. She rolled her eyes at the scene her family was making, Barbara pretending to faint in Delia’s arms and Adam putting his heart to his chest. When she locked eyes with her father she was he was fighting back tears as he came over, grabbed her hand delicately and lead her down the rest of the stairs.

“I know you said you didn’t need anything from me but I thought you might like to have this.” He pulled out a little black box from his pocket and handed it to her. She popped it open and saw a stunning silver necklace with a diamond connected to the loop, she looked up at her father and he explained, “I had this made after...after your mother died. It’s the diamond from her engagement ring. Another way you can carry her around with you...always.”

Lydia launched into the tightest hug she thinks she ever gave her father and kissed her on the cheek, “I love it dad. I love you.”

“Aw come on now Lydia. You know I don’t do well with the whole emotions thing...don’t go making me cry now. Besides we’ve got a dance to get you to!”

She said a quick goodbye to everyone and promised to behave, be safe, and text them if anything happened and she wanted to go home early. She laughed at the last one, she didn’t think she’d need that option. She was ready to have the best night of her life with the girl she had been daydreaming about for almost a year now. She took in a deep breath before pushing the doors of the school gym open. Claire texted her and said she would be in a pink dress and sitting at a table towards the center of the gym. When Lydia got there she was smiling so much it hurt her face, but she didn’t care. She walked over to where Claire was standing with what she assumed was a group of her friends, and tapped her on the shoulder, “Hi Claire, You look beautiful!”

“Oh my god, I can’t believe she actually came.” she heard someone whisper behind their hands. Lydia tried her best to ignore it, feeling the smile on her face falter as Claire looked at her expressionless

“I uh, I brought you a corsage. You don’t have to wear it if you don’t want to..my stepmom thought it would be nice to get one for you though.”

More snickers from the now growing crowd closing in on Lydia. She wrung her hands nervously wanting Claire to say something, anything. Lydia had anxiety she reminded herself. The people probably weren’t really laughing at her or circling her, she was just nervous and making more issues for herself. That had to be what was happening because Lydia was going to have a good time that night. She had been so excited, dreaming of this day for months and it was actually happening now. She was at the dance with the girl she compared to sunshine in her dairy, whose eyes were golden like the sun but now when Lydia looked into them they seemed cold, calculated. Lydia clutched the fabric of her dress trying one more time to get some kind of affirmation from Claire that they were okay, “Do you..do you maybe want to go dance? Or we could get drinks. It really doesn’t matter to me.”

“Oh my god Claire does she actually think she’s here with you tonight?” a boy from her grade laughed out loud, “That’s hilarious.”

Lydia felt a knot in her stomach, “Claire? What’s going on. I thought you invited me here. You asked me to go with you...in the hallway after class.”

Suddenly Claire started laughing too, “You honestly thought I’d ask someone like you to go to the dance with me? Sweetie that was a dare. A joke!”

“A joke?” Lydia repeated, holding back a sob

“Yeah, a joke.” Claire picked up a cup from the table and walked menacingly towards Lydia. She backed up but found that she was surrounded when her back hit up against someone taller than her. She felt her heart racing in her chest as she looked desperately around for a way out. She didn’t even care about what was happening she just wanted out of it.

“Oh my god, she’s like a scared little bunny!” someone laughed

“Why are you doing this? I thought we were friends...I..you asked me-”

“Who in their right mind would want to be friends with a d*ke like you?” She threw the drink back and splashed it on Lydia’s face soaking the front of her dress. She stalked towards her and pushed her down on the ground by her shoulders. Lydia had never felt smaller than she did at that exact moment, the girl she thought she liked standing over her like a menacing God with Lydia sat pathetically on the floor trying to hold back tears.

“Alright, alright that’s enough!” a teacher’s voice boomed over the crowd, “We said no dance circles at this dance break it up!”

The crowd scattered, and Claire fled before she could get caught. The teacher stopped dead in his tracks when he saw Lydia crumpled on the floor hiccuping back a cry that was desperately trying to break out.

“Hey,” he bent down to her level, “Are you okay? What happened?”

Lydia just shook her head and bolted out from the gym. Her chest felt tight and like she couldn’t breathe. She just kept running and running until her legs wouldn’t go anymore and she slumped up against the brick exterior walls of the school. The only light coming from the street lamps and the marque advertising the homecoming dance. With tears in her eyes, she clutched desperately to her phone trying to think of what she was going to do next. She wanted to go home, lock the doors and be alone for eternity but she didn’t want to call her father. She didn’t want him to see her like this. She knew if she called Delia her dad would come with and she couldn’t deal with their heartbreak right now. Adam and Barbara would be less emotional about it, they’d still be worried about her obviously but they wouldn’t be attacking her with more emotions. They couldn’t leave the house though, they were stuck there. Out of options, scared and alone she whispered, “Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice.”

He appeared before her mostly just confused but when he saw her with tear streaks running down her face and her dress a soaking wet mess he just sat down next to her and let her cry on his shoulder. He didn’t ask what happened, he didn’t pry her for the details, he just sat there and comforted her until she was ready to talk.

“I don’t know how I could have been so stupid.” Lydia sobbed

“You’re not stupid Lydia, she’s a fucking bitch. I’m a literal demon and I’m not that heartless. I’m not going to tell you that bullshit they always say about bullies “oh they’re insecure and they’re just taking it out on other people” I literally could not care less what that fucker Cathrine-”

“Claire.”

“- has going on, she should deal with her issues herself instead of making your life a living hell.”

“I just can’t believe how powerless she made me feel. BJ, I was so happy before tonight, everything felt like it was falling into place even with mom gone, but now I just I don’t know anymore.” she started crying again, “Every time I feel like I’m finally doing okay someone goes and ruins it.”

He rubbed her shoulder lovingly as a brother would, “I’m really sorry Lyds.”

“I thought she liked me.” she sobbed, “That’s the worst part about it. I thought for once somebody my age actually liked me for who I was. She lied to me for weeks! She humiliated me in front of everyone. I don’t know how I’m going to go to school on Monday and look anyone in the eyes. I feel like I’m broken.”

“Here, come with me I want to show you something.” BJ stood up and picked Lydia up under her arms. She scowled at him because she knew he knew how much she hated him flying her his way, “I know, I know. It’s just for a little bit.”

“Where are we going?”

BJ set her down in the grass of someone’s yard and motioned for her to be quiet.

“Beetlejuice where are we?”

“Listen kiddo, Time heals all wounds.” he bent down and picked up a large rock from the yard and chucked it as hard as he could towards the house. The shattering of glass filled the night sky and Lydia held her hand to her mouth. Beetlejuice turned back around to her with a big grin, “But it won’t fix this bitch’s window. Let’s bounce.”

He picked Lydia up again and flew them both away before the Jones’ could come outside and investigate

“Was that..?”

“Claire’s house, yup.”

“And we just broke her bedroom window?”

“Absolutely shattered it.” He brought her back to the school, the very spot where they had been sitting no less than five minutes ago, and sat her back down on the concrete, “Now you’re gonna call Delia or your dad and have them come to pick you up. But you’re not gonna come right home okay? You can mope around tomorrow morning but tonight don’t be alone. Go see a movie with them, go get icecream. I don’t fucking care, but just don’t let it bring you down anymore tonight okay? Do you promise?”

Lydia nodded, her eyes still puffy and red from all the crying but there was a hint of a smile peaking out, “I promise.”

“See you around Scarecrow.”

Lydia did what Beetlejuice suggested, she anxiously clutched to her phone as it rang waiting for one of them to pick up. She noticed the confusion in their voices immediately, because even though it felt like this had been hours it had really only be about forty-five minutes. All the feelings started bubbling up again and she whimpered a “Come pick me up.” Within ten minutes they were at the doors of the school where Lydia was still sitting alone on the curb. She stood up and haphazardly walked over, opened the car door and slide in. Her father was driving and Delia was in the front seat, both were looking back at her with a mix of pity and concern.

“You’re dress…” Charles commented and she just gave a sad nod

“Did you bring me a change of clothes?”

Delia handed a bag back to her with a hoodie and pair of jeans neatly packed in. She quickly changed in the car trying not to meet their sad gaze. Without wanting to get into the details right now she swallowed the lump in her throat and said, “Let’s go get ice cream.”

They went to a little corner shop near their house. Lydia had taken Skye there a few times when she was babysitting her, even though her parents think the girl scout is already too hyper. Lydia didn’t really like ice cream all that much, but Beetlejuice was right anything was better than being alone. She went up to the counter to order a cone when she saw someone she recognized from school wearing the tacky shop uniform. She had fourth period chemitry with her, but they didn’t sit anywhere near each other so they didn’t talk much. Her name was Wendy, Lydia thought.

“You skipped out on the dance too?” Lydia asked in a joking manner

“Yeah, I figured it would be a slow night at work anyway and I could make some extra cash. Forgot most of my paycheck comes from tips though, and its been pretty dead.” she gestured to the empty store, “You three are the first customers I’ve had in like two hours.”

“God, you must be so bored.”

“Yeah, I was.” she polished a glass ice cream dish with a rag, “So what can I get for ya?”

Lydia ordered for all three of them, the total was only seven dollars but she handed Wendy a twenty and told her to keep the change. She was sure her father wouldn’t mind and even if he did she’d pay him back later on. Wendy brought their treats over the three of them spent the next hour just talking and joking. Nobody bringing up the dance the whole time, when they were finished Lydia brought their dishes up to the counter so Wendy didn’t have to walk all the way over. Wendy smiled thankfully and handed Lydia a folded up napkin. Lydia started at it dumbfoundedly and put it in her pocket wishing a bashful goodnight to the icecream clerk.

Back at home and through many tears and hugs, Lydia explained to the whole family what happened. Beetlejuice absently mindedly filing his nails when Charles got a call asking if Lydia knew anything about the Jones house being vandalized. Charles cursed them out saying Lydia was sitting outside the whole time. Lydia hid a smirk behind her hands and winked at Beetlejuice. For the rest of the night, they all crammed into the attic to watch cheesy movies that Lydia loved. By around 11pm her father and Delia were off to bed and Lydia was laying on Barbara’s lap while they played lovingly with her hair. As if a shock of realization struck her she scrambled to pull the napkin out of her hoodie pocket, flicked on the lap, and unfolded it.

Inside was a ten-digit phone number proceeded by a message written in Wendy’s dainty handwriting “You’re cute” with a little heart drawn after the phrase.

She felt her cheeks redden and Barbara squealed excitedly for her pseudo-daughter. She wasn’t ready to jump headfirst into an attempt at dating just yet, but something about Wendy seemed right. She would text her the next morning, but for now, they would just be friends. If Wendy was really thinking about her she’d be willing to wait a little bit. Suddenly though she didn’t feel the loneliness she had been dreading come Monday morning

The night Lydia fell asleep nestled in Barbara’s arms, her mother’s necklace still around her neck and while her heart was still hurting from what happened that night she didn’t feel alone anymore.

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ferryboatpeak · 5 years ago

Note

Please please please write the loop hazoff fic, the outline alone was amazing!

anon! can i rap atcha for a bit? because i got the last half of this fic so, so wrong! please accept the following revisions. (thank you to @ticklefightharry for putting up with my immediate rescission of the last plot summary and the three subsequent alternate versions.)

so remember the scene where harry falls asleep in Jeff’s old room? i realized that’s got to be way more pivotal. I think Harry has to have reached a point where he’s been pretty upfront with Jeff about being in a Loop– like, starting their days with a recap of “hey, I’m in a Loop, here’s what we’ve been talking about…” (which is a huge relief for Jeff because he doesn’t have to focus so much on pretending to start from scratch every day.) And at this point they’ve pretty much got their plans hashed out, and Harry’s feeling pretty good about it. Maybe he hasn’t found his soulmate yet, but for the first time ever he’s thinking clearly about what happens after 1D, and realizing that there are good people who can be in his corner.

So that morning he shows up at Jeff’s office per usual, and maybe instead of their typical brainstorming/strategy sessions Harry convinces Jeff to take him to lunch, show him a bit of LA? And Jeff takes him somewhere personal and endearing (help me out, LA people, I honestly have no idea what could be personal and endearing in LA). Maybe for lunch Harry’s expecting someplace trendy (the kind of places he associates with LA, the kind of places industry people usually take him to impress), and instead Jeff takes him to the Apple Pan, tells him about how his parents used to go there when they were dating.

Soooooooo, I think Glenne is in this verse. I think that she and Jeff know they aren’t soulmates but they’ve got a fulfilling partnership anyway. They’ve always kind of known that things would have to end if one of them went into a Loop, but they’ve never actually talked about how to do that gracefully. So when Jeff gets into the Loop with Harry, he’s waking up every morning with Glenne, and he can’t just break up with her, because he needs her at the party every night or else Harry’s going to catch on that Jeff’s only pretending that every day’s the same to him. Glenne’s presence in Jeff’s life is one of the main reasons that Harry doesn’t consider the possibility that Jeff could be his soulmate.

Anyway, so Harry tags along with Jeff when Jeff goes home to change before the party, and at Jeff’s house he sees some kind of casual, comfortable domestic exchange between Jeff and Glenne, and he reacts Very Badly without understanding why. So he’s a little out of sorts when he arrives at the party (with them, instead of with his usual escort from the label), and he’s got to put more effort than usual into being utterly charming, and all of a sudden he’s just so, so tired.

He hasn’t fallen asleep in weeks, he realizes. He’s slept, or at least he’s woken up refreshed, but he hasn’t actually lay down in bed and fallen asleep. He’s just reset at midnight, and woken up to start the same day all over again. Suddenly going to sleep sounds like the best thing, the greatest idea.

And Jeff notices. He asks if Harry’s okay, and Harry says he’s just tired, and make some excuse about jet lag, and Jeff says that Harry can use his old bedroom, if he wants to nap it out. He tries to tell Harry where it is, and Harry blinks slowly and looks puzzled, so Jeff says he’ll take him up there.

The noise of the party fades away behind them as Jeff walks him up the back stairway. Jeff moved out of his parent’s house years ago, but they’ve got plenty of space, so there’s been no hurry to repurpose his bedroom into a home gym or a guest room or whatever. It’s just slowly evolving from Jeff’s space into an impersonal space, and Harry hones right in on the few personal details that are left. A soccer trophy? High school yearbooks on the bookshelf? A flyer from one of Jeff’s best prom afterparties? Jeff is endearingly embarrassed, and Harry gives him a break and collapses on the bed and burrows under the duvet.

He catches Jeff by the wrist as he’s about to leave, and tugs him down onto the bed with him. Stay for a bit, Harry says, and Jeff is already committed to doing anything Harry wants for the rest of eternity, so he awkwardly settles in on top of the duvet and lets Harry snuggle up next to him. Harry’s not exactly touch-starved (having had plenty of sex during this Loop), but he is definitely feeling the absence of meaningful touch, what with all of his closest confidantes inaccessible in London and everyone in LA resetting every morning so they’ve got no idea what Harry’s going through. And it’s so nice to be curled up with his head on Jeff’s shoulder, and even though he’s been starting fresh with Jeff every day, Jeff seems to understand him. He’s not Harry’s soulmate, but he’s Harry’s people, at least. With a faint sleepy lisp, Harry tells Jeff’s shoulder, “I’ll find you. When all this is over.”

Jeff goes absolutely still. “You mean that?” he asks into the dark.

“Yeah,” Harry murmurs. “Of course I do.”

Jeff’s hand is gentle on the side of Harry’s face as he tips his chin up into a quiet kiss. This is exactly the kind of little intimacy that Harry’s been missing, and it’s no big deal because Jeff’s not his soulmate, right? In a different world this could affect the working relationship they’ll have someday, but tomorrow’s going to be another Loop and Jeff will never remember this happened. So Harry gratefully lets himself be kissed to sleep, and drifts off happy in Jeff’s old bed.

EXCEPT next morning they wake up right there and all hell breaks loose. Harry’s horrified that Jeff didn’t tell him, and he’s mad that Jeff didn’t give him any say in ending the Loop, and furthermore he even ended it on a night that wasn’t Harry’s best showing at the party (even though Jeff tells him that doesn’t matter, none of it’s going to interfere with their plans, right?), and he storms out of the house and back to London and throws himself into the WWA tour because fuck Jeffrey Azoff.

But he can’t just go back! Because now he’s started to think concretely about life after 1D, and he can’t just go back to living in the moment and thinking that the ride is going to last forever. Now it’s obvious to him that it can’t, and now that he’s got some idea of what happens next, it’s hard to give up that vision, even if that vision is inextricably intertwined with Jeff. (you know where this is going, right? this means i finally get to write the hiatus meeting scene i’ve been dying to write ever since louis started spilling the tea two and a half years ago!!!)

So Harry’s got a whole long tour to sulk and suffer (in between being adored by entire stadiums.) Jeff maybe tries to reach out early on and Harry rebuffs him, maybe even does it in a very impersonal and insulting way, like having someone from Modest tell Jeff to back off, Harry’s not interested in working with him.

Is there some narry angst here, perhaps? Is niall well aware that harry met up with the azoffs in LA and feeling some suspicion and resentment around that? ANYWAY, Harry also has a whole tour to hook up with anyone and everyone (niall?) and through that process start to work through the idea of Jeff as his soulmate. Not that it matters, Harry tells himself, because Jeff obviously doesn’t have romantic kind of soulmate feelings about him, but if he did, maybe Harry could see himself getting there too?

After a good six months of suffering, the tour eventually reaches the Rose Bowl. Jeffrey Azoff can sure as shit get himself backstage at the Rose Bowl, and he has a Plan for what happens next. But he stumbles through his carefully considered apology/sales pitch, because Harry’s impassive and it only seems to be making things worse, until he completely by accident says something painfully earnest about his Feelings (this bit is all jes, please thank her) and Harry fucking melts. That’s it, that’s the fic!

#loop hazoff #thank you for indulging me anon i am so obsessed with this concept

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sprnklersplashes · 5 years ago

Text

not beyond repair (18/20)

AO3

“So my mom made a proposal,” Veronica announces. She’s leaning against JD’s chest, the two of them half-lying on the grass outside their school and their hands joined and his arm around her shoulders. His cheek rubs against her hair gently, and her thumb strokes the back of his hand. The weather is as close to perfect as Sherwood, Ohio ever gets; the sky is as blue as the blazer she’s sitting on and the grass is so perfect it looks like it’s out of a cartoon. There’s a warm buzz in the air that’s practically tangible, weaving its way into Westerberg High life and turning what were sad-eyed, sullen and slow walking teenagers into bouncing, giggling little messes. The sweetness of summer and freedom is so close they can almost touch it, and for the seniors, that means graduation is closer than ever, something they wouldn’t be able to forget even without the constant announcements of caps and gowns, extra credits and practice ceremonies.

Veronica’s still not sure how she feels about it.

“What?” Martha asks, Heather’s head in her lap and her fingers running through the other girl’s hair.

“It’s this graduation party at my house,” she explains. “My parents had it planned for months and it was just going to be my family.” Martha nods, having already known about it. It would go without saying that family includes her. “But my mom asked last night if you guys wanted to come.” She nudges JD gently in the ribs and nods over at Macnamara, pulling some blades of grass out of the ground. “And your parents can come too if they want. What do you say?”

“I say ‘hell yeah’!” Heather squeaks apparently rejuvenated after being half asleep for most of their lunch hour. “I mean, I don’t know for sure if my parents can come, but I’m definitely going.” Martha kisses her finger and taps Heather’s nose with it, making her scrunch up her face in a way that makes Veronica want to reach over and squish her cheeks. It’s getting harder and harder to make the connection between Heather Macnamara-head-cheerleader-whose-dad-is-loaded-and-who-would-ace-blackmail-if-it-were-a-class and Heather Macnamara-her-best-friend’s-girlfriend-who-doodles-flowers-in-notebooks-and-helps-colour-code-her-flashcards. Back in the day, Heather was definitely the one of the group she got along the most with and was the closest to what she would call a real friend, but even then it felt like there was a sheet of plastic between the two of them and stopping any real bonding. But now, Veronica’s squeezing her hand and shooting little finger guns at her like they’ve been doing it all their lives.

“J?” she asks, pulling his hand into his lap to play with his fingers. “Are you in?”

“Of course I’m in,” he replies, kissing the top of her head and hugging her tighter. The corners of her mouth turn up as he nuzzles into her. “I wouldn’t miss it.” She hums contentedly and continues idly playing with his hand. “So your entire family?”

“More or less,” she sighs. “Perks of being an only child, your parents decide to put all the effort into you.” She squeezes his hand and leans back into his embrace. “That’s why I need you guys there. So I don’t go insane with my extended family.”

“And there I was thinking you actually liked our company,” JD jokes.

“Eh, you’re okay,” she answers teasingly before tilting her head back and planting a kiss on his jaw. She checks the time with a pained groan, bumping her head against JD’s chest before wriggling out of his hold, which isn’t easy considering how he’s tangled himself around her. “Come on. I still have to go to my locker.”

“Me too,” Martha agrees, gently shaking Heather awake. The other girl pouts as she follows Martha to her feet, even if it lessens a little when Martha presses a whispered kiss to her cheek. She rests her cheek on her shoulder as they walk back into school, their bodies pressed close together and their hands clasped. If anyone notices, they think nothing of it.

Inside, kids are sitting on window ledges or cross legged against the walls, jackets off and the freshman girls with their sleeves rolled up to compare tans. It’s Ohio, after all, the first spot of sunshine does insane things to one’s mind. Especially since the weatherman and the growing clouds promise it won’t last.

“Oh, nice,” Veronica sighs, coming to her locker. Someone from prom committee stuck a flyer on it, reminding them of the upcoming event. At least it’s a poster and not an insult, she tells herself as she opens her locker and starts exchanging books.

“Well that’s one way to show school spirit,” JD remarks, taking the flyer off the door and examining it. “If a little tacky.”

“You think prom is tacky?” Veronica asks, ducking her head so he won’t see her face fall.

“Not prom,” he replies. “The amount of glitter on this poster.” She brightens at that, her calm restoring as she closes the locker and takes his hand to pull his arm around her. “I guess the freshman art club lent a hand.”

“Oh, that reminds me, Martha what colour’s your dress going to be?” Heather asks, swinging their hands together. “Because I don’t want us to clash, but I’ve already got my eye on a few.”

“Oh… I don’t know,” Martha replies, scratching behind her ear. “I guess I haven’t looked at any yet. But you should wear what you want.”

“But since you’re my date, I don’t want to wear the same colour as you,” she sighs, her chin leaning on her fist and her mouth screwed the way it normally is when she’s thinking hard.

“Well, why don’t you show me what you’re choosing from when I’m at your house on Friday,” she suggests, rolling her eyes just enough for Veronica alone to notice. “That way I cane make sure I don’t clash with you.”

“Okay!” she beams, her worries flying out of her head. She shares a gentle smile with Martha and their hands brush against each other’s.

“I’ll see you guys later,” Martha says, turning to JD and Veronica as they come to the bottom of the stairs.

“See you later kids,” Veronica replies.

“Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do,” JD adds, earning him another poke in the chest from Veronica. It can’t have been more than slight pressure, but he lets out a squeak and rubs his ribcage with a pout.

“I should fear for my safety around you and your elbows,” he remarks, twirling her under his arm as they start in the direction of their class. He swings their joined hands slowly, a slight frown on his face. “So… about the prom… do I need to know what colour your dress is? Or am I not allowed to know anything about it until the big night?”

“I think you’re confusing it with a wedding, J,” she says. “I guess not. Why would you need to know?”

“Well if you’re my date, don’t I need to buy you a matching corsage?”

“You don’t have to.”

“Okay, let me try this,” he begins. “Since you are my wonderful girlfriend, who I love and to whom I want to give the most amazing prom experience she could ever wish for, shouldn’t I need to buy you a corsage?”

“You’re sweet,” she giggles. Sweet is an understatement really. “You don’t need to.” She looks up just in time to see his smile faltering, so slight and changed so suddenly anyone who didn’t know him like she did would think they imagined it. So she squeezes his hand, losing this battle with no qualms. “But if you want to… I might go with something blue.” She tugs on her blazer. “My lucky colour, I guess.”

“You always look beautiful in blue,” he tells her warmly. She leans her pink cheek against his shoulder, slightly conscious of the eyes of passers-by, even though Fleming isn’t around and hardly anyone from their grade is either.

“I didn’t think you were into prom,” she remarks.

“You didn’t?”

“Just, you never mentioned it,” she replies, slightly regretting it now, even if his amused grin should put her at ease. “We never talked about it.”

“I just…” He trails off and after a moment’s hesitation, pulls her over to the window ledge, sitting up with one leg curled underneath him. He takes her hand as she sits beside him, running his thumb over her knuckles and his face creased in gentle confusion. “I just assumed we were going together.”

“Yeah,” she says, shaking her head. “It’s stupid.”

“Ronnie-”

“Well, I just don’t really know how all this works,” she says. “Even now. You’re my first boyfriend and this is my first time going to a dance with a boyfriend.” She shrugs, toying with the chain of her necklace. “My only reference is romance movies and I don’t think they’re entirely realistic.”

“Aw.” He tickles her cheek and under her chin, making squirm and swipe her hands at him.

“Don’t aww me,” she tells him, shaking her head fondly.

“So… were you expecting me to ask you to prom?” he asks with a grin.

“A bit redundant now.”

“Not the question.” She rolls her eyes, looking over at him. Her JD, his hair pushed back, his eyes sparkling as he waits for her to answer. He almost looks excited, her dork of a boyfriend asking permission to ask her to prom.

It’s moments like this that remind her what being in love is.

“Yes, then.” Although she begins to regret her decision, when he gets up, swirling around in a grand fashion and making the sophomore girls across the hall from them look up from the homework they’re working on last minute.

“J-”

“Sh,” he commands, holding his hand up. She leans back against the window, laughter breaking through her falsely unamused exterior. JD clears his throats and takes in a deep breath, beginning with a straight back and a facial expression to rival Mr Darcy. “Miss Veronica Sawyer. Since the day I laid eyes on you in seventh grade, I knew you were the one for me. You captivated me with your mismatched scarf and your jean jacket, and I knew I wanted to stare into your… into the endless pools of your eyes forever.” She buries her face in her hands, her face red from embarrassment and from holding back her laughter. “And now that we have found each other again, I must ask you a most serious question.”

“Okay what are you and Claire watching?” she asks him between laughs, shaking her head fondly.

When he gets down on one knee, she loses control entirely, barely managing to prop herself up on her elbow all while looking at his completely too serious expression.

“Veronica Sawyer, will you be my date to the prom?” he asks with shining eyes, struggling to keep himself composed as well.

“Oh my God.” She buries her face in her hand, trying to catch her breath and pull herself upright. Every time she’s close to it, she falls again as her cackle continues to echo down the hall. There’s an ache in her chest and God does she love it. “You’re such a dick.”

“I might be a dick, but I’m a dick who is on my knee here,” he reminds her. “And this position is not comfortable, so…”

“Yes,” she interrupts, taking his hand and pulling him up. “Yes, I will go to prom with you.” He pulls her up against him, rubbing their noses together. Her toes tingle as she curls her fingers into his jacket, giggling against him. “You’re such a loser.”

“Oh really?” he asks, raising an eyebrow. She presses her finger lightly against the dimple in his cheek.

“Yep,” she replies, running her fingers through his hair. “Big, dumb, sappy romantic loser.” She presses a short and sweet kiss to his lips. Even if she wanted to, she couldn’t stop smiling, nor could she chase away that giddy warmth in her chest. “That I am very lucky to have.”

*****

Veronica has thought about her dream prom dress more times than she would care to admit. Less now, of course, but in her preteen and early high school days, most of her daydreams involved finding her perfect dress, having her hair done and coming down the stairs looking like a princess, preferably with a wide-eyed boy at the bottom of the stairs. That fantasy was discarded as she grew older and wiser and her classmates became beasts that even she couldn’t ignore. But for a year or two, the idea of her perfect prom had kept her young imagination entertained and active for hours.

So when she walks into the dress store for the first time, she doesn’t mind the flurry of excitement in her chest. She almost feels like her twelve year old self is beside her, holding her hand and jumping up and down as they enter. With its spotless white carpet, sky-blue walls and the silver lights twisted into intricate and enchanting patterns, her own little hometown seems a world away.

“So Heather said she’s either going to wear yellow or white,” Martha says, running her hand along the rack of dresses, pulling at the ones that catch her eye. “So I can’t wear anything that clashes with that.”

“I’ll place bets on her wearing yellow.” Veronica pulls one off the rack, pale pink and thin straps, the top covered in tiny flowers. Holding it up, the lights shine through the net skirt and the flower petals impossibly soft between her fingers.

“That’s pretty.”

“Yeah, it is. Go try it on.” She takes it off the rack and presses it into her best friend’s arms, chuckling somewhat proudly at the confused expression on her face.

“You’re not getting it?” she asks.

“Nope,” she replies, shaking her head. “Pink doesn’t really work for me. Works for you though.” She winks, pulling her into the changing rooms and falls back into one of the white wicker chairs, her long legs dangling over the edge. “Now go. Be pretty.”

She does look pretty in that dress, even as she crosses her arms over her chest and pulls herself inwards, her eyes wide and anxious and silently pleading as she looks over at Veronica.

There’s a strange mixture of anger and compassion in Veronica’s heart. She thought that at this point, maybe she’d gotten over it, but she still finds herself clenching her fist when she’s reminded of how Martha views herself, and who exactly is responsible for it.

And then there’s guilt. A little punch of guilt that comes in, right in the middle of everything. The price of popularity, however temporary, she thinks.

“You look amazing,” she tells her, standing up and taking her hands. Sincerity creeps into Martha’s smile and hope into her eyes as Veronica admires her on her own before twirling her around to face her reflection in the full length mirror. The Veronica in the mirror rests her chin on her Martha’s shoulder, her arms coming around her waist and squeezing tightly. “So…”

“I…” Martha toys with the straps, shifting nervously on her feet. “I don’t know.” She runs her hand down the skirt with a shrug and squeezes her waist. “I mean, it’s pretty. I just don’t know if it’s for me.”

“Okay.” She takes hold of Martha’s hand. She looks stunning in it, but she doesn’t want to press. If it’s not for her, it’s not for her, she reasons. “There’s still a shot load of dresses out there to choose from.”

“For you too,” Martha reminds her with a poke in the chest. “You’re not getting out of this.”

“Wouldn’t ever dream of it,” she replies, giggling, the twelve year old taking over with almost no resistance from her. She follows Martha out of the changing room with bouncy little steps and a light tingle in her chest. Her cheeks start to hurt as she tries to school her features and give a calm front in front of the other patrons, but by the time Martha starts lifting dresses and raising her eyebrows suggestively at her, they can think she’s mad for all she cares. Together, they twirl around and get lost in the world of glittering skirts and spaghetti straps, playing at being princesses in the mirror and matching dresses to shoes to bags. If she closed her eyes, Veronica might be able to think she was back in her bedroom, adjusting a tiara on Martha’s head and tripping over a too-long skirt.

“Hey, this would look really good on you,” Martha suggests, lifting a dark blue one off the rack and holding it up against her, tilting Veronica’s chin up to get a better look of it. “Are you going to wear that necklace to prom?”

“What, this one?” she asks, touching the ever-present butterfly at the case of her throat. “I… don’t know. Maybe. I never really thought about it. Sometimes I sort of forget I even have it on.”

“You should,” Martha tells her. “It’s pretty. And it would look really pretty with this dress.”

“You know, I sort of feel like you’re pushing me in the direction of this dress,” she remarks, taking it off her. It is lovely, a shade or two darker than her necklace and silver sequins clustered around the waist. She finds that the more she looks at it, the more she likes it, with minute details calling out to her, one being the impossibly soft material of the skirt beneath her fingers and the pattern weaved by the little diamonds along the single strap.

In fact, she’s so busy being captivated by it that she doesn’t even register the bell ringing as the door opens, nor does she pick up on the new customers until she catches a flash of a red blazer approaching her.

Yet strangely, she doesn’t crumple in on herself the way she used to, nor is she overcome by a desire to impress. She definitely doesn’t look at them with a wistful awe like she did in her pre-Heathers days. Instead, she merely smiles in Heather’s direction, even as Martha stiffens a little beside her.

“Are you… getting that?” Chandler asks. It’s only when Veronica looks up she sees Duke behind her, holding plastic-covered dress close to her chest, her lips rolled into a thin line and her eyes trained on the floor. She’s seen Duke looking like that before, in the privacy of a bathroom cubicle, where she thinks Veronica can’t see her.

“Yeah… probably,” she answers, looking down at it again. She reaches out and taps the back of Martha’s hand gently, brushing her fingers against hers.

“Well…” Here we go. “You should. It’s pretty.”

Wait, what?

When she looks up again, she doesn’t find the poison-laced smile and raised eyebrows she’s come to associate with compliments from Heather Chandler. Instead, she offers an offhand shrug, her face halfway to a smile. A real one too, even if it look false on her face.

“Thanks,” Veronica says. Heather nods, drumming her fingertips on her arms. Behind her, Duke takes a deep breath, her face softer than Veronica’s ever seen it, before tugging on Chandler’s elbow.

“Mac isn’t with you?” Duke asks just as they’re turning to leave. It comes out so quickly and haphazardly that it all sounds like one word and Veronica takes a moment to sort through and separate it into something coherent. Even Chandler seems surprised at what she said.

“She didn’t want to see what I was wearing,” Martha answers. “She wants to be surprised.”

“Oh,” is all she says, nodding quickly and holding her own dress tighter.

Thankfully, they take the tight, tense air with them as they leave, their heels hitting the floor in a confident rhythm that doesn’t match their fidgeting fingers and unsure faces.

“Are you okay?” Veronica asks, noticing Martha’s eyes following the two of them out the door.

“Yeah,” she says, turning back to the rack with an unfamiliar determination and picking one off, one she had hastily dismissed mere minutes earlier with a wistful look down at herself. Now she holds it up in front of her, taking in a long, deep breath, her jaw set. “I’m going to try this one on.”

“Really?” she asks, breaking into a smile. Martha nods, a spark in her eye that Veronica hadn’t realised she had missed until now. “Good.”

She’s just pulled the single strap of the dress over her shoulder when Martha knocks on the door, quick and apprehensive and tinged with impatience. Despite the door between them, she can almost see her beaming smile and wringing hands, see her biting her lip like she’s trying to hold herself together.

“Come on. I don’t want to look in the mirror without you.”

“Okay, I’m coming,” she laughs, shaking her head a little and running her hand down the skirt. From her perspective, it’s pretty perfect, but she’s looking from the neck down. She tucks the label in, pulls it down one last time and steps out, met with a sight that makes her catch her breath.

“Woah,” they say at the same time. If it was the Heathers’ arrival that made Martha pick that dress, then thank God for them, because it’s amazing. Pink and purple flowers are weaved onto the white fabric, her hair falling over her bare shoulders, a deep purple ribbon around her waist and a full, flowing skirt. It’s uniquely Martha, she thinks, like God hand-picked that dress for her.

“You look amazing,” Veronica breathes, gently taking her arm and moving it away so she can look at it properly. Martha looks down, half hiding her smile.

“You should see yourself,” She responds, taking Veronica’s hand and turning her around to face the full-length mirror.

The girl in her reflection looks everything and nothing like her. Same long limbs and pale skin, big brown eyes and dark hair she can never truly get under control. Everything is the same as when she left the house that morning, except for the fact that she’s in the most lovely thing she’s ever worn and might ever wear in her life. Everything she loved about it on the hanger comes alive on her, the diamonds on the top winking at her every time she moves, the ruffles on the skirt move like ripples on a lake and when she turns it spins around her, floating on the air and pulsing like butterfly wings.

She lets herself be arrogant for a moment and appreciate the colour against her skin, how the skirt hugs her waist before flowing outwards. She lets herself think ‘damn’ and turn around a little to look at the back, lets herself be in love with the way it shimmers under the overhead lights. She lets herself smile and gasp and be excited for herself. She lets herself believe she looks beautiful, and she won’t feel bad for it.

“Told you,” Martha says, brushing her hair off her shoulder. “You think this is it?” Veronica takes her hand and wraps her other arm around Martha’s shoulder, smiling back at their reflections.

“Yeah, I think it is.” She squeezes her best friend’s shoulders tightly, rocking them a little. “As long as you’re getting that one too.”

“I think I am,” she says, pulling at the skirt again, half-gasping and half-laughing. Martha’s never been one to hide her feelings, but she probably couldn’t now even if she wanted to. Neither could Veronica. They exit the store with broad grins and borderline infectious giggles, their dresses neatly folded in white paper bags, throwing suggestions for shoes and accessories like they’re frivolous pieces of paper as they bounce along the streets.

The twinge of sadness kindly doesn’t make itself known until she returns home. But when it does, she feels it.

Dear diary, Veronica writes that night, retreating to the best source of comfort she knows. She looks over at her wardrobe, where her prom dress sits in wait, a plastic sheet protecting it from any dirt or dust that might dare to spoil it. She clicks her pen in and out again. I’ve spent my entire life waiting for the day I leave. I started researching colleges when I was fifteen. I knew where I wanted to go when I was sixteen. I threw all that work into getting out when I was seventeen. And now I’m eighteen and all I want to do now is stay.

She turns her head, not sure why until she catches sight of two of the photos on her nightstand. One of her and Martha eating ice cream cones on the beach in the era of braces and bad hair, one of her and JD, her sitting behind him and kissing his head while he laughs at something. She turns the photos over in her hands, both memories just about clear in her head, and takes a deep breath.

I changed this year, she writes. More than I thought I could. Everyone did. The Heathers leave us alone for one. Martha has a girlfriend now and I’m in love with JD, and I’m happy. I never wasn’t, but it’s a new kind of happy. I guess I didn’t realise it existed until I had it. She chews on the edge of her pen, breathing through the heavy weight sitting in her chest. She doesn’t feel like crying, not exactly, but when she looks up on her calendar and sees the days marked until graduation, there’s a flash of panic inside her, followed by a little melancholic kick. She looks out at the town she grew up in, one that for better or worse has marked her soul. A car ride away is the girl who’s held her hand since before she could walk and the boy who now holds her heart. And while she doesn’t regret applying to college, she starts to wish that it wasn’t so soon. And I don’t want it all to end yet.

#jdronica #heathers the musical #veronica sawyer #jason dean #heathers fanfic #fic: not beyond repair #what if i told yall the next chapter is coming tomorrow to make up for this less-than-good update?#huh?#would you love me again?

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