#She got too silly and woke the haters up

[lightning-jay]

Stormbringer Cookie redesign!!!! Because guess what. I LOVE HER!!! ADORE HER EVEN!!!!

[ilycosy]

❝ YOU FREE 2NIGHT ? ❞ | LUKE CASTELLAN

pairing : luke castellan x reader

summary — it's a cold february morning, nothing special to you, really. but there's that sickening air around camp that has everyone in a trance, you'll escape it this year again of course. or will you?

warnings : reader is a hater , luke is a helpless romantic loser , they're both awkward teenagers but it's so cute , percabeth !!!

aﾉn — a valentines day fic !! 🤍 i hope u guys enjoy <33 i rlly like writing luke as a loser but i think u guys alr know that sjshak

you woke to hushed giggles in the cabin, an aphrodite boy perched up on one of your half brothers. basically eating each other's faces before anyone wakes up to see them, you roll your eyes.

listen, you weren't entirely against romance. just all the bits where you have to share yourself with your 'special person', especially in public. pda was your own personal tartarus, you were sure of it.

which is why it was shocking to receive a stupid note during breakfast from luke asking if you're free tonight, misspelled might you add. and even though you found it stupid, you couldn't help but wonder why he would even bother with you.

you— the person who once told him that he had the face of a sloth, the person who shoved him into the lake just because you could, the person who told him to 'get over' hermes when he came to camp. really, you couldn't think of any reason he'd ever like you.

but with how he smiled eagerly when you opened the note, and how he waved and did a thumbs up when you read it. you ditched the unsure thoughts of him just lying to you. you weren't free anymore.

you circled the no answer box, slipping the note back to him when your cabin was called for the offerings. trying not to look at him when he got cheesy and had percy come over to tell you to meet luke at a spot.

"luke said he wants you to meet him at," percy looks down at his hand, like he's reading from a fake script. "the place you poured juice onto his head? he's speaking in riddles to me, man."

you almost smiled at percy's sarcastic tone, but instead, you rolled your eyes and took a bite of your food. "tell him ill be there at 7." you say, turning your full attention to your food after.

you think you hear percy say, 'aye aye captain.' but you can't really be sure. you're too busy wondering how you're going to keep your food down with how your stomachs churning just thinking about what will happen.

well, turns out— 7 will come a lot sooner when you're stressing about what will happen at that time, the movies lied to you!

you sit anxiously at a clearing in the forest, looking around as you remember how you had dumped apple juice onto lukes head when you both were 15. you claimed it was to cool him down, but really, it was because he had called you pretty.

twigs snap behind you, and when you snap your head around, you're greeted with cupcakes?

"hey," luke greets, calmly sitting next to you like this was a casual hangout. "you hungry?" he asks, but he's a little nervous. his voice strained and his face a little red as he holds out sloppy cupcakes, clearly done by him and younger campers.

the cupcakes are messy, but they smell delicious. you almost grab one before reading what is spelt out on them, 'kiss me?'

you can't help but laugh, giggling to yourself as you hover over the k cupcake. "man i knew it was silly," he groans, setting the platter in his lap as he looks away embarrassedly. "i knew you hated pda, so i did it away from others but i shouldn't have listened to annabeth with the cupcakes it's just she said percy did it and she loved it and–"

you pressed a finger to his lips, picking up the cupcake you wanted. taking a slow bite as you savor it, thinking about his rant while he stares at you with wide eyes. you ignore how you swear both your hearts are beating in sync.

"it's sweet," you say, not knowing if you're talking about the cupcake or his confession. "it's not silly." it comes out before you can even think about what you're saying, you're talking about the confession?

it shocks both of you clearly. "you're sure?" he asks hesitantly, drumming his fingers on the platter. "i had help from demeter kids with the cooking, so i hope it's good, but are you sure that it's not stupid you don't have to call it sweet i get—"

you press your lips to his hesitantly, unsure of what you're doing, but honestly, he needed to shut up. he sits stiffly with the cupcakes on him, his hands coming up to pull you closer. you both awkwardly avoid dropping any while you kiss, teeth clashing together a few times.

when you both pull away you can't help but laugh, his dazed and blushing face so close to yours that he can smell the sugar and dinner on your breath. he starts laughing too, leaning his forehead on yours.

"im not free tonight," you whisper, watching as he looks at you confusedly. the angle is a little silly to look at him from, but for some reason your heart beats harder in your ears. "i think im taken."

his confused face splits into a stupid grin, pressing another kiss against your mouth before he lifts up the question mark cupcake. "by me?" he asks, cheesily but you can't imagine it being any other way.

"yes," you roll your eyes but your voice is soft, and he thinks his heart will explode in his chest. "by you."

[shtcablogs]

All The Times I Lost My Sh*t While Watching ‘thank u, next’

Our Heavenly Father Ariana Grande has blessed us mortals with first musical and now visual perfection via ‘thank u, next’. If you haven’t seen the music video yet, then what the hell are you doing reading my blog? Go watch something that’s actually worth your time. 

If you lived in a bunker Kimmy Schmidt style for all of the early 2000s, I’ll quickly break down the parodies in this video for you. We start with “Mean Girls” - the gossip montage, the Plastics, and the winter talent show scene - more on that later. Then we hit “Bring It On” - the flirty toothbrush scene and the Toros cheerleaders. Then we’ve got “13 Going on 30″ - the part where Jennifer Garner crashes her childhood best friend’s wedding and cries into her old dollhouse. Lastly, my personal favorite of the bunch, “Legally Blonde”. Ari pulls up with Bruiser, gets her nails done, sunbathes on the lawn, etc. The entire video is a mash-up recreating scenes from those four movies. Now what you came here for, the 20 moments from the TUN video where I straight up lost my shit, chronologically. Here we go.

1. AARON SAMUELS

You give us Aaron Samuels within the first 20 seconds? Right then and there I knew this music video would change my life. I hope Ari tapped that.

2. WIDE SET VAGINA GIRL

You know this chick from “Mean Girls”, or you at least know her famous quotes from the film.  “I saw Cady Heron wearing army pants and flip flops. So I bought army pants and flip flops.” “I can’t help it if I’ve got a heavy flow and a wide set vagina.” This girl isn’t even named in the movie but her quotes are still relevant 15 years later.

3. MEAN GIRLS FONT

Damn this font gets me hype. What a f*cking mash-up.

4. THE BURN BOOK

Literally all I want to do on a Friday night is scrapbook with Ariana Grande about our ex-boyfriends. Her burn book would be a lot thicker and more attractive than mine, but that’s another story.

5. SEAN’S PAGE

Hello, this is the shit I live for. This is Big Sean’s page, Ariana’s first real famous boyfriend. It reads “Sean [heart] / so cute / so sweet / (could still get it)”. COULD STILL GET IT!!! OKAY ARI!!!!! But yeah I don’t blame you, he could get it from me, too. 

6. “SRY I DIPPED”

We’re now onto Pete Davidson’s page. On the top, Ari writes “sry I dipped”. SORRY I DIPPED. I noticed this blurb the very first time I watched the video with my friend Lardia. “HOLY SHIT DID YOU SEE WHAT SHE WROTE ON PETE’S PAGE? REWIND IT!” and then we laughed for a solid minute. Such a savage and nonchalant thing to say. You were engaged to this dude, for crying out loud. I love it.

7. HUUUUGE

Also on Pete’s page, “HUUUUGE” with four U’s. She broke the dude’s heart, but I think this kind of makes up for it. She just informed the entire world that her ex is packing major heat. Good for you, Pete Davidson. Cash in on this attention.

8. KAREN CHECKING THE WEATHER

“It’s like I have ESPN or something. My breasts can always tell when it’s going to rain.” 

9. THE JINGLE BELL ROCK

Definitely one of the most memorable scenes from “Mean Girls”, the winter talent show where the Plastics dance to “Jingle Bell Rock”. I love twerking to Christmas music.

10. YOU’RE DOING AMAZING SWEETIE

I’M NOT CRYING, YOU’RE CRYING. I screamed so loud when I first saw this that I woke my neighbor’s baby. Having Kris Jenner parody Amy Poehler’s role of Regina’s mom in “Mean Girls” is the most genius idea of the 21st century. Kris is often compared to Regina’s mom, mostly for an early episode of KUWTK where Kim poses for Playboy and Kris films her from the sidelines with a camera phone. And that’s where “You’re doing amazing, sweetie” was born. 

11. I’M A COOL MOM

This KJ dancing GIF is everything to me. The hoop earrings, velour tracksuit, old school camcorder, it’s a f*cking look and she pulls it off like no other. My only dream in life is to become famous enough that Kris Jenner will agree to make a cameo in one of my projects. And then we become best friends and spend our days drinking dry martinis and handling crises. She then decides that the family has gotten too large for her to manage alone. We become business partners. I manage all of the grandkids. I constantly pit them against one another so they’ll work harder and maintain that competitive edge. They call me Aunt CA. Kris becomes older and starts forgetting things like how to work the ice machine and the names of Kim’s ex-husbands. She doesn’t trust anyone but me to take care of her, so I move in. I legally change my last name to Kardashian. Kris passes at the age of 96. I grieve for months but finally find the strength to go on. Business must resume, that’s what Kris would want. I continue her legacy and the grandkids become even more famous than their parents. The Kardashians/Jenners/Disicks/Wests/Thompsons/Websters/whoever the fuck else they decide to have kids with are a multi-generational dynasty thanks to Kris and her apprentice, me. I wear a “What Would Kris Jenner Do” gold diamond bracelet and look at it every day and think fondly of the great times we had together. She may be gone, but she will never be forgotten. 

Jesus Christ. Talk about a rabbit hole. Back to the music video.

12. THE TOROS

“I’m sexy, I’m cute. I’m popular to boot! I’m bitchin’, great hair. The boys all love to stare!” Classic film. Extra points for the pregnant cheerleader. That shit’s hilarious. Also I’ve never seen anything cuter than tiny ass Ariana Grande in a cheer uniform.

13. SUNBATHING AT HARVARD

ICONIC. Legally Blonde is one of my all time favorite movies, mainly for Elle’s wardrobe and hilarious antics like laying out/studying in the middle of campus and going to buy a Macbook wearing a bunny costume. This is definitely one of the best shots in the music video. 

14. PAULETTE

HOLY SHIT IT’S THE REAL PAULETTE. Jennifer Coolidge is freaking hilarious and masterfully played one of the funniest characters of all time IMO. The mid-music video convo with Ari and Paulette in the nail salon had me rolling. “Well, I’ve only gone out with one guy that had a big front tooth, and I liked it cause he never got anything stuck in the front teeth. Have you ever gone out with someone that had no teeth at all?” So silly but in the best way. 

15. THE DOLLHOUSE

Ah, the good ol’ dollhouse from 13 Going On 30. Ariana looks so simple and innocent in this costume, it’s so unlike the rest of the video. I loved the single tear rolling down her cheek.

16. BRUISER ON A POOL FLOAT

Of course they needed a Bruiser. I will say, that’s a big fuckin’ chihuahua. It’s gotta be someone related to this video’s dog, because surely they could’ve cast a more normal sized chihuahua?  

17. THE BEND AND SNAP

YASSSSSS. Ari’s got the best bend and snap I’ve ever seen, other than maybe Elle Woods herself. Also I just noticed that lady in the purple jumpsuit and beaded braids looks identical to the woman in the movie from this scene. It’s all recreated to perfection.

18. THE UPS GUY

Zamnnnn get it, Paulette. UPS guy is a smokeshow. “I’ve got a package.” “He’s got a package.”

19. F*CK YOU

Mood always. Just me in my dorm room, working on my fitness, studying for my Torts final, wearing a crop top, flicking off the haters. 

20. THANK U NEXT, BITCH

BEST PART OF THE VIDEO. NOTHING WILL EVER COMPARE. MY NEW RINGTONE. HISTORIANS GET OUT YOUR PENS. KRIS JENNER JUST WON 2018.

THANK U NEXT, BITCH!

In the name of breaking the internet,

CA

[facepalming-since-chernobyl]

Love is like a fart - an anti SC fandom fic

On AO3 HERE

For people who are tired of THAT fandom’s BULLSHIT.

Love is like a fart. If you have to force it, it's probably shit.

ME: This fic is very serious. No joking. No sarcasm. No irony. I’m dead serious. Serious like a heart attack. Serious like-

MON-EL: Like Serious Black?

ME: It’s SIRIUS Black and what the hell are you doing here?! Go back to the fic!

MON-EL: :(

ME: *cough awkwardly* Well, enjoy.

*

Lena and Kara, the loverbirds tortured and separated by bad writers, bad boyfriends and bad dead boyfriends were finally sitting in a super fancy, super exclusive apartment that Lena bought for Kara. Every free space was filled with roses. Lena also bought Kara two restaurants, super expensive car, a cottage in mountains and Monaco.

Because this is what you do when you truly and eternally love someone - you overwhelm your lover with not needed stuff. Because this is a sign of magical and pure love.

And well, because you are loaded, don’t give a shit about money and you can make that person feel like she owes you. #HealthyRelationshipGoals!!!

*

MXY: *munching popcorn* I can relate.

ME: What the fuck are you doing here?

MXY: Stalking.

ME: UGH.

*

Kara and Lena were sitting on a couch and sharing a blanket, because there is nothing more romantic than stealing scenes from the other ships, especially when your ship doesn’t have a single, normal, not delusional aka OMG-they-are-breathing-in-one-room!! canonical romantic scene.

(Sounds of SC fandom sobbing in the distance.)

So, they were sitting on the couch and the chemistry between them - nitrogen, oxygen, argon and carbon dioxide - was like always sparkling with unresolved sexual tension.

*

MXY: Wait, you just listed the elements of air.

ME: Because there is no other fucking chemistry there, duh?

MXY: Sad truth.

*

Kara looked at Lena lovingly like she was her best friend….

(Best friend? Wait a minute!)

*

ME: Kara, put your crap together and look at Lena like she’s the love of your life.

KARA: But I don’t know how!

ME: Just look at her like you look at Mon-El all the time, ok?

*

Kara lovingly looked at Lena, like Lena was Mon-El, because there was no other fucking way to make this shit genuine and relatable.

“Lena,” Kara asked sweetly.

“Yes, Starling?” Lena answered.

*

JACK: Hey! Stop stealing my fucking lines!!!

ME: Shut up, who cares? You are dead.

JACK: :’(((((((

MXY: YOLO, dude.

*

“Lena... why are you chewing your lip?”

“Because, I’m hungry, honey,” Lena said suggestively.

“I’m starving too, let’s order some food.”

“Silly, I’m hungry for your pussy.”

Kara stared awkwardly at Lena. Lena stared awkwardly at Kara.

“That was weird...” Kara said finally.

“Yeah, I know. But I found it in sc fics.”

“There are fics about us?!”

“Yes, in most of them we want to fuck each other and act super OOC, Mon-El is portrayed like the biggest OOC piece of shit that has nothing in common with canon and the shippers can’t tag properly their abusive crap even if their lives depend on it.”

“That’s why I don’t check tumblr these days.”

Lena gasped, suggestively because she did everything suggestively, and took out her phone “But you have to check this amazing cats video I -” and then she started crying. Suggestively.

“Why are you crying?”

“I just found posts made by SC shippers claiming Katie McGrath can’t play a straight character and have no chemistry with men actors! Kara, does it mean they think she is a shitty actress?”

Kara sweated (suggestively), “Well...”

*

MXY: *munching popcorn* Basically, they seriously claim she is a shitty actress.

LENA: *stares into the camera* That’s why Katie McGrath doesn’t have official accounts on social media.

ME: Because of the haters?

LENA: BECAUSE OF HER FUCKING STANS!!!

*

“Well, let’s just talk, ok? We are best friends after all, right?”

Suddenly Kara started crying too (suggestively, of course).

“Why, are you crying?”

“I don’t know, I just got a very canonical and weird feeling about the best friend thing. It’s so amazing that we have nothing in common and I can’t even tell you I am a fucking alien and that I lie to you all the time because, tadah!, I’m a freaking Supergirl! For sure it’s not going to kick my ass one day and fuck up our relationship, right? And it’s not like you are going to die in 50 years, leaving me alone and heartbroken, because I’m going to live forever, lol. We are super duper relationship goals, right?”

Lena blinked dumbly (and very suggestively) “Wait, you are an alien and Supergirl?”

Kara sweated in a super sexual way, “Ahahahaha! I’m joking!”

“Ahahaha!” Lena joined her, very sexually and suggestively, “So, funny! Supergirl? OMG, you look totally different, you wear glasses! I’m a freaking genius after all, I would realize my BEST friend is Supergirl, lol”.

They both laughed (very suggestively) for some time and finally Kara said:

“So, we should talk more, we are best friends and have so many interesting topics to discuss!”

...

Silence.

Still silence.

Super silence.

*

ME: Ugh, it’s awkward.

MXY: Yep. Make them talk about hot guys.

ME: They can’t talk about hot guys.

MXY: But it’s canon.

ME: It’s a SC fic, so we ignore the canon.

MXY: Make it sexual then.

ME: *sighs*

*

Suggestive sexual silence and tension like in every scene with Kara and Lena (at least in SC shippers’ eyes).

*

MXY: See? Everything is fixed now.

ME: *whispers to Jack’s Ghost* Is it?

JACK’S GHOST: *whispers back* Don’t ask me, I’m fucking dead.

ME: Let’s just move on...

*

“Did you know that shipping SC is the most progressive thing you can imagine?” Lena asked  with a low, suggestive voice.

“Shipping two white, privileged women who like dicks is called progressive these days?” Kara blinked her eyes in a very sexual fashion.

“Yes, I have a tumblr post that proves it,” Lena smiles. “And did you know that fucking writers are queerbaiting our fans?”

Kara gasped (suggestively), “No way! But didn’t they say we are only friends and Kara is not gay?”

Lena blinked, not very suggestively but you know, SC shippers are going to interpret it like that no matter what, “Well, they did, but my actress bites her lip, you know, in a sexuall way.”

“So, your actress… queerbaits SC fans, even if it’s not in the script?”

Lena blinked. Kara blinked back.

*

LENA: Does my actress queerbaits SC fans?

ME:...

MXY:...

JACK’S GHOSTS:...

ME: We don’t talk about it.

LENA: *CRIES IN IRISH*

*

Kara looked at Lena’s trembling lips and said:

“Maybe we should just move to the part everyone lusts for and kiss passionately.”

So they did and….

*

Hospital, an hour later

Sniffing Kara was standing near Lena’s bed.

“I’m so sorry! I didn’t mean it!” she sobbed.

“Don’t worry,” said Lena, covered by the bandages like a mummy “I’m fine. You just broke my nose, both hands, ten ribs and spine. I’m sure I’m not going to be paralyzed forever.”

Kara sniffed, ”So, do you want to go for another date?”

Lena opened her mouth and -

*

Lena’s apartment

Lena woke up screaming.

“And then she asked me out again and I screamed and I woke up,” Lena sobbed into Jack’s chest few minutes later, after telling him the whole nightmare.

“It’s ok, it was just a dream,” Jack kissed her hair and hugged her tightly.

Suddenly, James switched on the bed lamp.

“Guys, I love you both, but can we go back to sleep? I need to fucking get up in the morning.”

*

Kara’s apartment

Kara woke up laughing like an idiot.

“Rao, I just had the funniest dream you can imagine.”

“Can we talk about it in the morning?” Mon-El mumbled tiredly into her neck.

“But I want to hear it now!” Brainiac5 popped out from under the blanket and hugged Mon from behind.

“Can you stop rubbing my ass?” Mon-El growled.

“I thought you like it,” Brainiac said tearily.

“Not in the 5 in the morning, raodamnit!”

“What the hell Brainy is doing in our bed?” Imra asked suddenly.

“The more the merrier!” Mon and Brainiac said together.

Suddenly, a lightning stroke outside, the door to their bedroom opened and Lightning Lad walked in:

“Someone said something about the more the merrier?! ”

Imra and Kara looked at each other.

“We need a bigger bed,” they said in unison.

THE END

I’m not sorry.

P.S. BTW:

Me:Moniac5 for the win!

Mon-El: Winn is here too? *checks under the bed*

Me: WIN not WINN! Mon, stop-

Mon-El: *takes out Winn from under the bed*

Me:...

Me:They seriously need a bigger bed…

THE END END

[tyson-berry-blog]

Rickard Rakell #1 - Birthday

Anon asked: Do you mind writing about rickard rakell? Maybe him being your best friend but it turns into something more

Anon, I deeply apologize for being so late to get this one out. I actually wrote this one before the most recent one I posted but it only seems fair to post them in the order that they are requested. This probably isn’t the best tactic for getting my pieces out there but it’s what I’m rolling with. I had intended to post this on the first of July, as the story says but of course that didn't happen. Because I was intending to post it on the first I made it birthday themed because that is my birthday. A little narcissistic? Maybe, but it was surprisingly a good prompt idea. I am not Canadian but because my friends are jerks (not really) they would throw me a Canada Day party instead of a birthday party. The cake would sometimes include the maple leaf. Anyway, enough rambling from me, I hope you enjoy this imagine!

Your birthday was approaching rapidly and an uneventful one at that. This mindset is likely a result of you never really caring for birthdays growing up. Your birthday fell on July 1st or better known to everyone around you, as Canada Day. Growing up in Canada and sharing a birthday with your country had its setbacks. You could never celebrate on your true birthday, which to a child felt like the end of the world. As you got older, you understood how silly you were being and instead opted for a small dinner with your close friends that never felt like much of a celebration.

When you moved from Canada to the US you were unprepared for actually being able to celebrate your birthday. No one typically did anything until the evening of the third which left you two days in the event you wanted a party. After years of not being able to have one, you were set in your ways much to the outrage of your friends.

“So what are you planning on doing this year?” your friend Samantha asked one day over coffee.

“Hmm?” you responded. Your thoughts were preoccupied as you watched your best friend Rickard climb out of his car.

Fingers snapping in your face woke you from your trace.

“You need to do something about that.”

“About what?” you asked, feigning confusion.

“The obvious crush you have on Rickard.”

“There is no such thing and shut up, he’s coming.”

You watched as Rickard took his sunglasses off and placed them on top of his freshly showered, post practice hair. He glanced around the coffee shop and smiled brightly when he made eye contact with you.

“Nothing my ass,” Samantha muttered under her breath.

You ignored her and instead stood to greet Rickard. He pulled you into a tight hug that lasted a little on the long side and had it not been for Samantha making her presence known, it might have gone on for longer. She gathered her things and clapped Rickard on the back.

“Good to see you again but unfortunately I have errands to run. Try to get this one,” she pointed at you, “to reconsider her stance on birthdays.”

Samantha ducked out of the coffee shop but looked back as she passed you and winked through the window.

You turned back to Rickard, “you go order, I’ll wait here with the table.”

“Can I get you anything while I’m up?”

You shook your head and sat back down. Rickard slowly inched his way towards the counter while you played around on your phone to keep you occupied. Samantha, the traitor, was blowing up your message with variations of the winking emoji and the kissing face one. Rickard finally rejoined you as you ignored the third heart eye emoji text from Samantha.

“So what is this about you and birthday?”

You looked up, “oh uh, I’ve never been a big fan. It’s not a big deal. I thought we discussed this before.”

“I would have remembered the conversation when I found out you are a birthday hater.”

“I’m Canadian.”

“Yes I know. What does that have to do with you not liking your birthday?”

“My birthday is July 1st.”

“Yes I know that too. We’ve been friends for a while so I’m kind of offended that you think I don’t know your birthday.”

“You’re not Canadian so I guess it makes sense you don’t know.”

“Not all hockey players are Canadian,” he teased.

“I know that! It’s just that I was born on the first of July which is also known as Canada Day.”

“Ah. Now we’re getting somewhere.”

“Growing up as a Canadian in Canada, my birthday always took the back seat and I got so used to not making a big deal that I just don’t.”

“So last year, when you and I went to dinner with some of your other friends, that was your actual celebration?”

“You brought a present!”

“I just assumed that you didn’t want to invite me to your actual party and didn’t want me to feel bad.”

“Rickard! Is that really what you thought?” you asked.

He lowered his gaze and said in a small voice, “yes.”

“Oh my goodness. I’m so sorry, I had no idea.”

His shoulders began to shake and you reached out towards him, “are you crying?”

He lifted his head to show he was in fact not crying, but laughing at you.

“You ass!” you hit his shoulder.

“I’m sorry, I’m sorry. I couldn’t resist.”

“See if I invite you at all this year.”

“Invite me to what? You don’t do parties so there is nothing to invite me to.”

You rolled your eyes and took a sip of your now cold coffee. You did your best to hide your grimace.

Rickard noticed and pushed back from the table. He returned a few minutes later with a new steaming mug and placed it in front of you.

“Thank you.” You tried to push two dollars towards him but he waved you off.

“Consider this the first part of my birthday gift to you.”

“Rickard please, it’s two dollars. I can pay for my own coffee.”

“I want to.”

“Why?”

“Because it’s only a small price to pay and pales in comparison to what you deserve.”

The words you had prepared seemed to get stuck in your throat. His meaningful confession over a simple cup of coffee had caught you completely off guard.

You put the money back in your wallet, “well if you feel that strongly about paying for my drink, who am I to stop you?”

The silence stretched between you. It wasn’t uncomfortable per se but unusual for the two of you.

“I’m sorry if I made this weird,” Rickard apologized.

“No it’s not weird, I promise. I just don’t fully understand what is happening.”

Rickard sighed, “I guess since it’s out there I may as well explain. I like you.”

“Yeah, I like you too.”

“I’m not talking about in a best friend’s kind of way.”

“I’m not either.”

Rickard’s attention snapped to you. The words startled you just as much as they did him. After all this time of pushing down the feelings you had for him you were surprised at how easily they came out.

“Are you just saying that to make me feel better?”

You rolled your eyes, “c’mon. When have I ever held back what I thought around you?”

“Well according to your confession I’d say you’ve been hiding at least one thing.”

“Okay, fair point.”

The wide smile he had given you earlier was nothing compared to how he was looking at you now. You weren’t sure how you had missed how he felt; how your supposedly unrequited crush was actually mutual.

“So where does this leave us?” Rickard was the one to break the silence.

“Depends on what you want.”

“I want a lot,” he answered honestly.

“Let’s start small. One thing at a time.”

Rickard contemplated this, “how about this?”

“I’m listening.”

“You wouldn’t let me doing anything for your birthday as a friend, but how about as a boyfriend?”

“Boyfriend? We haven’t even gone out on a date yet.”

“I think over the years, if we had gotten our shit together we would have found ourselves on a lot of dates.”

“Those don’t count.”

“Okay well let me treat you to a dinner for your birthday, either as friends or as a date. Up to you.”

“I think I can get behind that,” you found yourself smiling at the idea. This was the first birthday you found yourself looking forward to in a while.

“Who is going to be the one to tell Samantha she can’t come to this dinner?”

“Oh no,” you groaned. “This means I have to have two gatherings.”

“Or we can invite her to join us.”

“No way. I’ve been thinking about this for a while, if I have to suck it up and actually celebrate then so be it.”

Rickard grinned, “somehow I think this was her plan all along.”