#and wedge is just awesome as per usual

[darkficsyouneveraskedfor]

End Game 3

No tag lists. Do not send asks or DMs about updates. Review my pinned post for guidelines, masterlist, etc.

Warnings: this fic will include dark content such as noncon/dubcon, age gap, stalking, and possible untagged elements. My warnings are not exhaustive, enter at your own risk.

This is a dark!fic and explicit. 18+ only. Your media consumption is your own responsibility. Warnings have been given. DO NOT PROCEED if these matters upset you.

Summary: Your gaming buddy asks to meet up but it doesn’t go exactly as planned.

Characters: Andy Barber

Note: and so it continues.

As per usual, I humbly request your thoughts! Reblogs are always appreciated and welcomed, not only do I see them easier but it lets other people see my work. I will do my best to answer all I can. I’m trying to get better at keeping up so thanks everyone for staying with me.

Your feedback will help in this and future works (and WiPs, I haven’t forgotten those!) Please do not just put ‘more’. I will block you.

I love you all immensely. Take care. 💖

When you find Kara, she’s at the front of the line. You wait impatiently on the other side of the rope as she gabs up a storm with the D-lister on the other side of the table. Restless, throat sour with bile, you pace in a small line, flicking your thumb as you resist the urge to tell her to hurry up. 

You need to get out of there. You can barely think. You can’t even stay still as heat scalds and speckles over your scalp and down your body. 

You turn on your heel and your feet tangle as you stop short. Andy stands just on the other side of the line, staring at you. Oh shit. 

You rush over to Kara and snap her tank top strap, “hey, there’s other people waiting.” 

“One second!” She squeals carelessly over her shoulder, quickly returning to fawning over the washed-up sci-fi actor. 

You sigh and cross your arms, rocking back and forth, “Kara, I really don’t feel good.” 

She huffs and chirps crisply, excusing herself from the table. Several others send her a dirty look for spending so much time chattering as they wait eagerly in the wings. She steps around the post to the other side of the rope. 

“Let me guess, too much sugar?” She scoffs. 

“Something like that,” you grumble. “Look, it’s like five. We’ve been here for a couple hours. I’m chill getting out of here.” 

“Already?” She lifts a brow, “we haven’t even got you a plushie.” 

“I should save my money,” you keep your arms folded around you. 

She eyes you up and down, “are you okay?” 

“Y-yeah, it’s like you said, too much sugar. I should’ve eaten breakfast. Or lunch.” 

She gives you a skeptical squint and shrugs, “alright, whatever. We can go hang at mine.” 

“Great, sorry,” you mope, “I just... I’m tired.” 

“It’s fine,” she assures you, “I get it. This place can be a bit much and the BO is starting to get to me.” She struts ahead of you and you catch up to her. She marvels at the signed photo in her hand, “at least I got something cool.” 

“Yeah, that’s awesome. You gonna hang it up?” You ask, trying to distract yourself. 

“Mm, maybe.” 

You glance over your shoulder. Andy’s closer, looming, hands in his pocket, eyes set on you. What is he doing? You grab her arm and hurry her towards the exit. 

“Woah, what’s up?” She trips in her wedged sandals. 

“I just need some fresh air. Like you said, it stinks in here.” 

As you finally get through the front doors, your phone is shaking incessantly. The buzz can be heard through the denim. You ignore it as you cross the lot. 

“Is that him calling?” She asks, “is that what this is about? I mean, I’d be pissed too but he shouldn’t get to ruin your day.” 

“No, it’s not,” you lie, “I just... crowds get to me after a while. It’s been a long day, traveling and all that... I’m tired.” 

“Mm, sure, well, let’s not let that coward shit on it all,” she snips. “It’ll be like high school. Girls’ night! Popcorn and nail painting and your favourite hollywood hunk.” 

“You mean your favourite,” you toss back. 

She giggles, “come on, you know you think he’s cute too.” 

You roll your eyes and stick close to her. You follow her out to the street and quickly turn away. You send one last look over your shoulder. You don’t think he’d follow you this far. You grab onto Kara’s arm and set your sights ahead of you. 

“Sleepover!” You chime, doing your best to hide your anxiety. 

🎮

You’re sad to leave Kara. She made a crummy day brighter with a fun night. Still, you’re relieved to go back home. Where you can be alone, where you can forget. 

You catch an early Greyhound and hug your bag to you as you doze, waking with each lurch of the axle. Back in town, you disembark and sigh. You still have a shift tonight. It’s a good excuse to avoid that little needling at the back of your mind. 

You still can’t believe it. How many years had you been warned against meeting people on the internet? For how much of your life has that faceless avatar online been the boogeyman to fear? And yet, he sent you pictures, you spent hours gaming together, and you trusted him. Yes, you’re that stupid. You really trusted Jacob—Andy. 

You drop your stuff at home and shower as your grandmother grumbles into a cup of tea. As you emerge, her eternal scowl curls her lips. You go to the kitchen to wash her used dishes and come back out, hoping the chore appeases her. She doesn’t say a word as she sorts through her knitting needles. 

Right. As grim as the house can be, you find comfort in that nothing has changed, even if you feel like your world has. You don’t even want to look at your Switch. That one possession you treasured above all. It’s the most expensive thing you own. You saved for months to get one, it connected you to outside, it helped you escape, and now it’s just another reminder. 

You grab your purse and head off for work. You message Kara to check in. Uh oh, she says Calvin is in town. Not this again. 

You go to hit reply on her message and another notification pops up. You tap it before you can stop yourself. It’s him. Andy. He’s been texting but you haven’t answered, you haven’t even looked to block him. You don’t know why you haven’t just hit that magic button but you just avoided everything about him. 

‘Please. I’m sorry. Can we please talk?’ 

It’s no different than the litany of texts before hand; ‘we can mine and talk this out’; ‘I wanted to tell you the truth for so long, I just thought you had the right to hear it face-to-face'; ‘hope you got home safe. Please text when you have a moment’; one after another, changing from one tone to the others; desperate, apologetic, concerned... 

Before you can dismiss the conversation, he messages again. 

‘You’re reading my messages. I see the checkmark. Please, just give me a chance to explain.’ 

You sniff and shake your head. You mute your phone and bury it at the bottom of your purse. You don’t want to talk to him but you just can’t bring yourself to get rid of him entirely. For a year he was your friend. Maybe just a gaming buddy but a constant that you came to count on.  

You would login and just shoot the shit; chat about your day; just let it all out and not think as you dug up diamonds or raced around Moo Moo Meadows. That’s all gone now and it hurts just as much as the rest of his lies. It isn’t just that he isn’t Jacob, it’s that you told him things you didn’t even tell Kara. He had been your safe harbour because he was far away, because anything you said could never come back to you. 

Your eyes sting and your cheeks pinch. Stupid, again. You shouldn’t be this emotional about this. Forget about it. You got work.  

Work? Scooping ice cream? God, how pathetic you must have sounded to him. He’s a lawyer or something? At least that what he claimed when he’d still been Jacob. You knew at first glance the type of man he is; established, professional, and older. So much older. 

Yeah, your problems must have seemed so minuscule and immature. Oh, you flunked a pop quiz? Not like you have to pay a mortgage.  

Urgh. You shake off the nipping embarrassment as you enter the booth and pull on your apron. Maybe you don’t have that much going on, but you’re trying. You’re young. You’re learning. What’s his excuse? 

🎮

You should have done this a lot sooner. You don’t know why you didn’t. Maybe because it didn’t matter before. Before, Jacob was just a boy you played Minecraft with. He was just a voice in a headset. But now, he’s... not. He’s Andy. No. 

He’s dead. 

You stare at the search result and your heart sinks. That, at least, is true. Jacob Barber; death date, last year. The pictures even match. Just a skinny kid, smiling beside his dad and mom. She’s gone too. Lost in the same accident. 

You kick yourself for being so careless. If you’d just searched him up a year ago. Even just reverse searched those pictures, you would’ve pieced it together. The only thing you can be thankful for is that it wasn’t worse. That you’re safe and you can just leave it behind. 

Well, that’s what you want to do. 

You scroll through the rest of the results. There's more, before the death. Articles about a murder and suspects. Jacob was one. What? 

It’s all so messy you can hardly make sense of any of it. You stop and sit back. You think of the man who sat across from you, you remember the look in his eyes, the flicker in his voice. He did sound sorry. 

And after everything? A police investigation then to just lose your son like that? Your only child. 

You know you don’t owe him anything. He lied to you. He had every chance to be honest, from the very beginning. Maybe you wouldn’t have wanted to play with a middle-aged man but maybe you could’ve helped him find somebody. You could’ve at least shared gaming tips.  

It isn’t about him. It’s about closure. This is just a blip on the radar. You have bigger things to worry about. Your grandmother, work, school. The summer’s flying by and tuition fees are higher than last year. Your interest payments are going to spike and you foresee a second job on the horizon. 

You look at your phone, entranced by it. You stand and walk in circles. You come back to your small desk and pick up the cell. The little chat bubble at the bottom has that red dot in the corner; unread messages. You tap it and the dot disappears. 

Jacob-- 

Andy’s chat opens and you slowly key in your message, several times over before you get it right. 

‘I’m signing into the server. I’ll be on until nine. No mining, talking.’ 

That’s it. That’s all. You can’t go back to what it was. You want this to be over. You’re closing the book, cutting the strings. He needs to know what he did was wrong and you need to move on. 

You take a breath and try to calm your nerves. Now that you’ve sent the message, you don’t know if you can do it. It’s too late, he saw it. 

You move slowly as you boot up your switch and plug in your headset. Your heart is racing like crazy. You’re going to have a panic attack. You feel the same wave of nausea you felt back at the con. Ugh. 

You load the server and almost as soon as the textures appear, he joins. Your lip trembles. You hear his mic scuff but he says nothing. No, you’re not here to listen to him. He has to hear you and then you’re done. 

“I’m sorry about your son,” you begin. 

“I... thanks.” 

“But it’s not an excuse,” you interrupt him, “what you did was so wrong.” 

“I know.” 

“Please, let me get this out,” you insist, your voice shaking. “I can’t understand what you’ve been through. I looked it all up and I know that it’s a lot. I, obviously, have never dealt with any of that. You know that, because I told you. Because I trusted you,” you frown as you inhale sharply, tears pricking in your eyes, “because I thought you were my age, that you were him, your son. Your dead son.” 

You shudder and shake your head, gulping thickly. 

“Do you not see how fucked up that is?” 

He sighs, “I know. I promise you, I wanted to tell you. That’s why... that’s why I wanted to meet. Because you deserved to know and I had to tell it to your face. You deserved that--” 

“Did I deserve to be lied to? Huh? Why—Why did you need to do all that? Why couldn’t you just tell the truth?” 

He sniffles. You’re silent, choked by the sob trapped in your throat. 

“I... He’s gone. I missed him so bad and I wasn’t thinking straight. It’s not an excuse, you’re right,” his voice is raspy, “I... you reminded me of him. Playing his favourite game helped me get through. It was wrong. All of it. I’m not saying you should forgive me, but I’m trying to explain as best as I can. I still don’t really understand why I did it.” 

You swallow and wipe your wet eyes, “you’re right. I don’t need to forgive you. I don’t. I only came on here to say what I needed to before I delete this world. I might be young and stupid but I think you need help. Real help, not some girl on a headset.” 

“Please--” 

His voice cuts off as you hit quit. You feel a pang of guilt. You do feel bad for him but you hope he heard you. You can’t forgive what he did to you, but you can wish the best for him. You hope what you said can make him get the proper help.

[fcukfodmap]

Day 31: Low-FODMAP Steak Tips with Iceberg Wedge Salad

I got blue cheese and sirloin on the contingency plan the last time I was at Costco, so I nosed through some recipes to see if I could come up with anything. When I saw one that paired iceberg wedges with steak tips, I was like, that's it. Per usual. a lot of this recipe ended up being stuff I already had in the kitchen -- the only thing I had to pick up on the way home was a lettuce head, because I didn't know if the one I had had gone off or not. To the recipe! Allons-y!

Low-FODMAP Steak Tips with Iceberg Wedge Salad

2 lbs sirloin, cut into 2 inch portions

1 c plain Greek yogurt

3/4 c blue cheese crumbles, plus extra for finishing

1 1/2 tsp red wine vinegar

1 head iceberg lettuce, cored and cut into wedges

12 oz cherry tomatoes, halved

6 slices cooked bacon, crumbled

2 tbsp fresh chives, minced

salt, pepper, and maybe oil

Pat steak dry with paper towels and salt and pepper all over. Either cook in a skillet with some oil over medium high heat, or grill until the meat is well browned on all sides and the internal temp is 125F. Tent with foil and rest for 5 minutes.

Whisk yogurt, blue cheese, vinegar, 1/2 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp pepper together in a bowl.

Arrange lettuce wedges and steak tips on 4 (to 6) plates and drizzle with dressing. Top with tomatoes, bacon, more blue cheese if you'd like, and chives.

This came together quickly, looked great, and tasted awesome. There were some complaints about the amount of lettuce and having to cut things up, which whatever. You could certainly cut the lettuce and steak tips up, and arrange the dish more like a chop salad, and no one would be harmed. I got 5 servings out of this recipe, but I live with three big guys, one of whom is a teenager, so adjust expectations accordingly.

As to the FODMAP content, I have seen in a number of places that Greek yogurt is very low in lactose, but if you're worried about it, you could use a sour cream alternative or lactose-free yogurt, if you can source it. Tomatoes are also only low-FODMAP in a single serving -- something like 5 cherry tomatoes -- so don't overdo it. Everything else is fine. I suppose you could sub the tomatoes with cukes or something.

I don't really have anything I'd do differently, and this was basically a perfect summer meal. I grilled the steaks, so I didn't have to heat up the house, and the salad was crisp and delightful. Now I'll just have to figure out what to do with the rest of the ridiculous amount of sirloin.

Disclaimer: I am no dietician. I'm doing my best to minimize FODMAPs in my diet, but it's possible for me to be misinformed or mistaken about various ingredients.

[turbonicflaws]

(HEY !! DRAGON BALL SUPER SPOILERS AHEAD IF YOU HAVENT WATCHED IT !!!)

Two things I REALLY wanna see happen in the general future of dragon ball but probably won’t ever happen are:

- A lighthearted arc where Goku goes full ultra instinct, but because of how much he struggled to reach that level / hold it, its power is completely out of his control and he just kind of gets stuck in that form. But because of how ultra instinct works — how it separates his mind from body movements and basically stops him from thinking — he basically just becomes super vague and stares into nothing without talking like, AT ALL. So Goku is just a fully charged up blank slate while everyone in his family + friends are trying to snap him out of it. But whenever Chi Chi or someone gets frustrated and tried to hit him he just perfectly moves out of the way and nobody can catch him to try and break his trance. They’ve got a completely automated Goku that they just CANNOT get through to.

- An arc where Goku becomes the villain !! But not in the way that happened with the whole Goku Black situation, I mean our Goku. Like. Imagine Goku fighting some horrible evil as per usual, but as he’s fighting he doesn’t realise that this horrible evil has slowly been corrupting him, until there’s a big classic dragon ball explosion and Goku is COMPLETELY changed. Like this evil is wedged into his brain and has corrupted how he thinks completely. It’s not someone else / some other consciousness using Goku’s body, but instead it IS Goku, just corrupted. suddenly Vegeta, Gohan and whoever else is fighting, need to somehow beat Goku without killing him, in hopes of getting him back.

I think that would be awesome I would really love that.

[wheresmynaya]

Lost in the Lights Ch.16|Brittana

A/N - Better late than never, am I right? 😅 Sorry for the delay, it has been a struggle to write but thanks for being patient and not spamming me with demands for an update. I must be a glutton for punishment though because I've decided that this final chapter will have two parts now. Here's part one. Enjoy!

Available on ff.net (x) ao3 (x) & under the cut!

Despite the pristine shape Brittany keeps herself in, she breathes heavily in the crisp December air. Her lungs feel like they’re growing icicles and she’s struggling to keep her hands from going numb in the frigid temperature. There’s no doubt her nose is as red as Rudolph’s by now and she can barely feel her lips as she calls out play after play, but she persists.

She always persists.

Afterall, this is the last football practice of her high school career. 

It’s an important milestone for her but the couple of hours Coach Beiste added to practice makes it a little harder to enjoy – especially now that the sun sets earlier and the temperature drops faster. But Brittany figures high school football practices are a walk in the park compared to college level, so she goes through the motions as per usual and soaks in the moment while it lasts.

At the sound of Coach Beiste’s whistle, everyone gets set for another play and Brittany readies herself for the snap.

When the ball is hiked, Brittany takes it into her hands and tries to drop back so she can fire downfield. The Titan defense is too aggressive for her new O-Line though and soon the pocket she’s in begins to collapse. Defensive players are coming at her from all angles so she has to duck and dodge. It’s a mad scramble to avoid a sack but there’s nothing more to do than to throw the ball away for an incompletion.

When the play is called dead, there’s some shoving amongst her frustrated linemen but she wedges herself in between the guys, forcing them apart with a firm push. The tension has been growing since last night’s practice, but they can’t fall apart now. There’s too much at stake.

“It’s alright, guys! We’re almost there!” Brittany tries to encourage her team although she’s starting to sense the discouragement, “Keep pushing! We’ll get this.”

“Jackson! Ridley! You have got to step it up,” Coach drills for the tenth time, “Pierce was this close to a sack. You have to offer more protection than that or we’re getting our butts handed to us tomorrow night.”

The replacements for Azimio and Karofsky nod diligently. The two eagerly accepted the challenge when Coach Beiste called upon them to step up after dismissing Azimio and Karofsky. The only problem is that they mostly practiced on defense so protecting the quarterback is new terrain for them.

“This isn’t Carmel’s first rodeo, folks. They’re the defending champs for how many years now? We have to do better than this. I know we can, we wouldn’t have a record like ours if we couldn’t,” Coach continues.

And it’s true. From where the Titans were as a team in the beginning of the season to now is a drastic improvement. Hell, they’re playing better than they ever have! The loss of Azimio and Karofsky was only a minor setback, but the team has faced adversity before and they can do it again.

Besides, they’re better off without them.

“Carmel’s time at the top is over,” Brittany adds as she looks around at her team, “Right, Titans?”

The team starts to hype themselves up again as they cheer on Brittany’s words and the quarterback smiles proudly at the response.

“Alright, let’s run it again and this time hold the line longer than half a second,” Coach instructs, “We know Pierces has wheels, but she shouldn’t have to scramble. Line up!”

The Titans all gravitate back to the line of scrimmage at the Coach’s command and begin again.

With only two practices on offense under the replacements’ belt and the big game just a mere 24 hours away, all Brittany can do now is have faith that they’ll be able to iron out most of the kinks and everything will work out just fine.

It has to.

\\

It’s a restless night’s sleep for Brittany before the big game, but that’s nothing new. She always gets the jitters on game day, but there’s something else that looms over her and she can’t quite decided if it’s good or bad. It lingers throughout her morning run and usual routine of getting ready for the school day. It’s there as she texts Santana good morning and it’s even there when she joins her mom and Pete for breakfast downstairs.

“Nice shirt, Petey!” Brittany compliments before pressing a kiss to the top of her brother’s head.

Pete puffs out his chest and does a cute little flex to show off his custom-made Pierce Power t-shirt in WMHS colors. Brittany starts to mimic him and soon the two are having a flex-off at the kitchen counter.

Whitney can only laugh at the pair as she plates up their banana pancakes. That odd feeling still lingers as they all settle down to eat, but it’s kind of comforting above anything else.

\\

With her car keys in hand, Brittany’s just about to head out the door when she catches a glimmer from the corner of her eye. The morning sun trickles in through the tiny opening left in the living room curtains and falls on a silver picture frame on the fireplace mantle. In the frame is a picture of a young Brittany wearing a football jersey that’s two sizes too big and she’s giving the camera a toothy grin as she holds a football that’s two sizes too big for her tiny hands.

But behind her, supporting the ball in her tiny hands so she doesn’t drop it is her dad and he looks just as proud as he always did to be there to support her. It’s one of Brittany’s favorite pictures of them – the first time she was introduced to football. It wouldn’t be for a couple more years that she’d actually take to the field, but in that picture is where her interest begin.

It wasn’t forced upon her. It wasn’t her dad trying to live vicariously through her. It was just a moment between a father and daughter. A moment that shaped her and encouraged her to be this great athlete, but above all – a great person. If it wasn’t for him, maybe she would’ve never touched a football?

Brittany starts to get a little choked up because he should be here. He should be in those stands tonight cheering louder than anyone else there just like he has done all of her life. He should be with her, looking just as proud as he does in that picture.

She starts to feel that familiar pain in her chest, the slow building anger, because it isn’t fair. Of all the great dads in the world, why did it have to be hers? But then she remembers something her mom told her once after having one of her nightmares.

“He’ll always be with you, Britt. He’s in every pretty sunset and sunrise. He’s there for every game and every one of your touchdowns. You might not be able to see him anymore or hear him, but he’s there. You’ll feel it.”

It’s not until that moment that Brittany begins to realize what that feeling that’s lingered around her all morning might be. It’s the first time she’s really felt it in a long time and she quietly wishes he’d visit more often.

At that, she gives the picture one last smile before heading out the door.

\\

When she arrives to WMHS’ student parking lot, Brittany finds that she has beaten Santana to school for a second morning in a row. She chuckles as she remembers the garbled nonsense Santana had sent in reply to Brittany’s Good Morning text and decides to head inside and wait for Santana by their lockers instead. The girl has been known to show up with just a few minutes left to spare before first bell and Brittany needs a little more time than that to get ready for class.

On the walk to her locker, Brittany is greeted by several students and faculty wishing her luck tonight. She smiles and thanks them like she has grown accustomed to doing over the past few months, although sometimes she still can’t believe they all treat her like some type of celebrity.

She spots some of her teammates in the hall dressed similarly to her in their blue jeans and Game Day jerseys. The only thing Brittany’s missing is her letterman jacket but she can thank the Puck Heads for that.

“Sup Pierce!” Puck calls out before he and Finn bump knuckles with her, “Ready for tonight?”

“Totally,” Brittany responds confidently, “You?”

“Hell yeah!” Puck answers, “Can’t wait to saw right through those guys.”

“Seriously! Wish we got to have the school day off or something,” Finn says, “Like a Titans Skip Day?”

“Dude, genius idea!” Puck replies, “No way I’ll be able to concentrate on stuff today.”

Brittany knows the feeling but she doesn’t say that, “I know, that would be so awesome but no skipping. Coach checks if we’re all in class.”

“Damn,” Finn and Puck grumble in unison.

Brittany only laughs as she continues her walk, “Would be cool though. I’ll catch you later.”

When she gets to her locker, Brittany starts pulling out the books she doesn’t need yet from her book bag in exchange for the ones she’ll need for her first class. She’s trying her hardest to remember what she needs for class, but with the entire school going on and on about this game tonight it’s difficult to focus on much else.

That Titans Skip Day starts to sound really good as she finishes up stuffing her book bag. She only wishes it were a real thing as JBI rounds the corner with his mic and cameraman in tow.

“Good morning, Brittany!” JBI says cheerfully, “Do you have time for a quick interview?”

Brittany’s brows rise, “You’re asking first?”

JBI’s cheerfulness falters slightly, “New policy.”

Brittany looks around the hall for Santana but she still isn’t around so she figures she can throw JBI a bone. It’ll probably be the last interview she’ll have to do anyway and since he asked nicely, she might as well do it.

“Alright then. Shoot.”

“Awesome!” JBI then looks to the camera guy and gestures for him to start filming.

Brittany straightens up and tries to prepare herself for whatever questions might be thrown her way. Surprisingly though, the first three are pretty easy for her to answer. In fact, it starts off as a relatively legit interview void of gossipy comments.

Key words though: starts off.

“What about the loss of Karofsky and Azimio?” JBI questions, “With the change being made just two days out from the big game, are there any regrets?”

Brittany takes a moment before answering, “I’m not going to question the decision my Coach made, so no I don’t have any regrets. I don’t really consider it a loss, it was more of gain. Taking their place are two players who have been on our defense’s practice squad and they’re super excited to show everyone what they’ve got.”

JBI doesn’t seem satisfied with her diplomatic answer and presses further, “How prepared can someone possibly be with only two days of practice? Doesn’t seem fair to me.”

“Well, you can thank Karofsky and Azimio for that,” Brittany replies too quickly, “They were the ones that decided not to carry themselves like they should. Would it have been nice to get a little more practice in with the new guys? Sure, but they were the ones who let this team down, who let me down.”

“So it was a personal matter that got them kicked off the team?” JBI presses.  

Brittany grits her teeth, “If you want to know their story then go ask them for the details.”

JBI backs off with a sigh, “Okay. So with a couple key players out of the way, do you have any concerns about the outcome of tonight’s game?”

“No. We’re going out there to win tonight,” Brittany says confidently, “We’re a resilient bunch of talented players, we can overcome just about anything if we continue to work as a team. Jackson and Ridley should be given more credit because they’re doing fantastic given the short notice.”

“Hopefully that’ll reflect in tonight’s game,” JBI changes gears once he realizes Brittany isn’t going to fall into his trap, “There's also a rumor going around that the entire hockey team has been required to attend the game tonight. Can you confirm this?”

“Is that considered a rumor?” Brittany questions. JBI nods eagerly but Brittany just shrugs, “Well yeah, Coach Beiste found out that they haven’t actually attended a Titans game ever so she figured this would be the best way for them to get over their…feelings towards me and the team. A lot of their aggression comes from ignorance so hopefully tonight we can change that. It's important that we all support each other, we all play for the same school so when we succeed we all do.”

“And if you don't win?” JBI presses, “The last time the Titans competed against Carmel the score was 23 – 7; you guys were demolished. It would be pretty embarrassing now with the Puck Heads there because you’re not losing in front of just one rival, you're doing it in front of two.”

Brittany feels her heart drop to the pit of her stomach. She hadn’t thought about that before and she finds herself struggling to come up with a quick, diplomatic response.

“Why the hell would you say something like that?”

Brittany turns to the familiar voice and finds Santana walking up with this scowl on her face. The crowds of students quickly get out of her way as she saunters over to the pair. JBI looks like he’s a deer caught in the headlights and Santana thrives on it as the scowl turns devilish.

“What’s the matter with you, huh?” Santana snaps and gives him a little shove out of the way since he was blocking her locker.

“What?” JBI asks innocently. Brittany swears she sees him shiver.

“How about a good luck tonight or you’ve done an amazing job with the team this season?” Santana prompts with faux-excitement before the scowl returns, “God, the shit you spout. No wonder you’re always in a dumpster.”

Brittany stifles a laugh while Santana just shakes her head at him.

“I – I’m not always in a dumpster,” JBI counters but Santana only waves him off as she glances at Brittany. There’s just a hint of a smile there, but it’s enough for the quarterback to find her confidence again.

“Well to answer your question, JBI,” Brittany replies, “If we don’t come out on top tonight, at least we played at all. Right? Have you competed in any Championship games lately? Has anyone at this school besides the Cheerios competed in a Championship?”

JBI’s shoulders sink a little while Santana smiles proudly.

“Yeah, I didn’t think so,” Brittany adds.

“And on that note,” Santana says to him, “Kindly fuck off.”

Once JBI and his friend shuffle away, Santana’s demeanor softens just a little more.

“Sorry I missed you in the parking lot,” Santana apologizes, “I couldn’t find my keys this morning and Quinn was meant to drop off your – “

Santana’s sentence is cut off by Brittany stealing a quick kiss while they’re shielded by their locker doors being open. Santana’s lips are still a little cold from her being outside but it doesn’t last once she has Brittany’s on her. It’s soft and sweet and for a second they forget they’re even at school.

“Mornin’,” Brittany says once she pulls away wearing her infamous mega-watt smile, “How are you?”

Santana blinks at the casual tone and lets out a chuckle, “I’m good now. How are you?”

Brittany looks down the hall where JBI is now trying to interview Puck and Finn. She shakes her head at that and laughs, “Well...it’s a typical day at William McKinley.”

“There’s always something,” Santana chuckles as she starts rummaging through her locker, “How are you feeling about today?”

“I feel good,” Brittany nods, “I feel ready. A bit nervous because there’s a lot riding on this game…”

“You’ve got nothing to be nervous about,” Santana assures her with a smile, “You’re the best of the best. Both on the field and off.”

Brittany feels her cheeks pink at the compliment.

“I for one can’t wait to see you play,” Santana adds before sending her a smirk, “I’ve never seen someone look so good in that uniform.”

“Okay,” Brittany blushes, “Stop while you’re ahead or else I might make you miss first bell.”

Santana giggles seductively just as a group of freshman girls walk by them.

“Good luck tonight, Brittany!” One girl says, “You’re an inspiration to us all.”

Brittany gives them an awkward but polite smile, “Thank you.”

They all chatter amongst themselves excitedly as they move on down the hall. Santana looks at them then back to Brittany as a smirk forms.

“I see your fan club is very active today,” She teases.

Brittany rolls her eyes, “They’re excited. It’s the first Championship game for a lot of people here, they’re bound to be a little…enthusiastic. Plus there’s the whole first female QB thing that no one will forget so yeah, they’re active today.”

“Just remember who your real number one fan is,” Santana flirts with a tug to the hem of Brittany’s jersey.

“Who’s that?”

Santana tugs a little harder causing Brittany to come closer as she quirks her brow.

“Right,” Brittany smirks, “I might need more reminding later.”

“Oh really?”

“Mhmm,” Brittany hums, “I might need help warming up too.”

“I bet you do,” Santana teases as she leans in for a quick kiss, “Luckily, I’m good at doing both.”

“God,” Someone scoffs, “Get a room.”

Santana scowls at the interruption but as she and Brittany pull away they find Quinn standing there smirking. One hand is on her hip while a coat protector dangles from the other.

“I see why you couldn’t wait two more minutes,” Quinn mentions with a chuckle, “Had to go and scar everyone with whatever’s going on here.”

Santana rolls her eyes playfully, “Please, our lips barely even grazed.”

Brittany chuckles at that.

“Besides,” Santana continues, “It was either wait on your ass for who knows how long or see my wonderful, amazing girlfriend. It was a pretty easy decision to make.”

“Yeah yeah,” Quinn jokes as she hands Brittany the hanger, “This is for you, Britt.”

Brittany looks a little confused as she takes it but then she gets a peek of crimson red fabric from the opening of the bag and realizes what it is.

“Hey, it’s my jacket!” Brittany exclaims.

“I rushed the order,” Quinn shrugs as Santana helps Brittany unzip the bag.

“Thank you so much,” Brittany wastes no time putting it on over her jersey. She was never one to walk around in her letterman jacket all the time, but she’d be lying if she said it didn’t make her feel a little more complete now.

“Looking good,” Santana winks before adjusting Brittany’s collar.

Brittany blushes before turning back to Quinn, “I really appreciate this, Quinn. Let me know what I owe you so I can pay you back.”

Quinn waves her off, “Don’t worry about it.”

“Are you sure?” Brittany asks, “A rush order like this couldn’t have been cheap.”

“It’s fine, really,” Quinn assures her, “Just kill it tonight.”

Brittany only grins, “I can do that.”

\\

And the Titans do kill it…at first.

They hit the ground running and were able to score touchdowns on their first two drives, making the score 14 – 0 within the first five minutes of the game! The quick lead really got the crowd going in favor of the Titans – Brittany was sure she could hear her mom and Pete cheering her on all the way from the stands. Even the Puck Heads looked somewhat interested in the game. She and the team used all that energy and gave each play their all and then some.

For most of the first quarter, the Titans were crushing Carmel on offense and their star quarterback, Jesse St. James, was not happy about that. The guy practically threw a temper tantrum anytime the Titans scored, it was so sad. It’s a surprise the refs hadn’t called any penalties, but with a rivalry like there’s everyone was ready for the tension.

Whenever the Camels would score, the Titans were all too happy to respond with a touchdown of their own. With the amount of touchdown passes Brittany was throwing, she was nearing a record-breaking game and they were still only in the first half.

It was a shoot out up until the ball was picked off of Mike midway in the second quarter which changed the tides in favor of the Camels.

With that small advantage, it was like new life was breathed into Carmel. From then on, it felt like Brittany and the Titans were playing catch up, just hoping to maintain their 14 point lead that the Camels were quickly closing in on.

Unfortunately on the Titans’ next drive, they’re unable to make it into the endzone. The Camels use that to their advantage once again and do what the Titans couldn’t: score.

That brings it to 35 – 28 with the Titans still in the lead but only by a single touchdown.

\\

“Not today, sweetheart!” A Carmel defender taunts in Brittany’s direction after her pass was swatted down. The player jogs alongside her and flexes, “Maybe if you had guns like these you could get through me!”

Brittany does her best to ignore him, but he’s been running his mouth all night and she’s starting to reach her boiling point. She can’t lose her cool though, not tonight, so she just keeps her eyes forward in hopes that he’ll lose interest.

After another failed drive for the Titans offense, Brittany makes her way to the sidelines with her helmet in her hand. She’s given a water bottle and takes a quick drink before wiping the sweat from her face with a towel. Although she’s starting to get a little frustrated, Brittany keeps those feelings to herself as she reaches for the Titans playbook.

“There’s got to be something we haven’t tried,” Brittany mutters to herself as she flips through.

She’s looking for something that Carmel wouldn’t expect from them, something that’ll give the Titans that edge that’s been missing so far. Though it’s still early in the game, it feels like Carmel is starting to play one step ahead of them and Brittany wants to find a way to stop that before it’s too late.

As she flips through the plays, constantly tucking the fallen strands of hair from her ponytail behind her ears, Brittany continues to look for that special play when she hears someone call out to her. Turning to the voice, she finds Santana leaning on the railing behind her.

“Want me to fix that for you?” She asks with a small smirk.

It takes a second for Brittany to realize that she’s talking about her messy ponytail before she’s jogging over to close the distance between them.

Santana’s decked out even more so than usual in school spirited accessories and her Cheerios uniform is as vibrant as ever, but what catches Brittany’s eye is the #12 drawn on Santana’s cheek in red and black marker. She swears that wasn’t there when she saw Santana before the game and it makes her heart melt.

Brittany knows many people have taken a liking to her, to the point where they wear her number to show support but it hits differently when Santana does it – especially since not many people know about them being a couple yet.

“You’re wearing my number,” Brittany points out as she turns her back so that Santana can reach her ponytail. She keeps her eyes trained on the field, hoping their defense doesn’t let Carmel score.

“I am,” Santana says as her fingers delicately pull the hair tie from Brittany’s hair and starts to comb through the strands, “You don’t know how many girls on the squad wanted to wear yours, I couldn’t have that.”

Brittany laughs, “Well I am pretty inspirational.”

“I guess,” Santana teases before getting to work on the braid, “How’s it going out there? It looks like you guys are losing steam. Not getting tired, are you?”

Brittany scoffs playfully, “We’re just getting started but I can see what you mean. Their offense isn’t making it easy for us. They’ve definitely watched film.”

Santana hums again as Brittany gets lost in thought to the feeling of Santana’s fingertips gently scratching at her scalp. She’s been so focused on the game and moving around that she hasn’t noticed how cold it is out. A December winter in Ohio is very different from the ones she’s used to in Florida, but she keeps her hands hidden in her hand warmer.

“We have to score once more before the half, but I think Carmel is starting to pick up on our routes,” Brittany says, “I have to do something different. It can’t be a sneak because I don’t think they’ll let me get away with it for a second time. I can’t risk getting picked off again either because that’s even worse, but what? What won’t they expect?”

“Well,” Santana sighs as her hands move further down Brittany’s hair, “I can’t say I know what most of that means but you got this. If anyone can make something happen, it’s you. It’s still early, maybe you’ll wear them out?”

“Or maybe they’ll just get stronger?” Brittany mumbles her worries.

“You can’t think like that,” Santana tells her as she finishes up and nudges Brittany around, “You’ve turned this team around and gotten them this far. You’re going all the way, babe, I can feel it. Besides, you guys are in way better shape than them; at least, I know you’re definitely in better shape. I can guarantee that one from personal experience.”

Brittany smiles back lovingly and almost laughs when Santana accompanies her compliment with a wink. She’s not used to being the one that needs the pep talk, but she’s glad Santana’s there to offer her one anyway. She didn’t realize how much she needed the reassurance.

It makes those three little words start to float up, but she pushes them away for now. She needs her focus to be on the game.

“Thank you,” Brittany says, “It really means a lot.”

Santana only shrugs although she looks just as smitten.

“And thanks for this too,” Brittany says as she glides over her newly braided hair, “Didn’t know you could French braid.”

“It’s one of my many talents,” Santana jokes, “Also one less thing you have to worry about. I’m sure you’ll figure out the football thing too. Maybe you could have one of the guys throw it to you instead or something? Carmel would never expect that.”

Brittany’s eyes light up, “Oh my God, you’re right.”

“What?”

Brittany gets to thinking out loud, “I’ve got Finn and even Sam. They both have pretty good arms. If I hand it off to one of them instead, I could totally slip through and get open.”

“Wait, seriously?” Santana chuckles disbelievingly “You’re really gonna try that?”

“Duh. It’s a good idea,” Brittany grins confidently, “God, I could just kiss you right n – ”

“Offense! To the field!” Coach yells out, “Where’s Pierce?”

“Shit. I gotta go,” Brittany says before quickly pulling on her helmet and giving Santana a wink, “Wish me luck!”

Santana only waves her pompoms in return as she watches Brittany jog off.

\\

Back out on the field, Brittany gets her guys ready for the first snap. She’s going to try and get them into better field advantage because no way she’s going to attempt to run for 40 yards. She can’t risk getting tackled and potentially injuring herself so that’s where Puckerman comes in handy.

“East 32,” Brittany calls out to her sides; a running play, “East 32!”

She tracks the defense’s movements, keeping her eyes on the linebacker that’s been giving her a hard time all quarter. Thankfully Jackson and Ridley have been doing a great job of protecting her thus far, but all it takes is one wrong move to change that.

“Down!” She says and readies herself for the snap, “HUT!”

The ball is thrust into her hands and she’s quick to get a good hold of it before she’s passing it off to Puck. Brittany hits him square in the chest with it and he automatically wraps the ball in his arms, making this impenetrable cage, before he’s crashing into defenders. Brittany throws a block in order to offer a little more protection, but Puck is only able to go a few yards before he’s brought down.

It’s a clean hit, but someone on the Camels makes a snarky comment and the next thing Brittany’s knows is that Puck’s getting in their face. Matt tries his best to pull him away, but another one of Carmel’s guys shoves at Matt so now everyone’s starting to get scrappy.

“Back off! Get back!” Brittany yells at her guys as the refs start to push players apart, “Come on, guys! Back off!”

With the two teams having years and years of rivalry history under their belts, Brittany was prepared for the emotions to show. She figured it would’ve happened a lot sooner, but she’s grateful that it didn’t. She needs her guys focused on the game, not getting wrapped up in a fight.

“Come on, Puck,” Brittany coaxes as she gets her hand on the Running Back, “Don’t let them get into your head. You’re better than this.”

“That asshole keeps talking shit!” Puck snaps, “I’m getting sick of it.”

“Then shut him up with a play,” She warns him, “You getting caught up in a fight doesn’t help your team. It won’t mean anything if you’re ejected, will it?”

Puck quiets down, “No.”

“Okay, stay focused then,” Brittany says then pats him on the shoulder before gathering her guys for another play.

On their next play, she hands the ball off to Puck again and this time he’s able to break free of his defenders and gets a crucial first down. Now that they’re within good range to try Santana’s idea, Brittany has to call a time out to tell her team about it.

When she does, they all look at her like she’s crazy…at first.

“I like it,” Mike nods, “I think it’ll work. It’s kind of crazy, but they wouldn’t expect it. Plus they’ve been favoring the left so far too, it’ll be good to switch it up.”

“Exactly,” Brittany smirks and looks to the time remaining before half time, “We’re just shy of the two minute mark so if we can get another touchdown in and go for a two point conversion, I think we’ll feel a lot more comfortable in our lead.”

A lot of the guys like the sound of that.

“I’ll take the snap,” Finn offers, “Or hand off? Whatever you want to do, Cap.”

Brittany smiles apologetically, “Actually I was planning on using Sam for this one.”

Sam straightens up at the mention of his name, “Me?”

“Didn’t you want to try out for QB or something?” Brittany replies, “I could use someone with your agility. No offense, Hudson.”

Sam looks over to Finn, everyone does, but surprisingly Finn just nods proudly.

“Whatever it takes to win,” Finn says and gives Sam a pat on the shoulder, “Kill it, dude.”

Sam perks up, “Okay, what do I need to do?”

Brittany goes on to explain what she’s thinking despite Coach Beiste in her ear telling her to do something different. With all do respect to her, Brittany sees an opportunity to shake things up and she can’t play it safe with the play Coach wants her to run instead. She knows that there are recruiters in the crowd watching her and the other players and she’s got to stand out if she wants that scholarship.

She gives one glance over to the sidelines where Santana and the Cheerios anxiously await the next play. They’re all ruffling their pompoms as if they were beating drums but Santana’s hands don’t move quite as fast as everyone else’s, she’s too concerned about the game. Brittany gives her an encouraging nod though before turning back to focus.

When the ball is snapped, Sam grabs for the ball but it’s not a smooth hand off. Thankfully, he’s able to secure it in time to drop back and find Brittany crossing over the line of scrimmage. He hangs in the pocket for as long as he can so that Brittany can get into position but what she doesn’t anticipate is the Carmel Cornerback closing in on her.

It’s a jump ball and Brittany leaps into the air to catch it but as she tries to, the Cornerback makes a high tackle. Brittany’s helmet nearly flies off as she’s brought down hard on her elbow. As soon as she makes contact with the turf, she knows she’s going to get an earful from Coach Beiste.

The ref calls it an incomplete pass, but it could’ve easily been picked off by that defender if they weren’t careful which would’ve been even worse.

“Try again next time, Princess!” The Cornerback laughs in her face before the other defenders join him in celebrating.

She’s slow to get up while Jackson and Ridley rush over to push the defenders away from her. The refs are already calling out the penalty against Carmel for that high hit and giving the Titans a first down, but Brittany can’t enjoy it – her elbow’s bothering her even more as she tries to loosen it up.

“Get over here, Pierce!” Coach yells, “Hudson, you’re in!”

Finn looks warily between the two before getting his helmet on and into the game. Brittany does her best to put on a brave face but as she makes it to the sidelines and the trainer starts to fuss over her, she knows she’s messed up.

“What the hell were you thinking out there?” Coach demands, “You know who you’re playing against? You’re lucky they didn’t break your arm!”

“I’m sorry, Coach, I thought we could catch them off guard,” Brittany replies.

Coach Beiste just shakes her head and looks to the trainer, “How is it?”

“Just some bruising,” The trainer responds, “She’ll be fine.”

Brittany grits her teeth as the trainer wraps an ice pack around her elbow. The cold stings but not as much as Coach Beiste’s disappointment.

Coach hardens her stare, “Hudson will close out the half. You just…go sit over there and keep icing that elbow.”

“Yes Coach,” Brittany replies before making her way over to the bench.

She feels this annoying sting in the corner of her eyes and a little in her throat, but she swallows it back. She was the one who made the decision, she has to pay for the consequences. Doesn’t mean it hurts any less though.

Brittany drops the ice pack to examine her elbow for herself, noticing the redness but she can’t tell if its from the pack or the hit. All she can do is count her lucky ducks that it’s only bruising and not something worse.

“Hey B!” Santana calls out to her again from the other side of the fence. There’s this concerned look on her face as she asks, “You okay?”

Brittany turns and gives her a weak smile and a thumbs up. That doesn’t seem to satisfy Santana though and soon the Co-Captain is making her way around the fence to Brittany’s side.

“You know you can’t keep coming over here, Santana,” Brittany says as her girlfriend starts to look her over, “Coach Beiste is already super pissed at me for that play. I don’t need her pissed about you too.”

“Please,” Santana waves off, “You saw what happened the last time someone tried keeping me away from you while you were hurt?”

“Actually no,” Brittany smirks, “My eyes were closed.”

Santana gives her a look, “Well it wasn’t pretty.”

“I’m kind of surprised you didn’t try running onto the field that time,” Brittany jokes lightly.

“It didn’t look too bad,” Santana teases as she touches Brittany’s elbow.

“Ouch,” Brittany whines and Santana quickly withdraws her hand.

“Oh my God, I’m sorry! Are you okay?”

When Brittany starts to grin, Santana swats her knee.

“Not funny,” Santana chastises before reaching for Brittany’s abandoned ice pack, “You need to keep this on there. It’ll reduce the swelling.”

“I know,” Brittany sighs, “It’s just cold, Doc.”

“It’s supposed to be.”

Brittany gives her a look and Santana gives it right back.

“Don’t be stubborn,” Santana tells her as she gently touches Brittany’s elbow, “Looks sore.”

“A little,” Brittany says softly, “But you know what would make me feel a lot better?”

“What?”

“A sweet lady kiss.”

Santana quirks her brow and tries not to laugh, “A what?”

“You heard me,” Brittany says and taps her lips, “Right here.”

Santana chuckles but she doesn’t make a move as she lowers her eyes to Brittany’s elbow, “You really should be more careful and rest this.”

Brittany’s smile falters at the way Santana evaded the request, “That’s what I’m doing.”

She doesn’t want to over think the topic change, but she can’t help but think of it as just that. They had been going so well for so long, Brittany didn’t think she’d have to experience Santana’s hesitance again.

Santana sighs, “I mean you should – ”

“I know what you meant,” Brittany answers, “Finn’s in for now but I’m finishing the game, Santana. I’ll rest it later. I’m not sitting out any longer than I need to.”

“But Britt – “

“Why don’t you want to kiss me?”

Santana freezes, her words quickly dying upon hearing Brittany’s question. Of all the progress they’ve made together, she didn’t think she’d see Santana back peddling once again.  

“I – that’s not it,” Santana stammers as her eyes drift to the stands, “There’s just a lot of important people here – scouts and my parents and reporters – and a lot of cameras too.”

Brittany swallows back the lump in her throat and tries to shake off the hurt because that’s the excuse she wants to give? Brittany shakes her head, “Sure yeah. I get it. Appearances are important and what not.”

“Wait Britt,” Santana tries with a hand on Brittany’s knee, “That’s not it at all. I mean it is, but not…I’m not hiding this time, I promise.”

Brittany bites her bottom lip, trying to keep that sinking feeling away. She wants to believe her, but they’ve been out together in public before, even kissed, so what’s different about this time? If anything, Santana should care even less about the audience now after everything they’ve been through.

“I’m trying not feel hurt right now,” Brittany mumbles and it’s barely loud enough for Santana to hear.

“Baby,” Santana sighs in a tone that Brittany isn’t used to. It makes her feel soft and warm. Santana looks up at Brittany with her eyes pretty brown eyes, “I don’t mean to hurt you. I just don’t want what happened to me to happen to you too.”

Brittany frowns at that, “What do you mean?”

“I don’t want them taking your moment from you,” Santana says, “I don’t want you to get overlooked because the focus is on us sharing a scandalous kiss or however they try to spin it. I rather the focus to be on you and the team and your inevitable win.”

Brittany stays quiet and Santana sighs.

“Maybe I’m being a little over protective here after what happened with me and Dani or dramatic or whatever but I know how this town works,” Santana adds solemnly, “They’ll take your moment like they took mine and I don’t want that for you. You’ve worked too hard for this, Britt.”

Brittany can’t find it in her to feel as hurt as before now that Santana’s explained her reasoning. She just stares back adoringly, “I think things are different this time around.”

“Are they? Just look over there,” Santana gestures to the fence where JBI and his camera friend are filming. Alongside him is another reporter from a sleezy Lima gossip magazine, “Fucking vultures. They already think they’re getting a good show.”

“But we aren’t doing anything?”

“It doesn’t matter. They’ll make something up.”

Santana flips them off and Brittany’s quick to put her hand down.

“What are you doing?” Brittany chastises, “You just said – “

“If you flip them off they can’t use the pictures,” Santana says, “I saw Kristen Stewart do it.”

Brittany frowns at her logic but doesn’t challenge it.  

“Look, there are eyes and ears everywhere waiting for you to put on a show,” Santana tells her, “Let it be the right kind of show, okay? This is your night.”

Brittany begins to smile as lets Santana’s words sink in. Her heart begs Brittany to say those three little words that keep coming up, but her head speaks first.

“Yeah, okay. Tonight’s my night.”

“Exactly,” Santana replies then teases in a lighter tone, “You and I can make a scene later, once you win this thing.”

Brittany chuckles at that, “Okay.”

“Okay,” Santana tenderly squeezes Brittany’s knee as halftime is called, “I have to go put on a show of my own now. I’ll see you after.”

This time Brittany’s the one left watching as Santana jogs off to join her squad.

\\

“We’ve got them right where we want them and you’re blowing it by not playing smart!” Coach yells at the squad in the locker room. Some of the players begin to show signs of exhaustion, but Coach’s booming voice grabs their attention, “Don’t give your lead away! You’re a better team than them. We know it, they know it so let’s play like it.”

Brittany nods to Coach’s words before she’s being rounded on.

“And you,” Coach shakes her head, “You have one of the best arms out there, kid. You’ve got scouts all over the country with their eye on you. Do you really want to blow all of that by being cocky?”

Brittany stiffens. She didn’t think that’s what she was being by taking a chance, but she knows better than to argue with her coach.

“You’ve got good instincts but think about your team,” Coach Beiste warns, “If you want to do some trick play like that, run it by me first and I’ll give you the okay on whether or not it should actually happen.”

“Yes Coach,” Brittany answers.

“As for the rest of you,” Beiste takes in a deep breath before cracking a proud smile, “As frustrating it is sometimes to watch you all play, you’re doing one hell of a job out there. We expected Carmel to bring the heat but we love playing with fire, don’t we?”

The Titans start to get rowdy at that and Coach’s smile widens.

“Keep at it and we will come out of this on top,” Beiste says, “Play hard, play smart, but most importantly have fun. This is your night, Titans, this is the legacy you’re leaving behind. Make it a good one!”

Brittany feels her chest swell with pride as she nods along to Beiste’s words.

“Alright, we’ve got a little time left so coaches talk to your groups,” Beiste motions for the secondary coaches over while she turns to Brittany, “And you, come talk to me about this trick play you tried pulling. Maybe I can help you iron out the kinks.”

Brittany’s eyes widen but she doesn’t question it and quickly gets to the drawing board.

\\

After the Cheerios’ halftime performance, the Titans come out with guns blazing. Coach Beiste’s locker room speech had the entire team revved up once again. They were more determined than ever to finish out the game on top. Whatever it took, the Titans would do it just so that they could secure the Championship title.

Brittany felt a renewed sense of motivation as well. With Coach’s speech and Santana’s words keeping her focused on the game, she was unstoppable – even if her elbow was still a little tender. If Lima wanted a show, she was going to give them the best damn one they’d ever seen.

Apparently, Carmel had the same idea in mind.

Both teams played hard, both teams played smart, but only one could come out on top. The score had been tied at 49 – 49 for the most part and with just four minutes left in regulation – one of the teams needed to make a play or they’d head into overtime.

Brittany thrived on that kind of pressure. She loves the buzz of energy, the restlessness of the crowd, the determined looks on her teammates’ faces. This is what champions are made of, moments like this where she can really show all the doubters that she can hang with the best of them.

“Alright we’ll do bootleg right,” Brittany calls the play, “Let’s use up some of the clock. Once we score, we don’t want them to have any time to make a play. Okay? Get some yardage and get out of bounds.”

Her teammates nod before they all break to get into formation. Brittany takes her place too but first glances to the sidelines where she sees Santana cheering her on. Behind her is the entire hockey team and Brittany chuckles to herself when she sees they all look pretty invested in the game too.

“Down!” She calls out and her O-Line moves accordingly, “Down…HUT!”

The ball is snapped but the pocket never forms; Jackson and Ridley get overpowered almost instantly so Brittany has to scramble. She’s looking left, she’s looking right but no one’s open. She thinks about throwing it away, but with so little time left on the game clock, she can’t risk getting intercepted.

She has to tuck the ball in and run like hell.

Matt sees Brittany’s in trouble and tries to run along with her to offer some type of protection and with his help, Brittany’s able to cut the corner on her defender. She gets a few yards before she steps out of bounds.

As she slows herself down so she doesn’t collide into any of the photographers there, a Carmel defender gives her an unexpected shove. Brittany tries to soften her fall as she’s pushed into the bystanders she was trying so hard to avoid. She can hear the player trying to taunt her while the ref places the spot of the ball, but she doesn’t bite. Brittany’s teammates yell back at the Carmel defender who laid the late hit thought and question the ref’s lack of penalty.

“Yo Ref!” Matt calls out, “You awake or you’re just going to let them get away with that?”

“I’m saying!” Jackson adds, “How much they paying you?”

“Don’t guys,” Brittany says as she tries getting them to move on, “It’s alright. I’m good.”

Although Brittany agrees with them, the ref motions for the game to continue on. She can see Coach Beiste getting all red in the face at that, but Brittany can only get her guys into position once again.

\\

With just minutes left on the clock, the Titans have to move fast and get out of bounds so they have the time to reset. If it gets to overtime then so be it, but Brittany would rather they wrap the game up now while they have the chance.

“Okay, let’s get in range first before we dazzle them,” Brittany says, “Blue 32 West. Okay? Blue 32 West.”

It’s a play action call so when the ball is snapped, Brittany fakes the hand off to Puck while Mike makes a run for the sideline. Along with Jackson, Puck offers more protection and secures the pocket long enough for Brittany to make a safe throw.

Mike brings it in virtually untouched and is able to get a few extra yards in before he’s tackled out of bounds. The clock stops but Brittany still pushes her team to hustle to their new line of scrimmage.

During the next quick huddle, Brittany tries to rally her guys. They’ve got to make a play now or at least get a new set of downs. They can’t turn the ball over at their current position, that would basically give the win to Carmel. They could try to get within field goal range and bring Kurt and special teams out for an extra 3 points?

But Brittany’s never liked doing the bare minimum to win a game.

What they need is something…unexpected.

“I want to try that trick play again,” Brittany mentions and everyone starts to disagree. She’s quick to quiet them down, “I know, I know. It didn’t work out too well the first time but that’s exactly why we should do it now. They won’t expect us to try it again. Coach worked it out with me during halftime, we just need to get to the 10 yard line.”

A few of the guys still look unsure though.

“Scared QBs don’t make plays,” Brittany tells them, “I’m not scared. Are you?”

There are mumbles of hell no and I ain’t scared.

“Okay then,” Brittany nods and holds out her fist, “Who’s with me?”

“I’m in,” Sam says as he puts his hand on top of hers.

Mike follows suit, “Me too.”

“Like I’ve always said…you’ve got balls, Pierce,” Puck chimes in, “I’m down.”

Everyone else joins and Brittany smiles at how they can all come together as one cohesive unit. They’ve grown so much since she first joined the team!

“Alright, let’s do this!” Brittany cheers.

The Titans run up to their new line of scrimmage with less than a minute left in the regulation, but before Brittany can call the next play, Carmel takes a time out.

Brittany straightens up as the ref blows his whistle to signal the time out.

“Figures,” Brittany sighs as she loosens her chin strap.

They had great momentum going for them, but Carmel’s time out throws them off a little. Everyone’s starting to get a little anxious with so little time left on the clock, but Brittany does her best to keep the Titans focused.

Meanwhile, the Camels look nervous as they glance at the Titans. It’s not too common that they have such a close game like this. They’ve been a well oiled machined for so long, stacking up wins for years but Brittany and the Titans have thrown them for a loop.

All Brittany can do is stare back determinedly.

“Look at them,” Puck jokes, “They’re scared as shit.”

“Should be,” Sam smirks, “They’re about to get their asses handed to them.”

At that, one defender – the one that laid the late hit on Brittany – looks over his shoulder at them and sneers.

“What the hell you looking at, Punk?” Puck challenges.

“Easy,” Brittany warns, “They’re just trying to throw you off. Let’s focus here. Everyone know their routes?”

She goes on to confirm that everyone knows what they’re meant to do for this next play. She feels confident about it this time, because she’s not going to let her team down twice in one night. It’s the last play of the game, the last play of her high school career. There’s no way she’s going to blow it.

“Okay this is it, guys,” Brittany tells her team, “This is what we’ve worked all season for, this moment right here. We know what to do, let’s show them. Let’s shut this game down already! Titans on me, Titans on three. One…two…three!”

Everyone puts their fists up and chants together, “Titans!”

The 30 second time out goes by quickly and soon everyone’s coming together again at the line of scrimmage. It looks like Carmel is going to blitz which would’ve stopped Brittany’s version of the trick play but not with Coach Beiste’s tweaks.

Still, Brittany stays focused. She can’t get too confident just yet. Anything can happen.

“Down!” She calls out before stomping her foot. Sam runs to her left while Puck stays in position on her right, “Hut…HUT!”

The ball is snapped and it’s kind of like a game of hot potato. First it’s in her hands then she smoothly hands it off to Puck. They split off in opposite directions while Puck keeps the ball tucked under his arm until he’s within reaching distance of Sam. The ball is then handed off for a third time as Sam makes a grab for it and quickly gets into a throwing stance.

The Camels are all sorts of confused and in that confusion, Brittany is able to slip through a gap in the defenders where Mike is drawing out his man. With all eyes mostly focused on Sam, Puck and Mike – no ones watching Brittany.

The quarterback runs as fast as she can for the endzone while Matt runs alongside her, offering protection from the Cornerback who is on her tail yet again. This time though, she’s too fast for him and when Sam launches the ball in her direction she’s wide open.

All she has to do now is make the catch.

For a moment, it feels like time stops and everyone goes quiet as the ball sails through the air in a perfect spiral. Brittany keeps her eye on it just like her dad taught her and runs like hell until she is positioned underneath of it.

But the ball is slightly over thrown so Brittany has to reach up high for it. At the last moment, she turns and jumps up, the tips of her cleats scrape the turf as she makes the catch. She hangs on for dear life as the final seconds tick away and game buzzer sounds. She does her best to secure the ball to her chest but the sudden change in momentum has her falling to the ground on her back.

But she lands with the ball still in her arms!

Her breath is caught in her throat but she quickly rolls to her side to find the nearest ref. She’s praying to anyone that’s listening that she has landed in bounds and in the endzone, because if not? That would’ve been the greatest play for nothing.

It’s the longest second in the world and she doesn’t begin to breathe again until she sees both of the ref’s arms shoot up.

“Touchdown!” The ref signals.

The crowd erupts in applause and soon Brittany’s being hoisted in the air by her teammates Santana’s got Coach Sylvester’s megaphone in hand, using it to cheer Brittany on. Even the Puck Heads are whooping and hollering for them but it’s hard for Brittany to hear any one thing. All she hears is the loud roar of the crowd, of her teammates, of the entire town of Lima celebrating the win.

On that cold December night, Brittany led the William McKinley High School Titans to their first Championship victory in over thirty years with a final score of 56 – 49.

A giant orange cooler of Gatorade is being dumped on Coach Beiste and Brittany’s being carried on the shoulders of her teammates while everyone cheers them on. The Titans were the underdogs and they put on a great show and came out on top.

Brittany’s nearly too stunned for words.

The guys eventually put her down in favor of celebrating with their friends and families and significant others who have begun to take to the field and Brittany finds a familiar sense of déjà vu as she watches on.

Just a few weeks ago, she was in this exact place – staring up at the stadium lights wishing that she could have what everyone else does. To love or be loved openly, to share this great moment with someone special just like everyone else. It’s hard not to feel envious because even though she’s surrounded by all of these people and she’s come so far, she’s still never felt so –

“Hey Pierce!”

Brittany’s heart skips a beat because she knows that voice. It’s one she didn’t expect to hear so close by but she turns anyway and finds Santana giving her this smug grin in the sea of people on the field.

It’s such a sense of relief and it gets even better because soon Santana’s jumping into her arms. Brittany surprises herself by how readily she catches her and hoists the girl up. Their smiles are big and bright and then Brittany’s being kissed so deeply and it just about takes her breath away again – so much so in fact that Brittany loses grip of her helmet and it falls forgotten at their feet.

It’s a kiss like that that makes it all worth it in the end. The battles they’ve faced on and off the field, together and on their own, it pales in comparison to this moment right here. Because in this moment, beneath the bright stadium lights, Brittany doesn’t feel so lost anymore.

In fact, she’s never felt so found.  

When they pull away from each other seconds later, Brittany wears this pleased half-smirk and the look makes Santana let out a chuckle. Brittany’s head is swimming in the high of that kiss and the win and she’s still a little dazed but then a flash of a camera makes her quickly remember where they are and more importantly – who’s watching.

She lets down Santana gently as she takes a look around uneasily. Crowds have already started to gather as the two teams form lines to shake hands and congratulate each other, but in amongst the players and coaches and family and friends are the cameras. It makes Brittany feel suddenly protective as she pulls Santana a little closer to her, remembering Santana’s words from earlier.

“You know people are starting to stare, right?” Brittany mentions softly before looking to Santana, “Not that I’m complaining or anything, because I’ve always wanted to do that – especially with you and it was everything that I’ve ever dreamed of – but there are cameras pointed at us and you said earlier that...” Brittany loses track of her thoughts as she looks to the stands and sees Santana’s family alongside her own and her jaw just about drops, “Holy shit, Santana, your dad is over there and he does not look – “

“I love you,” Santana says all in one breath.

Brittany’s swivels back to Santana in an instant, “You…”

Did her ears deceive her? How hard did she fall on that last play? Oh my God, did she hit her head? Is she concussed now? Her lips move but no words come out. Maybe she really is concussed?

“Pierce!” Coach Beiste calls out to her.

Brittany’s lips part before she’s looking to her coach.

“I got someone I want to introduce you to,” Coach tells her as she gestures to a broad-shouldered man wearing an Ohio State cap.

Brittany nods, still just as speechless. She’s caught between her present and her future, but her feet don’t move. She wants to clarify what she heard Santana say. She wants to shout her response from the top stands of the bleachers but she’s so speechless.

“You should go,” Santana tells her, “You don’t want to keep them waiting.”

Brittany swallows hard and nods. She doesn’t want Santana to get the wrong idea, but so much is happening all at once and it’s like her voice has stopped working.

“I’ve got to go deal with something too,” Santana adds and looks towards the stands where Hector and Maribel await her, “I don’t think I can run forever so...”

Brittany frowns at her cryptic words and it adds to the list of things she wants to talk about, but Santana’s already saying her goodbyes.

As she turns to walk away, something kickstarts in Brittany and she reaches out to catch Santana by the hand.

“Wait,” Brittany stammers, thankful that she has suddenly found her voice again, “I – I’ll see you at Puck’s later, right?”

Santana glances at her dad and shrugs, “If I’m not grounded for the rest of my life.”

“Pierce!” Coach calls out to her again.

“Coming!” Brittany answers and looks apologetically back at Santana, “I’m sorry I – “

“It’s okay. Go,” Santana gives her hand a gentle squeeze before letting it go, “Great game, B. I always knew you could do it.”

Brittany can only return the weak smile before they’re being drawn to go their separate ways.

[soundofseventeen]

13 Days of Christmas (Lee Seokmin) (Featuring Astro’s Cha Eunwoo)

Today has been surprisingly decent, so let’s hope it stays that way for awhile!!!

Word count: 1789

“Eunwoo, stop following me and get back on the floor,” you hissed at him.

“But you were swamped with people and I know how to work the register too,” he smiled innocently. “It’s not like I’m trying to change your mind-”

“No,” you said firmly. “I’ve already told you I’m not going on any more blind dates because of what happened last time.”

“I’m not asking you anymore. Promise. But if you do say yes, I’m just saying.”

“Eunwoo, stop it now...or get to the point before I clock out.”

“Okay, okay. So listen, tomorrow night we’re going Christmas caroling-”

“What’s so fun about going around the neighborhood singing those irritating songs?”

“We’re going to the hospital and celebrating with everyone who has to be there just so they can forget about it.”

“Who’s we?” you asked him skeptically.

“It’s me, a few of us from a group chat at school and anyone who wants to come. That’s why I’m inviting you.”

“For some reason, I still don’t believe you.”

“Okay, fine. Don’t come. Disappoint me,” he feigned sadness, holding up a stuffed animal that he found wedged between some shelves. “Have it your way.” He walked, trudged rather, away from you, holding the poor pup close him and crushing it, sighing loudly. 

“Fine Eunwoo, but you’re buying me dinner!”

“Great! I promise you Y/N, you won’t be disappointed!” He ran back to greet a customer who walked in while another came to check out with you.

*

“Hi, I’m Seokmin,” the bright eyed boy greeted you happily. “Are you here to help me sing the Christmas carols?”

“Yeah, I’m Y/N. I’m just waiting for Eunwoo. He said he was coming tonight.”

“Cha Eunwoo?”

“That’s him.”

“He’s not scheduled to come until Friday.” He looked confused for a moment. “He said he was coming with his group of friends. Tonight’s supposed to be just the duets.” Oh you were gonna kill him. The moment you saw him, it was over. “Really? He didn’t mention that.”

“ Oh. I mean, if you don’t wanna do it, I can do this by myself.”

If it wasn’t for that smile that you didn’t wanna get rid of, you would’ve readily agreed. “No, I’m already here. Show me all the songs you wanna get through tonight. I don’t have to work tomorrow.”

“Are you sure? You look really caught off guard by this.”

“It’s okay. It was probably a misunderstanding.” Or his infamous ploy to go on a blind date.

His smile widened and maybe, just maybe, you were gonna thank Eunwoo for knowing your weakness...right after you beat him with a stuffed animal

“Okay, so I was thinking we start from here to-” he began flipping pages and pointing to the songs he liked, “-and then we finish here. Maybe we can do like a song or two per room and work our way down the hall. Is that okay with you?”

You nodded. “ And what if I don’t know the words to some of them?”

“Just leave that to me. Just sing a little lower when you know you’re gonna stop knowing them and I’ll take it from there and then you can jump back once you know them again. Also,” he held up two water bottles, “I have these just in case your mouth gets dry. But they also have vending machines on the floor we’re going to.” He patted the guitar with his free hand. “Now, follow me.”

And as it turned out, Seokmin turned out to be an excellent singer and for that reason alone, you let him sing a lot more by himself than you joining in, but that could’ve also been your nerves. A lot of the patients welcomed for melodious voice and even joined in whether it was “Jingle Bells” or “I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus”. His elf hat gave him extra points, especially when the little bells jingled happily. The kids and other patients who could roam freely followed you two as far as they could, making as much noise as possible as they could to get noticed. Seokmin would just point at them and let them take the lead...which made you stop functioning a couple of times.

Truthfully, with all of the fun you were having wooing everyone, you’d forgotten about Eunwoo, though you knew it’d be awhile until he got off the hook. Seokmin was a regular Santa Claus with all the joy and color he brought in those rooms. He only annoyed a handful of kids who would’ve rather been asleep and made a couple of newborn babies cry with the loudness, both of which he’d turn the color of your Santa hat and apologize for causing a disturbance. He finally called it quits after about two hours and led you to the hospital cafeteria to soothe your sore throat and get some food in your tummy. (He may have heard it growl a couple of times.)

However, instead of bringing you actual food, he surprised you with fruitcake and hot cocoa, both of which you couldn’t deny. He sat across from you and took a couple bites until he was satisfied. “Are you sure you’ve never done that?”

“Today was my first and only time doing it,” you admitted. “I don’t really have time for all of this. I’m usually either working or studying and hanging out with my friends so we can study. It was really fun. Do you do this often?”

“I try to.” He took off his hat and you did the same. “Mostly around this time. When I was younger, I broke my foot around this time of year, and it was so boring...and sad. There weren’t any drawings anywhere and no one talked about Santa Claus and a lot of the nurses didn’t even try to make it fun for us. They just gave us medicine and told us to sleep. I remember crying because I wanted to be home. I think I even spent Christmas at the hospital and that wasn’t fun, so I try to help out. I mean, you saw the kids and how happy they were, right?”

“It was very magical,” you agreed. “And the people here love you.”

“Right now they do. But when I drop in randomly, sometimes I think I annoy the nurses...well, the ones who don’t do their jobs and make kids smile.” He waved at someone and when you turned around you recognized him as one of the patients there as he ran to your table. “Hi buddy, did you enjoy the little concert?”

“Yeah! You guys were awesome! Thank you for making tonight fun for me. I have to go to surgery tomorrow and I was afraid but you helped me a lot.” Then he turned to you. “Thank you too. I’ve never seen you around but you made me happy.”

You were at a loss for words at the compliment, so you could only smile, trying not to blush right now in front of a cute guy you just met. “Hey Seokmin?”

“Yes Y/N?” He glanced up at you and blinked a few times and the little thing made you laugh. He high fived another patient who blew him a kiss and then ran away.

“This is really embarrassing to ask, but did Eunwoo tell you I was coming beforehand?”

He nodded. “He said you were really nice and really patient and that you work a lot so he wanted to make tonight fun for you.”

“And you agreed?”

“Well, he begged me to meet you and give you a chance-”

“I’m gonna kill him.”

“Please don’t kill any of my friends. I need as many as possible...just in case one of them gets tired of me.”

“He has been trying to get me to go on blind dates for the past month, and I finally said no. And then he pulls this.”

“Are you not having fun?” The sad look is there and he resembled a kicked puppy and you hated yourself for it.

“No, I am, but he’s very persistent. He’s really sweet, but I just think he wants to do double dates.” Or try to convince you about getting over your supposed crush on him.

“Wait, so are you the Y/N he’s been trying to set me up with?” He pulled two candy canes out of his pocket and handed you one. “Don’t tell the kids I had these leftover ones.” He blew on the hot chocolate and stirred it with the candy cane.

“It could be possible,” you admitted. “Wait, he’s been trying to set us up?” Had you been eating the fruitcake, you surely would’ve been choking on it by now.

“He’s mentioned you from time to time and I was really curious too, plus you kept turning the offers down.” He slipped his drink slowly. “But now that you’ve met me, the choice is up to you. Personally, I had a fun time with you, and if you’d like once the holidays are over, we can catch a movie or have dinner.”

*

“Ta-da,” you showed one of the customers the presents you managed to wrap for them despite the chaos of holiday shopping. The mom looked pleased despite the irritation from the loudness and thank you before dragging her kid off away to continue their shopping. “Hi, did you find everything okay?”

The downside of working in a crowded place was how hot you got easily, but right now taking off the Christmas sweater your manager convinced to wear wasn’t an option. You did take the Santa hat off though to get some air.

“There’s my favorite person,” Eunwoo said handing you a coffee as he clocked in. “So how’d it go?”

You ignored him, a smile spreading on your face to let him know you’d talk to him when you felt like it. He held back on his vital information, so why shouldn’t you? You let the remainder of your shift pass like that, only acknowledging him when it was work related. You could see the frown apparent on his face and you loved it. “Eunwoo, tell everyone I’m going on lunch! I’m hungry.”

“Are you really gonna not talk to me?” he whined. “DK said said he had a good time with you, but if you didn’t, I can just tell him you’re not interested.”

“Hey, Y/N,” you heard Seokmin yell at you from the entrance. He held up a fast food bag for you to see. “Are you coming? I’m starving!”

You turned to Eunwoo smugly. “Who said I wasn’t interested?” You waved at him. “We’re going around town looking at the lights later on.”

[purplesurveys]

987

survey by shamegmeg

Have you ever cut your own hair? I’ve trimmed my own bangs but that’s it. I feel like doing anything to my hair altogether on my own is too big a move and would have bigger consequences if I fuck it up (which I definitely will end up doing).

What do you eat most frequently? Meat - chicken, beef, and pork. It’s in nearly every dish we eat, if not all of them.

Are you a fan of video games? I will always find the topic interesting and I played a fair share of video games growing up, but I’m not an ultra fan of any of the most popular games right now. I do like staying updated with my favorite series like Grand Theft Auto, The Sims, Mario Kart, etc. but it’s rare that I get my hands on the console itself to play. 

What's your favorite color combination? I don’t really think of any specific two colors, but I’m generally a fan of combinations of muted or pastel colors. Anything that doesn’t hurt my eyes too much.

Did you share a locker at school? We didn’t do that; we each had our own.

What's one sport you could never play? Basketball. Never understood the rules and I just never had the stamina for it. I’m also pretty competitive so I feel like I’d be pissed off and take it personally whenever somebody blocks me hahaha.

Blue or black ink? Black. I have nothing against blue though - I just like keeping pens with black ink around more.

Have you ever sang karaoke? Just once or twice. I’m not extroverted enough for it, not even when drunk. I just really hate the sound of my own singing voice, so it doesn’t help if I’m suddenly singing into a microphone.

What was the last concert you attended? Answer’s gonna be unchanged for the meantime, man...Paramore. No complaints naming them every time I’m asked this, though. Let’s hope they’ll also be the next concert I attend, as they like coming back to Manila anyway :))

Have you held anyone's hand in the past week? No.

What's your favorite perfume/body spray/cologne? I’ve used Beyoncé’s Heat Rush since high school. I’ve never gotten tired of the scent and pretty much everyone knows me by that perfume now.

How long does it take you to get ready in the morning? Before Covid, it depended on how late I’d get out of bed. If I had the energy to get up earlier, I’d devote 20-30 minutes to getting ready; but if it was a harder morning to face, I’d just take a quick 3-minute shower and wear the first things I see in my closet. These days since I just work from home, all I need to do is shower which takes no more than a few minutes.

What is the oldest age you think should wear makeup? I think anyone of any gender of any age (except babies and younger kids) of any background from any walk of life should be allowed to wear makeup...

How old were you when you went on your first date? I was 16.

What's your nationality(ies)? Filipino.

Are you an open book? I can be for the most part since there’s no harm in sharing, but there are a few things that I’m extremely protective and secretive about.

Do you think you're a good secret keeper? Yeah. I used to share secrets with Gab but that’s because she tends to forget easily, but otherwise I have no problem taking secrets with me to my grave.

Name one fashion trend you could never follow. I have never been into wedges. Too chunky-looking.

Do you prefer long hair or short hair? On me? Short. It’s easier to maintain and take care of.

When do you plan to go to sleep tonight? Depends on how tired I am by the end of the day. I did make a cup of coffee today though so the caffeine might also choose to hang out into the evening.

Has anyone besides your family seen you naked? Yes.

If so, who? Gabie.

What exotic animal would you love to have as a pet? That’s a pass for me. I don’t know their temperament and what they need on a normal day, so I’m really not well-equipped to keep an exotic animal as a pet and I don’t want to end up accidentally killing them or something.

Do you want kids when you're older? At this point in my life I can go with or without them.

Did your parents sign you up for anything you hated as a child? I’m definitely grateful for it now, but when I was going through ballet classes as a five year old I absolutely hated it and had no idea what I was doing there. I wish I could tell my five year old self to appreciate it more because now I think it’s pretty cute that my parents wanted me to take up ballet and enrolled me in classes.

Where's your cell phone? It’s just right beside me. It’s always right beside me, haha.

Which came first, the chicken or the egg? I’ve always been a firm supporter of the egg lol because it had to be an earlier version of the chicken that laid the egg that would ultimately hatch the chicken as we know them today. Idk though, I hate questions like this hahahaha

What are your feelings about Octomom? I don’t know anything more than the fact that she had octuplets, which is awesome and badass in itself.

Do you know of Smosh? I used to LOVE Smosh, like holy shit. I probably talked about them in my earliest surveys a decade ago; simply put I was hooked. Watched every new episode and every new Lunchtime with Smosh/Ian Is Bored video from around maybe 2010-2013 until they started adding more crew members and until their videos started to stray from the content that made them blow up in the first place. I still remember when it was Smosh and Pewdiepie vying for the highest subscriber count on YouTube, haha. Was also sad when Anthony left. Suffice it to say I’ll always hold a fondness for Smosh - Anthony and Ian were my first favorite YouTubers along with Pewdiepie.

Do you drink enough water daily? Some days I do, some days I don’t.

Is your diet healthy? When I do eat my dishes are always a good balance of meat and veggies, but I feel like me skipping most of my meals overshadows that fact and makes my overall diet not-so-healthy.

What's your favorite fruit? The only one I’ve had and not feel like gagging whenever I consume it is avocado. To an extent, tomato too.

What was your favorite Halloween costume? Going as my former best friend, Sofie.

Have you purchased any cool objects from a foreign country? I bought a few trinkets from Japan when I was there, but they were all for my loved ones and I don’t exactly remember what I bought anymore.

Are you on a laptop or a desktop computer right now? Laptop. 

Where do you plan to post this survey? Tumblr, as I’ve always done in the last near-decade or so.

Do you remember anyone's number by heart? My mom’s, sister’s, and Gabie’s.

Are you a morning person or a late night owl? I’m more of a morning person lately because of work and because of the need to be chirpy by 9 AM. Being awake these days makes me sad now, so I avoid staying up late as much as I can; which means my days of being a night owl are over.

Name something you will never try in your lifetime. Coprophagia.

What do you think is your biggest flaw? I’m super competitive, which makes me the suckiest person to have friendly games with. I avoid them altogether so that I don’t end up killing the vibe of whatever crowd I’m with. I’ll own this lol.

First physical trait you notice in the sex you're attracted to? Wouldn’t say I’m automatically attracted to any sex. With everyone though, I tend to notice body language first which kiiinda counts as a physical trait.

How about personality wise? Whether they look approachable/easy to talk to or not.

Are you sick often? Almost never.

Would you rather have strep throat or an ear infection? Uh I’d rather not be sick at all hahaha.

When did you last shower? This morning, before work. We have online meetings every Monday morning, and I wanted to look fresh and clean for it.

Do you have neat handwriting? I’d say so. I get a lot of compliments about my penmanship and my friends usually call on me when they need someone with consistent and clean handwriting, so I guess must be holding my pens right.

Are you a messy or organized person? I’d say my workspaces are always organized but my personal space (car, backpack, etc) is messy.

At what age do you hope to get married? By the end of my 20s or early 30s.

Is being thin really all that great? Idk, I feel like the experience differs per person. I don’t have complaints about it for the most part, but it can get annoying when there are certain tops I’d like to wear but will never be able to pull off and thus have to leave on the rack just because my chest is flat or my overall figure is rather tiny.

Which of the seven deadly sins do you think you're most guilty of? Pride.

How much time have you spent on the computer today? 9 hours and counting. WFH is basically being on the computer all day, so that’s a big reason why I’ve racked up so many hours.

What size shoe are you? 6–7.5.

How was the weather today? The sun was out but fortunately it wasn’t all that hot for me to feel uncomfortable. I hate that it was bright all day, though. My disposition is more likely to improve if it’s cloudy and a little gloomy, haha.

Do you live above, below, or on the Equator? Above.

Do you know how to use Photoshop? I tried to play and experiment with it as a teen, but it just never made sense to me. I hate touching any kind of Adobe program.

Admit it, you're thinking about someone right now. Eh, false. I’m thinking of how much longer this survey will still be.

Where is he/she?

Where was your first job? My first internship was also at a PR agency, if that counts.

Favorite year in high school? Junior year.

East or West? As in parts of the world? East all the way, of course.

Where did your first kiss take place? On my bed.

What color do you wear most often? Probably maroon because of how many UP shirts I have.

Who was the last person you talked on the phone to? That would be my dad.

Have you ever done your own laundry? Kinda. I’ve had to wash my blanket a few times because Cooper peed on them.

Have you ever been to a night club? Yes.

Are you allergic to anything? Nope.

What's the best place you have ever eaten? Mendokoro Ramenba by a freaking mile.

Do you own a hair straightener? No. My mom does; if I ever need a straightener I just borrow hers.

Are you barefoot right now? Yep, always am when I’m at home except for the rare times I put socks on.

Are you subscribed to any magazine? No. Even when magazine subscriptions were popular I was never subscribed to any; I didn’t see the point when I could just get the new issue every month at the mall myself lol.

Puppies or kittens? Puppies.

If you had a billion dollars, where would your first investment be made? First I would probably read up on investment so that I don’t end up making decisions I’ll regret. My first agenda is to help my parents settle whatever payments they’re making at the moment, so that they don’t have to worry about any of that crap anymore.

Who is the best artist you've seen live? PARAMORE. I mean they’re artists, as in plural, but still.

Any major plans coming up this week? Keep myself alive.

Did you know they never told you Arnold's last name in Hey, Arnold? Never realized that but I don’t really care too much, considering I was never into the show.

Would you rather watch a romantic comedy or watch a thrilling horror movie? Romantic comedy, as long as it’s one I’ve already seen and enjoyed, like Love Actually or The Proposal. Most other romcoms are too cheesy and suck.

How is your hair styled right now? It’s in a ponytail that’s been unchanged all day, so it’s a bit messy at this point.

Favorite person that you've talked to today? Angela.

Do you need AC right now? I’m good. It’s a little chilly tonight, so yay.

Do more people call you by a nickname or your first name? My first name is already my nickname - most people just call me Robyn. At home, though, I’m usually called a shortened version of my name.

Name something you're proud of. I confided in Angela today that I’m finally starting to think of seeing a therapist. Which I think is such a big realization to have and a big choice to have made. So yay me. Let’s hope I actually push through with it, and let’s hope I’m able to land a job soon so I can finally fucking afford to see one.

Are you a hopeless romantic? I never knew what this meant and I don’t feel like learning tonight.

How do you feel about couples who say 'I love you' too soon? No judgment. I don’t comment on how other couples navigate their relationship; it’s their thing.

What's the most recent favor you've done for somebody? Can’t remember.

Are you at home right now? Yep.

What did you last spend money on? Gas.

Does any accent annoy you? Stereotypical ones, like how Filipino-American stand-up comedians always try to cash in on Filipino quirks and make fun of thick Filipino accents, which makes all Filipinos look like we can’t speak English ‘properly,’ whatever properly means. Full-blooded Filipinos are so sick of that shit. We get it, the cellpown is ober der -___-

How about turn you on? None actively turn me on.

Are you wearing any jewelry? No.

Do you get along better with your mom or your dad? Dad. Easier to talk to and we share more interests.

Are you craving anything right now? Sushi.

What's worse: Crocs or Uggs? I’d go with Uggs, because Crocs actually look cute on kids so at least it suits one market lol

Do you knock before you open doors? Yep, always. I learned the habit because my mom never knocks and I quickly realized I don’t want to be that kind of person.

Do you know what a sock on the doorknob means? I think so.

Chocolate or vanilla? Chocolate.

What's your zodiac sign? Taurus.

Does Fred from Youtube annoy you? I don’t think he ever did.

[shaggyswagnyc]

What dogs shed? What breed often sheds? Here is a list

Lots of puppies end up being getting rid of, thus you would imagine should you buy ones puppy wearing, your standard coat in the house will be the norm. That's faraway from the reality! You shouldn't be afraid to consider your current canine straight into ones children if you're just concered about him solid. You will find lots of non-sniffing (low-sniffing) doggy away at this time there which might be undertaken as well as principles that will you'll be able to practice if the dog ends up being reducing an excessive amount of with your home. Exactly why are puppies reducing?

To understand exactly why he's reducing, the item vital that you see the value of his coating to help the canine. For starters, the main utility of a fur would be to shield your current pet's epidermis, it is most crucial body, coming from cause such as sun, warmth, chilly plus more. Ones pet's layer additionally remains his or her system heat standard. About doggies which moult have a very thicker undercoat and keep them warm and awesome, just as warmth preserves them cozy as well as great within your residence just about all season round. Much like people's hair, ones dog's layer is consistently expanding. When, by the end connected with the organic lifestyle, his coating stops spreading, it split. The amount of tresses loss may disagree with regards to the reproduce, time of year in addition to health problems. A few canine moult harder than some other. Or even seen head of hair in your wedge pillow before in the bathroom? Although the dog's layer might not enter ones bathtub, it will be almost everywhere from your floor covering for you to your own clothes until you grab the basic steps. The idea furthermore a common misunderstanding which shedding is dependent upon the length of your own dog's layer. It isn't. Moulting is dependent additional for the reproduce versus length of your dog's layer. Although shearing a long-haired dog will certainly gradually slow up the sum connected with curls losing, this kind of works out imply dropping will certainly finish - just how much hair getting rid of of which must be cleaned up will decline. Exchange in the volume associated with curls to fall out You have to discover what result in the fluffy buddy to help moult - take note any amendment within moulting made of woll. Once an individual cause your current puppy residence, be aware to how much head of hair he's shed. Can you discover several locks in some places, or even would you realize that whenever a person take a moment, your garments are guard with fates of tresses? Once you learn what's standard for your puppy, you can beat shape simply how much coat becomes falling out in clumps. A plain sign which might be observed may be the leaning regarding your dog's layer, caused by extreme snacking or scratching on account of epidermis sicknesses or maybe parasites. Altering times of year use a wide affect moulting. Puppies normally moult as soon as or perhaps a second time per year, although it does not imply you'll not see your own dog's head of hair at home most 12 months about such as the fur chance whenever the years circuit stops. The principle seasonal alters take place each time a dog declines generally regarding the whiskers and this also ends up being standard connected with undercoat breed of dog such since Siberian kidskins. Strain ends up being a new thing leading to be able to coating cost. An anxious pet can lose a lot more locks when compared to a carefree doggy. Name the fund associated with anxiety within your pet's environment, eradicate them along with grasp if getting rid of have got abated. Moulting can be a vital challenge when associated with other symptoms this kind of seeing that skin color injuries or scratch. You'll find several health advantages of ones dog's moulting circuit to vary. According to the PetMD 'infection with parasites this kind of since fleas, lice as well as ticks could cause big variety of hair reduction. Shedding the woman locks, dermatitis and also guaranteed types of fungal infections, resistant illnesses and plague may leading to hair damage. Hormonal conversion as well as sensitivities stay an additional root cause of getting rid of. Certain meals, medicines, home cleaners in addition to tension items could cause reactions in doggy. Contact your veterinarian immediately the moment people perceive any major alterations in moulting. Decrease the moulting course of action Website link are crucial with regard to puppies as they promote the cyst of any balanced brand new coat. However, in case a pet abandons the majority regarding the coat about ones property subsequently gauges need to be delivered to slow up the sum involving tresses reduction. Take care of the dog: This will help to take away his head of hair before the idea finds straight into every spot regarding your property. You possibly can start using a brush to scrub out and about unwanted tresses. That is beneficial to their layer, undercoat along with skin tone. And, like pets, numerous pets prefer to ended up being brushed. Grooming a dog furthermore benefits to create him nearer to people. If feasible, brush ones puppy regular. If this may not be feasible, do it some times per week. There are and merchandise that can stop remove unwanted hair so you won't have to vacuum every hour.

Additionally yield an appointment using a professional puppy hairdresser. Pet have a bath becomes fair, naturally, but your dog may build on epidermis conditions if you do not wash or perhaps dry out effectively adequate. Professional groomers In addition, manage a appointment which has a practiced dog hairdresser. Frolicking in the water is noble, naturally, but a puppy can take on skin tone problems if you don't rinse or perhaps dry well sufficient. Professional dog groomers gain expertise using the services of puppy coming from all dimensions and still have the suitable devices and detergents. A number of shampoos or conditioner become beneficial to your dog's skin color with layer - they can certainly make better their problem and also ease getting rid of. Nutrition engage in a vital role Eating routine becomes an added essential aspect in your dog's all round strength as well as his skin tone and also cover. Food having a square diet can easily prevent maintain your dog's layer shiny in addition to vigorous so when a result reduce the sum connected with tresses decline. Just how to maintain your property thoroughly clean Stop planning on whether or not for you to invite closes friend to view a counterpart or possibly a merry bash - undertake it! You will find a lot of respects to scrub the house of your dog's head of hair. To protect the sofas, seats as well as floors, bed plaids that strike your dog's slid hair. The key locks treatment instrument is really a vacuum cleaner cleaner which often might be used to clean up timber floors, tiles along with rugs. Treated any machine cleaner addition to clean pads before any station where by airborne dirt and dust with tresses accumulates within your property. An average broom is an excellent method to clean wood or tiled floorboards coming from unwanted hair. Work with a wet cardstock bath towel to get dog shed wool. Use sticky rollers to wash clothes as well as curtains. Additionally, efficient national air flow filters could aid take out locks to enter the environment. Not really merely pray these machines assist maintain residence clear, however they'll and profit somebody having a dog's layer hypersensitivity that extends in order to holiday. The highest five most popular puppy breeds of dog in which moult to a great extent

In this article will be the 10 most popular types of doggies which moult, according to VetStreet.

These fluffy groups have got bundles involving beard in addition to run off that almost everywhere each goes.

St. Bernard.

An enormous Pyrenean doggy.

Akita-inu.

Chow-chow.

Siberian likes.

Fantastic Retriever.

German shepherd pet.

Labrador Retriever.

Alaska Malamut.

Alaskan husky.

Twenty non-linear pet (properly, truly - dogs of which lately drop much less!) There's absolutely no dog it doesn't moult whatsoever. Nevertheless, VetStreet thinks how the canine recorded beneath are dropping fewer. Many (still not necessarily most) in the canines with this record are usually a reduced amount of likely to result in painful consequences throughout men and women with fur hypersensitivity, although there's no this kind of detail as being a "hypoallergenic puppy".

Kern-terrier.

Erdelterior.

Dachshund.

Boston ma terrier.

Chihuahua.

Maltese bologna.

Yorkshire terrier.

Dwarf shaggy pet.

Bichon friese.

Poodle.

If you're concered about ones dog moulting, or even are going to create a moulting dog, avoid getting upset - the item simply just his or her usual function. Of course, tidy way up following such canine is usually a small inconvenience even so the honey in addition to joy they lead to you will in excess of make up for that two further record a person devote every day throwing to dark fleece.

[heesgf]

basketball player! byounggon

in honour of my baby’s birthday, here’s a cute + lighthearted basketball player! gon fic that i’ve been dreaming abt for eternity :’)) as per usual, the beginning is a little slow, but it’s worth ur patience, i promise💞😚

warnings: vvvv sweet (might give u cavities), BASKETBALL PLAYER GON BEING THE HOTTEST MF ALIVE, hyunsuk bff tomfoolery (what’s new lmao) 

in which Lee Byounggon is basketball team captain, and you’re suddenly a sports fanatic. 

             Had Choi Hyunsuk seemed a little less desperate, perhaps you wouldn’t have found yourself in a crowded gymnasium, pressed against rampant bodies, and subject to the shrieks of devoted sport fanatics.

      This morning, like any other, had started quite mundanely. You were perched against the headboard of your dorm’s single bed, doodling carelessly onto sheets of chemistry homework, while Hyunsuk mused a brightly coloured fedora in front of your full length mirror.

“Listen,” You shouted across the room, in between bites of your buttered croissant. “I invited you over to study, not to commit fashion atrocities in my dorm room.”

      Hyunsuk, still balancing the horrendous garment over his head, shot you a pained expression, and rolled his eyes in distaste. He waves his hand vaguely in your direction and grimaces.

“Says the girl wearing a shirt that says ‘caffeine queen’.”

“Hey, you asshole, my mom got me this! I think it’s cute.” You cross your arms over your chest and narrow your eyes, while Hyunsuk shakes his head deliriously. He eyes you up and down once more, and then scrunches his nose.

“Sure, Jan.” He says slowly, and you contemplate throwing the pillow wedged behind your back toward his head. You opt against it, but the look on your face might be just as scary.

You stick your tongue out. “No one says memes out loud like that, you doofus!” 

He spares you a lopsided shrug and giggles, then he breaks out into a smile and looks toward you once more.

“You’re coming to the game later, right?” He starts suddenly, and you bite your lip.

“I don’t know, Suk. I’m trying to stay focused on chem and stuff.”

      Hyunsuk launches toward your spot on the bed, and reaches his hand out toward one of your stray sheets of paper, filled to the brim with miscellaneous stick figures and, in Hyunsuk’s opinion, the worst cartoon images of a corgi he’s ever seen.

“Yeah.” He baits, swinging the paper in front your wandering eyes. “You really look like you’re invested in learning.”

“Shut up!” You mumble out in a laugh, and then you roll your eyes. Hyunsuk still waits for an answer, and you purse your lips.

“I’ll think about it. Maybe, okay?”

      Hyunsuk’s nod seems uncharacteristically tame, but there’s something about the devious look in his eyes that makes you think this conversation is far from over. When you come out of the bathroom a few minutes later, and his iron grips closes itself around your wrist, you find yourself yanked out of your room, into the hall, and most likely toward the gymnasium. In that moment, you think Choi Hyunsuk might be the worst person you’ve ever met, and the next couple hours, spent watching a college basketball game, were going to be completely unbearable.

***

      Two minutes into sitting on painfully cold bleachers, having popcorn spilled over your lap, and your cheek elbowed by the rowdy couple next to you, you think you might be having a basketball induced aneurysm.

      Hyunsuk is seated calmly next to you, and staring serenely into the crowd; every once in a while, he waves to someone you can’t recognize, most likely one of his teammates, and he looks back at you with a reassuring smile.

“Why are we here if you’re not even playing?” You groan, sliding your head onto his shoulder, and shutting your eyes tightly in discomfort.

“I told you, [Y/N].” He sighs into the crown of your head. “I have dance practice later. I gotta keep my calves limber. We’re here for the sportsmanship.”

      You playfully roll your eyes and feign a barfing motion. Hyunsuk pushes your head away from his shoulder and pouts.

“I don’t even know what that means and I’m still disgusted.” You retort. “Besides... what do you know about sportsmanship? Literally every time we play Mario Kart I catch you cheating.”

      Hyunsuk starts talking about how ‘you’re in great need of a chill pill’, and though you fight the urge to slap him silly, you instead find yourself staring intently at the court, eyes glazing over the lines of male athletes running drills across the gymnasium floor. As you watch, you notice the beads of sweat, the graceful strides, the cohesive movement, and as you watch, your eyes seem to close in on a particular someone—and suddenly, Hyunsuk’s words feel like they are worlds away.

      The boy is standing in the centre of the court with his hands pressed against his knees, and his eyes trailing sporadically across the room.

      His jersey, like all his teammates, is a blinding crimson, and against his honey sodden skin, a seemingly perfect contrast. His hair, slightly damp, is a disarrayed and glossy black, but something about the way it presses against his forehead, frays upward on the sides, sways lucidly when he runs, is wildly cinematic, and you think it just might consume you, like your favourite movie. On his back, there is the stark white outline of the number nine, and on the bottom, in between crinkled fabric, you think you can make out the name ‘Lee’. He’s waving his arms at a teammate, shouting something incoherent, and when the ball makes contact with his hands, his lips break out into the purest of smiles; it radiates an energy that is lively, almost impossible to miss, and completely intoxicating, even at your distance in the stands.

      When that smile transforms into the shell of laughter, there’s something about the crowd’s cheering that suddenly feels rhythmic.

“Hey.” You whisper, poking into Hyunsuk’s rib cage. “Who’s that guy over there?”

      Hyunsuk squints at your bewildered expression, and then looks onto the crowd, following the path of your eyes.

“Who? The guy in the hat? That’s coach Yang. God, I hate that guy. He’s always on my ass about making it to practice. And if you think my fashion is bad, Jesus Christ, you should see him at Sunday morning practice; crocs and socks all da-,”

“No, not him, you idiot.” You shake your head erratically. “T-the guy in the middle, look, he has the ball right now.”

“Oh.” He shrugs. “Well that’s Byounggon.”

“Byounggon.” You repeat. And then your bottom lips find it’s way between your teeth. Hyunsuk sits back against his seat, and focuses in on the game once more. And you, well you’re enamored by the rapid movements of a lanky boy with a smile that’s strikingly tender.

Byounggon.

You think maybe basketball isn’t so bad after all.

***

      When Byounggon’s team wins the game, Hyunsuk tackles you in a tight side hug that feels almost violent. He is jumping up in his seat, screaming toward his teammates, and coincidentally, dragging your body with him. When he finally pulls away, and you can catch a string of fresh air, you ponder the appropriate time to start asking questions. You’re trailing down the bleacher steps when your voice finally breaks out, and your eyes are glued to the floor.

“So... when is your next game?” You ask nonchalantly.

      Hyunsuk looks at you once in confusion. Then he makes a double take. And then a triple.

“Did you just say what I think you said?” Then he waves his hands in front of his eyes and shakes his head furiously. “Nah, I must be dreaming.”

“I’m serious!” You laugh. “I wanna watch your next game. I genuinely had fun!”

      Hyunsuk still looks weary, but he nods his head halfheartedly. When you think he’s stopped looking at you, you turn your attention back to Byounggon, who is currently standing in a crowd of his teammates, and giving high fives all around. You’re distracted by the way his eyes crinkle when you hear Hyunsuk emit an amused ‘huh’, and when he points a sly finger in your direction, you know he’s put two and two together.

“I see what’s going on here.” He whispers excitedly. “You have a thing for Byounggon!”

“What? No I don’t! I don’t even know him!”

“Oh really?” He teases. “Then stop drooling over him like an animal.”

“Suk, y-you’re being ridiculous right now.”

“And would you look at that!” He whistles. The mischievous glint in his eyes makes you nauseous. “Looks like he’s coming over here, right now.”

“Hyunsuk, don’t you fucking dare. I’m serious.”

“Hey Byounggon!”

“Ohmygod.” You whine, smacking a palm to your forehead as your heart overcomes itself with panic. “I hate you. I genuinely hate you.”

      Hyunsuk rolls his eyes, and then erupts in a laugh that makes the pits of your stomach twist.

“Trust me, [Y/N]. You’re gonna love me after this.”

You think that’s highly improbable.

***

Byounggon is more illusive when he stands in front of you.

      Now, jogging toward Hyunsuk, tufts of raven coloured frame the cusp of his forehead, and the slight peak of his neck; his eyes narrow, but it’s far from hostile, and rather, a tinge of warm familiarity.

“Hey, you came!” Byounggon remarks, pulling Hyunsuk into a tight hug, and you realize his voice is gruffer than you would've thought.

“You guys were awesome, dude!” Hyunsuk gushes with a smile, and then he looks towards you, and gestures a hand in your direction. “This is my friend, [Y/N].”

      Byounggon’s eyes shift to meet yours. He lifts his head in your direction, and waves his hand with a shy smile.

“Hey.”

“Hi.” You respond awkwardly, raising a hand to match his stance.

He raises a brow and grins. “Did you like the game?”

“Yeah! Yeah, you guys were all really good. I loved it!”

“Really?” He breathes out in a giggle. “Because when I was sitting on the bench I could’ve sworn I saw you sleeping?”

      Hyunsuk breaks into a hysteric fit of laughs, and you shake your head rampantly, hoping the scarlet tinge of your cheeks doesn’t give you away. There was some truth to what he said; of course, when Byounggon wasn’t playing, the court seemed a little less compelling...

“Me?” You exasperate, face still flushed. “N-no, I would never!”

“Oh yeah, dude, she totally was. In the third quarter, she was knocked out! Almost drooled.”

      You shoot Hyunsuk a glare, but he’s too caught up in his own laughter to notice; Byounggon throws his head back in a soft chuckle, then he looks back at you and shakes his head.

“Nah, I’m just messing with you.” He smooths over. “I’m glad you guys liked the game.”

      His smile, like that smile on the court, is wide and contagious. And though you’re immersed in the plans of Hyunsuk’s murder, you can feel the corners of your lips drift upward, and the soft glimmer of a smile take over. When you hear someone shout Byounggon’s name across the gymnasium floor, you’re not sure if it’s the voice of one of his teammates, or the soft call of your heart.

Byounggon looks back at the sound and smiles apologetically. “That’s me. I’ll see you guys later?”

      Before he leaves, Hyunsuk pulls Byounggon in for another hug, and you offer an awkward wave. You watch as he drifts away from you, and toward Yang Hyunsuk, who you know knew was his coach.

Damn. His style really was awful.

“See, now that wasn’t so bad, right?” Hyunsuk’s voice breaks you away from your train of thought, and on instinct, you smack him across the chest.

“Ouch! What the fuck was that for?” He groans, running his hand over the tender spot; you roll your eyes and trot forward, Hyunsuk trails behind you.

“That,” You shout. “—is for being the world’s WORST wing-man!”

“[Y/N]... You don’t mean that.”

You meant that.

***

      A few days later, and you’re sitting in the campus library, buried in Calculus homework. If you were being completely honest, the past few days had consisted a little too much of ‘finding Lee Byounggon’s Instagram and Facebook’ and not enough ‘finding the derivative of f’(a)’. You may not have been prepared for your upcoming midterm, but you were, however, well informed on the kind of memes Lee Byounggon liked to use on Facebook circa 2011; knowing that Byounggon was an avid watcher of Naruto made him somewhat less intimidating in real life.

      You’re still working through your Calculus workbook when the silhouette of a particular someone looms over the table, and when you look up, he’s flashing that smile that gives stars a run for their money; you think maybe his shadow made the room a little brighter.

“Hey! Whatcha’ doing?” His voice rings, and you remove a headphone from your ear.

      Byounggon is wearing a sleek black crewneck and light grey sweatpants that hang low on his waist. His hair, unlike at the game, is neatly tussled, but it still has that vibrant sheen. He’s standing at the end of the table, and looking at you curiously; at his side, he holds a black drawstring bag.

“Calculus.” You groan, and his face twists to match yours. “What about you?”

He shrugs. “On my way to practice.” 

“Through the library?”

He laughs. “It’s a shortcut.” Then he pauses, and continues. “By the way, if you like watching us play, you should come to our game this weekend.”

“Yeah, I might! I like watching you guys play, it’s kinda... surprising?”

      Byounggon scrunches his eyebrows together and tilts his head inquisitively. His gaze, at the moment, is soft and gentle; and you wonder just how much that gaze would change if you told him basketball was anything but stimulating, and it was instead the smooth curve of his lips that had kept you on the edge of your seat. But of course, you knew you couldn’t tell him that.

“Oh yeah? How so?”

Your face twists into a sideways smirk, and you think you should have a little fun. “I guess I just thought basketball players had to be tall?”

“Wow, wow, wow. I’m tall.” He argues. “Very tall.”

     Now, you lean back in your chair, and size him up and down; then you shake your head and grimace.

“Mmmm...I don’t know about that.”

Byounggon straightens his back, and at the same time, puffs out his chest. He gestures up and down, and stares at you wide eyed.

“I’m 180cm tall.” He reassures. “I measure myself everyday!”

You tilt your head. “A little obsessive, don’t you think?”

His face, while tight, breaks out into a wholesome laugh, and he bites his lower lip.

“You still don’t believe me, do you?”

“Aren’t you gonna be late for practice?”

       For a moment, Byounggon sticks his tongue of his mouth and smiles. Then he bites the inside of cheek and shakes his head at you, wagging his finger disapprovingly.

“This isn’t over.” He ventures, flashing you that smile once more. And when he walks away from your table, looking over his shoulder every so often to make eye contact, you find yourself overwhelmed with fluttering emotion.

“I’m tall!” Byounggon shouts one last time into the silent library, and various heads, all buried in books, lift to stare at the both of you. You glare at him, but the smirk that tinges on your lips tells a different story.

       You’re still staring at the library’s double door entry when Lee Byounggon leaves.

***

       Somehow, it’s a Thursday evening and you find yourself sitting in the bleachers of Byounggon’s basketball practice, rather than going to the gym like you had promised yourself.

       Byounggon is jogging across the gymnasium floor and running drills; he is clad in a large grey hoodie and fitted black track pants. At the end of practice, he talks with his coach, and his eyes twinge in confusion when he sees you in the stands. He grabs his bag, and while everyone trails out of the gym, he jogs toward you.

“Hey! Have you been here the whole time?” He breathes, running a hand through his dampened hair.

“No, no, I just got here a couple minutes ago. Hyunsuk kept asking me to watch him practice so... here I am!”

Byounggon bites his lips, and his eyes narrow, like he’s had a realization. His lips stretch into a smirk.

“But.” He ponders. “Hyunsuk wasn’t at practice today.” 

Your throat grows tight. “Oh.”

His smile widens, and your face flushes a deep and transparent red.

“That is... so weird!” You exclaim dramatically, but Byounggon can hear the panic in your voice, and he’s giggling. You hope he can’t see the red of your cheeks underneath the gymnasium’s orange lighting, too.

“I-I should probably get going.”

You turn your body toward the gym’s exit, and as your footsteps get heavier and heavier, you feel Byounggon’s fingers clasp onto your shoulder.

“Wait, [Y/N]! I wanted to ask you... do you wanna maybe, uh, get some ice cream?”

“Yeah.” You beam. “Yeah, I’d like that a lot.”

***

       With some persuasion, Byounggon leads you into the boy’s change room. He sits on one of the wooden benches, in front of the row of lockers, and he fiddles with the hem of his sweatshirt.

“Just give me a second, I’m gonna change out of this, and then we can get going.”

Then suddenly, without warning, he takes his sweatshirt off, and you, are left winded at the sight of a shirtless Lee Byounggon.

Before you can marvel at the way his muscles tightly outline his abdomen, you slap the palms of your hand over your eyes, and scream.

“Jesus, can you give me a warning before you take your shirt off like that?” You groan, eyes still shut tightly through the protection of your fingers. Byounggon, now shrugging a fresh black t-shirt over his shoulders, chuckles deeply into the empty locker room, and the heavenly sound bounces off the walls. You know he’s coming closer because you can hear the sound of his footsteps, and your warm cheeks seem to fire up again. He outstretches a hand onto the crown of your head and ruffles your hair.

“You’re cute.” He says affectionately, and you suddenly think your hands would be better suited if they covered your cheeks, and not your eyes.

***

“I am not letting you buy butter pecan that’s disgusting.”

“What’s wrong with butter pecan? It’s like... sweet and savory.”

“Ohmygod, I’m gonna barf.”

       Byounggon sits back onto his chair and shoves another spoonful of butter pecan ice cream into his mouth, and you playfully gag in response. He’s laughing and rolling his eyes, but in the sparkling daylight, he still looks like something out of a spring catalogue. The sky’s vivid blue is complementary to the golden hue of his skin, and against the rosy pink of his lips, you think butter pecan might not be so bad.

      The two of you are sitting on the patio of an ice cream shop just off of campus, and maybe it’s the vibrancy of the sun, or the sugar high, but the scenery seems to amplify every emotion you feel. The pots of summer flowers at the shop’s entryway makes your anticipation grow tenfold, but the winding music of passing shop vendors soothes your beating heart with every note.

“Wait, hold on sec.” Byounggon mumbles.

      He leans forward into the patio table and his face, only centimeters from yours, makes your breath hitch in the back of your throat. His eyes are focused on something you can’t quite capture, and he outstretches a tentative hand to the side of your face. His fingers brush against the expanse of your jaw, and instinctively, you nuzzle into his touch. You think he might kiss you, because there are twinkling hearts where his eyes should be, and you feel your lips part in preparation. Byounggon’s fingers latch onto a single strand of your hair, and he twiddles with the bottom in between the pads of this thumb and index finger.

“You had ice cream in your hair.” He explains quickly, and then he moves back to his original position, and you hope you don’t look too disappointed.

“O-Oh.” You laugh. “Thanks.”

“So are you gonna come to the game tomorrow?”

“I think so.”

“I hope you do.”

      The smoothness in Byounggon’s reply makes chills run up and down your spine, and your eyes widen ever so slightly. He notices the rashness of his words and before you can respond, the words rush out of his mouth.

“B-because Hyunsuk!” He interjects. “I uhhh... know he’d be really bummed if you didn’t come.”

        Maybe it’s the vibrancy of the sun, or the sugar high, but you suddenly feel a rush of confidence spring through your body. Lee Byounggon may have been illusive, but he was always so candid, too; you could hear it in the airy quality of his laugh, like he’s gasping for oxygen, like he’s searching for answers, like he’s uncertain; uncertain about you.

You grin at him, and he licks his lips expectantly.

“Nice save, Gon.”

He looks down at his fingers.

“I’ll be there,” You bite your lip. “For sure.”

He looks up again.

      As you walk away from Byounggon with lips perched in a shameless smile, the giddy feeling in the pits of your stomach just might consume you. He’s still staring when you look over your shoulder, and if you listen close enough, you think you can hear him whispering to himself in complete elation;

Gon.

***

      ( Later that evening, you are home in your dorm and deconstructing the events that occurred only minutes prior, and your heart palpitates in your chest. It isn’t until you change into your pajamas when you notice it; a crumpled frock of red fabric shoved into your backpack.

      Your mind races when you guess what it might be, but the feelings don’t set in until you unfold the red fabric, and the stark white outline of the number nine greets you with a blinding sheen. Blinding like those eyes, Ike that smile.

His jersey.

      You don’t know when he’d put it there, or how, but those questions seem irrelevant when you push the material against your nose and breathe his soft scent; like spearmint and timber. You throw yourself against your bed and grin wholeheartedly.

That night you dream of Byounggon.

And now you think he might be dreaming of you, too. )

***

       You decide to wear Byounggon’s jersey underneath a sweatshirt because it all feels a little too cliche. Well, that, and because you don’t think you’ll be able to take Hyunsuk’s incessant teasing when your heart is beating out of your chest.  

      The gymnasium, like usual, is filled to the brim with amped-up sports fanatics, and if you squint your eyes, you think you can make out the face of Coach Yang standing across the court. (Although, you really wish you hadn’t; his sense of fashion seemingly degrades by the day.) This time, Hyunsuk is warming up with the rest of his teammates, with Byounggon, and you are sitting alone on the bleachers with a tight smile.

      You watch as Byounggon looks into the crowd, once, twice over, and when he finally makes contact with you, you watch as his eyebrows push together in subtle concentration. He beams a sideways grin, but it’s not quite as full as you’re used to. That’s when you push down the collar of your sweatshirt, reveal the patch of scarlet fabric beneath, and you think Lee Byounggon might look happier than he would have if he won this game.

      Moments later, Hyunsuk pushes himself next to Byounggon, catches your eye, and begins to wave erratically. Then he takes in your expression, and then Byounggon’s, and he nods slyly at you, wiggling his eyebrows. He’s worlds away, and yet, you give in, laughing with full vigor.

***

      You know Byounggon’s team has won the game when Hyunsuk removes his jersey off his body and flings it into the air, and then he screams like a madman across the court (somehow, over the crowds’ cheering). Byounggon, on the other hand, hugs his teammates, and once the chaos settles, he turns to look at you.

      You are standing in the bleachers, your sweatshirt now long gone, and the bright red of his jersey, on you, gives him butterflies. Since his victory, you’ve been jumping in the stands with the rowdy onlookers beside you, and for the first time ever, you think you might’ve actually enjoyed a basketball game. When Byounggon waves a hand at you, you take it as a sign, and run down countless steps, all the way to court-side where he stands waiting eagerly.

“Congratulations!” You shout, and he’s surprised when you fling yourself into his outstretched arms. His fingers intertwine in your hair, and he laughs onto the top of your head, placing a small kiss at it’s crown.

“Thank you.” He mumbles into your hair; a gesture with such tenderness, you feel yourself overridden with energy.

      Byounggon pulls away after a few moments, and his hands are still clasped tightly at the small of your back, yours around his neck. He doesn’t let go. Now, you’re staring intently into his eyes, remarking the scarlet hue of his cheeks—from the game, or this moment, you’re not sure—Byounggon doesn’t close the space between your lips because he’s too busy immersing himself in the gentle sparkle of your eyes; so you take it upon yourself, and kiss him amorously.

      His lips, thought slightly chapped, are fervent against yours, and part with a tenacity you’ve never quite encountered. You sigh into his mouth, and he softens his lips, brushing gently over yours; it’s chaste and sweet. You pull away when you feel your body grow weak, and you realize when you’re kissing Byounggon, breathing feels like a second priority.

       He is gasping into the hot air of the gymnasium, and you are biting your lips, hands still loosely clasped around his neck. His hands slide from the base of your jaw and toward your cheek, pinching softly.

“I hope that was okay.” You whisper. He moves his lips to your ear.

“It was perfect.”

       Before you can sigh in relief, hug him tighter, kiss him more, you can see Hyunsuk approaching through the corner of your eyes. He runs toward you with his lips outstretched into a wide grin, and as he comes closer, he opens his arms and envelops the two of you in a group hug.

“I take credit for every part of this.” Hyunsuk states with glee, and you smack him upside the head.

He flicks you against the forehead. “I’m way too happy to complain about your abuse right now.”

       And though the three of you erupt in boisterous laughter, and you shake your head fiercely into their embrace, you think there might be a layer of truth to Hyunsuk’s words. Had Choi Hyunsuk seemed a little less desperate, perhaps you wouldn’t have found yourself at that first game, pressed against rampant bodies, and subject to the boy who you now swore had your heart.

       You may not have been the sports fanatic you envisioned, and now, after all this time, maybe you still weren’t; but you did like Lee Byounggon. And now, every time you count to ten, the number nine feels a little bit warmer.

***

a/n: if u made it this far, thank u so much for reading!! im sorry this is mostly plot driven and not necessarily beautiful writing, but i just wanted to post smth cute for gon’s bday!! as always, feedback is appreciated, and ilu all!!! 😚😚💞

[hereticpriest]

Of Babes and Teds Part 1

Warnings: Fluff, eventual smut but nothing in this part.

Ted has a most blessed weekend when his father gets his little brother (and him, let’s be honest) a babysitter.

@lvngdvns

It wasn’t often that Dawn got called in to babysit someone of Deacon’s age, and even less so considering Deacon had an older brother who had just turned eighteen and should therefore be just as capable as her to look after him. That being said, Dawn also went to the same school as Ted, though she was in the AP stream for all of her classes, so she didn’t actually know him very well. She did know he was not extremely intelligent in the traditional sense, and that he tended to be extraordinarily forgetful.

“I’ve left some cash on the counter for dinner, and food tomorrow if you need to eat out. Whatever is leftover you can pocket as a tip for doing this.” Mr. Logan says while rushing around his living room making sure he hasn’t forgotten anything, “Ted is at Bill’s, but he has a key, so you can lock the door.”

Dawn smiles politely and hands Mr. Logan his keys so he doesn’t forget them when he walks right past them while wondering aloud where they are, “Of course, Mr. Logan. Thank you.”

“Thank you, Dawn. Deacon has homework, so if you could get him to work on it, I would appreciate it. He likes to procrastinate.” Mr. Logan grabs his briefcase, his overnight bag, and his jacket on the way to the door.

“Have a safe drive, Mr. Logan. I’ll see you Sunday night.” Dawn offers him little wave and watches him leave, then sets the sheets, pillows and blanket she had brought with her on a chair in the corner of the living room. Her duffel bag goes on top of that, along with her messenger bag full of college applications, her pencil case, and her mini purse. Deacon thumps down the stairs once he’s sure his dad is gone and leans over the bag of the couch.

“How much did he leave for food?” Deacon asks eagerly. Dawn laughs, ruffling his hair and heading into the kitchen.

“Wow. Tons, little dude. Are you down for pizza tonight?” Dawn asks, pocketing the money and checking the list pinned to fridge with a magnet. Neither of the boys have food allergies listed, so she gives him a high five when he cheers for pizza, then calls to order.

“Alright, my dude. Get your homework done and I’ll do the dishes, fair deal?” She asks, laughing at Deacon’s wide eyes.

“You’re gonna do one of my chores for me?”

“Yeah, as long as you do your homework. I can help if you have any questions.” Dawn replies easily. Deacon grins at her, heading upstairs to grab his bookbag, spreading his books on the table.

“I’m gonna need maaaaajor help with math. It is totally killing me.”

“Well, isn’t it your lucky day? I’m great at math.” Dawn slid into a chair and scooted it over to him.

The pizza comes just as they finish Deacon’s math homework, leaving only the outline for his end-of-term English report due Monday. The project is massive, so it is graded in pieces to see how the work went and to force students to not procrastinate as much. Dawn grabs one of his composition books and flips to a blank page, then begins showing him the pieces required for a proper outline while they chow down on their dinner. When they finish eating, Dawn puts the pizza box on the oven for whenever Ted gets home and cleans up the dishes while Deacon works.

“This outline is totally awesome, my dude. You’re going to get top marks for this project.” Dawn praises, ruffling Deacon’s hair again, “How about you grab a movie for us to watch, and I’ll make popcorn?”

It doesn’t take long for them to get settled, though Deacon takes up the majority of the couch while Dawn wraps up in the blanket that she brought with her. The movie he puts on is The Thing, which Dawn initially protests since it’s a gory horror movie but relaxes when Deacon insists that he’s seen far worse movies.

“If you have nightmares, it is totally your own fault.” Dawn states plainly. By the end of the film, Deacon is half asleep and displeased about it.

“Can we watch another one?” Deacon asks, already trudging over to pop another film on.

“I don’t know, Deacon. You have to be in bed in less than an hour.”

“Well, if it’s not done then we’ll watch it another night. You’re here til Sunday night, right?”

“Yeah, I’m here all weekend. But we’re going to the fair tomorrow, so you’re going to be totally pooped when we get back.” Dawn reminds him. Deacon insists, so she sighs and waves a hand at him.

“Your funeral, dude.”

Halloween is Deacon’s second choice, and Dawn whines about watching a horror movie heavily featuring babysitters, to the kid’s delight. Rattling at the front door makes them both jump, but Ted pushes through a moment later and Deacon pretends he wasn’t scared so he can tease Dawn.

“Ted, you scared the babysitter!” Deacon cackles, yelping when a cushion slams into him, then dissolving into laughter.

“Woah, sorry dude! Er… Dudette.” Ted offers Dawn a wave, awkward the moment he notices she’s female. Dawn laughs, waggling her fingers at him.

“Hi Ted. Good to see you again.” Dawn hums. Ted notices the movie they’re watching and cheers, plopping down between her and Deacon.

“Hey Dawn. It’s been like, ages. Man, I love this movie!”

The clock chimes at 10, and Dawn quickly shoos Deacon upstairs to get ready and get to bed. She verifies that he’s actually brushed his teeth and changed before leaving him to go to bed, then checks herself in the hall mirror to be sure she doesn’t look absolutely horrific. She’s wearing a Van Halen shirt that hangs off of her shoulders and a plaid red-black-grey-white skirt that swings around her thighs, so she certainly isn’t dressed inappropriately. She fixes her dark brown hair, making sure it isn’t messy before sticking her tongue out at herself. Hazel eyes blink back at her, long dark lashes framing them, her under-eyes dark from lack of sleep.

“I was wondering who’s converse I passed on the way in. I was like, wearing mine.” Ted says as she enters the room again.

“Guilty as charged.” Dawn hums, flopping down on the couch again and smiling when she notices that Ted paused the movie for her, “We can start it over if you want to watch it all.”

“Most excellent!” Ted cheers, rewinding the film. She notices that he hasn’t moved away from her now that Deacon is gone.

“How is Bill doing?” Dawn asks, tucking her legs under her.

“Awesome, dude. We were most triumphant today at practice.” Ted replies, and Dawn smiles encouragingly, “I would have told him you were here if I knew.”

“Well, if you two aren’t busy tomorrow, you could join Deacon and I at the fair?” Dawn offers. She smiles at the sight of pink rising in Ted’s cheeks.

“I think we’re free tomorrow. We just had practice planned.” Ted muses, looking confused for a moment while he thinks. Dawn smiles, pulling the blanket back around her as Ted presses play. She can’t say she doesn’t like the way that Ted touches her knee every time she jumps, smiling reassuringly at her. She also can’t say that her hiding in his shoulder at a jumpscare isn’t slightly put upon, but when Ted wraps an arm around her, it’s worth it. Dawn rests her head against his chest and pulls the blanket around him too. When the movie is over, Ted stretches, dropping his arm back around her afterwards when Dawn thought he might use the moment to move away.

“Where are you sleeping?” Ted asks, face screwing up again in thought.

“Oh, on the couch. I brought blankets and pillows.” Dawn replies easily, jumping when Ted gives her a shocked look.

“No, that is most egregious. You can sleep in my bed.” Ted informs her, then flushes when Dawn looks a little shocked, “I mean, like, by yourself. I’ll take the couch.”

Dawn giggles, giving him a gentle, playful shove, “I was just shocked you offered, Ted. It’s sweet of you. I don’t want to kick you out onto the couch, though. How about you stay with me?”

Ted looks confused, and then shocked, before he finally nods dumbly.

“Perfect. Do you want to go get your room ready while I get ready for bed?” Dawn offers, giving him a chance to clean up and put anything away that he doesn’t want her seeing. She giggles when he agrees and bolts up the stairs. Dawn heads into the bathroom, brushing her teeth and changing into her pyjamas, a simple white tank top and grey shorts. She gives him ample time before heading up to join him, knocking on his door before coming in. Ted is already in bed, a little smear of toothpaste on his upper lip, wearing his boxers and looking a little unsure if that is okay. Dawn closes his bedroom door and walks over to his bed, lifting the sheets so she can slip in with him.

“You have toothpaste on your lip, Ted.” She murmurs, offering him a shy smile. Ted quickly tries to wipe it away but misses, and Dawn giggles. She licks her thumb and reaches over, cupping his cheek and wiping the toothpaste away. Her cheeks go pink when Ted licks the pad of her thumb, his own cheeks on fire. Dawn smiles, ruffling his hair into his face just to hear him laugh and snuggling down into the mattress. She lays with her back facing him, and Ted clearly doesn’t know what to do, as he lays on his back, still as the grave.

“Hey Ted?”

“Yeah babe?”

“It’s okay if you end up cuddling me during the night. It’s like, totally normal to end up snuggling up to a heat source. And I like cuddling, anyways.” Dawn hums, hiding a giggle in one of his pillows at his audible gulp.

“Uh, right, okay.” Ted mumbles, and she hears him shuffling around a little, his hand finding her hip. He moves slowly, clearly unsure, pressing himself against her back and slowly wrapping his arm around her waist. She sighs happily and the tension in his body relaxes, his face nuzzling into her hair.

“Goodnight Ted.”

“Night babe.”

Dawn wakes early as per usual. Sometime during the night, Ted ended up on his back and she ended up snuggled up to his chest, his arms around her and one hand under the back of her shirt. Her thigh is wedged between his legs, her hip pressed into his groin, and she’s surprised she hasn’t squished him with how she’s laying. She blinks blearily, her nose brushing against his jaw as she begins to sit up while trying not to hurt him. She can feel him hard against her hip, and she knows he’ll be embarrassed if he wakes up like this with her on top of him, so she delicately begins to work herself free of him. Of course, this is when his grip tightens and she loses her balance, her hand falling to his stomach to steady herself.

Ted jolts awake, his fingers digging into her back a little in his confusion, though he relaxes a moment later. He blinks up at her, clearly a little confused about why she’s in bed with him, though not looking displeased by the notion.

“Hey babe.” He mumbles, his voice scratchy with sleep, causing a shiver to run up Dawn’s spine.

“Good morning Ted.” Dawn replies, shifting against him a little, “Sleep well?”

“Most excellent, babe.” Ted replies, looking her up and down, and she reads the question in his eyes and laughs gently. She pokes his chest, smiling down at him.

“You wish, Ted.”

“Bogus.” Ted replies with a small pout, drawing another laugh from her. She moves again to try and get up but slips, and Ted steadies her with hands on her sides, “Woah, you have most horrendous balance.”

“Thanks Ted.” Dawn snorts, which draws a laugh out of Ted. Dawn moves back from Ted successfully this time, sitting next to him and leaning back against the headrest. The blanket has ridden down to their legs, and she feels herself go pink at the sight of a line of wispy dark hair trailing from his belly button down under his boxers. She stares, unable to help herself, as Ted stretches like a cat and sits up.

“I-I’m going to go get breakfast started.” Dawn says suddenly, crawling out of bed and nearly tripping over herself to get out of the room before she does something she’s going to regret. Ted stares after her, head tilted slightly, and he snorts when he hears a thud on the stairs followed by muffled cursing. She really is clumsy. The first thing he does when he gets out of bed is grab the phone and dial Bill’s number.

“Dude, you will not believe what just happened.”

[canonskyrissian]

Erina’s super special awesome Star Wars fic rec

because fics cannot be recced too much^^

organised by rating (after which I rec some of my own stuff), fics marked with * are my special faves, and under the cut because as per usual this got really long (there just are so many amazing fics)

most fics are G or T rated

G rated

Where Meetings Take Place by TiamatsChild (1.9k, Skyrissian, hurt/comfort)

Rey: Chaotic, Caffeinated, and Captivating by leia (shittyspacedads) (947 words, Reyrose, coffee shop au, Rey is a disaster lesbian)

*vast distances by spookykingdomstarlight (3.9k, Skyrissian, post-RotJ, awkward crush, pining, glorious pining)

The Edge by celeste9 (1.2k, Skyrissian, established relationship, Lando is with Luke on Ahch-To)

*Snow by crystalfox (736 words, Skyrissian, fluff, Luke likes snow)

i'll see you (in my dreams) by Felurian (2.3k, Reyrose, graphic depictions of violence, first meetings, soulmates maybe?, Force sensitive Rose)

************There Is Another by stitchy (comic, Hanleia, role reversal au, probably the most brilliant role reversal au there is)

***************Here Among The Clouds by stitchy (12k, Skyrissian, minor Hanleia, sequel to There Is Another, romance, this is so brilliant too)

*****through hardship to the stars by penhaligon (28k, Skyrissian, Luke searches for meaning, Lando searches for purpose, and an expedition to a possible location for a future Jedi school gets dicey)

*Maybe a Mistake by landocalrissian (Reyrose, Finnpoe, Jessikaré, modern au, fake/pretend relationship)

I sing anyway by smaragdbird (2.5k, Skyrissian, getting together, developing relationship)

*cynosure by spookykingdomstarlight (1.4k, Skyrissian, post-RotJ, crushes, flirting, fluff, all the good stuff <3)

*the salt air by spookykingdomstarlight (4.1k, Skyrissian, post-RotJ, love confessions, emotional tension)

*****Bed Rest by crystalfox (1k, Skyrissian, sickfic, fluff, super sweet <3)

what yellow smells like by catbeans (1.1k, Skyrissian, fluff, Force tricks)

dance with me and i'll soothe your pain by Felurian (1.9k, Reyrose, Finnpoe, Skyrissian, WIP, slow burn, Force sensitive Finn, Force sensitive Rose, Rey Skywalker)

*Valentine’s Day by crystalfox (1.3k, Skyrissian, fluff, Lando introduces Luke to a new tradition)

*apogeic by spookykingdomstarlight (1.7k, Skyrissian, established relationship, reunions)

Falling in Love with the Right Now (Poster Boy) by akaparalian (1.6k, Kalluzeb, crack, Rebel Alliance propaganda poster, this is not what Kallus signed up for)

*Flowers by crystalfox (758 words, Skyrissian, fluff, humour, Luke doesn’t know flowers at all)

*****The Goal Is Not To Fall by White_Rainbow (64k, Kalluzeb, mutual pining, long-distance relationship, filling the gaps, slow burn)

*****Like Rain on Scorching Sand by thevalesofanduin (3.8k, Skyrissian, post-RotJ, hurt/comfort, Luke and Lando return to Tatooine after the war)

*The Mission by crystalfox (1.8k, Skyrissian, romance, adventure)

************A Family Affair by ladyoakenshields (3.6k, Kanera, Anidala, Ketbine, everyone lives/nobody dies, Anakin never turned to the Dark Side, family fluff, childbirth, Kanan and Anakin are Jedi Dads™ together)

machinations by spookykingdomstarlight (1.3k, Skyrissian, minor injuries, comfort, established relationship)

*************Kitten by crystalfox (658 words, Skyrissian, inspired by my fic The Return of Hope, Rey Calrissian-Skywalker, Lando and Luke decide it’s time Rey got a pet, this is the sweetest thing anyone has ever done for me <3<3<3<3)

*****Calling me home by smaragdbird (1.5k, Skyrissian, TLJ fix-it, humour, this is so sweet and infinitely better than what we got)

*****Padawan Rex AU by Poplitealqueen (27k, Rexobi, WIP, slow burn, exactly what title says, also lots of feels I wasn’t prepared to)

T rated

slow fixes by spookykingdomstarlight (4.5k, Skyrissian, pre-RotJ, getting together)

*Birthday by crystalfox (1.3k, Skyrissian, fluff, humour, Lando doesn’t care about birthdays but Luke does, a lot)

To Old Friends and New by FreshBrains (1.7k, Skyrissian, Han pov, Han catches Luke and Lando doing it)

*********************Fall Into Light by Lupa_Eira (44k, Skyrissian, soulmate au, OT retelling, Lando is mildly Force sensitive, this fic is the absolute gift and blessing to the fandom, it’s so good holy shit)

*who gave you eyes like that, said you could keep them by owlinaminor (10.7k, Reyrose, Finnpoe, college au, useless lesbians, Rey meets a cute girl in line for Shakespeare in the Park, and spends the rest of the day agonizing over how to ask her out)

Interwoven by yunmin (17k, Lando/Luke/Wedge, polyamory, mutual pining, ohhh glorious pining, friends to lovers)

Vacation by crystalfox (268 words, Skyrissian, humour, Lando and Luke end up in an unexpected place for a vacation)

Unnamed Stars by lightningwaltz (4.5k, Skyrissian, hurt/comfort, kissing)

Just Your Type by celeste9 (700 words, Skyrissian, Leia sets Luke up for a blind date and you’ll never guess with whom *wink wink nudge nudge*)

In the Middle of the Night by bar2d2s (1.8k, Kalluzeb, Kanera, Hera is pregant and up in the middle of the night and has a talk with Kallus)

*****Touch by crystalfox (1.2k, Skyrissian, fluff, humour, you know that’s not how you meditate)

See Where Things Go Naturally by bar2d2s (2.3k, Kalluzeb, Kanera, Ketbine, post-Rebels finale, resolved romantic tension)

*****The Forest by crystalfox (1k, Skyrissian, kissing and some more in the Endor forest, let Han rest pls)

******Black Cat by crystalfox (848 words, Skyrissian, fluff, humour, Luke meets Lando’s cat at a very inappropriate moment)

*Museum by crystalfox (815 words, Solorissian, Lando is a history nerd and Han very much is not and gets handsy when he’s bored)

M rated

*Feelings, for All My Life I'll Feel It by doctornemesis (5k, Skyrissian, separations, reunions, falling in love, all the good stuff)

Five Times Kallus and Zeb got Cockblocked + One Time They Didn't by Kupo (2.4k, Kalluzeb, title says it all)

*The Colder the Winter, the Warmer the Spring by Anath_Tsurugi (62k, Kalluzeb, Kanera, graphic depictions of violence, accidental baby acquisition, UST, heed the tags)

*****so i choke on sun by outruntheavalanche (1.6k, Skyrissian, post-RotJ, first times, light angst)

E rated

*The Day the Bearded Jedi Walked In to Town by doctornemesis (4.8k, Skyrissian, reunion sex, fluff with mild angst, heed the tags)

Privacy by orphan_account (1.8k, Leia/Evaan, pwp, foreshadowing, Force sensitive Leia)

Lending a Hand by cleanseandfree (4.8k, Skyrissian, hurt/comfort, oral sex)

Next Season by gondalsqueen (39k, Kanera, Ketbine, Kalluzeb, major character death, post-Rebels for the most part, heed the tags)

*Right Place, Right Time by NotebookishType (2.2k, Skyrissian, Endor celebration, first time, flirting, friends to lovers)

My own fics

The Return of Hope (T, 61k, Finn & Rey, Skyrissian, Reyrose, Finnpoe + other relationships, WIP, post-TLJ, my version of Episode IX, Rey Calrissian-Skywalker, Force sensitive prince Finn, Finn and Rey are BFF and it’s so important, family feels, hurt/comfort, family reunions, everything a goddamn ordeal in area family, gays only event, literally all Star Wars characters ever + some of my own, First Order/Kyle Ron bashing)

Like a ray of sun burning through my darkest night (T, 18k, Skyrissian, WIP, prequel to The Return of Hope, Calrissian-Skywalker family, OT retelling, angst with a happy ending, falling in love, all the good stuff)

Your eyes so full of wonder (G, Skyrissian, 1.2k, Calrissian-Skywalker family, keep lightsabers away from small children please and thank you)

The most unexpected and wonderful things (T, Skyrissian, 3.3k, meet-cute in a Pride parade, awkward flirting)

Good things come to those who wait (E, Skyrissian, 1.1k, established relationship, body worship, gentle sex)

[blazichu]

This is a so-belated-that-now-it’s-on-time present for @chantillyxlacey. I realize the context is lacking, and I’m afraid that pieces are going to seem weird because of that. The more I tried to get the characters to interact, the more I realized how complicated getting them to even meet would be, and it kind of turned into a big ol’ thing. A big ol’ out of control thing that I’m still trying to rein in and turn into something vaguely story-shaped.

In any case, I really wanted to make sure you’d get a piece featuring your favs for your birthday, so I hope that makes up for any disjointedness that comes from not having the buildup!

❤️ Happy birthday, Lacey! ❤️

“What’s the deal with that, anyways?”

Leonardo glanced at her, frowning, but didn’t say anything. Vivi had seen that look before. That was the ‘something’s bothering me, but I’m not gonna talk about it’ look. Vivi hated that look.

So, with little else but a fire starting in her belly, she continued onwards, “You got a beef with the concept of ‘home’? We’re not gonna go looking for you—that’s not even why we were in the sewers in the first place—so why’s it such a big deal if someone talks about how you guys live somewhere? Everyone lives somewhere, even temporarily.”

His expression and posture refused to betray what he was thinking, but just for a second, Vivi caught the tension in his form. The way he was looking at her had changed; she almost felt like she was under a spotlight.

“It won’t be temporary.”

The more she heard—the more behaviors she recognized—the more Vivi became invested. There was a note to what he’d said that was almost painfully familiar, a note she’d heard more than once as Arthur poured over maps far too late into the night; it was something wedged firmly between conviction and a plea as he’d said ���That’s where he is. It’s gotta be.’

Tonally, the two statements couldn’t be any more distinct from each other. Between the late hour and his own desperation, Arthur’s had been… she didn’t have any words for it, beyond ‘soft’.  Leonardo’s was anything but—he’d said it with such determination that it was like he could simply speak it into being.

Somewhere, not in intonation or the slightest vocal tremor, but somewhere, she heard the same doubt.

“But it has been?” She asked, even though she already had her answer.

Leonardo remained silent and stared right back at her with narrowed eyes.

‘Temporarily’

The word hadn’t caught Leo off-guard, per se, but it unsettled him. He didn’t know what a temporary home was to humans—and, somehow, doubted a derelict farmhouse in the country was the standard definition—but he doubted it meant the same thing from his perspective.

He hadn’t realized it until he’d come back to ruins, but for them, every home was a temporary one. No matter where they went, no matter how much they tried to protect themselves, an enemy would eventually find them and leave them with nothing. The mousers were one thing—at worst, that lair could be called collateral in Stockman’s grand plan—but the Foot…

Leo was grateful for the opportunity to study under the Ancient One, grateful to have been led back to who he truly was, but if it meant he’d have been there with his family when they’d found their home under attack, he would have traded that clarity away.

Their first lair had lasted fifteen years; the second hadn’t even made it two.

He understood that nothing was truly permanent, that you had to adapt to change, but no one could take living in the eye of uncertainty day after day.

It was funny, in that regard, that Leo had initially intended for their current lair to be a place to rest, and then move on. The distance from the old lair had made it safe enough—for a time—that he’d been confident in it, but the longer they lingered, the less sure he became.

With the outbreak, it had become too dangerous to go wandering about in the sewers. Security measures were a must, and, in a sense, that was also what determined that they really were staying there. The sense of loss had weighed on each of them in different ways, but was balanced by the anticipation for what this new place might become.

(And then Donnie got sick. It should have been obvious—Leo should have known something was truly wrong the instant his brother’s usually-impeccable wiring failed, but he hadn’t thought anything of it, and now the phantom of a monster-that-wasn’t-really-a-monster had taken up residence in the living room.)

He was beginning to wonder if they’d stay there for even a year.

Leo cast a critical eye over his companion and, even as he considered it, said, “It won’t be temporary.”

“But it has been.”

It wasn’t a question, and Leo bristled.

The implication that she knew—that she understood—burned. If a human lost their house, they didn’t lose everything; his family had no such luxury. She couldn’t possibly understand the crushing gravity of coming home to find nothing. Even though they’d all been alright, he couldn’t forget finding Mikey camping out in the subway with only Klunk for backup, Raph hiding on Coney Island, fearing for the others’ safety, or Don trying to tend to their father’s injuries with whatever he could scrape up in an abandoned warehouse.

He understood that nothing was truly permanent—he wanted to believe that he’d taken the lesson to heart—but he’d seen what a transient existence entailed, and didn’t want his family to endure that kind of uncertainty again.

“You said you’re not going to come looking for us,” He said evenly, the sudden need to speak startling her, ”But, for my brothers’ sakes, I can’t take you at your word. You have to realize how suspicious that question is coming from a self-professed paranormal investigator.”

Vivi’s posture straightened and her eyes gleamed with renewed interest. For half a second, Leo wondered if he hadn’t just painted a bigger target on their shells.

“Consider the topic dropped.” She cocked her head, thoughtful, “I should’a caught it before—you’re the big brother here, right?”

He gave her a flat look, refusing to reward such blatant fishing.

She didn’t seem to notice.

“I get it. It would be weird to call me the ‘big sister’ for uh, reasons, but I’m the same. I mean, we’re a team; it’s not like Lewis and Arthur can’t take care of themselves—” She stopped abruptly, frowning exaggeratedly, “—though sometimes I wonder about that.”

Taken by surprise, Leo snorted. That, at least, he could sympathize with: he was extremely familiar with detached bemusement at someone else’s antics. He was so glad he could see his brothers’ harmless quirks as harmless quirks again, and not something that would get them all killed.

Mikey’s literal-but-also-metaphorical game of telephone came to mind.

Vivi’s entire expression lit up in response. “You know what I’m talking about! Like, who manages to chase his hamster behind the desk and then gets stuck? Who accidentally pha—whoops.” The brightness of her smile dimmed, and she adjusted her scarf self-consciously, “I’m, uh, sworn to secrecy on that, actually.”

Leo shrugged, still on guard, but his mood was ever-so-slightly lighter.

“At the end of the day, it’s my responsibility to watch out for them. I was the one who asked them to get involved in the first place, after all.” Folding her arms over her chest, Vivi sighed and glanced away, previous excitement nowhere to be found. “Anyway, I get it. I still wanna know more about you guys, ‘cause you seem awesome, but I don’t want to put anyone at risk, either.”

Quietly, like she thought he couldn’t hear, she added “Done plenty of that already.”

And even though he still wouldn’t trust them so easily, that one murmured aside mattered to Leo.

The contemplative silence they lapsed into was almost comfortable.

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[cessanderson]

Blue Apron: Does This Meal Delivery Service Deliver? http://bit.ly/2H8Ms1T

We hope you like the products we recommend. Just so you are aware, Freshome may collect a share of sales from the links on this page.

Technology has driven services that simplify our lives. And that’s perhaps most apparent in the kitchen. You can get your groceries delivered. Alexa can read you recipes. And meal delivery services like Blue Apron can make cooking a breeze.

All at a cost, of course. Most of Blue Apron’s meals are $10 per serving. That’s not a hefty fee, but it’s comparable to delivery. So is it really worth the extra work it takes to put the meal together yourself? I got my own Blue Apron box to find out.

Blue Apron was one of the first meal delivery services on the scene. Image courtesy of Blue Apron.

How does Blue Apron work?

Blue Apron, like other meal delivery services including Home Chef and HelloFresh, ships everything you need to make meals right to your door. They do all the work of meal planning and grocery shopping. When your Blue Apron box arrives, you load the ingredients for your set number of meals into your fridge. Then, whenever you’re ready to whip up one of their delivered recipes, you pull out the ingredients and get started. It makes home cooking simple.

Blue Apron offers four plans:

Signature Plan for 2: You get to pick two or three weekly recipes that will feed two people. Meals are $10 per serving and everything ships free.

Signature Plan for 4: You get to pick two, three or four weekly recipes that will feed four people. Meals are $9 per serving and everything ships free.

WW Freestyle: You get to pick two or three weekly recipes that will feed two people and will all contain 15 or fewer Weight Watchers SmartPoints®. Meals are $10 per serving and everything ships free.

Vegetarian Plan for 2: You get three weekly recipes that will feed two people. Meals are $10 per serving and everything ships free.

Blue Apron partners with farmers to bring you the freshest, healthiest ingredients. They offer sustainable seafood as recommended by Seafood Watch®, their ingredients are non-GMO and none of their meat suppliers use any growth promoters (e.g. hormones).

Blue Apron is also pretty flexible. You can skip and reschedule deliveries from within your account provided you do so before a set date (basically, before Blue Apron has already started prepping your next shipment). You can also switch plans as needed.

Blue Apron’s ingredients were definitely fresh. Image provided by Kacie Goff.

My Blue Apron box

This all sounds pretty good in theory, right? I mean, I hate grocery shopping and am always rushing to put together a meal plan for the week. But is it worth the price tag? I got my own Blue Apron box to take this meal delivery service for a spin. I received three meals. And I will say, the ingredients were definitely fresh. So fresh, in fact, that even though it took me over a week to find the time to prepare all three meals, everything was still in perfect condition.

One thing I will say, right out of the gate, is that I’m not a fan of the way Blue Apron presents their ingredients. Some other meal delivery services I’ve tried put everything you need for each recipe in a convenient package (usually in a single bag). Blue Apron’s ingredients ship loose in their box, for the most part. (Some of the smaller ingredients like spices and sauces come bagged together). Since everything was loose, it took me longer to put away and longer to gather ingredients when I was ready to cook. And — oops — the lemon they sent me got used in a green smoothie. Fortunately, I keep lemons stocked so I was easily able to replace it, but I’ll never know if that Blue Apron lemon would have really transformed the dish.

Now, let’s talk through the meals I received. Quick note: I’m a vegetarian so all of these meals are meat-free.

I tried the Spring Pea & Mushroom Ramen first. Image provided by Kacie Goff.

Meal #1: Spring Pea & Mushroom Ramen

The Blue Apron box had good timing. I was battling a nasty cold and grocery shopping was definitely not something I wanted to do. Plus, I was thrilled to see that one of the meals was a warm, nourishing-looking ramen, perfect for my current condition. So I made the Spring Pea & Mushroom Ramen from my box first.

This meal came together super easily. I was sort of dreading cooking, but my husband’s been working long hours so I was fending for myself. It took me probably 15 minutes start to finish to whip up this dish. Major win! As a serious ramen lover, I was really looking forward to digging in.

And I found myself disappointed. While the ramen was definitely nourishing and the hot broth felt great on my sore throat, I thought the overall dish was a little lacking in flavor.

As I said, though, I’m a big ramen fan, so maybe my standards are too high. It was time for meal two to show me what Blue Apron had to offer.

Meal #2: Spicy Broccoli & Fresh Fusilli Pasta

Next on the docket was Spicy Broccoli & Fresh Fusilli Pasta. My husband has recently decided he likes pasta (thank goodness!), so we were pretty excited to put this one together. I’m obsessed with mascarpone and the included wedge of Grana Padano cheese was a definite perk.

Once created, did it live up to the hype? Sort of. This meal was, again, super easy to cook. But, again, I was a little underwhelmed. It was definitely good, and I would have confidently served it to a friend. But it also tasted pretty simple, even with all the impressive cheese additions. Would I make it again? Sure. Was it worth $10 a plate? Not really.

Finally, we had a meal worth repeating. Image provided by Kacie Goff.

Meal #3: Chipotle-Roasted Cauliflower Romesco

First, let’s straighten this out. While the recipe title denotes that it includes cauliflower, I actually got romesco in my box. Which was totally awesome because I’d never cooked with romesco before! Plus, it’s really pretty. So it was time to make my Chipotle-Roasted Cauliflower, er, Romesco.

They say third time’s the charm. And, wow, that was definitely the case here. The flavors in this dish were varied and notable. The chipotle had a great kick, and the crème fraîche mashed beans and lemon yogurt sauce balanced it beautifully. I think my husband and I  both inhaled our dinners in about 30 seconds.

Another thing I loved about this recipe is that it included bright, crisp radishes but I don’t have the rest of the bunch languishing in my produce drawer, fated to almost certain demise. I mean, really, how often do you feel like slicing up a radish for a snack?

With this last meal, I think we finally saw what Blue Apron has to offer. The other two may just have caught us on an off day, or maybe vegetarian meals aren’t their strong suit. But with meal #3, I was wowed.

Try Blue Apron for yourself

Would I recommend Blue Apron? Sure. Would I recommend trying other meal delivery services, too, to find out which you like best? Absolutely.

And if you want to take Blue Apron for a spin, we can save you some money. Get $60 off your first three boxes through Freshome.

Blue Apron definitely makes dinner time a little simpler. And that’s something worth celebrating!

The post Blue Apron: Does This Meal Delivery Service Deliver? appeared first on Freshome.com.

Kacie Goff

[jovialsoulinfluencer]

Blue Apron: Does This Meal Delivery Service Deliver?

We hope you like the products we recommend. Just so you are aware, Freshome may collect a share of sales from the links on this page.

Technology has driven services that simplify our lives. And that’s perhaps most apparent in the kitchen. You can get your groceries delivered. Alexa can read you recipes. And meal delivery services like Blue Apron can make cooking a breeze.

All at a cost, of course. Most of Blue Apron’s meals are $10 per serving. That’s not a hefty fee, but it’s comparable to delivery. So is it really worth the extra work it takes to put the meal together yourself? I got my own Blue Apron box to find out.

Blue Apron was one of the first meal delivery services on the scene. Image courtesy of Blue Apron.

How does Blue Apron work?

Blue Apron, like other meal delivery services including Home Chef and HelloFresh, ships everything you need to make meals right to your door. They do all the work of meal planning and grocery shopping. When your Blue Apron box arrives, you load the ingredients for your set number of meals into your fridge. Then, whenever you’re ready to whip up one of their delivered recipes, you pull out the ingredients and get started. It makes home cooking simple.

Blue Apron offers four plans:

Signature Plan for 2: You get to pick two or three weekly recipes that will feed two people. Meals are $10 per serving and everything ships free.

Signature Plan for 4: You get to pick two, three or four weekly recipes that will feed four people. Meals are $9 per serving and everything ships free.

WW Freestyle: You get to pick two or three weekly recipes that will feed two people and will all contain 15 or fewer Weight Watchers SmartPoints®. Meals are $10 per serving and everything ships free.

Vegetarian Plan for 2: You get three weekly recipes that will feed two people. Meals are $10 per serving and everything ships free.

Blue Apron partners with farmers to bring you the freshest, healthiest ingredients. They offer sustainable seafood as recommended by Seafood Watch®, their ingredients are non-GMO and none of their meat suppliers use any growth promoters (e.g. hormones).

Blue Apron is also pretty flexible. You can skip and reschedule deliveries from within your account provided you do so before a set date (basically, before Blue Apron has already started prepping your next shipment). You can also switch plans as needed.

Blue Apron’s ingredients were definitely fresh. Image provided by Kacie Goff.

My Blue Apron box

This all sounds pretty good in theory, right? I mean, I hate grocery shopping and am always rushing to put together a meal plan for the week. But is it worth the price tag? I got my own Blue Apron box to take this meal delivery service for a spin. I received three meals. And I will say, the ingredients were definitely fresh. So fresh, in fact, that even though it took me over a week to find the time to prepare all three meals, everything was still in perfect condition.

One thing I will say, right out of the gate, is that I’m not a fan of the way Blue Apron presents their ingredients. Some other meal delivery services I’ve tried put everything you need for each recipe in a convenient package (usually in a single bag). Blue Apron’s ingredients ship loose in their box, for the most part. (Some of the smaller ingredients like spices and sauces come bagged together). Since everything was loose, it took me longer to put away and longer to gather ingredients when I was ready to cook. And — oops — the lemon they sent me got used in a green smoothie. Fortunately, I keep lemons stocked so I was easily able to replace it, but I’ll never know if that Blue Apron lemon would have really transformed the dish.

Now, let’s talk through the meals I received. Quick note: I’m a vegetarian so all of these meals are meat-free.

I tried the Spring Pea & Mushroom Ramen first. Image provided by Kacie Goff.

Meal #1: Spring Pea & Mushroom Ramen

The Blue Apron box had good timing. I was battling a nasty cold and grocery shopping was definitely not something I wanted to do. Plus, I was thrilled to see that one of the meals was a warm, nourishing-looking ramen, perfect for my current condition. So I made the Spring Pea & Mushroom Ramen from my box first.

This meal came together super easily. I was sort of dreading cooking, but my husband’s been working long hours so I was fending for myself. It took me probably 15 minutes start to finish to whip up this dish. Major win! As a serious ramen lover, I was really looking forward to digging in.

And I found myself disappointed. While the ramen was definitely nourishing and the hot broth felt great on my sore throat, I thought the overall dish was a little lacking in flavor.

As I said, though, I’m a big ramen fan, so maybe my standards are too high. It was time for meal two to show me what Blue Apron had to offer.

Meal #2: Spicy Broccoli & Fresh Fusilli Pasta

Next on the docket was Spicy Broccoli & Fresh Fusilli Pasta. My husband has recently decided he likes pasta (thank goodness!), so we were pretty excited to put this one together. I’m obsessed with mascarpone and the included wedge of Grana Padano cheese was a definite perk.

Once created, did it live up to the hype? Sort of. This meal was, again, super easy to cook. But, again, I was a little underwhelmed. It was definitely good, and I would have confidently served it to a friend. But it also tasted pretty simple, even with all the impressive cheese additions. Would I make it again? Sure. Was it worth $10 a plate? Not really.

Finally, we had a meal worth repeating. Image provided by Kacie Goff.

Meal #3: Chipotle-Roasted Cauliflower Romesco

First, let’s straighten this out. While the recipe title denotes that it includes cauliflower, I actually got romesco in my box. Which was totally awesome because I’d never cooked with romesco before! Plus, it’s really pretty. So it was time to make my Chipotle-Roasted Cauliflower, er, Romesco.

They say third time’s the charm. And, wow, that was definitely the case here. The flavors in this dish were varied and notable. The chipotle had a great kick, and the crème fraîche mashed beans and lemon yogurt sauce balanced it beautifully. I think my husband and I  both inhaled our dinners in about 30 seconds.

Another thing I loved about this recipe is that it included bright, crisp radishes but I don’t have the rest of the bunch languishing in my produce drawer, fated to almost certain demise. I mean, really, how often do you feel like slicing up a radish for a snack?

With this last meal, I think we finally saw what Blue Apron has to offer. The other two may just have caught us on an off day, or maybe vegetarian meals aren’t their strong suit. But with meal #3, I was wowed.

Try Blue Apron for yourself

Would I recommend Blue Apron? Sure. Would I recommend trying other meal delivery services, too, to find out which you like best? Absolutely.

And if you want to take Blue Apron for a spin, we can save you some money. Get $60 off your first three boxes through Freshome.

Blue Apron definitely makes dinner time a little simpler. And that’s something worth celebrating!

The post Blue Apron: Does This Meal Delivery Service Deliver? appeared first on Freshome.com.

from https://freshome.com/blue-apron-review/ via Blue Apron: Does This Meal Delivery Service Deliver?

[my-happy-little-bean]

92 things :)

Rules: Answer these 92 statements and tag people.

i was tagged by lovely @themessafterthemarty​ who is pretty lovely have i ever said that okay here we gooo

last:

1. drink: water, i think. how exciting. 2. phone call: my mum, who called me to listen to ‘tequila’ that was playing in wherever she was. what an angel :D 3. text message: her 💕 4. song you listen to: ‘supermassive black hole’ from muse ✌️ 5. time you cried: last night, heh #findgabbie’smentalstability2k17

have you:

6. kissed someone twice: yup and it was lovely  7. kissed someone and regretted it: i haven’t really regretted the kiss above yet, but i feel like i should (it was all consensual though; it’s just that we are both trying to move on and i  c a n ‘ t) :’D 8. cheated on: i haven’t even in a position to be cheated on :P 9. lost someone special: everyone’s special in their own way (i want to keep @themessafterthemarty​‘s answer because it’s really nice and i can surprisingly relate) 10. been depressed: no medical proof to back that up, but i would say what i have been feeling for at least 3 years or more has been pretty close :P 11. gotten drunk and thrown up: i haven’t gotten drunk, but i have thrown up multiple times in my life (i say that as if i should be proud of that lol)

list 3 favourite colours

12-14: pink, blue, mint green (all pastel because i have an a e s t h e t i c (or at least try to)

in the last year have you:

15. made new friends: i have :) 16. fallen out of love: more like fallen in love lolololololol 18. found out someone was talking about you: i mean, i am so popular. everyone is obviously talking good shit about me and not trash or anything because everyone likes me right of course right (i am kidding) (unfortunately( 19. met someone who changed you: yes, and i am v thankful for them :) 20. found out who your friends are: i mean, yeah. though no one has proven they aren’t a friend of mine because i like my friends (for now) (jk) (i hope) 21. kissed someone on your Facebook list: i has no fac-e-book

general:

22. how many of your Facebook friends do you know in real life: still no fac-e-book.  23. do you have any pets: two birds (chubby the third and skylar) and a dog named kiko ^-^ 24. do you want to change your name: not really, to be honest. gabbie’s pretty cool.  25. what did you do for your last birthday: i think i went to school, went out to fortinos with some friends and had potato wedges and red velvet cake, and lied down in my bed at home, doing homework, and ate cupcakes with my fam. also got a uke. good times :) 26. what time do you wake up: well as it is summer, i have been waking up later than i usually try to (6 am), so 8 am - 10 am-ish? 27. what were you doing at midnight last night: crying/sleeping. huh.  28. name something you can’t wait for: thomas sander’s part 2 to his newest sander sides video (because who leaves me on a cliffhanger on youtube how dare he) (kidding he’s amazing), but i can’t wait to be happy (aka never? i hope not) 29. when was the last time you saw your mom?: like, a few hours ago. she just went to work.  30. what is one thing you wish you could change in your life: my obsessive perfectionism. let’s just say that and carry on before this becomes 92 regrets :P 31. what are you listening to right now: there’s a tv in the background, and my sister is listening to “almost is never enough” on her phone.  32. have you ever talked to a person named tom: …have i??? *has a crisis* 33. something that is getting on your nerves: being criticized for my decisions and what i look like by my freaking family. like, seriously?? 34. most visited website: tumblr, youtube, or fanfiction.net. i am too lazy to check :’) 35. mole/s: i have been told the mole (is it a mole or a birthmark i am not too sure) on my arm resulted in my mum drinking a lot of bubble tea during her pregnancy, resulting in a tapioca-shaped mole on my arm, lol. i have one on my nose as well, and probs more, but those are my significant ones :P  36. mark/s: quite a few good ones. i earned ‘em at school. pretty solid tbh. (lol i have some body marks, i guess. depends what you mean by marks).  37. childhood dream: i wanted to be an author or a princess. one out of the two are still possible for me (tho ya never know) 38. hair colour: dark brown 39. long or short hair: short, but desperately trying to be dodie-esque short 40. do you have a crush on someone: yupppppppppppppppp. 41. what do you like about yourself: i am an strong advocator of human decency. i think that’s pretty good :) 42. piercings: just ears. not cool enough for any other ones (aka i am too much of a wuss) 43. blood type: my dad said my mum knows. i am too lazy to call her up for the sake of this, so je ne sais pas.   44. nicknames: gabbie is short for gabriella, but i also go by gabs, gabster, and really cool person, and trash can. 45. relationship status: single pringle.  46. zodiac: sagittarius  47. pronouns: her/she :) 48. favourite TV Shows: friends *claps four times* 50. right or left hand: right or left hand wot 51. surgery: never had one *knocks on wood* 52. hair dyed in different colour: i really want toooo 53. sport: never. of course not. why would i ever try to. dat’s hard stuff. (where is 54) 55. vacation: i like vacation! im on summer vacation rn, but not going anywhere extravagant soon other than ottawa, i think. 56. pair of trainers: wait wot do you mean sneakers idek know anymore

more general:

57. eating: what a good thing. i love eating. i just had spring rolls and rice and adobo flakes with an egg ✨ 58. drinking: SHOTS SHOTS SHOTS of water, 59. i’m about to: go pee. also i should be working on pbb, or at least some kind of writing.  62. want: my wifi back. stop being 90% used and just reset already. also happiness; or at least, satisfaction. 63. get married: “I mean, I need a partner in crime someday” @themessafterthemarty​ wins the award of being the most awesome  64. career: something in psychology or creative writing? who knows :P

which is better:

65. hugs or kisses: i might say kisses, but hugs are nicer and cozier and i can’t screw up a hug i think 66. lips or eyes: i like looking at eyes, but like eyes in general kind of freak me out. i like kissing lips? i dunno what even is this question 67. shorter or taller: a healthy mid-height. of whatever this means. 68. older or younger: what are you on about 70. nice arms or nice stomach: how do these become nice things every part of the body is nice i guess 71. sensitive or loud: like in volume or personality? be a lil’ more specific, game. 72. hook up or relationship: “you go from bros to hos, but like, good hos” @themessafterthemarty​ how are you not an motivational speaker yet 73. troublemaker or hesitant: if you mean which one is better, i would say hesitant. a little bit of hesitancy means careful, i guess. maybe that’s just me.

have you ever:

74. Kissed a Stranger: not a stranger, no. 75. Drank hard liquor: i like my water hard, ya know 76. Lost glasses/contact lenses: not permanently — contacts on the ground once they’re out and i can’t see = hell on earth 77. turned someone down: both close romances have turned me down i know that wasn’t the question but i crave sympathy 78. sex on the first date: you talk as if i am good at getting/having either 79. broken someone’s heart: i am not too sure. 80. had your heart broken: unfortunately it hurts more when you knew there was nothing to be broken 🙂🙃🙂 81. been arrested: of course not. 82. cried when someone died: i didn’t expect myself to, but tears was just an automatic response when my godmother died. 83. Fallen for a friend: unfortunately it hurts more when you knew nothing could happen with them 🙂🙃🙂

that was the worst game of have you ever ever my poor heart

do you believe in:

84: Yourself: not usually, lol 85. Miracles: “per definition this means divine interference and i just think any possible god is a bit too busy, the world’s just full of glorious coincidences” i am yet again stealing @themessafterthemarty‘s response it’s just too good. 86. love at first sight: not completely, no. 87. santa claus: OF COURSE I BELIEVE IN SANTA HE IS REAL 100% I WILL FIGHT WHOEVER SAYS OTHERWISE 88. kiss on the first date: not on a first date, no. maybe it’s because i have technically never had a social outing when both members of the party considered it a date. 

other:

90. Current best friend name: sierra 💕 91. eye colour: like a black hole. or really really really dark chocolate.  92. Favourite movie: for now, i’m going to say la la land. mainly because i can probably watch it tons of times and still feel amazed by it. 

i tag @evermoredeath @lovelylilaclester @troyescacti @lovelyfrankway @sleepyphanfics and anyone else who wants to spend time on these questions (you’re gonna have to choose what 54 is though because i dunno what it is) :P

[marshmallow-the-vampire-slayer]

MTVS Epic Rewatch #157

BTVS 6x08 Tabula Rasa

obligatory soundtrack to accompany your reading

Stray thoughts

1) Writing the follow-up act for OMWF couldn’t have been an easy feat, and yet the writers came up with one of the most memorable and quintessential Buffy episodes. OMWF was damn perfect, but we can hardly say it’s an episode that betokens the classic feel of the show. It was a Very Special Episode, and while at its core it had all the ingredients that make the show what it is (witty dialogue and one-liners, funny moments, character development, emotional resonance) I would hardly recommend it as the episode a new viewer should watch to get hooked on the show, you know? Tabula Rasa, on the other hand, is an A+ prototypical Buffy episode. There’s conflict between the characters, a memorable monster of the week (although he is only a plot device more than a key player in the narrative), an original gimmick, comic relief,  meta-jokes, plot advancement, good music, and a lot of tears. Like, A LOT. I love this episode!

2) The episode starts with Spike following Buffy around, as per usual, and asking her to have The Talk about The Kiss. It’s not every day that you make out with your former-number-one-enemy-turned-ally-turned-kind-of-friend-turned-confidant. Buffy chooses a very non-Buffy way to deal with the Spike-kissage: she dismisses the whole thing and downplays it. 

SPIKE: We kissed, Buffy.

BUFFY: So?

SPIKE: We... we kissed, you and me. All Gone With The Wind, with the rising music, and the rising ... music, and what was that, Buffy?

BUFFY: A spell?

SPIKE: Oh, don't get all prim and proper with me.I know what kind of girl you really are. Don't I.

BUFFY: What we did is done. But I will never kiss you, Spike. Never touch you ever, *ever* again.

I get that Buffy wasn’t really Buffy yet, but this is a really mild reaction compared to the last time she had kissed Spike...

If Buffy hadn’t enjoyed their kiss or if she hadn’t been considering giving it another shot, she would’ve had a much more visceral reaction to his questioning. (I can totally imagine her saying something like: “what we did is disgusting” or “I’m disgusted at myself”) Yet she chooses to not make a big deal of it, and only when Spike insists on pushing the issue she states that she will never kiss or touch him again. Which is what she thinks she has to say more than what she actually feels since at this point she’s still fighting her attraction towards Spike. 

3) 

I will never kiss you, Spike. Never touch you ever, ever again.

*literally one second later*

For whatever reason, she just can’t let him die, can she? 

4) BTVS is probably one of the few shows which can get away with having an actual shark play a loan shark. And how awesome is that?

And I absolutely love the fact that Teeth (that’s the shark’s name according to the script, btw) keeps calling Spike “Mr. Spike.” So very gentlemanly of him! 

5) One of favorite lines in the whole show, tbh:

SPIKE: I just need a little more time. SHARK DEMON: Time, time, time! Is what turns kittens into cats!

6) While Buffy is patrolling, the rest of the Scoobies are gathered at Xander’s discussing Buffy’s revelation that they had torn her out of heaven. This is an odd writing choice. Considering the weight of the revelation, as a viewer I was expecting to witness the actual moment in which the Scoobies and Buffy hash this out. It seemed like a pivotal moment in Buffy’s arc this season, yet it never came? My question is: did the writers purposefully chose not to write that key scene to continue driving a wedge between Buffy and her Scoobies and furthering the season’s plot of isolation, desolation, and self-destruction? or did they choose not to write it because it was too difficult a scene to write purely from a writing perspective? (did they chicken out?) 

7) Anywho, what they did write is the Scoobies trying to come to terms with what they’d done to their friend. And before I dissect the scene in point, let me take you back a few episodes to “Flooded”...

WILLOW: I brought her back! (...)  I did what I had to do. I did what nobody else could do. (...) I brought Buffy back into this world, and maybe the word you should be looking for is "congratulations." (...) I wasn't lucky. I was amazing. (...) The magicks I used are very powerful. I'm very powerful.

You see it, right? Willow is taking full responsibility for bringing Buffy back. There’s no doubt in her mind that she alone carried this out. 

Now let’s analyse Willow’s discourse after realizing she had actually done something wrong, she had unexpectedly failed. 

TARA: All we know is that... it was a good place and she was happy there. WILLOW: And we took her away from that. We wrecked it for her. XANDER: We didn't wreck. We didn't know. WILLOW: We didn't wanna know. We were so selfish. I was so selfish.

It’s very clear that she does not feel comfortable taking full responsibility for bringing Buffy back now that she knows it made her miserable. When she thought having brought Buffy back made her a hero, she really didn’t feel like sharing the accolades...

8) Even though we get to scene Tara confronting Willow about the spell she’d done to her, the moment for the confrontation feels like an odd choice. I mean, this is at the very least the day after the events in OMWF (it could even be more than that, for all we know...) So why didn’t Tara confront Willow before? Why did Tara go to bed with Willow and pretended she didn’t know what Willow had done? I can think of a couple of reasons (she felt sorry for Willow after they found out about Buffy; she still wasn’t comfortable confronting Willow and challenging her - and btw, if you’re not comfortable speaking your mind in front of your partner, that’s not a good sign... ) but I still would’ve liked for Tara to break things off with Willow immediately. 

WILLOW: I can fix it. I know a spell. (how thick was Willow, though? I mean, a spell was precisely what got all of them here! You can’t put out a fire with more fire! That’s not how things work!) 

TARA: No! No more spells.

WILLOW: Then what? This isn't something that's gonna be fixed by a video club. I know I messed up, okay, and... I wanna fix it. (FYI, you fix conflicts by talking and communicating and helping each other through stuff)

TARA: I can't believe that we are talking about this again. You know how powerful magic is, how dangerous. You could hurt someone, you... you could hurt yourself. (Still, she wasn’t saying what she was really thinking: “you hurt Buffy, you hurt me.”)

WILLOW: I know a spell that will make her forget she was ever in heaven.

TARA: God, what is wrong with you?! (...) Do you think I'm stupid? I know you used that spell on me.

WILLOW: Tara, I'm sorry, I... (again, Willow is surprised that she’d done something wrong and Tara was aware of what she’d done. She’s not sorry she did the spell, she’s sorry she got caught...)

TARA: Don't! Just ... don't. There's nothing you can say.

WILLOW: Tara, I didn't mean to...

TARA: To what? Violate my mind like that? How could you, Willow? How could you after what Glory did to me? (YES! CLAPPING SO HARD BECAUSE SHE FINALLY CALLED A SPADE A SPADE! WILLOW VIOLATED HER MIND AND STRIPPED HER OF HER CONSENT AND FREE WILL!)

WILLOW: Violate you? I... I didn't... mean anything like that, I just wanted us not to fight anymore. I love you. (you can do wrong things even if you mean well...) 

TARA: If you don't wanna fight, you don't fight. You don't use magic to make a fight disappear.

WILLOW: But I just wanted to make things better. Better for us.

TARA: But you don't get to decide what is better for us, Will. We're in a relationship, we are supposed to decide together. (THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT. BLESS YOU TARA.)

WILLOW: Okay. I'm... I realize I did it wrong. (you sit on a throne of lies!)

TARA: You did it the way you're doing everything. When things get rough, you ... you don't even consider the options. You just... you just do a spell. It's not good for you, Willow. And it's not what magic is for.

WILLOW:  But I... I just wanna help people. (this actually makes me sad, because that’s partly how it all started for Willow... “And I just realized that that's what I want to do. Fight evil, help people.” but at the same time there was always this underlying need to become powerful, to feel superior, to not to be seen as the meek, old-reliable-dog-geyser-person Willow...) 

TARA: Maybe that's how it started, but... you're helping yourself now, fixing things to your liking. Including me.

9) 

GILES: I have to (leave).

SAME.

I know I’ve said this probably a million times since I’ve started rewatching season 6, but I’m going to say it again because I still can’t understand Giles’ decision to leave. And not in a “I don’t like your decision but I get it.” Like, I literally can’t understand his reasoning here? Before finding out why Buffy was acting the way she was, I got it. But afterwards? NOT AT ALL. It doesn’t make any sense! And like, Buffy is spelling it out for him, practically begging him to stay, and he wouldn’t budge. I’m sorry, Giles, but you kind of sucked here.I repeat: you can do wrong things even when you mean well...

GILES: You have to be strong. I'm trying to- BUFFY: Trying to, to what? Desert me? Abandon me? Leave me all alone when I really need somebody? GILES: I don't want to leave- BUFFY: So don't. Please don't. I can't do this without you.

GILES: You can. That's why I'm going. As long as I stay you'll always turn to me if there's something comes up that you feel that you can't handle, and I'll step in because, because... Because I can't bear to see you suffer. (like, what is wrong with this scenario? considering Buffy was clearly suffering from depression, what is wrong with this scenario? what is wrong with lifting a burden from your child when they can’t bear it? what is wrong with being your child’s crutch when they can’t walk on their own because they’re suffering? this wasn’t about Buffy refusing to grow up, in which I case I would’ve understood and applauded Giles’s decision. this was about Buffy being ill, and needing him by her side to go through her illness. it just... it breaks my heart that the one person she needed the most deserted her... like, she could do it without him... she actually did it... but she didn’t want to do without him... )

BUFFY: Me too. Hate suffering. Had about as much of it as I can take. GILES: Believe me, I'm loathe to cause you more, but this... I've taught you all I can about being a slayer, and your mother taught you what you needed to know about life.  You... you're not gonna trust that until you're forced to stand alone. (like, she doesn’t need you as a watcher right now? that’s not what Giles was to her at all, they were way past slayer/watcher at this point, and it’s so thoughtless of him to portray their relationship in that way...) 

BUFFY: But why now? Now that you know where I've been, what I'm going through? (EXACTLY!!!!!!)

GILES: Now more than ever. The temptation to give up is gonna be overwhelming, and I can't let-

BUFFY: So I won't! No giving up. You can be here, and I can still be strong. (this is also very true. she would’ve probably been stronger because of him...)

GILES: Buffy, I've thought this over... and over. I believe it's the right thing to do.

BUFFY: You're wrong.

10) So, Willow’s promise not to use magic lasted about 12 hours? Like, she couldn’t even get dressed without using magic... but all she wanted was to help people, right? Riiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiight...

11) And the only reason the spell went wrong? The same reason pretty much everything else Willow does backfires: overconfidence. She actually thinks she can do no wrong, so she becomes careless, and hence, things go wrong.

And again, putting out a fire with more fire... very smart...

WILLOW: For Buffy and Tara, this I char. Let Lethe's Bramble do its chore. Purge their minds of memories grim, of pains from recent slights and sins. When the fire goes out, when the crystal turns black, the spell will be cast. Tabula rasa, tabula rasa, tabula rasa.

12) An extremely telling sign of how bad Buffy is, is the fact that she doesn’t bother keeping it together in front of Dawn and sheltering her from her pain and suffering. She doesn’t sugarcoat how painful all of this is to her, and she doesn’t care that her little sister is there listening to every single word she says...

BUFFY: Sorry. Everybody's sorry. I know that you guys are just trying to help ... but it's just, it's too much. And, and I, I can't take it anymore. If you guys ... if you guys understood how it felt ... how it feels. It's like I'm dying, it-

See 6) above: this is the scene that the writers chose not to write. Here, we only saw the beginning of it. Then, everything else happens, and they never finish having this conversation.

13) I love how Giles wipes away his drool on Anya’s blouse...

14) ICONIC.

SPIKE: Oh, listen to Mary Poppins. He's got his crust all stiff and upper with that nancy-boy accent. You Englishmen are always so... Bloody hell! (Sodding, blimey, shagging, knickers, bollocks, oh God! I'm English! GILES: Welcome to the nancy tribe.

15) And then...

SPIKE: You don't suppose you and I... we're not related, are we?

ANYA: There is a ruggedly handsome resemblance.

GILES: And you do inspire a particular feeling of... familiarity and... disappointment. Older brother?

SPIKE: Father. Oh, god, how I must hate you.

GILES: What did I do?

SPIKE: There's always something, and what's with the trollop?

There’s not a word in this whole exchange that I don’t love. Giles’s “what did I do?” always cracks me up for some reason.

16) ICONIC II

SPIKE: 'Made with care for Randy.' Randy Giles? Why not just call me 'Horny Giles,' or 'Desperate for a Shag Giles'? I knew there was a reason I hated you! GILES: Randy's... a family name, undoubtedly.

(seriously, guys, I’m genuinely laughing as I write this thing and remember the scenes!)

17) And then there’s Buffy...

BUFFY:  I'll name me... Joan.  DAWN: Ugh! BUFFY: What? Did you just 'ugh' my name? DAWN: No! I just ... I mean, it's so blah. Joan? BUFFY: I like it. I feel like a Joan.

I love this for two reasons. First, there’s the surface level joke: there’s probably not a name less-Buffyesque than Joan. But then, there’s the underlying significance of Buffy choosing such an ordinary name as her identity. Joan is a “normal” name, and we all know Buffy is inclined to crave normalcy, probably now more than ever. A Joan wouldn’t be preoccupied with saving the world from the forces of darkness. A Joan wouldn’t have had monks tailor a sister for her. A Joan wouldn’t have died to save the world, gone to heaven and been brought back. At least, that’s probably not what a Joan’s life would be like in Buffy’s eyes, you know? (I can at least think of one Joan whose life was pretty similar to Buffy’s...) So I don’t think it’s haphazard that she chooses a name that can be so easily associated with normalcy. 

18) ICONIC III

19) Emma’s delivery here just kills me...

BUFFY: To slay someone? A female someone! Who do those jerks think they are? ANYA: Bloodsuckers. They kill by sucking blood. Take it easy, Joan.

20) I love that even when she’s stripped off of her slayer memories, Buffy’s slayer instincts still kick in...

tag yourself in this episode: I’m Xander.

21) ICONIC IV

22) I like Joan’s reactions when she realizes Spike’s a vampire because it reminds me of Buffy’s reaction when she first found out Angel was a vampire. Idk, it’s a cool parallel because Joan is basically Buffy with her innocence and awe at the world intact in a way. 

23) 

I really, really love this. They don’t remember their names, but they know they’re gay and they’re instinctually attracted to each other. Again, it’s very reminiscent of the first time they had to run away from monsters in Hush and how they touched and you could feel the sparks flying immediately. 

24) Anya still remembers: 

A) her love of money.

ANYA: I'm not leaving the shop. I have to protect the cash register, and... do some spells.

B) her fear of bunnies.

25) ICONIC V

BUFFY: I kill your kind. SPIKE: And I bite yours. So how come I don't wanna bite you? And why am I fightin' other vampires? I must be a noble vampire. A good guy. On a mission of redemption. I help the hopeless. I'm a vampire with a soul.

Like, all the shade thrown at Angel in these few lines, I love it! “A noble vampire on a mission of redemption. I HELP THE HOPELESS.” And Buffy officially called him lame hahahaha

26) Spike is pretty much the same old delusional Spike...

SPIKE: I'm a hero really. I mean, to be cast such an ugly lot in life and then to rise above it. To seek out better, nobler things. It's inspirational, isn't it? And the two of us... natural enemies, thrown together to stand against the forces of darkness. Utter trust. No thought of me biting you, no thought of you staking me.

Buffy is having none of it, though, and I love it. Like, she can’t remember her own name, but she’s instinctually annoyed by Spike!

And of course she remembers how to do snappy comeback thing:

BUFFY: Depends on how long you keep on yapping.

27) 

28) And Buffy is as resourceful as always!

29) Anya and Giles were such a mess working together that it makes me wonder how they even managed to run the Magic shop together for such a long time. 

30) ICONIC VI

DAWN: How are you? WILLOW: A little confused. I mean, I'm ... all sweaty ... and trapped, no memory, hiding in a pipe from a vampire... And I think I'm kinda gay.

31) This makes me a little creeped out, but I gotta admit, Giles seems to be a great kisser, doesn’t he? 

32) OMG they were practically dry-humping!

33) Of course, all good things must come to an end...

34) It’s Buffy’s reaction that breaks my heart every single time because you can see how when the spell is broken every single painful memory rushes back to her and crushes her all over again. (and kudos to Sarah because she conveys all of that in one single facial expression)

One second she’s carefree, superhero, normal Joan, and then... she’s Buffy again. And I think she’s hurting worse than she was before? Because losing her memory and forgetting her pain and suffering and sorrows makes everything shittier for her because now she remembers what it feels like to be happy and carefree and unburdened and she can’t have it back. And all because of Willow’s selfishness and need to be the hero/puppeteer. 

I definitely think this made everything worse for Buffy. She can’t even bring herself to fight after getting her memories back? Before this, that’s all she had, her slaying. Even if she was going through the motions, she still had the will to do that. Now? Not so much.

35) After all the mob-like threats and the attacks and everything, Spike gets rids of the loan shark by... telling him he’ll pay him back? ‘Mkay...

36) Poor baby...

37) Of course, things get even sadder once Michelle Branch starts singing...

Of all the things I believe in I just want to get it over with Tears form behind my eyes But I do not cry Counting the days that past me byI've been searching deep down in my soul Words that I'm hearing are starting to get old Looks like I'm starting all over again The last three years were just pretend and I say

Goodbye to you Goodbye to everything I thought I knew You were the one I love The one thing that I tried to hold on to

I still get lost in your eyes And it seems like I can't live a day without you Closing my eyes till you chase my thoughts away To a place where I am blinded by the light but it's not rightGoodbye to you Goodbye to everything I thought I knew You were the one I love The one thing that I tried to hold on to

  Oh yeah It hurts to want everything & nothing at the same time I want what's yours and I want what's mine I want you but I'm not giving in this time

Goodbye to you Goodbye to everything I thought I knew You were the one I loved The one thing that I tried to hold on to The one thing that I tried to hold on to

Goodbye to you Goodbye to everything I thought I knew You were the one I love The one thing that I tried to hold on to

And when the stars fall I will lie awake You're my shooting star