#actually i can definitely see them talking like this

[calebsangelbby]

・❥ I TOLD YOU NO , PIPSQUEAK

▶︎ •၊၊||၊|။||||။‌‌‌‌‌၊|• 0:10

˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥ rundown :: caleb goes through your phone and finds out something he most likely wasnt meant to find out . frustrated , he ignores all your attempts to flirt with him ... that is , until it gets too much .

WARNINGS :: NSFW! 18+ , porn w/ no plot , dom!caleb , sub!reader , use of y/n , overstimulation , slapping , oral sex (reader receiving)

a/n :: tysm for everyone who voted on the poll for this ! i apologize for taking so long to write it , been busy w/ personal things . hope you enjoy nonetheless 💋

it all started when caleb found out you were sending the pictures of yourself looking all cute to other men. he didnt know what to expect when going through your phone , but it definitely wasnt that .

he should be the only one you're talking to .

he's spent the last few hours sitting in silence & staring at his ceiling , contemplating whether or not to confront you about it or stay silent and let it build up . his time for thinking ends abruptly when he hears his door creak open and views you walk in . it's late at night but it's not rare of you to come in because of a bad dream ... but your reasoning of barging in is a lot more sinister than something so innocent like that .

you close the door behind you and lean your back against it , making eye contact with him before beginning taking small steps toward him , swaying your hips purposefully just to have the pleasure of watching his eyes roam down to look at them .

once you reach his bed , he breaks eye contact as you sit on the edge of the it; too upset to look you in the eye . not thinking much of it , you twist your body to lay a hand gently on his thigh . "caleb," you utter, trying to make him look at you . "caleb, i have a favor to ask .." at that , he props himself up on his arms to meet your gaze with his .

"what is it, pips?" he asks with furrowed brows and a tone with just a hint of irritation , something you can only pick up on . "i dont really feel like talking to you right now , let alone do something for you . " he says and you can see the frustration on his face now , eyes narrowed and lips pulled into a straight line .

your eyebrows rise up to your forehead , your hand flying to your heart . "oh, you're mad at me ? what'd i do ?" you question with mock innocence . at that , he scoffs and brings his arms out from under him so he can fall back down on the bed . "im really tired , could you let me get some sleep please ? it's been a long day . thanks . "

you smirk at his response , letting out the smallest snicker . "woah there , i didn't think you were that mad at me to ignore me .." you mumble , fixing your eyes to look down at the bed and bringing your hands to your lap; gazing up at him through your lashes . "do you want help getting it out of your system ..? i can surely assist with that."

you're almost sure you can see the way his body tenses up once he hears that.

he swallows hard and you can view from where you are the way he hesitantly shakes his head , crossing his arms over his chest . "no , pips . not tonight .. im exhausted and i was about to go to sleep before you came in . leave , please , now ." his voice is asserting , or at least ... attempting to be . after looking over the images you messaged those men , truth be told he has had a boner ever since and instead of going to bed like he told you he was ... he was actually just about to jerk off . thank god you havent noticed .

"oh come on, dont be so lame . we both know thats a lie," you point out , shifting your body completely to make it easier to slip your hand over his thigh once more , sliding it higher and higher . "let me help you , caleb ... if you wont tell me why you're angry then at least allow yourself to let it out in a way thats healthy ."

"my god, y/n, give it up already!" he yelled , the sexual frustration in his voice clear . he jumped up from his laying position into one that was on his knees , standing up rather than sitting down on them . before you knew it , he was grabbing you by the arms and slamming you down into the mattress beneath him. "you want this so fucking bad, huh? you're such a damn slut, arent you? say it . tell me you're my slut."

all that comes out of your mouth is a gasp, your brain short-circuiting at the pace of which things just switched around . you're hastily sliding your eyes over his face , taking in the crazed look in his pupils , the way his nostrils are flared , his lips in a scowl ... taking in how divine he looks when he's angry .

"i-... i dont-" you whisper , your voice box not capable of saying anything above the tone .

"i didnt ask what you know , i asked you to tell me how much of a whore you are . coming into my room , unannounced, in a skimpy little outfit ... trying to make my dick hard by touching me the way you did . if anything , we both know you know what you are," he says , leaning in to whisper in your ear . "a touched-starved little pipsqueak ."

you shake your head in submission, knowing how scary he could get when he's mad . "no... i-i'm sorry, caleb, i'll leave you alone . i dont know why i even messed with you in the first place ."

almost immediately after those words go through his brain , he leans back up on you and slaps you hard enough to definitely leave a mark . you squeal , bringing a hand up to your face to feel where he hit . before you could reach your cheek , he grabs your hand and pins it up above you; swiftly dragging your other along with it .

"quit talking , y/n , it'll only bring you more trouble to lie . be a good girl and stay quiet while i punish your perfect little pussy for being so needy all the time . you can do just that one thing for me , cant you ? don't make a sound . " he purrs into your face , breath hot against your skin before he crawls down lower; taking your hands with him to rest on your stomach . once he meets with your core , he uses his free hand to briskly take off your scrap of lace that you call panties with his pointer finger . looking up at you , he grins when he sees the look of resistance written all over your face . "spread . now ."

he looks down to make eye contact with your cunt again , taking in the wetness glistening in the moonlight . he takes it upon himself to lean down and blow a flow of cold air right onto your needy clit , making you thrust your hips into his face . he doesn't react , though , only laughs a greedy laugh at your attempt .

"you're only making this worse for yourself , baby . stay still and silent for me and this will be over before you know it ." and with that , he brings his head down to suck on your clit .

it's such a perfect feeling you cant help but moan , tipping your head back and allowing your eyes to flutter shut . the moment of bliss is stolen as quick as it came when he slaps his hand on your thigh , making you jump .

"make a sound and i'll stop ."

------

over an hour has he been torturing you . an hour . sixty minutes .

it's long after you've cum (multiple times) on his face , but he still won't stop . you're thrashing and squirming , crying and screaming , kicking and begging at him but nothing works . you're convinced he's committed to making you pass out ... and maybe he is .

he won't talk to you , won't stop you from pulling at his hair , all he does is pull your thighs closer around his face; using all the strength he has to keep you there .

you can see how hard he is and the evidence of his release on the bed , but he refuses all your offers to make him cum in an effort to get him to stop . he refuses everything and anything , all hes focused on is your core and making you pay for all the hell you've put him through . especially those fucking pictures you've been sending to people .

at this point , his jaw hurts , and he's almost incapable of going on for longer . he finally lifts up off your poor abused core , giving you a moment to breathe and relax your muscles . he drags himself on his hands and knees over you to meet your face , moving a hand to touch under your chin; making you meet his gaze .

" have you learned your lesson yet , pips ? or do you need me to go a little longer ?" you quickly shake your head at his question, you normally would answer with a string of nononononos but you're too fucked-out that you cant . he brings the hand on your chin to your eyes and wipes a tear there . "i'm sorry , baby . i know i'm cruel . i know you'll never do that to me again ." he says , a sincere tone in his voice .

"lets go get you cleaned up ."

˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥ in conclusion :: caleb is without a doubt a 'fuck around and find out' typa guy .. :3

[str4wb3rrysw3etheart]

Do you think you could write hcs of the boys at prom? 🥹 (post comic book store fire, since in the lore they didn’t go the first time)

OFCC!!!

Sfw ♡

Cw: suggestive in Petes and bills, bill needs to be pegged/j, usage of slut, Josh has a binge ed

꒷꒦︶꒷꒦︶ ๋ ࣭ ⭑꒷꒦꒷꒦︶꒷꒦︶ ๋ ࣭ ⭑꒷꒦꒷꒦︶꒷꒦︶ ๋ ࣭ ⭑꒷

Bill

♡Did not want to go.. his mom barely let him go, but decided he needed to hang out with someone ..

♡He stands with you in the corner at the food table, eating the occasional snack, and complaining that his tie was too tight (his mom made him dress up)

♡If you try to dance with him, he will blush from embarrassment and refuse, saying that it's dumb.. just make him he's pathetic (I love him)

♡Try to kiss him? Hes bright red. He chewed four packs of gum and brushed his teeth for 30 minutes to prepare for this, but still..

♡He stares.. a lot, he finds you so domestic in a dress, and he feels manly. He yaps about how good of a house wife you'd be..

♡He sulks in the corner if you go off to talk to someone else.. you're litterally his only friend there.

♡Will ask to go to the bathroom (to get lucky..) multiple times. Unless you say yes he gets whiner and whiner each time

꒷꒦︶꒷꒦︶ ๋ ࣭ ⭑꒷꒦꒷꒦︶꒷꒦︶ ๋ ࣭ ⭑꒷꒦꒷꒦︶꒷꒦︶ ๋ ࣭ ⭑꒷

Pete

♡Finds the whole thing stupid, but goes, he doesn't wanna upset the only women to EVER talk to him..

♡Dances with you, and tries to be romantic, but kinda sucks at it.. just making sexual (and slightly objectifying ..) remarks

♡Doesn't dress up at all. He's wearing his normal clothes..

♡Refuses to let you go off with your friends, following you around, not really interested in your friends in the slightest.. what good are they anyway?

♡Tries to ... well.. get lucky with you at the end of the dance (if you want more details thats another fic)

♡If you kiss him he's just a bit too into it.. he sucks at it though.. (teaching Pete how to kiss fic coming up??/hj)

calls you horrendous petnames the whole time (women , sugar, slut)

♡Lowkey he makes you leave early and watches a movie with you instead, complaing that there were too many normies there..

꒷꒦︶꒷꒦︶ ๋ ࣭ ⭑꒷꒦꒷꒦︶꒷꒦︶ ๋ ࣭ ⭑꒷꒦꒷꒦︶꒷꒦︶ ๋ ࣭ ⭑꒷

Josh

♡VERY nervous to go to prom.. he made his mom do his hair, spent two hours cleaning himself up, and practicing how to kiss and what to say in the mirror..

♡Forgets all that he practiced as he sees you, You're the prettiest thing he's ever seen..

♡Tends to eat a lot of food out of his nervousness, so best believe he is by that snack table..

♡When you try to dance with him, he sucks at it. Stepping on your feet and tripping the whole time.. he has clearly never done this before

♡When you kiss him, he doesn't reciprocate at first, freezing up, he eventually leans into it, I'll admit a bit messily, but he's okay at kissing

♡Nervous rambles the whole time, he can't shut up. Normally he goes silent from anxiety, but I guess if he can't give you a minute alone with your thoughts you won't decide to leave him because you can't think about it

♡Once he gets more comfortable, he sweats a bit less, still on edge, but trusts you.. happy to be there with someone he loves.

♡Definitely called you milady at least once. Wanting to cry from embarrassment when you laughed.

꒷꒦︶꒷꒦︶ ๋ ࣭ ⭑꒷꒦꒷꒦︶꒷꒦︶ ๋ ࣭ ⭑꒷꒦꒷꒦︶꒷꒦︶ ๋ ࣭ ⭑꒷

Jerry

♡Actually went there mostly on his own accord , didn't take much convincing when you asked

♡He is still a bit awkward the whole time, but he tries to mask it, acting confident as if he didn't cry over his hair not looking right for you 20 minutes ago..

♡Is most familiar with dancing, he's been to plenty of weddings for family members he doesn't remember

♡When you kiss him, he kisses back almost immediately, but you can feel how sweaty his palms are

♡Actually makes an effort to seem.. normal? While there. Talking with your friends if you bring them over, and being respectful of you wanting space

♡Tries to drink the punch, and it ends up being spiked and is so wobbly is almost comical. He is a huge lightweight

♡Compliments your dress like 15 times, trying to cover up that's why he was staring, and not anything else... nooo...

꒷꒦︶꒷꒦︶ ๋ ࣭ ⭑꒷꒦꒷꒦︶꒷꒦︶ ๋ ࣭ ⭑꒷꒦꒷꒦︶꒷꒦︶ ๋ ࣭ ⭑꒷

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[w2soneshots]

Chris is on Raya, so maybe could you do a fic where he meets an actress and he tells his friends about it and it's kinda unbelievable, cause she is been in Marvel films or a really famous film

And maybe they breakup and everyone's like "Boy, you fumbled"

Almost fumbled -ChrisMD

words: 1.7k+

warnings: angst with a happy ending, intrusive paparazzi (when isn’t it), mentions of a break up, slightly suggestive, George is a great friend.

summary: after you and Chris match on Raya you go on a date, though the both of you have the pressure of your friends and the paparazzi so your relationship proves to be more difficult than you’d have thought.

notes: hello angel, thank you for your request, I’m obsessed with this idea!!🤭 I also love love love marvel so it was fun to incorporate a little bit of it into this. I hope you enjoy this extra long one!💝👏🏼

Liked by y/username, arthurtv and others

chrismd10: Some Machu Picchures

-comments-

georgeclarkeey: fun fun fun

youtube: swapping the pitch for peaks🫡

user: wait, why is nobody talking about the fact THE y/n y/l/n has liked this👀

-> user: omfg and she lives in London... I ship them tbh🤭💞

"Chris?!" George skirted into Chris' room. He turned to him from his desk. "Yeah?" He asked, slightly confused as George looked baffled. "y/n, from the marvel films, like your fucking instagram post!" He alerted his best mate.

Chris signed I relief, it wasn't something serious. "I know, I matched with her on Raya," he replied calmly. George's mouth dropped open. "You're kidding my ass. You matched with her?" Chris breathed out a laugh. "I was just as shocked to be honest, she lives here though."

"Please can I see her profile," George begged as he sat on Chris' bed with a thump. "I don't know-" "please..." he cut him off. "Alright."

George stared at Chris' phone. "This is insane. Don't fumble this." "I'm gonna try not to, she seems cool. Also... I'm going to dinner with her on Saturday." George almost combusted right then and there, falling back onto Chris' bed.

"Imagine you get with her and she comes round to the flat. What am I gonna say? Act like I've not watch half of her films?" George rambled. "You probably aren't going to have to think that far ahead mate, I'm guessing she'll take one look at me and run for the hills." "Don't be silly, you're a good bloke. She'll like you."

"I have absolutely no fucking clue what to wear!" You shoved another piece of clothing from your wardrobe onto your bed with a huff. "How casual is the dinner?" Your best friend, whom you live with, asked as she sat comfortably on your bed.

"I don't know- like not crazy fancy but kinda fancy... ugh, that makes no sense." "Leather, faux obviously but you know, that's a mix between the two?" She suggested. "Okay, yeah good idea."

You finally found a good outfit and you turned to your friend once you were finished. "Good?" You asked hopefully, since you definitely didn't want to try anything else on. "Absolutely drop dead gorgeous babes."

"So who is this guy anyway?" She asked as you popped all of the necessities into your little bag. You pulled your phone out and clicked on his profile. "Chris."

Her eyes widened after a moment. "Oh my gosh, that's ChrisMD!" "Huh?" "He's a youtuber! My brother used to watch his videos. He did football challenges and they were pretty fun to watch actually." She explained excitedly. "Oh right, cool. I had a quick glance at his insta but I didn't really look much into it, he did have a big following though."

"I wonder if he still does them? I'm checking." She scrolled around on her phone for a second before a video began playing. "Today we're in Munich where we will consume a beverage at each of nine pubs. Welcome back to football pub golf everyone!" The screen played as the both of you watched intensely.

"Jesus he's gotten fitter over the years," your bestie breathed out quietly. You chuckled in response as a slow motion video compilation played of the group posing. "Do you reckon any of his friends are single?" She asked with a smirk, causing you to playfully push her shoulder with yours, to which she just giggled. Though she was being completely serious, they were a group of hot dudes.

y/username posted a new story!

"God... she's beautiful," Chris thought as you followed the waiter through the restaurant and towards the table he'd booked and was already sat at.

"Hi," you smiled warmly when you reached him. He quickly stood from his chair to greet you with a side hug. "You look amazing," he complemented, you could tell he was a little nervous by the awkward way in which he said it but you thought it was cute.

The small talk commenced once you'd sat down. You spoke about where you grew up, how long you'd been in London and then the topic of your jobs came up.

"I already know what you do," you confessed with a cheeky smile. "Oh, you do?" Chris was shocked. "Mhm, my best friends brother used to watch you, you make youtube videos right?" "That's right, yeah. Please don't tell me you've seen any of them," he grimaced.

"Uhm..." "oh god." You chuckled at his embarrassment. "No it's cool. They actually seem quite entertaining and I'm pretty sure my friend has a crush on half of your friends," you said lightheartedly. Chris' demeanour changed and he loosened up a little after your reassurance.

"I know what you do too, but that's probably a given," Chris began, he knew George would be on the edge of his seat if he was listening to this conversation. "Right, brilliant," you replied sarcastically with a chuckle, you didn't mind talking about your work though sometimes it can turn into a conversation all about your costars.

Chris was really chill about the whole thing. He didn't pry or ask anything weird, he actually was more interested in how you got into the industry and the beginning of your career, which was a breath of fresh air.

Dinner seemed to fly by and without even realising it you'd been sat there eating and chatting for four hours. Eventually it was time to say your goodbyes and you were silently hoping that he'd had as good of a time as you since you didn't want this to be the extent of your relationship.

"So... you free anytime next week?" He eventually asked as you stood outside, about to part ways. You smiled happily and then the both of you organised a day.

The next day you woke up to see multiple pictures of you and Chris sat at your table in the restaurant. You signed deeply and then called your manager.

After having the situation minimised, you messaged Chris, "hey, I'm not sure if you've seen but some paparazzi took photos of us in the restaurant yesterday. My manager has had them taken down from the original website but as you can imagine people have screenshotted it. I'm sorry, I probably should've pre-warned you xx"

He replied pretty quickly, "I saw. Don't worry about it, it's not a problem. How are you? x" He didn't seem to be too bothered which really reassured you since you thought you'd finally found a good guy in a sea of dickheads.

You and Chris went on multiple dates, had been to each other's places, had sex an abundance of times and were constantly texting before he eventually asked you if you'd be his girlfriend. Obviously you said you would since you had undeniable chemistry and he'd been all green flags up until that point.

"Hello love," Chris greeted you at his apartments front door, seeming a little... distant. You shared a quick hug before you stepped through the threshold. "Hi y/n!" George, Chris' friend and roommate whom you've become familiar with, enthusiastically waved to you as he walked through the hallway. You waved back with a smile.

Everything was going great, you liked his friends and he liked yours, it was like you were in your own little bubble... then the bubble popped.

You sat on his bed and he sat at his desk, the chair facing towards you. "I feel like I'm constantly being watched," Chris said, completely out of the blue. "What?" "The fucking paparazzi, it's ridiculous. Every time we go anywhere we're in the press the next day. I understand it's because you're famous and all but-" he stopped himself.

He couldn't make eye contact with you properly. Your heart was slowly breaking as you listened to him. This had happened before in a previous relationship and that was the reason it ended, though you thought since Chris was already used to being in the public eye, he would understand.

"What're you saying?" "I don't know if I can do this. I like you, a lot, but the whole being followed thing... I've never experienced that before and I don't think I can hack it."

You were gone within twenty minutes. Tears in your eyes as you let yourself out. "Are you alright?" George's voice asked from behind you. You didn't -couldn't- turn around. "Mhm," you managed, though your voice cracked before you swiftly opened the door and left.

George, now confused and concerned, walked to Chris' room and knocked on the door. "Mate?" Chris didn't respond, he just opened the door.

Chris sighed. "I broke up with her," he muttered. "You- what- why the fuck did you do that?" It took him a minute to reply, "the paparazzi... it's just not for me George."

"You love her don't you?" Chris hesitated then nodded. "So, don't throw all that away over some stupid dicks taking photos. You're perfect for each other, plus you can't fumble a funny, kind, -don't punch me- gorgeous actor," George told his friend. "I'll think on it." "Okay, just- consider how she feels...?"

Within a week Chris had messaged you to ask how you were doing. It was a stupid question really, you were so upset and hadn't really left your apartment since the breakup. You didn't reply to him.

Then he turned up on your doorstep, at ten o'clock at night. You answered the door in your pyjamas, you were just about to get into bed. Your face dropped when you saw him stood there.

"I love you," was all he said, hope in his eyes. You bit the inside of your lip. "But you said-" "I don't care what I said. It doesn't matter because I love you and I was an idiot to ever have let anyone get between that y/n."

That night ended with the both of you -naked- cuddled up in your bed. After that Chris never complained about the paparazzi again because if he was with you nothing else mattered.

[izzyy-stuff]

𝐃𝐑𝐄𝐍𝐂𝐇𝐄𝐃 𝐈𝐍 𝐘𝐎𝐔 - 𝐂𝐇𝐎𝐈 𝐒𝐎𝐎𝐁𝐈𝐍 teaser

IN WHICH Soobin wasn’t sure what love felt like. A true, innocent connection between two people. It seemed almost like a myth to him until he saw his brothers in love. The look in their eyes—Soobin wanted to have that as well. So, he searched. He waited for centuries, watching people, trying to find a person that could make him feel the same way his brothers told him they felt with their people. And then he saw it, your eyes, the smile on your face as you talked to your friends, and he felt it. There was nothing that could stop him now, he was going to get his happy ending. 

pairing– Choi Soobin x fem!reader genre– Fluff, Smut contains– god!soobin, mortal!reader, Soobin stalking reader through water, modern setting, yes i'm aware Soobin is lowkey (highkey) a stalker in this scenario, clueless!god, and more

established wc– I actually have no idea, like 15k maybe established publish date– April 26th

── .✦

Soobin looks around, frowning upon seeing the unfamiliar objects move around him. He watches them move on the street, curiously observing the people sitting in them. He wonders about how they work for a while, if it’s the people operating them or the objects capturing people. However, before he can figure it out, he stumbles forward as a guy bumps into him while passing by, cursing him out instead of apologizing. Soobin’s eyes widen but he doesn’t say anything, watching the man mumble something under his breath before walking off, taking out a weird-looking small box from the pocket of his jeans. 

The human world was weird.

And still, a part of him couldn’t wait to see more of it.

── .✦

↪ izzy adds... I'm so excited for this fic! Always happy to be a part of a collab with my lovely girls <3 Definitely check it out!

if you wish to be tagged in the story, feel free to leave an ask here or in my inbox! The permanent taglist still applies for this though!

[nathanbatemanfucker]

Fault Lines Ch. 2

request: wanted to know if you could write something where the reader is a ex-winter solider (just like bucky, but maybe she doesn't lose her arm) and how she struggles to accept Joaquin. An overall angst to fluff.

pairing: joaquin torres x ex-super soldier!f!reader

contents: canon typical violence, illusions to abuse and torture, ptsd and other mental illness, enemies to lovers, angst

wc: 1,383

an: this series is based off of this request here! this is definitely a slow burn/fluff if you squint type beat so just bear with me <3

fault lines masterlist

The safe house is quiet, save for the low hum of the overhead light and the occasional rustle of movement from Joaquin as he leans against the wall opposite of you. He knows better than to box you in—that’d only make you more restless than you already are.

Post-meal and shower, you sit on his cot, arms crossed, gaze fixed somewhere past him like you’re already planning your exit. The space smells of antiseptic and metal despite the warm paint and comforting art. Someone had tried to make this as home-y as they could and failed.  

He doesn’t doubt that you are.  And you are. You’re on edge, always hypervigilant for the worst. That the two men in front of you that promise to stand on decency and honor are liars just like everyone else you’ve ever encountered. 

There’s only one door and a few windows, but you had immediately noticed the door under the rug in the bathroom. Its doable.

Sam’s outside, making calls, searching for loopholes to clean up the mess you’ve already made. That leaves Joaquin with what he does best—talking. But tonight, that skill is failing him.

Something about you is making the words sticky in his throat, unable to flow as usual. He doesn’t know what to say to you to make you understand, to make you change. Though he’s not really sure that’s his goal given what you’ve suffered.

“You look like you wanna be anywhere but here,” he observes, arms mirroring yours.

“What a shocking observation, baby bird,” you mutter, voice steeped in sarcasm.

Joaquin exhales through his nose, tilting his head. “Ok, ouch. But let’s be real—you could’ve run already. Hell, you could’ve fought harder. So why are you still here?”

Your fingers curl in your lap, like the truth will slink into your hands if you don’t force it out; it isn’t something you're ready to touch. You flex them once before stilling. “Just because I’m here doesn’t mean I trust you,” you say eventually, voice quieter, more measured.

“Fair.” Joaquin watches you, gaze steady. He hasn’t been able to take his eyes off you unless he has too– he chalks it up to your dangerous capabilities and nothing more. “No one’s asking you to, querida. But you want something. You can tell me what that is, I won’t use it against you.”

Something stirs at his pet name, something you thought was dead and rotted. Its easy to shove it back down in the wake of what you see is a lie. He would use it against you, that’s what everyone does. If he didn’t then Sam would. You know the game. 

You let out a breath, eyes meeting his. “You’re after Hydra and so am I. But I don’t trust that you’ll actually do what needs to be done. In fact, I know you won’t.”

Joaquin frowns. He knows what you mean but asks anyway, “And what’s that?”

“You tell me,” you challenge. “You really think you’re gonna dismantle them by playing by the rules? By arresting a few low-level pricks and calling it a day? Hydra isn’t just an organization—it’s a disease. One that’s smart enough to outmaneuver every cure. You cut off a limb, and another grows back.” Your voice lowers, darkens. “I go for the heart.”

Joaquin studies you. The shadowy certainty in your tone. The way your hands have curled into fists, nails pinching into your skin before you even realize it. He should be alarmed, maybe even afraid of you and what you can do with those hands. But mostly? He just feels tired for you and all the baggage you have to carry. He wishes there were more he could do more for you, but he knows the oath he’s taken. His values, his morals—they won’t be compromised.

“I get it,” he says, voice softer now. “You think we’re a waste of time. That we’re too soft.”

“You are,” you say, like it’s obvious and with no remorse. “Your Captain? He’s trying to lead a world that doesn’t even know what to do with itself. One that hardly wants him. He’s gotta play politics. Me? I don’t have to play anything. I owe nothing to no one but myself.”

Joaquin shakes his head. “That’s not a life. That’s a war you never get to leave. That darkness won’t let you go.”

Your jaw tightens, and you look away. You don’t deny it.

For the first time since bringing you in, Joaquin feels like he has something solid to work with. You know that your past is controlling you but you won’t let it go. With their help, you could finally be free. He lets you sit with his words, grabbing a water from the mini-fridge before settling across from you on Sam’s bunk.

Silently, he offers it. Begrudgingly, you take it, careful not to touch him.

“Look, I know what it’s like to be made into something you didn’t ask for,” he says. “To be trained to survive, not to live. And I know that once you start thinking like that, it’s almost impossible to stop.”

Your fingers tighten around the bottle, the plastic nearly giving out under the pressure. The sound brings you back to the present and you loosen your grip letting the bottle fall to the ground. Joaquin says nothing, letting you be.  When your eyes meet again, he can see that you recognize that. That you believe him when he says that he understands. You let it fade away as quickly as it appeared.

Joaquin presses forward anyway. “You don’t trust us? Fine. But what if we can help? What if we can end this without you burning yourself out trying to do it alone?”

You shake your head. “God, baby bird, you don’t fucking get it.”

“Then make me fucking get it,” Joaquin challenges, matching your energy. He hopes that in doing so you'll level with him.

For a moment, neither of you speaks. The space between you is heavy with something unspoken, pressing down on your chest. Your breath is too sharp, and his is too shallow, like being stuck in each other's gaze has sucked all the air out of the room before either of you could even think. You exhale sharply, pulling back, re-centering yourself just as another presence fills the doorway.

"There's a name," you mutter, almost reluctant. "One of the last remaining heads of Hydra. He’s been running a black ops division off-grid. And if you think what was done to your precious boy was bad, what they’re doing is worse."

Joaquin barely has time to process before your gaze flicks past him, landing on Sam, now standing in the doorway, arms crossed.

The two men exchange a look. “How do we know you’re not leading us into a trap?” Sam asks.

You scoff. “I’m not like them and you thinking I would walk you into a trap is like them. If you don’t believe me, I can happily do this on my own. And I wouldn’t have either of you slowing me down.”

Sam meets Joaquin’s gaze again; its pleading, laced with the idea of giving you a chance. A long beat of silent communication passes between them.

Sam rolls his eyes, exhaling reluctantly. He knows what its like to be an advocate, the one who’s seeing more than others. He’ll let Joaquin take his chance on you. “You’re lucky he likes you,” he mutters, jerking his chin toward Joaquin before turning back toward the door. “We’re wheels up in an hour. Try not to make me regret this.”

Joaquin looks back at you, and you could swear that you see some warmth in his cheeks. “That makes two of us.” He barely catches it—the slight quirk at the corner of your mouth. It’s smug, not quite a smirk, but it’s something. An attempt at humor. He softens again, seeing the effects of what Hydra put you through.

What had they done to you where you can’t even smile? Laugh? See yourself as more than just their pawn? The thought makes him sad, yes, but it also makes him angry. You deserve better than that.

“Three of us.” You shake your head, pushing to your feet. You’re tired of being cooped up. “Guess we’ll see.”

let me know if you'd like to be on the sfw joaquin torres taglist!

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> ch. 3

[strungnews]

TO ME YOU'RE ACTING LIKE YOU'RE TWINS, THIS IS A MESS. IS THIS A TEST?

a 'small' continuation + names of this since some wanted to see more, and I agree. not beta read i just want this gone from my drafts!!

A scoff, hand waving dismissively in the air like a snobby royal. "Don't be stupid, he gives off 'daddy issues' more than the other ones." "You're mistaken, they all have daddy issues. And mommy issues, but that's besides the point. We can't name him 'daddy issues' because that'd be like--I dunno, saying this piece of sand is better than the other grains of sand!"

You scrunch your nose and roll your eyes at William.The two of you have been at it all afternoon renaming the 'Mark Variants' as he had dubbed, to more notable and memorable ones. Since you and William can't for the life of you remember whose who, there's 17 of them! Sue you for not knowing.

It's a weird thing you and William have as an inside joke to one another, having even made a whole game out of it. It was like a harder version of 'Wheres Waldo' but you had to guess if it was mark or one of his 'variants' on the screen.

But you and him weren't playing today, right now you were organizing, real serious stuff. Since a certain someone slipped up and called one of them Jeremy, but he was obviously Mateo. Obviously.

"Ugh, I can't with this! Im running out of braincells trying to give creative nicknames to remember their actual names. God we couldn't have befriended a normal guy? We had to take one that had 17 other versions of him?" William is at his wits end. And you are no help to saving him.

"Hey, you talked to him first, not me." You noisily sipped at your straw, the cup almost empty as you salvage whats left of it.

"And I regret it everyday,"

"No you don't." "Yes I do. "No you don't." "Yes I do," "Nuh uh."

"Yuh uh," "Nuh uh. Remember how 'Nestle-cock' saved your ass by giving the best gift that one time, and your mom still wont stop bringing it up?" William groans disgustedly at the name, and tiredly at the thought. "We're definitely changing that one. Especially that one." You laugh. "Not my fault you took my suggestion. The internet is filled with so much wonders these days." You recall looking up another term for the word 'mama's boy', and as demeaning as it is, you couldn't help but jokingly suggest it. "Remind me to not take them anymore. But that's besides the point! We might as well try and remember their names the normal way."

"It's more fun this way," You shuffle on about your bed to place your empty cup down, lying on your stomach as you watch William visibly age through the monitor of your laptop screen.

"For you, not for me." He points an accusatory finger at you and sighs. "I gotta go, we've been at this since 1:30, I gotta eat." William rubs at his stomach hungrily at the prospect of food, and stretches that you can hear the crack and creak of his body and worn chair.

"Can I come with?" It's cold out today, a much needed change and reprieve from the now oncoming summer heat. Small instances of rain, but never pouring continuously.

William only tuts at you, as if his answer was obvious. "Hell no. If you come, Mark comes. And if Mark comes, your whole dang harem will too!" You snicker, hah, come. He starts picking up his long discarded clothes across his room, coming out of frame the more he collects, and coming back with a shirt in hand.

"What? They are not my harem!" William scoffs and drapes it on his chair. "Sure, keep telling yourself that. Anyways I gotta go, see you and real Mark." Before you could protest his words, he ends the call with a wave.

Your face falls onto one of your pillows and you look up to the end call screen, before clicking off the tab and muttering ‘Gross.’ Because who would want a harem of people that consists of your very good looking best friend that you're totally not crushing on? Not you, pfft.

You hear your phone chime with a notif, and you drag your hand blindly to where it might be, hitting a hard piece of plastic and snatching at it.

William sent a link of his location, a change of heart on his end, offering to let you come with like you were a beggar. You were in his head, but he loved you nonetheless.

You pump your fists in the air in silent victory as you cheer, before you jump and yelp out when at the tapping on your window. A normal occurrence to happen, but it doesn't stop you from clutching your chest and walking over to it.

"Hey..?" Mark says guiltily, probably overheard your surprise from outside.

"What is it this time Grayson?" You scold playfully while watching him step inside your room one leg at a time. You've told him to just knock at your front door instead of acting like a thief in the night, sliding your window open. But Mark says no, thinks he looks cooler this way. Feels even cooler with the impending doom of a fall just one slip up away.

"Well, I just. . . It is a crime to visit my best friend?" He says through a forced smile and walks over to the side of your bed, plopping down on the beanbag where it resides.

"You have William," You offer, knowing full well he probably told Mark that he was probably busy or something, not wanting to have to sneak around in order for Mark to have fun without the weight of his annoying siblings.

"He said he was busy," He says defeated, and deflates on the comfort of your beanbag, practically having his body imprinted on it with how often he sat there.

"So annoying me was the second best option?" "You know it."

Hang outs with Mark feels like trying to screw on a lightbulb while ten other people pushed their way through on a race to do it first.

He never comes to the party alone, having to at least bring one, two, three, maybe even five other family members with him, in order for them to have some semblance of enrichment whenever he so plans to go out with his already very small group of friends. A rule set by his amazing mother.

She just wants everyone to feel included, at the cost of humiliation that is.

And being the good son and mama's boy he is they all are, he obliges with a small kick to the dirt, a mumbled out 'fine, while he puts his hands in his pockets like he was digging for gold. Accompanied by the million dollar pout on his face.

It wasn't ideal to always drag someone with him when he just wanted alone time with his friends, so on occasion he'd offer you to do it at his house.

As if that was any better.

So when things got too overwhelming, he'd sneak into yours or Williams place to cool down. A nice contrast to the loud and bustling house, to a quiet room with him and friends. Not a concern to worry about.

Think of it as his personal bunker that he goes to hide at from his life.

"Anything on your mind?" You break the ice, having to say goodbye to the free food you had been in favor of being there for Mark. You know, like the good friend you are.

He stirs, crossing his arms in thought while he thinks it over. "I dunno. Not much in my head today," "When does it ever?" You counter back without thinking, and he sticks his tongue out at you childishly.

"But I did get caught by Finn earlier. And he told me he wouldn't tell mom if I covered his shift on saturday." Mark takes one of the many stray plushies you have on your bed, and hugs it to close and tight till the seams were threatening to rip apart..

Coincidentally, it was the oldest one you had. Which was the first time Mark had won you a prize at the carnival as kids. Since then he likes to surprise you with new ones each time you guys went out to the arcade. Or when he’d go overseas with his dad.

So much little trinkets and doodads you have lying around your room are a courtesy from Mark.

But with the way he held onto this particular one, you can tell he's also grown fond of it at the memory. Attached even. The feeling was mutual, the plush being the one you favored the most to hug to sleep. Something about it was a lot more personal, a lot more special.

You watch in your peripheral while he buries his face in it in comfort. Inhaling like it was some sort of drug to him, it probably smells like you. You shake your head.

"Oh, Finn. Yeah, right." You repeat, nodding along with him. You’ve heard of the name in passing whenever you’d go to Grayson household, but never really got to put a face on said name. They were all just photocopies of Mark with different attitudes and mannerisms. Plus, so many names were given around the place, you were surprised to even hear the attempt at keeping up with the M lettered names before sticking to normal ones.

"You don't know who i'm talking about, do you?" He raises a brow at you, all smiling and smirking cockily like he caught you in the act.

"What? Pfft, of course I do. It's the uh, he's the one where you know," You start to sweat, before reaching out for your phone and redirecting the conversation.

"William said he went out for food." You suddenly blurt. Way to throw him under the bus.

"I know, he told me."

"Great! Well, I was just about to join him till you came knocking. Wanna come with?" Scrolling through your phone to appear busy, Mark starts to sit up straighter and lean on the edge of your bed to take a closer look at you.

"Heyy, who's Finn?" His elbows dig and dip into your soft mattress, now poking at your vulnerable side, and you swat him away like a fly.

“Your brother??” It’s as if he had forgotten he had multiple copies of himself in his house.

“Yeah, well which one?” Mark’s on his knees by the time you look up, and now climbs up fully to sit next to you. The bed moves with his newly added weight, and he casually slings his arm around your shoulder. Plush now resting on his lap.

“God, do you want me to name all of em or something? Im being quizzed now?” You’re starting to get flustered, evident with how defensive you’re turning.

He’s too close, and you’re sure he can feel your heart racing. His arm feels like it’s suffocating you the more he lingers, his hand draped dangerously close to your racing heart, toying at a loose thread he brushed up on.

As a kid Mark’s always been so touchy, always invading your bubble and needing to be physically close at some extent. It never gets easier as time goes on.

"Yeah sure, I'd like to see that.

“Oh, you jackass,” The heat of your palm on his chest as you push away feels like it’s burning at him inside and out. He wants to chase that feeling and let it eat him alive.

“Cmon, just admit it. You don’t remember who Finn is.”

He pokes at you again, enjoying the way you tense and glare, or the way you suck in a breath and close your eyes, calming yourself down.

“Fine. I don’t know who this infamous Finn is, okay? Now do you wanna go and eat with William?” Speak of the devil and he will come. Your phone chimes again, several messages come in like a flood, which you snicker at.

William sent a candid photo of Mark and the variants, a behind the scenes of a family photo, posed awkwardly. Another one showed two very similar sulking kids with a very exasperated Nolan at the back, forcing them to wear an oversized shirt with sharpie drawn on it. ‘This is our get along shirt.’

“Cute.” You accidentally said out loud, and type back at William. Now ignoring Mark in favor of something more compelling.

“What is?” He peers and nudges you closer to him, ever the nosy guy.

“What are you even doing?” He urges on again, feeling left out. The bed dips further, the more you move away from him and the more he chases after you. Ending up trapped under his weight with a plush wedged between the two of you.

Pressing your phone to your chest and clicking at the power button, you push his too close face away from you. “It’s none of your business,” He smells like the generic 3 in one mens shampoo you would usually smell while walking by a product isle. And the smell only intensifies the more his hair gets ruffled by your hand.

The sudden shift in attitude and secrecy makes Mark perk. If he had ears like a dog, they’d definitely stand tall and proud, with a tail to most likely accompany it.

“You’re hiding something from me, what is it?” Now he’s crowding you in like a damn police dog. Smelling and searching for any explosives or substances that might be on your person. He watches you curl in on yourself, as a sort of barrier to keep from his prying eyes, but this only leaves you vulnerable. Sides wide open to harass.

“Stop—dont-dont touch me!” You laugh and struggle when he tickles you, you have half a mind to kick him in the face the more breathless you’re starting to feel.

“Mark, cut it out!”

“Not until you tell me!” Your arm’s raised up in an attempt to keep your phone away, but Mark only snatches it in his hands and opens up your phone, already knowing your password by heart.

“Fuck. I knew you remembered it, you said you didn’t! Liar.” He only sticks his tongue out at you, and skitters away when you try to lunge back at him.

“Nuh uh,” He catches you when you turn to look at him, vision going thanks to your low iron.

And suddenly Mark has you positioned in a tight chokehold. His fleshly limb imprisonment on you doesn’t relent when he feels you thrashing while he casually looks through your phone.

“This is an invasion of privacy, im telling your mom!”

“Save it for the judge,” he mumbles, wincing slightly when you jabbed at his stomach, but only tightened his arms around you before tapping out.

“Fine-fine, jesus,” you wheeze out and his hold relents. But he keeps you in place like an owner holding its unruly dog. Ironic.

Mark mumbles out a small ‘let’s see here,’ like a grandpa while you blow away stray piece of hair. Hands wrapped around his strangely strong arms, tugging at it as a demand for freedom.

“Why are you looking through photos of me?” The question makes you go still, and he goes further and further into your album of your photos. The proximity suddenly feeling too much as you try to pry his arms off again.

“I didn’t even post some of these! Where are you getting them from?”

“Facebook,” you mumble, his muscle bulging and moving with each swipe, earning the bright idea to bite at him.

“Ow!”

You take this as ample opportunity to take what was rightfully yours, and smack him with the long discarded and well loved but lumpy plush, right in his face.

“What gives?”

“You almost choked me out you idiot, what do you mean ‘what gives?’ ??” You swing again, in an attempt to smother him with it.

“Stop, stop! Why do you and William even have these?”

He quickly moves to take the descending pillow and pushes you backwards, your arms swinging and scrambling around as if you were out in the beach swimming on a hot day, before falling on the bed with a springy bounce.

Mark hovers over you, a stupid grin on his face, you wanted so badly to smother it off of him.

“Well?” His head is tilted like a puppy, and you look away from him while crossing your arms.

“Its just a game me and Will like to play, okay? It’s ‘guess who’s Mark, the most guesses wins a milkshake’ or whatever.” You say through gritted teeth, and Mark plops right down beside you.

“Really? You guys make bets on us? Can I join?”

“Seriously?” You prop your phone up so the two of you can see, and the text bubbles on William are starting up, seeing as your scuffle with Mark had accidentally given him shakespearean words.

“Ghas” “Al0" “&@f”

William: what the hell are you saying

Truly poetic.

“You two were already starting before I came here?” His hair tickles your cheek, and you swipe it away.

“No, we were doing something else. But he already owes me three milkshakes if need be.” You say, smug and proud like you had just won something award worthy. But Mark only quirks a brow, putting a hand on your phone to scroll up on your messages.

“Bit obsessed with me, no?” He sounds so cocky, full of himself the more he reads through the chat. And you slap his forehead.

“Shut up. If you had to hang out with yourself for like, all your life, you’d know who’s you by now.”

Mark stops at one message, and his face scrunches.

“‘Bald on the sides Mark’?” He reads out loud you and William’s message, and you couldn’t help but snort. He moves his thumb a bit further up, his elbow lightly digging onto your chest and you let out a small ‘ow’, which he movies to fully take your phone from your grasp.

“This is-are you talking about Marco?” Mark says, baffled at your description of his sibling, albeit very amused. Bald at the sides. How . . . Creative. He adjusts his hold on your phone, his pinky playing at the charm you had attached to it.

“Yeah, Marco, Polo, whatever.” You grumble at him, smooshing your face on his shoulder while you watch Mark read through your messages with William like a hawk. Ensuring any unwanted and unsavory conversations you had with William would be safe from Mark’s nosy eyes.

You hear him snort, his chest moving quickly as you feel him laugh while his shoulders shake.

“ ‘The shining twins’??” Mark is full on belly laughing when he sees a picture of Noah and Marcel horribly edited together with the nickname William picked out for them. He has to put your phone down to calm himself before he’s hitting your shoulder weakly with a wheeze.

“God, you guys are great at naming things. Just remind me not to ask you two when someone asks for baby names.”

“It’s not that bad,” you try to argue, plucking your phone from his weight of laying on it.

“It so is. This could be considered bullying you know?”

“We are not bullying anyone. They don’t even know!”

“Yeah, for now.” He threatens, and takes a screenshot of your chat and opens up your photo album.

“Don’t you dare-“ Your hand squeezes at his wrist, and it weakens. Causing your phone to fall and plant on his face with a ‘thud’. You’re surprised it didn’t echo with how empty his head usually is.

Mark lets our a pained groan, your brick of a phone hitting his nose and teeth. You peel it off of him slowly, arm now propping yourself to look down at him, assessing the damage.

“God, I was bluffing,” He says remorsefully. He really shouldn’t have tested you.

You scoff when you see he’s fine, and pinch his cheek. “Now you know better than that. Can we please go out and eat with William now?”

Your puppy eyes aren’t anywhere comparable to Mark’s, but it was enough for him to give in and drop it. But only because your hand rested on his sternum, and he doesn’t know how much he can take you looking down at him with those eyes.

“Fine, fine.” He raises his hands in surrender and sits up. Hair now disheveled and clothes a lot more crinkled than when he had arrived.

“You’re paying for my order though. I didn’t bring extra money with me.”

“Ugh, you’re impossible.”

The walk to the cafe William was in wasn't too far. But long enough for you and Mark to continue on talking.

You spill your guts out on the streets for Mark to see and know, all about the small secrets you've had about him and his variants. He's amused, and sad. Not having been in on the joke even though it'd ruin the whole attraction of it.

The conversation drifts back to Marco, or bald on the sides as you had endearingly said.

He had a rebellious streak in comparison to the rest of them, but honestly they were all unruly in their own way. Marco just liked to express himself a lot more outwardly appearance wise.

"Man, I wish I could get some piercings too. An eyebrow would be cool, don't you think?" You say to Mark, and he only shakes his head.

"Dude, he did his piercings himself. The trips to the hospital because of his infections were not cool." "Hey, he did it himself. Of course i'd go to a professional." You cross your arms defiantly at his dismissive tone.

"Whatever, im just saying. You know?" "Are you suggesting I would look bad with it?"

"What? No! Im just trying to--ugh. What im trying to say, he's a bad influence, almost all of them are. And you wanting a piercing is just further proof of that." Mark said with a pout on his face, kicking a nearby rock.

"Mark," you nudge, pushing him slightly off balance. "They’re your family. Are you trying to say you're better than them?"

He’d grumble at your words, always grumbling when it came to you. He simply turns to look at you and pushed you with a force of a quarterback. Stupid jock.

“Hey!”

"Hey," You say back to William, who was gleefully sipping on his usual  frappuccino.

His smile instantly drops when he sees Mark following closely behind you, and his eyes quickly darts around for any familiar faces.

"No harem?" "Excuse me?" "Nope," You interrupt Mark, not sparing him a glance when he eyes you curiously.

William eyes you up and down, like a robot scanning for assessment, before he quickly sips at his drink.

"So," He starts, before Mark excuses himself for a moment. "So," You say along, eyes now watching him order the usuals you and he had, before meeting William's.

"You so told him, didn't you?" "Ugh, I did!" You exclaim, like a dramatic movie scene being acted out. And he only shakes his head in disapproval.

"Can't say im surprised, but I am disappointed." He takes another sip and offers you as a comfort, which you take with much thanks.

"I had to wrestle him for my phone, so don't say I didn't try." "Is that what those messages were? Are you sure you didn't do more than wrestling?" You take a hefty sip with a glare, and slide it back to him. He lets out an 'awe man' at the amount you had taken from his drink. "Don't be gross."

"Who's being gross?" Mark comes back with your caffeinated drinks in hand, and places yours just beside. He opens his hand and closes it repeatedly, before you groan and fish out some money from your wallet.

"Thank yew," He says, and does that quick yet awkward jog to the cashier and back to your table, before finally sitting back down.

"William's talking about having a fat crush on one of your variants." At that, he and Mark almost blow their drinks into splattering all over the table. "What? I do not!" He coughs.

"Yeah? What about Lover bo-" He smacks a hand to your mouth and Mark has still yet to properly recover.

"God I love inside jokes." You say, muffled from William's clammy hands.

a/n: ugh finally im done with this. i can finally work on the other variants of this au heh.. totally dont have a bias, looks over at mohawk mark. yea totally

[blurry-lock]

Omg I really loved "hopelessly in love" fic... I want another 'Shidou doesn't listen to anyone, unless it's you.' fic!!!! Like imagine fem reader is already in a relationship with Shidou since forever and is called to Blue lock as an exception to control shidou cuz it wouldn't listen to anyone. Hahaha love you😭❤️

TAMING THE DEMON

Your wish is his command

What you need to know: established relationship, calm reader, fem reader (can be also gn as no pronouns or descriptions are used), fluff, slight cursing

Notes: thank you for the request anon! I really appreciate your words <3 and i hope you’ll like this one too!

Word count: 1.1k

There he was again, restrained in the punishment room for breaking another player’s nose and since you weren’t there to keep him on his toes, he did whatever he wanted, you wouldn’t know anyway… right?

Well, now he was wide eyed and his ears turning pink when he saw you enter the room with slight concern covering your face.

“Wha- how?!” He spoke through the muzzle, trying to free from the restrains.

And how exactly you managed to get in blue lock?

“I’m tired of this brat, he’s uncontrollable…” Ego sighed as he massaged his temple.

“I was checking his files and there’s a note that says call in case of emergency with a phone number on it, should we try calling?” Anri looked at Ego, it seemed like it was their last resource.

“Let’s see who this person is then…”

When you arrived at the facility and introduced yourself properly they were both flabbergasted, even for Ego this was a big surprise when you told them you were Shidou’s partner, you were the only person he had outside of Blue Lock. You were the opposite of him, calm, kind and slightly timid, but you know what they say, opposites attract each other.

You gave Anri and Ego an embarrassed look and apologized for Shidou’s behavior, you said you’ll try to make him come to his senses if they let you talk to him and boy, they knew you weren’t playing about Shidou.

Now in present time, as you walked to Shidou and stood in front of him with crossed arms, he just looked at you like he was seeing a ghost.

“Love, did you break a player’s nose?” You looked up at him, frowning.

“That’s the first thing you are going to say? Not even hello or I missed you?” He said harshly, still heated up from the fight with that player.

“Shidou Ryusei i’m asking you a question.” You crossed your arms, remaining calm.

He flinched slightly and sighed, looking away in embarrassment. “Sorry…”

Your gaze softened as you took out his muzzle, now cupping his face, gaining a subtle blush from his cheeks.

“He was provoking me! He was talking a bunch of shit!” He furrowed his eyebrows, remembering all the things that guy said.

“What did he say to make you end up here?” You tilted your head, caressing his cheeks as you tried to soothe him.

“J-just a bunch of crap, he was annoying.” He huffed and looked away, he was definitely hiding something more.

You made him look your way again and stared at him, wanting for him to open up to you. He stared back at you and his gaze faltered slightly.

“He said that… I was annoying and he didn’t know why you were with me and that you were probably a ‘freak’ too.” He huffed. Shidou didn’t care if they said something about him, but when it was about you he went full protective and aggressive mode.

You couldn’t help but let out a small chuckle. “Did you really break his nose just for calling me a freak?”

He grumbled and you could see his cheeks turning a slight tint of red.

“That’s so sweet of you actually.” You smiled softly at him, slightly squeezing his cheeks.

Shidou widened his eyes, not expecting that reaction of you. “Was it?”

“Yeah, you haven’t changed.” You chuckled softly and nodded. “Remember that time when a guy was bothering me and you also broke his nose?”

He smirked, he remembers it as if it were yesterday. “I made you a promise after all.”

You knew what promise he was referring to, no one would get in your way nor in the way of his freedom. It was a simple promise, but a very meaningful one, you were certain that Shidou didn’t play about those things.

You smiled and nodded at his words, but this time you needed to put him on his toes, you shifted your demeanor to a serious one.

“Ryu, i know you made a promise but i need you to listen to me.” You placed your hands in his shoulders, serious as ever. Making Shidou’s smirk falter a little, he never seen you this serious before.

“This is a one time opportunity for you, don’t mess it up for a stupid guy who doesn’t know anything about you or me, I don’t want you to loose your dream… your freedom.” You stared at him gripping his shoulders and trying to brought him back to his senses.

Shidou widened his eyes and it clicked. He realized he needed that, he needed you. Because a world without you or his freedom is a world he definitely doesn’t want to be in. After all, you were one of the few people who were special to him and the only one who could ‘tame’ him.

“Right…” He let out a chuckle before smirking at you. “Then I guess I’ll behave, for now.”

You pinched his cheek and gave him a stern look. “Just don’t go picking up fights.”

“Fine, fine… i’ll be a good boy~” He smirked, he was teasing you just to get a reaction out of you, but you knew he really mean it. Hell, even if you wanted to step on him he was more than pleased to let you do it.

And after all the time you’ve been together, he still got to you with his teasing and flirty comments. Being with him was never boring. “R-ryu!”

“Cute.” He grinned at you, he looked so stupidly in love with you and you couldn’t help but blush.

You sighed and smiled softly at him. “Now that my job is done here, I’ll see you later.” You nodded and kissed his cheek before starting walk away.

“Don’t go! Not even a kiss on the lips?” He called out to you, struggling with the restrains. “Please…?”

And how could you say no to your loving boyfriend with that pouty look on his face and the way his voice softened every time he talked to you, because aside from how problematic he could be on the outside you knew his true side. Nobody knows what you saw in him, but you knew him and that’s the only thing that mattered.

So you got close to him and kissed his lips, it was evident you both missed each other’s touch. Shidou’s bad mood immediately went away with your touch, he really missed this and he swore on his life he would never cause a problem that would make you go all the way to the facility again, just because you asked him to. He only cared about your thoughts.

And he kept his promise, since that day the other strikers would give him confused looks because Shidou would just flipped them off or ignored them if they provoked him.

He couldn’t loose his dream nor you.

Hope you like this!! Sorry if it’s a little short 😓

I’ve been busy with school work and stuff, I have other requests to catch on so bear with me i’m working on them!

Masterlist here

[vxlvted]

dad!skz headcannons (hyung line)

synopsis: skz hyung line as dads. that’s pretty much it

tags: fem!reader, barely proofread so there may be a few mistakes I missed,

a/n: for both hyunjin and lee know I didn’t know if they were more of boy dads or girl dads so I just did both, but then I was like ‘why don’t i just do both for all of them?’ so we got both boy and girl dad skz

i know i’m lacking a lot for lino 😭, I did this out of order, starting with changbin and I was running out of ideas by the time I got to hyunjin.

BANG CHAN

dad-to-be!chan was shocked and a little nervous when you first told him you were pregnant. he was nervous about not being a good dad, but he feels excited nonetheless and he pulls you into a tight hug when you tell him.

he’ll put his hand on your stomach every chance he gets, already talking to the baby before your bump has even shown. he’s the kinda guy who will stay up later with you to make sure you’re comfortable, running out at anytime of day to but whatever you’re craving at all hours.

you never have to ask him for help because he’s already there before you can even voice a need. whether he’s making sure your eating, helping with physical tasks, or just keeping you company. albeit at times it could probably be a bit suffocating, the constant hovering, but just tell him and he’ll immediately tone it down to make sure you’re comfortable.

he’ll be at every doctors appointment, holding your hand and listening intently to what the doctor says. it’s a big moment for the both of you and he wants to be involved in every step of the way. when the time to actually give birth comes, he’ll stay close by your side, rubbing your back and keeping you calm (as calm as you can be while literally pushing a human out of you). you can see the hearts in his eyes and the way the light up the minute he sets his eyes on your baby.

girl dad!chan

the minute he finds out he’s having a daughter, he’s over the moon. he loves his daughter so much and you can see it in everything he does. he’s always talking to her, telling her how amazing she is. he’s the type of dad to do all those cute “dad things” with his daughter. learning to braid her hair, helping her projects, taking her out on daddy-daughter dates on the weekend.

when she’s a teenager, you can expect Chan to have all the father daughter talks with you. Whether it’s about school, relationships, or helping her navigate life in general, he’ll always offer honest advice.

he encourages his daughter to follow her dreams no matter what she wants to do, art, dancing, or maybe pursuing an idol career just like her father—though he’d definitely be very hesitant about that, knowing first hand how stressful and difficult it could be, both being a trainee an an idol.

when she gets her first boyfriend, he’d definitely try not to be so protective and hovering. He’d be calm on the surface, but whenever they both look away, he’s watching them with focused eyes. It’s a mixture of protective love “you better treat my daughter well.”

but it doesn’t take long for him to warm up to the boyfriend, as long as he’s like a decent guy. One minute, they’re sitting together in awkward silence, the next, they’re kicking back like they’ve been best friends for years.

as she gets older, Chan would never stop telling her how amazing she is. he’ll make sure she knows her worth and never settles for anything less than what she deserves.

boy dad!chan

i’m sure everyone know chan is the ultimate girl dad, and I absolutely believe it, but I think he’d raise a boy, just as amazingly. Chan doesn’t do anything halfway, he’ll always be there for his son no matter what. he goes all in with their relationship, always making sure they spend some time together.

he loves holding his son, that little carrier that he can strap to his chest is his favorite. when his son is a newborn, he takes naps with him all the time. tiny baby curled up on his chest while they both softly snore. Even when his son is a bit older, Chan will pull him closer for snuggles.

he gives his son space to explore and make mistakes. he wants his kid to be independent but always lets him know “i’m here if you ever need me”. He’s at every school event, recording everything. his son might be embarrassed but he doesn’t care, he’ll be his loudest cheerleader

he loves seeing his son grow up, especially when he starts getting into his own special hobbies, gaming, sports, hobbies, or even music, he’ll be there for every milestone. he doesn’t push music onto his son, but the kid grows up watching him in the studio, wearing the headphones that don’t fit around his tiny head, and pressing random buttons on the keyboard.

when his son gets older, he’s the dad who loves to have one on one talks, encouraging his son to be the best version of himself. He’ll help him through his teenage years, always offering advice. he leads by example, never just telling his son how to be a good person, but showing him everyday.

LEE KNOW

dad-to-be!lee know

The moment you tell Minho you’re pregnant, he stares at you for a moment before pulling you into his arms. he doesn’t cry, but you can feel how tightly he’s holding you, how overwhelmed he is.

he obsesses over the nursery being organized. he spends hours picking out the safest crib, the best changing table, he’ll even research the different types of strollers and car seats.

100% overprotective. you’re not lifting a single thing. and if you so much as sigh too hard, he’s ready to take you to the hospital, bags packed and waiting by the door.

late at night when he thinks you’re asleep, he gently rubs your belly, whispering to the baby how excited he is to meet them. if you tell him your craving something, he’ll get it for you. you want tteobokki at 3am? he’ll get it for you. out of stock? he’ll just make it from scratch.

girl dad!lee know

the moment he holds his daughter in his arms, he’s in love. he just stares at her tiny face, completely in love. she’s his angel but he’ll still raise her to be just as tough.

whenever she’s scared or upset, she’ll run to him and he’s there ready to help her. he braids her hair perfectly, having practiced multiple times on you before she was born. she’ll never go to school with uneven pigtails or a messy ponytail.

she’ll probably have his attitude when she gets older. they get into little playful arguments and she crosses her arms and raises an eyebrow and him and he mimics her and you’ll just be standing there like 🤨???

he’s not the type of dad to say “I love you often,” showing it more through his actions. But the minute his kid says it to him, he melts, grinning widely.

boy dad!lee know

his son is his mini me. following him everywhere, copying him at everything. Minho would teach him how to cook, how to dance if he’s interested, and most importantly how to respect people and treat others well. “You can protect yourself, but that doesn’t mean go looking for a fight. if I ever catch you being mean to someone weaker than you, you’re answering to me.”

He’s a tough love kinda dad but is also affectionate. If his son falls down or trips, he’ll wait a second, encouraging him to get up on his own and once his son says he’s okay, he’s pulling him into a hug and squeezing his shoulder in reassurance.

if his kid is sick, he cancels everything to stay home with them. making him some soup and constantly checking his temperature. he’d probably be a bit strict, he has high expectations for his kids but he never forced them to do anything they don’t want to do. his kids rarely ever get in trouble but when they do, they know it.

CHANGBIN

dad-to-be!changbin is both shocked and excited when you tell him you’re pregnant. he’ll probably be in disbelief at first, staring at the positive pregnancy test like it’s a prank or something. but then his whole face lights up with that adorable downward smile he has.

throughout the whole pregnancy he’s super attentive. He does small chores around the house and always makes sure you’re comfortable, constantly checking on you. he’s always excited to go to doctor appointments with you and see your ultrasound pictures, watching your baby grow.

when you’re having some random cravings, he’ll get you whatever you want, no matter how obscene it is. “Peanut butter and pickles? Whatever you want, baby.”

He definitely starts looking up some baby names the second he learns you’re pregnant, already imagining a tiny face to match. Your eyes, his nose, it’s magic in the making.

when your close to giving birth, he’s a nervous wreck, pacing around the hospital room. he’ll let you hold his hand as you push, biting his lip hard to try and ignore the pain of you squeezing his hand so tight, for a second he thought you might’ve broken a bone.

girl dad!changbin

if you had a girl, changbin is a proud girl dad. from the moment he holds his little girl in his hands, he’s wrapped around her tiny little finger. you’ll often find him just staring at her in awe, wondering how he got so lucky.

he’s definitely be very protective of her, but in a very sweet way. he’d be overly cautious when she’s a baby, always checking on her and ensuring she’s happy. he’s definitely brag about her a lot on lives if he ever gets a chance. he’ll talk about her all the time, calling her ‘his princess’ or ‘his baby’

he’d be the dad to always be there for his daughter, he’d always encourage her to follow her dreams no matter how big they are. he’ll always tell her how beautiful and strong she is, she’s his little girl, no matter how big she gets she’ll always be his baby.

I can definitely see him being the type to have deep heart to hearts with her when she’s older. teaching her about self-worth, respect, and how to be strong and independent. if anyone ever hurts her feelings or makes her upset, changbin is NOT having it. expect him to be very protective, especially when she starts dating. the conversation when she gets her first boyfriend conversation will definitely a memorable one.

boy dad!changbin

if the baby is a boy, Changbin is both excited and prideful. he’s proud to be a dad to a baby boy and wants to be the best role model for his son. changbin is patient but he’s firm, encouraging his son to be confident and express himself. to stand talk and be brave.

don’t think having a son is gonna stop him from being his usual, affectionate self. he knows the perfect balance between showing affection and teaching discipline when necessary.

he always gives him piggy back rides everywhere. he’ll make up some silly song, dance or faces just to make him laugh.

he loves spending family time together, his kids quickly learn that weekends are for family fun time. whether it’s going on small trips, or just hanging at home watching a movie. not matter how busy he is, he makes time for his kids, prioritizing their happiness above anything else.

when his son gets older, he’ll be that dad to always root for him no matter what he’s doing, whether it’s a school performance, sports, dance, anything.

though it could probably get a little embarrassing hearing your father loudly call out your name when it’s silent and your in the middle of a game in front of all your friends… but changbin can’t help himself.

I think he’d be a little less protective if he had a som rather than a daughter, but that doesn’t mean he isn’t still fiercely protective when it matters.

HYUNJIN

dad-to-be!hyunjin

when you tell him you’re pregnant, he freezes asking over and over again “Are you serious?”. then he starts sobbing, hugging you so tightly you can barely breathe.

he’ll paint the nursery himself, the walls filled with soft colors, cute animals, clouds, stars, you name it. he’ll but baby clothes constantly, even ones that you don’t need yet. he pre-plans, buying clothes won’t fit your baby until they’re about 10 months old.

he writes your baby letters before they’re born, tucking them away for when they’re older. “Me and mom just saw you for the first time. you’re so tiny right now but you mean everything to us.” “I don’t know if i’ll be the perfect dad but i’ll try my best for you, baby!”

no matter how many months along you are, he falls asleep with his hand on your belly every night, mumbling about how excited he is to be a dad.

girl dad!hyunjin

his daughter has him wrapped around her finger from day one. he lets her paint his nails, do his hair, cover him in makeup or stickers, whatever she wants.

“princess” is her government name to him. sometimes he actually forgets she has an actual name sometimes. she’ll be so spoiled, by him, by you, and by the members. if she even pouts at him he gives into anything. ice cream before dinner? fine. a pony? he’ll look into it. she wants another oreo even though you just said no more? he’ll sneak two behind your back and whisper to her ‘eat quietly’

cries at every milestone. he’s bawling when she takes her first steps. on the first day of school he tries to hold it tog, but when she holds him tight and cries about not wanting to leave, he starts sobbing.

he takes her out on fancy daddy-daughter dates. pulling out her seat, buying her gifts, teaching her how she should be treated when she gets older.

boy dad!hyunjin

when he finds out the baby is a boy, he couches to be the coolest dad ever. his son would do something as simple as stack three blocks together and he’ll start cheering like he just won an olympic gold medal.

loves giving piggyback rides and runs through the house making airplane noises as his son giggles in his ear. he gives the best advice and pep talks but also the worst advice (at least for you). one night, your son was refusing to eat his vegetables, crying st the table. the moment you turn your back he whispers to him “Hide some of your vegetables under your food so it looks like you ate some.“

takes him out to an art gallery and watches as his three year old tries to explain the meaning of the abstract paintings in the most nonsense way possible, a mix of barely intelligible words and gibberish and hyunjin just nods along.

if he gets even the tiniest scratch he freaks out, you have to remind him he’s a kid, he’s fall sometimes. cries when his son shows any sign of growing up. he’s learns to ride a bike? cries. he starts highschool? cries. gets his first girlfriend? cries when he knows they can’t see him. he’s just an emotional guy.

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[planetallure]

i prayed for this!! i prayed for this, yes god!!

baby i was FED with this one, absolutely! so much to talk about.

this was the turning point without a doubt.

i’ve been thinking about how this chapter would go and how jj would react to no longer having access to her and honestly he was a lot more mature than i expected.

i literally had to pause and say out loud “no he isn’t…” when rafe tapped that glass to make the toast. i just KNEW it. my mind went back to how he was observing her like a statue earlier. making sure she was nice and pretty and polished for the the way he was about to put her on display. the set up was just too perfect. he knew exactly what he was doing, like yes ofc the inevitable proposal was going to be public and in front of all of his friends and family. ofc!

the chekhov’s gun moment of her looking in the mirror at her bruised and battered body??? i did not see that coming. i guess i as a reader i am so used to the shit. like oh okay yeah, rafe marking his territory and being the evil bastard that he is, right, got it. but the slight emphasis on the bite mark should’ve gave it away

i was again almost as nervous as i can imagine she was about seeing jj again after not having done so in a month but it was also inevitable. seeing that he knew very well why she had been avoiding him from the way he was treating kie, he knew what kie said got into her head. but like she told him, and i’m sure the sensible part of him would agree, she didn’t say anything that was untrue or that they didn’t already know deep down.

i honestly was calling his bluff. he knew better than anyone the chaos and danger that he would be putting her in by telling sarah and the others himself about what she’s going through. but i really don’t know (if it hadn’t come out the way it did) if he actually would’ve told anyone because he just knows too well what could happen to her if he did.

i genuinely thought he spilled the beer on her on purpose there for a second but his reaction to hearing what sarah saw on her later made me think otherwise.

it had to happen. like i genuinely believe there was no better way for it to be revealed. sarah had to see the shit for herself one way or another. and there was no way that reader could deny it then because everyone on that damn island knows how rafe is about her and that she is his shadow and there is just no way that it could’ve been anyone else but him.

baby the tussle that ensued?? the drama?? lived. like yes let’s not forget sarah is a fighter honey and i’m glad she didn’t back down or take that weak ass lie.

this absolutely couldn’t have come out a better way. the slow realization of them finding out that their friend was being abused…cherie, your mind. actually brought tears to my eyes when i imagined sarah seeing the bruises and her finding out. like not only is her brother an abuser but her dad is also aware of this and is complicit. and when she finds out that it hasn’t been just months…i can just imagine the way she’s gonna spiral and question everything that’s happened up until now.

when she realizes it was him that broke her nose and fucked up her knee?? she might just go into shock.

i’m glad they all know now though. sarah especially. because now it’s more than just one mind that can come together and support/protect her. jj is definitely gonna go rogue at some point because duh lol. engaged?? yeah that just put a brand new battery in his back. like mama he ain’t hear a word she said after that. just kissed her on the forehead and shut the door lmao.

things are bout to heat up and i don’t know if i’m ready (i’m not).

Teenage Dirtbag XVII

JJ Maybank x Reader x Rafe Cameron

Warnings: NON-CON, DUB-CON, abusive relationship, domestic violence, mentions of violence (+ gun violence), gun kink, dacryphilia, attempted murder, blood, semi public sex,  jealousy, manipulation, infidelity, underage drinking, drug use, canon ages, kook!reader

➥ banner by @vase-of-lilies | ➥ divider by @firefly-graphics

➥ series masterlist

summary: You’re charmingly spoiled. You’re too kind for your own good. You’re the princess of Figure 8 …and you’re way out of JJ Maybank’s league, but when he realizes that Rafe Cameron’s pride and joy is actually a bruised and battered damsel, he’s determined to save you.

Your rescue just comes with a price.

⭑

You hadn’t seen nor talked to JJ in three weeks.

That hadn’t been your goal, having every intention of seeing him again after that day at The Wreck—even if only to officially break it off between you. Things hadn’t worked out that way though and before you knew it, a week went by and then another and another. It was a combination of things really—Rafe being around a lot more above all else—but you also didn’t think you had it in you to look JJ in the eyes and reject him again.

The day at The Wreck had been hard enough, and you’d only succeeded then because you were so overwhelmed by Kie’s words, desperate to get away and think. She hadn’t said anything untrue, anything wrong, and that’s what made her words sting the most. Sure, JJ talked a big game about figuring out a way to safely get you away from Rafe…but in practice…? You’d been with Rafe for over two years and still hadn’t been able to come up with a scenario that wouldn’t come back to bite you.

JJ wanted to save you, and you wanted to let him, but it was unrealistic. The only chance you had would be to move halfway across the world and even then… Rafe could be scarily determined to see something through, and it wasn’t like he lacked the means and resources to simply follow you. He hated to lose.

Sometimes you wondered if JJ really understood just how dangerous Rafe was.

…or if he simply enjoyed sneaking around with his girlfriend more.

Such a thought seemed so unfair to you—especially since there was no doubt in your mind that JJ cared about you—but you’d told him the same thing before all of this even started. You’d had no problem telling him that you dating Rafe Cameron had a hand in his aggressive pursuit of you. You still believed that actually, and it wasn’t like you minded all that much because you were getting something out of this too and JJ was making you feel things you hadn’t felt in a long time.

…but Kie was right.

She was so right. You either had to leave Rafe or put an end to your ‘relationship’ with JJ. Anything outside of that wasn’t up for consideration, and between you and JJ, only one of you had what it took to do the right—and smart—thing. So, you hadn’t seen JJ in weeks…and it hurt.

You didn’t know why, but you hadn’t expected it to hurt this much.

This person who had become this cliche bright light in an otherwise dark life was no longer there. You didn’t look forward to the following day anymore nor anticipate hearing from someone who never failed to put a smile on your face. The nights that Rafe spent with his father or at home were no longer filled with a familiar presence to keep you company. When Rafe left the other side of your bed empty…it stayed that way.

…and against your will, you found yourself crying a lot more these days.

“Sweetheart, you really need to get more sleep,” your mother cooed as she gently touched your face. “Everything okay…?”

You nodded at her as you stirred your creamer into your coffee.

“Yeah,” you assured her. “Just having trouble sleeping lately.”

She hummed at that, pressing a kiss to your temple.

“I’m going to give you something for that,” she told you, rubbing your shoulder. “...and something for those bags under your eyes too. It’s making you look ill.”

You didn’t have a response for that other than a soft ‘thanks’. She hummed at you before your father pulled her attention away, both of them getting caught up in a conversation about the broken garbage disposal. Their voices faded to the background as you continued to stir your coffee, even when it had long blended into an even toffee color. You only stopped when your name was called.

Your parents were looking at you expectantly when you glanced up.

“Sorry?”

Your mother chuckled, albeit throwing you an odd look while doing so.

“I said you’ve gotten a dress for Rafe’s party, right? It’s the big twenty-one, and you can’t go wearing something you already have,” she said, sounding like it was the most ridiculous thing in the world.

You swallowed at the mention of his birthday, unable to forget about its approach even if you wanted to.

“Rafe bought a dress for me months ago.”

Your mother’s smile made your stomach turn.

“Of course, he did,” she commented, gently squeezing your arm. “He’s always so sweet to you.”

You weren’t able to keep looking at her as a fondness settled on her features as she thought about your relationship.

“I’d ask to see it, but I want to be surprised, and plus he never disappoints,” she chuckled. “He always knows just what to pick, and you look so radiant every time.”

Her parting words made you sigh, and for the umpteenth time, you imagined how they’d react if they ever knew the true nature of your relationship with Rafe. They doted on him because he seemingly doted on you. Like any decent parents, they were skeptical of him until he proved himself, and now years later—after he’d long started putting his hands on you—they still thought you two were the best thing to ever happen to each other.

If they knew the truth, you had no doubt it would break their hearts for more reasons than one.

“I don’t know why I’m surprised to see you…”

Sarah’s voice pulled you from your thoughts, and you were forced to pull your gaze away from the picture they had on the wall. You didn’t doubt that it was some piece Rose had brought into the house.

“It’s Rafe’s birthday, so, of course you’re going to be here, but I feel like I haven’t seen you in weeks…”

She hadn’t seen you in weeks, and just like with JJ, it hadn’t been intentional, but you still felt bad. In an effort to distance yourself from the younger blond, you’d pulled away from anything that had to do with him. You didn’t know if you just didn’t want to chance seeing him or hearing about him, but that had included making yourself scarce around Sarah too. Considering that you were dating her brother, it was almost an impressive feat.

“Are you okay? Because as I’m saying this I realize it has been weeks since I’ve seen you, and when Pope asked about you the other day, I realized I couldn’t tell him how you were because I don’t know myself.”

You didn’t know how to respond, unable to tell Sarah that you felt like you were constantly outside of your own body, experiencing everything indirectly since you’d unofficially broken things off with one of her best friends. You missed him—more than you thought you would—and you were back to the reality of what your life was like—and would forever be like—without JJ in it.

So, you simply said:

“I’m fine.”

Sarah didn’t look like she believed you, and you watched as she pulled her lip between her teeth.

“None of us did anything, right?” you were already shaking your head. “...because everything seemed fine and then-.”

“No, of course not,” you said with a light chuckle, trying to reassure her. “It’s just stuff at home that I’ve been handling. Nothing serious, but it’s kept me really busy lately.”

The younger girl slowly nodded at that, still looking unsure.

“If you say so,” she commented. “We’re still down whenever you can pull yourself away.”

It was a very basic gesture, but it both warmed your heart and made your stomach sink. You knew that you’d either have to man up and face the possibility of running into JJ despite the fact that you were now over, or tell Sarah you didn’t want to be friends anymore, and the latter you couldn’t ever bring yourself to do. You enjoyed being around her and her friends, and one could argue that you should be taking advantage of your new free time now that you were no longer seeing JJ.

…but the thought of facing him so soon after essentially ghosting him made your chest hurt. You were self aware enough to admit that you didn't think you were strong enough to face him and walk away again. With JJ out of the picture, you were quickly reminded of just how awful your life was before he decided to kiss you that night, and it was so easy to just let yourself go back to what made you happy.

You were afraid that your resolve would crumble with just one look.

How easy it would be to tell yourself that you deserved this and that your relationship with Rafe was hardly a relationship, at all. It wasn’t a hard argument to make either. Rafe had beat you and threatened to kill you and even put you into the hospital. Anyone in their right mind wouldn’t blame you for what you’d done, but it wasn’t just a matter of right and wrong and who considers what's classified as either of those things.

Rafe would kill you.

That was something you knew for a fact. He’d threatened to do so on several occasions, but you knew that if Rafe ever found out about you and JJ—even in a sense of past tense—there would be nothing to talk about. He would kill you and more than likely JJ too. Sneaking around with JJ just for the hell of it—with no actual foolproof plan to safely get away from Rafe for good—was a death wish.

It was beyond foolish, unfair to JJ, and dangerous for you both.

It was why you greeted Rafe with a gentle smile when he finally found you some time later, reaching for you and threading his fingers through yours. Keeping him happy would keep you safe. You knew that, and somewhere along the way, you’d gotten comfortable and allowed JJ to make you forget that. Your only viable options were Rafe…or death, and anything in between was just a longer and complicated way to achieve the latter.

“I figured I’d find you gossiping with Sarah,” he drawled, tone light-hearted.

You attributed his good mood to this day—and party—being entirely focused on him. You smoothed down the eggshell dress he bought for you, relieved that it was still blemish free. You grimaced as you recalled the last dress you’d spilled some wine on while attending yet another party his parents had thrown.

Rafe took note of the action, and he paused to admire you.

You watched as his blue eyes roamed over your frame, drinking in everything from your perfectly styled hair to the baby pink polish on your toes. The house held that moderate hum that came with a full guest list, but Rafe was entirely focused on you. It felt like one of those rare moments when he was genuinely happy with you, and the look on his face was reminiscent of when you both were eighteen and in love and he was sweeping you off of your feet.

Rafe moved closer and fingered an errant piece of hair before putting it back in place.​​ That seemed to satisfy him, and you watched as the corner of his lips curved upwards just the slightest. His fingers fell to your chin where he gently grazed your skin, and Rafe straightened, looking you over again.

“You look perfect.”

The way in which he said it broke the spell, and suddenly the look in his eyes was so clear. You felt shiny all of a sudden—metallic and heavy and like you belonged on a shelf. Your heart sank, and you didn’t know why because you knew that. You’d long accepted that to Rafe, you were some prize, molded perfectly into his ideal girlfriend who would never dare leave him or speak out against him, and who’d be his support no matter what.

For a split second, you’d really forgotten that, and you gave him a small smile.

“I’m wearing a perfect dress.”

Rafe only smiled at that before pressing a kiss to the corner of your lips, pulling you along.

Everyone was moving outside to cut the cake and lavish Rafe with even more attention. You held his hand tight as they did, playing your role and thinking about the many years to come in which you’d have to do this. You’d long resigned yourself to it, but for some reason it was getting to you today more than usual. Perhaps it was because you could see it.

All over their faces.

They all looked at you and Rafe with such fondness and hope and happiness. They saw Ward Cameron’s only son with your father’s only daughter and pictured the future generations of Figure 8 and who would start it. They looked at you two and saw two sons and two daughters and a white picket fence and maybe even a dog. It caused a shiver to travel down your spine, and just when you considered excusing yourself, your boyfriend spoke.

Everyone quieted down as he gently tapped a glass, and you were forced to remain exactly where you were.

Rafe stared into the glass for a moment before leisurely setting it aside. You knew that this was his typical speech in which he thanked everyone for coming and showed endless gratitude to Ward and even briefly mentioned you, but there was a look that passed over his face that you couldn’t name. He looked happy—as expected—but there was a hint of haughtiness in that smile.

“I’m thankful that all of you came to support my family and I to not only celebrate my birthday, but to usher in this new era as I officially join my father’s business as well…”

Hums of appreciation and congratulations reached your ears, and you threw Rafe a smile when he glanced at you.

“I pretty much have everything I want, so…” he waved his hand around. “...gifts and all that typically don’t mean anything to me at this age.”

You kept your eyes on him, wondering what direction this speech was going in.

“However…” Rafe’s smile grew. “There is one gift I’m hoping my wonderful girlfriend will give to me…”

The gasps and commotion around you sounded more horrifying to your ears than exciting as Rafe turned to you and lowered himself to the ground. He was on one knee and reaching into his pocket, and despite the fact that you knew what that meant, you were in complete denial—frozen where you stood—up until he said the words.

“...by telling me ‘yes’ when I ask her to marry me.”

You heard your mother cry out behind you, and if there was any thought that she knew about this, it was quickly gone. Out of the corner of your eye, you could see Rose covering her mouth in excitement, and you wanted to look around to see if anyone felt as horrified as you felt, but you knew the answer.

If you dared to look around, everyone would be smiling and looking on in awe and anticipation as they watched Rafe Cameron propose to you. You were sure that if you were met with the sight, it would terrify you, making you feel like you were knee deep in an episode of The Twilight Zone. You glanced up anyway, and only confirmed your suspicions, and you had the sudden urge to cry.

Why was everyone so happy? Why wasn’t anyone else petrified?

It took you an embarrassingly long time to realize it was because no one else knew. No one else knew that Rafe choked you when he felt you were getting too smart with him. No one else knew that the man on one knee before you was also the very same to break your nose and put you in the hospital. No one knew that the man proposing to you had once put the barrel of a gun in your mouth and threatened to kill you.

None of them knew that, and the one person who did didn’t look nearly as horrified as you felt.

You felt like you’d been in your head forever, but in reality, it was probably only a few seconds. Rafe was still knelt before you with that haughty smile and satisfied gleam in his eye, and you knew it was because he knew he’d won. You wouldn’t dare tell him no in front of your families and their friends and put a crack in the perfect picture you two had created.

The ring was a marquise solitaire with a yellow gold band, and if you were guessing correctly, you knew it was at least 3 carats. Tears spilled over as you looked at it, recalling a time where you’d told Rafe that was your dream engagement ring, but that was back then when Rafe was your dream man, and you were in your dream relationship. Both him and the relationship were a nightmare, now, and being presented with that ring of all rings made you sob.

When those blue eyes of his dimmed just a tad, in an effort to protect yourself, your mouth spoke before your brain could catch up, desperately telling him what you knew he wanted to hear.

“Yes.”

The word came out of your mouth and was said in your voice, but you didn’t approve of it, and you broke down again as cheers erupted from around you. Your vision was blurry as Rafe slid the ring onto your finger—a perfect fit—and he was quick to stand and pull you against him. Someone was loudly crying, and it sounded a lot like your mother, but the both of you were crying for entirely different reasons.

Rafe wrapped his arms around you, burying his face into your hair as he rocked you both from side to side. You could feel yourselves being closed in on, everyone wanting to come and personally congratulate you, and you shrunk in on yourself, wanting to be as far away from here as possible.

Rafe’s lips grazed your ear.

“You just made me the happiest man on earth.”

You turned away from your bruised reflection, thinking that the evolution of your relationship seemed to bring out a side of Rafe that even scared him a little. You thought that he couldn’t keep his hands off of you before, but it was nothing in comparison to now that he could call you his fiancee. It rolled off of his tongue whenever he was inside of you, and it made it impossible to disassociate and try not to live in the moment of what your life had become.

You didn’t know if he was excited because he was so close to tying you to him forever, or if the ring on your finger increased the sense of ownership that he felt he had over you, but too many times had Rafe left you a little more battered and bruised every time he got you into bed as of late. Thinking about the harsh feel of his teeth on your back only days ago brought tears to your eyes, and you reminded yourself that you knew the trajectory of this journey the day you lied to the police.

After the successful proposal, the party had gone on for another two hours, every individual guest wanting their own solo moment to congratulate the happy couple. Rose and your mother endlessly fawned over the ring, and when you finally got a moment alone with your father, you discovered that he’d known for weeks.

After all, it was weeks ago that Rafe had formally asked for his permission.

“I don’t think any man will ever be good enough for you,” he’d said. “...but he treats you right and respected me enough to come to me.”

The tears in your normally stoic father’s eyes only served to remind you that everyone else was living in an entirely different reality with an alternate version of your relationship. You were feeling more trapped and cornered than ever, and everyone else around you was…elated.

All except one.

“Oh my God,” Sarah had said the moment she'd been able to get a moment with you.

She took your hand and just stared at the ring, and you hadn’t needed to be a genius to know that she wasn’t as over the moon as everyone else. It was all over her face, but despite that, she attempted to be happy for you, and you appreciated the gesture.

“You’re getting married,” she breathed. “To my brother.”

You’d pulled your hand away, swallowing, and beyond all of the overwhelming emotions you were feeling, you still remembered someone whose face you hadn’t seen in weeks.

“Can you…can you not tell anyone else, please?”

She’d looked at you like you were crazy, an incredulous scoff escaping her.

“All of Figure 8 will know by tomorrow morning, you can’t be serious,” she shook her head at you with wide and confused eyes.

“Yes, but we both knew there isn’t really anyone from this side of the island you could possibly tell…”

Sarah seemed to understand that you didn’t want her friends knowing, and although you could see she wanted to know why, she eventually nodded.

“...okay. Sure,” she whispered, tilting her head at you. “Are you happy?”

You had opened and closed your mouth, prepared to lie when she continued.

“You just…don’t seem all that happy.”

“Of course, I am,” you’d said with a deep breath. “Rafe and I are getting married. Why wouldn’t I be?”

It was a loaded question, one you hoped you would never have to answer honestly.

With the heaviness of the ring on your finger and Rafe’s suffocating presence and your mother’s choking enthusiasm about the eventual wedding, you took full advantage the next time Rafe and Ward went out of town, telling Sarah you’d love to come over and hang out with her and Cleo and Kie. You desperately needed a break from the constant reminder that the rest of your life was about to begin.

You had left the ring in your bedroom because you just wanted one night without thinking about it, but you appreciated your decision all the more when the boys had unexpectedly shown up. Nevermind the fact that you weren’t quite ready to face JJ, but you really weren't ready to face him with a huge rock on your finger, and the words on your tongue explaining to him what it meant.

“I’m sorry, I’m sorry,” Cleo had half heartedly apologized when she answered the door, pressing a kiss to Pope’s cheek. “...but the house is empty, yeah?”

It was true.

Wheezie was staying with a friend and Rose was on an overnight girls’ trip. You couldn’t even find it in you to be nervous about being around the guys with Rafe none the wiser. You were at his house, and it would take nothing to just drive home, but most importantly, oddly enough, you were more concerned with being face to face with JJ again, at the moment.

Like a coward, you were unable to look him in the eye when you heard his voice for the first time in a month, and you were thankful that too much was going on for your uncharacteristic silence to be noticeable. You felt his gaze on you though, goosebumps erupting over your skin and feeling much hotter, but your eyes remained on your lap.

You only looked up just in time to see him brush past Kie to find a seat, and your brows furrowed as you looked between them. You had never known JJ to be cold, it just wasn’t like him, but there was no doubt about it that he was giving Kie the cold shoulder. The dark-haired girl saw your frown, and she merely shook her head.

“I feel like we haven’t seen you in years,” Pope said to you, reaching out for a high-five.

“Sure feels that way, don’t it.”

JJ’s comment made you grimace, and when you dared to look over at him, his gaze was already on you.

Coming face to face with him after what felt like forever made your heart skip a beat, and you struggled to look away.

“Sorry,” you eventually apologized to Pope, ignoring JJ’s comment. “Rafe and family stuff just took up so much time.”

He waved off your apology, assuring you that he was joking, but you knew that JJ wasn’t, and when the blond got up to get a drink, you impulsively followed. The rest of them—sans Kie—were none the wiser, and you briefly glanced over your shoulder before going into the kitchen. JJ was standing in the fridge, and it was only hitting you in that moment that you hadn’t seen nor talked to him in weeks.

You already knew that you missed him, but it was hitting you much harder as you stood so close to him while being unable to touch him. He looked like he was doing okay, and his hair was just as blond, and when he straightened, you were reminded of what it felt like to have those arms wrapped around you. You missed the feeling, and you missed running your hands through his hair and falling asleep to the sound of his heartbeat whenever you had the chance.

In this moment, it was very hard to remember why you had left him. However, you reminded yourself that you hadn’t followed him to talk about you two. There was no ‘you two’ anymore.

There was just you, and there was just JJ.

“Why are you treating Kie like that?”

JJ didn’t respond at first, merely turning to you and staring you down for a few moments before a mocking smirk graced his pink lips.

“That’s all you have to say to me…?”

You didn’t respond to that, and when it became clear that you simply wouldn’t, JJ scoffed. He shook his head, opening a beer that was meant for Ward, no doubt, before leaning his back against the counter.

“You know why,” was what he said with a straight face.

Now, it was your turn to scoff.

“It’s not her fault,” you defended, continuing when he started to shake his head. “She didn’t say anything that wasn’t true, anything that we didn’t already know. We were just choosing to ignore it.”

“You told me you weren’t going to let what she said get to you. You nodded, you assured me of that, and then I don’t hear from you for a month.”

He’d dropped the cavalier facade, and you could see the anger and hurt passing over his features. 

“You don’t answer my calls, you don’t answer my texts, and if it wasn’t for Sarah, I wouldn’t have even known you were alive.”

“JJ-.”

“We were happy-.”

“We were delusional,” you quietly hissed. “Kie was right. Don’t hate her for something that was inevitable.”

That word seemed to bother JJ, and you watched as his features hardened. Your former lover stared at you for what felt like a long time before glancing away. You watched him press his tongue to the inside of his cheek, and you didn’t like the look he fixed you with.

“Did you forget the deal we made…?”

When you frowned at him, he continued.

“That I would keep quiet about Rafe so long as you let me be there for you?”

You shifted your feet, feeling uncomfortable at the mention of that. You didn’t say anything, not wanting to acknowledge that, but JJ merely nodded with a hum. He took another swig of beer, and you really hated the look he fixed you with then.

“If you’re not going to hold up your end of the deal then why should I hold up mine?”

Your heart sank to your gut at that, and you blinked at JJ in disbelief, unable to believe that even he believed he was capable of what he was insinuating. Not only that, but it was such a cruel thing to even bluff about, and you let out a dry chuckle.

“JJ…that’s… No,” you mumbled, shaking your head. “What is wrong with you?”

He didn’t answer your question, choosing to gesture to the living room.

“What’s to stop me from pulling Sarah aside and telling her exactly why you hardly have a life outside of your relationship with her brother?”

Your lips parted, and you just stared at him…unable to believe what you were hearing.

“You won’t let me be there for you,” he spat out with a shrug. “...and someone has to be.”

You finally found your voice, and you blinked back tears.

“That’s not your decision to make,” you quietly bit out.

“...and I disagree,” he argued, crossing his arms over his chest and tilting his head. “We’re not talking about the typical asshole boyfriend here. Your life is in danger every time you’re around him.”

You furiously blinked, looking towards the ceiling.

“As long as he’s happy…I’m safe,” you breathed, lips trembling as you looked at JJ again. “I just have to-.”

“...and when Ward pisses him off again? When you’re not as cold as you should be to some strange man? When he decides Topper was a bit too nice to you? Then what?”

JJ moved closer with every question, a sneer on his lips as he stared you down.

“There’s no way to keep a guy like that happy.”

You flinched, leaning away from JJ as he leaned in. He looked between your tearful eyes, and while yes he was angry and hurt over how you decided to end things, you could see clear as day that JJ was also scared. He was scared for you and whatever future was available to you now that you’d decided to completely submit to Rafe and what he wanted for you both.

His face softened the longer he stared at you, and just as he lifted his hand, footsteps reached your ears.

You were in front of the open fridge just as John B. came in, handing him a drink when he asked for one. You stared at the food in front of you while you attempted to fix your face and get your emotions in check. Your heart was racing in your chest, and you wondered if you were just about to fall back into old habits had it not been for the brunette. You slipped out of the kitchen while John B. brought up something from the other day with JJ, and your smile was half hearted as Cleo pulled you to sit beside her.

You tried to engage with them, but it was hard. You couldn’t get JJ’s words out of your mind and how right they were despite your denial of them. Keeping Rafe happy and discouraging him from hurting you would only work for so long at a time. Eventually a day would come where Ward pissed him off and he’d take it out on your body in some form or another. It was inevitable that Topper or Kelce or some other guy would slip and dare to treat you like a human being, something that Rafe would no doubt interpret as a line being crossed.

It made your heart sink to think about.

So caught up in your thoughts, you paid no mind to JJ and John B. returning from the kitchen until you felt liquid spilling all over you and the part of the couch you were sitting on. It smelled too strong to be anything other than beer, and you heard everyone scold JJ just as you jumped to your feet.

“Why were you trying to carry so many?” Sarah loudly tore into him, alternating between looking over you and looking over the stained couch. “Now Y/N has to change, and you have to fix this couch.”

They briefly went back and forth while you tried to keep your shirt from sticking to you, assuring Sarah it was fine before making your way upstairs to do just as she said you would. You hurried into Rafe’s room, peeling off your shirt and your shorts the moment you were through the threshold. Your skin was already feeling sticky, and if he’d gotten beer on more than just your back and shoulders and arm, then you would’ve admitted defeat and hopped in the shower.

You were half dressed and wiping off the last of it when you heard Sarah’s voice in the hall.

“You have clothes here, right?”

“Yeah,” you called, grabbing one of the many shirts you kept in Rafe’s drawers.

“Okay, because JJ felt bad and wanted to be sure you had something to change into, and then that made me unsure-.”

You were facing her and fully dressed the moment she cut herself off, swallowing the rest of her words. She was just inside of Rafe’s room, hand still on the door handle as she stared at you. Something passed over her face that you’d never seen before, and her brows knitted together as she gave you a strange look.

“What was that?”

Now, it was your turn to frown.

“What was what?”

Her mouth opened and closed—like she was doubting herself—before she tucked some hair behind her ear.

“On your back.”

You felt your skin grow cold at her words, heart sinking as you quickly realized what she was referring to. Now, your mouth opened and closed as you struggled to respond. Your genuine confusion had quickly morphed into something that you normally only felt around Rafe—fear. 

Giving her a soft hum, you pulled on your shirt and twisted around.

“Nothing. The shirt’s clean,” you told her.

Sarah gave a soft chuckle, but sounded off—uncomfortable.

“No, under your shirt…”

You stepped away when she reached for you, and the blonde took notice, that frown returning. It deepened the longer she stared at you, and you attempted to lighten the mood.

“It was probably just the lighting, my back’s fine,” you assured her.

She rolled her eyes at you.

“That didn’t look like a shadow. I know what a shadow looks like-.”

“Sarah, come on, my back is fine,” you waved her off, moving out of her reach. “Let’s just go back downstairs.”

Your attempt to get past her was successful, but your efforts to leave the room were halted when Sarah pulled up on the end of your shirt.

The gasp that she let out was loud—horrified—and when you hurried to turn your back away from her, she had both of her hands over her mouth. Her wide eyes were frozen exactly where your back just was, and it took her a few moments to lift her gaze. All the while, your heart was threatening to jump out of your chest. You stared at her and she stared at you, both of you silent—her with horror and you with fear.

“What the hell is that?” she whispered when she finally uncovered her mouth.

“Sarah, it’s nothing-.”

“That doesn’t look like nothing,” she breathed. “There are bruises—that was a bite mark!”

You worriedly looked over your shoulder, scared her voice would carry.

“Where did that come from? Did Rafe do that?”

“It’s not what you think-!”

“Then what is it? Tell me what it is since it’s not what I think,” she spat.

You struggled to come up with an answer, resigned to admit that the truth—while bad—was the best thing you had up your sleeve.

“Things get a little rough sometimes in bed-.”

Sarah cut you off with a scoff, shaking her head at you.

“I don’t believe that,” she cried. “Even if I did, that looks disgusting and painful!”

She hurried to get past you, and you struggled to stop her.

“What are you doing?” you asked her, voice panicked.

“What do you think I’m doing? I’m calling our father-.”

“Sarah, stop!”

She twisted out of your grip, and you chased her down the hall. Your mingled voices were loud as you argued, bouncing off of the walls as you chased her down the stairs. You didn’t pay any mind to her friends and what they were witnessing, only concerned with stopping Sarah from picking up her phone. You could feel their eyes on you as you grabbed her again, Sarah fighting to get you off of her.

“Woah, woah, hey!” John B. yelled, jumping in to separate you two.

“Sarah, leave it-!”

“Are you crazy? You expect me to just-.”

She was cut off as John B. successfully pulled her away from you, a hand on your own arm pulling you away. The problem arose again when John B. let her go, and you pushed your hand against the person behind you to get to her phone before she did. You both fought over it, you on top of her on the couch as you tried to yank it out of her hands. 

You could feel several pairs of hands between you, attempting to separate you again and keep it that way. JJ’s voice was in your ear as he pulled you off of her, your legs kicking out as you pointed at her phone.

“JJ, stop her,” you tearfully spat. “She’s trying to call Ward.”

When he made you face him, his own was twisted into confusion, and he kept his arms wrapped around you.

“What are you talking about? Why is she trying to call Ward?”

“Okay, both of you calm down,” Cleo spoke up, and when you looked over you saw that she was holding Sarah’s phone up and out of reach. “What’s going on?”

“She’s hurt! It’s all over her back,” Sarah choked out, chest heaving and face distressed. 

At those words, JJ tensed against you, and you gave him a pleading look when his eyes finally met yours again.

“She tried to give me some bullshit story, but I don’t believe it,” the words tumbled out of Sarah’s mouth, and JJ let you go. “JJ, she-.”

“I know,” he said as he neared her, Sarah speaking to him the moment she noticed his approach.

“No, you don’t know. There are bruises all over her back…” you felt several pairs of eyes on you at that. “...and…and…”

“Sarah, I know-.”

“No, you don’t understand-!”

“Sarah, I know,” JJ finally screamed, taking her shoulders and gently shaking her.

The entire house was quiet as his words lingered in the air, and you swore that you could hear a needle drop. Your entire body was trembling for so many reasons, and you wrapped your arms around yourself as Sarah’s eyes widened, her gaze never breaking from JJ’s. So many emotions passed over her features—confusion, understanding, shock, betrayal—before finally settling on two.

Sarah was horrified…and angry.

“You know?” she whispered. “What…? What does that even mean?”

She looked between you two, and you weren’t able to hold her gaze, your eyes landing on the floor. You were the center of attention at the moment, and you certainly felt it.

“H-how long have you…?”

JJ didn’t answer her unfinished question right away, sighing.

“I found out months ago…”

He trailed off at the audible reaction he got, and when you looked up, Sarah’s lips were parted. John B. was behind her, and he was looking between you and JJ with an expression that rivaled his girlfriend’s.

“Months?”

Sarah turned her gaze to you again.

“Months?” she choked out. “Months…”

She repeated it like she couldn’t believe it, and JJ took advantage of her shock to get his point across.

“Sarah, you cannot call Ward,” JJ slowly told her.

“Why the hell not?” John B. wondered, and you were sure you’d never heard him sound so angry.

“...because he’s with Rafe.”

Kie whispered it, coming to the same conclusion and realization that you and JJ were trying to lead Sarah to. The blonde girl in question looked at Kie in shock as if she herself just realized that, and she furiously blinked, shaking her head.

“Kie’s right, okay? He’s with Rafe, and you cannot call him about this. Not now, not ever…”

Only you and JJ knew that Ward was well aware of his son’s nature, and neither of you seemed eager to break that news to Sarah who was so sure her father would be the person to call because he’d do what was right.

“I don’t believe this,” she shakily whispered, twisting a hand into the hair at the top of her head. “He’s hurting you, and I’m just expected to-.”

“Yes,” JJ snapped at her. “You don’t understand-.”

“You’re right, I don’t understand!” they were in each other’s faces. “I don’t understand how Rafe has been hurting her for months apparently and I’ve been in the complete dark about it. I don’t understand how you knew and didn’t say anything!”

JJ sharply inhaled.

“I don’t understand how you’re standing here and telling me not to pick up the phone, and she’s agreeing. I don’t understand any of this,” Sarah tearfully said, shoving JJ. 

You stumbled back before turning away and searching for your purse. The sight of them arguing—because of you—and the feeling of everyone staring at you and knowing the truth was making you lightheaded and nauseous all at once, and you desperately wanted to be anywhere but here.

Kie called your name first, and then Pope, but you were already at the door when JJ finally chased after you. You could hear Sarah and Kie going back and forth as you stepped outside, and your vision was blurry when JJ finally caught up with you.

“They’re going to talk to her, okay?”

You sniffed, hurrying towards your car.

“She’s confused and scared and mad, right now, so she doesn’t get it, but she will,” JJ assured you. “We’re gonna talk to her.”

JJ’s hand was on your arm as you reached your car, and you stared at your reflections in the window for a few moments before a sob escaped you. JJ pulled you into his arms, gently shushing you as you cried into his shoulder. He didn’t offer any words of encouragement because this was an unprecedented situation, and neither of you knew what was going to happen from here. Nobody else was ever supposed to know.

…but especially Sarah.

JJ held you for the longest time, and resolute in your decision to end things with him, you allowed yourself to bask in the feeling. You deeply inhaled and relaxed at the familiar scent that was JJ Maybank. You allowed yourself to find comfort in the warmth of his arms, and you could feel JJ doing the same.

When he started to pull away, he kept his arms around you, and when you glanced up, your eyes met his. He looked sad for you and scared for you but above all, he looked like he missed you, and when JJ started to lean in, you swallowed.

“Rafe asked me to marry him…”

The blond froze.

“...and I said yes.”

Your lips brushed his as you spoke, and he remained there for a moment or two before finally leaning back to look you in the eyes. If you thought JJ looked horrified before, it was nothing in comparison to how he looked after hearing that you and Rafe were getting married.

“...and if I asked you not to?”

You gave a humorless chuckle.

“I’d say that a girl can dream.”

JJ softly said your name, and you shrugged.

“I wanted you to hear it from me,” you whispered. “He asked me in front of our families and all of their friends, so it’s not like I could say no.”

You watched as JJ’s expression hardened.

“This was never fair to you,” you said to him.”Please, stop hating Kie for pointing that out.”

“I can make my own damn decisions,” JJ threw out, and you swallowed down a sigh. “...and right now, I’m telling you that I’m not letting you marry him.”

It was a good thing that you didn’t know how to respond to that, because JJ continued.

“I’m not letting that happen,” he sneered. “The thought of you marrying that asshole makes me sick.”

You moved away from him, pushing his hands away when he reached for you.

“JJ, it’s over. I’m actually saying out loud this time,” you sadly told him. “Stop calling me, stop texting me, and… I won’t stop you from staying in the pool house, but I told you that my father-.”

“I’m not abandoning you. You can’t make me,” he cut you off, and you swallowed as he looked between your eyes. “This isn’t what you want, and I’m not gonna let you do this.”

“JJ, it’s done,” you firmly said to him. “Rafe and I are engaged. He asked my father’s permission, my mother is beside herself planning the whole wedding…and you and I are over.”

You looked between his eyes.

“That’s how things are supposed to be.”

The silence that stretched between you was thick and tense, and you swallowed at the way JJ ran his gaze over you. When he reached behind you to open your door, you sharply inhaled, moving closer to him to allow him to widen it. The blond leaned in then and pressed his lips to your forehead, lingering there for a few seconds. You closed your eyes, and he breathed you in.

“I’ll talk to Sarah.”

He assured you of that when you slid into the driver’s seat, but he didn’t acknowledge anything you said, and that made you nervous. He shut your door for you, and as you started your car, you were having a hard time believing your own words when you told him that you were over.

[csint3rlude]

THE BIG BANG THEORY ʚɞ ⁺˖ ⸝⸝ THE SEVEN

summary: the main seven dating someone with a nerdy interest.

authors note: i lied it’s kind of just the seven dating someone with an Interest cause the interest isn’t specified. aughhh okay guys. name of the fic (it’s not a fic) is based on the show the big bang theory which everyone should watch btw! gn reader. JASON IS A LITTLE OOC AND FRANKS IS SHORT I COULDNT THINK OF MUCH FOR THEM SORRY DONT KILL ME

word count: 1.1k || masterlist

𓈒ㅤׂㅤ𓇼 ࣪ 𓆡 ⭒ㅤ𓈒ㅤPERCY JACKSON

percy encourages the fact you’re a nerd. it doesn’t matter what your interests are or how “nerdy” they may actually seem, he’s still just happy you’re passionate about something. it could be something that he normally wouldn’t be very interested in, but he’ll still sit there and listen to you talk for as long as you want.

percy slowly starts to accidentally memorize everything you tell him about your interest. over time he knows just as much as you do and corrects people when they get the information wrong.

percy will 100% buy something if it pertains to your interests or he thinks you’ll like it because it relates to said interest. soon enough because of him you have enough merch to fill two whole houses.

percy will probably slowly start to get as interested in it as you are. it could be something he’s absolutely never cared about before but because you like it suddenly he becomes an expert and gets into long conversations about your newly shared interest with you.

⋆｡° ✮ 𓅓 ANNABETH CHASE

annabeth is probably also interested in whatever your interest is. if not, she’s definitely heard of it before and can talk to you about it. she loves that you have something that you really like, even if it’s something a little nerdy. now, if it’s something really nerdy like science or something, she’s just as nerdy as you are and is ready for any long philosophical debate.

annabeth educates herself on your interest if it’s something she’s not familiar with. it doesn’t necessarily matter what it is, since she finds knowledge useful when it comes to just about anything. she’ll read up on it, do just about anything until she’s as interested as you are.

annabeth likes to talk about your interest with you. it’s mostly because she likes to see your own opinions and hear your own takes and thoughts on specific topics, but also slightly because she just likes knowing you’re comfortable ranting to her.

ˏˋ°•*⁀⚡︎ JASON GRACE

jason seems like he isn’t very interested, but deep down he is. he’ll sit there and let you talk while he works on something else and it’ll seem like he’s not paying attention and not listening, but he really is. he may not be fully engaged, but he’s keeping track of everything you say in his head and keeping it in mind.

jason surprises you by remembering things you tell him about your own interests. this can range from many things, from you just mentioning something and him being like “oh yeah, i remember that!” and then recalls whatever the topic is like he’s been rehearsing it and waiting for that moment to use his memorization.

jason doesn’t actually consume the media of whatever your interest is, but he still knows everything about it from listening to you and gets equally surprised when you update him on it. he’s all quiet and nodding along and then if there’s something kind of surprising he’s like “oh???” and wants you to tell him more

˚ ༘♡ ⋆｡˚ ྀིྀིྀིྀིྀི PIPER MCLEAN

piper also encourages your interest, but on a bigger level than percy does. she also gets invested in whatever your interest is right away so you guys are basically hyper-fixating together. if there’s something new to it, she’s finding you immediately so you guys can discuss it and share your opinions.

piper decides that if she gets any mercy pertaining to your guys’ newly shared interest, she’s co-owning it with you. what’s her is yours if you both like it. that goes for many things, but especially for your guys’ interest. sometimes, however, she gets something just for you to have that she borrows on occasion.

piper also probably very lightly makes fun of you for your interests. she doesn’t actually mean anything by it and it’s all very lighthearted since she’s also interested in it. she does it because it’s funny to her.

ৡ ✧˚ · . LEO VALDEZ

leo, like piper, would also make fun of you. he’d do it a little more often and meaner than her, but he still wouldn’t mean anything by it. he’d still let you rant to him, and would definitely encourage it when he’s not (jokingly) bullying you for liking it.

leo over time starts to actually kind of get interested in your interest himself and randomly suggests watching/reading it with you one day so he can tweak out with you, but doesn’t wanna actually admit it after making fun of you for so long.

leo eventually gets tired of pretending he doesn’t like it and gets into a very deep and philosophical conversation with you about your now shared interest, pretending he never made fun of you and acting like he’d liked it all along. he does it mostly as a joke. mostly.

leo would make you things pertaining to your interest. he either acts like it’s not a big deal or he expects something insane after doing it, but he’ll mostly make you a little figure or something because he likes knowing that he made you happy by doing something for you.

˚ ⋆｡˚ 𖢻 ⋆ HAZEL LEVESQUE

hazel thinks your interest is cute! she’d love for you to tell her all about it. she would sit there and listen to you yap for hours if necessary. she’s very intrigued and involved with the conversation as well, asking questions and committing certain important things to memory.

hazel 100% uses your interest to calm you down if you’re upset about something or just having a bad day. after she figures out what’s wrong and sits down with you and is sure you’re comfortable and in the mood to actually talk, she’ll ask very sweetly, “why don’t you tell me about your thing again? <3”

hazel would try really hard to like your interest, and it would probably work since she’s likely very easily entertained, but if it’s not something that particularly interests her she’ll still happily let you talk to her for hours and hours and still make it a mutual conversation.

.ೃ࿐ ➸ FRANK ZHANG

frank also finds your interest endearing. obviously he sits there and lets you talk, but he’ll also compliment any commodities you have related to your interest. he’ll even let you drag him around a store or something and stand there and let you talk about your interest if you see something relating to it in the store.

frank doesn’t actually try to commit everything you tell him to memory, it kinda just happens naturally. if he sees something he knows you’ll like that relates to said interest he’ll immediately remember if you have it or not or if it’s something you’d particularly want and gets it for you if he concludes it is.

[c4tluver02]

basketball practice

wc: 2k

summary: You watch Steve during his basketball practice and something happens between him and Billy. The interaction messes with him but thankfully you're here to pull him out of it.

warnings: none!

On Fridays Steve had basketball practice after school. Now did you need to stay throughout his whole practice? No, you definitely could have a friend drive you home instead of Steve, but it was always more than that. You knew that Steve liked you being there. Normally you are just doing homework or reading a book, but sometimes when Steve looks up at you there you are smiling at him with big eyes. Or when he can tell that you're really into the game and hear your little cheers when he makes a shot. Sometimes Steve wonders why you’d stay somewhere that has you sit for an hour doing nothing when you could be at home? But asking that would risk an answer that he might not want to hear so he decides that he should just take your big smile and cheer as they are. 

This Friday was no different, Steve got out of class and talked straight for the locker room knowing he would see you in the gym. He likes this little routine you guys have. He gets ready and walks out to you waiting for him. Despite just seeing you a few hours ago at lunch he runs up to you and greets you with a big hug that lifts you up a little. You giggle at the action and wrap your arms around his neck. He lets you down and gives your temple a kiss. 

“Hi baby, how’d your test go?” Steve asks as he leans his head back a little, loving the feeling of you scratching his head. 

“I think it went well, I definitely wrote a lot so hopefully he gives points for putting something on the page.” You respond with a small smile, letting your arms down from around his neck to hold his hands. 

“I’m sure you did great, you always stress about it and then get a good grade. Plus Mr. Hill is like a thousand years old. I doubt he actually reads them; he just wants something to say that you guys did work.” Steve responds rolling his eyes playfully

You smirk at Steve's comment, he thinks so highly of you and it makes a blush creep up to your cheeks whenever he lets you know it. 

“Steve! C’mon enough chatting, more playing!” The team leader yells for him. 

A sigh comes out if Steve immediately, not wanting to end the conversation with you. Luckily Steve will have all of the ride home to talk to you about your day. You let out a soft giggle and give him a quick goodbye kiss before he runs to his group. You walk to the bleachers and take a seat while watching the group of boys. There's been a new student for the last few games which has definitely helped the team. Steve told you his name was Billy and he didn’t know much about him.

As the game goes on you decide to get your homework done. It’s nice that this gives you a reason to do it otherwise you’d procrastinate. Lost in the writing of your work you hear a thud which makes you look up. Your eyes widen as you notice Steve is the one on the ground and you can tell it hurts by the pained face he has on. Billy then comes up to him and gives his hand to help Steve up. But when Billy says something and pushes Steve's hand back to him your jaw drops. He walks over Steve's body as he lays there out of breath and in a newfound pain. A whistle makes you take your eyes off Steve as the captain says practice is over. You try your best to run down the bleachers as Steve gets up with a hand on his back. 

“What the hell just happened?” You say with a tone that is an octave higher than normal.

“Nothing, I just tripped.” Steve says as he takes continuous fast breaths. Too embarrassed of what just happened to discuss it further. 

“What did Billy say to you? Why didn’t he help you up?” You continue regardless of his quick undescriptive answer. 

Steve goes to the bleachers to sit and drinks his water. “Nothing important. He’s just a dick. You ready to go?” He’s trying to come off nonchalant but his voice is laced with irritation. 

“Yeah, uh, let me just get my bag.” You are confused. How did Steve fall, was he pushed? Why wouldn't he tell you what happened?

Steve wipes his face with a towel and puts his hand out for you to grab once you are on the last few steps of the bleachers. 

You turn your head to see Billy looking at you with a smirk on his face. Steve opens the door for you and you walk through it letting go of Billy's deep stare. He makes you feel deeply uncomfortable and you would bring it up to Steve but you don't need another thing for him to get mad at. 

Once you two get in the car you decide to ask a different question. Steve normally stays to shower but he didn't. You wonder if it’s the pain of his fall that changed his routine. 

“Are you okay? I didn’t see you fall but it looked painful.” You say with a quiet voice. Your hand is still intertwined with his and you're drawing little circles on the skin below his thumb. 

'I'm fine, did you want me to drop you off at your place?’ Now you're starting to get stressed, you always go to Steve’s after his games. 

“I mean I would rather go to yours but if you want to you can.” You say it so softly, like you’re scared of what he’ll say. 

You let go of his hand, the thoughts now flooding in your head. He probably wants to be alone and you asking all these questions obviously isn't helping him. This is the first time Steve actually looks at you and you're looking out the window, your body fully turned away from him. He doesn’t mean to come off cold especially when you didn't even do anything wrong in the first place. 

A sigh comes out of Steve- “Baby i'm sorry I shouldn't be acting like this towards you.” He picks your hand back up and gives your knuckles a kiss. “We can go to my place, okay?” 

When you look back at him with the saddest eyes Steve feels like he should do more than just hold your hand but he is driving and you're still not sitting towards him. “Okay.” You say in a meekly tone. 

You reach Steve's driveway and he puts the car in park. Once you both get out Steve grabs onto your arm and his hand slides down to your own. “Do you wanna make a snack and I'll go shower? We can watch a movie when I'm done?” 

Now Steve is the one with the soft tone. Both of you are in fragile moods and Steve knows it's all his fault. “Yeah, okay. Like some sandwiches?” You ask, your hand not exactly reaching to grab his back. 

“Perfect, yeah! I'll be quick okay?” He gives your cheek a kiss as he opens the front door for you both. You close the door and Steve is quick to take off his shoes and run up the stairs. 

As you make the sandwiches you think about bringing up the topic again with Steve. You’d hope that he would feel comfortable telling you things even if some douche said something rude to him. That his ego shouldn’t even be worried when it comes to you, always making sure he feels the best he can. You're at the point of your relationship with Steve that he could do anything and you wouldn't think any less of him or any differently. Yet here you two are, uncommunicative because of something some newbie said to him. 

Steve comes into the kitchen while humming, the shower somehow clearing his mood. You however have just been sitting here thinking a million thoughts digging yourself into a deeper hole. 

“Thank you for the food honey.” He gives your head a kiss as he grabs his plate. 

“Mhm.” You don’t even turn to look at him, stuck in your stance still zoned out within your mind. 

This isn't missed on Steve, he turns around and stops walking towards the living room. “What's wrong angel?” 

“Steve, why are you talking to me about what happened?” You ask, fulling letting your feelings be known. Bringing up a topic he was apparently already over with, it no longer plaguing his mind. 

“Because it’s just not important angel, okay? I fell, Billy said some stupid shit and it was over.” He says it so quick and matter-of-factly you almost believe him. 

“But he obviously said something rude and he walked over you. Literally stepping over your body when he had his hand out to help you up. It would be normal to be upset about it.” You wish he would just come out and say it embarrassed him. Then you could make him feel better and shower him with compliments that he truly deserves. 

Steve sets his plate down and sits in a stool that rests near the counter. Letting out a sigh knowing this is now a conversation he’s not getting out of.

“Billy told me I should  plant my feet okay? That's it. Some half-ass excuse of advice as to why I fell.” You can tell talking about it is bringing the anger right back to Steve. 

“It’s okay to say you're upset about this Steve. That's why I am dragging this all back up. You can tell me if something made you feel bad. You don’t need to act like nothing ever bothers you.” 

Steve looks at you with wide eyes. Of course you can read him like the back of your hand. He guesses he should know that by now. Hiding his feelings does feel silly now that you call him out for it. But to just move on and pretend it didn't happen felt safer to Steve. But regardless of how he feels, you were right. He should tell you how he feels because if there's one thing he knows it's that you wouldn't judge him ever. 

“Billy pushed me so that he could make the point. He literally told me advice on how not to fall when he's the one that pushed me down. And he’s not even a fair player. I don't know how they haven't kicked him out yet. ” Steve finally lets it all out. His voice rising higher and brows pinching together. 

“He’s awful, could you tell Jason to kick him off the team? He likes you, I'm sure he’d listen.” You’re leaning over the counter, now level with Steve. Thankful he finally opened up and told you everything. 

Steve grabs your hand playing with the rings on your fingers. “Yeah I think I might. My back is all fucked up from the fall.” 

You feel bad that Steve feels bad and if you could have fought Billy yourself you would have. To push someone else is so childish and Steve is the last person that deserves it. 

“Do you want me to massage it while we watch the movie?” You look at Steve and he finally looks at you. The heated conversation now cooling down and resolved. 

“Yes please.” He leans over the counter to place a soft kiss on your lips. “Thank you honey.”

“No need to thank me Stevie, but you know you can talk to me about anything right? I’d never judge you or see you differently I promise.” Your hands are cupping his jaw as you rub his cheek softly. 

“I know, I love you.” He leans his head into your hand. 

“I love you too, now let's go watch our movie.” You say giving him one last kiss before walking towards the living room.

[pain-is-forever]

OPEN STARTER

My rocketship is human bone and skin.

Theo has run off to the forest again. Why? Who the hell knows! But he's spent a concerning amount of time there (nearly the entire day), and some people could get worried if he doesn't come back home soon. So, someone had to go out and look for him.

When wandering the forest, you start hearing things, maybe, if you knew Theo really well, you'd recognize a small voice as his. It sounded like he was talking to someone, but there was no other voice there, and you couldn't exactly make out what he was saying, either.

If you were to come closer, you'd start recognizing words. "What if I just let myself freefall?" And then the sound of a body hitting a tree. "Ow- okay bad idea, makes the circumstances worse actually, got it." Then the sound of Theo sitting down in the grass, and a while later laying down. "What if I let my mind wander aimlessly? Clear my head and stuff?" If you had a good look on him you'd see him closing his eyes and hear him exhaling deeply.

After a moment, the body sat up, eyes slowly opening. You couldn't see them clearly just yet, but something felt... off. Then, the mouth smiled as Theo(?) felt around his body, almost as if to check if this is real.

"It worked!" A way more feminine voice rang out, much as Theo's own voice was similar to the one that spoke just now, his was definitely at least a little deeper. Then, Theo(?) looked around and spotted you, but his eyes were... fully pink. And glowing. "Uh... Hi?"

Taglist (ask to be added or deleted!!!): @the-great-emperor-commodus @another-argo @literally-tinker-bell @roryandthethorns @reyno-solis-real @glitchyk @judas-of-eris @notaeoluschild @the-little-tadpole @daughter-of-thanatoss

ANYONE CAN INTERACT!!!

[kagaintheskywithdiamonds]

omggggg Ford joining a parenting group (that's basically all women aside from him) because he wants to be the best dad for Stan. I hadn't even thought of that. But he would though. Being a single parent is HARD, he needs all the help he can get.

Which brings me to one of the things I didn't mention in the other post cuz it was already getting so long, but like, as the years go on, Stan's gonna have questions about his mother. I think any child in his situation would wonder the same thing. And even if he's still too young at this point to understand the specifics of where babies come from, he's probably aware that it takes two to tango. Surely he has a biological mother, right? Like, how could he exist without one? But Dad never talks about her, doesn't have any pictures of her, doesn't wear a wedding ring. Something weird is going on

And Ford tries to come up with believable stories to tell Stan but we all know he's a terrible liar. The only reason he's able to keep Stan's real origins a secret is because "hey dad, are you actually my twin brother?" is a question Stanley would never think to ask. but he WOULD think to ask about his mom, and it still catches Ford off-guard every time and he never has a good answer ready.

At one point he considers telling Stan what is technically the truth and saying his mother was a woman named Caryn, until Ford realizes that would put himself in sort of an Oedipus situation and it makes him sick to his stomach. So he thinks up a generic female name (a name that Ford isn't able to keep consistent, Stan notices) and comes up with stories that also don't stay consistent. "She died when you were a baby," "she broke up with me and didn't want to raise you and just left us," "I grew you in my lab" (that last one Ford says half-jokingly, though he realizes in hindsight that it might be the lie he's best able to maintain out of the lot)

And this creates some tension in their relationship as Stanley gets older, the fact that Ford is definitely hiding secrets. But then there's the undeniable fact that Ford still loves him, and that breeds some cognitive dissonance. I'm thinking it plays out a bit like the scene from NWHS where the mystery twins are down in the lab and they have every reason at this point to believe that Stan is a villain, but Mabel points out that photo of her and Dipper and says "but he still loves us". It's a bit like that. Except that the vilification of Stan's parent figure happens much more gradually (as opposed to the mystery twins finding all that incriminating shit about stan over the course of one day lol)

BUT ANYWAY I can't see that causing real tension between them until Stan is like 15 or so. Let's go back to him being younger

YES I was also thinking about Ford working to make sure Stanley's needs are met in school. and ok yeah this version of Stan still isn't a straight-A student, more like a straight-C student, but he still does a lot better than the Stan that Ford grew up with because who'da thunk it, kids perform better in school when they're actually given some encouragement now and then instead of being constantly told that they're a good-for-nothing idiot. I'm picturing Stan coming home from school all excited to show Ford the B- that he worked so hard to get and Ford picks him up and hugs him and ajsdklfjsdkl

and YES the love of sailing. the first time Stan mentions, even in passing, how cool it would be to sail around the world on a boat, Ford has to turn his face away and mutters something about allergy season.

And I hadn't even thought about Ford low-key spoiling Stan but it makes sense, having grown up with such a stingy father himself. I might have to disagree with you on the shark thing though. Like I said I picture this Ford being maybe a biiiiit overprotective. Think Marlin from Finding Nemo. No matter how much you try to convince him that the shark thing is safe, and no matter how much his logic-based brain wants to believe you, you know how parents are with their worrying. No way Ford's letting his child swim with sharks

And that becomes another point of tension as Stan gets older. Ford turns into a bit of a helicopter parent. And while this version of Stan actually makes friends with some kids from school, he has a hard time hanging out with his friends and just being a kid without Ford trying to involve himself somehow. And as much as Stan loves Ford, he does find it a bit stifling. One might even say... suffocating (my, how the tables have turned)

On a lighter note, imagine Ford trying so hard to butt in on Stan's circle of friends that he tries pulling the "cool dad" routine (much to hilarious failure). Imagine Stan hanging out with some friends after school and Dr. Pines comes rolling up on a skateboard (while wearing a helmet and elbow and knee pads, of course, gotta set a good example) and is so distracted trying to correctly use kid slang in a sentence that he ends up falling off a curb wrong and eating shit on the asphalt.

Dr. Pines (if you call him "Mr", Stan will correct you and brag about his dad's 12 PhDs) ends up being a bit more well-known among the student body than most other kids' parents, if only because of his embarrassing attempts to worm his way into Stan's life. And, ok, for that you can call Ford a dork, or a weirdo, but you better not call him a freak, and don't you DARE make fun of his fingers. Stanley will throw hands

Ford gets a call from Stan's school one day informing him that Stan got in trouble for fighting, apparently even gave another kid a black eye, and Ford is shocked and disappointed at this news. But when he learns that what instigated this fight was the same sort of "six-fingered freak" comments that followed him through childhood... Well, he's not sure what he feels anymore. Proud? He probably shouldn't be proud that his son is picking fights, even if it's on his behalf. Logically he knows that he shouldn't encourage this behavior and that he'll have to discipline Stanley somehow, but... goddammit, it really is the same Stan who constantly placed himself between Ford and their childhood bullies. How can he scold him for that?

(I should probably start putting these under a read more if I'm gonna have this much to say each time ^^')

Stanley has an important role in the grand scheme of things, specifically saving the universe. His role is so crucial that if anything were to happen to him it could lead to not only the destruction of his universe, but also lead the destruction of others. So what would happen if Ford had lost Stanley somewhere during the ten years they spent apart, only for Ford to be met face to face with the time police and what appears to be 2 years old Stanley.

His ears feel muffled as he’s handed the toddler.

Death by asphyxiation

Trunk of the car

Far too late

Paradox

The child’s timeline was already gone

The fate of the universe

His hands

The baby coos in his arms babbling as he grabs Ford’s pinky.

[holyblonded]

estrella's interactions with her USWNT teammates?? in particular alex morgan before she retired, the triple espresso, tierna (since tierna is the only out queer woman besides her), and horan.

(in fact, I can imagine estrella and horan having a 'tough love' friendship since horan plays for lyon)

— yes i love estrella and the uswnt! i think i got a bit carried away and off topic i love the way you wrote the request. it’s extremely satisfying to me

— alex morgan is like the cool older sister estrella never asked for but definitely needed. at first, alex wasn’t sure what to make of estrella’s… estrella-ness, but after seeing her play and realizing she was, in fact, a menace both on and off the field, she just accepted it. estrella, in return, loves to test alex’s patience.

— “alex, when are you gonna let me babysit charlie?”

— “never.”

— “but why?”

— “because you’re you.”

— “okay, but hear me out—”

— “no.”

— estrella adores charlie, though, and anytime alex brings her to camp, she and estrella are practically glued together. charlie calls her “es,” and estrella melts every time.

— estrella fits into the triple espresso dynamic a little too well. she’s like the unofficial fourth member, always hyping them up while also being a complete menace.

— “look at my three favorite goal-scoring machines,” estrella grins, throwing her arms around trinity and sophia. “how does it feel to be the second, third, and fourth best talents on the team?”

— mallory deadpans, “who’s first?”

— “me, obviously.”

— trinity tries to fight estrella at least once per camp. not in a serious way, just in a “you are getting on my last nerve” sister type way. estrella always dodges and takes off running.

— “you talk too much,” trinity huffs after estrella has been chirping all practice.

— “you love it,” estrella grins.

— “i actually don’t.”

— mallory is the one who tries to keep them all in check, but even she has her limits. one time, she caught estrella and trinity trying to prank sophia by putting hot sauce in her recovery drink.

— “i’m leaving,” mallory announced.

— “mal, come on, don’t you want to see what happens?” estrella pleaded.

— “no. because when soph hunts you both down, i refuse to be collateral damage.”

— estrella and sophia have a weirdly wholesome relationship. sophia is one of the few who doesn’t take estrella’s bait, which only makes estrella try harder.

— “soph, rate my skills from 1 to 10.”

— “7.”

— “wow. okay. brutal.”

— “you asked.”

— estrella is always hyping them up in training and games, especially trinity, because she loves the chaos.

— “GET HER, TRIN!” estrella yells from the sidelines.

— “i am, shut up!”

— when they’re all on the field together, it’s pure destruction. the four of them pressing high, causing havoc, and running at defenses is every defender’s worst nightmare.

— “we are actually terrifying,” estrella says proudly after a 4-0 win.

— “unstoppable,” sophia nods.

— “lethal,” trinity smirks.

— mallory sighs. “a problem.”

— estrella just grins. “the best kind.”

— tierna is probably the only one who truly understands estrella on a deeper level. being two of the few openly queer players on the team, there’s an unspoken understanding between them. estrella actually lets her guard down around tierna, even if she won’t admit it.

— “how’s soleil?”

— “fine,” estrella shrugs.

— “you’re smiling.”

— “no, i’m not.”

— “you literally are.”

— “shut up.”

— tierna is one of the few people who can actually get estrella to sit down and be serious when she needs to. she’s also one of the only people estrella listens to when she gets too hot-headed on the pitch.

— “breathe,” tierna reminds her after a particularly frustrating game. estrella huffs but nods.

— “you’re right.”

— “i always am.”

— estrella groans. “you just had to ruin the moment, didn’t you?”

— lindsey horan and estrella are the definition of a tough love friendship. lindsey does not take estrella’s nonsense, and estrella loves testing lindsey’s patience.

— “why are you looking at me like that?” estrella asks one day.

— “like what?”

— “like you want to strangle me.”

— “because i do.”

— estrella grins. “aw, you love me.”

— “i really don’t.”

— lindsey is one of the few who can actually put estrella in her place. when estrella’s ego gets a little too big, lindsey is right there to humble her.

— “you’re not that special.”

— “yes, i am,” estrella says without hesitation.

— “you play in spain. come to lyon, and we’ll see.”

— “never.”

— estrella would never admit it, but she actually looks up to lindsey a lot. when things get tough, lindsey is one of the first people she goes to for advice, even if she pretends she’s too cool for it.

— at the end of the day, estrella’s dynamic with the USWNT is equal parts chaos and genuine admiration. she pushes buttons, causes trouble, and makes everyone laugh, but when it’s time to show up, she gives everything for the crest. and no matter how much they pretend to be annoyed, her teammates wouldn’t have it any other way.

[hoe-days]

That has nothing to do with space

Senku x Reader

———

Senku wasn’t a terrible boyfriend, not in the slightest, but that’s not to say he doesn’t have his faults. Like his tendency to get a bit too wrapped up in science. That’s never been much of an issue though. Hell, a majority of the time (Y/N) is right there with him. But she hasn’t been for a while. What time is it?

Senku snaps out of it, he had been lost in thought while he waited for the calculations he was running on his computer to load. He glanced over at the second desk chair beside him, where his lover usually sat. It’s been empty for a bit now. Then again it is 2AM, (Y/N) can’t always stay up with him.

He sighs as he stands up and knocks the wrinkles from his clothes, he was still in his school attire and should probably shower, but it wouldn’t hurt to check up on (Y/N) first though, she normally takes over his bed when she’s tired. He makes his way to his room, careful not to disturb his dad as he walks through the hallway. As he reaches the door he pauses when he hears faint sounds of music and talking.

For anyone else something like this would raise suspicion, but he knows his lover, she’s just like him. It’s not uncommon for the two of them to stay up running experiments or playing some game. He still remembers the miserable day they had after pulling an all nighter trying to beat Akumajou Dracula X.

He pushes the door open and steps into the room and just like he thought, she was lying on his bed playing some game on her phone. Upon getting closer he’s able to see what on the screen, an RPG? The battle system looks fun.

“What’s that?” He asks, leaning over to look at her phone. “Oh, it’s a game I found. It’s called Love and Deepspace. I’ve been addicted to it for the past few weeks.” Love and Deepspace, huh. Sounds like sci-fi, right up her alley.

“Is it about space?” Senku immediately notices how she stiffens slightly when he asks her that. Very curious. “Well…yes. Technically it’s about space.” Senku raises a suspicious eyebrow at her answer. “Technically?”

Before he can question further the fight ends, her phone screen turning back to normal. He’s about to ask more when a phone rings. Senku instinctively reaches for his own, but he pauses when he sees it’s (Y/N)’s game. She goes to decline it, but the way she’s holding the phone causes it to slip from her hands, landing face down in front of her.

“Are you home right now?” A deep voice calls out from the phone. (Y/N) freezes, unable to say anything as the voice continues. “I’ll cut to the chase, Luke and Kieran have a gift, They’ll be at your doorstep in 30 minutes, I want you to receive it in person.”

(Y/N) quickly picks up the phone as Senku bursts out laughing. (Y/N) taps the screen frantically, but the deep voice continues. “You’re so vigilant, Kitten.”

(Y/N) shuts her phone off and puts her head down, lying face down on the bed. Senku stops laughing a few seconds later, breathing heavily to catch his breath. “Space, huh?” He has an impish grin on his face, one usually reserved for science experiments. (Y/N) groans into the mattress. “Shut uuuuup.” Senku sits down on the bed, leaning on one arm to try and look at her face. “I know I’ve been focused on science lately, but you haven’t been THAT lonely have you?”

“I hate you so much.”

“You want me to call you kitten or something? You should know I’m 10 billion percent not doing that.”

She whines, rolling herself up in his comforter and finally letting him get a good look at her flustered face. “Okay okay, I’ll stop. I’m going to go shower then we can talk about ACTUAL space. And you can tell me about your game.”

————

Bonus:

Senku lies on his stomach next to (Y/N) as they read through one of the story modes of the game, his hair a still a little damp from his shower.

“He most definitely drugged her just then.”

“Oh yeah totally.”

“He seems like type of guy to steal people’s laundry. And you say he’s an astronaut?”

“Yeah, A deepspace pilot. You know, he canonically uses my character’s tooth brush.”

“Don’t let this game give you any ideas.”

“Senku that’s disgusting.”

[miwiheroes]

Dropping Byler Evidence Every (Other) Day Until Season 5

. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . Day 36: Byler's Common Romantic Tropes . ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ .

There are many many times where I get asked what is your favourite byler proof or what is the most convincing byler proof. I could talk about light and imagery and symbolism but y'know what's even more convincing and simple to me? The fact that Byler literally has these extremely common romantic tropes attached to it, but nobody seems to notice because they're two boys. It cannot be a coincidence that they have all these different tropes attached to them -- its clearly planned out to help the pairing's romance come to fruition, otherwise it would make no sense.

1. Playing Cyrano

Definition: Traditionally in film, to "play Cyrano" is to have a more physically attractive person (Person A) hit on the object of their desire (Person C), but the words that are winning them over are being fed to Person A by someone else who is in love with Person C and knows them better (Person B). In every case, Person C originally falls in love with Person A because of the words they say, but upon finding out who really said those things, they end up falling in love with Person B. Some examples include Cyrano De Bergerac of course, Friends, Modern Family (though it's played as a joke), Back To The Future.

This is literally the painting plot, but it's not played out in the exact same way, though it's similar. Will (Person B) is obviously in love with Mike (Person C) but doesn't feel he can actually tell him those things because he doesn't think it will make him happy. This is a misbelief.

Now, technically, having Will refer to his feelings as El's feelings (Person A) is not the same as the original Cyrano trope. However, Will believes that he is helping both Mike's self-esteem and Mike and El's relationship by doing this, as he thinks that is what they both want. This is obviously an extremely selfless act. Now, these words obviously make Mike feel like he can finally say "I love you" to El, because Will reminds him of them right before the confession. So in S4, we have part 1 of the "pay-off" to this trope.

If we follow along with the trope, then hopefully, Mike will find out that those words are really coming from Will, he will actually fall in love (or realise he's in love) with Will, all because he's always been touched by those words. He'd also be touched by the selflessness of the act, and this selflessness usually inspires some loving feelings in Person C toward Person B.

So if Mike looks like he's falling in love with Will here, it because he literally is, he just has no idea yet.

2. First Girl Wins

Definition: Commonly in romantic plot lines, the first girl introduced — either overall or as a potential love interest — has a very good chance of ending up with the protagonist. She's often presented as someone who knows the protagonist better, stays in love with the protagonist despite his obvious non-reciprocation, etc. The First Girl will rarely be the first one to confess her feelings or admit them. In fact, she's much more likely to be the one who does it last. The logic behind this is that she's the one whom the main character loves (even if he doesn't realise it himself), if she showed him romantic affection, then he would immediately choose her.

Will being in love with Mike is literally the classic 'I know you better than she does' trope but it's gay. There are so many times in S4 especially where Will is presented to have a better understanding of Mike than El and the audience is supposed to feel bad for him. For example, when he's the one Mike goes to about all his problems, and when Will judges whether they should go to the movies based on Mike's body language. The viewers are supposed to feel frustrated that Mike isn't seeing what is right in front of him.

Having Will be in love with Mike from the beginning and having their first scene together literally show that Will can't lie to him, and that he's selfless, is insane to me. What would not make sense is for all this to happen, for Will to be presented as such an ideal match for Mike, just for him to be used as a tool in their relationship. As if that's a reward.

There is a reason that the writers haven't shown Will make any real moves toward Mike -- they're saving it for the climax of the show, aka when Mike ends up 'choosing' Will.

3. The Promise

Definition: When characters call a "promise" into the spotlight as something that can never ever be broken, this always backfires for the character that says so or the characters involved in the promise. (The most famous example of this I can think of is literally in Tangled lmao) This can backfire in a number of ways, but the most common are: the promise was never going to pan out, the promise would end up hurting the protagonist or sacrificing them, the promise will start out as something good but end up trapping them.

I've touched on this trope much more in this post, but as a summary, basically in this scene above, Mike draws attention to the definiton of a promise as "something that you can't break. Ever." This immediately dooms Mileven for me. It's clear that Mike is going to make some huge promise about their relationship to El and this is either going to hurt Mike or it will trap both of them in something that they feel far too invested in to go back on. Which is exactly what happens.

Mike promises to go to the Snow Ball with El. He says those words when she seemingly is about to die (in S1). This promise does not pan out because she 'dies'. UNTIL season 2, when the Snow Ball actually happens. Which means this promise can only happen in the other sense: it is trapping the protagonist. But Mike isn't just promising to go to the Snow Ball with El, no, he's promising to be with her, keep her safe etc. What he thinks is keeping her safe so that he won't lose her is by being in a relationship with her.

I really recommend the post I linked, because it goes way more into depth, but yeah. Insane parallels happen.

4. Interruptions

Definition: I'm sure you can safely assume what this is, but this is when two characters seemingly have a romantic interaction and seem to be building up to something intimate, but something out of their control stops both characters from doing this. This interruption is often paired with both characters looking embarrassed/ acknowledging the interruption to further romantic tension. These moments are made with the intention for the climax of the romantic plot to seem more satisfying.

This happens to so many ST couples after romantic moments, including Lumax and Jancy, but this happens to Byler in S4 four times. Yes, you heard me right. Four TIMES. They really really wanted us to make sure we see them as romantic didn't they?

Pictured above, Mike and Will both have a slightly flirtatious moment before they get interrupted by Jonathan who they are shown to swing their heads around and look at.

After Byler have an intimate moment of gazing into each other's eyes, they get shocked and gasp because they hear something outside the house that could possibly interrupt them.

On top of the car in the desert, after Will says something that might imply that he has a 'truth' that Mike won't like, Argyle interrupts them, showing a shot of Mike and Will stopping looking at each other.

In Hopper's cabin, after Mike grabs Will's shoulder and reassures him, they hear people outside and there is a shot of Mike's hand still on Will's shoulder before they look at each other one more time and leave the couch.

I mean this trope is as literal as it gets. In the script of the "cool, cool" scene, it literally says "this intimate moment is interrupted". HELLO???

Anyway, as I said before, you don't accidentally write this many commonly used tropes into a story without the characters actually doing something about it. There are also even more other common tropes that I didn't talk about here because it is not worth going into for a whole post (these include the holding hands trope, the selfless confession trope etc,). Basically, I just can't believe they would do all this for no reason. It also makes no sense for this to be done for queerbait purposes. Writing Byler this way is no easy way out.