#Prom dress styles A-line

[mididressobsessed]

Source: chicwish.com

[rambling-at-midnight]

Second Chances (Part 2)

Pairing: Jason Todd x Vigilante!Reader, Jason Todd & Damian Wayne & Reader

Summary: Your and Jason’s relationship gets off to a rocky start in that, well... it doesn't have a chance to start, because the whole universe is conspiring against Jason. Everything comes to a head when a particle collider in STAR Labs malfunctions.

Word count: 5.8k

Six days after Jason discovered your regeneration abilities finds him waiting at a coffee shop at 8:53 a.m. He anxiously checks his watch again. You agreed to meet at 9, which really means you’ll be there by 9:10. He didn’t want to drink his coffee too quickly (how long did coffee dates last? He looked it up online and the results were inconclusive) so he drank a cup at home before leaving to sate the caffeine addiction every vigilante in Gotham suffered from.

It hadn’t made him more alert. Just more jittery.

Jason’s knee jogs beneath the table. It felt too high school prom to ask what you planned on wearing beforehand, so he used his best judgment (Damian would say Jason’s judgment was never good, but what did Damian know) and wore his only pair of jeans and a plain gray t-shirt. He knows a suit is too formal for a coffee date, and his usual sweats or gymwear is too casual. You’ve seen him in all kinds of clothing, so his appearance barely even matters, but at this point he’s going to sweat through the t-shirt before you even get here.

Instead of fiddling with his clothes, Jason combs his bangs back again.

As he walked through the door, Jason’s stomach had flipped like it was freefalling. A hundred little thoughts occurred to him, like, What if the shop’s closed today or What if this is the only coffee shop in Gotham that requires formalwear?

All his fears were unfounded. In the corner, a hipster wearing a fedora sips on his iced macchiato. Two tables down is a gaggle of GCU students that look like they’re cramming for finals. No one even looked over when he sat down to reserve this table for the two of you. It’s right next to the big ornamental bookshelf in the back of the shop, so hopefully you two will have a little more privacy.

Everything should be fine.

Everything is fine.

Jason checks his watch again: 9 a.m. sharp.

Shit. Should he order you a coffee before you get here? Is that presumptuous? Jason knows your usual order, but what if you have a different one here? What if you’re running even later than normal and by the time you get here all the ice is melted and you drink sad, watery coffee to make him feel better?

He should order your drink. Or maybe he should let you order your drink, and he should buy your pastry. Jason stands, then checks his phone to see if you’ve texted. You haven’t.

There’s no line, so he has no time to ponder the decision. When the barista asks what he wants, Jason panics and orders two drinks and two pastries. He saw something on the internet the other day about how women don’t like that anymore because then they feel obligated to stay at the date, but you know that he won’t pressure you, right? Like, sure, he’s never been in a relationship before, and Jason’s pretty sure he’s been in love with you since before he died, and he also wouldn’t be mad if you moved into his apartment tomorrow and never left, but he doesn’t have any expectations for today.

He thinks you two are compatible. Jason hopes so.

He checks his watch again: 9:04. A terrible thought occurs to him. What if you sleep through your alarm and never show up?

At 9:07, Jason’s order is ready, and when he turns around with two drinks and a bag of pastries in his hands, someone says, “Hi,” at his elbow.

Jason is a highly trained vigilante. The sight of him makes criminals crap their pants. He’s mastered over twenty styles of combat.

Jason jumps and drops the coffees.

Because you’re also a highly trained vigilante, you catch them without a drop spilling. “Hi, Jay,” you say again, eyes crinkling with your smile. You look… nice. More than nice. Just like you’ve seen Jason dressed any way, he’s seen you wear anything, and you never look anything less than perfect. But he appreciates that you put in the effort today.

Jason swallows. “H—” His voice cracks. “Hey, Y/N.” He cringes internally. So smooth.

You check the labels on both drinks and tape a sip of the one for you. “Thanks for ordering. Sorry I was late. Wanna sit down?”

“Yeah, sure,” says Jason. He sits in the chair across from you, then feels awkward with his hands. Should he put them in his lap? Keep them in sight?

You, on the other hand, seem completely at ease. Your eyes flick over him as you take another sip of coffee. Jason’s whole body flushes at your examination. He busies himself with his drink.

After about thirty full seconds of silent coffee drinking, you tilt your head and ask, “So how have you been?”

“Good,” Jason says. “I’ve been—good. You know. Recovering.” Internally, he curses his twisted tongue. “How have you been?”

“Pretty good,” you reply. Take another sip of coffee. Maybe you’re just as nervous as he is.

Jason nods. “That’s good.”

After another brief silence, you sigh and lean forward. Your eyes sparkle, like you’re trying to share a secret just between the two of you. “This is awkward, isn't it?”

Oh, God. You’re about to tell Jason that you two are better off as friends. “I mean, first dates are supposed to be a little awkward, aren’t they?”

“Well, yes, but because you’re essentially meeting a stranger. We’re not strangers, though. I know basically everything about you, and you know all about me.”

“Oh.” The thought of meeting up with a stranger to establish a relationship doesn’t appeal to Jason, honestly. He doesn’t think he could ever love someone he didn’t know. He doesn’t think he could love anyone more than you.

You cover your mouth with one hand. “Holy shit. I totally forgot. This is your first ever date, isn’t it?”

Jason feels his cheeks flush scarlet. “Well, technically, but—”

“Yeah, hanging out with Janie Morris in the library in seventh grade doesn’t count.” You wave your hand. “I’m so sorry. I’m totally ruining your first first date.”

“I wouldn’t call this ruined,” says Jason. He asks hesitantly, “Would… would you?”

You smile sweetly. “No. I’ve just never gone on a date with someone I liked this much. I’m a little nervous.”

Jason’s stomach flips. He opens his mouth to say something, but the sound of gagging cuts him off.

Damian and his friend, the youngest Kent kid, stand in line for coffee behind an absolute dickhead wearing a Blüdhaven police officer uniform. Dickhead has his back turned to you, ordering for the ungrateful kids, and Damian’s lip is curled while Jon Kent has his tongue out and finger pointed at his mouth, pretending to retch.

“What are you doing here?” you and Jason ask at the same time, but with vastly different tones.

As soon as he pays, Dickhead turns around and grins brightly. “Hey, guys! So you’re the reason Dami insisted on getting coffee before school.”

“Did Alfred give permission for that?” you ask.

Jon shoves his hands in his pockets and whistles. Damian suddenly finds the ceiling very intriguing.

Jason checks his watch. “He’s going to be late,” he says pointedly.

Dick shrugs. “That’s okay. I was late almost every day to Gotham Academy.”

“Yes, because you were a teenage delinquent. Those of us that actually care about our academics—”

As Jason continues to argue with Dick, Damian turns to you and says plainly, “You could do so much better, Y/N.”

“Come here, Dami.” You beckon him forward, and he sidles over reluctantly. You rub at his cheek with your sleeve. Gently, quietly, so he isn’t embarrassed, you chide, “That’s not a nice way to talk about your brother.”

Damian scowls. “He is not—”

Suddenly, the cash register topples over, pushed out of the way by Kite Man’s expanding kite.

You shove the kids behind you. Jason shoves you behind him. Dick shoves all of you behind himself.

Kite Man shouts at the underpaid barista, “What do you mean no one ordered my special drink this week?”

“I’m sorry, sir,” the barista says. “Nobody wants green raspberry lattes.”

“Green raspberry?” Jason asks in disbelief. “Does that even exist?”

Kite Man whirls around. “Yes, it does, and it’s fabulous!” He stands in front of the door and shouts, “Nobody leaves until you all have tried my signature drink!”

Well, of all Gotham’s rogues, Kite Man is relatively harmless. It’s probably easier to just try the drinks and tell him that it tastes good instead of fighting.

Judging by the look on your and Dick’s faces—mutual exasperation—you’re all on the same page.

Unfortunately, the hipster in the corner doesn’t agree. He throws his fedora on the ground and raises his fist in the air. Presumably he has something motivational to say about nonconformity or whatever they care about nowadays. Unfortunately, the shop’s glass windows shatter, and four men with Penguin masks and large guns enter.

“Hey!” Kite Man complains. “I was in the middle of holding these people hostage!”

A squat figure waddles into view. “Fly away now, little birdie, or you’ll find yourself between my minions and a hard place.”

Kite Man shakes his head. “Just because you buy into your bird theme doesn’t mean we all have—”

One of the goons cocks his gun.

“Fine,” he huffs, “I’m going. But I’m telling everyone that you stole my heist.”

Cobblepot rolls his eyes. “You do that.”

Clothes rustle behind Jason, and when he glances over his shoulder, your date clothes have been replaced by your Ghoul costume. How did you even do that?

The Ghoul mask has no visible eyes, but Jason sometimes thinks he can see yours through it. “Get down.”

“Ghoul—”

“All right!” Cobblepot shouts. “Everyone, hands up and wallets out. As long as you’re smart birdies, I’ll let you all fly the coop.”

“Speaking of flying, has anyone here ever seen a flying idiot before?”

Cobblepot pauses. Everyone slowly looks up, and up, until they see you perched on top of the ornamental bookshelf.

“They’re about to,” growls one of the goons. He raises the barrel of his gun, but you’re already jumping to avoid the spray of bullets, feet out and aimed right for Cobblepot’s middle.

The force of your jump sends him across the shop. You land much more gracefully, put your hands on your hips, and say happily, “Now everyone has.”

The goons open fire.

Jason flips the table up, then crouches behind it. He pulls Damian down and curls around his soft human body. The Kryptonian kid will be fine. In fact, he’s in front of Dick, doing his best to use his invulnerable skin to deflect any bullets that fly in their direction.

Jason’s teeth grind. He hadn’t brought his helmet because he’s an idiot. There are a couple knives tucked into his left boot, and one handgun hidden in his right, but bullets spew so heavily over their heads that he doesn’t think he can join the fight without his armor.

Bodies hit bodies and people grunt. A man grunts, and you cry out. You grunt, and one of the men cries out.

Dickhead finally does his job. He twists around, face twisted into a snarl, and tackles someone out of sight.

“It’s Signal!” one of the goons screams.

Jason squeezes his eyes shut and covers Damian’s when the force of the sun lights up the room. Judging by a couple screams, the goons weren’t so smart.

When Jason straightens up, two of the goons roll around on the ground, clutching their faces and screaming about going blind. Dick has the other two handcuffed, and Signal has Cobblepot pinned.

Where are you?

Jason scans the entire shop, but he doesn’t see you.

“Todd!” Damian tugs his hand. “This way.”

Jason lets the kid steer him through the shop and out the back door. After a second, he realizes that the kid is following a trail of blood.

Shit. Shit, shit, shit.

You’re in the alley behind the coffee shop, wedged between two dumpsters. Judging by the smear of blood in front of the one meant for recycling, you collapsed in front of it, then dragged yourself between the two to hide. Blood stains your pale suit from the trail of bullets in your stomach. One of the goons managed to hit you with at least seven. They’re all in a straight line across, too, and Jason would admire the marksmanship if it didn’t mean you’re bleeding out in the middle of an alley.

You rip the fabric of your suit until the torn skin is visible. Then you reach into one wound with your bare fingers. Sharp, pained gasps escape your mouth, sounds that would be screams had you more strength.

You pull out one bullet. It rolls away underneath the dumpster.

Jason drops to his knees. As much as he knows, intellectually, that you won’t die, it’s something else entirely to watch you bleed out. “Ghoul?”

Your helmet lolls. You cough, and red stains your mask from the inside out. “Hey, Jace. Sorry. Give me a sec.”

Damian pushes past Jason. You manually push your legs out of the way so he can crouch next to you, ignoring the puddle of blood growing around his shoes. They’re black, so the stains won’t be visible.

“Hey, bud,” you say weakly. “You okay?”

Damian nods. “I am fine.”

“Fucking Gotham,” you mutter. “Not even nine-thirty…”

Someone gasps behind Jason. He whirls around, ready to defend you when you’re unable to.

Dickhead has one hand over his mouth and another over Jon’s eyes, even though the alien can probably see right through his fingers. “Oh, that’s not good.”

“S’okay,” you say. Try to give them all a thumbs-up. “They nicked my spine, actually, so I can’t feel anything.” You cough again, make a choking sound, and go limp.

Jason feels it when you die. His heart twinges, and everything in his vision goes half a shade grayer. There’s less color when you aren’t in the world.

“Oh, my God.” Dick pulls on his hair. “Oh, my God, they’re dead.”

Jason tilts his head. “You don’t know?” He looks at Damian. “He doesn’t know?”

“I don’t know what?”

“Ghoul’s healing abilities are more advanced than we were led to believe,” Damian says briskly. He pulls tweezers out of somewhere and roots around in your wounds, extracting each small bullet with expert precision.

“Dami, stop that,” Dick says. He pulls out his phone. “We need to call someone. Jason, you stop Damian—”

“He has to remove the bullets before they can heal around them,” Jason says.

Dick stops dialing whatever number he’d thought of. He stares at Jason. “What? Jay, Ghoul’s—”

“Dead.” Jason’s mouth is sticky around the word. “Yeah, I know. But not for long.”

“Whoa,” breathes Jon. “I can see them healing.”

“Okay, someone had better explain to me what’s going on right now.”

Jason opens his mouth to, but then you suck in a deep breath and sit up, patting your stomach to check that you’re intact again.

And. Well. That pretty much explains it all.

You and Jason try to plan a makeup first date four days after, just a quick lunch on your work break, but that’s interrupted by a last-minute order, and you cancel when Jason’s already outside the building with flowers in hand. Then you stop by Jason’s apartment for a bookshop trip, but find him passed out on the ground from several stab wounds, and ‘patching Jason’s wounds and ordering takeout’ doesn’t quite count as a first date. Every time Jason visits, Damian is already there with a smug smile to belittle everything he says. Your relationship deserves a proper first date, with nice clothes and the right setting, and he can’t do that simple thing for you.

Two weeks go by, and Jason still can’t take you out on a proper date. The whole universe, and especially Damian Wayne, are conspiring against him.

But tonight will be the night. Tonight, Jason set up a (fake, he doesn’t want to set the whole building on fire) candlelit dinner in his apartment. Tim has been thoroughly bribed to keep Damian busy no matter what, Cass and Babs are handling Crime Alley, and Nightwing is patrolling your usual stomping grounds. Bruce accepted all this as measures to keep Gotham nightlife on its toes, so Jason doesn’t expect any issues from him.

Tonight, nothing will go wrong.

Only two minutes after the arranged meet time, you knock on his front door, and Jason trips in his haste to answer it. He almost brings down the entire table, but his hand narrowly misses hitting the edge. Jason catches himself against the wall and wrenches the door open.

“Hey, Jay,” you beam. You’re dressed somewhat nice, not that Jason’s complaining, but now he feels overdressed in his button down. At least his feet are bare. Speaking of, where are his socks?

“Hey. How are you doing?”

“I’m good, I—”

You stop short at the sight of the dinner. Jason swallows. Is it too fancy?

Then you snort.

Jason’s chest hurts.

“Sorry, I’m sorry,” you say immediately. “Just—I didn’t think you were the kind of guy to celebrate every milestone.”

“What?”

“Well, I mean, this is our two-week anniversary, right?” You step further into the room and shed your jacket. “It’s sweet, Jay, really, but it’s really not necessary. Between the two of us, I’ll probably forget our one-year anniversary, so at least you’re good with dates.”

“Hang on,” Jason interrupts. “What do you mean, it’s our two-week anniversary?”

“Um, yeah?” You give him a weird look. “It’s been two weeks since we started dating. Or did I get the dates wrong?”

“We’re dating?” Jason squeaks.

You squint, open your mouth, and check the date on your phone. You close your mouth and say hesitantly, “Aren’t we?”

“You never told me that!”

“I didn’t realize it needed to be said!”

Jason splutters. Of course it needed to be said! “I never asked you to be my partner!”

“Well, duh, but you asked me out and brought flowers to my work.” You put a hand on your hip and pop it out. “I thought we would work out the details later. Look, am I wrong? Did I interpret this all wrong?”

Jason could rip his own hair out. “I’ve been trying to take you on one good date this whole time!”

Your face is blank for a while. Then you cover your mouth too late to hide your snort. “Sorry, sorry.” Your hands flap in the air, then you give him an apologetic look and set them straight at your side. “I’m being serious. Just, hon, what about the other dates weren’t good?”

Jason bluescreens at the nickname. He’s not sure how long he stares at you, but once his brain reboots and he realizes he’s standing like a creep, he wipes his chin to make sure there’s no drool on it, then says, “I didn’t even say anything to you when I dropped off the flowers!”

“Yes, I was on call, but I appreciated the gesture.”

“Then that other time, I nearly bled out and stained your clothes with my blood.”

“Yeah.” You bite your lip. “That was kind of stressful, but you weren’t in any real danger of bleeding out. I would have freaked out a lot more if that was the case. Besides, I like taking care of you.”

You have got to stop saying cute shit like that, because Jason’s whole face heats up like a tomato and he can’t muster up any real words. What is it about you that turns him into such an idiot?

“Every time I go to your place, Damian’s there.”

“Damian is literally always at my apartment. I’m afraid that you’ll see even more of your brother if you really start dating me. Since we haven’t been already.”

Jason sheepishly rubs the back of his neck as you sidle closer and grab his other hand. Your fingers intertwine with his. “I guess that was kind of stupid of me, huh?”

You shrug. “Not stupid. A little silly. But still cute.” You bounce on your toes and give Jason a look, and all he can think is Oh my God.

Because this is it.

He might have read everything else wrong, but Jason is pretty damn sure that you want him to kiss you for the first time. He might be awful, might be the worst goddamn person you’ve ever kissed, but he’s willing to practice until he’s the best.

Jason’s neck cranes. He leans down and you lean up, eyes fluttering shut, and…

Your phone rings.

Everything pauses. Your eyes open, and a crinkle appears between your brows. “I should take this.” You silence the sound, then look over the electronic screen. Jason doesn’t peek, although his Bat-paranoia is begging for him to.

“Isn’t your ringer always off?”

“Yeah, it’s, um… it’s an alarm,” you say.

You’re a terrible liar.

“You sure?”

“Yeah.” You smile, but this time it looks forced. “I’ll see you later, Jay.” Instead of trying for a kiss again, you trap his arms to his side in a bear hug, then dart out the door.

Jason sticks his head into the hallway and shouts, “Are we still getting coffee tomorrow?” That was his backup plan for if something fucked up this attempt at a first date.

And something did.

You’re already gone.

He goes to your weekly coffee spot anyway in the vain hope you’ll show up. Nine o’clock passes, then nine-thirty, then ten.

After two hours of waiting, Jason has to concede that you’re not showing up.

The moment he stands, someone clears their throat, and when he looks back, Damian is in the chair across from him.

“Do you ever go to school?”

“At approximately nine-forty last evening,” started the brat, but Jason cut him off.

“Not interested in whatever tantrum you’re pitching now.”

“Sit down, Todd.”

“Why should I?”

“Because I know where Y/N is.”

Jason sits down.

Damian clears his throat again. “At approximately nine-forty last evening, Barry Allen sent a distress signal to the Justice League. Batman went to Star City to investigate, and he took Ghoul with him.”

“Why would he do that?”

“How should I know, you insufferable hooligan?”

Seriously. Victorian child. It was honestly ridiculous.

Damian lost a bit of confidence. “I am…” He bit his lip. “Worried.”

“Why?”

“I have not heard from Father or Y/N since their departure.”

Shit.

Jason shot to his feet. “Do we have a zeta to Star City?”

Damian scoffed. “Of course.”

“Good. We’re going to use it.”

“Affirmative.”

Jason drags the kid by the collar of his shirt. His bike is too far, so Jason hotwires a car and hauls ass to the Cave. Everyone else in this stupid nocturnal family is still asleep, so no one interrupts them when Damian turns off the zeta’s parental override and plugs in their coordinates. It’s a good thing he keeps a spare suit in the Cave; he hadn’t even thought to grab it from his apartment.

Jason takes a deep breath before stepping through. He’s had some time to think, so he knows exactly what he wants to say. He’ll apologize. He’ll ask to work through why you think your pain is such a non-issue that you’ll throw yourself at death headfirst. You’ll explain your thoughts, and agree to start thinking about your own health, and then maybe you’ll say ‘I love you’ to each other and kiss and live the rest of your lives happily ever after.

Jason steps into a tornado.

A metal plate zips by so close it nearly shears off his nose. Jason cries out and stumbles back, tripping over Damian as he emerges from the zeta.

“Are you sure you took us to the right place?” he shouts over the whirlwind screaming in his ears.

“Of course!” Damian yells back. “I do not make mistakes.”

“Then what the hell is going on here?”

“Unclear! The zeta should have put us in STAR labs!”

Jason stares at the big metal contraption in front of them. “I think it did.”

“What?”

He shouts, “I think it did!”

If Jason is ever going to look at a machine and think, Wow. That looks exactly like a time machine, this is that machine. It’s almost too massive to take in. And something is definitely wrong with it, unless lightning is supposed to be crackling around it and its metal plates are supposed to be peeling off.

Why had the Flash called Batman to help? What could Bruce do that a speedster couldn't?

“He’s gonna kill me for bringing Robin here,” Jason groaned.

Damian shouted, “What?”

“Nothing!”

Something yellow zips in front of them, and all of a sudden Jason can hear. His stomach just about falls out between his teeth when he pukes.

Damian doesn’t puke, although he does look queasy.

They’re now in another room in the lab. Thick glass windows separate them from the tornado. Watching the metal whirl around is kind of hypnotizing.

“Sorry,” says the Flash. “That happens a lot, actually.”

When Jason looks up, Batman and Ghoul are glaring at him. Funny how he can tell, even though neither vigilante’s mask exposes much (or all) of their face.

“Red Hood,” growls Batman, “what are you and Robin doing here?”

Jason looks past him and says to you, “Why didn’t you tell me you were leaving?”

Flash looks between you and Jason and coughs into his hand, “Awkward.”

You roll your eyes beneath your mask. “I thought this would take an hour, tops.”

“Things have gotten… out of hand,” says Batman, which is akin to someone else screaming about the apocalypse and end of all humanity.

“Two important pieces in the collider disconnected early this morning,” says Flash.

“Okay,” says Jason. “So put them back together?” Aren’t these two supposed to be Earth’s smartest heroes?

“It’s not that simple.”

“Why not?”

“Quantum mechanics,” says Batman. “Too complicated to explain.”

You whisper behind your hand, “He’s been trying to help me understand all night.”

“So there’s technically good and bad news,” says Flash. “Good news: the malfunction is fixable. Now. It wasn’t before. Bad news: holding the machine together while it resets will kill you of radiation that unwinds your DNA. Good news: if I vibrate at just the right frequency, I may survive.”

“Okay, great,” says Jason. “What are you waiting for?”

“For you four to get out of range of the blast zone, mostly,” Flash says. “There is a small non-zero chance that the whole building will combust.”

“Five minutes should do it,” Batman growls. “Come along, Robin.”

Instead of coming along, Damian says, “What is that?” and points over Batman and Flash’s shoulders.

Everyone turns to look.

“I don’t see anything,” says Jason. He turns around to see Damian’s arms wrapped tight around your middle. By the time Flash and Batman turn back around, the boy’s arms are crossed over his chest as if nothing happened.

“Apologies,” Damian says stiffly. “I must have imagined it.”

Batman knows his son well, and he eyes Damian suspiciously, but at that moment a piece of debris hits the glass at the right angle, and shoots into the room. Flash jumps out of the way and it buries into the wall behind him.

The tornado’s cacophony is even louder, if that’s possible. Flash blurs into motion, and the ground pulls away from Jason. When he stops moving at the speed of light, he’s crouched beneath a desk next to you. Damian and Batman are together under the desk to your right.

Jason peers around the edge. All he can see of Flash is a yellow blur darting all over the machine. For a moment the wind stops, and every piece of debris clatters into the walls, then onto the floor. Jason’s ears ring.

“Is that it?”

There’s a tremendous crash, and Flash slams into the wall. The force of it holds him there for a moment, and then he tumbles to the ground, unconscious.

Batman darts out from the desk to pull the man’s body to safety. He taps Flash’s cheek, but the man doesn’t stir.

Well, shit. How long can they wait for Flash to wake up?

You say something, but Jason doesn’t hear. He shouts, “What?”

Your hands pull at your mask, and you yank it off, ruffling your hair. Jason smoothes it away from your face on instinct.

“Just tell me what to do,” he shouts.

Your eyes close against the wind. Tears escape the corners of both.

Jason feels your gentle fingers around the edge of his mask, and he helps you remove it. “What is it, Y/N?”

“I’m sorry,” you say. “This isn’t fair.”

“We can—why are you saying this?” His eyes dart between you and Batman. The tornado in the other room is growing worse by the second, but he’s just looking at you two like some soap opera.

“Hey!” Your fingers latch in the front of his collar, and you yank Jason’s surprised mouth down onto yours. Your noses bump, and he forgets to breathe (he should joke that you take his breath away when all this is over) but it’s… It’s perfect.

His first kiss.

Damian yells, “Gross!”

You pull back. A brilliant smile lights up your face. “Hey. I love you.”

“I love you too,” Jason breathes.

Metal clicks around his wrist.

Jason looks at the handcuff, not really understanding your plan until you latch the other cuff around one of the desk’s bolted-down legs. “Don’t you dare,” he says. Jerks his wrist back. The cuff clatters but holds.

“I’ve got a chance.”

“Not a good one!”

“I’ll see you in a sec.” You stand up.

“What are you doing?” Damian hollers.

“Don’t do this!” Jason shouts. He fights with the handcuffs, and they creak, but he won’t get out of them in time to stop you. Anxious desperation courses through his veins. “Y/N, get back here!”

Damian’s head whips between you and Jason. His eyes widen, and he lunges out from behind the desk to stop you, but Batman catches him around the middle and hauls him back kicking and screaming.

You shout to Batman, “Get them out of here!”

The cowled man looks at you for a long moment. Jason’s spirits rise: will Batman stop you?

But then he nods smartly, giving you permission to exit the room and enter the tornado. Batman tears the door handle off seconds before Robin hits it, banging his fists on the metal and screaming your name. He lets Robin tire himself out doing that and crosses over to Jason. “Will you fight me?”

Jason stares at his father, tears brimming in his eyes. “How could you let them do that?”

Voice completely emotionless, Batman says, “It was the most practical risk to take.”

“I hate you.”

“That’s okay.” Batman crouches and reaches a hand out. He strokes Jason’s hair twice, the way he used to when they were younger, and Jason hates the way he leans into it. “I’ll be back for you, then.” He straightens and barks, “Robin, to me!”

Damian whirls around, teeth bared in a feral snarl. “I will not leave Ghoul!”

Jason can’t hear whatever Bruce says to him, but somehow he persuades Damian to help pick Flash’s limp body off the ground. With a flourish of capes, they disappear, and Jason’s left alone, handcuffed to a desk, listening to the tornado in the next room tear apart the love of his life.

The wind crescendos.

Abates.

The building holds its breath, and then—

Whoosh.

Jason curls up into as tight a ball as possible, teeth gritted against the terrible flooding heat. If not for the shelter of an entire wall and desk separating him from the flames, Jason would be burnt alive. No one could withstand—

Jason whirls around and screams, “Y/N!” The stupid fucking handcuff, he pulls against it, and it bites into his wrist, drawing blood. “Fuck, I’m being so fucking stupid—”

Jason braces the metal chain against one of his knives and applies pressure until it snaps. Then he’s up, feet skidding over glass and metal shards, and he bursts through the door to the particle collider. “Y/N! Ghoul!” He can hear his own panicked breathing, but he can’t regulate it.

You’re okay. You have to be okay. You survived a broken neck, severed spinal cord, and seven bullet wounds to the abdomen. Just because Jason can’t find your body doesn’t mean anything. Just because the room is filled with ash and dust and dirt and no fucking body doesn’t mean anything.

Jason screams your name until his throat is raw. The particle collider is ruined, partially collapsed, and Jason slices open his palms on jagged edges trying to shove it away. Are you stuck beneath it? Jason doesn’t even know what parts were broken.

Something clatters behind him, and Jason whirls around, but it’s just Batman.

Surveying the damage, the man abruptly looks old beyond his years. He barely spares Jason a glance before beginning his own search for you.

“Y/N! Please!” Jason begs. “You can’t be dead, you promised—”

“Red Hood,” Batman says, and his voice is so raw that Jason whirls around.

There’s a pale-clothed arm in Batman’s arm. Jason gasps.

Then he sees that it’s attached to a torso.

Batman grunts and tugs, and the rest of you slips out from under a thick sheet of metal. “Oh, fuck,” Jason says hoarsely. He stumbles over the mess and falls to his knees in front of you. “You smart little asshole, you—” Jason feels for a pulse.

Nothing.

What had Flash said? The radiation unwinds your DNA? Is that something Professor Pyg’s sick experimentation could protect you from?

“Hood,” Batman says.

“No.”

“Hood—”

“Fuck off, B.”

Instead of fucking off, the older man pulls down his cowl and sinks to Jason’s level. “You’re bleeding, son.”

“It’s fine,” Jason mutters. His hands are rubbing it onto your suit, but you’re good at getting bloodstains out of the fabric. It’ll be okay. “Come on, Y/N.” His lower lip wobbles, but Jason resists the stone forming in his throat. You’re fine. You’ve always been fine.

Maybe you just need to breathe better. Jason rips off your mask, but that doesn’t help. Maybe he needs to breathe. He removes his own helmet, but that, too, makes little difference.

Physically, you look fine. Jason doesn’t see a single wound.

Of course, it would be hard for the naked eye to recognize unwound DNA, wouldn’t it?

Jason abruptly has a rush of sympathy for Dr. Fries. He doesn’t give a shit how long it takes or if the technology hasn’t been invented yet, your DNA is getting re-wound.

Then you suck in a deep breath. Your eyes fly open.

DC taglist

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forever taglist

@lemirabitur @annymcervantes @queenmissfit  @iksey @thehyperactiveteen @luxmoonlight @andreasworlsboring101

[milesmolasses]

maybe e-42 miles x black fem fashion designer reader 👉🏾👈🏾 and she makes all different types of clothes like street wear and party dresses, and some girls even pay her to make their prom dresses and miles being her model for stuff.

my lil fashionista (e-42 miles x african!reader)

— I’ve added a small twist to this request I hope you don’t mind

— designer… but make it african

— this song has been on my mind all day

— ⚠️: use of the igbo language, some things may be confusing because they are written in broken african english, cursing, this one is on the longer side

in your room scattered with fabrics and sewing materials, you were on the phone with a last-minute client who wanted a prom dress done for her daughter. she was a close friend of your mothers and she called you expecting you to help her out on this last minute request, with prom only a month and a half away. but hey, if she was willing to pay double, who were you to refuse?

she was sending designs and inspo pictures, as well as different materials she wanted you to use on the dress. your mind was reeling, trying to write everything down as she spoke to you on the phone about all of the measurements of her daughter.

"ah, see the picture I sent to you now on whatsapp, that's kind of the style of dress we want for her. the long skirt one," she yelled into the phone. you could hear all the traffic from the road she was on, as well as gospel music from the speakers of her car.

"aunty have you changed the colors of the dress now?" you asked, praying she would say no as you looked at the photo she sent. you had already taken the fabrics out of your wardrobe and laid them out, so a change in colors would only stress you out more.

"no, same colors—"

just then, the woman was cut off by the sound of your phone ringing. you could hear it buzz on the wood of your floor, and when you went to check on who it was, you saw it was your boyfriend miles. "ahhh leave me nah!" you groaned as you picked up the phone to decline his call.

"are you talking to me?"

"no! no no no aunty, someone called me sorry," you pleaded, not wanting to seem rude to the woman who was paying you good money to make a dress on such short notice. you haphazardly threw your phone to your bed as you focused on remembering all of the measurements she told you and writing them down.

"biko (please), what did you say her busts were?" you requested.

"ahn that one is—"

just as she was about to tell you the measurement, your phone cut off. looking at the device on your bed, you saw miles was calling you again. you sucked your teeth as you declined his call, once again. knowing miles, you placed your phone on dnd to make sure you wouldn't get any more of his calls.

you sighed as you just decided to re-take all the girls' measurements whenever she got to your house.

"am nearing your house now, can you buzz me in?" the woman on the other line asked of you.

"of course, just tell me whenever you ring," you said. the commotion and traffic you heard before were gone. "she must be close," you thought to yourself.

you threw your notebook and pen alongside your phone on your bed as you went to focus on the half-finished dress on your mannequin. it was your own prom dress that you chose to make completely on your own, choosing to go for a more cultural look this prom season. you left the needle and thread looped through the sleeve of the dress to attend to the client you had on the phone, but now you went back to the dress you were working on.

the top of the dress was a beautiful, deep, dark red corset with jewels decorating the bust of the dress going all the way up to the sleeves. a swirl pattern of shimmering vines decorated the rest of the top portion. the bottom of the dress—a beautiful maroon color that was also decorated in shimmering, floral vines— went straight down in a tight fit to accentuate all your curves. not yet added to the dress, was the matching train, which you would sew later.

you were about to make the last loop around before finishing off the first sleeve of the dress when you heard a buzz from the front of your apartment. sticking a random hole in the dress to place the needle in, you tugged your bonnet off your head and ran to the buzzer. after buzzing the woman in, you waited by your door patiently.

after a few minutes, your doorbell rang. after waiting a few seconds to make it seem like you weren't literally right next to the door, you unlocked the door and swung it open.

"Y/N, kedu ka ị mere? (how are you),” she asked, leaning in to hug you.

“adị m mma aunty (i'm fine aunty), I was just finishing up a dress i’m working on," you responded. you looked at the girl right next to the woman; she looked just about your age.

"Adaoma you don't greet? is this not your agemate?" she looked to her daughter who made a face of discomfort. you understood exactly what she was feeling as her mother said that, so you shook your head as you chuckled and smiled.

"it's fine aunty, come inside both of you," you affirmed as you walked backward into your apartment.

as they sat down on your couch, you turned to your kitchen and headed straight for the fridge, "do you guys want some lemona—"

you couldn't even get the sentence out as you heard your buzzer buzz again. without thinking, you walked to your door and buzzed whoever the perpetrator was in.

"ah ah, are you having visitors?"

"no, it's probably just my mom. I think she forgot her key on her way to the market," you reasoned. walking back to your kitchen, you poured two glasses of lemonade into glasses and walked back to the living room couch where your visitors stayed.

"thank you my dear," said the woman. her daughter mumbled a small "thank you" as you handed them the cool drink.

"I have the measurements written down somewhere, hold on," you said, running to your room.

as you were searching your room for the small book you kept full of measurements and designs, you heard your doorbell.

"fuck where is it?" you whispered, scolding yourself for losing it so easily. your bell rang again, and then it rang a third time.

"oh my god— I'M COMING!"

finally, after recking your room completely, you found the book on your bed right next to your phone. you were too happy to beat yourself up about how stupid you were to not check your bed first, so you ran back to the living room, placing your things on the small coffee table.

you muttered an apology to your guests as you turned to the door, unlocking it. who you expected to see was your mom frantically telling you about how she left her keys at home before going to the market. however, what you were met with instead only made you even more annoyed.

"why you not answering the phone, hm?" came a deep, calm voice from the other side of the door.

sighing, you calmly tried to collect yourself, tilting your head back and saying a small prayer to the lord up above.

"miles, please. i'm doing something right now," you pleaded. the last thing you needed was your passive-aggressive boyfriend pissing you off when you already had so much to get done.

tilting his head forward, he peeked into your apartment looking at the people sitting on your couch. when he saw that the older woman was wearing a blouse with an African print—an Ankara blouse— he knew to watch his mouth when he entered your home.

"Y/N, who is that? is it your mum?" she questioned. sighing, you opened the door wider, revealing miles standing there with his head down facing you.

"no aunty, one of my friends came to visit," you said, putting on the fakest smiles known to man.

"introduce yourself, friend—" you grunted that last part, hoping miles got the message.

"good afternoon ma'am, my name is miles," he said walking up to the lady to shake her and her daughter's hands. he gave a small smile to seem less intimidating than he usually did and straightened out his back a little.

pulling miles away from your guest, you excused the both of you, walking over to the kitchen. "are you insane just coming here like you own this place? you couldn't even bother to call me before showing up here?" you whispered, not needing anyone but miles to hear you.

"excuse me, but you're the one ignoring my calls and leaving me on delivered. I sent you like ten messages but you ain't even look at them huh?" he accused sounding annoyed with you. you thought back to when he was calling you and you ignored him completely, going as far as to put your phone on dnd.

"if you did look at my messages, you would've seen one of me telling you I'm coming over. but you obviously too busy for me," he chuckled, but ain't shit was funny to him. "my fault, lemme get out your way—"

cutting him off, you grabbed his hand under the kitchen island to make sure any lingering eyes couldn't see you. you never want him to feel like you don't have time for him, miles was everything to you.

"no, no i-i'm sorry miles, i'm just a lil stressed right now. i'm handling a lot... don't go, baby stay."

he sighed looking around the room. he was definitely mad in the moment, but he understood what you were dealing with right now at this moment. he squeezed your hand from under the island and nodded his head yes. immediately, you wrapped your arms around his neck and pulled him in for a hug with a smile.

that was until you heard a cough coming from your living room. turning your head, you were met with the eyes of a wide-eyed woman with her hands folded on her lap, seeming very uncomfortable. almost immediately, you shoved miles away from you and turned to face the woman.

"ahem, uh, s-sorry aunty— i'll be right there," you said looking down at your feet ashamed. you turned to miles and gave a small head nod towards your bedroom, signaling him to reside in there until you were finished.

It only really took around 30 minutes for you to discuss plans on what the dress would look like, and to take the girl's measurements. she showed you her pinterest board of prom dresses she had in mind and you even helped her settle on a photo for you to refer to while making the dress. after the thirty minutes were over, you gifted them some puff puffs your mom cooked earlier that morning and bid them farewell.

sighing in exhaustion, you walked back to your bedroom ready to relax and focus on your current project, only to find your boyfriend hovering over it. he looked absolutely entranced at the sight of the dress, from the jewels sewn into the plunging neckline to the way the rest of the dress shinned whenever the sun from your window hit it just right. he'd seen you wear clothes like this to weddings and whatnot, but every time you managed to blow him away with how effortlessly gorgeous you looked in them.

"it's stunning mi reina," he said, finally turning to face you. you walked up closer to him and leaned your entire body into his, wrapping your arms around his waist. "you think so?"

"baby I know so. you don't even have the dress on and i'm blown away," he reassured to you as he held you closer to him.

looking up at him you reached up to peck his lips, that was until he moved his head back to avoid your kiss.

"what's wrong?" you questioned.

he smirked down at you as he shrugged his shoulders, "nothin', i'm just wondering when you gon' make me a nice suit to match ya dress."

— lord have mercy

— i’m like dying here

— please read lol (｀_´)ゞ

[dronebiscuitbat]

Oil is Thicker Then Blood (Part 20)

Getting ready for a party was stressful in it's own right. As it turned out.

After dropping off Tera at the nursery and saying a quick hello to Mrs. Rayn, both drones near sprinted back to their respective apartments, Uzi hadn't brought anything extra accept her pajamas, and needed to find something formal to wear.

The way Thad had described it, he was throwing a do-over Prom. After the official one was accompanied with murder and chaos, so it was encouraged, but not required, to wear formal clothes.

And Uzi thanked her oversentimetal post-prom self for looking for other dresses after the fact. She didn't mind the one she wore at prom, it was actually one of the things her dad had gotten right about her style, but she'd wanted something… more.

So, she dug out her chosen dress and it's accessories and tried it on for the first time in almost four months.

It was a dark purple dress that was a little shorter than the one she'd worn at prom, with a leather lined collar with a black skull sitting right at the center of her chest. It was perfect, especially with the gold that ran through it in subtle vine-like patterns.

She totally hadn't picked it out because the little bit of gold had reminded her of her the golden boy. No, not at all.

She ditched her beanie this time, deciding to actually do something with her hair for once even if that something was just comb through it.

As a final touch, she snapped on a bracelet she'd found that she'd liked, it was spiked, but honestly it fit the asthetic pretty well, and just edgy enough that even though it was jewelry, she didn't mind wearing it.

Looking back into the mirror, she looked… good, and for the first time in ever. She felt that she looked good too, maybe because it was actually something she had picked out this time, or maybe she just felt better about herself now than compared to Prom.

N did not put so much thought into his.

It wasn't that he didn't want to it was just that he only had the one suit. And he hadn't really bothered to go out looking for more clothes. So that's what he wore, and he was thankful that Uzi had patched it up for him after he'd gotten bisected.

He still looked dapper though, so his lack of effort didn't bother him so much.

And then they were both off again, racing to meet each other at the first (or third, as they were inside) door, excitement and nervousness mixing together in an exhilarating combination that seemed to vibrate off N and tighten uncomfortably inside Uzi.

N came to the door first, no doubt aided by his long AF legs and how fast he'd been walking, he glanced around excitedly, but even being able to peer over the several heads of drones that were also making there way outside didn't help him spot her out.

And that was because she wasn't there yet. She was currently one with a sea of people, getting caught in it due to her size and how quickly the wave was moving through the hall. She was actually getting beaten around a bit, trying to make her way through without using her tail to frighten people away from her, despite the temptation.

Finally, N saw a group of people come around the corner and spit Uzi out of them rather violently, she also didn't look entirely happy about it either, shooting back a glance at the group before looking around and making eye contact with him.

If he hadn't already fallen, he might have in that moment.

She looked gorgeous, the deep purples in her dress combined with the sparkling golden lines cutting through it, the black little skull over where her core would be. Her hair was free of her beanie and a little spiked bracelet rested on her wrist that seemed to bring the whole thing together.

He felt his face heat up before she even reached him. If he thought her Prom dress looked good on her, this was leagues better.

“Oh w-wow. You look really pretty in that…” He said almost the moment she was in earshot, making her pause and a blush to take over her face as well.

“Uh thanks… you wore the suit from Prom?”

She asked back, clearly trying to talk through her fluster instead of stewing in it. She also may or may not have felt a little proud of herself for garnering that sort of reaction out of him.

“Yeah, it's the only thing I had…” He faltered a little, picking on the sleeve of his suit out of nervousness.

“Hey it's not bad! You look just as good!” She hurriedly tried to comfort him but only ended up making them both fluster more, N couldn't help but smile though, and he closed the gap between them, standing at her side.

“Dapper Buddies?” He asked goofily, referencing himself, and holding her shoulder, making her roll her eyes and also reference herself, by elbowing him lightly, although it wasn't even hard enough to knock the wind out of him, much less hurt.

“Come on.” She laughed as they followed another group outside, only for them both to gasp in awe as the scene unfolded before them

If one thing was clear, Thad definitely knew how to throw a party.

There was a huge temporary stage put up, with giant salvaged speakers on either side currently blaring EDM as loud as they could, string lights were hung on the buildings above them, and several tables of bot-safe food framed what was clearly the dance floor, which had been cleared of snow and a thick black tarp laid down to keep the snow melted.

“Holy crap.” Uzi said first, looking over at N who was still taking it all in for a moment before looking back at her, he let out a giddy laugh before taking her wrist and near sprinting into the main party, making her yelp before she was dragged along.

Thankfully N parted the crowd pretty well and when they stopped they were by one of the tables near the stage, they both had to turn down the volume on their audio receptors in order to prevent from damaging them.

Despite not being able to hear each other, they both laughed at how obnoxiously loud the music was, and N looked behind them to the table, where there was a bowl of batteries, small screws and washers, and copper wiring.

Eyeing a battery suspiciously, he popped one in his mouth, where it sparked and popped as his fangs peirced it, the feeling almost made him jump, but it wasn't unpleasant, and the resulting discharge made him feel slightly more energized, even if it quickly faded.

He caught Uzi in one of his visor eyes, laughing at his reaction before thrusting her hand in the bowl and taking an entire handful. She smirked at him before throwing back the whole handful into her mouth and biting down, hard.

The sparking and popping was audible this time, and it nearly filled her mouth with it's intensity, the shock was so great it made some of Uzi's hair stand on end as her eyelights glew a little brighter for a moment as her system absorbed the energy.

To N it was as adorable as it was funny, he laughed as she struggled with chewing the popping snack and tried to pat down her static filled hair, all the while trying not to laugh with batteries in her mouth.

The song died down, leaving only the constant wind that was usually howling itself horse to fill the silence, even if right now it was the equivalent to a light (freezing cold) breeze.

“Hey everybody!” Thad's voice came booming from the speakers as both drones turned their volume back up, he was standing on the stage, looking completely in his element as he gestured the crowd of teens and young adults.

“Thank you for coming out tonight! Hopefully this makes up for Prom yeah?”

Most of the crowd yelled back a “yeah!” And somebody screamed, because somebody always screamed.

“Alright! I got a couple bands to play tonight, and after that, I'll be your DJ till morning!” He said the last part a little louder, pumping his fist up in the air and hyping the crowd up more.

“Let's get this freaking started!” He yelled out, and the crowd vibrated in anticipation as the first band came out to set up, Uzi and N looked at each other in the moment of relative silence.

“Wow, He's actually kinda good at hyping people up isn't he?” N asked, and Uzi smiled back, laughing lightly.

“Are you kidding? This is Thad at his best.”

“Hey M'n’Ms! Zi!” Speaking of, the jock in question came sprinting off steps of the stage towards them, waving with a huge smile on his face.

“You guys made it!” He exclaimed, stopping short of running into the both of them in his excitement. Uzi was right, Thad looked like he was consumed by excitement, the chill persona eclipsed by the side of him that was a party animal.

“Told you we were, even if I had to drag Uzi here.” N replied, earning him a light hit in the chest, Thad only laughed.

“I was a little worried about that after the last time we spoke, glad he was able to wear you down Uzi.” He turned to her with a smile before his face got a little serious.

“Oh! Hey if you guys have any trouble tonight you come get me yeah? There's a lot more people here then I was expecting… so I don't know who you'll run into.” Thad bring any sort of serious about anything was… off-putting, but they both nodded before a voice cut through the crowd.

“Thad! Over here!” He looked up and waved happily at someone in the crowd, and he gave them both a wave goodbye as he sprinted bravely into the mass of moving bodies.

Soon after, the sound of instrumentation started to waft from onstage, Uzi and N moved farther away from the speakers, but still avoided the dense sea of people in the center, moving somewhere towards the back near a keg that said “Oil”

“Oh! What is this?” Being farther away from the blaring speaker allowed them to actually hear each other, but as N reached for a cup to fill, Uzi grabbed his hand and moved it away.

“That's fermented N, it'll get you drunk.” She explained, pointing out the several drones who were already slurring their speech and inventing weird dances on the dance floor.

“That's a thing?”

She nodded before glancing around for anything to drink that wasn't fermented, but found nothing but more kegs that likely all had the same thing in them.

“Looks like thats the only thing that's here… N!” She looked back at N to see him sipping lightly out of a cup filled with the stuff, he looked over at her with a grin.

“Hey I'm just tasting it! Plus it'll be through my system in like an hour anyway… my filters are too strong for it to last very long.” He shrugged as he took another sip.

“It's… really sweet…” He hummed as he seemed to drink from it more deeply, curiosity got the better of her and she got her own cup, filling it up from the keg before taking a swig of it.

N was right, it was sweet, almost too sweet, like someone had dumped five pounds of sugar in it before mixing it. But she still found herself liking it, weather it was because she'd actually liked the taste or it was the solver making it taste better she wasn't entirely sure.

“See?” He chuckled as they both stayed there awhile, not exactly getting drunk but absolutely drinking enough for them both to start feeling it in their processors, Uzi began to laugh lightly at a little bit of everything and N felt his nerves begin to melt away from him, looking at Uzi freely with half-lidded eyes as she giggled at essentially nothing.

A slow song began to play from the band onstage, and the crowded dance floor cleared out a bit leaving only couples that had paired up on it, he looked back at Uzi, face lit up by the string lights she was following with her eyes, and, without thinking;

“Would you wanna dance?” He asked rather abruptly, a fact that normally would have made him cringe and backtrack but right now he stood his ground.

Uzi felt her face flush, wondering if he was serious or not, but the genuine way he was smiling and holding out his hand to her told her that he was, she took his hand and found herself being walked to the dance floor.

“I uh… don't know how to dance.” Uzi admitted as they were now face to face, N was no longer holding her, but they were still rather close, N just smiled anyway.

“That's okay! Let me teach you! Just follow my lead.” He first grabbed her shoulder before blushing a little and looking to the side “Uh… can I?”

Uzi blinked before realizing he was asking for her permission to touch her, because of course he was, he was still N, even if he was being propelled forward slightly by the oil.

She nodded, as words began to fail her. And he gave her another gentle smile before leading one of her hands to his chest, and the other on his shoulder. Before both his hands rested on her hips.

The position brought the nerves back, and N gulped, he'd done this relatively smoothly up until this point, where the oil wasn't really helping his nerves due to the proximity, but he fought through it, he did say he'd teach her after all.

“Just relax.” He said, although if he was being honest it was more for himself then for her, and he started putting her through the steps he could do in his sleep at this point.

A step forward, two steps back, another step forward, all while turning slowly, and he tried to ignore her clumsy footing, he'd done the same thing while Tessa had taught him, and she was rapidly memorizing the steps anyway, each one getting more confident as they swayed together.

The blush nor the smile left either of their faces the entire time, and neither could take long looks at the other without quickly looking away.

When the song ended and they parted, it took a moment for them both to calm their fluttering cores, but N felt Uzi take his hand and lead him off the dance floor again, either not commenting on or not noticing the spark that passed between their hands.

N noticed, and it made him smile to himself, feeling more and more confident that she felt the same way.

“That was actually kinda fun…” She admitted after getting away from the speakers and releasing his hand, her voice had lost any angst or bite to it, even though she was in public. And he couldn't help but feel proud that he was the one who'd done that.

“Yeah! You were getting the hang of it pretty quickly!” He replied, keeping a bright smile on his face that wasn't at all faked, he was so so happy right now, literally nothing could bring him down.

Until something brought him down.

He felt a tap on his shoulder and he whirled around, looking down at a drone with black hair done up in a fancy bun and orange eyelights that was piercing into him rather harshly. She also wore a black dress that completely exposed the glass covering of her core, and a choker studded with orange gems.

“H-hi?” He stammered out, trying to be polite but honestly a little irritated that his conversation with Uzi had been interrupted.

“Hey there handsome.” She hummed in a seductive tone, leaning into him as far as she could without directly touching him, he took a step back, obviously uncomfortable with the proximity. He could hear Uzi make a noise, and he didn't have to hear it well to understand she was upset for him.

“I'm Chloe… N right?” His need to be polite nodded while the rest of his body tried to move to create further distance between them, but she just continued to close whatever space he made.

“You wanna dance? I can keep up with you without tripping over my feet.” She laughed, and it was too high pitched and immediately grated his ears. He frowned, knowing immediately who she was referring to.

“Uh… no-no thank you. I k-kinda came here with someone.” He took another step back and even attempted to turn back towards Uzi, just to make sure she was still okay when a cross between a moan and a pain-fueled growl escaped his mouth, and he turned back to find Chloe with the vial of his tail clasped in her hand, running a finger down it, almost to the tip of the needle before pulling her hand away.

“I always did wonder how it feels to get stung~” N was about to yank his tail away before she gave it another stroke, causing electricity to shoot into his legs and nearly paralyze him. He whined, this really wasn't pleasant…

“Hey! That's not a toy! Leave him alone!” Uzi shouted, rushing forward and trying to snatch the vial out of Chloe's hands, but she moved it put of her reach, also giving his tail a yank in the process, and he winced at the feeling.

Any amount of force he put into trying to pull away was now met with her squeezing it roughly, essentially trapping him with his own tail, he gritted his teeth and squeezed his eyes shut, this felt too similar to how J would “tease” him, fiding everywhere he was sensitive and just continuing to touch until it hurt.

“Awww what? He likes it~” She drug the tip of her finger all the way down to the tip of the needle, causing a small drip of acid to get pushed out and onto the floor, N's breath hitched as every single sensor up his back went off unpleasantly. He growled in warning, and one of his hands turned to claws, no, No! He wasn't ever going to be treated like some plaything again!

“Are you serious?! He's so obviously not into it! You can't just-” She was interrupted by her own tail rushing forward to try to bite Chloe, startling her just enough to let go enough for him to yank his tail away, trembling.

Her tail hissed after it missed, creating so much venomous saliva it was eating through the tarp rather quickly, one of her eyes turned to an “x” as she took stance in between them.

“You fucking freak! You have a tail?!” Chloe screamed, jumping back and causing commotion around them, several people turned to stare.

“Yeah I do! Leave him the hell alone! You're the creep who wanted to get stung!” She bit back aggressively, and her tail bit into the air, still desperately lashing out to try and sink it's teeth into Chloe.

“I-uh” Her orange eyelights looked over at the drones who were looking at them, an mandarin colored fluster taking over her face.

“Whatever! At least I'm not his baby-momma.”

Uzi felt a coil snap as she found herself suddenly lunging forward, tiny claws unsheathing from her fingertips as she tried to swipe and leave a permanent mark on her visor, only stopped by N himself, who had caught her mid-launch.

“Woah!” He said as she felt herself struggle against him, still trying to claw the insufferable bitches visor out of her head when someone else seemed to appear beside them.

“What's going on here?” Thad had entered the scene, as by now the situation had garnered quite the crowd, his eyes drifted from Chloe to Uzi, who had finally stopped struggling against N, to N, which gave him an apologetic look, although even behind that look Thad caught the rage, given away his heavy breaths and erratically waving tail.

“She freaking touched- you don't touch people like that!” Uzi yelled, as N put her down, her tail in her hand as she couldn't control it wildly snapping around at the people around them, content to bite anyone if it couldn't reach it's intended target.

Thad suddenly looked incredibly worried, he looked between N and Uzi to figure out which one of them had been touched, before deciding that it didn't matter, and he was ending this.

“You. Out. Now.” He pointed to Chloe who looked shocked, she pointed to herself and almost laughed.

“M-me? You can't honestly believe the freakshow over me?” Thad looked back at his two freinds, Uzi had finally calmed her tail down and was holding N's arm, clearly trying to comfort him, N himself was visibly shaken up, but his tall had begun to wag regardless.

“You heard me. Go home.” Thad turned back to her, putting himself between her and his two friends, she scoffed, although clearly embarrassed, and sauntered off back inside, but not without a final “Whatever, this parties lame anyway.”

He watched her, and made sure she'd actually left before turning to the crowd that had gathered. “Alright, this is over, go back to whatever you were doing.” and thankfully they listened, getting all the attention off the two.

“You guys okay?” He asked, touching the shoulders of both Uzi, and (although he didn't quite reach) N, looking between the two worriedly.

“Yeah I’m- were fine. Thank you Thad.” N replied, holding his tail extremely close to him, almost like it would suddenly come unattached from his body if he didn't.

“No problem, I wanna make sure my two friends are comfortable, and not harassed by… whoever that was.” He paused, looking thoughtful for a moment before starting again. “I can understand if you wanna leave after that, that was… not cool.”

Uzi and N looked at each other, N looking unsure until Uzi took his hand.

“We can go home if you want, we can just spend the rest of the night watching terrible horror movies?” She suggested, squeezing his hand, he sighed softly, trying to shake off the lingering anxiety that remained in him.

“N-no, we shouldn't let that ruin our night. I wanna stay.” He smiled, releasing his tail so that it could coil up behind him, pointing away from others obviously.

“Great! Glad that didn't scare you off!” Thad laughed before yet another situation was brought to his attention.

“Is that a magnet? Oh for Robo-Christs sake!” He ran off abruptly, shouting at another group wildly, trying to get them to put the magnets away before an adult saw them, they were barely getting away with the oil as it was.

“You sure you're okay? I don't mind heading inside.” Uzi double checked, still not quite letting him go, he smiled back, taking a deep breath to dissolve the jitters the situation had caused him.

“Yeah, Can't let some jerk spoil our fun. We were having a good time before that right?” Uzi nodded, but not before pulling him into a quick hug that he eagerly accepted.

“You wanna dance again? The music is a little more upbeat now. I can teach you some more?” He asked, pushing whatever had just happened into the back of his mind for now. He wanted to be here, having a good time. Not to dwell on someone that didn't deserve time in his headspace.

“If you're up for it?” And so he took her hand again, running off onto the dance floor to completely rid the situation from his mind by immediately overwriting the memory with the images of Uzi twirling around him as they did some sort of waltz, always touching in some way but always moving.

She wasn't very good, but that didn't entirely matter, as it made it more fun, he'd correct her trips by catching her into a dip, or guide her along if he felt she was getting lost.

By the time that song was over, he'd successfully gotten over it, and was laughing along with her as she tripped again.

“I'm… not very good at this am I?”

“That's okay. That's my job right?” He replied as the last song actually performed by a band came on, it was lively, with guitar and trumpet and drums that made you want to tap your feet.

“One more, and this time I promise you'll be good at it.” He held his hand out again and she took it without much hesitation, and they were off again, and while he started about the same as the music kicked up he quickly changed gears, his wings unfolding from behind him as he slowly took her in the air.

She was taken aback for a moment, not expecting it, before realizing what he was getting at, she wasn't great at dancing, but she was great at flying. So after adjusting her dress so that it wouldn't rip, and pushing down the anxiety that came from showing them in public, she let them unfurl from her back, following him into the air.

They started flying low, startling several people and making several others cheer for them as they flew through the air, slowly picking up speed as they spun around each other like a pair of dancing dragons. Then as the band spotted them, they began to play faster, either to encourage then to fly faster or to incorporate them into their performance, either could be true, but it did work, they flew faster, N coming in front of her to grip her hand before taking her up into the air.

They rose up into the air, the sound of the music fading behind them as they spun around each other, gravity catching up to them as they slowly began to fall back down, if N hadn't caught her into a dip that was reminiscent of a tango, and bringing her back up to his chest, one of his hands intertwining their fingers and the other holding the small of her back. Her wings folded back into her, leaving them to hover there under the power of N's thrusters, still spinning gently. One of Uzi's hands was on his shoulder, and she laughed airly before leaning into his chest gently, enjoying the feeling of his touch, perhaps it was the oil, or the mood. But she didn't feel the need at the moment to hide any of her affection.

N felt his core start to ache, his grip on her hand tightened as his other trailed up her side and eventually ended up at her chin, gently using his thumb to turn her face towards him. The action was barely an conscious one, he just… wanted to look at her.

Her eyelights were so bright, they almost glimered, a look of mild surprise passed across her visor, accompanied by a small smile. Her deep purple dress billowed around her, the gold seeming to sparkle even more this high up, and her hair, for once, flowed freely around her shoulders instead of being trapped inside her beanie.

“I… have I ever told you how beautiful you are?” He asked slowly, his breath threatening to get caught in his throat, his thumb moving up to caress the seam under her visor, the tension in him so tight he could barely contain it.

“N…?” Uzi had been paralyzed the moment she felt his hand start to travel up her side, she could barely believe this was happening, this whole night had been…. something. And despite the part of her that wanted to beat off the cheesiness with a stick. This whole thing was really nice…

“Because you are. Not even just because you're in a dress but… just all the time.” She felt herself glancing down, blushing and trying to conceal her fluster before his hand came back to lift her head to look at him. It was so forward that Uzi couldn't do much but gasp a little and blink rapidly.

The air was thick around them, even through the fermented oil currently clogging his processors he was still nervous, but at this point it was a little late to back out. He'd already spoke his mind, it was time to commit.

“I… I think.” He felt himself heat up underneath her gaze. He had to keep going, the oil doing it's work to keep him from loosing his nerve, but it wasn't lasting very long in his systems, it was starting to wear off. He needed to do this now.

“I think I'm in love with you, Zi.” He finally forced out, voice so low it was barely audible, Uzi felt sparks light up in her core, and although she was silent, the hand she had rested on his shoulder went to the side of his face.

“You're so perfect. A-and smart, and you always know what to do… and you're so soft with me, and-and Tera too. And I just, really want you with me. Just doing… anything.”

Because I love doing anything, as long as it's with you.

Uzi didn't know what to say. Nothing in her arsenal of life experience could prepare her for this, a confession of love that was so sincere she almost felt like she was about to cry. All words within her processors died, even the fiesty ones.

“I… almost thought you felt the same way, but if you don’t I-”

No! He was taking her silence as a rejection! She frantically thought of words to say, anything, literally anything! But nothing was coming to her, her panic worsened until a desperate thought entered her mind.

If she couldn't use words, she could always use action.

The hand that had intertwined in his suddenly and roughly gripped his suit tie, surprising him and knocking him out of whatever sad rejection acceptance speil he was about to go on. Uzi was shaking like a wet kitten, but the look on her face was determined.

In an incredibly quick and not-at-all graceful movement, she slammed their visors together, making them clack together awkwardly and sending N reeling back in slight pain, looking incredibly surprised and confused.

“Uh…” He responded dumbly, and Uzi felt like making herself plumet to the ground so she didn't have to feel the searing hot embarrassment coursing through her, her entire visor was overtaken with blush, and she reached out to try and apologize while also covering her face with her hand.

“I- sorry! I was, gah- why is this hard?!” Words came back but none of them were anything but embarrassed cries and half-apologies, she buried her face in both her hands, hiding herself from him.

“Uzi?” he was so patient, his voice didn't hold any signs that he was upset, and she felt one of his hands pull one of hers away from her face, they were still hovering, thank robo-god, so no one could see her horrible attempt at kissing him.

“You- I'm not rejecting you! I just didn't know what to say!” She finally admitted, shouting because of how uncomfortably small she felt, but with how her visor was still consumed with purple, N could tell she wasn't exactly angry.

“I was uh… trying to kiss you.” She then admitted again, although this one in more of a whisper then a yell, it was N's turn to blush as he looked to the side before looking back into her eyelights.

“O-oh…” She wasn't looking at him, instead nibbling on her knuckles and looking like she'd rather perish then be alive right now, and he smiled, taking her hands and putting them back on his chest.

“Do you wanna try again?” He asked, face lighting up further and causing Uzi to look back at him, surprised, a cheep coming out of her mouth before she slowly nodded, leaning back into him, and feeling one of his hands drift back to the small of her back.

This time they both leaned in, Uzi's hands holding tightly on the collar of his suit and N's other hand coming up to cup her face.

A spark passed between their visors, jolting them both before causing them both to smile softy at the other as they finally closed the gap, soft silicone meeting soft silicone.

It only took a moment for them both to melt. Anime and movies had gotten it wrong, this wasn't a start of a fire or like getting caught in a thunderstorm. It was warm and it was comfortable, like they'd been doing it all their lives instead of right now for the first time. It was pleasant and chaste, and when they parted the warmth between them remained.

N blinked, his core feeling incredibly light like he'd just put down something he'd been carrying for a long time.

Uzi felt dazed like someone had just woken her up from a decade long nap and she wasn't sure where or when or who she was.

N laughed lightly first, mostly at himself but a little at her starstruck expression. Uzi was next, joining him in an expression of how… stupid this whole thing had been.

“When…?” She asked, trying to think back as cuddled closer to him, not feeling the typical complaints from her brain that usually would accompany such an affectionate action.

“We were flying together, and a love song came on… you looked really pretty with the eclipse.”

“That was over a month ago!” She exclaimed, being a little impressed on how well he'd hidden it. She'd still figured it out, but still.

“You?”

She hesitated, did she really want him knowing how long she'd had feelings for him, Prom had been almost four months ago at this point.

But looking at him… she couldn't lie.

“P-prom.” She stammered out, and he froze, looking up at the stars with bewilderment.

“That was so long ago! Why didn't you say anything?” He asked, a wider smile on his face, it made Uzi fluster again, and she did the stupid girly thing of trying to put her hair behind her nonexistent ear.

“I- I'm me! I'm not exactly ecstatic to voice how I feel. Unless it's angst.” She shouted, leading them both to laugh again, although N leaned it once more, resting their visors together while looking deeply at her.

“You've liked me longer then I've liked you…” He pointed out, making her want to cringe. It wasn't her fault! He was just so… nice!

“Sorry I made you wait so long, I'm not the smartest drone.” He said.

“That's okay… That's my job, right?”

They both leaned in again, enjoying every moment of their time in the sky, being able to pay very little mind to the still raging party below them…

Next ->

[chuusheartattck]

THAT’S THAT ME ESPRESSO (TTME)

Chapter 32- Flashback mary ☕️

*This is a flashback chapter to Y/n and Scara’s high school days*

It was homecoming day, not any homecoming, but the last one you were ever going to experience in high school. It was your senior year and you wanted to make the most out of your last year of high school.

Your morning started out normal. The group chat was buzzing with excitement. They were also happy that Scaramouche was going to be hanging out with the group after being away for a while. He was always with his other group of friends, the ones you tried keeping away from.

You knew that Scaramouche was nothing like his friends. It was just upsetting that he wouldn’t publicly stick up for you. Despite all that, you and Scaramouche still called every night and shared things about each other’s day. He was good company to have.

The weeks leading up to the dance you both didn’t have a date. The two of you teased each other and called each other bitchless for not going with anyone but friends. However, without either one asking, it was pretty much unspoken that you two were going together. Only nobody knew, maybe besides Hu Tao and Childe. You two were also going in a group of friends. Nevertheless, as long as you hung out with him throughout the night, you didn’t really care.

You got ready at Hu Tao’s house. You both were running a bit behind schedule, mostly Hu Tao making both of you late. The two of you were supposed to meet up with the group to take photos but that didn’t happen.

When the two of you finished getting ready it was already 7:15, homecoming started at 7:00.

“Hu Tao we are so late.”

“It’s fine! The others are barely on the way there now. Even if the line is long to get in, we can just cut with people we know.”

Hu Tao’s time blindness made you concern but you shrugged it off. Her parents were driving you there. There weren’t any official plans on what to do after but someone is most likely throwing a party. Nobody knew who yet.

Hu Tao was wearing a short but simple burgundy dress. Her hair was styled into her iconic pigtails and you thought she looked very pretty. However, she got some new black high heels and can tell she was struggling to walk.

“Are you ok?” You asked as the two of you descended down the stairs.

“Yeah I just need to break into these shoes more,” Hu Tao held onto your hand and the staircase railing to prevent herself from falling.

“By the end of the night you’re going to take those things off.”

“I hope not. These were expensive and I want to make them last.”

You playfully shook your head and got to the bottom of the stairs. Her parents were already waiting for you both.

“Hu Tao you look so gorgeous! Y/n you look amazing as well!” Her mother complimented you both.

You thank her and noticed Hu Tao’s dad taking out his phone for pictures.

Hu Tao tried protesting against it saying how late you guys were but eventually gave in. After a few photos, her mom was driving you both to the school. Teyvat High School only booked venues for winter formal and prom. Homecoming was always at the school. Luckily, it was an outdoor school.

“Is anyone there already?” You turned to ask Hu Tao.

She was texting the group chat so you didn’t bother to look at your phone yourself, “Lumine said they’re all in line already. They’re at the back and the line is long apparently,” She replied back.

“I hope they play good songs this year. Last year was kinda boring.”

“That’s because last year you went with some complete weirdo.”

Hu Tao wasn’t wrong. The year prior, you were talking with someone and you two went to homecoming together. You both left an hour in because his friends wanted to go somewhere else. You wished you had stayed longer but you didn’t want to complain. You two never dated because you soon found out he only wanted you because you were a trainee. Instantly broke it off.

You two finally arrived and it already 7:50. It was dark out but you could still see the number of students in line. There was security watching the line as well to make sure that nobody was cutting.

When you two got out of the car you heard some people gasp and point at Hu Tao. Sometimes you forget she’s a rapper under a big company. You quickly spotted your friends and waved to them. Only Lumine noticed and grabbed the other’s attention. They motioned for the two of you to come into line with them but a guard was watching. Fortunately, he spotted some other people trying to cut into the line and started to walk towards them.

You and Hu Tao wasted no time merging into line where your friends were and acted like you were there the entire time.

The group was all there, Cyno, Kazuha, Aether, Thoma, Lumine, and last but not least, Scaramouche.

You and him made eye contact and he looked really good. Granted, he was wearing a normal suit that looks like every other guy there but he was wearing the dark purple tie you said he should get.

“The fuck are you staring at?” Scaramouche glared at you with a dirty look.

“Not your ugly ass,” You move away rolling your eyes, “I was looking at how pretty Lumine is.”

Lumine was wearing a blue dress that complimented her figure. She reminded you of Cinderella with her blonde hair.

“You barely got into line and you two are already fighting,” Kazuha sighed.

“You two need to settle this feud in bed,” Cyno laughed.

“I would rather listen to Hu Tao’s shitty song on repeat than ever get into bed with Y/n.”

“Who are you calling a shitty song?” Hu Tao yelled back.

“Ok! Time for shots!” Aether interrupts. He swung his arms around you and Hu Tao’s shoulders, handing you guys a small shot bottle of Tito’s.

“There was more but we pre gamed in the car and could only save you one bottle each,” Aether explained.

“Maybe if you weren’t so late you could’ve gotten more,” Scaramouche chimed in.

“You sound obsessed,” You grumbled cracking open the bottle. You made sure to turn away from the security guards so you don’t get caught.

As you were chugging you felt the burning sensation of the vodka pour down your throat. Alcohol never tasted good, you just wanted to loosen up more.

Cyno thought it would be funny to slightly tilt the bottle as you were drinking, causing the remaining alcohol to spill all over your mouth and onto your outfit.

You began to choke and cough.

“What the fuck!” You yelled in between coughs. Your throat was stinging and becoming increasingly dry. You were hoping to get inside soon so you can grab a water bottle.

Only Cyno and Aether bursted out laughing, everyone else tried holding back their laugh. You wiped your mouth and tried wiping down the wet spots on your clothes. Not even inside and your clothes were already ruined.

You guys were about to head inside, quickly you and Hu Tao threw the tiny bottles into a bush. The school would probably just find it later.

After getting checked in, you immediately went over to a table to grab some water to soothe your throat. This time, you drank away from your friends.

“Where should we go first?” Thoma pipes up. The school had a big budget and the student council spent all of it on a DJ, food trucks, gaming trucks and photo booths.

“Let’s go in the mosh pit!” Hu Tao suggested, pointing to the crowd of people in the distance.

This was high school and their version of a mosh pit is just jumping up and down while also shoving people when their favorite song plays. It’s fun for a little but you feel like you’ll get trampled after a while.

“I’ll sit this one out. I want to take photos first before sweating off my makeup,” Lumine says, sitting down at a nearby lunch table.

“Yeah I’ll wait till after we take photos, my mom will get pissed if I look terrible in them,” Thoma replies, sitting down next to Lumine.

Kazuha sits down on the opposite side of the table, “Mosh pits aren’t really my thing. We’ll wait here until you guys are done, then we can go to the photo booths. Is that ok with you guys?”

“Boo you’re no fun! But ok we’ll only be in there for a little bit,” Hu Tao replies as she sets downs her purse onto the table, “Watch my bag.”

The rest of you make your way over to the crowd.

Fein by Travis Scott began to blast through the speakers. You saw people rushing in and took it as a sign to do the same. Luckily, Hu Tao didn’t mind shoving people out of the way. She grabbed your hand and all of you guys made your way in.

Despite holding onto her hand, it still felt like you were going to fall. You were jumping up and down to the song but there were more people coming in and bumping into you. The mixed smell of sweat and Dior Sauvage made the air feel hot and heavy.

You were going to need a break soon. However, the next song being Family Ties by Kendrick and Baby Keem didn’t want to make you stop. More and more people were coming in and you were getting pushed around.

Your grip from Hu Tao was slipping and it really did feel like you were going to fall. You quickly grabbed onto the arm of the nearest person, which happens to be Scaramouche.

He looked at you and noticed your predicament, “Dumbass,” He muttered, rolling his eyes as he interlocks his fingers with yours.

You couldn’t help but smile and continue jumping. His grip was a lot stronger than Hu Tao’s which made you feel more safer. You weren’t worried about anyone noticing since everyone was occupied with not getting trampled.

After a few more songs played, you felt a tap on your shoulder. Your breath hitched thinking you had been caught. You slowly turned around and felt relief when you realized it was only Cyno. Granted, he didn’t know anything about you two but it would’ve been worst if it was a stranger.

“Hey, let’s take a break Aether doesn’t feel well and I don’t want him throwing up.”

You nodded and whispered to Scaramouche who also nodded and stopped jumping. You held Cyno’s hand as he led you two out of the mosh pit, like the buddy system.

As the three of you got out, you felt the cold night air against your skin. It felt nice after being in that stuffy environment. You didn’t realize how much you were sweating and panting. You looked down and noticed you were still holding Scaramouche’s hand.

He scoffed and quickly pulled his hand back.

Whatever.

You made your way back to the table and saw Aether with his head down and groaning.

“Holy shit are you ok?” You asked concerned for your friend.

Aether simply put his thumbs up in the air. He wasn’t too good with tight spaces. You sat down next to him and Lumine. She was the more famous twin but you were never really close with her. She was always away filming and doing photoshoots. You sometimes wonder how he can be related to her.

“Can you get up already? You’re so dramatic.” Lumine sighed, pinching her nose bridge, “The photo booth line is going to get longer the more we wait.”

“Is that anyway to treat your brother?” Aether mumbled, he looked up to glare at his sister before putting his head down again.

“I should’ve eaten you in the womb,” Lumine shot back.

After a few minutes, Aether was feeling less nauseous and was ready to take photos.

Fortunately, there was no line and all eight of you squished your way into the photo booth. It was quite spacious but it did feel tight being all there together. There were props and signs laid out inside and everyone took something.

The booth only took four photos. In the first photo, you and Thoma had your arms around the other person’s shoulders and pointing at each other. In the second photo, you did a simple peace sign. In the third photo, you were hugging Hu Tao.

In the last photo, Kazuha accidentally elbowed Scaramouche which prompted him to almost fall. Due to everyone cramped up next to each other, you all came down with him. The photo captured everyone trying not to fall and nobody looked their best, except Thoma. He was the only one who looked at the camera and posed.

Everyone got out and waited for the photos to be printed.

“I apologize to the person’s ass who I grabbed while trying to keep balance,” Aether says, scratching the back of his head.

“I think that was mine dude,” Cyno replied laughing.

You rolled your eyes, “Scara is so weak that he stumbled when Kazuha barely tapped him.”

“See how weak I am when I punch you in the face,” Scaramouche grumbled as he took the photos from the machine, handing them to each person.

You looked down at the photo collage as you all began walking back to your table. You smile fondly at what would only be a distant memory in the future. Your senior year had only started but it will quickly end before you could even blink.

You didn’t want to miss out on the good memories like this one.

.

.

.

Everyone had split up after a while to do different activities. You all agreed to meet up when the night ended but for now, you lost everyone and didn’t know what to do. You had just came out from the mosh pit and your feet were hurting too much to continue. You decided to take a small breather somewhere far away from everyone.

You went up the stairs that leads to one of the buildings that had a balcony where you can see the football field. You would come up here when you were bored with class and wanted to walk around.

Only this time, it appears you weren’t alone. You noticed a familiar figure already looking out. One of which you were hoping to get alone time this night.

He heard your footsteps and turned around to look at you.

“Can’t you see I was here first?”

“Can’t you see that I don’t give a fuck?” You scoffed and stood next to him. He didn’t move from his position.

Scaramouche sighed and took out a pack of cigarettes.

“How did you get those pass the security?”

“I have my ways,” He said while putting one in his mouth and casually lighting one.

He took a long drag and exhaled, making sure to clear out the smoke with his hand. He silently passed it onto you.

You took it from his hand, “If we get caught we’re getting suspended.”

“Maybe they’ll suspend you but definitely not me. I’ll just have my agency contact the school.”

“You and your fame.”

“Something you wouldn’t know about.”

You scoffed, “In case you forgot, I was on that idol survival show. People still know me.”

“Yeah but who didn’t debut.”

You stood silent. It was pointless ever getting into a petty argument. He knew how to silence you every time.

You only took out your phone in response.

“Let’s take a photo together!”

“Hell no. Don’t you have the one we took with the others?”

“Yeah but I want one with just us. Let’s take a 0.5 photo.”

“No.”

“Too bad we’re taking one anyways.”

Scaramouche rolled his eyes and got closer next to you. He looked straight at the camera as you took the photo. When you were done you looked at the photo.

“See how cute we look!”

He side eyed you, “I’m the one that looks good. Not so sure about you though.”

“Fuck you.”

Scaramouche tried to hold in his laughter as he looked away from you.

“Kidding. You look better than normal,” Scaramouche says, putting out the shared cigarette and throwing it off the ledge.

You weren’t sure if that was a compliment or an insult.

“Thank you? Uh, you too I guess,” You huffed, leaning forward against the railing.

There was a moment of silence shared between the two of you as you both stared at the football field in front of you. The distant sound of music only filled the air. It was a comfortable silence and you wished it would last forever, staying by his side like this.

It was cold up on the balcony and the night breeze caused you to shiver a bit. Scaramouche of course noticed.

“Are you cold?”

“No.”

“No,” Scaramouche mimicked your voice, “Yet you’re starting to shake more than a tweaker waiting for his next fix.” He said in his regular voice as he took off his suit jacket and put it over your shoulders.

“I didn’t ask for your jacket,” You tried protesting. You secretly enjoyed it though, that’s why you held it closer to you.

“Do you want it or do you want to continue being cold?”

You didn’t respond.

“Exactly,” Scaramouche huffed in annoyance.

You enjoyed moments like these. Ones where it was the two of you alone and you can talk freely like this. It made you upset whenever it ended, because you knew he would go back to ignoring you in the hallways.

You were getting lost in your thoughts and his words from earlier kept coming back.

“Who didn’t debut.”

It was silly to get stuck on that. You knew the votings were rigged, everyone did, but it still hurt. You gave it your all and worked hard to debut but it wasn’t enough.

You had gotten back to school and it was all anyone could talk about. You’ve gained sympathy and comfort from others, but it didn’t make the failure any less painful.

It made you realize how things can come and go so quickly. That’s why you had a bittersweet feeling about being in your last year of high school. It has been a rough four years and you were glad to not be able to see some of your peers, but what about your friends?

The friends that have been supporting you through everything. They’re going to be studying in different universities. It’s going to be hard to keep in contact and you’ll be trying to train your ass off to debut.

“Do you think after the school year ends, we’ll still be in contact with each other?” You piped up, breaking the silence to look over at him.

He hesitated for a moment before replying, “I don’t see why we wouldn’t.” Not sparing a glance at your direction.

“It’s just your popularity is rising and if I don’t end up debuting then it’ll be hard to keep in contact with you. It’s easier to continue seeing each other if we’re both in the entertainment industry,” You managed to say, looking away from him this time.

“You’re worried I’ll forget about you?”

“You’re making me sound desperate,” You mumbled, hint of annoyance in your tone.

“The company would be stupid if they only keep you as a trainee forever. You’re not untalented and you put in the effort. Some look helpless on stage, but not you.”

You couldn’t help but smile at his words. Despite Scaramouche being an asshole half the time, he knows when to be sorta nice.

You two often shared things that were troublesome. It was almost like the other one knew what the other one was feeling at the moment. It was something special you two had. Even when one of you was being emotionally constipated, you both still tried your best to give advice to the other person.

“Though, you can work on your dancing skills,” He quickly said.

Never mind. Moment ruined.

You smacked him on the back of his head. He always humbles a person after giving a rare compliment. Most of the time it’s backhanded.

Scaramouche was about to say something but the two of you heard footsteps coming from behind you guys. You both froze not wanting to turn around, afraid it was someone that would freak out if they saw the two of you together.

A familiar voice rang through both of your guy’s ears, “Y/n? Scara?”

You both turn around to see Thoma standing there. You sigh a wave of relief when you see your friend. Though, he’s definitely confused on the close proximity you and Scaramouche are sharing, but doesn’t say anything.

Instead he says, “It’s almost over. Let’s head back to the car. Do you guys need a ride?”

You both nod in unison and begin to follow Thoma back. You silent give Scaramouche his jacket back. It’d be a scandal if people caught you with him like this.

The three of you silently make your way to the parking lot where the others were. You didn’t realize how many of you there were until you thought about the car situation.

“Ok there’s no way I’m fitting all of us into my car,” Thoma sighed pointing at his suv.

“Too bad, make it happen. You have a big enough car. Two people can sit in the trunk, three people in the backseat but someone has to sit on someone’s lap, and the other person sits in the front,” Cyno suggested.

Everyone agreed right away, however, Thoma hesitated before agreeing begrudgingly. That’s how you ended up sitting in the trunk with Scaramouche. Lumine, Hu Tao, Aether and Cyno were all in the backseat. Aether sitting on Cyno’s lap and Kazuha in the front seat.

Before you even left the parking lot, you guys were discussing on where to go.

“I heard Keqing is throwing an after party,” Cyno mumbled, barely heard from Aether sitting on him.

“Dude I swear if I feel something hard underneath me,” Aether grumbled, clearly him sitting on Cyno’s lap was not his first choice.

“I can say the same for you,” Cyno argued back.

You didn’t know how you and Scaramouche ended in the trunk. It was pretty spacious given the car model so it wasn’t too uncomfortable and you both had leg room. You just sat on opposite sides from each other.

“Can we get food? I’m lowkey hungry as fuck right now,” Kazuha mentioned. While everyone was arguing on who sits where, he silently hopped in the passenger seat.

Everyone agreed and that’s how you ended up at In-N-Out at midnight. It wasn’t packed but you guys stood out due to your attire. It’s not like you guys gave a fuck though.

After you all finished with your food, you guys decided to go to the park since you didn’t want the night to end. It was around two in the morning and you were sitting on a bench watching your friends mess around at the playground.

It was nice to see everyone goof around. However, it brought you back to that bittersweet feeling you noticed before. Seeing their smiles and hearing their laughter. There's this warmth in your heart, knowing how much joy you all bring to each other. At the same time, there's a tinge of sadness because you realize this might be one of the last times you’re all together like this. It's your last year before you all go your separate ways, and you can't help but cherish every moment, knowing that soon, things will change.

After a while, everyone got tired and Thoma dropped everyone home. You put the photo booth photo on your dresser, next to the photos you had of your friends.

.

This is the memory you had just remembered as you stare at that photo. The photo of your friends at your last homecoming. Setting the photo down, you look back at your phone. You haven’t contacted your friends since school has ended, even though you promised. Things have gotten busy but you miss them dearly. One day, you’ll have a reunion and it’ll be like the old times.

Masterlist II Previous II Next

A/N: Sorry this took a while I’ve been busy studying for tests 😓 Also as a little hint: this friend group is the same one in my next xiao smau (except for thoma he’s a replacement) so this is what would happen if xiao wasn’t in the picture at all :) Also i tried to write the mosh pit scene based on experience 😭 Do not go into one in heels my feet were so bruised and bleeding by the end.

ALSOOO lmk if you guys want your users to be added to this au and i’ll make you a twitter user :)

Synopsis: You’re a new idol that just debuted under ‘Fontaine Entertainment’ with your new single ‘Espresso.’ You just graduated high school which means all your classmates are shocked to see you into stardom. Including your old situationship, who happens to be an actor.

Taglist: @skyoverkill1 @quacking-simp @lolmeowing @astro-stars @kaitfae @sl-vega @scarawiki @yuminako @samyayaya @skyvella @kur0kki @practicoi @kukikoooo @scaraenthusiast1 @shutingstar @lloovvv @moonjellyfishie @miy-svz @xionri @lalalaloveallmydays @hearts4lizzzz @kathiwis @state-of-grac3 @morgyyyyyyy @scaradooche @theyluvkatt @meigalaxy @noirechomps @crimxeorcremeexistspeacefully @vxcmx @ariesloves @cayl33n @animeobsessed56 @heartsforni-ki @feikyuu @ichcocat @strayharmony943 @chscklvr @kunikissr @jiminscarmex @sp1ng @bananasquash @aceakariii @thegalaxyisunfolding @ariilies @hisfuture @automaticpatroltragedy @sartrst @cheriswag @kokomiskiss @albedomestic-airline @lxkeeeee @sundays-prince @wvvyq @amurotoorudesu @ennsposts @illu-fu @vitanye

[xuchiya]

FOR MY 100 FOLLOWERS CELEBRATION 🥳

"at least i got free dessert and you're now my future wife."

this is a full fluff and the one i had on my mind this past day. And i apologize if my celebration for my 100 isn't big or grand

wooyoung would probably be the type to fake propose in a restaurant or diner just to have a free dessert. like the mere idea of bad boy to him is do not bend the rules but thought he IS bending one because to wooyoung? Things like this made him look like one. 

 The clank of silver lining utensils against the thin plates creates a soft sound to the sophistacated air of the restaurant as Wooyoung enters the area with a proud smirk on his cherry lips as the waitress leads you both on an empty table upstairs. 

 The evening moonlight gleamed past through the towering windows of the old style restaurant, the dim lighted chandelier above the guests head dancing beautifully, flourishing the redness of the wine along with the fact there was a huge hint of mischievous glint in his eyes–  it usually meant trouble, or at least, some outlandish scheme. You never knew what he had up his sleeves, leaving you slightly anxious yet thrilled. I mean, you befriended the “schools bad boy” and the neighbouring “bad influence”. 

  "hey love" he drawled, his voice thick with amusement, "are you ready?"

you nearly choked on your food, wiping your lips with the napkin before turning to him with wide eyes “now?!” you whisper yelled, leaning forward that Wooyoung would only hear. He smiles that reaches his eyes, Wooyoung the boy you knew from your junior high school– with the image of the bad boy, with a smooth talk with Shakespeare’s spirit possessed him to confess to you on your prom night, had whipped out a velvet box and declared his "undying love" complete with a ring. The entire floor, guests, waiter and waitress, even the head chef just two tables away from you halted from their actions as they had gone silent, forks suspended in mid-air, as you– forgetting that this was all an act. You completely deafen out the noises and  blurred peoples faces as your eyes mainly focused on the man in font of you.

  The man that portrayed himself as the school’s and neoghbor’s bad boy but deep down, he just wanted to keep the facade as looking like the tough guy– a person that you easily can’t knock down. Deep down, you just saw a man that wanted to be loved– accepted and above all, cherished as who he is. 

   “My love?” because of your thoughts, your mind settles back to wooyoung who had a worried look on his face. He was already kneeling for the past minute with the velvet matte box on his hand– a ring but a ring that you know so well.

Mingi's ring.

   You shake your thoughts, wanting this whole fiasco to be a real thing but it would be soon brought up in the future and besides you still have a small explanation to Mingi why one of his rings went missing. so with a small smile, you cup his cheeks and peck his lips with a soft yes. His eyes lighted as he cheered, placing the ring on your finger before pulling you up and he twirled you slowly before dipping you, “i love you, mi amor.”

 The whole floor erupted in cheers, whistles of congratulatory and just like wooyoung planned— free dessert!

   “Hey love?” wooyoung called, you hummed as you walked side by side. The night in the restaurant ended with many congratulations from the owner and staff, you and wooyoung decided to walk around first before returning back home. His blazer wrapped around your shoulders neatly while your right hand was occupied with his warm ones and the other with your dress crumpled on your palm, “about the proposal …”

  “the fake ring and the free dessert, yes?" you spoke, raising an eyebrow. wooyoung chuckled, wrapping his arm around your shoulder. "to you , maybe the ring was fake," he conceded with a wink, "but I meant what I said..."

your breath hitched. His eyes, usually sparkling with mischief, were now sincere, holding a depth that sent shivers down your spine. He reached into his pocket and pulled out the velvet box once more. This time, as he flipped it open, the moonlight glinted off a band of platinum adorned with a single, perfect diamond. It was breathtaking.

My jaw dropped. This wasn't some costume jewelry or came from a store prop. This was the kind of ring that came with a hefty insurance policy and a side of existential dread. My brain scrambled for a logical explanation, some grand prank or elaborate bet I was somehow unwittingly part of.

"Wooyoung..." I stammered, my voice barely a whisper, "what is this?"

He smiled, that heart-stopping, lopsided grin as he removed the ring that you thought was real but it was just Mingi’s ring, before placing the original one on your fingers. The cold yet fitting gold ring sat perfectly on your ring finger. 

    "This," he said, his voice husky, "is the real deal. I spent the last six months saving up every penny, moonlighting at that karaoke bar you hate so much, just to get you this."

Tears welled up in my eyes, blurring the diamond's brilliance. The restaurant, the clatter of your footsteps, the world around you faded once again. All that remained was Wooyoung, his calloused fingers brushing against your cheek, his love story written in every line of his face.

 "Marry me," he whispered, his eyes pleading.

In that restaurant table, amidst the aroma rich talk and expensive food, outside and beneath the indifferent gaze of a moonlight shining above your heads along with the dazzling stars, you found your forever. With a laugh that mingled with tears, "Yes," you choked out, your voice thick with emotion. "I love you."

Wooyoung pulled you in a hug, his chin resting on top of your head, eyes swelling with tears as well, heart full, "I love you more, my love."

Thank you !!!

[stardust-swan]

Finding Your True Archetype Part 1: Spring

This is the first post in a series where I copy and paste information from the stylist David Zyla's book Color Your Style. His archetype system covers way more different types of woman than the quizzes you find online that have 5-10 results and he gives you advice on styling yourself for your archetype. I never 100% related to any of those online quiz results but I instantly felt very seen when I read about a certain Archetype in Zyla's book.

Zyla categorises his different archetypes into four categories: Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter. This post will only discuss the Spring archetypes, but I hope to make posts for the other archetypes soon. If you don't find your archetype in this post, you likely will in a future post.

Terminology Zyla uses throughout the book to help you understand this post better:

First Base: The color found in the ring around your iris; your most formal and powerful neutral; your version of black .

Second Base: The color taken from the darkest shade of your hair; a warmer and less formal neutral; your version of brown.

Third Base: The color seen in the lightest version of your hair; a playful and informal neutral; your version of khaki.

Essence Color: The color that harmonizes your skin tones and reveals your most genuine, open, and essential self; your version of white; wear it when you are having an intimate conversation, when you are meditating, or when you want to be completely open and honest.

Romantic Color: The color reflected by your flushed skin, which reveals your passion, your sexual energy, and your romantic self; your version of red; wear it on a hot date, a romantic evening, or any time you want your passion to show.

Dramatic Color: The color taken from the shade of your veins, which shows your power, your charisma, and your sense of authority; your version of blue; wear it on a job interview, for a formal presentation, or any time you want to make a strong impression.

Vital Spring: The Prom Queen

Celebrities: Kristin Davis, Eva Longoria, Susan Lucci, Rachael Ray.

Motto: “That sounds like fun!”

Secret Superpower: Charm, charm, and more charm. The world’s hostess! Invite a Vital Spring to your dinner party and you guarantee a great evening for all: She will keep the crowd entertained while you are slaving in the kitchen.

Kryptonite: When it’s no longer fun, she often doesn’t want to play anymore.

Nature Image: Zinnias, French parrot tulips, Gerbera daisies, pompoms.

Artists: Mondrian and Matisse for the high-contrast primary colors.

Charming Contrasts: High-contrast outfits and accessories will always make the Prom Queen look terrific—a red scarf to set off a black coat, or white polka dots on a blueberry-colored umbrella.Her look is even better in “surprise” contrast that leads you to expect the unexpected. She might consider a vivid dramatic-colored coat lining, or a First Base outfit and shoes punctuated with a romantic-colored handbag, or an energy-colored enamel charm on her bracelet.

Fabulous Fabrics: The fabrics are crisp and include cotton piqué, cotton sateen, faille, bouclé, patent leather, and satin.

Signature Scent: Citrus: It’s brisk, bold, and does not linger.

Must-Haves: The Prom Queen favors a Chanel-inspired bouclé jacket (she may even splurge for a real one!), nautically styled gabardine pants, a slim pegged skirt, a button-front blouse with pearl buttons, and a crisp cotton belted shift dress. Her silhouette is clean in line and efficient with a dash of costume elements thrown into the mix. Though her look is crisp and refined, all of her favorite pieces are reminiscent of vintage styles and possess an air of “I get things done.” When it comes to styles, she’s most at home in a 1950s look: crisp, clean, with a little bit of movement. Think swing coats and swirly skirts, perhaps contrasted with a structured purse. Frequently sought-after in social situations, Vital Springs also do well wearing conversation pieces: a charm bracelet, for example, or a dark vintage-inspired coat with a bright high-contrast lining.

Must-Avoids: The Vital Spring should avoid burnished colors or ensembles made up of muted, blended colors and fabrics. She’s always best in high contrast with a touch of novelty. And she should pass on the cowboy boots and anything oversized. Cowboy boots have too many varied lines in them and actually are more of a design suitable for Autumns. The woman who wears them has a kind of I-roll-up-my-sleeves-and-shoot-pool-with-the-boys quality. This does not describe the Prom Queen, though she will be game for pool—but sporting a pair of capris, a crisp blouse, and a small neck scarf. She always keeps her playful femininity, no matter what she’s doing. As for oversized items, the crisp pert lines that favor this type illustrate her efficient I-get-things-done manner, whereas oversized connotes an I’ll-get-to-it-but-right-now-I’m-just-hangin’ mentality.

Personality and Spirit: There’s a good reason why Vital Springs have that Prom Queen image—they’re the most charming, outgoing, and friendly of the Archetypes. They’re the kind of people who become best friends with everyone in the room five minutes after they walk in, and others often develop crushes on them. That’s no surprise: They radiate the kind of energy and magnetism that draws people in, and no matter what the situation, they tend to lead with a smile. With her independent spirit, the Prom Queen functions best when given a lot of leeway, but don’t worry—she’ll charm her boss and colleagues into an arrangement that works well for everybody.

Early Spring: The Playful Princess

Celebrities: Angela Lansbury, Gwyneth Paltrow, Chloë Sevigny, Naomi Watts.

Motto: “How amusing!”

Secret Superpower: An instinct for what’s most important. Count on the Early Spring to always get to the heart of the matter.

Kryptonite: Not being appreciated—that causes the Early Spring to droop like a wilted flower.

Nature Image: Crocuses poking their tips up through the snow, gladiolus, iris.

Artists: Monet and the other Impressionists, whose cool saturated pastels are perfect for Early Springs.

Charming Contrasts: For the Playful Princess, light and easy low-contrast is best. As this palette is very gentle, I would suggest never wearing more than two groups of her colors together at the same time. For example, a Third Base suit could be paired with a pastel romantic blouse, as well as jewelry, shoes, and a scarf that pick up these tones, perhaps in different values. The Early Spring should use pattern in the way it is seen in Monet’s The Water Lilies: small, delicate brush strokes, each dollop of paint slightly blended into the one beside it, giving the overall impression of a landscape seen through a train window on a rainy day. Confetti patterns also work well for her. No eye-popping high-contrast patterns, please—they just don’t suit her gentle palette.

Fabulous Fabrics: Cashmere, organza, suede, and especially, crisp cottons. No other type looks as good in a crisp winter-white cotton blouse.

Signature Scents: Gentle, flowery, soft, and powdery—but with a slight kick, such as jasmine.

Must-Haves: The Playful Princess favors a simple polished-cotton pastel Agent 99 trench coat, Hollywood waisted pants, a slim waistband-less skirt, a crisp cotton blouse worn with a thin belt over it, and an updated version of the shirtdress with the collar popped up. The demure, playful Early Spring can pull off a beret or even a cloche hat, something sleek and close to the head. She’s the type for whom blouses with bows were invented, and for a little light-handed playfulness, try chinos embroidered with a novelty design—but no belt loops, and with a back zipper, please! Her wardrobe suggests a cool, sleek, playful elegance, someone sweet and flowery—but with a kick. While she can wear clothing derived from masculine dress such as trousers, all her garments need to be curved and adapted to her feminine shape. Adding a slight dose of irony doesn’t hurt, either.

Must-Avoids: Denim. Although the Early Spring looks great in slim trousers with no waistband, she has a terrible time finding the right pair of blue jeans—because they don’t suit her! She needs to avoid anything even remotely masculine. Hence, our Early Spring should pass on the men’s-style trench with epaulets and patch pockets as well as on popping printed patterns. The original version of this trench is too masculine and too literal; and high contrast prints are too harsh for her delicate coloring.

Personality and Spirit: Early Springs are ladylike, yes, and somewhat proper, and perhaps even demure, but they’re also blessed with a lively curiosity and a strong sense of fun. There’s an appealing coolness to the Early Spring, the slight formality that often marks someone with beautiful manners and that air of “to the manner born,” but there’s also a playful, inquisitive nature lurking just below the surface. Count on the Early Spring to show up at that all-important job interview, impeccable in a dove-gray suit and a pearly white blouse—and then to tell a silly joke that surprises the interviewer into delighted laughter. A good girl she may be—but she’s got her share of pluck.

Floral Spring: The Wholesome Flirt

Celebrities: Doris Day, Barbara Walters, Reese Witherspoon, Renée Zellweger.

Motto: “Live for today.”

Secret Superpower: Making the most of every moment.

Kryptonite: Realizing that she is making a mistake in the middle of making it and then becoming self-conscious.

Nature Image: Daffodils, hyacinth, and tulips.

Artist: Fragonard.

Charming Contrasts: Wholesome Flirts do best with crisp contrast. Offering relief from head-to-toe color is good, such as a crisp blouse in her shade of white peering out from under an energy-colored suit accessorized with a pearl necklace. In such an outfit, the white doesn’t punctuate, but rather gives the eye a break from all of that energy color and creates a halo around the wearer’s face, enabling the Floral Spring to win the attention that she loves.

Fabulous Fabrics: Though she is feminine, the Floral Spring’s fabrics need to stay crisp. Camel’s hair, gabardine, eyelet, and organdy are best.

Signature Scents: Sweet and floral. Even when she’s all grown up, she might try a strawberry-scented lip balm.

Must-Haves: The Floral Spring favors a brightly colored peacoat, slim trousers with side slits at the ankle, an A-line skirt, a cute sweater set, and a shift dress covered in pastel paillettes. These are the garments that flatter the Wholesome Flirt, with her ultra-feminine, always flirty nature. She enjoys incorporating costume-y elements into her wardrobe—such as a bow-shaped clutch or sandals decorated with a bumblebee buckle—but all her choices need to be frothy and flirtatious, never influenced by anything practical unless it’s a reinvention of something practical, such as the revamping of a sailor’s peacoat in a vivid color with theatrically sized buttons.

Must-Avoids: Austere or severely styled clothing. This woman must always wear clothing which complements her carefree, flirty, feminine nature. Hence, the Wholesome Flirt should pass on camouflage cargo pants and one-shoulder gowns—the pants are too serious and the one-shoulder gown, too asymmetrical, which makes her look imbalanced and, oddly, staid.

Personality and Spirit: Like the coquettish beauty batting her baby blues at two men in Fragonard’s The Swing, this Archetype embodies the words feminine and flirtatious. The Floral Spring sometimes seems like an enchanted creature who lived in a garden all her life and somehow decided to venture out into the world of more ordinary mortals. Like many of their Spring sisters, the Floral Springs are charming beyond belief, but their charm is always genuine. If you feel good in their presence, it’s because they really do see the best in everything and everyone, including you, and they have a gift for making you believe in the magic that seems all too apparent to them. That may be why they’re the most flirtatious of the Archetypes: If life is a garden, why not sample every flower?

Buoyant Spring: The Life of the Party

Celebrities: Cameron Diaz, Goldie Hawn, Queen Latifah, Amy Poehler.

Motto: “How interesting!”

Secret Superpower: Enthusiasm. Everything fascinates her.

Kryptonite: Sometimes that all-encompassing enthusiasm can become just a little . . . well, scattered.

Nature Image: Sunflowers, buttercups, daisies, button poms, cosmos, tuberoses, foxglove.

Artist: Matisse, for the high-contrast use of color.

Charming Contrasts: The Life of the Party needs a pattern somewhere in her outfit or accessories in order to tie together the entire look. She can unify a romantic-colored shirt and Third Base capris with plaid sandals that feature both of those colors. As an extra plus, those sandals are also a wonderful conversation-starter!

Fabulous Fabrics: Poplin, organza, embroidered cotton, linen, stretch satin.

Signature Scents: Sporty, invigorating, perhaps with a hint of eucalyptus. A splash rather than a cologne works better, as it is lighter and less serious.

Must-Haves: A blazer cut to the high hip with an accentuated waist is the perfect garment for the Life of the Party, as are capris, a turtleneck with short puffed sleeves, and a metallic brocade shift dress adorned with feathers at the hem. Savoring life to the fullest is what she’s all about, and she needs her wardrobe to reflect this.

Must-Avoids: Hyperformality—and not only in clothing. The Buoyant Spring also has the urge to do something zany to break the tension at a party that is too stuffy. The results may be, um, problematic—or they could be delightful. The Buoyant Spring needs to pass on the chiffon caftan and motorcycle-inspired looks. The caftan would make her seem like a dowager, and no matter what her real age, the Buoyant Spring is always young at heart. Also, the caftan feels a bit too grand for her. At heart the Buoyant Spring is the girl who genuinely enjoys kicking off her shoes at the end of the day. Any article of clothing that conveys an aura of queenly grandness feels too serious for this fun-loving type, especially since it limits so severely the number of fashion choices she can make—no belt, no skirt, no scarf, just a pair of sandals and some jewels. As for motorcycle-inspired ensembles, while the Life of the Party is fun and game for most anything, a boots-and-leather look hardens her I-love-being-a-girl silhouette and limits her opportunity for the adornment of her favorite fashion element: herself!

Personality and Spirit: Playful, sporty, and energetic, the Buoyant Spring is brimming over with high spirits and good cheer. Her buoyant energy lends itself more to shorts or capris than to a full-length evening gown, though when she does put on that fancy dress, you may be surprised to realize how pretty she is. The Buoyant Spring is always a marvelous cheerleader. She knows how to draw other people out, encouraging them to express their most cherished ideas—and then she knows how to make those ideas sound brilliant.

Mischievous Spring: The Pixie

Celebrities: Tyra Banks, Bernadette Peters, Rosie Perez, Rihanna, Julia Roberts.

Motto: “Everything I really want eventually comes to me.”

Secret Superpower: Huge confidence in herself.

Kryptonite: Expects everyone to come to her, which means sometimes she can be a bit selfish—perhaps even more than a bit.

Nature Image: Lily pad, buttercup, bluebells.

Artists: Landscape artists who paint the French countryside.

Charming Contrasts: Gentle contrast is best for our Pixie, but she can handle more contrast in a single outfit than most of the other Springs can manage. For the weekend, she might look for a longish belted tweed coat in her energy color over a short skirt and tights in her Third Base color, accented by a metallic and energy-colored purse, metallic earrings, and a few favorite odd mismatched bracelets.

Fabulous Fabrics: Lightly textured knits, brushed cotton, embossed suede, organza, crisp cotton, piqué.

Signature Scents: Narcissus, hyacinth.

Must-Haves: A softly tailored short anorak, short-sleeved knit sweater with self-belt and collar, slim stretch cigarette pants, miniskirt with pleated hem, bouclé knit hooded cardigan, and halter-style printed maxidress create the pixieish look of the Mischievous Spring. Our Pixie always needs the element of surprise incorporated into her mischievous style or else she looks out of place. A well-fitting dress with very simple lines is fine for New Year’s Eve, but she would need a marabou shrug or a feathered headband in order to keep the outfit from seeming too stuffy.

Must-Avoids: Big ruffles at her cuffs, which just look silly waving all over the place. The Mischievous Spring should also avoid wide-legged trousers, full-skirted gowns, and layered dresses, all of which tend to make her look like a little girl playing dress-up or like a delicate pixie drowning in waves of fabric. She should also avoid a too-polished head-to-toe look as well as any garment or accessory that proclaims, “I am serious.”

Personality and Spirit: When I think of the Mischievous Spring, I think of the sound of jingle bells: This pixieish creature evokes everything that is frolicsome and fun, and like all Springs, the Mischievous Spring is charm personified. She often works quite hard, but unless you pay close attention, you may not realize it: She may create the impression that a battery of elves magically completed her assignments overnight. The Mischievous Spring sometimes seems like the ultimate free spirit, but somehow, she always meets her deadlines, shows up on time, and comes through like a trouper. It’s just that her process for getting there might drive more organized types insane. She’s the kind of woman who can show up at a party looking stunning even though she just bought the dress that morning and then couldn’t find the right lipstick and had to borrow a neighbor’s. No matter how she got there, she always looks fantastic—and there she is, ready to share her mischievous sense of fun with everyone else at the party.

Tawny Spring: The Maverick

Celebrities: Amy Adams, Carol Burnett, Ginger Rogers.

Motto: “I am my own trendsetter.”

Secret Superpower: Being just a little bit ahead of the curve and bringing other people along with her.

Kryptonite: Sometimes she just can’t get past that one niggling detail—the fly in the ointment, the one thing that tarnishes the whole. Frustration with something relatively minor can sometimes spoil the whole thing for her.

Nature Image: Poppies, green euphorbia, yarrow, pear blossom, ranunculus.

Artists: Renoir, Rousseau.

Charming Contrasts: As befits a Maverick, the Tawny Spring puts together diverse elements in a way that she couldn’t possibly explain to anyone else. Clearly this type will also put together her contrast levels in precisely the way that she wants to! Her “find” of a vintage 1960s tranquil-colored blouse is made fresh and interesting when worn over a Second Base turtleneck and paired with skinny-fit Second Base trousers. Mavericks take warning: Never wear shades of the same color, as the exchange of energy between the similar shades is not dynamic enough, creating a muddy effect.

Fabulous Fabrics: Pony, light popcorn tweeds, embossed leather, knit fabrics.

Signature Scents: She will probably favor a mixture of citrus and spice. She is eclectic, so she will probably have several small bottles of different scents. None of them will be floral or powdery.

Must-Haves: Our Maverick favors an updated military-styled jacket, boot-cut trousers, a miniskirt worn with tights, a vintage 1960s blouse, and a button-front knit sweater dress with contrasting collar and cuffs worn over a tank. After all, her motto is “I am my own trendsetter,” and what better outfits to choose than those that allow her a fertile field for her creative vision. The Maverick is eclectic in her style and is best in slightly theatrical pieces. She is the type that can easily wear a feathered cloche, fingerless gloves, or a plaid capelet—and even better if they are all worn at the same time! If her outfit looks like a costume from the forest scene in Shakespeare’s As You Like It, the one in which shepherds and shepherdesses frolic, she will love it. She will find it difficult to pass a vintage clothing store without stopping in.

Must-Avoids: Clothing that is uniform or “matched,” such as a matching blazer and skirt. This type should never own a suit; she needs to make a statement by putting together diverse pieces in unexpected ways. She should also pass on the long flowing skirts and any clothing influenced by minimalism. She is too “ready for action” and her energy is too high for the languid I-go-with-the-flow quality of drapey soft chiffon, which in any case suggests genteel beauty, rather than the Tawny Spring’s air of sprightly fun. Finally, no minimalism for the Maverick: When you strip this energetic creature down to monochromatic minimalism, she will feel and act as though she is at a wake.

Personality and Spirit: Quirkiest of all the Spring Archetypes, the Tawny Spring is nearly impossible to pin down. She has a habit of zigzagging from one activity to another. Yet she’s reliable and trustworthy, and there’s a method to her madness. The Tawny Spring views the world not through rose-colored glasses, exactly, but let’s say through teal-colored ones: a unique, distinctive perspective that is all her own, and that to everyone else seems slightly askew. When everyone else sees the forest, she notices that one little branch over in the corner, where a rare tropical species has just built its nest. Then she wonders why no one else can see that little sliver of teal-colored feather that tipped her off—it seems blatantly obvious to her!

That's all for now, doves. Next post will be on Zyla's summer archetypes 😊

[moon-alight]

Hello admin! I hope all is well:D

I was wondering if I can request an &team maknae line recation to prom dress shopping with there s/o?

Thank you so much if you can fulfill this request,if not I totally understand ❤️

HAPPY NEW YEAR! My blog exists a whole year now and I'm back! I hope to post every now and then so leave asks in my inbox! (Also, I have done all members 😘)

General Masterlist

&Team Masterlist

&Team shopping prom-dresses with their s/o

Warnings: fluff (reader is female)

Word Count: 899 words

-K

-You mentioned you'd be going to shop for your prom dress and he overheard this. Kei decided he wanted to come along just to help you carry your bags lol.

-Walking from store to store, he did not seem to get impatient at all and almost had as much fun as you did. There was a constant smile on his face and he looked intrigued every time you held up a dress.

-Offered to pay for the dress that made your eyes sparkle because he knew you'd look so so pretty in it.

-He would be complimenting you every second as well and just enjoyed spending time with you.

-Fuma

-My man is solemly there to support you because he knows how much you look forward to prom.

-Whenever you hold up a dress he tells you how much he likes it even if it is the ugliest dress on Earth.

-To him you look good in everything and even the ugliest pieces of fabric can become artworks when you wear it. He is such a cutie.

-He does laugh at your excitement because he just gets internally happy whenever you are happy

-Unlike Kei, he does not offer to pay he just does. This man would shove you out of the way to pay for your dress lol

-Nicholas

-This man has the time of his life looking through the many dresses and imagining you wearing each and every one of them.

-Enjoys to hear you rattle about what kinds of fabric and style you're looking for and will interpret your wishes as he helps you look.

-Deadass gets pouty if you don't like one of the dresses he picked because he really liked it.

-Almost falls of his chair when you come out in the one but manages to catch his balance last moment.

-EJ

-Idiot treats this shopping spree as though you were looking for a wedding dress instead of a prom dress.

-Likes to keep his options open and comes along just to see what color you will be wearing so he can get a suit to match.

-Does not understand anything you say when you describe the pattern or style you wish to wear but nods as though he does.

-Enjoys matching jewelry with the dress you choose just so everything about you can sparkle at prom.

-Yuma

-Complains that you had dragged him down towards the mall because he really did not want to come.

-Once he's there and sees how excited you are, he calms down and just follows you around like a lost puppy for a while until he finds the excitement inside of himself.

-Once he sees a dress he loves he would constantly comment it to make you notice it. He would never outright say that he wants you to wear that dress but he would make it very known.

-Disappointed if you choose a different dress but comes around when you show it off because you're right, that one does compliment all your curves perfectly.

-Jo

-He comes along but kind of forgets why he's there and keeps wandering off to different directions to which you have to pull him back because he keeps getting distracted.

-Does actually not care what dress you choose. You could be showing up in a carton box and you'd still be the prettiest to him so he just kind of wanders behind you.

-Whenever you ask his opinion on something his answer would always be the same: "You look so pretty in it, sweetie."

-He is actually happy when you get your dress so you two can enjoy some ice cream lol.

-Harua

-MY MAN! The price for the guy who has the most fun dress shopping with you goes to Harua!

-He had looked up different dresses on pinterest and made an entire mood board with them so he knew what to look for.

-He drags you down the aisles and points at the dresses he likes. To your surprise they are actually really cute too.

-Would be so so happy if you choose one he had picked out for you. You'd be attacked by hugs and kisses hehe.

-Taki

-He is the second most excited to go dress shopping with you. Not because he likes this so much but because you trusted him enough to come with you and to ask his opinions.

-Carefully contemplates every choice as he does not want to disappoint you. He is the most helpful out of all &Team members.

-Honestly reviews each dress until he comes across one he just cannot say anything bad about because it is simply perfect.

-Treats you to Starbucks or anything you like to drink afterwards because he believes you two made a great choice together. And you did!

-Maki

-He is so unserious lmao! Agreed to come with you but honestly, you regret asking him very quickly because he points out the most ugly ass dresses in the world.

-Will constantly compliment you though but don't be fooled, he'd tease you every chance he gets as well.

-Remember Nicholas almost falling? Yeah, well, Maki actually falls off his chair when you walk out wearing the most beautiful dress. His mind changed about the whole dress shopping because he is glad he came along.

-Cannot wait for prom because he'd be able to dance with you all night.

[klonnieshippersclub]

What would Bonnie’s look be if she got to go to the Mikaelson ball? And how do you think she would she interact with everyone there? (Yknow if the writers weren’t clowns and decided to go with Klonnie)

I spent way too much time researching 2010 fashion for this ask but I had fun! Also, why was this era of fashion so hideous. All the fabrics look so cheap and plastic. There were so many outrageously ugly patterns with a terrible mix of colors. They all kinda look like a costume shop was ransacked for fabric to turn into evening wear. None of it was very flattering besides the dress I’ve chosen for Bonnie. We’re sticking with the tight silhouette similar to her prom dress and the color to match her eyes. The other girls were in far more traditional gowns but Bonnie’s fashion taste is always different from the rest (and usually pretty unflattering because the tvd beauty team hated her).

If Bonnie were to attend the Mikaelson Ball I could see a sequin-fitted gown for her. Something that stood out against her brown-skin. V-neck-lining to show off a peak of cleavage. Her hair would be styled in an updo-look, just to show off her features better.

The MFG would expect Bonnie to keep her defenses up. Watch Elena, watch Caroline and the Mikaelson’s. She needs to be on guard more than anybody else. Kol would be trying to get her attention. Elijah would be pulling Kol away from Bonnie. Klaus would be threatening her but flirting with her at the same time. Klaus would be having naughty thoughts.

“No acts of rebellion or there will be painful consequences, love. I would hate to see your pretty little dress torn unless….”

[galaxysupreme17]

Prom

Emily Prentiss X Aaron Hotchner

Aaron Hotchner X Daughter!Reader

Emily Prentiss X Step!Daughter!Reader

The late afternoon sun cast a warm glow over the Hotchner household as Y/n paced the living room, her phone pressed to her ear. She was in a heated discussion with her best friend, Jess, about the unexpected turn of events. Peter Parker, the boy she'd had a secret crush on for the better part of the year, had just asked her to prom—only two days before the event.

"I can't believe he asked me now! What am I supposed to wear?" Y/n exclaimed, her voice a mix of excitement and panic.

Jess laughed on the other end of the line. "You'll figure it out! It's Peter Parker. This is your moment!"

Y/n ended the call and sank onto the couch, her mind racing. Aaron Hotchner and Emily Prentiss sat at the kitchen table, sharing a quiet moment after dinner. They exchanged a glance, sensing Y/n's distress.

"Everything okay, sweetheart?" Aaron asked, standing up and moving to sit beside his daughter.

"Dad, Peter asked me to prom!" Y/n blurted out. "But it's in two days, and I don't have a dress or anything!"

Aaron smiled, a hint of relief in his eyes. "That's wonderful news, Y/n. Don't worry. We'll figure something out. Emily, what do you think?"

Emily's eyes lit up with excitement. "A last-minute prom emergency? Sounds like a challenge I'm up for," she said with a grin.

Y/n looked at Emily with hopeful eyes. "Really? You think we can find everything in time?"

Emily nodded confidently. "Absolutely. We'll make a day of it. Get your things; we're going shopping."

The next morning, they were off to the mall. The bustling activity didn't deter Emily, who easily navigated the crowds, leading Y/n through the maze of stores. They started with dresses, visiting every boutique and department store for the perfect gown. After hours of trying on countless options, Y/n emerged from the dressing room in a midnight blue dress that shimmered under the store lights.

Emily's eyes widened in delight. "That's the one," she said. "You look stunning, Y/n."

Y/n twirled in front of the mirror, a radiant smile on her face. "I love it! Thank you so much, Emily."

They moved on to shoes, accessories, and makeup with the dress secured. By the end of the day, they had everything they needed. Laden, with shopping bags, headed home, feeling a sense of accomplishment.

On the day of prom, the house buzzed with excitement. Emily set up a mini salon in the living room, complete with curling irons, makeup brushes, and a selection of beauty products. She worked meticulously, styling Y/n's hair into elegant curls and applying her makeup with a practiced hand.

As she worked, Emily chatted with Y/n, sharing stories of her prom and giving advice on handling the evening. "Just be yourself and have fun," she said, applying the finishing touches to Y/n's makeup. "Prom is all about making memories."

Y/n nodded, her nerves settling as she took in Emily's calm demeanor. "Thanks, Emily. I don't know what I would have done without you."

Emily smiled, giving Y/n's hand a reassuring squeeze. "You're going to have an amazing time. And Peter is a lucky guy to be going with you."

By early evening, Y/n was ready. She stood in front of the mirror, taking in her reflection. The midnight blue dress fit perfectly, the shoes added just the right height, and the accessories sparkled in the light. Her hair and makeup were flawless, thanks to Emily's expert touch.

Aaron walked into the room, his eyes widening as he saw his daughter. "You look beautiful, Y/n," he said, his voice filled with pride.

Y/n blushed, feeling a surge of confidence. "Thanks, Dad."

A few minutes later, the doorbell rang. Aaron answered it, revealing Peter Parker standing nervously on the porch, dressed in a sharp tuxedo. He smiled awkwardly as Aaron let him in.

"Hi, Mr. Hotchner," Peter said, shifting from foot to foot. "Is Y/n ready?"

Aaron nodded, stepping aside to reveal Y/n standing at the top of the stairs. Peter's eyes widened, a look of pure admiration on his face as Y/n descended the stairs.

"Wow, Y/n, you look amazing," Peter said, his voice filled with awe.

Y/n smiled, her nerves melting away. "Thanks, Peter. You look great, too."

Emily snapped a few photos of the pair before they left, capturing the moment for posterity. She and Aaron exchanged a proud glance as they headed out the door.

The prom's venue was decorated in a whimsical fairytale theme, with twinkling lights and elegant drapery creating an enchanting atmosphere. Y/n and Peter entered, hand in hand, greeted by a sea of familiar faces and the sound of laughter and music.

"Y/n! Over here!" Jess waved from across the room, standing with their friends.

Peter led Y/n to the group, where they were met with excited chatter and compliments on their outfits. The DJ played a mix of upbeat and slow songs, and soon, the dance floor was packed with students enjoying their night.

Peter smiled, his nerves easing. "Let's dance."

They moved to the center of the floor, and as the music swelled, Y/n felt herself relax. She and Peter moved in sync, laughing and chatting between songs. When a slow song began, Peter gently took her hand and wrapped an arm around her waist, pulling her close.

"You're good at this," Peter said softly, his cheeks slightly pink.

Y/n laughed. "You're not so bad yourself."

As the night continued, they mingled with friends, took photos at the decorated booths, and sampled the delicious refreshments. The atmosphere was filled with joy and celebration, a perfect send-off for their high school years.

During one of the faster songs, Peter and Y/n joined a group dance, where everyone mimicked the silly moves of the class clown, Ryan, who had somehow convinced the DJ to play a retro dance hit. Y/n found herself laughing so hard that her sides hurt, and she was grateful for the fun and light-heartedness of the evening.

The DJ announced the last dance as the prom began to wind down. Peter and Y/n returned to the dance floor, where he gently took her hand. The music was slow and romantic, a fitting end to a magical night.

"I'm really glad I asked you to prom, Y/n," Peter said quietly. "Tonight has been incredible."

Y/n looked up at him, her heart swelling with emotion. "Me too, Peter. It's been perfect."

After the final dance, they lingered for a while, saying goodbye to friends and taking a few more photos. Finally, Peter walked Y/n to her door with a gentle smile.

"I had a great time tonight, Y/n."

"Me too, Peter. Thank you," Y/n replied, feeling a warm glow of happiness.

"Maybe we could do it again. Not prom, but a date?" Peter asked with a small smile. As an answer, Y/n leaned in and kissed his cheek, a blush forming on both of them. "I would love that." Y/n smiled.

Peter nodded and waved as he walked back to his car. Y/n turned to enter the house, feeling the day's exhaustion catch up with her.

Emily and Aaron were waiting in the living room, their faces lighting up as Y/n walked in.

"Welcome back, Cinderella," Emily teased gently. "How was it?"

"It was perfect," Y/n said, her smile widening. "Thank you both so much."

Aaron hugged his daughter tightly. "We're glad you had fun."

Emily stood nearby, her eyes shining with affection. "You were the belle of the ball."

Y/n stepped over to Emily, feeling a rush of emotion. "Emily, I... I just wanted to say thank you. For everything. You've been amazing."

Emily's heart swelled with warmth. "You're welcome, hunny. It was my pleasure."

Y/n hesitated for a moment, then took a deep breath. "Goodnight, Mom."

Emily's eyes filled with tears, and she pulled Y/n into a tight hug. "Goodnight, sweetheart."

As Y/n headed upstairs, Aaron wrapped an arm around Emily's shoulders. "She's lucky to have you," he said softly.

Emily smiled, leaning into Aaron. "We're all lucky to have each other."

And with that, they turned off the lights and headed to bed, their hearts full of love and the promise of many more memories.

[mididressobsessed]

Source: gemgrace.com

[harveyguilleniconodelamoda]

Style with Impact

Harvey accepted an NHMC Impact Award for Outstanding Performance in a Series last night, dressed in a stunning corseted black suit. At this time I have not been able to confirm the designer (though that cropped jacket with a single button closure screams Siriano to me), but I can break down some of the details of the suit and talk about why it works so well.

The Jacket

This is a modernized take on the classic tuxedo jacket, with peaked lapels decorated with floral lace, embroidery, and pearls. The black on black of the floral pattern lends a sophisticated subtlety and contrasts beautifully with the bright gleam of the pearls. It's a nice balance between the traditional and the theatrical.

The hem of the jacket is also modernized, with a cropped hem and a single-button closure that sits right at his waist. This, along with the peaked lapel, highlights the breadth of his chest and shoulders in a beautiful way, which in turn emphasizes the cinching effect created by the corset.

The silver on the shirt picks up the gleam of the pearls as well, and the contrasting patterns between the shirt and the jacket lapels work really well to create visual interest and make each other pop. Mixing patterns is tricky, and can end up looking loud and busy. But the harmony between the colors and the organic shapes in both patterns really make this pairing work.

The Corset

Speaking of which...instead of a longline jacket, Harvey paired the cropped hemline with a corset in the same color and material. This extends the line of the jacket visually, but creates a much sleaker silhouette than could be achieved with a traditional longline jacket. The vertical lines further draw the eye downward, with the final result being a silhouette that plays with the lines of gender expectations around formalwear. The effect is both powerful and alluring.

The Pants

The pants were also made of the same material as the jacket. They appear to be a standard wide-leg trouser cut. I like that they were hemmed and tailored for Harvey, but the drape of the fabric around the knees leaves something to be desired, just for me personally.

That being said, while I don't think the pants necessarily have as much oomph as the top of the outfit, I'm not sure they need it. If every piece of an outfit pulls focus, the result can feel too busy and incoherent. The pants are a nice, simple pairing that leave the top of the outfit to shine.

The Shoes

Once again, Harvey wears platform boots instead of a traditional dress shoe. I really like this choice! It adds a bit of edge to every outfit, and adds a bit of height instead. Nothing wrong with being short, obviously. But I know well the feeling of wanting that little extra bit of height at an event, and there's nothing like a really solid, sturdy pair of platform boots to make you feel like a badass!

All of that being said, Harvey looked incredible as always, with a little help from makeup artist Romie Macedo and hair stylist Connie Agawin, both of whom he works with frequently for red carpet events and other public appearances. I can't wait to see what other red carpet looks Harvey serves this year! And if I find out any more details about this gorgeous suit, the shirt, or those shoes, I'll be sure to post an update!

When all the other dudes in the friend group got the group discount at Prom Emporium but you were determined to make a statement.

[ladykailitha]

All My Roads Lead Back to You Part 15

Hello! We finally get to Kenny’s plan and the last puzzle of the past drops into place. I’m not sure how much more of this story there is. I don’t want to rush the ending but it feels pretty close to me. If you have any ideas of what you would like to see before I get to the ending and the epilogue, put it in the comments or tags. I might not include all of them, but if I see something I like I’ll let you know.

Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Part 5 Part 6 Part 7 Part 8 Part 9 Part 10 Part 11 Part 12 Part 13 Part 14

***

What Kenny’s plan was, no one knew and when they would ask, he would just smile at them.

But they really didn’t have time to dwell on whatever he was planning because Junior Prom was upon them and the four of them decided to go as group. Both Mandy and Edie were lesbians but they both knew if they showed up with other girls or even with each other, they would be turned away from the door. So Harri and Kenny were playing their beards so that they could go and have a little fun for a night.

Steve and Miri, Jeff’s wife, took the girls out shopping while while Eddie and Jeff took the boys out to get their tuxes.

Edie and Mandy tried on several dresses, with Edie deciding on long grey, almost Grecian style dress. But Mandy was at a loss before the seamstress came up with an idea.

She got together a few things and then shoved Mandy into the dressing room.

When Mandy walked out, Steve and Edie whistled and clapped. Mira looked her over with a raised eyebrow

“Damn, girl,” Edie said, “give us a twirl.”

Mandy spun slowly in place. She was wearing a long black shirt with the slits up the side that stop in the middle of her thigh. She had on a white tuxedo shirt and black suit jacket.

“If we nip the waist a little,” the seamstress was saying, “and give it a little bit more of an hour glass, it would be perfect.”

Mira stood up and walked over to her daughter. “Do you like it?”

Mandy chewed on her lip. “You don’t?”

Mira grabbed her by the shoulders. “That wasn’t the question, honey. It doesn’t matter what I or anyone else thinks, and that includes your dad. It passes that stupid fucking dress code list they gave us. Do. You. Like. It?”

Mandy nodded.

Mira turned to the seamstress. “How long will the alterations take?”

The seamstress cocked her and said, “Three days?”

Mira nodded. “Then we’ll buy the whole lot. Go pick out shoes and accessories, sweetie.”

Mandy jumped up and down excitedly. Edie grabbed her hand and they ran into the depths of the store to try on everything they could ever want to go with their dresses for prom.

“Ma’am?” the seamstress said. “Do you have the list with you? Of things that they have to adhere to?”

Mira shook her head.

“I do!” Steve said pulling it out of his pocket. “I brought it with me because I already tangled with the principal once this year, I figured two would be pushing it.”

He handed it to her.

The seamstress poured over the list very carefully. She grinned and turned to Mira.

“You want to make your daughter love you forever and still color inside the lines?”

Mira tilted her head. “I’m listening.”

After she told them her idea, Steve burst out laughing. “She’ll love it.”

Mira nodded. “Hell, yeah.”

*

The night of prom came along and everyone looked fucking fantastic. Kenny was in a traditional tux, while Harri paired his suit pants and black button up shirt with a leather jacket. The top three buttons were undone and he wore chains on his neck.

Edie paired her grey gown with a tarnished silver shrug jacket and matching kitten heels. She looked stunning, but the star of the night was Mandy. She wore black high heels with chunky crystal buckles on them which matched the rest of her jewelry. But what really set the outfit off was the tuxedo pants that she wore instead of the skirt.

The teacher at the door scoured the list for any sign that girls couldn’t wear slacks. But there wasn’t any and the teacher was forced to let them in. She scowled at them all for toeing the line without crossing it.

Edie and Harri stopped short when they saw who two of the parent chaperons were.

Standing on opposite sides of the gym trying to pretend the other wasn’t there were Steve and Eddie.

All three of Kenny’s friends turned to him in shock.

“How the hell did you managed that?”  Mandy asked, her eyes wide.

Kenny chuckled. “My mom is president of the PTA and on the dance committee. She is two things.” He held up two fingers. “Charming and persistent. My dad uses her to get the stingiest people to open their wallets for his pet charities all the time. I just merely suggested that your dads would be the perfect people for the job and let her do the work.”

Harri and Edie exchanged a glance.

“Huh,” Harri said. “Could work. Especially if you make them stop ignoring each other.”

Kenny looked over at them standing there awkwardly. “That might be the hardest part, yes.”

Harri ran his tongue over the top row of his teeth as a plan formed in his head. “Don’t worry. I’ve got this.”

He marched up to his dad. “Why didn’t you tell me you were going to a chaperon?”

Eddie winced. “I was hoping to get out of it, if I’m honest.” He scratched the back of his neck in embarrassment.

“It’s mortifying!” Harri insisted. “I’m going to be the talk of the school on Monday on how my lame ass dad was standing there awkwardly all night while Edie’s dad gets to be the cool chaperon!”

Eddie’s head reared back. “Hey! I can be cool too.”

Harri crossed his arms and leaned back on his foot. “We both know that you have been cool a single day in your life. The closest you get to cool is by proxy. Being in a rock band and working with cool people on their albums.”

“You little punk!” Eddie teased back, ruffling his son’s hair. “I’ll show you who’s cool.”

Harri scoffed. “Mr Harrington looks cooler than you and he’s just standing there.”

Eddie looked over at Steve who was wearing a classic tux. He had his hands shoved in his pockets as his eyes wandered over the throng of bouncing teenagers.

“After all according to Uncle Jeff,” Harri said, driving the point home, “he was prom king, super popular, and was actually called King Steve...you can’t get much cooler than that.”

Eddie scowled. “And did Uncle Jeff mention he was a bully, too?”

Harri half shrugged. “Kept the real bullies from doing real damage is what I heard.”

Eddie frowned. Okay, yeah. Fine.

“I can be cool.”

Harri lifted his chin. “Prove it.”

Eddie brushed past him and marched over to wear to Steve was standing.

Harri’s friends came up to him.

“What was that about?” Mandy asked.

“Yeah,” Kenny said. “Whatever you said seemed to light a fire under his ass.”

Harri just grinned. “One thing my dad can’t stand is being called uncool. So I may have poked the bear a bit.”  

Steve laughed and they all turned to see Eddie and him laughing at something Eddie had said.

“Congrats!” Edie said. “It worked.”

“Which means it’s party time!” Kenny said rubbing his hands together.

The other three cheered and got down to enjoying themselves.

*

Steve was going to get a migraine. Why did he agree to this? He had already caught three idiots trying to smuggle beer into the dance. This offended him greatly as he had managed to sneak in booze at all three dances he went to without being caught.

He just made sure that when he told the kid that, that he was out of hearing range of another chaperon or a student that might tattle. It was always the quiet ones you had look out for. They could be snitches or didn’t care and you were never sure which one you were going to get.

Eddie came up into him early in the dance and they had fun playing spot the idiot. Trying to figure out which ones had booze, which ones had weed, and which ones were out to do real harm.

Eddie actually managed to catch one kid with drugs. Actual drugs. They managed to confiscate it without alerting the principal or one of the other chaperons but that was a trip and half. One they weren’t going to tell their kids.

This was only one of the ‘highlights’ of the evening. The main one came when Edie saw Steve with a small plate of the little h'orderves and said something about it.

“I really hope that’s not all you’ve eaten today,” she said glaring at the plate.

Eddie who was nearby, frowned.

Steve scowled at her. “You had dinner with me earlier. You know it’s not.”

“But that was just a little meal to tide me over until I went out to eat with my friends,” Edie protested.

“And I ate more of it then you did,” Steve countered. “I’m fine, honey. Please just leave this alone. Go have fun with your friends. Don’t make tonight about this. Please.”

“I just don’t want you to faint again!” Edie hissed.

Steve turned and saw Eddie standing there. He turned to back her and said, “I’m done talking about this.”

He threw his food in the trash and stormed out the double doors. The banged shut behind him.

Edie gulped. Eddie raised an eyebrow at her and her shoulders slumped.

“I fucked up.”

“It certainly sounds that way,” Eddie said. “There is obviously something going on there, and you’re going to worry. But you have to understand, you’re his daughter. Not his wife or his mother or even his friend. You pushing him like this only making things worse.”

She folded her arms across her waist and looked away. “You sound like my therapist.”

Eddie scoffed. “Then maybe you should have been listening. Go back to your friends, Edie. Have fun. Stop being your dad’s keeper for a single night. Leave it to me.”

Edie nodded. “Tell him I’m sorry, will you?”

Eddie smiled. “Sure thing.”

He went to go tell another chaperon that he was going out for a smoke and followed Steve out the double doors.

*

Steve was pissed. He had told her over and over again not say anything in front of other people. And yet, she still did it all the time. This was the last straw. There was no way that Eddie didn’t hear her.

Who was pretty much the last person Steve wanted to know. But it was out of the bag now. The question was to tell him why.

A shadow fell over him and he looked up to see the worried expression on Eddie’s face. Of course he was going to tell him. He deserved to know. He just wished it had been on his schedule.

Eddie sat down next to him on the ground and bumped him gently with his shoulder.

He pulled out a cigarette and offered one to Steve, who took it gratefully. Eddie lit both their cigarettes and they smoked in silence for a moment.

“I was going to tell you,” Steve murmured. “About the time I collapsed. Fainted. Whatever. Just...”

“Not in a crowded gymnasium filled with horny teenagers?” Eddie asked.

Steve huffed out a chuckle. “Yeah.”

Eddie looked at him a moment before it clicked. He rolled his head back and licked his lips. “Fuck. It was just before Jay’s funeral, wasn’t it?”

Steve hung his head in shame. “I was at the airport on my way to England when I collapsed in the fucking boarding area.”

Eddie’s head snapped in Steve’s direction. “What?!”

“Edie doesn’t know about that part,” he admitted quietly. “Dustin told her that we were at the house when I fainted. I still don’t know how Dustin kept it out of the press. I suspect Nancy was involved.”

Eddie sighed. “What happened, Stevie?”

Steve let out a sob. “After Andy, I just got so depressed. So...broken. I couldn’t eat, I couldn’t sleep. I understand a lot people with depression actually sleep more. But not me. No, the Upside Down fucked that up too. Edie had just started school and Jeff had to take her.”

“Did he know why?” Eddie asked, gently. He wouldn’t be mad at Jeff if he knew about what happened and he didn’t. Look, he was fucked up, but he wasn’t that fucked up, you know? It was very personal for Steve and if Jeff and Dustin were the only people who knew, then Eddie was grateful damn it.

Steve shook his head. “Not until after the funeral.”

Eddie closed his eyes and opened them slowly. “I’m guessing he took Edie in while you were in the hospital?”

Steve nodded. “Dustin and Suzie couldn’t take her because he had to run the company. After the hospital I was put into on of those fancy rehab centers. Not for drugs or alcohol–”

“For your eating,” Eddie said getting it instantly.

Steve lifted his head as he tried to choke back tears. “Apparently the sports and my parents and the whole fucking Upside Down gave me a really unhealthy relationship with eating.”

Eddie flicked his cigarette out on the pavement and wrapped his arm around him. “I’m sorry you went through all that, sweetheart.”

Steve just started sobbing into his arm, unable to stop once the tears began.

“I’ve got you, Stevie,” Eddie murmured. “I’ve got you.” He kissed the top of Steve’s head fiercely. “I’m here now. It’s not okay and maybe it never will be, but I’m here now. I’ve got you.”

After awhile, Steve’s sobs slackened and he just finally relaxed.

“I didn’t tell you,” he murmured, “because I was afraid that if you knew, you’d pity me. I didn’t want to guilt you into being with me.”

Eddie’s eyes went wide. “You still...”

Steve nodded. “But not yet. I can’t–I just...not yet.”

Eddie hugged him tighter. “Oh sweetheart, I waited twenty years thinking you didn’t return my feelings, I think I can wait at least that knowing that you do.”

Steve took the ring off his hand and slipped it back on Eddie’s right hand, where it belonged. “This is my promise to you. I do want to be with you. Just...I need more time.”

Eddie looked at the ring on his finger and smiled up at Steve. “We’ll still be friends, right?”

Steve let out a watery laugh. “Oh yeah! You’ve got me for life, Munson. You’ll find I’m like a cockroach that way. You’ll never be rid of me now.”

Eddie grinned. “Yeah, okay. I think I can work with that.”

Steve lurched to his feet. “We should probably get back in there before someone decides to burn the school down.”

Eddie laughed. “Yeah, there is probably a version of me in there and I shouldn’t leave them alone for very long.”

Steve laughed too. “Yeah, but it’s the prom king you should look out for.”

Eddie put his arm around Steve’s shoulder and led them back into the gym. “Yeah, why’s that?”

“Because I’m pretty sure I saw him spike the teachers’ table’s punch.”

Eddie blinked. “You mean the punch that was already eighty percent alcohol?”

Steve hummed in response.

“Dead god,” Eddie said wide-eyed. “Those poor teachers are going to have the worst hangovers tomorrow.”

“Not you?” Steve asked, leaning into the warmth that was Eddie Munson.

“Nah, babe,” he said, pulling out a hip flask. “Rule number one of any high school dance is never trust the punch.”

Steve laughed as they walked back through the double doors and back to the dance.

***

Part 16 Part 17  Part 18  Epilogue

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[arizonaaaaaa]

Glee cast sings The Fame by Lady Gaga

Made some threads on twitter, will post them here and talk about it endlessly since there’s no character limit here, I think

Just Dance feat. Colby O’Donis sung by Artie, Puck and Sam in “Prom Queen”

-I’m 70% confident Kevin mentioned they were going to sing this in a mash-up with Dj Got Us Fallin’ in Love, Puck and Sam’s country voices worked a lot in Friday so I think they would do something interesting with Just Dance, maybe not something everyone would like but I’m ver curious about it, no doubts Artie would slay the rapping.

LoveGame sung by Brittany and Quinn

-I can’t imagine a scene or episode where this could happen, maybe a cheerios practice in season 2, I thought about including Santana but I don’t think her voice would fit, I also ultimately wanted it to be a Fierce duet as their friendship was barely explored in glee.

Paparazzi sung by Rachel and Shelby in “Theatricality”

-I absolutely hate Poker Face gcv, it’s terrible, and the worse part: it’s sung by Lea and Idina, they are SO GOOD, and they would do such a good job, anyways, if they still wanted to do something slower and more broadway-y I think Paparazzi would be the fit, the song is very dramatic after all.

Poker Face sung by Mercedes and Tina in “Theatricality”

-as mentioned earlier, I despise Poker Face gcv, if they were going to stick to the original melody and overall style of the song, Tincedes in my opinion would kill it, Tina didn’t have a duet in season 1 so this could be so iconic, specially since the episode started with Tina finding a new look for her, just imagine both of them singing, Mercedes with that purple wig and Tina wearing *drum rolls* the meat dress, I would’ve died.

I Like It Rough sung by Santana Lopez in “Laryngitis”

-I can totally picture her singing this to Puck in the glee club, he would be smirking since the song is mildly dirty which would make Mercedes jealous and therefore would give birth to The Boy is Mine, this would also be her first solo on the show so.

Eh, Eh (Nothing Else I Can Say) sung by Quinn Fabray in season 2

-I believe she could’ve sung this after Sam broke up with her and started dating Santana, the song is very slow, kind of like a ballad so I think it would fit Quinn’s more softer voice.

Starstruck feat. Flo Rida & Space Cowboy sung by Artie and Brittany in “Blame It On the Alcohol”

-honestly I can’t exactly picture a scene where this could happen, maaaybe a karaoke sort of scene where both of them are singing? I don’t know, all I know is that Gaga in this song sounds a lot like Heather Morris to me.

Beautiful, Dirty, Rich sung by Sugar Motta

-this could take place later in season 3 or in season 4 if they created a storyline where Sugar could sing, while not being the best singer, Vanessa Lengies can sing, and if I’m being honest, beautiful, dirty and rich describes Sugar very well.

The Fame sung by Blaine Anderson with the Warblers in season 2

-one of the infinite season 2 Blaine solos, not the biggest fan of acapella music but the warblers do it decently and I can almost listen to the warblers doing some “ding-ding-dee” in replace of the guitar in the beginning of the song.

Money Honey sung by Brittany, Kitty, Marley, Sugar, Tina and Unique in “Naked”

-the original episode focuses a lot on Rachel and the glee boys, honestly I don’t even remember if Brittany or Marley have lines this episode, either way, Wannabe and I Love It are very good and fun numbers so I’d love to see them perform this, I’d specially like to see Sugar singing the line “That's M-O-N-E-why so sexy?”.

Boys Boys Boys sung by Kurt Hummel in late season 2

-Kurt is hot, that’s true, he’s attractive, and even if a lot of guys weren’t romantically or sexually attracted to him, all of them liked Kurt, and Kurt deserved a song to show how awesome he was, this is it, instead of singing “Boys, Boys, Boys, we love them” as in Kurt’s attraction towards men, it would be “Boys, Boys, Boys, we love them” as in all of the boys happy that the awesome Kurt is back, and of course Kurt would be the only one actually singing, that’s Kurt “I’m singing a duet with the most talented person in the club … myself” Hummel after all.

Paper Gangsta sung by Quinn, Rachel and Santana

-unlike the previous description which in normal size characters was 11 lines long, I have no idea where or how this would take place, all I say is: their voices fit the song, specially Quinn’s.

Brown Eyes sung by Mike Chang in season 4

-I actually wanted Tina to sing this as her ballads are very good, but re-reading the lyrics (as well as literally the title of the song) Mike would be the perfect choice lyrics wise, brown eyes being Tina’s insecurity is so random but it’s an characteristic of her that I like, we never got an answer on why they broke up, it’s something I wanted to know very bad cause they seemed to be a very understanding couple regarding problems, and on top of that, just give Mike songs, seriously his last song was in season 4 episode 8, he appears in 10 episodes after this and not even a line in a group number? C’mon.

Summerboy sung by Kitty and Marley in early season 4

-I can see Kitty wanting to perform with Marley because “they’re friends” (or both dating Puckerman’s in this weird timeline where Noah “I like moms” Puckerman dated a sophomore) anyway, she doesn’t like Marley yet, she just wants Jake back and a reason to call Marley obese or something.

Disco Heaven sung by Brittany, Mercedes and Santana in season 3

-In my original thread I wrote this as a sancedes duet in laryngitis, and… it doesn’t make a lot of sense, their voices would do a good job but lyric wise it doesn’t relate? Personally, throw Brittany in the mix as a Trouble Tones number and boom, maybe this could take place in an alternate Saturday night glee-ver where after Mr Schue ask why they chose this song over any other from the movie Brittany would say: “I chose this cause I want to go to disco Heaven when I die not disco inferno”.

Again Again sung by Marley Rose in season 5

-hey so this song is a bonus track from the album that is not featured in the playlist at the beginning, so in order to hear it you’ll need to access YouTube cause it’s also not on Spotify. Back to the song, this could take place when Marley is suspecting that Jake might be cheating on her, music could end with idk Unique and Kitty hugging her.

Retro, Dance, Freak sung by Harmony

-also a bonus track that’s actually featured in the fame monster album, okay so… this song is very boring… like really boring… the only reason I chose Harmony for this was because it kind of sounds like her, literally because this song is fucking boring and I can’t think of someone else that could sing this.

Bonus: songs that aren’t from the album but are from the same era

Vanity sung by Rachel Berry in season 1

-this is such a Rachel coded song, I can totally picture her singing this at one point in the first season, maybe start as her singing at the auditorium following her to the hallways until she gets slushied, funny honestly since the song is about glamour and being famous.

Christmas Tree feat. Space Cowboy sung by Artie and Sugar

-I’m convinced every artist has a song that it’s absolutely terrible, for Katy Perry is Peacock, for Avril Lavigne is that cover of O Holy Night, for Gaga is this one, I have yet to hear something so terrible, literally sat down and felt like grinch, I would have Sugar sung this terribly in the episode and slightly better in the studio version cause even tho Vanessa Lengies can sing no one can sing this song and be good.

Fashion sung by Kurt and Tina in “Theatricality”

-rise animation meme fuckers, tbh I was very surprised a gaga song became an animation meme, I was even more surprised to know that the song was going to be featured in the sex and the city movie but got scrapped, anyway, the episode with Tina needing to find a new look, who better to help her than Kurt? This would look kind of like Diva in season 4 with Kurt and Tina cat walking and later Mercedes, Quinn, Brittany, Santana and Rachel would join.

And that’s it, an entire album with 14 songs, 3 bonus tracks and 3 other songs from the same era was covered, if you like it please share your opinion, if you didn’t please share as well, the next album will be The Fame Monster, that, due to the shorter numbers of songs it shouldn’t take long for me to post it, bye :)