#alex x zach

[joshrussosbff]

It's 2024 and I'm still surprised Zach and Alex aren't together 😭

[toasttt11]

family skate

December 12, 2021

Hayden was tying up her skates for the family skate, she got to have Luke with her.

Luke got out of school only two days before but took a flight right to Edmonton wanting to spend some time with Hayden for his winter break until after Christmas and he gets to go to Hayden’s family skate.

Hayden fixed the beanie on Luke’s head, the same beanie that she also has on her head. Hayden has a pair of blue jeans and a grey thick sweater.

Hayden linked her arm with Luke as they stood up and heads to the ice, Hayden was so happy to be able to finally have someone with her at her family skate.

Anyone on the team could tell how happy Hayden was to have her little brother with her and her brother looked just as happy to be with her.

Connor, Lauren, Leon and Celeste skated to Hayden and Luke and they all gave kind smiles to Luke as they all have met him many times before.

They all talked together and of course Connor and Leon wanted to know how hockey was going for Luke.

They continued to talk talk together until one of the media team members asked for a photo of Hayden and Luke together.

Hayden leaned against Luke and they smiled at the camera.

“Aunty Hay!” A little voice called out.

Hayden smiled as she saw two year old Theo trying to skate to her, Zach was holding one his son’s hand.

“Hey Bug.” Hayden smiled happily as she bent down and opened up her arms letting Theo skate right into her arms and he snuggled happily into her warmth.

Luke had a small fond smile as he watched her with the little boy.

Hayden gave Zach a nod that she had his son and he nodded heading back to his wife.

Hayden stood back up with him in his arms, “Theo i want you to meet my baby brother Luke.”

Theo peaked his head up from where he was lying on her chest, “Your Aunty Hay’s brother?” Theo gasped looking at Luke in awe.

“I am.” Luke proudly replied he smiled gently at he little boy.

“Cool!” Theo beamed lookin excited.

“Aunty Hay huh?” Luke teased quietly, he knew how much Hayden liked the kids on her team but he didn’t know how close she was with them.

Hayden’s cheeks turned a little red, “I couldn’t stop them.” Hayden knew some of the WAG’s encouraged their kids to call her Aunty Hay.

Luke just smiled wrapping an arm around her shoulder as she held Theo in his arms, “It’s cute.” Luke was glad she was so close to her team.

Luke noticed the second Hayden passed Theo back to his parents, another kid wanted to be with Hayden. He totally understood because who doesn’t want to be with Hayden.

Luke thought it was very funny the entire time and was just glad he got to be here with Hayden. Even if Hayden’s attention kept getting stolen.

[lyla123456]

Drunk Words

Montgomery De La Cruz x Reader

you

monty

Bryce

TW: Drunk Monty

I was working on my essay for English when I was interrupted by my phone ringing. I got up and walked over to night stand and unplugged my phone to answer.

"Hello?"

" Y/N!! how are you doing this fine morning"

" Monty its not even 11pm yet, are you drunk?"

" Drunk on life"

" Monty where are you"

"Bryces, can you pleasee come pick me up?"

" Yes I'll be right there, no more beer."

" Your no fun"

"bye monty"

I close my laptop and grab my keys, fortunately my parents are out of town and left me alone. They trusted me enough to know that I won't get into any trouble or throw parties. Unfortunately I've loved monty since freshman year but he's just never showed any interest so I never really tried to act on it.

When I get there I hear loud music and step out of my car, I head inside and see Bryce, Zach, Alex, Justin, and Monty.

" Alright Mont, let's go."

" Come on Y/nn stay have a few beers."

" I'm okay thanks Bryce"

Monty gets up stumbling a bit but follows me back to my car, I open the door for him and put the seatbelt on for him. I get to my Side of the car and start driving off, I was going to ask Monty if his dad was home but when I looked over at him he was sound asleep. I decided to just let him sleep at my place since no one was home. As I started pulling into my drive way Monty started to slowly wake up. I turn off the car and get out to help monty. When I get to his side he's already out waiting for me to help him inside.

When we get inside I put him on the couch and go to get some blankets and a pillow but I stop when I feel and hand on my wrist.

" Y/n?"

" Yeah mont? "

" Can I sleep in your bed?

" oh um, yeah I can take the couch"

" no please dont leave me alone"

I look at monty for a second and he looks a bit scared but that expression changed quickly into a small soft smile.

" uh yeah, okay I won't ,I'll stay until you fall asleep"

" can you just sleep in the bed with me?"

"Oh! okay yeah, come on"

I put Monty's arm on my shoulder and let him put his weight on me. I lay him on his side and then went to go get some of my dads old sweatpants and old shirt. i give it to him and then start walking to the door to give him some privacy.

" Wait, don't leave. Stay."

" oh okay yeah do you want me too turn around or something"

" no, you don't have to."

I turn away anyway and wait until the all clear. He tells me he's done and pats my side of the bed where he wanted me to sleep at. I go there and he pulls me to his chest.

" I love you Y/n."

" Mont your drunk"

" No im fine"

" monty tell me tomorrow when your not drunk okay?"

" Okay but drunk thoughts are sober thoughts"

I wait a few minutes to think of a response thinking about what he just said. But thats when I hear his soft snores and I just cuddle more into him and try to sleep.

" I love you too mont." I whisper and slowly drift off too sleep

[shrenvents]

Miracle Aligner

Alex Turner Series

Series Masterlist

Summary: Who knew Alex Turner, frontman to one of the greatest bands of this generation had the worst luck in love. As a romantic who's quite familiar with heartbreak, Turner's grown sick of looking for a spark that will eventually burn him. So, while visiting a local pub, how was he supposed to know that a drunken Tuesday night, would change his sombre tune forever?

Inspired by the album Everything You've Come To Expect. Mature content (sexual acts, language) Original character.

Chapter one:

Aviation

Toronto, November 15, 2015

5:57 pm

Alex's POV

"That's enough Turner!" Zach yells over the various clamouring instruments. "You've been working on these songs for weeks and this was the best you got mate?" Jaime continues with a snort. "Yeah?" I huff, rolling my eyes.

Jaime and Zach exchange a knowing look before Zach pipes up again. "You know what Al? Why don't you call it a night, maybe go out, meet a few girls, have fun." He then glances to my right. "Miles you stay and finish your set."

"What's this?" I jest, bewildered by my bandmates.

"Sorry Al, the songs you've been writing these days just aren't the Shadow Puppets brand," Jaime trails off, looking more empathetic than his counterpart. My brows crease further into my eyelids and I dully unclasp the guitar strap from my shoulder. "My songs don't fit the 'brand' of my band?" I glare at them in disbelief as the two share another look.

"Sorry Al, but your material has been all doom and gloom these days." Miles now exclaims while avoiding my troubled expression. He pauses before continuing. "Your greatest hits are love songs, passionate shite." Miles's eyes then connect with my own, and I finally understand what he's implying. "It's been a while mate." His last statement was the final blow.

That's right, I haven't been with anyone for months, romantically, physically, and everybody knows it. These days I just find romance to be tiresome. Even a shag doesn't seem to excite me much anymore. I've simply gone mad, that's what it is.

Though they seem to have me all figured out, I refuse to give in to their remarks. "You lot have lost it. I'll come back when you've come to your senses!" I bark out while snatching up my guitar and jacket. The boy's faint snickers fill the room as I take off towards the door. "Aw c'mon, Al!" Jaime carries out, stifling his laughter. I slam the door behind me with unnecessary force, utterly infuriated.

Instantly after leaving the studio, I feel the blistering Canadian winter encase my narrow frame. "Bugger," I snit before whipping out my phone, in hopes an Uber would usher me away from this frost. To my dismay, because of the excessive snowfall, transport was either delayed or unavailable, and I had no interest in sticking around roadside. So, I switched to searching for a local pub, racing out of the cold.

...

After a numbing 10-minute journey, I reached a pub called Les Cactus and ripped open its wooden entrance, embracing its heat. Whilst I take a seat on the nearest bar stool, a flash of red catches the corner of my eyes. A waitress with her back turned serves drinks to a group of men who gawk at her with an unreserved fancy. Momentarily, I admire her long, fiery hair that flows down her fit backside. Fortunately, the incoming bartender removes me from my fairly pervy thoughts. "What can I get for ya buddy?" The bartender ranks down my features, odd excitement filling his own. "You got any Bulleit?" He smirks.

"Sure thing." He spins away from me, before quickly rotating back and whispering for my ears only, "Big fan by the way." I smile politely with a nod as he disappears into the bar to prepare my drink. My gaze returns to the space where the redhead once stood, which is now vacant. "Here ya go. Let me know if you need anything else!" The bartender ponders shortly before speaking, "My name's Mickey by the way." He places my bourbon down with an oddly suggestive wink.

8:24 pm

"Maybe consider spacing out your next drink Alex. I get you're a millionaire and money ain't a thing," Mickey bobs his head, taking note of appearance, "but you're kinda overdoing it buddy," he finishes. I scoff at his smirk and slap a bill on the countertop. "Another." My face and tone drop in an attempt to be taken seriously, but my drunken command doesn't detour Mickey's delight.

"You're the boss."

"Uh-uh, that's at least his sixth drink this hour M." An unfamiliar feminine voice pitches in. It's husky and demanding, and so, I intend to listen. Curiously turning to look, my vision is consumed by that recognizable carrot-like head. If I was captivated before seeing her face, I was surely a goner now.

Mickey ceases his actions while she stares between us with scrutiny. I'm gobsmacked and she clearly takes my silence as a sort of confirmation. "Right, no more for him. Okay M?" Mickey nods sternly, face falling moderately as her tone leaves no room for opposition. "Alexander!" I practically cry out before Red gets the chance to leave. Smooth Turner.

"Excuse me?"

"I-uh, name's Alex..." Yeah, very smooth.

"Jennie." She states curtly, evidently bemused. She then moves swiftly on her heel towards the kitchen. Straight away I grimace, pulling a hand to my forehead, rubbing its lines harshly. "Not a word." Mickey chuckles quietly and goes back to his work.

9:41 pm

"Still here, Alexander?" My head shoots up, startled by Red. When did I even fall asleep-

"Yes?" She snorts at my jumbled reply.

"Want me to call you a cab? A shrink perhaps?"

"M' sorry?" I question clumsily.

"Oh? I just thought you may need one, after hearing what you told to Mickey." Her sultry voice echoes out her rather devious grin. "God." My eyes widen in horror which aids her impending elation. "What have I said?"

"Nothing really, just that..." She starts counting her digits absentmindedly. "You've got no luck writing your music, no love life. Oh, and you have no sex life!" She proclaims the last part with glee. Jesus, please end this nightmare.

"I did not."

"Did too."

"I've had too much drink."

"Drunken words are sober thoughts." Jennie carries on smiling at my trepidation. Maybe I'd find her charming if her jokes weren't at my expense. "That's it, I'm not tipping." I declare pathetically. Her devilish smirk doesn't falter. "Seriously? Things can't be that bad! Mickey tells me you're actually a successful musician."

"That you've obviously never heard of." I roll my eyes at the absurdity of our conversation. She laughs aloud at my response, which I admit, brought a genuine smile to my face. It really has been a while. Her face then goes blank. "Alexander."

"Alex."

"Alex. You're young." She pauses, her gaze sweeps my shaggy appearance. "Ish"

"Ouch." I flinch jokingly, earning myself another gorgeous laugh and playful swat.

"Hey! And you're good-looking."

"Ish." I interrupt again with a chuckle and her smile grows.

"No!" She more or less shouts, "You have a lot to work with, trust me." Her hands gesture nimbly. "The only thing standing in the way of you getting laid is yourself." A surprise roar of laughter leaves my lips shortly and I shake my head in disbelief.

"You're selling yourself short here Alexander," Red concludes. "Alex-"

"You're wasting your youth-ish," she interrupts me once again and a sliver of silence washes over us. It's as if we're the only ones in this packed pub, eyes locked on one another, communicating beyond words. Her deep hazel orbs focus on my brown ones. "What do you suggest I do then, Jennie?" Lightly raising a brow, my words dare her while her lovely name rolls off my tongue. I can't help but revel in how it sounds. Then something flashes in her fixated stare.

"Let's get out of here."

Chapter two

[thequeenofneverland1]

Justin Foley/// The Truth Hides

Anonymous request: Could you do where clay hasn’t found about the tapes that Hannah left and so the reader and her boyfriend Justin, Alex, Jessica, Zach, monet, are talking and making a plan to get ride of the tapes and clay (the reader was friends with Hannah and Clay but stopped when Hannah and Clay started dating Hannah knew that the reader like Clay but she still went and dated Clay and so the reader cut ties with them

A/n: I switched up a lot of stuff in case you get confused

Warnings: death, slut-shaming and plotting against someone, and cussing words

You were in the gym your boyfriend Justin and your friends you all were talking about the tapes that Hannah baker left your friends and you all were trying to find a way to get them before it exposed any of you

"I said let's take him for a ride and for a drink once he's so drunk we throw him in the canyon so it seems like it was a suicide." Justin says "Besides everyone is going to believe it, since everyone is going to be like he did it because he wasn't over Hannah since they were lovers.”

“Guys, let's talk about this at my house and I'll gather everyone so we can talk about the tapes. It's better to do it at my place so no one can listen to us.” Monty looks at everyone

"At your place? why not at school?" Alex asks not understanding

“Standall Are you hearing yourself? We can't have no one finding out about the tapes. I don't know Alex if you're actually dumb or you're pretending to be one.” Monty rolls his eyes at him

Alex was about to punch Monty but he was stopped by Justin and Zach "guys we can't fight each other, we're all in this together, we all need each other unless If you want to join Clay but he's not going to accept any of you if he does find out what we did to her."

“Alright I'll let this side, but next time Monty is being a bitch he's going to get it.” Alex fumed

"Yeah whatever." Justin waves Alex off

"You guys should get going already, cheerleading practice is about to start in 45 minutes." You looked down at your watch

"Can't you guys not have us for a little bit longer? besides Bae you're the captain and Jess is the co-captain." Justin tells you

"Justin we would but Jess and I have to make new roots." You kissed his cheek

“Baby can we stay? and watch you guys? " Alex asks Jessica

“Baby why don't you go to the store to buy snacks and drinks for the meeting besides Justin and Zach has practice too. " Jessica tells Alex and kissed him before he left

"Well babe see you later." Justin pulls you into a deep kiss Zach had it to pull Justin away from you since you both were making out "save it for the private room." Zach teases

"They ride us crazy.” You laugh

“Yes they do, but we love them even if they are crazy and sometimes dumb but we have love for them. " Jessica laughs too

“I was thinking, don't you think? It's a bit crazy what the guys want to do with the tapes and Clay?” You asked

“I don't think it's crazy we need to get rid of them.” Jessica answers your questions with a smile

"That's harsh." You respond as you begin to stretch out your arms and legs

“Hannah hurt you, remember? That she dated him. She knew that you loved him, but it didn't stop her from dating him.” Jessica reminds you of what Hannah did to you months before she die.

Flash back

"Hannah, I really love Clay and I'm afraid to tell him." You confessed to your best friend about your feelings for Clay.

"Girly just tell him don't be scared." Hannah tells you with a smile

"You're right, I'll tell him tomorrow morning." You beamed

"You go girl." Hannah cheered happily

You went to school with a smile looking in the hallways for Clay your smile turn into a sad one when you saw Hannah kissing him you held down your tears as you walked past them, ignoring them as they both called your name

In the bathroom, you start crying, you couldn't believe why your former best friend would do this to you.

"You know if you were friends with me I wouldn't do that to you." Jessica said coming behind you

You looked at her through the mirror "what are you talking about?"

“I know what Hannah did to you, she's a total bitch for doing this to you.” Jessica shakes her head “that's how sluts are always trying to steal the people that we love Hannah almost tried to steal my Alex but I was smarter than her."

“I thought the rumors about her were false since she doesn't look like the kind of person that would do this, but I was wrong about her.” You shake your head in disbelief

Jessica pats your back "trust me I also fell for her stupid ass acting she was all acting nice when I was thinking that she was a nice person but in reality she's two faced."

"I thought F.M.L was forever."

“It can't be forever, the betrayer will always break the promises and the forever. "Jessica tells you, "How do you feel about being friends with me? And my friends?"

"I accept." You smile

Jessica smiled and clapped, "Perfect, now come and hang out with our friends and me they're waiting for us at the gym."

“Jess told us what those two did to you, don't worry, Jessica's friends are ours friends, you're now one of us.” Justin says as he walks towards you.

"Maybe you can join cheerleading with me since the captain is leaving. You'll make the perfect captain and I'll be the co-captain if you let me." Jessica grinned

“Jessica you have done a lot for me, you deserve to be the captain more than me.” You beamed at her

“Aww, you're such a sweetheart Maybe after cheerleading practice you wanna go on a date with me? and watch a movie at the Crestmont I'll pay.” Justin flirts with a smirk on his fact

"It's a date then." You grinned

“If you guys end up dating, we can go on double dates.”Alex winks at both of you

"Baby don't worry starting tomorrow we're going to go on double dates with them." Jessica teases

"What about me?" Zach fakes wiping his tears off

"We can get you a dog." You tease as everyone nods and laughs

"Wow Justin, your girl broke my heart." Zach fakes crying again

"My girl is right, we can get you a dog." Justin laughs as he grabs your hand to kiss it

"Wow, I see how it is." Zach playful hits Justin on his shoulder

"Wow Y/n you look gorgeous I mean you're always gorgeous." Justin compliments you with a huge smile on his face

You smile, "thank you Justy, you're handsome.”

You both walked in the Crestmont holding hands with smiles on both of your faces Hannah and Clay turned and gave Justin and you confused stares "Y/N? Justin? What are you doing with him Y/N?"

"Jensen, I don't think it's any of your business." Justin growled

"Justin, it’s our business when it comes to Y/n she's our friend.” Hannah crossed her arms

Justin raised an eyebrow, "if she's your friend why? Didn't she tell the two of you? That she was going on a date with me?”

"Is it true? That you're on a date with him? Why didn't you tell us?" Hannah chided

"Hannah because it's not your business so worry about yourself." You fumed as justin rolled his eyes

"Y/n we're your friends I can't believe you didn't tell us about your date with that jock." Clay tells you angrily

“Guys, end of the conversation just gives us two tickets. If not, then I'm going to come over and complain to the manager.”

"For what movie?" Hannah asks trying to be nice since she doesn’t want to risk losing her job

"M/N." Justin smirks as he hands out the money to Hannah

"Enjoy." Hannah hands Justin the tickets as she gives you an disappointed look

"I can't believe Y/n would go on a date with Justin Foley. He's a player, he's going to end up playing her." Clay tells Hannah

"Why don't you mind your own business Jensen just because you're jealous doesn't mean you can hate on their relationship." Marcus comes to the defense of Justin and you

"Marcus it's none of your business so don't get in." Clay fumed

"Well it happens to be about my friends so it is my business." Marcus barks

"Why are you here for Marcus? You came here to bother us?” Hannah asked annoyed

"It's not your business why am I here." Marcus rolls his eyes at them “you two need to keep your mouth shut.”

"Marcus?, what's going on here?" Justin raised an eyebrow in confusion as he was watching Marcus arguing with Clay and Hannah

"Just here defending Y/n and you from these two." Marcus points at them "they're running their mouths."

Justin rolls his eyes in frustration "Didn't I tell you guys to mind your business."

"Didn't we tell you to stay away from Y/n." Clay bickered

"The only person that can say that is Y/n." Justin grinned in hope that you will choose him

“Y/N tell him.” Hannah smiles knowing you will choose them instead of Justin

"Actually, I want Clay and You to stay away from me." You tell them as Justin let out a smile

“What did we do for you to be acting like this? You were not like this.” Clay looked over at Justin and Marcus," see what you did, you changed her."

“Nobody can change me other than me.” You folded your arms angrily.

“Do as you please, but don't cry when your popular friends used you and Justin played you. " Hannah scowled as she left with a mad Clay

Hannah and Clay were walking in the hallways holding hands with smiles on their faces as everyone that was walking stop to look at them, some of them were whispering to each other, the other ones were shaking their heads and continuing walking

“I thought we should take part in the Halloween costume competition that the school organizes for couples.” Hannah tells Clay happily

“We can if you want, so what should we dress up as?” Clay smiles

"I was thinking of Chucky and Tiffany.” Hannah cackled

"You want us to be the spooky couple?” a Clay can’t help but laugh at the idea of being the spooky couple in the competition

"Of course I bet we will win for having the best couple costume ever." Hannah grinned at the thought of winning

Justin and you and the rest of the school were at the gym for the Halloween costume competition as everyone was cheering for Justin and you as the two of you began to dry humping each other

“Ladies and gents, I think we have a winner!! Justin and Y/n as Sexy Punk rockers!!” Courtney announce happily on the microphone

Everyone got out from their seats to congratulate you both for the win

“It’s actually Sid Vicious and Nancy Spungen.” Clay whispers annoyed and rolling his eyes

End of the flashback

“I know a way to get rid of Clay and those stupid tapes.” You smirked, trying to hide your worried face

Jesscia smiles, “what’s your plan?”

You smile back, “leave it to me.”

[rowinablx]

I actually appreciate 13 Reasons Why for not queerbaitng Zalex. Alex and Zach clearly form a bond and it's obvious that Alex is attracted to him.

So in season four when they kiss, a lot of shippers expected them to get together.

However, Zach gently explains that Alex doesn't need to apologize for kissing him but he's straight. Later on, when Alex reminds him of the kiss, Zach smiles and says it was nice. And he's also happy about Alex and Charlie

TLDR: 13 Reasons Why didn't queerbait, Zalex had a whole on screen kiss but Zack was never written as anything other than straight yet he wasn't mad about the kiss

[alexstandoll]

bodybag.

“. . . it was a circus inside Monty and it's all because of Alex.”

read → part ii:  i don't think you understand the effect you have on me

[misschanadlerbong]

Chapter 13 Pt.1 - Perfect

Summary: Just senior prom.

Warnings: none.

Genre: Fluff with some angst towards the end.

Word Count: 2.9k

< Previous | Next >

Finally, the day of prom came, and you were all set to get ready and dance your ass off tonight. Jessica was also at your place because you needed her to help with makeup, hair, and stuff you had no idea about. Both the boys were going to pick you up from your place.

Jessica asked in confirmation “Dress?”

“Check!”

“Hair accessories?”

“Check!”

And…did you put a straightener to heat?”

“Oh, Jess do you realize that you are going through this checklist for the fifth time? It is all good even if we leave something out that we are not, so what’s the big deal? Isn’t today all about having fun just chill babe?”

“Y/N this is our last school dance it has to be perfect.” she declared.

You could never win against Jessica in a matter like this, so you just rolled your eyes and followed everything that Jessica told you about. You both went to a full regime of skin care and then she did your makeup and hair.

The theme of the senior prom was ‘Masquerade Ball’ and you picked up a perfect corset dress. It was a sequin dress the corset was black with a tint of golden to it and the skirt was golden with a tint of black at the very bottom of it with embroidered flower patterns. It also had a ribbon that went around your waist and tied into a bow on your back.

You had a last look in the mirror before going into the living room where your parents were waiting to see you. You looked at yourself and, you had to admit, you looked like a goddamn princess and the glow added to your face thinking about Clay made you look even better.

You heard the doorbell, “Honey your dates are here.” your mom shouted from the living room.

You and Jessica walked into the living room and seeing you both your mother exclaimed “Oh sweet Jesus! Don’t you two look beautiful?”

Your father was too startled to say anything, he was shocked at the sight in front of him. He always saw you like his little girl who needed her father’s help in everything but now he saw a well-raised beautiful young woman. Seeing you, your father shed a tear as he was overwhelmed, he tried his best to hide but could not.

You walked up to your dad and said “Aw Dad!” and gave him a warm hug.

Your eyes met Clay. He was wearing a tuxedo and was looking smoking hot. You walk over toward Clay and said, “Who knew my Nerd could pull off a tuxedo?” Clay simply grinned. He was staring deep into your eyes it seemed like he wanted to say something but was not letting it out “What?” you asked.

“You look…” he sighed “Seraphic!” he finally said.

Justin sauntered to Jessica, gave her a sweet kiss, and said: “Hello, gorgeous!” He then turned towards you and said “And Y/N you, you look terrific. I have never seen you like this before.”

Your lips curved into a smile and said, “Thanks Justin, you look great too.”

“Um Y/N I got something for you,” said Clay offering a corsage. You stretched your hand and allowed Clay to put a corsage on your wrist.

“Oh my god, Orchid? This is beautiful! I got something for you too Jensen. Mom, can you pass that?” you asked your mom to pass a boutonniere you especially got for Clay. You pinned the boutonniere to his jacket.”

“Shall we princess?” asked Clay with courtesy. But your father stopped you both.

“So, Clay Jensen, right?” your father questioned.

“Yes, sir.”

“Bring her back till 11, okay?” he demanded.

“Yes, sir,” Clay said like an obedient boyfriend.

You all walked out of the house stopping on the porch you asked Clay “So where is our ride? I mean I asked you out, the least you could do is get us a Limo. Right, Jess?”

Jessica nodded in agreement and raised her eyebrow at Justin in question.

“Okay, I deserve that. Justin and Jessica are going with Charlie and Alex in an actual Limo. I have a different plan for us.” Said Clay.

“Oh really? What is it?” You jumped with excitement.

“I know what you love more than a Limo, this!” said Clay pointing his index finger towards Tony’s Mustang.

“Oh, my fucking god! Tony’s Mustang? How did you convince him?” you asked in disbelief.

“Well, seems like he’d do anything for his best friend he knows how important you are to me and how much you love this car, so he agreed.” Clay offered his hand and asked, “Shall we madame?”

You held his hand and replied, “Oui, monsieur.”

You all arrived at the venue decided by your school. It was a big ballroom with a dancing space near the DJ and there were many round tables arranged for the seating. The room was decorated with every shade of white flowers. Exquisite chandeliers hung above the ceiling giving the room a royal aesthetic.

You and the gang took some drinks and hit the dance floor. You danced to many songs. Tony did the job just right as a DJ, you tried so hard to convince him to join the prom with everybody but being a DJ was his escape from socializing and dancing.

You and Jessica danced your ass off to the song ‘Best Friend’ by Doja Cat and Saweetie and decided to take some rest. Clay was just standing in one corner smiling at you as you danced. You walked up to him and urged “Oh come on Clay, we are at our Prom, we are supposed to Dance you know. Haven’t you read about proms in the library?”

“Ha-ha very funny. I can’t dance. Plus, it is such a pleasure seeing you dancing.”

You pouted at his response and to make it up to you he pecked your lips and offered you a drink.

You both were standing in one corner and talking and observing others. Your eyes fell on Charlie and Alex dancing to a slow song. They both were wearing tuxedos with matching boutonnieres pinned to their jackets and held each other while moving swiftly to the beats of the song. Then you saw Jessica and Justin dancing just beside them, it felt like love was in the air.

As you both were enjoying watching and talking a tall dark-haired boy approached you both.

“Hey Y/N, you look amazing and you too Clay you look fine in that tux,” he said.

“Hi, Zach. Thanks! You don’t look so bad yourself either.” you smiled.

“Um, Clay…I was wondering if I can borrow your date for a dance?”

You looked at Clay and said, “I don’t know Zach, I am pretty tired.”

“Come on Y/N it’s just one dance I am asking for, please?” Zach insisted.

Clay seemed like he had no problem with you two dancing together, “No, Y/N if you want to, then please. I will be right here watching you.” said Clay.

You nodded and proceeded towards the dance floor with Zach. Song ‘The Way, I Loved You’ by Taylor Swift started playing in the background and you both found your rhythm to dance. You held one of Zach’s hands and his other hand rested on your waist. Zach swirled you around a few times and you both were back to facing each other.

“Y/N I’d like to say something,” asked Zach.

“Yeah?”

“See I know we got off on the wrong foot. But I miss my time with you. I regret saying whatever I said. The thing was that I was too scared to put my game in jeopardy. But I didn’t realize that you were equally as important…” you cut him off “But Zach…”

“No, please listen to me. Breaking up with you was a huge mistake, will you ever be able to forgive me? I know you are with Clay now so the least I could ask for is forgiveness” he asked with innocence in his eyes.

“Of course, Zach, I already forgave you a long time ago. To be honest, I am grateful to you, if you never broke up with me, I would have never realized that I had feelings for Clay, and now hearing all those words from you made me realize exactly how I feel about him. So, thank you.”

While you both were dancing Justin and Jessica approached Clay and Justin asked “Dude, what is she doing with Zach?”

“Zach wanted to dance with Y/N so they’re dancing.”

“And you let her?” asked Justin sounding annoyed.

“Yeah, and she does not need my permission I am her boyfriend, not her master or anything and additionally they are just dancing what is wrong with that? It’s prom after all” replied Clay.

“Clay, you don’t let your serious girlfriend dance with her ex with whom the things were still complicated…”

“Oh yeah, Clay sure they are dancing, and look at them so adorable right? Whereas it should be you looking into her eyes the way Zach is. But I am sure this dance will not stir Y/N’s feelings back towards Zach.” Jessica said sarcastically.

Clay started to feel insecure and decided to make a move. He walked up to you as you expected him to. The only thing that could provoke Clay was jealousy and Jess played that card just right.

As soon as he held your hand to dance Tony changed the slow song to some rock music “Seriously Tony?!” you yelled in frustration.

“Hey, it’s okay, we can just jump around like these crazy people here, right?”

A grin took over your pout and Clay and you jumped around the dance floor feeling yourself and being lost in the music.

You and Clay found a seat for yourself to take a break and helped yourself with some food.

“Y/N? Can I talk to you?” a familiar voice came from behind you.

Before you could say anything, Clay howled “What the hell Bryce?”

“Hey man, I just wanna talk to her, just chill, okay?”

You turned towards Bryce and gave his request a thought. You decided to hear him out, whatever he wanted to say. You stood up but Clay pulled you back. You assured him by saying “It is okay Clay. I’ll be fine. What can he possibly do in a room full of people? I will be back, okay?”

Clay nodded in apprehension, and you followed Bryce to a corner of the room. You crossed your arms around your chest and asked, “What is it, Bryce?”

“Look Y/N I wanted to thank you for not taking any serious steps against me. I could have lost my scholarship and my chance to go to school and I want to apologize for whatever I did, I am sorry.”

“Bryce, everybody deserves to go to college, and you do too. No matter how you are everybody deserves a chance, so I gave it to you, and it is not a big deal.”

“Yeah, and I am grateful for that. I didn’t realize what I was doing. I was insecure and acted like a dick…” you cut him off and said in agreement “Well that is true.”

Before Bryce could say something, he was cut off by Clay “Everything okay babe?”

“Yeah, he was just saying something. Everything is fine.”

“Clay let me talk to her, please?” requested Bryce, and Clay started walking away with a frown but this time you pulled his hand and said “No Bryce Clay is not going anywhere. He is my boyfriend whatever you wanna say, you can say in front of him” Clay’s eyes gleamed hearing those words.

Clay stood by your side holding your hand “Y/N I was just saying that I am sorry. For everything.”

“Okay.” You replied.

“Okay? You are not gonna forgive me?” he asked.

“Well, you asked me to hear you out, so I did. I gave you a second chance Bryce, but I cannot forgive you, not just yet. I would like you to live with that guilt, if any.”

Bryce took a step towards you, but he was blocked by Clay in the way. Clay stood between the two of you facing Bryce and his hand stopped Bryce from moving further. Half of your body hid behind Clay.

“You heard her, now just leave her alone.” You never saw Clay so protective, and you loved the way he demanded Bryce leave.

You both went back to where the whole gang was and got to know that they soon are going to announce the Prom King and Queen.

“Who’d, you think it’s gonna be?” you asked Jessica with curiosity.

“Who knows? It is always up to the football team” she said pointing toward Zach and the other guys on the football team.

They called Jessica to announce the Prom King and Queen as she was the class president. Jessica walked right into the middle of the room and took the envelope where the names were mentioned.

She read and every soul in the room was looking at her with suspicion, she built up the suspense and finally said “I can never be happier to announce these two names as Prom King and Queen. Are you all ready to know?”

“Yes!” Everybody yelled in excitement.

“Y/N and Clay what the hell are you doing there? Come here because the Prom Queen is Y/N Y/L/N, and the Prom King is Clay Jensen. Come and collect your tiaras.”

Clay and you saw each other in disbelief as the unexpected had happened. You thought that Charlie and Alex were going to be prom kings but here you were receiving the title of Prom Queen. Jessica put the crown over Clay’s head, and you bowed to let Jessica put the tiara. When Jessica did her part, you looked at the audience and made eye contact with Zach as he raised his glass to you both. “Thank you” you mouthed to him.

“This one’s for two of the most important people in my life” announced Tony while playing ‘Perfect’ by Ed Sheeran.

He knew how much you loved the song, and he played the song at the right moment.

“May I have this dance?” Clay’s question caught your attention and your eyes started shining.

Clay offered his hand, and you instantly took his hand. Clay kissed the back of your hand like a gentleman. You bowed and then held each other in a dancing position.

Clay’s hand slid down to your waist holding you close, and your hands rested on his shoulders. Gazing into each other’s eyes you both started dancing while your legs moved in perfect sync you teased Clay “Who knew this nerd could dance?”

“Well as you say, I am full of surprises.”

You felt ecstatic and calm dancing with Clay like you had nothing to worry about. The lyrics ‘I found a girl, beautiful and sweet. Oh, I never knew you were the someone waiting for me…’ echoed in the background.

You looked at Clay and said, “Clay Jensen, I think I am in love with you.”

“Did you just use both my names in a single sentence?” he teased.

“Come on Clay, you’re ruining the moment.”

Clay chuckled and replied, “Sorry, I know I am in love with you Y/N Y/L/N.”

“And I am in love with you Clay Jensen.”

 ‘I don’t deserve this…’

‘You look perfect tonight…’

Clay swirled you around and your body collided as he held you tight like he was never letting you go.

“Kiss, Kiss, Kiss” the crowd started shouting in unison.

You looked at Clay and said, “Seems like it’s time for some PDA Jensen.”

Clay smiled and crashed his lips onto yours, the kiss was desperate yet gentle. After you both had your moment, the crowd joined the dance floor, and you danced in Clay’s arms for the rest of the night.

---

Clay abided by your father’s rule of getting you back to your place by eleven. As you both were not party people at all you decided to ditch the after-party. You both sat down on the couch in your bedroom and helped yourself to some hot chocolate.

The first thing you did after reaching your home was to get out of that dress and realize how good it feels to finally be able to breathe again. You lay your head on Clay’s chest and he put his arm around you as you both sipped your hot chocolate.

“Clay?” you called him out.

“Yeah?”

“I got a mail today, I got into Princeton.”

Clay removed his hand from your shoulder and sat up straight.

“Wow, that’s… great. But you are not going right?” asked Clay in apprehension.

“Clay… Princeton has been my dream college since I was a little kid. Of course, I want to go.”

“You’ll go all the way across the country? What about…us? We all know long distance never works” said Clay standing up.

You tried to convince him “Clay come on, it’s my college we are talking about.”

“So, all that ‘I love you shit was fake huh? You were playing with me this whole time, right?!” He sounded furious.

He started walking out of the room in a rage, but you tried to stop him “Clay please stay. Talk to me.”

Clay shed a tear and whimpered “I am too tired to fight right now Y/N. I should probably leave.”

He left and slammed your bedroom door. Tears started running down your eyes. You were asking questions yourself; did you just ruin a perfect relationship? Did you just hurt the most wonderful boy you have ever met? The hurt caused was not intentional, but you still felt guilty, you ruined your perfect night with the boy you love. Maybe Clay was right, maybe you were graduating single from high school.

Shower your love by liking and commenting on the post. Refrain from copying, plagiarism, or posting on any other platform.

THANK YOU!!!

P.S.: I also upload on Wattpad @immafreakingmoonstone, feel free to check out my account :)

[sandersgrey]

[ID: A digital drawing. In a dusty corner full of rubble, Kit is curled up on Ty's lap, his arms around his waist. His head rests on Ty's chest in such a way only his hair is visible. His legs drape over Ty's. Ty is holding him gently and has his arms around Kit's shoulders, tilting his face against Kit's hair. They're both bruised and covered in dust and blood, but Kit is more visibly injured, with a burned arm and bruised knees. The sleeve of his denim jacket has been burned off. End ID.]

Just, y'know, thinking about Study's future chapters >:)

[goldfades]

hey guys!!

FIRST OF ALL, i would like to thank EVERYONE FOR 100 FOLLOWERS 😭😭 i know its not an insane number but i still am on shock that i literally started posting like 2 weeks ago and now i have 100 🥲 that’s CRAZYYYYY

but anyway, i would like to ask y’all if you would want a 100 follower celly!!! BUT TO MAKE IT INTERESTING, it’ll be either zach bryan OR taylor swift inspired LMAO (i think i’ll choose an album or something)

BUT ANYWAY THIS IS BASICALLY JUST ME ASKING IF YALL WOULD BE INTERESTED 😭😭😭

[toasttt11]

his jersey

January 6, 2022

Hayden had just gotten into Boston having took a flight this morning from Toronto after her she had a game last night in Toronto.

Hayden was officially on break for two weeks and when she found out Matt would be playing his first game NHL she didn’t want to miss it and she didn’t have to because she had a break.

Hayden wasn’t really supposed to be wearing other NHL teams merch so she grabbed her Boston College Jersey that’s Matt’s and that Matt had given her, she had it on with a pair of black jeans and red converse and her hair in a simple french braid.

Hayden walked through the Boston Arena stopping every once in a while for a fan before she eventually made it to her seats and smiled at Matt’s brother Michael. He was the only one who knew Hayden was coming to surprise Matt.

“Hey Hayden.” Michael smiled at the girl his brother has been in a love with for years

“Hi.” Hayden smiled back and they shared a quick hug before sitting down next to him just as Matt began doing his rookie lap.

Hayden pulled out her phone filming some of his lap and had a proud smile on her face.

Matt finished his lap and turned seeing a lot of his friends and family but froze seeing Hayden smiling at him, He let out a disbelieving chuckle and she waved softly making him blush and wave back.

Matt picked up a puck that he shot with on his rookie lap and handed it to the trainer knowing exactly who he wants to give it to.

Matt sent one more smile at Hayden and he blinked having not realizing what Hayden was wearing. A Boston College hockey jersey but his jersey, she is wearing his name on her back.

Matt swallowed heavily and he couldn’t help but smile even wider as Hayden is wearing his jersey.

Matt shook his head giving one more look to the girl who hopefully one day will be his and finished warming up before his first NHL game.

Hayden had a soft smile so proud of Matt as she watched him play his first NHL game.

It was the second period and the Wild were up 2-1 against Boston when Matt got the puck and shot it at the goal.

Matt cheered as he realized he scored his first NHL goal.

Hayden let out a shocked happy laugh and stood up cheering loudly for Matt.

Matt was beaming as he celebrated with his teammates and he looked over where Hayden was and saw her beaming at him and clapping for him and that only made him ever happier, He smiled right back at her.

The Wild won 3-2.

Hayden sat with Micheal as the stadium started to clear out onto leaving everyone that came for Matt.

After a little while Matt came out with freshly wet hair and back in his suits making everyone cheer and he went around hugging everyone that came for him.

Hayden was farthest away from where Matt came in from and waited patiently for Matt to go around all of his friends and family and then she could hug him.

After a few minutes Matt said bye to a lot of his friends as they started heading out and he started talking to his family that came and finally he got to Micheal and hugged his brother before turning to Hayden.

Matt let out a some laugh just looking at her shaking his head, “What are you doing here?” Matt asked with a wide grin.

Hayden smiled shrugging as she stood up, “For you.” Hayden answered honestly making Matt laugh fondly and he opened up his arm and Hayden let out a happy sigh and fell into his arms hugging him tightly.

“I’m so proud of you.” Hayden softly mumbled against his shoulder as she closed her eyes enjoying hugging Matt again as she hasn’t seen in him in person since summer.

Matt smiled cupping the back of her head and resting his chin on her head, “Thank you and thank you for coming Hayden Lee.” Matt softly told her still happily holding her.

Seeing Hayden made his big days a thousand times better because he got to see her but also because she was here for her his first NHL game and wearing a jersey with his name on the back.

Hayden hummed softly not wanting to let go yet as she missed Matt a lot especially his hugs, she wouldn’t admit it to anyone but one of her favorite people to hug has always been Matt.

Hayden and Matt very reluctantly let go of each other but Matt still had a hand on her and just looking at her with a smile.

“What?” Hayden chuckled out scrunching her nose at Matt noticing him starring at her with a smile.

Matt let out a small airy chuckle nonchalantly shrugging, “I just missed you.” Matt told her honestly making her face soften.

“I missed you too.” Hayden gave him a soft smile.

Matt’s Mom Jennifer looked at the two knowingly, “You hungry Matt?” She asked making Matt look away from Hayden.

“Yeah i could eat.” Matt nodded at his Mother and looked at Hayden hopeful wanting to spend more time with her, “Will you come too?” Matt asked her softly. Matt was off for any games until next week and was spending a few extra days in Boston.

“Yeah i don’t leave for two days.” Hayden had specifically chose to stay in Boston for three days in totally wanting to spend more time with Matt.

Matt’s face lite up, “I have so much to show you!” Matt beamed looking so happy as he has never had the chance to show Hayden around all of his favorite spots in his city.

“Whatever you want.” Hayden smiled seeing Matt so happy.

Hayden turned around slightly and Matt’s breath got caught in his throat seeing his name on her back, he shook his head trying to clear his thoughts as Hayden turned back leaning into him.

“For you.” Matt pulled the puck he shot on his rookie lap handing it to Hayden.

Hayden smiled softly and gently took the puck, “Thank you.” Hayden softly mumbled as she gently put the special puck in her pocket.

Matt wrapped an arm around her shoulder as they walked out of the arena together with Matt’s family.

Matt smiled happy and pressed a soft kiss to her braided hair.

[loveofstelena]

Multicouples • loml x You're Losing Me

[multiverses-and-promdates]

this

reblog if you’ve read fanfictions that are more professional, better written than some actual novels. I’m trying to see something

[pupsmailbox]

SCENE︰EMO ID PACK

NAMES ⌇　acid. adder. adrian. aisling. alex. alice. alix. amethyst. annabelle. aqua. ash. ashlee. ashley. aspen. astley. avril. awe. axe. ayesha. bates. bell. bella. belladonna. bellatrix. billy. blade. blair. blitz. bloodie. bloodscene. blythe. bow. bree. butterfly. callie. candi. candy. celeste. chase. checkerz. clarity. click. coraline. couture. crow. cyril. cyrus. dakota. demi. demonia. devin. dino. dizzy. doge. dom. dominic. ebony. electra. elliot. emery. emmett. emo. epic. erin. evan. flash. fred. galaxy. gavin. gerard. ghostie. gif. gloom. gray. grayson. grim. gutz. happy. havoc. hazel. heyley. hunter. hyde. indigo. ink. iris. ivory. ivy. jack. jade. jason. jasper. jax. jeff. jet. jett. julie. kai kandi. kandiz. kat. kayden. killer. kit. kitt. kobi. kyler. lady. lapis. lee. lexie. liam. luna. lurk. lynx. lyric. lyxzen. mace. maddox. madeline. mae. malice. marceline. marcie. mars. mavis. meow. mia. midnight. mika. mill. nana. neo. net. nick. nina. noah. noob. nora. nyan. nyx. obscene. octavia. olivia. onix. onyx. opal. orange. orchid. pearl. phantom. phoenix. pierce, pierce. pitch. pixie. pop. punk. pusheen. rain. rainbow. raine. rainer. rave. raven. raver. rawr. razorz. reaper. ripley. river. rogue. ronnie. rose. rouge. roux. rubi. ruby ruby. sable. salem. sally. sapphire. sash. sasha. scythe. silvi. silvia. smiley. smoke. smokey. snap. snow. sonya. soot. sparrow. spike. splatter. spook. stella. steve. stripe. sunny. suzi. suzie. suzy. taffi. taffy. tag. tech. tempest. travis. trend. tyler. vesper. vine. vista. vivi. waffle. wave. web. wentz. wesley. wild. willow. wound. xander. z!m. zach. zack. zade. zaire. zak. zander. zara. zero. ziggy. zim. zircon. zoe. zoom. zyair.

PRONOUNS ⌇　awesome/awesome. ay/aym. bark/bark. bi/bim. bite/bite. black/black. bling/blingee. blood/blood. bone/bone. bow/bow. brace/bracelet. bright/bright. bright/colour. byte/byte. cat/cat. cata/catatonic. ce/cer. check/checkered. chem/chem. cir/circut. color/color. computer/computer. cool/cool. cos/cos. creepy/pasta. cringe/cringe. cry/cry. cut/cut. dead/dead. death/death. die/die. dino/dino. emo/emo. emoticon/emoticon. epic/epic. ev/ev. exe/exe. ey/em. eye/strain. fang/fang. fringe/fringe. game/game. gamer/gamer. ghost/ghost. gir/gir. girr/girr. glit/glitter. glitter/glitter. gloom/gloom. glow/glow. glow/stick. gore/gore. grr/grr. gun/gun. gut/gut. hor/horror. hx/hxm. hyper/hyper. hyperpop/hyperpop. internet/internet. it/it. ix/ix. kan/kandi. kand/kandi. kandi/kandi. kill/kill. kit/kit. knife/knife. lix/lix. loud/loud. luv/luv. mask/mask. meme/meme. meow/meow. mew/mew. mlp/mlp. mon/monster. mspaint/mspaint. music/music. neo/neon. neon/neon. net/net. nostalgia/nostalgia. nya/nya. nya/nyan. nyan/cat. old/old. online/online. pika/pikachu. pix/pix. pixel/pixel. plur/plur. pony/pony. pop/pop. pop/tart. queen/queen. quiet/quiet. rain/rain. rainbow/rainbow. random/random. rave/rave. rawr/rawr. raz/razor. red/red. rei/reina. scene/scene. scene/scenester. scenecore/scenecore. scream/scream. shx/hxr. si/silent. silly/silly. skull/skull. slash/slash. slice/slice. sound/sound. spi/spider. spook/spook. stab/stab. stick/sticker. sticker/sticker. stud/stud. swag/swags/swagself. thxy/thxm. troll/troll. tutu/tutu. txt/txt. vamp/vamp. video/game. virtual/virtual. vocaloid/vocaloid. web/web. windows/window. x3/x3. x]/x]. xD/xD. xe/xem. xey/xem. xP/xP. xy/xyr. youtube/youtube. ze/zem. ze/zer. ze/zero. zi/zim. zim/zim. zom/zombie. zomb/zomb.

[misschanadlerbong]

Chapter 12 - Let's Kick Some Ass

Summary: Charlie struggles to propose a promposal to Alex, while Y/N struggles to prove her worth yet again in the team.

Warnings: Mentions of sexual assault.

Genre: Fluff, Clay x Reader

Word Count: 1.6k

< Previous | Next >

Your last couple of weeks were pretty hard but finally, you gathered up all the courage to tell people what Bryce had done with you. You told your parents the night Clay came to visit you and gratefully your parents were incredibly supportive. They did not overreact at all and acted rationally with the situation. Though it was hard to control the testosterone energy of the group.

Everyone was filled with rage, but you never wanted to fight with violence, you complained about Bryce to the Principal, and he was given suspension and a probation order from the police. Days passed eventually and every day felt a little better and with Clay, by your side, you had a sense of relief.

You were back to practice and now all you focused on was the finals of the Basketball Tournament which was being hosted by your school this was the first time your school qualified for finals and providing the fact that this was the last game you will play with the team made it more important.

You reached school, today was important because it was the game night and you agreed to help Charlie with his plan of asking out Alex for the prom. Charlie had an overly sweet and romantic plan, he decorated the main hallway and Jessica, and you were supposed to hold a huge banner written “PROM?” on it, Charlie stood beside the banner with Alex’s favorite flowers in his hands.

Alex entered the hallway and gave an opposite reaction to what you guys were expecting, all you got from him was a sigh of disappointment. Alex was never a fan of cheesy romance but Charlie on the other hand was the king of cheesy romance.

“Oh, Alex! Enough with your tantrums, just say ‘yes’ already. If you don’t go, I will go with him” you say to Alex.

Alex chuckles and walks up to Charlie and says “If I will not go with you then with whom will I go, Charlie? You did not have to do all this. It is obvious that if I go, you will be my date.”

Charlie was still not satisfied and said “You did not answer my question. So, Alexander Dean Standall, will you be my date to the senior prom?”

“You’re lucky you’re adorable otherwise I would have dumped you a long time back, and Yes Charles Hayden Brixton St. George it would be an honor to be your date.” Charlie started deep into Alex’s eyes and gave him a sweet passionate kiss.

The school air was filled with promposals, and every room and every corridor was full of red roses and confetti.

“It sucks to see all these people happy when your boyfriend has not even asked you about prom yet,” said Jessica.

“He hasn’t yet? But aren’t you guys dating for like a couple of years now? Isn’t it obvious?” you asked.

“But still you know.”

You could hear the frustration in her voice. Making Jessica mad is one of the many things that you should never do in your life. To calm her down you said, “If Justin doesn’t ask then I’ll go with you because Nerd hasn’t asked me yet too.”

“Yes, screw the boys, they are of no use”.

After your fourth period, you were supposed to go to the gym and get ready for the game tonight. Before going you met Clay to see him for the last time before the evening.

“Sup Nerd?”

“Hey, you look pretty happy. Excited about the game?”

“Yeah, more like nervous but yeah excited too. Anyways I’ll go for the practice so see you at the game?”

“My fifth is free so I can hang around longer.”

“Good, you can help me stretch” you winked at him.

“Nah, you can do it. If a coach sees me then he will make me exercise too.”

“Okay then, I’ll just ask Zach to help.” You say teasing him and starting to walk away.

“No Y/N wait, I’ll be there. I will just keep my stuff in the locker, okay?”

You smile at his innocence and proceed toward the gym. When you enter the gym, you see Justin standing beside one of the machines. You walk up to him and say, “Hey Justy, we have a problem.”

“What? What is it Y/N?”

“You have not asked your girlfriend yet to be your date to the senior prom.”

“Holy shit, just tell the coach I’ll be right back” While saying this Justin ran out of the gym as fast as he could panicking. That was the effect Jessica had on him. As the gym was almost empty you hear your coach and principal having a conversation in the coach’s office. You go there and knock on the door.

“Y/N, good you are here. We want your opinion on something.” Said the Coach.

“Yes sir, what is it?”

“Umm, Principal thinks that we should not let play Bryce today’s game. I know it is not easy for you to play with him, but still, what do you think?”

You turn to the principal and say “Uh sir, Coach is right. Whatever he did to me shall not come in between the game we are going to play. We cannot let it ignore the fact that he is one of the best players we have on the team that can guarantee a win. I think we should let him play, otherwise sir, it is your call.”

Principal Bolan was convinced by your point, and it was true that above everything it was more important to win the trophy for the school.

The decisive moment arrived. All the Liberty Tigers gathered in the locker room and Justin gave a pre-match motivating speech as his duty as the captain. Everyone was filled with a desire to win the goddamn match and show the opposite team who the Liberty Tigers are. The cheerleading squad did their segment before the game began.

After that, both the teams entered the basketball court to start the battle. You found it hard to admit but the other team was playing too well which made the chance of the Liberty Tigers winning less.

As you looked at the crowd who came to watch the game, you caught Clay’s eyes which were gleaming at you. He raised both his thumbs to cheer you up and you turned your focus back to the game after a five-minute break.

While Clay was attentively watching the game Tyler approached him with the camera. He was taking pictures for the yearbook and went up to Clay to say ‘hi.’

“Clay! Hi! Since when you started liking sports?”

“Oh, hey Tyler. Uh I am here for Y/N”.

“Yeah, I get it. She is pretty hot, isn’t she? And when she plays”

“Um, bro she is my girlfriend.”

There was an awkward silence between the two, but Tyler had to make it worse and asked with disbelief “Really?” Clay simply nodded to Tyler’s question and Tyler shrugged and went to a different location to take pictures.

It was halftime and the score was 20-15 and your team was losing. Everybody went inside the locker room to cool themselves down and discuss the strategy for the other half of the game. Justin was going to give another speech, but you cut him off by saying “Justin, can I take this?” Justin nodded in trust, and he let you speak.

“Guys, many of you think I do not belong on this team. But today the game is not about me or you or the school. It is about the fact that this is our last game together before we graduate. Now, will it not be better if we win that goddamn trophy in our last game rather than losing to some private school that think they are better than everyone. So, let us play. Let us play for that sportsmen spirit inside us which will not take losing as an option.” You stretched out your hand and made eye contact with Zach “So...”

Zach cut you off, said, “Whatever it takes?” and put his hand on your hand.

“No, let’s kick some ass”.

Everyone held hands and unity and said in unison, “Let’s kick some ass.”

Everyone went back to the court filled with new energy and you did kick all the asses. Your team won by 35-28. In excitement, the whole team lifted you on their shoulders as you were the lightest and made a round of the whole court. Principal Bolan announced the winner and handed over the trophy to the team. After giving his speech of gratitude you asked him for the mic.

The audience was still cheering as you said “Thank you all for your support, now I wanted to say something. This guy in this crowd is supposed to be my boyfriend and hasn’t asked me to the prom yet. So, I thought why not make this big gesture and ask him myself.” The crowd started cheering with anticipation. Hearing this Clay was both embarrassed and confused. You continued “So Nerd, would you like to be my date to the prom?”

Clay climbed down from the audience stand and started walking towards you. You gave the mic to Justin and ran towards him. You looked at him with hope in your eyes. He held your hands and said, “Yes Y/N I’ll go with you to the prom.” He kissed your forehead, and you hugged him with excitement. While you hugged him you realized that he was not hugging you back. You said, “Clay, you should hug me back otherwise it will be very awkward.”

Clay struggled to speak “Yeah, I will if you leave my hands free.” You let go of him you both laughed at your stupidity. Clay hugged you firmly and the entire crowd started cheering for your courage.

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[sandersgrey]

A Study in Greys

Eventual Kit/Ty Endgame, Mutual Pining, Canon Divergence, Angst with a Happy Ending, Hurt/Comfort, Emotional Manipulation, Psychological Trauma, Kit Rook Has ADHD, Kit Rook has C-PTSD.

First / Second / Third / Fourth / Fifth / Prev. Fic also available on ao3.

Wordcount: 6k.

A/N: Huge thanks to everyone who commented and gave me the motivation to finally finish the chapter. As always, shout out to @thechangeling for being a very supportive friend and not killing me for the hiatus, and @jynxlovesluck for being the amazing partner and beta they've been this entire time. I could not do it without you. At the very least, I could not do it this well. TW for a bit of unconscious self harm right at the beginning, and for a lot of conflict between characters, including brief fear of domestic violence that doesn't come to pass. (Not a lot of physical injuries, though. Not... yet.)

Seventh Chapter: The Ghost At The Feast

“Absolutely fucking not.”

With her arms crossed and that snarl, Livy would be any horror director’s first pick. Ty could feature in it, too; he’s pretty enough to be the star cast in marble in the dusty light of the room, his silence heavy. He hasn’t spoken in five minutes. 

Kit would have liked to say he’s been handling this tension with all the poise and resilience of a Herondale. It’s true if you know a Herondale’s bad habits. He’s bit down so hard on the inside of his cheek that the thin rope of badly-healed skin split open again, coating his tongue with a taste of iron. 

He’s never been good at arguing with people he actually likes. It’s his biggest flaw.

Still. No better time to learn than the present. Draping a shaky arm over his knee, Kit risks a grin: “Are you sure?”

Livvy’s stare grows unimpressed: 

“We’re not using you as bait.”

“Why not?” Kit asks. “I’d be really good at it.”

Ty’s frown deepens. He’s been incessantly tapping the ground since the idea first came up, faster the longer it went on. It’s honestly a little insulting. Kit might not be the best with a dagger, but he can figure out a social situation better than anyone in this room, alive or dead, that’s for sure. He resents the worry.

“No,” says Ty.

Livvy emphatically gestures at him. “Yes, thank you, Ty. It’s a terrible idea.”

“Eh, is it?”

“Kit, we’re not risking you getting hurt.” she sighs.

That gets a snort out of him. “I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but I’m already at risk. I’ve been at risk since the beginning. The safest option- for everyone- is to shut down their entire operation as soon as we possibly can, or did you forget about their whole Puppet King idea?”

“That doesn’t mean we should put you at more risk!” Ty blurts out. 

“I think that’s really up to me, isn’t it? We’re-” - sitting on top of a time bomb, waiting for it to explode- “ risking more the more we wait. Someone might figure out we know; I’d be really fucking surprised if they don’t already suspect you, and I’d really rather not figure out how subtler the next assassination attempt is gonna be, okay?”

Ty presses his thumb against the center of his palm, massaging the muscle. Stress tightens his shoulders into boulders- it makes Kit feel a little bad, honestly. He doesn’t mean this to be anxiety inducing to anyone else. 

Rolling his tongue against the open wound in his mouth, Kit waits. 

The mortar between the stones, at least, is easy pickings for a clever enough hand. He digs his nails into it and wonders how long it’d take to bring the whole castle down in itself. Longer than he has. He picks at it anyway.

“It’s too big a risk,” Ty says at last. “I won’t be able to get to you fast enough if you’re caught.”

Shaking his head impatiently, Kit says:

“Look, I can do it, alright? It’s like ten, fifteen minutes, tops, and then we’re home free. I know I fumbled it- I know I should’ve realized what they wanted sooner, but I’m not completely incompetent. I can handle some manipulative idiots.”

A tilted head. Confusion briefly crosses Ty’s expression, resolving itself into something unreadable. His clever fingers grip the hem of Kit’s jeans until the fabric stretches, near painfully, over his bruised knee. Kit doesn’t flinch. He can’t.

“It’s not about whether you could do it. You shouldn’t have to.”

Kit shrugs. “I shouldn’t have to do a lot of things.”

“What does that mean?”

Right. He sighs, more disappointed in himself than on anyone else, and pinches the bridge of his nose between his pointer and thumb. No more cryptic bullshit: Ty doesn’t play mind games. 

But, as he opens his mouth… Kit finds himself stuck. He pauses, wondering, and closes it back again. What does that mean? Does it mean anything?

For some reason, what comes to mind is this: his ten years old self, the Market, and a pocketful of stolen wallets. Then: his fifteen years old self, the Market, and a pocketful of strange ingredients. The way he had felt stuck back then, too. The way he’d felt useful. 

Ty’s attention tastes like iron. It feels like it, too.

“I just want-” Kit swallows. His exhale cracks, brittle. “I don’t know. I guess I can’t go home.”

He picks at a loose thread in his jeans, wrapping it around his finger until it turns his skin swollen, a purple protest. Lets go. Once, twice, a third time, relieving the pressure just before it bursts. Ty says:

 “You could go.”

It hits like a wave of nausea. Kit squeezes his eyes shut, dizzy with it. 

A familiar tempo, discarded like a dirty coat on the ground. There’s nothing to say. The thread digs into his knuckles, a bright spot of pain in the darkness, and Kit holds onto it.

“What we mean ,’ says Livvy, in a meaningful tone of voice, “is that it’s a really fucked up situation that you don’t need to stay in. We’re not saying we don’t want you around.”

“Of course we’re not,” Ty says, a little perplexed. His elegant fingers twitch towards Kit’s own.

Kit can’t help it: he laughs. God. How like Ty to utterly destroy him without even meaning to. Dragging a hand over his face, he presses the palm against the orbit of his skull until he could map the bones by feel alone and asks, tired: 

“What even for?”

It’s nearly comforting how baffled Ty’s “What for?” sounds, like he can’t even figure out why they’d need a reason at all.   Ty pauses, his grip on Kit’s jeans tightening. “Just because, I guess.”

Just because. 

It’s not anything. It’s just a sentence. Kit lets his hand fall on his lap, exhausted, the strength of Ty’s earnest expression a little too heavy to bear. It’s no good. Kit can’t deal with that right now.

“I-”

His phone rings.

The sudden trrrrrrrr makes Ty wince back, his entire face scrunching up in pain. 

Scrambling, Kit paws at his pocket, frantically mumbling sorry sorry sorry until sweat-slicked fingers manage to get a grip, pressing against the screen harder than they usually need to. He hangs up.

Ty rubs a thumb against the palm of his other hand, self-soothing. “Who was that?”

“It says Nessie”, Livvy observes from over Kit’s shoulders. He sighs, mourns his privacy, explains:

“A friend from Devon.” 

“You’re not going to call back?”

A grimace. Kit gently kicks at Ty’s thigh until he gets the memo and lets his foot go. Pulling his knees up, Kit rests his chin in his arms, just a little bit colder, and says: 

“Nah, all my friends at home are mad at me. I’m going to wait til the dust settles.”

Ty frowns, the perfect line of his jaw tightening, but Livvy tilts her head and a few of her hair strands no-clip into the wall. It never looks quite right. Kit holds back a shudder. 

She asks:

“Why are they mad at you?” 

He sucks air in through his teeth. “Well, Lizzie and Mari are mad because I left with Zach, which makes sense. He was a dick to them. Nessie is mad, because…” Wincing, Kit raises a shoulder in a how to put this? way. “Well, because I’m here.”

Ty shifts his weight to lean closer, staring down at the thread around Kit’s finger until Kit lets go of it, shame-faced. “What do you mean?”

The awkward position strains at the seams of Ty’s right sleeve, the sculpted, lean shape of his arm tensing to keep him upright. There’s deceptive strength there. It had felt like a steel bar across Kit’s chest when Ty had caught him.

Someone pointedly clears their throat:

“Could it be,” entones Livvy, “because you left? Did you even tell her you were coming here?”

The tiniest flicker of a flinch in Ty’s hand. Kit tightens the reins on his own gaze, tips his chin up at Livvy, half-lidded and scornful:

“How would you want me to explain this to her? Sorry, I can’t hang out this week, I’m too busy scheming? Would you mind putting our plans on hold while I uncover a conspiracy I can’t tell you about?”

“If that's the truth,” says Ty. Kit scoffs:

“She would’ve wanted to come.”

“Then let her.”

“Yeah, that sounds like such a great idea,” Kit sneers, then pauses, chagrined. Adds: “That’s sarcasm. Nessie is a vampire. Letting her come would probably be the most efficient way to get her fucking killed. It’s too dangerous. No , thank you.”

Ty says, aggrieved: 

“Then tell her that.”

“Yeah? Have you told Alyssa?”

A pause. “How do you know about her?”

Kit looks away, dragging his feet across the floor. He hadn’t meant to say that.

(Dust rises through Livvy’s form. She shakes herself off, impatient, and floats a little away when that previsibly fails to do anything. Like this, they can barely see her.) 

“You’re not hiding it as well as you think you are,” he says. “Not everyone thinks you’ve cut off all contact.”

“Ragnor wouldn’t tell.”

“You’re right, he wouldn't. He didn’t need to, anyway. Harry noticed you’ve been sneaking off.”

“Like you do? You haven’t been all that careful either,” Livvy points out.

Shrugging, Kit leans back against the wall as casually as possible. He tips his chin up, allows a leg to extend, and keeps a very tight lid on his voice as he says:

“Sure. The difference is that people suspect Ty’s ‘consorting with the enemy’ because he’s openly done it before,” like an idiot, Kit doesn’t say. “They think I’m having an affair because that’s the fun and exciting thing to believe.”

Ty pauses. “They think you-”

“There’s no proof, obviously, but that doesn’t matter. It makes sense. You should’ve given them a hint of a scandal, Ty… It would’ve worked better than silence.”

Shoving the (quite helpful, honestly) suggestion away with a gesture, Ty frowns:

“They think you’re having an affair… with me ?”

Livvy turns to the wall, concealing her laugh with a cough. Briefly, but fervidly, Kit wishes for the ability to banish a spirit.

“Sorry”, Kit says. “I know I’m not your type, but I figured it’d be safer than them realizing we’re colluding. It gets the message across now that they know they can’t just kill you off openly. Heather had a moment-”

“The poltergeist.”

Kit nods. “I know you noticed. Me insisting on going with you is what sealed it, I think. Now she’s at least going to be a little subtler about it- make sure it can’t be tracked back to her.” A pause, then: “You should be careful.”

“You should have told me.”

“I knew you already knew you were in danger, Ty.”

Ty drags himself into an upright position, jaw tight with the kind of defensiveness Kit usually saw in him around Julian. His dark brows are furrowed. They cast a shadow upon his eyes. 

“I didn’t know about this ,” Ty snaps. “I’m glad you trust my intelligence, but I can’t just guess what you want, Kit. I can’t just know what you’re thinking. You need to tell me things.”

He bristles. “You didn't tell me anything until last night either!”

“I didn’t know you wanted to hear it.”

“Of course I do!”

“Kit”, Ty says, “I didn’t know. Of course I didn't tell you. The last time we’d seen each other you said you didn’t know when you’d forgive me, and then you show up here, years later, dating one of the people who are trying to kill me. I knew you were after something, but fuck if I knew exactly what-”

“I had to do that! I had to date him, how the fuck else was I gonna get here-”

He bites down, but it’s too late. 

Dread filling his chest cavity with something far too cold and heavy to name, he watches, scared even to blink, as the blood drains from Ty’s face. There is something devastating about the delicate pink of Ty’s mouth trembling, the dark brows creasing his marble-perfect skin into the kind of expression that would send Kit to his knees if he could move at all. 

Kit watches, and fears, and regrets only that he misspoke. 

Slowly, Ty says: “You’re using him.”

The tone is very nearly casual. It’s the phrasing that sends a jolt of ice into his stomach. Kit lowers his head, sinking his teeth hard onto the inside of his cheek, and waits.

“That’s why it didn’t fit. That’s why you felt so off around him. You knew he was a centurion; you knew he could bring you here, so you… instead of doing anything else, you…” 

“He was insulting my friends in a downworlder restaurant. He wanted a fight.” The voice out of his mouth is nearly unrecognizable. “Ty, he was a threat. I was unarmed.”

“And now?”

Hands into fists. Sharp nails.

“He’s still a threat. This is my best weapon.”

“So you lied to him.”

Kit raises his head, heated. “We just found out that they sent him as bait on purpose, so what does it matter? That’s what I was meant to do!”

“You didn’t know that back then!”

“I knew he was a racist piece of shit who would love a chance to kill all my friends,” he says. “I knew things were going wrong here and I knew that you’d know that, but- I couldn’t just stand there! I couldn’t just hope you’d be fine!”

That pale throat moves as Ty swallows, his face a blank canvas- Kit could project anything on it, anything and nothing at all. His mouth moves: 

“You said you didn’t forgive me.”

“I don’t.”

“ When,” bites out Ty, “will you start making any fucking sense?”

Kit throws up his hands, careless of the dust:

“Well, fuck me, Ty, I don’t know what you want me to say!”

“Why are you here?” Ty immediately lists. “Why would you put yourself through all that trouble for someone you’ve said you don’t forgive? Why would you send the necklace? Why would you send the book ?”

Bashful, Kit says: “So you know about the book.”

“Of course I know about the book. There aren’t that many people who would anonymously send me a special edition of Sherlock Holmes. It was either you or Ragnor Fell.”

“Ragnor doesn’t do presents.”

“Yes. I know.”

Kit runs a hand through his hair, tugging just enough to feel it under his skin. “I don’t forgive you,” he says. “Fuck. That doesn’t mean I don’t…”

“You don’t?”

A strangled, frustrated noise, deep in Kit’s throat:

“Don’t make me say it.”

“Say what?”

“Oh, you never forget anything”, says Kit, bitterly. “I’m sure you’ll figure it out if you dig hard enough. It was a big day for you.”

From behind the dust, Livvy says: “Don’t talk in riddles.”

His amygdala screams. Feeling a little like he’s buzzing, Kit cradles the elbow he’d thrown against the wall and considers, not for the first time, the very few weapons the living have against the dead. 

“ Fuck, Livvy, you scared me!”

“Boo”, she says flatly. “Shouldn’t have forgotten I’m here.”

“ Say something next time, Jesus-”

“I did-”

Movement in his periphery startles Kit back into his guard. Ty has taken a step forward, his delicate fingers hovering over Kit’s hold- too afraid to touch and overstep? The darkness of his brows have furrowed further, worried:

“You’re hurt.”

Kit shakes his head, softening. “It’s fine. I was just startled.”

Finally resolving himself, Ty lays a gentle hand on top of Kit’s. His skin is dry and bitingly cold, the tips of his fingers and parts of his palms hard with calluses, his grip loving. Kit clenches down on the shudder before it starts.

“If you weren’t fine,” says Ty slowly, “would you tell me?”

No. Kit wants to lean back against the wall, wrestle himself back into the shape of someone who doesn’t care about it, but he can’t risk Ty moving away. He stands still. “Does it matter?”

“ Yes.”

“I came here because you were in trouble,” Kit says, because that , at least, is easy. “I sent you the book because I thought you might like it.”

Something about Ty’s mouth softens. “I do.”

“Good.”

“I still don’t get it, though.”

He shakes his head:

“I can’t explain.” Please. “Don’t make me.”

Ty’s hold on his arm tightens, sinking nearly deep enough into his flesh to be satisfying, before Ty lets go. “Fine,” he bites out. It doesn’t feel good.

Hardly anything does, these days.

“I have to go back before anyone gets suspicious. We should put the plan in motion tonight- it’ll only get harder the longer we wait, alright?”

Alarm and frustration rise with Ty’s head: “Kit, no- you should at least have a weapon-”  

“I’ll come with you,” Livvy interrupts. Both boys stop in their tracks. “It’s been a while”, she explains, confronted with Ty’s surprise. “Promise I won’t read over your shoulder, Kit.”

It’s a lie.

Kit lets her tag along anyway.

It’s not so bad at first. Livvy hums, some unfamiliar melody that echoes strangely in the stone corridors. Sound carries. Kit can imagine the notes floating down, down, down into the lived spaces where the enemy lies. He nearly tells her to be quieter before he remembers. If no one else can hear it, does it even make a sound?

Her white dress flutters to a wind that isn't there. Her hair is as still as the grave, irradiating a cold spot big enough to envelop Kit in its gelid embrace. 

It’s never good to spend too much time around ghosts. You’ll forget how to be warm. 

Her legs curl under her as Livvy leans forward, unbothered by gravity:

“He’s right, you know. You really should have something to fight with if you’re going through this.”

Didn’t help you, he doesn’t say. “I guess.”

Kit’s never liked swords much. They always make him feel like he’s pretending to be the storybook hero he just isn’t, but, besides the gun, they’re still what he’s best with. Getting close enough to use a dagger isn’t exactly his favored position.

And things are not nearly bad enough for the gun. He hopes, at least.

He’ll just stand behind Zach around his little posse. Idiot or not, he could make a good body shield. The shame churning inside his stomach isn’t relevant.

Livvy hums. “I’ve been thinking a lot about when we met.”

“Yeah?”

“Yeah. It’s been three years…” and I haven’t changed since, her frown says. She catches him looking. “Kind of weird to be nostalgic for that, right? Everything was so awful.”

“I get nostalgic about that, too. Sometimes. I think it’s just human nature.”

That makes her smile. It’s a thin one, nearly invisible against the backdrop of the stone wall. “Back then,” she says,  “did you already know?”

Kit sighs, resigned. 

“Know what?”

“That you’re in love with my brother.”

This time, he manages to avoid his elbow making contact with the wall- Kit still curses, unnerved, and turns to her with about the same urgency of a spy who just heard his co-conspirator sneeze mid-infiltration:

“Don’t say that!” 

Livvy straightens herself up, unimpressed: “If I can’t say it and you won’t, what’s the plan there? Morse code?”

“I’m not saying shit, and you better not fucking tattle.”

“Yeah, I got that . That’s why I’m asking about the plan,” she drawls. “I don’t think you’re the type to keep Zach as your pet centurion after this is over, but then again, I didn’t think you’d do it at all. Where did you learn how to honeypot?”

Sighing, he gently butts his head against the closest wall. Wishes for brain damage. Then starts walking again:

“I’m a good improviser.”

“I guess,” says Livvy, doubtful. 

“And there’s no plan,” he adds. “ I’m going to get this over with, make sure Ty’s okay, and- I don’t know, go home, probably, if my friends aren’t waiting outside with torches and pitchforks… Livvy?”

She’s only a step or two behind him. Her expression is dark.

“So you’re leaving him again.”

“It’s not leaving him”, Kit scoffs. “What, did you want me to move in permanently? I should be going home soon anyway . Didn’t you guys just say I could go?”

“That’s different.”

“ How?”

“You’re not leaving because it’s dangerous,” she accuses. “You’re leaving because you’re a coward. You’re too afraid to be around him.”

There is, he thinks, something deeply wrong with his heart. “ And ?”

“You can’t do that to Ty. Not again.”

Kit scoffs, and turns to keep walking. 

Temperature shock stops him in his tracks as Livvy emerges from his body and plants herself in his way, a dangerous glint in her eyes . His body shakes. The hallway behind her nearly fades from view.

Silver-green eyes.

“Christopher, you’re my friend,” her voice is like velvet. “But if you break his heart again, I’m going to make your life a living hell.”

It gives him a second of pause. Mostly, to assess the damage. It’s not so bad- he’ll stop trembling, but his body doesn’t know it yet. That’s always the hardest part. 

“I didn’t break his heart a first time,” he finally says. “It’s not like that.”

“You didn’t see him then. Kit, he was-”

“Yeah, because the thing with you didn’t work. I bet he was fucked up about it, but it was never about me. ”

Livvy crosses her arms, stubborn as a mule and just as strong. “He needs you.”

“Sure,” Kit says, “like a thief needs a crowbar. But I’ve taught him about picking locks. He’ll be fine.”

“Could you, for just a fucking second, pretend like I know what I’m saying about my own twin brother and listen ?” Livvy snarls.

A half mocking sweep of the arm: “Go ahead.”

“He does need you, Kit. Not just to help solve this situation. He was devastated when you left- I’ve never seen him quite like that before, not once, and it wasn’t just because of me. I know you don’t want to believe it, but he lov-”

“No.”

“Kit!”

“Don’t you dare stand there and tell me that. I don’t want to hear it.”

She makes a deeply frustrated noise in the back of her throat: “Why not?!”

“Because,” Kit grits out, “it’s not fucking true.”

“But-”

“I told him, okay?” Kit snaps. “I told him, back then, and it changed nothing. I was never anything more than- than a shiny new toy, someone he could drag around and have fun with. It was never about me , Livvy, it was about the first guy his age who wasn’t either related to him or a piece of shit, and good for him!! I’m glad I could help for a bit! But I can’t- I can’t- I can’t let myself believe it means anything again. Livvy, you’re my friend, too, but let’s not pretend you wouldn’t bleed me like a pig if it would make Ty even slightly happier. I can’t do it, okay? I don’t have anything else to give.”

Livvy tries: “I wouldn’t-”

“You’re doing it right now,” says Kit. “You’re even doing it to yourself. Are you happy like this , Livvy? Really? Or are you just sticking around because you think that’s what Ty needs?”

The ghost says: “Fuck you.”

“Don’t look at me like that. I’m not even the one who dragged you back up.”

A sneer:

“You didn’t stop him.”

Kit lunges.

Something is deeply, deeply wrong. 

It takes a small eternity. The fingers of his right hand cramp with the bone-deep certainty of the cold, but he sets his jaw, ignoring the oppressing pressure of Livvy’s presence grasping at him with much more force than a non-corporeal being should have any right to. She’s dead . She can’t keep him. That’s not how it works- that’s not what happens, and Kit shoulders through.

When he emerges, shivering, her eyes are as wide as plates. 

She opens her mouth- Kit snarls, something primal taking over- and she snaps it shut with an expression of deep resentment. 

Wordlessly, she turns her back and leaves.

And he’s the coward?

It takes him a long time to stop shaking. It’s not even the cold; it’s the fragile, flimsy way it’d made him feel, like ice ready to shatter. The pain is nearly welcome compared to that. 

Distantly, Kit thinks his phone vibrates a few times while he gets himself together. It’s such a far off worry it barely registers until he can breathe again, uncurling himself from a fetal-like position next to the wall. God. With numb fingers, he clicks on his messages. 

Jem. Jem, and an answer. 

Not much, Kit thinks, could make him smile right now.  This does. 

It’s not a nice smile. It’s not a nice smile, but it’ll do.

He does get lost on the way back, though.

It’s fine. If you keep walking long enough, eventually you’ll get somewhere. 

And, anyway, it’s not his fault every single hallway looks exactly the same. The Scholomance, Kit thinks, was designed by someone who thought labyrinthine was in fashion and so was bare, grey stone. You could drop a Minotaur at the center and it would not find a way out in seven years. It’d have to make itself wax wings. It’d have to drown.

At least it’s marginally warmer without any ghosts around. Raymond’s coat tail does briefly infringe upon his peace of mind, but the local spirit grimaces at him and disappears through a wall. Kit’s not even offended. He gets it.

He would also disappear through walls if he could. He’s done that once or twice, actually; it’s called climbing through windows. 

Still. Ghosts do have an advantage in that field.

The window he’d nearly fallen through on his first day is, therefore, a welcoming sight. He has kind of some idea of how to get back from here.

“You’re really quite low, though,” Kit tells it. “That doesn’t seem safe.”

It doesn’t answer, which is good news. 

The halls get less and less dusty as he goes on. His fingers stop leaving cleaner trails on the walls, gathering a thick layer of grime themselves. There’s a packet of tissues in his pocket, which means he can get most of it off, but seeing it there reminds him of Mina’s own sticky fingers, and it’s just- he misses home. He misses his family.

It’s better like this, though. If even shadowhunters are already trying to use him, they’re probably safer with him away. At least for now.

He wonders what his dad- what his first dad would say. Nothing good, probably. Nothing helpful.

What would his first mom say? Kit doesn’t know. She hadn’t stuck around long enough for him to be able to guess. Then again, maybe that’s an answer in and of itself. Maybe she’d agree with him.

Tessa wouldn’t. Kit sighs, shoving cleaner hands into his pockets. 

“Herondale?”

“ Fuck ,” he groans.

The centurion, sword fortunately sheathed at her hip, raises a judgemental eyebrow. “Hello. I was unaware there were any cremations here today.”

He’s taken aback for a second before he realizes that the dust coating his jeans is peeling off, leaving a gray, grimy trail on the ground. Maddening. It’s stone, who the fuck cares- she should be at home with dust by now, old as their fucking traditions are, no chance centurions lower themselves to do spring cleaning.  

None of that leaves his mouth. Instead, he smiles blankly and says: “Can I help you?”

Looking a lot like she wants nothing more than to correct him on the proper usage of can versus may , the centurion replies “No, I don’t think you can. However ”, and, with a flourish, takes an envelope out of her pocket, “I believe I can help you. This was left with the rest of the mail this morning. We checked for traps.”

The reason is clear. There is no name on it besides his, not even an address at all, and none of the marks of a fire message. “And it came out negative?”

“ Obviously,” she rolls her eyes.

He takes the envelope. It’s immediately, nearly dropped.

What the fuck?  Even to his numb fingers, the stiff paper is cold- much, much colder than it should be, nearly enough to burn. His hand cramps again; he fumbles with the envelope, catching it at the last second.

The centurion scoffs. “Jace Herondale is alive and well, I presume? We all wish him a fruitful marriage.”

Envelope forgotten, Kit tucks it into an inner pocket and straightens up:

“Thanks. Virginia Whitecastle, was it?” Same patrol shifts as Zach. Which means he’s off duty right now, and yet was not the one to bring him the letter. Fuck shit damnit. “How’s your brother? Still hasn’t been sent out?”

Her upper lip curls. Bingo. 

“He’s too important to be on the field,” she blusters.

“Oh, I bet. Don’t worry. I’m sure your brother is very, uh… integral to the cause, somehow. What’s he called again?... “ 

Whitecastle’s face is a silent mask of fury. “Shut it, H- Carstairs. I’m not here for chit chatting. Some of us are working, you know- you may want to check your correspondence yourself from now on.”

“Of course”, Kit says sweetly. “Thanks again for taking the time. I know your family is very busy.”

Her hand twitches toward the pommel of her sword; Kit tips his chin up, daring her. It twitches again, but she moves it away, her jaw set. 

“You’re welcome,” she grits out.

Her tightly wound retreat, it must be said, is a sight for sore eyes. 

Zach’s door looks the same as it has always been, which is to say: better than a lot of people.

The doorknob is a beautiful round mirror, as silver as mercury. Kit can never get himself to grip it right away- it always feels like he’s going to dirty it, somehow. Even the wood itself is shiny. The zipper on this hoodie, Kit knows, is rusted. 

Eventually, you do have to face the music. The smooth surface of the doorknob feels judgmental.

“Christopher.”

Of course.

Zach is waiting for him on the bed. 

Much like the door, he is- hatefully well groomed. Shoulders squared, hair carefully combed to a solid geometric shape, uniform precisely creased. His shoes shine so bright Kit starts automatically planning how to steal them. 

When Zach’s eyes flick up to meet his, they’re shadowed by a deep scowl. 

The only saving grace is that his sword has been carefully laid out on the dresser, out of arm’s reach. He’s not optimistic enough about human nature to assume Zach did it on purpose.

Resentfully, Kit allows the door behind him to slam shut with a bang. Zach winces. Good. Kit hopes he broke his precious door.

“It’s been an hour,” Zach informs him briskly.

“I’m sorry,” snaps Kit, “was I being timed?”

Thin lips purl like an asshole. “You know that’s not the point, Christopher. I can’t keep covering for your shenanigans. It’s not easy, people have already seen you chasing after ghosts like a madman-”

“You wanted a Herondale,” says Kit. “Don’t complain now that you’ve got one.”

“It’s not about that; I can’t keep protecting you.”

Halfway through hanging up his jacket, Kit pauses. “ Protecting me?”, he softly repeats.

Zach grimaces and turns his hands palm up in the air, pacifying: “Look, you know I think you belong here. You’re a shadowhunter too. But some people think- you weren’t raised as one of us, you didn’t drink from the cup, you don’t even live with other shadowhunters…”

“Jem was a Silent Brother. Tessa-”

“-is a warlock”, says Zach, “and Carstairs is retired, which isn’t supposed to happen. Face it. Your entire family is an outlier.”

Kit tugs the worn denim back onto his shoulders, its weight unnaturally light without the anchor of Oliver’s dagger. A muscle twitches in Zach’s jaw. His big hands flex, ripple the fabric of his gloves, but nothing else moves- still the perfect statue of a centurion. Raymond would be proud.

“And?” 

“You can’t let them have leverage”, Zach emphasizes. “There are some concessions you get from being Jace Herondale’s cousin, but once people stop thinking you’re fun, they’ll- you’ll lose all privileges. Stop hanging out with the Blackthorn. He’s a ticking bomb.”

In a velvet tone, Kit says: “Would you like to elaborate on that?”

“Stop getting mad at me. I’m the one who should be angry- you’re making people think I’m a cuckold!”

“I haven’t done shit. It’s not my fault your kind doesn’t understand the concept of friendship. And, anyway, cuckold ? What the fuck kinda word choice is that? We’re not married, Zacharias.”

Zach says: “ Is it friendship, though? He has your fucking necklace.”

“It might be a little too complex for your little shadowhunter brain to understand,” Kit sneers, “But outside of this death trap of a cult, some of us manage to have meaningful friendships without having to have our skin burned about it.”

“You can’t possibly be comparing that to parabatai.”

The very idea is repugnant. Still- “I’m sorry, were you there for me when my dad fucking kicked it?”

“You haven’t talked in years!”

“As far as you know,” Kit scoffs.

“Why does it have to be fucking Tiberius Blackthorn, anyway? Can’t you pick literally anyone else?”

Kit takes a step closer. His hand grips the back of a chair, nails biting into the wood. “Oh? Would you like to explain to me why Ty is such a bad choice, then?”

Wisely, Zach stays silent.

“C’mon, now, don’t be shy. Tell me exactly what your thought process was on that one.”

“See?” Zach blurts out, glaring. “You’re even defending him now!”

It’s hard not to laugh at that. Kit doesn’t even try. “I never said I didn’t care. I’d like to believe I wouldn’t go for such an obvious lie, dollface.”

“You’re in love with him.”

Wood creaks. “ Don’t,” Kit bites out, “ ever say that again, or I swear, Zacharias Cross, I will end you.”

“You couldn’t. I’m just saying what everyone’s thinking, anyway.”

Carefully easing his death grip on the back of the chair, Kit puts forward a smile. “Oh, I love hearing gossip. Do go ahead.”

Stupidly, he does. “The Blackthorn’s family is half changeling already, and I wouldn’t be surprised if Tiberius were one of them, too. You know that. I don’t care how many privileges he gets because he’s the Unseelie King’s in law, the only one allowed headphones in the training room-”

“It’s not a privilege. He needs them.”

Zach makes a dismissive noise. “That’s what he wants you to think. The precious little Blackthorn- Ragnor Fell nearly bites off the head of anyone who dislikes him, it’s pathetic. You can’t expect people not to assume anyone who wants to be around that has ulterior reasons. You can’t expect them not to want to balance the scales a little.”

“I see.” Kit does. “Those people your friends?”

“Maybe. Maybe so.”

Kit allows the smile he can feel tugging at his mouth. Judging by Zach’s expression, he doesn’t find it very reassuring. What a shame.

“They actually tell you what they plan to do with their ulterior motives, or do you just do whatever the fuck they say and hope it works for the best?”

“Don’t- it’s fine, okay? They’re mad right now, but it’ll just blow over. I just need you to keep your head down.”

The bark of laughter startles both of them. 

Kit leans into it, throwing his head back, until the hysteria bubbling up inside of him has left his stomach empty. He bares his teeth: 

“Really? You think I can just keep my head down and everything will be fine ?”

“Sure. You’re a shadowhunter- you’re a Herondale. We’ll be fine. Just- just need to be careful, right now, just need you to stop acting like a Market rat, and then everything will be alright. It’s not like this shit will last forever.”

That’s hilarious. Laughter punches Kit’s throat, but he presses his lips together, grinning. The expression on Zach’s face nearly sends him right back into a fit. God. He should be spending more time around Zach, he really should; this is fucking priceless.

“Zach”, Kit manages, “They tried to kill you.”

A flinch. The smooth planes of Zach’s forehead scrunch up into mountain ranges, his confusion palpable. “What the fuck are you talking about?”

“Heather sent you to a famously shadowhunter-killing poltergeist in your uniform .”

“I mean, I know she wanted Ty to die-”

Now that’s new. Kit takes in a sharp inhale, reeling. “You knew?”

“It wasn’t subtle, of course I fucking knew. I knew as soon as Mayhew told me about the assignment- That’s why I volunteered. We don’t have enough centurions to be wasting them out of grudges; I knew you’d be acting up again, and I could handle it, anyway.”

“Aww. Could you?” A hysterical grin stretches Kit’s mouth a little too wide. He can see it in Zach, clear as day; the curl of his upper lip, the unnerved twist of his fingers against the bed, leaning away from him. “You were a second away from being minced meat when I saw you.”

“I had it under control-”

“She gave you physical weapon s to fight a ghost .”

“It worked the first time!”

Kit leans against the wall, running a hand through his hair. “You know, I did wonder about that. How could a poltergeist have turned up in Devon without me knowing about it? I have been dealing with those things for years.”

Zach’s eyes dart from him to the door and back, a cornered animal. Broad fingers twitch restlessly. His weapon is still laid out of immediate reach, an useless tool this far from home. Kit bets he’s regretting it now.

“Unless, of course, there was no poltergeist. Not really.”

“There was,” Zach immediately protests, “They wouldn’t-”

Kit drops the smile, face turning to stone. It makes Zach take a sharp inhale.

“They wouldn’t- what? Lie to you about it? You just admitted to believing they’re at least attempted murderers. Tell me, Zach. Did anything even happen when you walked into that first ‘haunted’ house?”

Silence. His lips twitch upwards.

“Yeah. That’s what I thought.”

“That makes no sense,” says Zach, empty.

A carefully casual shrug. Kit’s hand finds the doorknob behind his back, curling around the key ring. “Face it, Zach”, he says. “Your entire social circle is a death cult."

"You're lying. You’ve always hated them- of course you're lying! You want to keep me away from them so you can have your way with Blackthorn! Well, fuck that shit, I’m not falling for that!" Zach stands up, a head taller, two heads wider. Kit's back touches the perfect door:

"Alright. You’ve done me a favor, Cross, so I’ll do you one better. If they don't think you're disposable, if you feel like they actually care about you- then why don’t they know you're only second gen?"

Mid-step, Zach freezes. 

"How do you-"

"Your surname was the first clue. Cross isn’t really a shadowhunter name, is it?” Kit says. “You guys like to pretend you’re not painfully Christian where it matters. Now, Zacharias- that’s a good, respectable name for a shadowhunter, if a little overused. I never understood the urge to recycle all the same names.”

“Kit…”

“You have my dad to thank for yours, you know? Jem oversaw your mother's Ascent. Sarah- the real poltergeist- that’s what made me think about it, because why wouldn’t you accept at least a little disguise, unless you’re overcompensating- but he’s the one who really confirmed it for me,” Kit adds, pleased. “That's the thing about him being a retired Silent Brother; he can actually talk , now. You'd be surprised just how much ."

Unlike some, Zach doesn’t look good that pale. It just makes him look unwell.

"You can't tell them. Please."

Kit can't help it: he coos, as sweet and cloying as honey. "Aww, what's wrong, Cross? Do you not trust your friends to stick by you?" He clicks his tongue. "Afraid to find out how little they really care? You can't escape that, you know. No matter how fast you run, you’ll always just be- their tool . You’re not even that important, you know? They were talking about replacing you."

Zach’s hand closes around the pommel. 

Kit lurches back, twisting the doorknob, and the cold air of the hallway hits his back like a physical wall- Zach's eyes widen in horror; he takes one, two, three quick steps forward- Kit slams the door shut on his face-

And, at the end of his last shred of self control, Kit does what he does best.

He runs.