#an actual nicole mood

[iwillnotseeheaven]

[benoits-neckerchieves]

Imagine waking up next to this

[skytsunrose]

Nicole from Class of '09 moodboard 💙

For @eradicatetehnormal.

This game great btw cuz like anti visual novel, where girl that causes chaos! But does have a lot of heavy themes, but interesting change of pace from standard get with girl or guy cliches.

[cherry-leclerc]

cherry cola ☆ op81

genre: smut, humor, yearning, tiny bit of fluff, virgin!reader, innocent!reader, experienced!oscar, sub!reader (for a while!), dom!oscar (for a while!)

word count: 8.5k

After a painful break up, Oscar finds himself head-to-head with an enticing girl, filled with pure innocence. Also known as, his parents secret weapon, and his worst temptation.

nsfw warning under the cut!

18+...f!receiving, fingering, brief mentions of masturbation, face riding, missionary sex, doggy style

inspired by this !

cherry here!... hellooo anons, long time, no see haha sorry for the lack of posts, but hopefully this makes up for it, somehow? formal apology for my last post too while we're at it. though this fic is inspired by cola by lana del rey, it will not have a sour ending like past fics (iykyk). missed u all, so here ya go! enjoy :)

There is an apprehensive sensation that towers over him as soon as she walks in; shy mannered, tall, and firm with a hint of hesitation—it’s something he adores about her, but also something that has him feeling jittery. Oftentimes, her lips are his most prized possession, enjoying the way they move. All except at this very moment. 

Everyone notices his bitter, broken, and quiet mood despite always laying low. He’s never been one to share his problems with others, and he most definitely was not going to start now. It should be the best moment of the season—his first win—but he doesn’t have the joy to celebrate it with anyone. 

Oscar’s brown eyes are low and dull; empty. He’d be a damn liar if he said he didn’t see any of this coming. If he didn’t feel an ounce of guilt and misery. Should he have been more attentive, a better boyfriend, then he wouldn’t be regretting his life choices. Dramatic, but true. 

“How are you spending your summer break? Are you and Lily traveling?”

The Australian tries to scoff at the innocent inquiry beaming from his teammate, but he settles with a wince, not being able to hide it. “She, um…we broke up, actually.” He’s never been a religious individual—has never even set foot inside a church—but for the first time in his life, he prayed no more questions would be asked.

Lando raises his thick brows, clearly surprised by the sudden confession. Sure, they were a private couple—likely the most in the entire paddock—but he never saw this coming from Oscar and Lily. Though he only met her a couple of times, simply exchanging a kind greeting, he would’ve bet his entire Rolex collection that the couple were smitten with one another. “Ah, I’m sorry, mate.”

The rude sound of his race suit being zipped up harshly makes the Brit flinch in the slightest. “Don’t worry about it. That’s life, no?”

Costa Rica—they were supposed to go to Costa Rica. Instead, now, he sits alone on a flight back to his home country. He’s ecstatic to be sleeping in his childhood room with outdated posters hung of all his favorite drivers, but the feeling lingers. 

Sprawled like a koala, humid t-shirt pressed against his skin, he tosses and turns for an estimate of five whole minutes. He should be enjoying the beach, sipping on highly sweetened margaritas, getting the worst tan of his life, but he’s here. The hot summer air in Melbourne makes him spit out a string of dirty curses that would send his mum into a coma. 

The brunette might as well be an only child since not a single one of his three sisters were here to keep him company, ditching him with his parents. He loved them, of course he did, but a full house was his ideal way to spend his break. His home gym isn’t even enough to help him forget, even for a second. 

“Dinner is ready, honey,” Nicole announces, peeking carefully through the crack of the door. She grins widely. “There’s even pavlova—your favorite.”

He forces a polite nod, shaggy hair dangling just above his eyes. “Thank you. I’ll be out in a bit.” It actually takes a sum of thirty-minutes for him to jog down the stairs, a strong scent of apple expanding from his now washed hair. His dad hums as soon as he spots the McLaren driver. 

“It’s rude to leave guests waiting, Oscar,” he warns with a deep voice. 

The twenty-three year old assumes it’s a lame dad joke, perhaps, so runs along with it, taking a good look around the dining room. “Won’t happen again. I showered—”

“Where would you like to place the dessert, Mrs. Piastri?” a soft voice echoes down the hallway as he turns at the unfamiliar tone. You halt, caught off guard by the new presence. “I’m sorry, I didn’t know you would be here.” 

“In my own home?” he finds himself squeaking involuntarily. The stern look that dances across his parents faces is enough for him to bite down on his tongue. He doesn’t even know why he said any of that—especially to a stranger. 

They introduce you two quickly, though you’re just as fast as to say that you obviously knew about his existence. Do you follow my races? You shake your head, glossy hair shining. “I work for your parents, so…I sort of know. Plus, your sisters always talk highly about you when you’re gone.”

He blinks. “You work here?” Brown eyes flicker to his parents, confusion written all over. “What could she possibly do?”

“Oscar,” Nicole scolds. “I thought you left all the unnecessary questions back in junior high.”

Chris slides a large hand over her smaller one, calming her down just a tad bit. The older man sighs. “You know your mum, always looking for something new to do—”

“I wanted to grow a garden!” she squeals, delighted. “Like in all those magazines you get me for my birthday—oh, so lovely, honey. Only I realized, I don’t know anything about gardening.”

“And this lovely girl standing right here is a total natural. Her hands must be magic.” Oscar blushes hard at his dads choice of words. “She’s helping us out for the time being. Until we get back.”

The Australian's mouth opens, then snaps back shut, swallowing. “Get back from where?”

“Costa Rica!”

He gapes. “You’re using my tickets?”

Nicole winces. “Can’t let them go to waste, honey…”

His father butts in. “How is Lily by the way?”

The brunette groans, running his hands through his waves. “How should I know? Come on, you guys can’t be serious.” The tickets weren’t the problem; the fact that they were leaving was.  He spots you awkwardly placing the pastry down onto the table. “Can you give us a minute?” 

“Yes, of course,” you quip, glad to have a reason to flee far enough away from the premises. You turn to the Piastri’s who smile fondly at your understanding. “I’ll be out in the garden.”

As soon as you rush out, the twenty-three year old turns swiftly. “I guess I’m leaving too.”

“Don’t you dare, Oscar Jack Piastri—” He fumes. “Why not? You’re all going to be gone!”

“She won’t—you are keeping her company.” She’s not asking; she’s demanding. Staring back in shock, the McLaren driver avoids eye contact, fidgeting like a kid at their first day of school. His mum stands up, makes her way over, and pecks his soft cheek. “She’s a sweet girl. She won’t be a bother—she’s just down the hallway.”

That’s where Lily would always stay back when they first started their relationship; too afraid of making a bad impression on his parents. He found it adorable. He rolls his eyes and releases a heavy breath. “Fine.” He stares out the glass window, focusing on where you patiently sit on the wooden bench, delicate hands pressing your dress down against your thighs. “Fine...”

-

The following morning, his parents wake him up at the crack of dawn, bidding goodbye. It comes as a total surprise, thinking he had a few more days left with them, but no. He’s barely registering any of it before they whisper inaudible nonsense and scurry out of his bedroom. 

After some debating, he changes and decides to go on a quick run. The sight of Ms. Alleck watering her burnt grass makes him smile as he sets off. It would have been easier to not get as tired if it were a slight bit chilly, but it’s blazing hot. He cuts it short, dashing back home and immediately serving himself a glass of cold water. 

“You’re up early.”

The brown eyed boy jumps in sudden surprise. Standing in a pastel yellow sleeping gown, you grin brightly. Long lashes lay flat, nose pinching rosy pink, and breath minty. “Yeah, my folks sort of woke me up. Couldn’t fall back asleep.”

“Oh.” You pout. “They left already?”

“You knew?”

“Yup. They mentioned it last night before bed.” A beat. “I hope me staying here isn’t making you uncomfortable…it’s just that they offered, and—”

“It’s not.” Lie. “Make yourself at home.”

Not much is seen or heard from him for the majority of the day; occasional glaces coming here and there. They put you in an uncomfortable spot yesterday—you had been working on the garden for a year now, damn it—but their son's demeanor took you by surprise. The pictures and stories were something you relied on as the only source of getting to know him: polite, tall, and swanky—boyish.

That was so far from the truth. Oscar Piastri has grown into his body; almost appearing to be a handsome giant. Despite his warm face, his attitude is a bit snarky. He has no problem in saying what’s on his mind. And he is most definitely not a boy. 

He’s a man.

“What do you say?” 

“Sorry?” 

He chuckles, Adam's Apple dancing up and down. “Would you like to join me for dinner?”

It wasn't his intention to try and get close to you—not purposefully, at least—but he thought; why not? Who knows when his parents are coming back, when his sisters would, and he wanted to prove to you that he wasn’t some snotty guy. Summer is summer, after all. A friend to spend it with sounds quite nice.

Pursing your red lips, you nod, setting your book aside. The dinner table is already set up. Chicken and rice. That’s it. Given, it looks and smells amazing, but plain. You quirk a brow. “Aren’t you supposed to eat your greens? To drive quicker?” He burns up at you teasing tone.

“I didn’t want to risk burning the house down. We’re lucky I was able to get even this done.”

“Very well.” The refrigerator opens, colorful veggies staring back at him. You grin, slow and easy. “I’ll take care of it. It’s only fair, roomie.”

-

Oscar left home a few years ago, migrating to the United Kingdom for work, so it had been a while since he had stepped foot in his backyard. He faintly remembers his pirate treehouse, his sisters’ Barbie’s cluttered inside. It was a bone-chilling sight for baby Oscar back then, but now, the paint is chipping off, the wood looks a lot weaker. It’s a nostalgic feeling.

The new additions are stunning. A bunch of healthy flowers beam back at him and he swallows when he realizes he can’t name a single one. Waxflowers, Calamint, Dahlias, Peonies, Carnations, California Poppies. One by one, he admires with an open mouth. “They’re beautiful.” He turns to you with a proud smile. “You’ve done an excellent job.”

Pink feathers onto your already blushed cheeks, biting back a cheesy grin. You had decided to eat out on the bench, choosing to enjoy the now fresh air. Still humid, but less than before. The scent of coconut sunscreen makes his whiff constantly. “So…Costa Rica?”

He winces. It was too soon to talk about the situation, but something in your calm voice makes it easier to spit it out even though you probably already heard from his parents. All of a sudden, your savory carrots taste like complete shit. “T’was supposed to go with my girlf—my ex. My ex-girlfriend.” 

You pout, sorrowfully. “Oh, I’m sorry, Oscar. I didn’t mean to…I had no clue.” And it’s genuine. Guess his parents weren’t complete traitors. 

“Tell me—how long have you been working on fixing the garden?”

“Since last summer,” you hum, chewing down on a piece of grilled chicken. “This is the first time I have actually stayed here, though. Your parents are sweet. As soon as they heard that you were coming back home, they insisted I kept you company.”

Sharp jaw clenches and he scoffs. You simply blink back innocently. Then, he notices it. The way it reflects against the yellow ray of the now setting sun. He knows what it is, so he doesn’t ask. Too busy staring off into the distance, you place your plate down. “Let me show you a few other things I’ve been working on.”

There’s row and row, further into the open area; every twist and turn makes his brows raise up higher, impressed by the noticeable updates. Coming to a halt, he spins his head around, brown locks hitting his temples. “Since when do we have a cherry tree?”

You beam, orbs shining with excitement. “Since last summer!” you repeat, cheerfully. You pick one, handing it for him to try. An embarrassing moan erupts once the sweet nectar slides down his throat. “Good?”

“Bloody amazing.” Every compliment makes you squeal with delight. “My mum is actually allergic to cherries, so how…”

“She was actually the one who brought it up. Said she knew how much I loved them, and that I deserved a little something for flourishing her garden. I couldn’t deny the chance to do so.” You bite down on your lip, sheepishly. “They are my favorite.”

Reaching for one makes him look away as soon as your dress rises up, soft legs poking through. Bare feet press against the wet grass as you tippy toe. He mustered a fake cough, but as soon as you bite down onto the bloody fruit, he clicks into a trance. 

Plump lips; thick and juicy. Long lashes fluttering shut against your glossy cheeks. That could have been because of the summer heat, but it affected him just the same. The familiar sensation of attraction rushes to his cock as he stands stiffly—but also loosely. He was loose. So fucking loose.

Something hits his cheekbones and it rips him away from his drooling. A singular seed now lays by his feet; indicating what you had done. A crinkled, wobbly smile shines back at him, hands nervously flattening your dress back down. The Australian jokingly lunges towards you as you squeal, backing away. 

“You were disintegrating! I had to get your attention one way or another!”

Oh, you definitely got his attention. Giving you one final scowl, he stops his steps. “Everything—all of it—it’s great. Thank you.” The wind picks up and you shiver. “...for doing this for my parents.”

Neat hair flies against the breeze, covering your eyes for a minute. Pushing it aside, you scrunch your nose faintly. “Anytime.”

-

Technically, what you’re getting paid for was to watch over the beloved yard; that’s all. But you offer to do more. Mow the lawn? Paint the chipped wall? Wash the windows?

“God no, darling,” Oscar’s mum laughs through the end of the line. “You are doing enough already. Please. Relax.”

But you can’t. Nibbling on your thumb, you brush the counter, strolling past countless family portraits. A smile slips when you spot a toothless Oscar. “I insist.”

So, here you are; decluttering the attic. After a bit of bickering with Nicole, she eventually gives in and asks for a favor. Clean and tidy the small room. Easy peasy. 

“Ouch,” you hiss when a nail digs through your skin, gore immediately pouring out of you like a waterfall; you squeak. Just then, a certain brunette peeks their head through the entrance.

“Oh good, it’s you. I thought we had an intruder.”

Raising a skeptical brow at him and the thin duvet, you quickly take it from him, pressing it down to ease the bleeding. “Holy crap, are you okay?” In one motion, he steps closer to you, analyzing the injury with worried eyes. You groan.

“It’s only a little cut. No biggie.” But the way your face is slowly losing color lets him know that your words aren't true. Brown eyes flicker, searching for a spot to sit, but everything about this is crowded. You were just about to start tidying; the mess was still there. Crouching onto a tiny stool, he takes a seat, somehow still towering over you. Or at least that's what it felt like, because suddenly, you felt suffocated. 

His long legs are spread as you stand between them, hand out towards him as he winces at the brutal cut. “Ah—that’s pretty deep.” He gags when he notices the underneath flesh. You suppress a giggle. “We should go to the ER.” 

You scoff, ripping away from his grip, tripping over a box. Regaining your balance, you drape the cloth over your hand once again. “That won’t be necessary. I’ll be right back.”

After rinsing your hand with alcohol, covering the wound with the largest bandaid to ever exist, and balling your eyes out, you make your way back up. The Australian is drenched in sweat, huffing and puffing. “Got it,” he pants. Confused, you tilt your head to the side, but that’s when you pick out the nail in the palm of his hand. You blink, too bewildered to make sense of how he retrieved it without the help of a hammer. “I also found lots of old trophies. Extremely bittersweet.”

“Why’s that?” you hum, kneeling down next to him, reading through the labels. Each makes you more and more dazzled. 

A minute passes by. “Because I grew up.”

“That’s…sad.” Shrugging, he digs for more. He laughs loudly, throwing his head back. “Dear G—I forgot this even existed!”

Oscar’s 81 Things To-Do During the Summer [List]

Learn how to bike.

Learn the Australian National Anthem (Sophie will be beautifully impressed)

Get better at being more outgoing (Mum is worried)

So on and so forth. “You were an extremely creative lad. Eighty-one things to do…eh.” A tongue click. “Possibly buy a pet dragon?”

He cringes. “Not all were realistic. I actually never really got around to it. Mainly added, if anything.” 

Crimson red flashes. “I, um, I could tell.”

69. Oscar Piastri, you know what I mean.

The brunette chokes on his saliva, yanking it away as fast as he can. Standing up to his full height, he rolls up the piece of paper and points towards the exit. “I think I should, um…yeah. See ya.”

“Yeah.” He dashes off. “See you…”

-

Eighteen-year old Oscar was a horny bastard. But every guy that age is, so it’s not really fair to feel bad about his list. The writing is obviously his, but the things jotted down made him almost feel like it wasn’t. Blowjobs? Hand jobs? What was he thinking?

And then, there was you—a curious cat. He had to be a virgin; he just had to. Why else would he be embarrassed? You weren’t one to judge, though. You knew nothing about the sexual world, having never partaken. The thin band wrapped around your ring finger is enough proof. 

And no—you weren’t married.

It would have been absolutely diabolical to mention sex in your household growing up. Being Roman Catholics is no joke, believing religiously to wait until marriage. You never had a problem with that; you would wait. Doesn’t mean you didn’t know what any of the common terms meant. Sort of. 

Only now—for the first time in your life—there it was.

Temptation.

The McLaren driver was no newbie. He has had his fair share of experiences; before Lily, with Lily. He knew just about anything and everything. His good-boy act was no facade. At times he didn’t like that about himself, but it’s who he was. Obeyed the rules. Never crossed the line with anyone he wasn’t romantically linked to. And yet…

There you were.

The flowers were perfect; only needing to be watered. The cherry tree was much more…complicated. The chances of animals recklessly hunting for the sweet fruit was high, the chances of the red drupes rotting also was. Therefore, you spent most of your time there. 

Maybe you were avoiding him; you told yourself you were already horrified at the dirty thoughts taking over like the plague. And perhaps he was doing the same; he had only been locked in his room for the past three hours. 

Golden hour. With your hands on your hips, you squint, admire the polished drupes, tickling with water. Walking back to the bench, you lay down, picking up on your reading, occasionally taking sips from your Cherry Cola. 

Pacing the small bedroom, Oscar mutters to himself. Maybe she didn’t read all of it. Maybe she doesn't know what it means. Yeah—he was exaggerating. Clicking his window open, he gasped for needed air. As soon as he spots you reading, he grunts. 

White skirt brushes down your smooth legs, challenging the sun to see who shines the brightest. Lips wrap around the glass bottle, puckering in the slightest. And he wonders; would you taste as sweet as the cool beverage?

He’s a grown man; an adult. There’s no need to be uncomfortable. Sex was a part of everyone's day to day life. He was the one making it a bigger deal than it actually was. Still, he slips on a pair of sunglasses, perched perfectly onto the bridge of his nose. 

“Is it any good?”

His voice makes you flinch, dropping the book flat on your face. A tiny groan rings through the air. Flashing him a weak smile, you sit up straight, fixing your clothes. “Want one? There’s plenty in the fridge.”

He had noticed, of course he had. Never in a million years did he think he'd see his refrigerator stocked up with the sweet drink. He never cared enough to ask who they belonged to; figured they would just expire.

Wavy hair swings back and forth when he shakes his head. “Gotta keep in shape.” I see, you murmur, loopy eyes peeking over at him, taking another gulp. The sizzling feeling is utterly childish compared to what he’s making you feel. The burning sensation between your legs is annoying and painful, you almost want to plead for help. “I meant the book, by the way.”

“No!” You laugh, nervously. “I mean…it’s alright?”

After he stormed off and left you a breathless puddle, you biked and biked—until you hit the local bookstore. You weren’t looking for anything in particular, simply browsing, but as soon as you reached the section of Erotic Literature, you stopped. 

So many—many—wrong choices. Still, humiliated, you paid and fiercely ran out. Maybe this was some sort of punishment for reading what you’re reading; had to be. And Oscar asking questions wasn’t helping. Licking your berry lips, you swallow a thick layer. “What have you been up to?”

Fuck, he moans, large hand sliding up and down his cock; more and more pleasure intensifying. Your tiny dresses. Your short skirts. Your angelic face. The way your lips would separate before every sentence. Your sweet scent that would have normally given him a headache, but instead made him chase after you like a dog. 

Finishing all over his thighs, he shudders. White liquid never looked more sinister than at this very moment. After changing, he paces the room with regret. 

Pushing the frames further into his face, he hums. “Oh, you know. Just… cleaning up my room.”

-

It’s been a week in a half now and you’re happy to announce that you have fallen into a routine. While Oscar did his daily workout, you would make breakfast. While you worked on the garden, he cooked dinner. Though, he was unbeknownst over the way you would drool over him when he would walk out the door; a compressed shirt hugging his built body tightly, arms begging to be kissed. You were unaware of the way he would rub his face in desperation when you walked out, banging his head purposefully against the cabinet; the way you would skip out with your book and infamous drink, or how you would prettily tie up your hair before you even got started.

It was a mess.

A mocking mess.

This afternoon though, you aren’t flying out the door to the yard, but rather frolicking over to Ms. Alleck, ready to assist. I try my best, but they always wilt! Could it be the humidity? Laughing, you toss your hair up into a bun, messy strands poking out as you cock your head to the side. “Could be, but don’t you worry. We’ll find a way to make it work. Promise.”

He had always known you were kind, gentle, soft spoken…pure. And you doing this only added to his attraction. It’s salad, spaghetti, and salmon that afternoon. Sweaty, you pant. I’m going to squeeze in a shower real quick. But you weren’t sweaty, like you believe; you were glistening. 

“This is so cute,” you chirp, sitting cross cross in the old treehouse. A few spider webs make your blood run cold, but he quickly took care of it, apologizing. The brunette blushes. 

“I wanted to use it one last time. Before we get rid of it.” Neat brows furrow. “It’s just that it’s old—only a matter of time before it plunges down.” “What?” 

“O-obviously not now!”

After a bit more convincing, you finally relax and enjoy the way the crickets sing against the night. Small feet press against the wall, white tube socks turning slightly brown from the lack of sweeping. For a moment, he shuts his lids, breaths shallow, body loose. The high temperature almost made him feel as if he was cuddling into the warmest blanket; it felt nice. 

Whoops, you mumble when hollow glass pounds against the wooden floor. He perks up at the sound, brown eyes burning with high alert. “You do shit on purpose?” he screeches when he detects scarlet blood. Wincing in pain, you curl your hand towards the hem of your dress. 

“Help me,” you plead, slight annoyance written all over your face. He must’ve broken the world record of running into the house to retreat the first aid kit, and running right back to you. The way he sanitizes the skin, to the way he wraps your hand with a gauze pad, is honestly hilarious.

“What so funny?” he murmurs, attention never leaving the wound. 

“Mmm. Nothing.” He snickers and you giggle harder. “It just seems as if I’m making you a professional. You ought to be ready if anyone else needs your help to treat injuries.”

“Oh, of course. I’ll tell them a certain klutz made me learn from day to night with all her clumsiness.” His voice drops, laced with concern. “Seriously though—you were just healing. You have to be careful.”

Plump lips part with the sound of his delicate voice, accent almost disappearing. Wandering eyes admire the way his brows are knitted together and orbs soften. Swallowing, you nod. “I will.”

“Good.”

The once vibrant room is now hazy and suffocating. Does he not know what kind of effect he has on you? The type of power he holds? Oscar doesn’t seem to, though, with the way he chugs down his entire glass of water. Stuck in a trance, your hand briskly reaches out for your own drink. He roars with laughter, clutching his stomach. “You just broke your bottle, you don’t have a drink anymore.” He picked up the Cherry Cola you had offered, but he had declined. “Take mine.���

You don’t put up a fight, simply allow him to open and give it to you. The sweet drink doesn’t do a great job at hydrating your foaming mouth, but it helps as a distraction. On the other hand, the brunette can’t seem to not watch the ways your lips suck in and out, eagerly. As if this were the only source of air. He shudders. 

“We should probably head down…”

Wiping your lips with the back of your hand, you comply, already standing up. From the floor, he has a good view of your legs; long, soft, sweetly scented. He wonders if you use honey as lotion because that would explain his urge to nuzzle his face against them. Picking up the broken glass and plates, you turn back. “Coming?”

A sigh rings through the air once, and suddenly—he’s cradling your face with high intensity and lust, molding his lips against yours. Tomato sauce stains his shirt and your dress from the plates that still remain between you two. One second, you're wide eyed, and then the next, you're allowing yourself to kiss him back. 

You want to cry with how pleasant the feeling feels and he wants to scream with how much he wants to fuck you. But alas, one of you pulls away first—you can’t really tell who— and you’re both left gasping for air. Completely winded and fucked.

You both are fucked.

-

The treehouse comes crashing down the day after your first kiss. Yes, first kiss. You would like to blame him and say that he stole it from you, but the arousal that was dripping between your thighs last night was a clear indication that you could never actually say so because you liked it so much. 

The wooden house tearing down is something you take as a sign; you’ve sinned. Okay, maybe that was a bit too dramatic, but you were honestly thinking about it. That night you dreamt of the wildest things imaginable; his pretty face in between your legs, large hands squeezing your perky breasts, fingers swirling inside your velvety walls, cock tearing you in half.

It was unacceptable. 

So, while Oscar worked on picking up the tiles with a hometown buddy, you marched right over to beg for forgiveness. Kneeling down against the cushion, you say a silent prayer. 

I don’t want to think like this—not when I know I can help it, but God this is getting way too out of hand. And you know I’m not like this, you know that! But he just—AGH. Maybe it’s his personality that makes him so attractive, or maybe it’s his sudden growth spurt, but please let me get a hold of myself. He’s just a friend, he’s just a friend—HE’S JUST A FRIEND. 

“Would you mind keeping your words to yourself, sweetheart?” an older lady whispers, two rows ahead of you. 

Pink feathers onto your cheeks. “Oh, yes, of course! I’m so sorry…”

I don’t ever ask for much, no, that’s never been necessary, but I am now. So please. Hear me when I say: Push this desire I have, far, far, far away.

-

If you were to say, there was a ninety percent chance that you would walk away. Not even spare him a passing glance. He would call you out on it later, but whatever—too late. Ignored you, you say? No, really I did? I had no idea, I’ll make sure to not let it happen again!

If Oscar were to say, there was a ninety-nine percent chance that he would let you walk away. He didn’t need your company; he was doing just fine. But then again, that one percent tugs at him like the devil on his shoulder.

“Hey. You’re back.” Cool. Calm. Collected.

“Oh! I suppose I am.” Cool. Utter. Mess.

He grins, eyes crinkling like the leaves that hang upon the crimson tree. Signaling up, he cocks his head in deep thought. “Just finished. Cole said his uncle could shred…” A pause. “He owns a massive wood chipper.” 

Blinking like a deer in headlights, you chew on your bottom lip, simply nodding along. “Sounds good? I think. No. Yes. Very good.” You wince at all the uncontrolled mumbo-jumbo. “I’m sorry I was no help, too. I had to…talk to the man up above.”

“Eh, don’t worry about it. That must be why your pretty little knees are bruised.” 

Your breath comes to a harsh halt, ears burning like a wildfire. The Australian just keeps his brown eyes set on the tree for a second longer before turning to face you. Quickly, you relax your muscles. “You could make up for it by helping me with something else.”

You gulp. Suddenly, your mouth is overflowing with hot saliva. “With what?”

Dark orbs glue onto your delicate figure, a slight smirk playing out. And it looks so unfamiliar, not his own, that you create a distance. And just like that, it’s gone. Vanished just as fast as it slipped onto his pink lips. “Get on.” He crouches down and your jaw drops.

“Wha—like onto your shoulders?” Rolling his eyes in a goofy manner, he nods, picks you up safely, and places you on top. You screech, dizzy by the sudden altitude. “Put me down!”

“You’re fine. Just help me reach those. Been craving them all day,” he murmurs, voice raspy. The twenty-three year old is still slightly sweaty from his hard labor, and that’s clear when you cling onto his brown locks. Other than that, you’re as high as a kite; both figuratively and literally. 

You’ve known—seen—how tall and broad the Australian was, but being perched onto his wide shoulders was a sweet confirmation you couldn’t help but enjoy. “Move a bit forward.” He follows instructions, wide hands gripping onto your thighs to keep you steady. You giggle when a few fruits hit your face. “Watch it—and don’t you dare drop me.”

“Get,” he commands.

About three minutes pass by. You rip the cherries carefully, candy aroma filling the air, and plop them onto the basket. By all accounts, you’re well aware of your actions. The basket was full, now overflowing, really, and you could plant your ballet flats back onto the tall grass—but you don’t.

There’s something about feeling his touch; high electricity, shock waves nipping at your skin, soft pants. It’s pathetic how much you crave any ounce of physical touch he’s willing to give you, unknowingly.

“That should be good,” you whisper, meekly. He doesn’t respond, just swings you down as you let out a yelp. All of a sudden, you’re magically magnetic. And he wonders; if only. You hand the basket over, waiting nervously for him to thank you, at least. 

“Thank you,” he feels himself saying. “What do you say we play a little game? No prize. Only bragging rights.”

“O-okay.”

A singular cherry is handed over. He grins. Can you tie a knot using your tongue? “Wait—are you being serious?”

The red fruit dissolves inside his mouth, spitting the seed somewhere far enough away. Then, the stem flips into his mouth. “Come on. I’ll give you a head start.”

With wary hands, you rip the stem away from your own drupe, fitting the thin stick into your suddenly dry mouth. He stares intently, clenching his jaw, “Go on. Ten seconds.” Quickly, your lips start to move, twisting and turning. Pouting, then sucking back in. Your low breaths become heavy after a few tries. You think you’re getting it done right, the sudden ball forming is enough for you to guess that you must be doing something correct. 

The sound of his low mewls is what ends you. Doe eyes flicker up to face him, paying close attention to how his brown eyes wander up at the sky in concentration, occasionally squinting due to the bright sun. You can feel a thin layer of sweat hug you like a blanket as your movements slow down; a snail's pace compared to before.

For good measure, you fake your twists as you continue to simply admire. Too far gone, you blink hastily when he sticks his pink tongue out towards you, a stinking knot sitting nicely atop.

“I won.”

Gulp. “You sure did. Good job, Oscar.”

Long lashes flutter shut momentarily, head tossed back, sighing. “It wasn’t a fair fight. You weren’t doing anything. Other than staring at my lips.”

Flustered, you dig your hand into the bucket. “That’s not true! At all. At all, at all.” You munch harder, splitting a seed in half. You spit it out sourly. “You're just better at using your mouth than I am.”

It goes straight to his cock, your words. Opening his eyes, the brunette scrunches his nose. You’re avoiding his gaze. You’re good at doing that. A pro. But it leaves him to wonder some more. And that itself was dangerous when it dawned on him. 

He doesn’t like daydreaming anymore.

“Fuck it,” he grunts, kissing you harshly, like the night before. And you thought that blew your mind, but this? This left you gasping and reaching out for him even though he was pressed right against you. You could feel him buzzing, pinching your hips against his large hands. It’s perfect.

You don’t really understand how you end up straddling him on the grass, green straining your knees as you grind harder onto him, forcing your skin to burn with each stroke. This—this—must be as good as it gets. There can’t be more, but you weren’t complaining. It was enough. 

When his fingers dance underneath your dress, you halt, and everything comes crashing down. “No,” you pant. “I can’t. I’m sorry. I really am.”

“Why is that, baby?” he mumbles, lost on sucking the side of your neck. Looking up, his straight brows drew in together with concern. “What is it?”

“It’s just that…I’m—” Why is it so hard to admit? Brushing a strand of hair away, you purse your lips. “I’m a virgin, Oscar. It’s odd, I know, but I can’t sleep with you.”

“You think I didn’t know that?’

You freeze. “What?”

His thumbs circle your thighs, gently, swooning with how soft you feel. “I figured you were. Your purity ring sort of gave it away.” You blush hard, rolling off of him, playing with the thin band. 

“I wish I could do this—God, I really want to—but I can’t.”

Respecting your decision, he pats your hand with reassurance. The hot feeling remained between your legs and the pain between his. This was torture, you both know that, but what was there to do? It’s awkward for a while, that is, until he starts asking you about things that shouldn’t make you glow with happiness.

How was your day? I want to hear all about it. Do you think it’s bad to eat an entire bucket of drupes? Must be, right? In the long run? Hey, would you mind teaching me how to garden? You make it look intriguing. 

That seems to do it for you. Everything you ever promised flies out the window as you climb back onto his thick lap, and this time, he’s surprised by your actions. Clumsy fingers try their best to unzip his pants, but he only stutters against your kisses. N-no, we don’t have to rush anything. I, you, we—

“Shit, o-okay,” he sighs when you finally touch him, even in the slightest. He may be touch deprived, but so were you, so how far would any of this go? Flipping you over to lay against the tall grass, he winks teasingly and that effectively makes your heartbeat quicken. “Relax, sweetheart. Do that for me, yeah? Can you?”

“Yes. Yes. Yes.” 

The McLaren drivers press a kiss on the inside of your thighs before licking them. You shiver, though try your best to even your breaths. You shut your eyes, maybe if you act hard enough, you could somehow convince yourself that this wasn’t a war itself. To see how long you’d last. No—you would last. You had to.

“I’ve thought about it.” He slips your panties down, inch by inch. “A lot, as of lately. If you would taste just as sweet as I imagined. As sweet as those Cherry Cola’s you're overly obsessed with.” And he dives in, licking your arousal clean as you pant, chest heaving up and down like an erupting volcano. 

What were you supposed to feel—relaxed? In a frenzy? Most likely the latter because considering the way he was making your head spin said it all. The sounds he’s making forces you to involuntarily shut your legs around his face and his hand that now lies between you two. The stretch is a burning sensation that leaves you both gasping and moaning; it’s too much, but not enough.

More. Grinning up from in between your legs, he shakes his head full of curls, all thanks to the Aussie weather, and your dirty foreplay. “Does it feel good?” You whimper. “Good—good, baby. That’s all I’ve ever wanted.” Velvet walls clench around his long digits. “Hey, hey, look at me.”

Once your soft orbs connect to his intoxicating ones, his cock grows harder. “Okay, listen, it’s going to hurt a little bit, okay? But that’s completely normal; it’s like a…a stingy feeling. Do you understand?” I do, you pant. He grits his teeth when his calloused fingers brush against your g-spot and your head lolls back, exposing your sharp clavicle. He itches to mark you all over. “Do you want it, then?”

A zing. “Fuck, Oscar. I fucking want you.”

The brown eyed boy is all over you, kissing you up and down, gripping you tighter. It was an addiction in its truest form. For a split second, you frown when he slips out of you, but as soon as he starts unzipping his pants, you feverishly lick your lips. 

It dawns on you that you aren’t scared, nervous, or anything; you’re bubbling with excitement. You watch carefully as he jerks himself off a bit, his already large girth growing bigger. How is that possible? “I’ll start with the tip.” Leaning down, he pecks your pouty lips and you smile. “Let me know if it’s too much, we’ll stop and take a break. Or do anything, really,” he adds, cheekbones flushing red. 

“I’ll be okay,” you whisper. “I swear.”

You were being skinned alive, it was excruciating pain. You know he notices it when he starts brushing your hips, hoping to comfort you in some sort of way. Heavy breaths, numb lips from biting too hard, exposed breasts arching straight for him. He didn’t know whether to enjoy this or worry. 

“Breathe, darling, breathe. In through your nose, out through your mouth. There you go,” he congratulates, admiring your shaky breath. “You’re doing so good.”

“Osc, move…please.”

There was no more confirmation necessary that you were ready to go. His hips find motion, thrusting into you slowly. Nails scratch down his back as you moan loudly, almost yelping. “Y-you’re so big.” So, so, so, so big.  “So good.”

Nearly animalistic, he releases a grunt, pounding deeper into you, getting lost with the way you hug him tightly. You mewl, pressing your naked chest against his, and he nearly slips from his hands being set on top of the cold grass, but it was beautiful torture, all at once. 

From the way you tremble, to the way you look up at him, he loves it all. He realized it been too long, he’s missed this, he’s missed having a body undeaneath his, as fucked up as that sounds. 

And he—he must be a saint, himself. There’s a sort of invisible halo that lightens up around him, nearly blinding you. There’s a gut-wrenching stare he’s gifting you, making your stomach churn with pleasure. 

Wrapping his mouth around your sore buds, you let out a shaky sigh. Skillful tongue swirls the way one would suck on a lollipop; the heat intensifies. “Close?” But you’re not sure, you just know it feels good—ridiculously good. He must have known so, and must want to make your first experience the best you’ll ever have, because suddenly, you’re on all fours. 

As he slips in and out with such ease, you grip harshly at the tall grass. You can hear the sad rips with every thrust and every tug, but how can you feel bad when he feels so good? His cock rapidly brushes the magic spot, and you’re left seeing stars. “Oh God. I feel it, Oscar, fuck, fuck, fuck—”

“Tell me. Describe it.”

Your jaw locks, and your arms give up, flying down towards the grass, round ass high up in the air as he continues his movements. He groans at the sight, slapping your sweaty skin. Whining, you look back at him, grinning from ear to ear. The Australian looks up at the open sky, trying his best to push back the feeling of his upcoming orgasm, but it's hard to ignore the fact that an absolute angel takes him like no other.

And an Angel you were.

“Can feel your cock, Oscar. The way it pulses—so thick, so veiny, so sweet.”

An Angel with a vocabulary of Heathen.

“God, fuck me harder, please, Oscar, please.” He’s pretty sure you’re half-gone, half-present, but it only adds to the lust he carries for you. Just then, you feel the fresh cherry pressed up against your lips. Open, he demands and you follow straight away, ripping it from its stem. You nearly choke on the seed when he suddenly speeds up, limbs and arms burning from holding upright. For a moment, you stare back with an open mouth, admiring over the way his abs contract with every brutal push.

“Now spit.” Two seeds fly out towards the grass, laying there to taunt you as you pick up on your moans, ringing through the air. If you squint hard enough, you can spot the stars that mock the daylight sky. It doesn’t make sense, but then again, none of this does. “So pretty, sweetheart.” You swoon, feeling his arms hold you down. “Again—open.”

You’re expecting another set of cherries, thinking this might be some sort of prize, but as soon as you feel the familiar stick, you pout. No, you cry out. He chuckles. “Yes.” A pause. “You only get to come until you tie a knot.”

“You’re not being f-fair, holy shit.” Long fingers rub slowly against your puffy clit, throbbing with pain, begging to come all of his numbing girth. You clench your jaw, eyes screwed shut.

“We don’t have all night, go on. Move that pretty little mouth of yours.”

It’s a mission, it’s a task, it’s a fucking wreck. It’s impossible. You’re not that surprised, though, not when he thrusts into with twice as much force, triple speed; what a man. Loose tongue swirls at a weak attempt, but then he pinches your swollen bud, and you’re back to square one. You’re nearly there, excited to prove to him how much you wanted this and how you were able to multitask, but then he’s pulling all the way back, only his rosy tip awaiting by your entrance, and he’s coming back down, full-throttle. 

It was cruel.

But two can play that game, you suppose.

You pull away quickly, he blinks, and then you’re pushing him back, sprawled on the grass. He nearly whines from missing your warm cunt, but as soon as you climb to sit on his face, he grows more and more turned on. “Go on,” you push. “Use that pretty little tongue of yours.”

Dark eyes stare up at you, enjoying the way your body moves, hips rolling, riding his face at an impressive rate. The white nectar you're willing to spill out makes him lap at an embarrassing speed, desperate to taste the sweetness. 

Meanwhile, you’re gripping his hair, trying to feign indifference with the way his nose rubs against your lips, the way he keeps you in place with his watch covered hand, the other playing with your clit. It’s even, this is fair, but you still needed to reach your end. 

“I’m close,” you moan, head rolling back, but jaw continuing to tick. He hums and the vibrations cause you to squeeze your legs around his face. That seems to make him enjoy this far more. Unless you show me you’ve done it, then no, you’re not coming anytime soon. Your molars grind harder, white spots forming throughout your vision. “Shut up, just—fucking stop talking.”

“What do y’know? Miss Perfection has a potty mouth.” He pokes his tongue against your hole. “Dirty girl, eh?”

With one final suck, and one soft moan, you cum all over him. The Australian is quick to lick you clean, groaning pathetically deep. Gasping, you fall from your climax, slightly twitching with sensibility as he hauls you onto his lap. You giggle when he raises a teasing brow. 

“You got away with it—this time.”

“There’s going to be a second time?”

He stiffens, trying to play it cool. “Well, not anymore, you didn’t do what I asked for you to do—”

Opening your mouth, you stick your red tongue out, displaying the most perfect knot. He gapes, sticking his fingers in to retrieve it. “H-how?” A beat, sharp and accusing eyes. “Seriously, how?”

“Does it matter?” you ask, wide eyes back on for show. “I did it.”

“I…yeah, yeah you did,” he repeats in disbelief. He laughs. “You’re wickedly talented. That's an art.”

“Thanks,” you mumble, slowly, mixed with a giggle. “I tried my best for you.”

“I see that.” The brown eyed boy pinches your hip. “How was it?”

Sighing dreamily, as if napping on a cloud, your eyes twinkle. “I get it now. Why people have casual sex, I mean. It was amazing. Thank you.”

Casual, casual, casual, yes. Of course this was casual, why wouldn’t it be casual? He’s not looking to have anyone new in his life, and you’re barely understanding what any of this is, so yeah. Casual. 

“Was I bad?” you ponder, chewing on your bottom lip. “I know I’m no professional, but I—”

“You were perfect,” he reassures with a soft smile. “Best thing to come around, solemnly swear.” Swatting his arm, he snickers, catching your hand. You purse your lips. “I was right,” he murmurs when his lips graze over your own. You open your mouth, waiting for more.

“About?”

“You tasting as sweet as a Cherry Cola.” Then he connects your lips, and you’re left utterly smitten. You can hardly feel him slip your ring off, but you know so when your finger feels empty since the moment you first put it on. “Guess you won’t be needing this anymore?”

“Guess not, no. Keep it.”

“Could take it to a Pawn Shop, sell it for a couple dollars…”

“Hey! Be nice, you dimwit,” you warn. “You should feel special. Stupidly special.”

“I’m kidding. I’ll cherish it.”

“Creep.”

He groans, slapping your ass as you squeal. “There’s no right or wrong answer, it seems like. Very well, let's just leave it at thanks. So…thank you for trusting me.” You blush, looking away. Awkwardly, you reach for your dress, slipping it over your head. He coughs, dressing himself before choking back a much needed chuckle. “Looks like we got dragged through the mud.”

“Ah, ew, I can’t. I need to shower.” 

Reaching your end of the hallway, you press your back up against the wooden door as you sheepishly giggle when Oscar does the same. “Okay then…see you around?” 

“Around town?”

“Around the house.”

“In the garden?”

“In the attic, too, maybe. It still needs a good sweep.”

He rolls his eyes. “Do we still have time?”

“Before your parents get back from Costa Rica?”

“Yes.”

“Which is in—”

“A week.”

“Which is—”

“Seven days.”

“And roughly…”

“Enough time.”

“Enough time to do what?”

He laughs, eyes crinkling suggestively, and your heart pounds hard against your ribcage. “Come here and I’ll show you.”

“Yeah,” you ponder in deep thought before your lips stretch out into a bright smile of your own. He raises dark brows as you scurry over with bruised knees, a muddy dress, and an exploding heart. “Yeah, okay. Just until they get back.”

taglist: @blueflorals @starmanv @coolio2195 @lovrsm @weekendlusting@chanshintien @brune77e @myownwritings @timmychalametsstuff @milasexutoire@alesainz @c-losur3 @darleneslane @togazzo @urfavnoirette @namgification @lpab @d3kstar @anniee-mr @nebarious

[pinksilvace]

! PAC NYC CATS SPOILERS !

What I remember from the show, feat. some official photos

This is all going off of my note-less memories so there may be some minor inaccuracies to these recollections.

Welcoming Remarks/Overture

The crowd was welcomed by the voice of Junior LaBeija, who encouraged us to google him before shutting our phones down.

We were encouraged to make noise at any and all parts of the performance

Filming, even during bows, was strictly prohibited

This show is LOUD. I wore ear plugs the entire time, and I don't consider myself to be particularly sensitive to noise. It makes sense, considering that the audience is meant to yell and the music has to be heard over them.

The theater space itself was relatively small. All seats were good seats.

Mr. Mistoffelees (Robert "Silk" Mason) could be seen dancing through the window set pieces above the back of the stage.

Jellicle Songs for Jellicle Cats

(clip)

The cast began all around the theater, with spotlights illuminating them as they began to sing. They did not mount the stage until the "Mystical Divinity" portion of the song.

The crowd went WILD at the part that has had its choreography revealed already.

The Naming of Cats

The "Man over there" bit was done by Antwayn Hopper (Macavity). In general, he seemed to be having an absolute blast throughout the show.

During the parts where cats sharing the names in the poem were mentioned, spotlights illuminated them.

Munkustrap led this number and was the only one onstage for the duration of it.

The White Cat Solo

(clip)

Compared to how this is presented in replica productions, the dance moves were very fast.

I am uncertain as to whether this part was meant to characterize Victoria, or if it was just a great chance for BABY (Victoria) to show off her incredible dancing skills.

The Old Gumbie Cat

Jennyanydots (Xavier Reyes) began the number by pulling out a trophy, showing she'd won at balls in the past

During the day, it was implied (I think?) that Jennyanydots has lots of sex. Whether it's sex work, a sugar daddy situation, etc. was unclear. What I can say is that she did lots of bouncing - on other actors, on the edge of the stage, and on a chair.

At night, Jennyanydots is a very harried single Latina mother trying to keep her kids out of trouble.

Instead of Jenny competing in a category herself, Cassandra (Emma Sofia)(implied to be one of Jenny's children, either literally or metaphorically) competed while Jenny directed her choreography from the sidelines.

The Rum Tum Tugger

VERY laid back. This is definitely Jason Derulo's version of Tugger, but done so incredibly right. He was honestly a bit too effortless for how easily he won categories.

It's not shown in this photo, but he wore a gold and black striped fur coat throughout most of the show, sort of like Munkustrap's grey and black one (shown above, with Jenny)

There wasn't very much choreography in this number, save for a bit at the very end where he was facing off "Pretty Boy vs. Thug"

Grizabella the Glamour Cat

Grizabella ("Temptress" Chastity Moore) approached the side of the stage and killed the mood. Everyone kind of just avoided her. Munkustrap tried to talk her into going away, but she refused. He then tried to pay her actual cash to leave, but she stood her ground.

Sillabub (Teddy Wilson Jr.) approached her curiously and backed off at a very subtle warning from Demeter (Bebe Nicole Simpson). (I have to add on that Sillabub wore an orange t-shirt, short pink overalls, and orange converse shoes with a crown of sunflowers on their head. They were easily my favorite character.)

Grizabella showed off a trophy she had won in a previous ball and implored the interim judges to let her compete. They refused.

This Grizabella was almost frighteningly determined.

Bustopher Jones

For the performance I saw, Garnet Williams filled in for Nora Schell, with Tara Lashan Clinkscales filling in for Bombalurina.

Bustopher was referred to with they/them pronouns.

A large portion of this number was spent with Bustopher walking around the theater. When they mounted the stage, they pulled open their shirt to reveal a bustier emblazoned with the English flag.

Bustopher competed and won in the "Body" category. They continued to remain present throughout the rest of the show.

Mungojerrie and Rumpleteazer

(clip)

It is specified both in the program and during the number that these two are from Victoria Grove, New Jersey

Those New Jersey accents were aggressive

"one of the goyles suddenly misses her woolworth poyles"

Honestly, I wouldn't expect anything less from them

During the Macavity scare preceding this number, Macavity dropped off some trash bags filled with clothes for Bombalurina and Demeter. Mungojerrie (Jonathan Burke) and Rumpleteazer (Dava Huesca) attempted to steal these.

During the second verse, both changed costumes behind some costume racks on either side of the stage.

They competed in the "Tag Team" category against Victoria and Tumblebrutus (Primo) and lost. They then stole the trophy, which Victoria and Tumblebrutus stole back.

Anyway I just desperately need other US productions to give them New Jersey accents

Old Deuteronomy

Munkustrap (Dudney Joseph Jr.) was the only one onstage for the first part of this

Tugger (Sydney James Harcourt) approached the side of the stage and grasped Munkustrap's arm at the "numerous progeny" line

The stage was left empty for Old Deuteronomy (André De Shields) to walk out on

Before he walked out, Sillabub threw flower petals all over it

Mr. Mistoffelees (Robert "Silk" Mason) pulled out Old Deuteronomy's chair for him

There was a VERY long pause for applause when Old Deuteronomy reached his throne at the far end of the catwalk. He turned in a very slow circle. We made eye contact.

Song of the Jellicles/The Jellicle Ball

(clip)

During the Macavity scare, Macavity strides up to Old Deuteronomy. Old Deuteronomy waves him back out of the room in a way that honestly looked like magic. (It's worth noting at this point that the Macavity in this production is a goofy role.)

Because of how the stage is set up, most parts of the dance number were done with only 2-5 actors onstage at a time. When there was a larger group, the dancing remained mostly sedentary.

No mating dance

Grizabella appeared on one of the high balconies. Sillabub waved enthusiastically at her. Everybody else just stared at her.

Many categories were competed in during this part. One of them was sort of an "anything goes" (I forget the exact name) category, in which Munkustrap came out in a golden ensemble with giant wings. Old Deuteronomy didn't like it. Munkustrap gave him sass.

Memory (part 1)

Old Deuteronomy walked out of the room along with everybody else (I THINK.) Grizabella approached the side of the stage, took off the scarf covering her hair, and draped it over one of the railings.

Grizabella caressed the stage as she sang.

Sillabub approached the other side of the stage, watched her for a bit, and departed. They returned near the end of the number with a glittery dress, which they offered to her. Grizabella ran away.

At the end of the number, Sillabub climbs onstage to grab the scarf and look out at the audience. Cut to black.

Moments of Happiness/Moonlight

This part took place entirely between Old Deuteronomy and Sillabub. Sillabub was still onstage, almost got scared away when Old Deuteronomy returned, and knelt in front of him.

As Old Deuteronomy sang about happiness through many generations, he tied the scarf around Sillabub's neck.

While all of this happened, old photos and reports about old balls were being projected on a large screen at the back of the stage. There was then a listing of old house mothers. Most of these were real. The final name listed was Grizabella's.

The rest of the cast joins in for Moonlight, stationed all around the theater. Bombalurina and Demeter were right next to me on the lower balcony. Bombalurina smiled at me.

Gus the Theater Cat

Shereen Pimentel (Jellylorum) was AMAZING.

Gus (Junior LaBeija) was only present for this number and the bows. Most of his lines were performed like spoken word poetry rather than through song.

There was no show-within-a-show piece after this number, but Gus did say the "I once played Rumpus Cat" line. At the very end was Tumblebrutus (I THINK) re-enacting a young Gus a la Grizabella in Tecklenburg 2015.

Skimbleshanks the Railway Cat

(clip)

AGGRESSIVELY a New Yorker in the same way Mungo and Rumple were from New Jersey. Queen of the subways.

Skimbleshanks' (Emma Sofia's) hair had tiger stripes!!!

Lyrics were both English and Spanish (?), especially during the "it was very pleasant" part

She lost her category against Rumpleteazer. They embraced and continued to dance together for the rest of the song.

Macavity the Mystery Cat/"The Fight"

Macavity (with a comically evil cackle and some Hanna-Barbera-style running around) dropped off some more trash bags through one of the windows in the back, which Demeter unpacked. As it turned out, those bags were filled with designer products.

"Macavity wasn't there" was a line used to refer to the fact that Macavity was supposed to be competing but didn't show up on time

Oh yeah, Demeter and Bombalurina were members of the House of Macavity

After Macavity proved to Old Deuteronomy that all of the products were genuine, they all got dressed up and competed in "Labels". The House of Macavity won.

Members of the losing team found attached tags on the products, indicating that the items were shoplifted.

As police sirens blared and blue and white lights flew around the room, Old Deuteronomy ushered Macavity to leave the venue. The police officers entered, looked around the audience, and then looked on the stage, where Old Deuteronomy stood in front of the bags of stolen goods and gave himself up as the perpetrator of the crime.

Macavity returns looking downright distraught.

Magical Mr. Mistoffelees

(clip)

It was much more believable to see everybody turning their backs on Tugger in this production than any other I've seen

Mr. Mistoffelees was referred to with he/him pronouns, so that's what I'm using here

Mr. Mistoffelees is introduced as a ballroom dancer who meets success, in part, by magic-ing his opponents into having wardrobe and performance malfunctions.

He also steals their stuff but I'm unsure whether that has to do with saving Old Deut or if it's just enriching for him

Old Deuteronomy was magicked into a box and stood very still when the curtain was pulled off. When Macavity approached, Old Deuteronomy jumpscared him.

After the song was done, Tugger and Mistoffelees kissed. They were not, as I have seen others say, eating each other's faces; it was very chaste and tender and lasted for just a handful of seconds. The audience went wild, of course.

Memory (part 2)

Grizabella came out in the dress Sillabub had offered earlier

Maybe I was reading too much into it but it looked to me like Old Deuteronomy and Sillabub conspired together to make her reappearance happen

This song was sung in a lower key than usual to better suit Temptress' voice

She looked so uncertain the whole time

Journey to the Heaviside Layer

A big staircase hinged down to the stage, just like in replica productions

Grizabella left through a door at the top of the stairs. Through it, the sounds of New York City could be heard.

The Ad-dressing of Cats

This song makes WAY MORE SENSE in this production in OG Cats, in my opinion. There, it sometimes feels like a bit of a slog. Here, it reinforced the core message of the show about accepting people as they are. To me, the context made it much more powerful.

These last few numbers were loud even through my ear plugs and I don't know why.

The ensemble (Frank Viveros and Shelby Griswold) brought the cast flutes of champagne

Bows

Munkustrap announced each member of the cast as they did individual dances down the stage. This was one of the only songs unrelated to Cats music.

Tugger did a striptease.

After all of the actors, the conductor came out vogueing down the stage.

Afterward, the cast began singing the "practical cats, dramatical cats" portion of Jellicle Songs. I sang enthusiastically along, catching Bustopher's eye. They blew me a kiss.

Other thoughts

Electra (Kendall Grayson Stroud) EASILY had my favorite costume: a holographic top and little black skirt with a huge ruffled rainbow coat over it

Victoria's costume changes made her much less noticeable than usual, especially as she mostly served as a member of the ensemble (I don't think anything in particular about this choice; I just found it interesting)

Despite all of the changes, this very much felt like a production of cats. Even though the actors were staged to be humans, they did nothing else to emphasize it. All of the lyrics were true to replica cats productions.

Where ballroom beats were implemented, they never distracted from the songs they were placed into. They actually enhanced the songs very nicely.

Almost all of the changes made to the original story make sense in the context of this production. I.e., Alonzo's absence makes sense because his role is no longer necessitated. Same with Coricopat and Tantomile.

I am in LOVE with this Sillabub. I really cannot emphasize that enough. They had so much youthful whimsy and KILLED those high notes. They should have been frolicking but instead they were at the club smh

Understated Tugger was an interesting look, and I think it worked well, considering that this Mistoffelees was definitely the most eye-catching member of the cast.

It was actually really cool to see a production where Macavity is accepted as one of the tribe. I fully believe that Mungojerrie learned a few pointers from this one. Again, I have to emphasize that it looked like Antwayn Hopper had the time of his life in this role.

Speaking of, there may have been some Deut bros (Tugger+Munkustrap+Macavity) staging, but I don't remember clearly enough to say for sure.

Most of the transfer of the story made sense... except for the stuff surrounding Grizabella. I've seen the directors talk about ageism in the ballroom community, but with how much emphasis this production put on respect for elders via Old Deuteronomy and Gus and the lack of general contempt from the cast, I honestly don't know why she would have been outcast to begin with. I also have no idea why she ran away from Sillabub.

I kind of wish there had been more extreme makeup, but most of the cast switched between their characters and ensemble roles frequently, so it makes sense. It didn't make the show any worse.

Overall, this was an incredible production that deserves the praise it is given. Yes, I think a number of Cats fans are casting too much judgement on the creative decisions. Yes, I think too many reporters have dunked on the original Cats staging more than is warranted in order to prop this production up. Regardless of those two factors, it was clear that the cast and creative team had a real love for both Cats and ballroom, and I think they married the two concepts beautifully.

[seramilla]

Okay so I loved the Charlie asks Carmilla for her blessing in the related to Vaggie AU.

So my idea is for the proposal that Charlie sings to Vaggie before kneeling and asking after she finishes singing.

One of my go to songs for Charlie x Vaggie is Safe With Me by Megan Nicole

Charlie would definitely sing to Vaggie when she proposes. No question. That one's a good one.

Charlie is so nervous in the hours leading up to her proposal to Vaggie, she can practically hear her own brain vibrating inside her skull. Will the mood be right? Is she being too presumptuous about this? Is Vaggie even ready for this type of commitment? Will her partner say no???

Charlie wipes sweat from her brow so many times during dinner, and has to hold herself down to keep from bouncing in her seat at the theater. She's able to get out some of her nervous energy when they go dancing, and the entire time that she's dipping, twirling, and gliding with Vaggie out on the dance floor, Charlie is reminded how beautiful her partner is. Every movement they share is fluid like a breeze over water, and it almost takes Charlie's mind off the stress about proposing within the next hour.

Eventually they make it back to the Hotel, and just as a treat, Charlie and Vaggie climb up to the roof, to their own secret spot. From up there, they can kind of get away from the smog of Pentagram City, and see a huge expanse of the Pride ring from their vantage point. Vaggie dangles her feet off the side of the roof, swinging them back and forth with excitement, like she's dancing all over again.

Charlie looks over at her, smiles, and bites her lip. She reaches for the little black box in the pocket of her suit pants. The pants to the white tuxedo that she wore specifically for this occasion, which complements Vaggie's golden dress so nicely. Charlie doesn't think her partner has ever looked so beautiful.

"Umm...Vaggie?" Charlie asks.

"Yeah, hon?"

Vaggie stops swinging her feet and looks at Charlie. The angel's expression is so serene, so fulfilled, like Charlie has already granted every one of her most cherished wishes in life. Charlie swallows hard. Maybe she has. But she hopes to fulfill even one more.

Charlie grips the box in her pocket again, biting her bottom lip.

"Vaggie...I want you to know how much I really, really enjoyed this anniversary with you. I can't believe it's already been 5 years since we started dating...and even longer since we met. I never knew on that Extermination day that my life would ever change this much. I feel like...from the moment I met you, you made me want to be a better person. Actually made me a better person. I don't know where I'd be without you."

Vaggie smiles. "Awww! Thank you so much, sweetie! I feel the same way! If you hadn't rescued me...Heaven knows where I'd be right now!"

Vaggie leans in closely to Charlie, giving the princess a sweet, lingering kiss on her increasingly chapped lips. Charlie's been licking them all night out of nervousness. They're pretty dry and gross by this point. If Vaggie notices, she doesn't say anything; just looks over at Charlie with the same affection and adoration, as always.

Charlie nods, rubbing the back of her head with the hand not currently holding onto the box in her pocket.

"Yes! Me too! I feel like you saved me, too, Vaggie! From my own self-doubt...and just me in general. I was such a mess before I met you."

Charlie fiddles with the box again, turning it over and over in her pocket, as if it will somehow fuel the bravery she needs to say what she wants to next.

"So...I'm...I really wanted to make this night special for you. Because I love you so much! And I want to have so many more nights like this with you. Every night. Forever. For the rest of my life. You're everything to me."

Charlie doesn't wait any longer. When it looks like Vaggie might lean in for another kiss, Charlie pulls the box out of her pocket, opens it, and shows Vaggie the ring she'd had custom-made just for her. It's beautiful, with a single white diamond embedded in a simple gold band, because Charlie knows Vaggie doesn't like excessively flashy gifts. If Vaggie's enraptured expression is any indication, Charlie had gotten it right with this one.

As the angel's eyes widen, realizing what's happening, Charlie proposes to her partner in song. Putting voice to all the ways that Vaggie was meant for her, that they were meant to be together, in the way that only Charlie can, when she's singing from her heart. Vaggie sits and listens patiently, eyes sparkling like stars. When Charlie is finished, and leans back down to kneel in front of her, she pops the question in her regular voice.

"Vaggie," Charlie starts, licking her dry lips one more time for good measure, "Would you make me the happiest woman by marrying me?...And if you have to say no -- which you are perfectly within your right to do -- would you let me down easy?"

"Charlie, wait..."

"I mean, I'm just really emotional right now, and that's not your fault, you're not responsible for my feelings, but I don't know if I could handle it if you--"

"Charlie!!"

"Yes?! I'm sorry! What?!"

Vaggie moves in closer to Charlie, where she's kneeling in front of her on top of the Hazbin Hotel, under one of the most unromantic skylines in all the seven Rings. Vaggie takes the ring out of Charlie's little box, and puts it on her ring finger. It's a perfect fit, as Charlie knew it would be.

She leans in again to kiss Charlie's lips. Slowly and softly, like she wants it to last forever. By the time the two pull away, it's apparent to Charlie that Vaggie is crying.

"Yes!" Vaggie says, taking both of Charlie's hands in hers. "You are such a goofball! Yes, Charlie, I'll marry you! Of course, I will!"

Charlie's face goes from scared, to disbelief, to realization, to elation in a matter of seconds. Squealing and wrapping her arms tightly around Vaggie, she lifts the fallen angel off the roof, twirling her around like they're one of those couples on top of a spinning music box.

"Oh, thank you, Vaggie!" Charlie squeals. Then Charlie is crying, too, happy tears mixing in with the sound of her laughter. "Oh, baby, I love you so much! You make me so happy, Vaggie!"

Once Charlie has stopped spinning, Vaggie brings her dizzy girlfriend's lips back to hers, and whispers against her mouth, "Me too, Charlie. I am the luckiest person in Hell to get to be with you. Thank you saving me...and keeping me."

The two seal their proclamations with another passionate kiss, and then spend the rest of the night celebrating their engagement, in their own special way.

[melanieph321]

Erling Haaland x Reader - The Confession Part 1/2

I never thought that I'd find myself in this predicament. 😭 I'm actually quite embarrassed. But it's the gif that inspired me to write this fic so thank you @ruben-dias, for posting it.

Part 2

Summary - Erling has had a crush on Reader for a long time, but Reader is clueless about it since she never thought a guy like him could like a girl like her. Nevertheless, the truth unfolds when Erling gives Reader a ride home after a lake party with their friends.

Enjoy!

Summer in Norway was cold. Sure the temperature in the air was warmer than in the winter. But there was no way that your friends could convince you to get in the water with them.

"Come on Y/N. It's not that bad. You just gotta get through the first chock. Your body will get used to the temperature once you're in the water."

"Yeah, no thank you." You said.

There was no such thing as a first chock where you came from. Where you came from the water was swimable right away. You were fine where you were, sitting on the bank of the lake, watching your friends splashing away.

At one point you had gone to lay down, basking in the warmth of the sun. When suddenly, a large shadow was casted over you, blocking the light.

"Hot dog?"

You removed you sunglasses and was forced to tilt your head all the way back to meet the height of, "Erling?"

His eyes squinted in the sun, hair dripping wet with lake water. In his hands he carried two hot dogs coated with ketchup and mustered. "This one's for you." He said, offering you a hot dog.

You eyed the ketchup coated piece of meat, trying not to grimarce at the stench of it. "Oh, that's very sweet of you Erling, really. But I don't eat meat."

"No?"

You shook your head. "No, sorry. It was very kind of you though."

You watch Erling pull back his offering, a slight dent between his brows. "Well, can I get you something else then?"

"Huh?" You had put your shades back on, preparing to lay down again. However, Erling still stood by your side, blocking the sun.

"Can I get you something else?" He shrugged. "Maybe something to drink?"

"I don't drink."

"Not even water?" He frowned.

"What, no. I do."

"You do. Great! Water it is."

"Erling, no." You stopped him from retrieving a bottle of water from the cooler. You didn't mean to come off as rude as you did. However, water dripping from Erling's hair was dampening your towel.

"Not water? How about a soda?"

"No, Erling." You sighed. "What I was meant to say is that I'm not thristy or hungry at all. So please keep your hot dogs and leave me alone."

Erling's expression faded, like a puppy dog denied of a treat. "Right, sure." He nodded. "I'll leave you alone."

"Thank you."

You fell back onto your towel, hearing how Erling's footsteps made their way back to the lake, to the others. You wouldn't have made much of your encounter if it hadn't been for your friend, Nicole, pulling you aside at the end of the day, while everyone else helped carry things back to the cars.

"What have you done to Erling?" She asked.

"Pardon?"

"Don't act dumb Y/N. I saw the two of you talking on the beach earlier. What did you say to him?"

"What do you mean?" You thought back to your brief and quite pointless conversation. What had been so sagnificant about it?

"Look at him." Nicole said, and nudge you in the direction were Erling was helping the others load things onto the cars. But unlike the others,  Erling wasn't loading things onto the cars, he was throwing them. It was impressive. How he carried an entire BBQ over his shoulders just to throw it onto the flat bed of your friend's car.

"Careful with that." You friend hissed, displeased with Erling who muttered to himself as he stomped away.

"Do you see now?" Nicole said.

"What, that Erling almost damaged Tim's dad's BBQ grill? Yeah, that was pretty foul of him."

"No, Y/N." Nicole groand. She put her hands on your shoulders, attempting to shake some sense into you. "Can't you see what mood Erling's has been in ever since the two of you talked?"

"So? What does that have to do with..."

"Because he likes you, Y/N. He really likes you and apparently you told him to leave you alone."

"I....what?" It was a little bit hard to comprehend, Erling Haaland, into you? Since when?"

"He's had a crush on you forever." Nicole explained. "But apparently everyone knows accept for you."

"Accept for me..." You mumbled, glancing towards Erling's. You saw the damage you had caused, how his usually contagious smile was totally wiped away, replaced by a deep frown that didn't really suit him.

"You should talk to him. Maybe apologize."

"Apologize?" You frowned. "But I didn't...."

"At least set things straight." Nicole nodded. "If you don't like him back at least be honest about it, maybe then he can move on."

"Right. Move on." But how the hell would you do that?

Part 2

[therealcocoshady]

Recovery - Chapter 19

Eminem x FemReader Fanfiction

Summary : Em is confronted by Nicole about his relationship with Y/N.

Tags : Bit of angst ? - Fluff

MARSHALL’S POV

Y/N ended up staying in the hospital for a total of five days. For the first two, she slept almost uninterrupted. Then, she started to manage to stay awake a little longer. They could have sent her home a little earlier, in fact, she was supposed to get out after 72 hours, but she was apparently demonstrating signs of PTSD. In fact, she had a lot of nightmares, which was understandable as her memory was starting to process the events. So, just to make sure, they kept her in the hospital for a little longer, giving her a few things to reduce her skyrocketing anxiety. Of course, Marshall was by her side for the whole duration of her hospital stay. He only left when he needed to shower and change his clothes, letting Talia take over. The whole team from the studio made sure to visit Y/N, who was definitely showered with gifts and affection. The whole hospital bedroom had almost been turned into a flower garden, thanks to Josh. Marshall couldn’t help but think that none of the situation would have happened if he had been as good at handling his liquor as he was good at keeping the Detroit flower business alive. Josh actually showed up to the hospital a handful of times and Y/N seemed happy to have her boyfriend by her side. Whenever he was there, Marshall took the hint and left the room, taking the opportunity to stretch his legs and, sometimes, grab coffee with Nicole, if she happened to be working and able to go for a quick break. 

Having his girlfriend work in the same hospital as Y/N was at was definitely an interesting experience. Whenever she was on break, she offered to bring him coffee in the room or suggested that they went for a quick walk. It was definitely sweet of her to offer, but he didn’t really want to : his attention was focused on Y/N and he didn’t want to take the risk of her waking up all alone in her room, especially since she hated hospitals. Eventually, what had to happen happened, and Nicole confronted him about Y/N, during one of their coffee breaks while Y/N was with Josh. 

So, for how long have you been here ? She asked. 

About four days, he said as he tried not to yawn. She’s going home tomorrow so tonight is my final night here. 

And she needs you by her side ? 

Well it’s… I don’t mind, he shrugged. I mean, she hates hospitals, so… 

I see, she said. Marshall… ? 

He sighed and looked at her, trying not to look too annoyed. He was exhausted and not in the mood for what he knew was about to come. 

Yes ? He asked. 

Obviously, we haven’t been dating too long, and your business is your business but… Should I be worried ? She asked gently. 

About what ? 

About Y/N, Nicole said. I mean, a girl can’t help but wonder, when she sees her date hanging around a 25 year-old, devoting so much time and energy… I guess I just want to know if I’m wasting my time here. 

That’s fair, he sighed. Look, I… We’re close. And, yeah, I spend a lot of time with her. She’s my best friend and I care for her, you know ? 

He knew he was lying through his teeth on that one. But he couldn’t exactly tell the woman he was dating that seeing Y/N lie in a hospital bed made him realize he was in love with her, right ? Even he knew that it would be a shitty thing to do. And it was not as if Nicole actually had anything to worry about. Nothing would ever happen between them. Right now, she was with Josh who had brought her yet another corny teddy bear and a bouquet (by now, he was probably just lacking imagination), probably planning their wedding. He couldn’t help but hear Talia’s words about them getting married. Obviously, they had just started dating, but at the pace they were going at, he wouldn’t even be surprised if Josh proposed in a month. Or maybe he was just grumpy and exhausted. But anyway, it wasn’t a conversation he really wanted to be having. 

Right, Nicole said sheepishly. So… She’s a priority ? 

Yup, he simply said. As I said, she’s my best friend and I care for her. She needs me, I’m there, that’s how it works. 

He wasn’t expecting it (right now, all he was expecting was to pass out from exhaustion), but Nicole let out a laugh. He wasn’t sure if it was a genuine laugh and that maybe he had been funny without meaning to, or maybe she was nervous. He looked at her, a bit surprised. 

And, you don’t get how I think that a grown man being best friends with a child might be a little inappropriate ? She asked as she was still laughing. 

Inappropriate ? He asked. How the fuck would that be inappropriate ? You asked me what the deal is and I just told you. 

You are at her beck and call. This girl has you wrapped around her finger and you don’t even seem to see it, she chuckled. Don’t you think she might be here for the wrong reasons ? 

Nope, he said. There’s not a doubt in my mind about Y/N’s intentions. Now, if you’re not confident enough to deal with the fact she’s important to me… I can’t do much about it. That’s on you, not me. 

She looked at him in surprise, her mouth slightly agape. She huffed and quickly drank the rest of her coffee. 

Well, I should let you get back to her, then, she said dryly. The ER is packed and I have work to do. Plus, you probably don’t want to keep her waiting anyway. Thanks for coffee. 

Before he had the chance to reply anything, she got up and left the cafeteria. He realized he was probably a bit too harsh with his words. He didn’t mean to hurt her, he was just pissed, grumpy and tired. In times like these, he wondered how people could seriously think of him as a womanizer. Obviously, he didn’t know shit about interacting with women. He sighed and got back to Y/N’s room. When he got there, he found her cuddling on the bed with Josh, looking at some books he brought. She was beaming, gently pressing her lips to his. At that moment, Marshall wasn’t sure whether he was about to pass out or puke. 

Hey, you’re back, Y/N greeted him. 

Yeah, he simply said. 

I guess that’s my cue to leave, Josh told her. Why don’t I take you out to dinner tomorrow night, to celebrate you getting out of here ? 

That would be lovely but I’m not sure about going out, she said softly. But maybe you could come for dinner and meet my roommates ? I think it’s time I introduced them to you. 

I would love that, Josh said with a smile. See you tomorrow. Goodbye, sir. 

Marshall tried not to groan as he settled in his chair. Great. Now she was literally introducing Josh to the people she considered as her closest family. He closed his eyes for a second and let out a small sigh. 

Are you alright ? Y/N asked. You seem… tense ? 

Just tired, he replied. 

Why don’t you go home and rest ? She suggested. 

I don’t feel like driving. My back hurts too much anyway, he said. 

Come here, she said. 

Why ? He groaned. 

Just come, she insisted. 

He went and sat next to her on the bed. She gestures for him to turn around and she ran her hands in his back, underneath his tee-shirt. He leaned into her soft touch, letting out a little groan. 

God, I’ve never seen a knot this big, she said. No wonder why you’re tense. 

She gently massaged his back. In a matter of minutes, the pain was relieved. 

Fuck, he said. That was good. 

I know right ? She chuckled. I’ve been told I’m a decent masseuse. 

More than decent, he said with a smile. If I’d known about this sooner, I would have taken advantage of it. 

She giggled and kept on massaging his back. He closed his eyes and relaxed. It felt good, though he wasn’t sure whether it was the release of the tension in his back or because she was the one touching him. 

So, how is Nicole ? She asked. 

Good question, he shrugged. 

You just had coffee with your girlfriend and you don’t know how she is ? Y/N mused. 

First of all, not my girlfriend, he replied. Secondly… Not my anything anymore, I guess. 

What happened ? She asked, suddenly stopping her massage. 

He groaned and sighed before looking at her. She seemed a bit confused. 

Nothing, I guess, he shrugged. 

Nothing ? You guess ? She asked. 

Yeah well, what do you want ? He snapped. I blew it, that’s it. 

Don’t take it out on me, she groaned. 

Sorry honey, he said softly. I’m just exhausted. And I guess I sort of took it out on Nicole too. I shouldn’t be allowed to talk to anyone when I’m this tired. 

Say more, Y/N replied. 

I don’t really know what her deal is, he shrugged. She asked if she should be worried about you and I spending so much time together. 

His best friend rolled her eyes and shook her head. 

And you don’t know what the deal is ? She chuckled. That’s an easy one. 

Walk me through it, he sighed. Since you seem to know everything. 

She was giving you an opportunity to tell her how much you like her, Y/N explained.

I mean, she could have asked, he said as he rolled his eyes. 

You know absolutely nothing about women, do you ? She giggled. 

Apparently not, he said as he rolled his eyes. 

It’s simple : we want to know if you guys can come through for us, on your own, she said. We could ask the questions, but then it might give you an idea of what the right answer is. It’s better if you come up with gestures on your own. Like… You can tell a guy that you’d enjoy a nice bouquet of flowers, but it’s so much more meaningful if he takes the initiative on his own. 

He hummed. What she was saying made sense but, at the same time, it really didn’t. No wonder he had stayed single for so long : getting a PhD in astrophysics seemed simpler than understanding women. 

How about the rose garden we’ve got going on here ? He asked with a grin. Is that an initiative ? 

It is, she giggled. Imagine what it would be like if I actually asked for flowers. I think he’d get a little carried away. 

You think ? He chuckled. I mean, shout out to him for keeping the flower business alive, I guess… And the stuffed animal business, too. You’ve got bears, a duck and… a lobster ?… Like, what the fuck ? 

She burst out in a fit of laughter and grabbed the lobster plushy, giving it a little kiss. 

That’s an inside joke, she said softly. You know, in Friends, when Phoebe tells Rachel that Ross might be her lobster ? Well today, he told me that he thinks I’m his lobster, and he gave me this. It’s super sweet. 

It’s corny as fuck, he stated with a grin. 

Well, I like it, she shrugged. 

Is he your lobster ? He couldn’t help but ask. 

I guess. I mean, look at all of this…, she said as she gestured around the room. No one’s ever cared for me like this. 

Marshall felt this one deep in his soul. Like a gut punch. Of course someone cared for her like this. Himself. Even more than that. He said nothing for a second and stared at her. She was looking at him and smiling, but there was a hint of melancholy in her eyes. 

I’ve had good relationships, you know, she added. But no one like Josh. I think that… If it doesn’t work with him, it’s not going to work with anybody. From that first date, he hasn’t stopped courting me and proving to me how much he likes me. That’s what every girl wants, right ?

Then why do you look so sad ? He asked. 

She lowered her gaze and he noticed that her lip was quivering, as if she was about to cry. 

I guess I’m just tired, she said. And, you know, people have been so good to me lately, it’s making me emotional. But I’m… I’m good, you know ? 

People are good to you because you deserve it, he said. They love you. I love you. 

I love you too, Marsh, she said with a smile. Thank you for being my best friend. 

“Not what I meant”, he thought to himself. He got closer to her and gently kissed her forehead. 

So, what are you going to do about Nicole ? She asked. 

I don’t think there’s much to do, he shrugged. 

You said you liked her, Y/N stated. 

I do, he agreed. 

And that she was great. 

She is, he agreed again. But if she can’t handle the fact that you’re my priority right now, I don’t think there’s much I can do. 

Maybe I shouldn’t be your priority, she replied with a hint of sadness. 

Why would you even say that ? He asked, his eyebrows furrowed. 

I love having you by my side, Marsh, she said. But I know you have things to do. You should be working instead of wasting your time here with me. You have other people in your life. You have Nicole. 

I’m here because I want to be, Y/N, he said as he put a strand of hair behind her shoulder. As long as you’re here, I’m here. I’m not leaving you alone when I know full well you hate hospitals and you’re having nightmares. 

Talia offered to take over, you know ? 

I know, but she has to work, he shrugged. I don’t. 

Except you kind of do, she said. 

Except I’m kind of my own boss, he said sternly. Plus, I think everyone at the studio could do with a break anyway. Now, I’m not going anywhere unless you tell me you want me to leave. Do you want me to leave ? 

I don’t, she said with a small smile. Although I think you’d sleep better in your house. 

I’ve been on tour, he said. If I can sleep in a tour bus full of people, I can sleep in a hospital room. 

You’re getting rid of me tomorrow anyway, she said with a smile. 

You know I’ll still be here, right ? 

It’s fine, she said. I’ll have Talia and Jamal at home. And Josh offered to take care of me too. 

Ok, he simply said. 

Now, who’s taking care of you ? She asked. 

What do you mean ? He asked with a yawn. 

Look, she said, you like Nicole, you think she’s great and I don’t want to be the reason why you guys are arguing. I know how guarded you can be, and how little you care for dating but… If you like her, if you think she’s great and if Hailie thinks she’s good for you… You should allow yourself to be happy. You deserve it more than anyone I know. 

We’ll see, he sighed. Look, can we… Talk about that later ? I’m too tired for this. 

Do you want to sleep ? 

Yeah, if you don’t mind, he replied as he got up to go back to the chair. 

Don’t be silly, Marshall. You can sleep here, she said as she gestured for him to come back on the bed and made a little room for him. 

He took off his shoes and layed next to her. She let out a little yawn and he couldn’t help but pull her closer to him. She was too cute. 

Thank you honey, he said softly. 

Good night, she said as she closed her eyes and let her head roll on his shoulder. 

Thirty seconds later, she was asleep. He stared at her for a moment, taking in her features. He pulled the cover over her, making sure she wouldn’t be too cold for the night. He noticed that her lobster was next to her and he couldn’t resist the urge to push that awful thing out of the way, letting it fall on the floor. No way he was sleeping next to that. Sorry Josh. He grinned at his own immaturity and closed his eyes, focusing on the only thing that actually mattered : the steady breath of the girl sleeping next to him. 

Y/N’s POV

You were woken up by the door opening. It was the nurse, coming in to check up on you. Marshall was still sleeping next to you, an arm draped across your body. Almost as if he was protecting you. As soon as she saw him lying in bed with you, she frowned. 

Someone’s sleeping soundly, she said with a displeased face. 

He could use it, you said softly. 

I know, he’s been here for days, she said. Wouldn’t let us throw him out anyway. 

Thank you for allowing him to stay, you replied. 

How are you feeling tonight ? She asked. How is the anxiety ? 

A little better, you said. 

Good. If you need, I can ask the doctor to give you a sedative, she said. 

I think I’ll be fine for tonight, you said. 

You felt Marshall stirring. He let out a small groan and changed position, one of his legs going over yours. You let out a small laugh as you noticed he was taking up more and more space in his sleep. 

I think you’ll be fine indeed, she grinned. You can also tell your “uncle” that he’s not fooling anyone. 

My what ? You asked in disbelief. 

Exactly, she said. Have a good night, dear. And enjoy, good men like this are hard to come by. 

She gave you a smile and left. You chuckled softly. Men as good as Marshall were, indeed, a rarity. You knew just how lucky you were to have him by your side. He was the most incredible person you knew, and all you wished for was for him to be happy. He deserved it. Even though the thought of him with another woman was breaking your heart, it made you a little sad to know that he had a little falling out with Nicole. From what you gathered, she was a good match for him. Probably even more so than you. You felt a little guilty at the idea that you might be the cause of an argument. He was the most amazing man you knew and he deserved the utmost happiness. So, even though it shattered your heart and your soul, you had encouraged him to patch things up with her. You were in love with him, but you knew these feelings were unrequited on his part, so you weren’t even hoping for a chance, here. You might have had one in the past, but it was long gone. Plus, Josh and yourself had a good thing going on, too. Yes, you had started dating him in hope to get your mind off Marshall, but you were starting to have feelings. It was not love, not quite yet, but you were sure it would grow. It had to : if the universe had someone in store for you, and it was not Marshall Mathers, it had to be Josh. Because he was ticking every box. You wanted to give this relationship a chance, because even though your boyfriend was not the one you thought about when you went to bed at night, he was making you incredibly happy, and you cared for him deeply. And it was all that mattered, right ? You just hoped that, in time, you would be able to let go of your feelings for Marshall. Because it wasn’t fair to Josh and you almost hated yourself for it. But you were ready to commit to this relationship. Josh deserved it. 

For now, though, you stared at Marshall and his perfect features. His face was incredibly close to yours, thanks to the small bed you were sharing. You gently ran your fingers through his short hair and kissed his forehead. 

Mmmh. I love you, you heard him say in a sleepy voice that made your heart melt. 

[annabelle--cane]

Hiii! Your podcast recommendations have been so fun and helpful when trying to find new podcasts to listen! Do you have anything for fiction podcasts with women/non-binary protagonists?

sure thing! despite ostensibly being a Podcasts Guy I haven't actually listened to that many audio dramas in the grand scheme of things, so this will overlap somewhat with any general recs I have given out before, but:

the strange case of starship iris: firefly-esque scifi show. biologist violet liu is the only survivor of her research vessel's explosion and gets picked up by a passing ship who help her investigate what happened. explores the aftershocks and political consequences for if humanity won a space war.

midnight burger: quirky scifi/fantasy. after her restaurant closes down in the pandemic, gloria gets a job at an all-night burger joint, not realizing that it changes location in time and space for every opening. the plot goes in all sorts of directions every season, it's hard to give in an in-a-nutshell vibe description.

mirrors: scifi/mystery. in three different locations in three different time periods, three women start seeing the same ghost and make audio logs about it. if you're willing to dive in on that description alone, please do. it's a really short listen and it is my number one recommendation for anything of its length and quality.

alice isn't dead: americana horror. keisha, a long haul truck driver, can't accept that her wife is dead and goes on a mission to find her. I keep starting and stopping this one because it's objectively really good but just never seems to fit my moods so I can't give much overarching description, but it is scary as hell and I would listen to jasika nicole read a grocery list.

trice forgotten: nautical period drama. jaded ex-pirate alestes just wants to keep herself to herself as she sails her merchant ship around the indian ocean, but nooo she keeps picking up these pesky "crew mates" who "need help" and are "useful to have around." has some extremely good scenes of toxic yuri.

[iwillnotseeheaven]

[thealmightyemprex]

Halloweenathon:The Others

Today we look at....Possibly the most upsetting and creepiest film of the month so far ,a film that is a brillaint twist on the haunted house story

Also this took me a while to write cause I got sick and could barely focus on writing or watching films

In this 2001 film ,it is 1945 and Grace Stewart (Nicole Kidman ) ,mother of two photosensitive children Anne (Alikina Mann) and Nicholas (James Bentley ) hires thre mysterious workers,BErtha Mills (FInnola Flannigan ) ,Edmund Tuttle (Eric Skyes ) ,and Lydia (Elaine Cassidy ),when a whole lot of mysterious occrances happen

SO I actually tried to watch this last yeat ,I had rented a copy from the library ,got really invested ........Then the DVD Glitched RIGHT DURING THE THIRD ACT .So I actually got the Criterion BLu Ray exclusively so I could watch the film this year ,and I gotta say I dont regret that choice cause this is an AMAZING film.Now this is kind of one of those universaly spoiled movies and I went in knowing the ending .I shall NOT spoil it here but will say ther are actually about three twists ,and while I knew the big one,its one of the other twists that shocked me

The film is VERY spooky,a film where a lot of the scares come from mood .Due to the childrens condition A LOT of the film is in the dark and there is a lot of suspence with the curtains .You also have the BIG scare scene which is iconic for a reason

What makes the film IS Nicole Kidman .Now everyone in the film does a great job,from a haunted Christopher Ecleston to the warm but eerie Finnola Flannigan .What grounds the film is Nicole Kidmans performance as a rather strict Catholic mother with two children with a deadly condition .She is protetive of her children but she is stubborn and rather mean ,its a reallly great performance by Kidman,and with some of the reveals we get she is an interesting character

SO the Others is a great movie ,highly reccomend

@ariel-seagull-wings @princesssarisa @themousefromfantasyland

@theancientvaleofsoulmaking @the-blue-fairie @countesspetofi

@filmcityworld1 @amalthea9 @barbossas-wench

[aurawra21]

In the childhood friends AU Principle Lynn could end up being Nicole's stepmom while she's still in middle school. Her mom's actually happy with someone for once... but this is after Nicole's dad offs himself so she isn't in the mood to accept Lynn for a long while.

that would be an interesting relationship to explore tbh i kind of like that, Lynn trying to get along with Nicole because she doesn't want to mess this up so she tries to get along with her partner's kids but Nicole is just prickly and doesn't like her at all

idk how Nicole felt about her dad before he offed himself, but maybe he was more chill than her mom considering she wanted to go to him after they had argued, she probs liked her dad enough right? so after what happened it def messed her up in the sense of, 'ugh dad was kind of the better parent but he offed himself so fucking whatever i guess, i hate all of mom's partners' so when Lynn kind of starts filling that role of the second parent, she's even more closed off and pissy i dont think lynn would actively try to be overbearing tho, she just tries to look out for Nicole in her own way but never acting like she'll ever be her mom or something. probs tries her best to get her out of trouble in school, lmfao sooo many of the teachers would be like "your stepdaughter is a MENACE in my classroom".

i can see Lynn offhandedly give Nicole girl advice because she notices that Jessica girl is always with Nicole

[befemininenow]

Welcome to my blog, stranger.

You probably got here by accident, or by intention. Whether it was the algorithm or a shared post from this blog, it was appealing enough to get you here. Maybe it was the girls in the pics. Maybe it was the captions that persuaded you. Maybe the descriptions in the posts were relatable. Or maybe even the blog’s name caught your attention. Whatever it was that led you here, welcome to my trans girl caption blog. It’s mostly captions and post descriptions based on the fantasies and IRL experiences of trans girls on a random POV. They may even “crack your egg”. While they may not speak for all trans girls, it may be relatable to you. Once in a while, I may end up making a post about other feminine-leaning identities such as femboys if you’re also into that. However, If you’re not comfortable with this topic or expect other BDSM-related topics (i.e. sissy, dom worshipping, etc.), I suggesst you look somewhere else.

Update as of April 26, 2024: I made some edits to the post since so much has changed from last year. Also, hi. I’m Ashley Nicole. But you can call me “Nicki/Nikki”.

What is this blog about?

It is caption blog detailing the experiences of trans girl’s (or woman’s) while closeted or out. Some posts even detail my own experiences dating as back as I can remember. Imagery of girls, cis and trans, are generally used in relation to the captions. Each experience is unique, so don’t feel bad if you can’t relate to posts like “anime girls cracked my egg”. I seldom share other topics related to issues trans girls often face, as well as even share a small biography of trans girls in a few of my posts.

Who is it aimed for?

It is aimed at those who identify as transgender, questioning, fluid, and those who wish to explore their feminine side. These captions are meant to detail experiences and fantasies that trans girls have even before transitioning. However, captions are not meant for everyone, just like how not every trans girl is meant to be a programmer (sorry if I crushed your dreams).

Why did you create this blog?

Simply put, the disturbing amount of forced feminization, BDSM, and sissy blogs overflowing this site motivated me to do something different. Although few of these blogs have at least something redeeming to the point where I may reblog it and attach a description, the vast majority repels me due to its negative, humiliating energy. Unfortunately, caption blogs focused on the experiences of trans girls are either inactive or overshadowed. Lastly, I wanted to share a few personal experiences of exploring my identity through captions and post descriptions. 

Where do you get your sources?

I get them through Google searches, social sites, and of course, other blogs from this site. Captions and descriptions are also based on what I learned, read, and heard through trans girls both online and IRL.

When do you usually post?

I post almost daily, or when I’m in the mood. I often reblog from other sources, but it is becoming a rare instance. Thursdays and Fridays are throwback and flashback posts recalling my own experiences or to jog the reader’s memory of seeing a familiar picture. I even point out the original pic source for trivia, or how the pic influenced me in making the captioned pic.

How will this help?

It is meant to affirm and validate any person who often deals with denial about being transgender. Although some of these captions seem a little teasing and may be seen as a fetish, everything is voluntary. However, NEVER use captions to treat gender dysphoria! Seek professional help if you are dealing with it! Also, please research the effects of HRT pills (hormone replacement therapy) as the changes may be permanent depending on the individual. They are not like Senzu Beans that will inflate you if taking more than needed. You WILL get actual and unpleasant side effects if abused.

Can you do any requests?

I’m sorry, but I rarely have the time to check back my blog or messages anymore. If I don’t read your message for some reason, don’t take it as an offense. I’m simply quite reserved and busy IRL. It could take time before I check back. Also, no, I will not take your request to “feminize” you! Fake “mistresses, doms, godesses, and daddies” are also out of the question! I had an awful intro experience online role-playing with them and I am never doing that again!

I’m a “sissy”, femboy, crossdresser (CD), etc. Am I welcome here?

I won’t place a ban on you if you are a sissy, a femboy, or a crossdresser as I have to acknowledge a good portion of my followers are of that category. However, I do not associate myself with the term “sissy” as I take it as a derogatory word used to invalidate someone’s gender identity. If you’re looking for “sissy” or “forced fem” stuff in this blog, don’t bother. You will dehydrate as fast as SpongeBob and Patrick on Sandy’s treedome.

Last: A little bit about you?

I’m a trans girl in her very early 30s who has an internal female side that I want to express. There are days I feel feminine and there are days I feel fluid with my gender. While I’m not completely out yet due to personal and social issues, I know I will finally be my own self once the chance comes. My primary interests are girls, though I may be interested in other feminine-leaning individuals in an occasion. While I won’t reveal my actual age, I am one of the older cuspers born between millennial and Gen Z. Favorite things include, but not limited to, anime, games, pop culture, and social media. You will catch some references through my caption posts.

I hope this Q&A solved most of your questions and doubts. Enjoy your stay here. You’ll probably find something you like. Thank you.

-Ashley “Nicki” Nicole

[krenenbaker]

Diasomnia Character Songs and Associations

It's finally here! The end of the character songs and associations series! It took a bit longer to get out than I thought it would, but it's now finished.

Here is the seventh dorm, Diasomnia; the dorm of the spirit of nobility. The final of the seven, but also, interestingly, the dorm that started this entire idea.

Notes: Every song is from my liked songs playlist (so feel free to judge me for my taste, haha!) and I only allowed myself to use an artist once for this project. There is also some strong language and mature themes in some of the songs, so be aware if you choose to listen to them. I’ve included: - A song that represents them, - A song they'd listen to, and (for some) an additional song, depending on the character and circumstance

The full Spotify playlist for ALL songs and characters is linked at the end of the post.

Heartslabyul | Savanaclaw | Octavinelle | Scarabia | Pomefiore | Ignihyde

Malleus Draconia

Represented by: Nymphs Finding the Head of Orpheus - Nicole Dollanganger

This song was actually what inspired me to make this series. It just reminds me so much of Malleus. The narrative setting is similar to the ruins he loves to explore, the music itself is somewhat ethereal, and the lyrics reflect the loneliness Malleus often feels, as well as his fear of loss and change.  It's powerful, it's reflective, it's strange, and it's beautiful. Much like Malleus himself.

Listens to: Symphony No. 40 in G Minor, K. 550: IV: Allegro assai - W.A. Mozart, Sinfonia Varsovia, Yehudi Menuhin

Malleus likely listens to primarily classical music, and probably knows how to play many of the pieces he listens to. He would especially enjoy the playfulness of Mozart's compositions, as most Mozart pieces (operas, symphonies, etc.) have a light mood, and are usually filled with jokes. Absolutely perfect for a fae prince!

Lilia Vanrouge

Represented by: Phantasmagoria - Polkadot Cadaver

This song feels very Lilia to me. With a focus on (possibly?) playful scaring, and the uncertain or hidden origins of what people see. There's spooks and startles, but is generally meant to be fun... or that's what's assumed. The Avant-Garde metal genre also suits the unique, fun intensity of Lilia's character.

Listens to: After Life in Purgatory - Lock Up

Okay, I know that 'Lock Up' is grindcore, and not the thrash metal that Lilia canonically listens to. BUT he would totally also listen to music like this. It's fast. It's loud. It's full of screaming. Lilia would love it! (And he'd probably somewhat relate to the lyrics of this song too, considering his past...)

Bonus - Suggests for Music Club: Renewal - Veil

Lilia would suggest something like Veil to play in Music Club, arguing that it's more "gentle" and "approachable" for non-metal fans than some other subgenres, which, yes, that may be the case, but still... Cater would be a bit freaked out.

Silver

Represented by: イジメ、ダメ、ゼッタイ - Babymetal

Silver is an interesting character, being both gentle and fierce simultaneously, which is well-encapsulated in Babymetal's music. The lyrics to this song also are akin to Silver's worldview, and his wish for balance, harmony, and connection.

Listens to: Over the Edge - Sarah Jarosz

I think Silver would listen to softer music, probably a lot of folk, bluegrass, and country music. and, like Jade, he would especially love songs about nature and the outdoors. It just seems like it would suit him!  However, I also think he shares a lot of his father's taste in music, resulting in some very strange playlists...

Sebek

Represented by: Soap - The Oh Hellos

Sebek seems to struggle a lot with his mixed identity, outright rejecting half of his heritage. (I think that's something he will learn to accept at some point in the future, and be able to become even stronger in himself and his identity as a result.) However, Sebek is also a bold, determined individual, and truly cares deeply for those he loves and respects... even if he may not outwardly show it.

Listens to: String Quartet No. 6 in F Minor, Op. 80, MWV R37: II: Allegro assai - Felix Mendelssohn, Quatuor Ébène

Because I think Malleus favours classical string music, I also think that Sebek would believe that he should also listen to similar music (as it is obviously superior!) And while he does enjoy many classical pieces, especially Mendelssohn's compositions, it would probably not be Sebek's preferred music in most situations, even if he does listen to it often.

Bonus - Prefers to listen to: Oscar Wilde Gets Out - Elton John

I'm not totally sure why, but I think Sebek would really like music by Elton John! I think that the softer pop rock sound would be something he would enjoy. Oscar Wilde Gets Out would definitely appeal to Sebek, for the literary allusions and references if nothing else.

[evestalk]

i was expecting the gold the re-up was. it was completely not.

it felt like a fetish game; the whole feet, and the way we got fucking visuals for it! insane i tell you. how it’s even treated, yeah, class of 09 is an edgy game with the likes of how people actually treated serious topics all the way in the 2000s, but damn, we don’t need to be borderline trash.

and i absolutely adore the class of 09 franchise. maybe i am a sucker for (melo)drama, but i just adore how it’s portrayed. it has a serious topic, a humorous’ mood in it, but you can still see the seriousness of it behind it. it doesn’t take it away.

it’s such a pity compared to the re-up and og game. like, from a plain-but-enjoyable game to a 5 star course meal to the average homeless man’s meal. seriously?

i think there’s so much they could’ve done with jecka’s character, especially with the expansion of her parents’ divorce, her being dragged in the sex field, meetfeet.com (i hate that name so much), finding a job—her job with kelly at the DVDS place.

i think the whole route with jecka and kelly wondering through virginia (i think it’s placed there)’s places to find this porn place.

it has that seriousness and silliness all tied into it; with the disregard of them being freshly 18, them needing money, having to move out districts to find this crystal city, and the endless mall.

what a genuinely good premise. it has that touch only class of 09 has.

but it just had to be ruined. why’d kelly have to die? yes, characters die in the routes many times. but geez, why was that so necessary—maybe this take of mine is stupid, but i think it’s a bit silly. yes, all of the men are fucking crazy, but damn. #freekelly2024 or would a 2009 be more appropriate?

why’d jecka have to be thrown into a slave-sex human trafficking rink? especially with the mention of palestine like that? it’s actually so weird. palestine is in the middle of a ruthless genocide. why even talk about it in such a manner? i find it so disgusting. i couldn’t care if its jecka’s ignorance towards middle east/southern countries—i am pakistani myself. and its so disgusting how they treated palestine like that.

the part where nicole lets jecka’s sleep with her is so out of character, it’s frustrating. i’ll talk about it tomorrow. i’ll love to chat in the comment section!

[sirwow]

Alright cocole brain rot is so bad so continuing this post with a part 2. Once again I will warn you the cut will have a lot of text

SO after their talent show fiasco and getting first together, everything was basically back to normal- outside of spending weekends together playing in Cole’s room. Not all good things can last though.. one night while they were hanging out together, Edega came in to inform Cole thanks to his recent good health and loss of addiction he would be discharged within a week. Cole was hard caught off by this but Edega left quickly without another word. Nicole jokes trying to lighten the mood that now he could visit that cafe whenever he wanted, only getting a half hearted fake laugh in return. They simply return to what they were doing but Cole is clearly off for the rest of the night.

The very next day, Cole stops by the cafe for his usual visit. While Nicole is fixing up his usual and making small talk, Cole cuts her off, asking if she could caffeinate his drink. Nicole pauses. She stops making the drink and takes a moment to process what he just asked, a bit flabbergasted. Cole asks again but gets shut down by Nicole that she has doctor’s orders not to give him caffeine here. Cole tries to sweet talk and joke like usual but Nicole is clearly on alert. Questioning if he was trying to get himself hurt, just to stay? They have a stare off until Cole relents and just asks for his usual. Things are only getting more tense between them.

The next day Cole doesn’t show up for his usual. Whatever, he’s probably off pouting about not getting caffeine. Around his usual time thought a couple walks in the cafe, reminiscent of Cole. They get orders but float off by the side of her register clearly waiting for a conversation. Not like she had anyone else to talk to so asked what was up. Quickly Nicole found out these two were Cole’s parents. Word of him being in a hospital 3 cities over didn’t reach them until a family friend saw the talent show performance. They obviously connected Nicole to him since she was with him and was the best person to ask about him since Cole was avoiding them.

Nicole was a bit shocked by this, she’d never hide from her own parents. Of course she asked why was he hiding and found out about him getting mad that parents kicked him out when he refused to get an actual job. They came here to check on him if he was okay and help him financially with the medical bills. Why would he avoid them when they just wanted to help him? They have been bailing him out all the way to 22 and even now are saving him from his mistakes. She would never run away from her own parents even when she went through something similar.

His parents had to leave the same day for their own jobs and requested Nicole talk to Cole for them if she had the chance. She agreed and they shortly left the cafe after. Once Nicole finished her shift, she trotted off to Cole’s locked room to speak to him. Cole asked who it was when she knocked and let her in relieved when he heard her voice. Nicole remained calm and faked ignorance when he let her in, simply curious out loud why his door was locked. Cole claimed he just had some weird fan who was stalking and so he was hiding out in his room, even joking and apologizing for not showing up that day.

The blatant lie to her face and how much he was disrespecting such caring parents got to Nicole. She cut through the usual small chitchat, angry, and demanded answers from Cole why he was avoiding his parents when they visited. Cole instantly got defensive- Simply telling her sternly that they kicked him out onto the street. Nicole shot back that they obviously just wanted the best for him, to go out and get some actual life experience. Cole asked if then she was on their side of making him quit music and of course Nicole said no. Cole’s hothead got the best of him, snarkly questioning her if she wanted him to be “safe” by giving up the talent she says he has just to work some dead end job like her.

Nicole froze but her face was painted with rage and disbelief. Cole immediately realized what he just said and tried to backtrack n apologize but Nicole was furious. She snapped back, saying maybe his parents were right, that he clearly was reckless and needed the tough love. “Sorry” that he was gonna end up another broke artist on the street wondering where he went wrong. Cole stood silently and stunned. Nicole huffed, slicking her hair back before stomping out and past Logan, Hailey and Samurai who came over from the yelling. Nicole didn’t know how to feel but she could not deal with him right now, going out to the balcony for a smoke after being clean for over a month.

Never had she gotten so mad at someone. Despite this, a slow feeling of guilt washed over her for what she said. She knows why he was acting like that, she had the same mentality when she had to quit music but she wasn’t so stubborn. She should go and apologize or at least have a more calm conversation with him. However after an hour of deliberation and doom scrolling Cole’s socials, when she went down to his room again it was being cleaned out by the janitor. Nothing of his was there anymore. Nicole asked where Cole was when Ada passed in the hall and awkwardly told Nicole he took his discharge early, mumbling about something like jumping train to another try.

Ada continued to talk to Nicole while she stood completely stone face for a few seconds but was confusedly cut off when Nicole broke off into a full sprint out of the front door. There’s only one train station out of Middlesea to other towns and Nicole was on the clock to get to it fast. It was late, maybe almost nearing midnight when a train would always show up to leave town but work exhaustion wasn’t gonna stop her. Cole meanwhile simply sat at the stop, counting the seconds and listening to music.

He felt no comfort in the noise. His doubts piled up and he ripped out his ear buds. How could he ever hope to live up to these artists when at most he wrote one song when they wrote 6. He’s selfish. Nicole was smarter to give in and he practically called her an idiot to her face. Why would his family ever take him back when the first question he’d ask would be if they had some spare change for the same music they heard a year ago. Guess he had to start over. Again.

The clicking of the train against tracks mirrored Nicole’s footsteps. The shrieking of the wheels signaled Cole to slowly sit up to uncertainty. The call of his name froze him in his march. Nicole was covered in sweat, breathing heavily and staggering toward Cole. (Time for sappy Dialogue ehe)

C: “..Nicole..? Why are you here..?”

N: “uff.. Cole.. I..”

Nicole grabs one of Cole’s hands and clasps it in both of hers.

N: “I can’t just stand by, Cole. You have so much talent I can’t let you lose it.”

C: “..What are so you saying?”

N: “What can I do to help you, Cole. D-do you need to have a place to stay? Help finding a job I can-“

Cole’s eyes spoke his words and disbelief she was helping him after what he said and did.

N: “..Cole.. I-I adore you. Your music is fantastic, you put up with my dumb work vents, and you managed to bring back the music in my life I lost years ago. I.. I love you and all the stupid things about you.”

Nicole averts her flushed face and begins to lose the clasp on his hand but his other tilts her head back to him. Cole smiles and hugs Nicole tight.

C: “..I love you too.”

Nicole quietly chuckles and hugs him back a bit in disbelief. Despite the guitar case on his back, Nicole could still feel Cole tearing up against her. Nicole is pulled closer by Cole and she buries her face into his hat.

eragh.. anyways. After this point Cole goes to Nicole’s apartment and they crash together, her having to leave him the next day since she still had work the next day but encouraged him to make himself comfortable in her apartment. (along with them being able to get some space apart to think some more) Once she was back from work they spent the night and the weekend talking over games and music of what to do now. Life decisions made over homemade decaf coffee and candy.

Nicole certainly wasn’t letting him out on the street again with no money but Cole didn’t wanna fall back on his parents again and restart his self destructing. And so the plan of him 1. Staying with her long term and 2. Getting himself hired at the cafe to get cash and make both their lives a bit easier. While they haven’t really said it outloud yet, there’s an air of mutual understanding they’re a couple now. No “real” dates yet though. A date for them can just be as much as binge watching a shitty comedy together while eating a bucket of icecream.

ok that’s all the cocole story iv got for now, they’re mostly just in the main story bg after this point in my mind. Might change later depending on what my brain thinks later but thnaks for reading my rot